Friday 25 February

 I hope that everyone had a lovely February. Earlier this week I was delighted to learn that our ‘Positive Destinations’ figure for school levers for last session was 98% - our highest ever! In effect, this means that of the just over 200 school leavers only 5 did not enter a positive post school destination. I take this opportunity of thanking everyone in our school community and especially our Pupil Support Leaders and our 16+ team for this achievement in the most challenging of circumstances.

 

The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 24 (This is 13 fewer than the week before the mid-term break)

 

1. Covid-19 Update: As you may be aware, National Guidance on COVID mitigations is changing from Monday 28 February. The main change that will impact on us at JGHS is that we can no longer insist that students wear a face covering in classrooms. I am aware that staff and students are anxious about this change and especially so in a context of continuing COVID infections and a requirement to self-isolate in specific circumstances. Following feedback from staff and our pupil voice leaders, and in line with National Guidance, the JGHS approach will be to alert students that they have the option to not wear a face covering in classrooms but that the wearing of face coverings whilst in classrooms is encouraged.  Other established mitigations which include hand washing, one-way systems, and desk cleaning, allied with twice weekly LFD (Lateral Flow Device) testing should continue as per current practice. All staff have been alerted that we cannot insist on students wearing face coverings in classrooms. Actions are underway to offer Risk Assessments to both staff and students who may be feeling vulnerable. All are asked to gently and kindly remind others that face coverings may be worn in classrooms but to avoid getting into a confrontation over this. In my communications to students and staff, I will emphasise the continuing expectation to be sensitive to those who are currently feeling most vulnerable. We anticipate that some will need more time and support to adjust to being in a classroom with others who are not wearing face coverings.
2. Covid protocols 
1. Please ‘phone or email the school to tell if your child tests positive for COVID. Include test date and whether it was a LFD (Home test) or PCR.
2. Anyone testing positive for a Lateral Flow Test (Home Test) should immediately self-isolate in line with current Government Guidelines.
3. Taking regular lateral flow tests and getting vaccinated are among our best mitigations to limit the spread of Covid. You can find out where to get lateral flow and PCR tests on the NHS website. The vaccination booster programme has expanded, so you may now be eligible to book yours. But, again, the NHS website has the information you’ll need.
4. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
5. If/when, there are changes to COVID mitigations affecting schools I will write to all members of our school community and give you as much notice as possible.
3. Prior to the Christmas break, Parents were given the opportunity to give us their views on the service they receive from the school office. We are pleased to confirm that we received some very positive feedback and we have also identified opportunities for us to improve our service. Laura Black, Business Manager, is working with the office team on this and will share the survey results and further actions with you very soon. 
4. Thanks to Euan Hickman (S5) and Mr Bracewell for ensuring that the Inhaler recycling bin is now located at reception and is checked regularly.
5. Young Scot, Young Carer package. Any young person with caring responsibilities can sign up to access this package which includes digital vouchers, subscriptions and exclusive offers. The young person will have to sign up for Young Scot first and this can be done at: Become a Young Scot Member today | Young Scot. (Though making an appointment at your local library could be less complicated). If the young carer already has a Young Scot card, then they can login to the site and sign up for the package. Please contact Fiona Oatman or Richard Sievwright if you have problems.
6. The Teenage Booster will take place on Wednesday 2 March in the Theatre. All pupils involved should have received a schedule of appointments.

A few points to note:

1. Teachers will send pupils to the Theatre for their vaccination at the appropriate time.
2. S5-6s can go at any time
3. Please return any outstanding forms as soon as possible
4. Wear t-shirt or vest on the day and take water bottle
5. The schedule will also be available to view near the Forum
6. Dates:
1. 2 March  Teenage booster (Diphtheria/Tetanus & Polio and Meningitis ACWY)
2. 7 March S4 Parents’ evening
3. 16 March S5/6 Parents’ night
4. 22 March Parent Council meeting
5. 6-7 April HPV vaccine
6. 8 April Term ends
7. Well done to:
1. Sarah Johnson (4S2) who broke the under-16 girls Scottish national record for Standing Start 500m Time Trial, (a record set by her sister Kirsty in 2019), at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow at the weekend. Nothing like a bit of sibling rivalry!
2. Anjalie Khan (S1) who was accepted into the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS) as a violinist for 2022

 

 

My quote for the week: “Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind’’ (JF Kennedy)

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

Donald