Friday 25 March 2022

Friday 25 March

 The lovely sunshine over the past few days has lifted spirits and was most welcome. It has been great to see classes working outside in the fresh air.

 Thank you to all who have contributed to our Ukraine fundraising appeal. The total raised is £2,440 and rising. All donations via ParentPay . We will keep this fundraiser open until 8 April.

 The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 32 This is 6 fewer than last week and serves to remind us that COVID is still with us so we must remain vigilant.

 The most recent reports suggest that the wearing of Face coverings will continue after the Easter Break in communal spaces in High schools. I would request that all pupils arrive in school with re-usable face coverings; these will help reduce the amount we are contributing to landfill.

 

  1. We have noticed a dip in students attendance in recent months so we see this as an opportunity to review our attendance procedures and how we communicate with parents. Look out for more information on this next week. It goes without saying that all should be aiming for full attendance at school unless there are genuine reasons for absence.
  2. The recording of this week’s Parent Council meeting is now available on the PC website https://jghsparentcouncil.org/. The meeting included a presentation on the maths curriculum and updates and questions on Active Schools, Covid rules, parent consultations and other issues. For your diary, the next PC meeting will be on Tuesday 17 May.
  3. A number pf parents have enquired as to Scottish Government Health and Well-being (HWB) survey. Our Health and Well-being School Improvement Team have been using an annual JGHS bespoke HWB survey over the last few years which is used to determine benchmarks and evidence improvements. Therefore, discussions are ongoing as to how best to move forward with this central requirement and our own current practices.
  4. Senior Recital Evening: Wednesday 30 March - 4:00pm-5:00pm This year we are offering students from our S3-S6 Music classes the opportunity to perform items from their programmes in a relaxed and informal setting. The recital concert will take place in the Performing Arts Theatre on Wednesday 30 March from 4:00pm - 5:00pm. Unfortunately, due to current COVID-19 guidelines, we are unable to invite family and friends into school to attend the concert. However, all JGHS pupils and staff can come along and support our talented musicians. This is a free event, and we would encourage all students who are preparing for NQ practical exams to take part. It is a great opportunity to gain valuable performance experience to an audience. Pupils can sign up using the form posted onto all S3-6 Music class Teams.
  5. Edinburgh Council has set up a group for parents with children with ASN in mainstream schooling, with representatives from each school. The Parent Council would like to hear from parents who have issues they would like raised or discussed – please email jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com if you would like to be put in contact with our rep on the group.  There is further information on the last meeting at https://jghsparentcouncil.org/
  6. Covid protocols 
    1. Please ‘phone or email the school to inform us 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.
  7. Easter Basketball Camps are as follows:
    1. S1&2 Camp from 1-3pm each day
    2. On Tuesday & Thursday Girls camp from 3-5pm
    3. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 3-5pm U16&18 camp
    4. you can access all by following link below https://the-crags-centre.class4kids.co.uk/camps
  8. Congratulations to:
    1. Alanna Beetham, Isla Jamieson and Anna Halliday who will be playing for Edinburgh Harlequins v’s Stirling County in the U18 National Rugby Cup Final, 4:00pm KO on Sunday 27 March
    2. Liam McConnell is captaining Boroughmuir v’s West of Scotland in the U18 National Rugby Cup Final, 6:30pm KO on Sunday 27 March
    3. Nora Trew-Rae (5R1) who performed on Saturday 19 March in the Glasgow Grand Opera Cup - she was named the runner up in the competition and “highly commended”. Nora attends the Junior Conservatoire at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Saturdays, where she studies singing - the competition involved all RCS Juniors vocal students (up to 19 years) so is an amazing achievement to be recognised so highly in this competition.
    4. Anjalie Khan (1S3) who will be performing Violin as part of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland's Junior Orchestra in the coming weeks. Anjalie will be attending the residential rehearsal course from Friday 1 - Tuesday 5 April, before performing in the Junior Orchestra's Spring Concert on Tuesday 5 April at The Albert Halls in Stirling.
    5. Nico Aspinall (S1), Dylan Hynd (S1) and Ellen Hynd (P6, James Gillespie’s Primary School), completed a 5K night run at the Kelpies in Falkirk on 19th March 2022 to raise money for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.  Their initial fundraising target was £1,200 but they have raised an incredible £1651 so far for this amazing charity, who transform the experiences of children and young people in hospital.  The charity is particularly close to their hearts as Dylan had a serious accident in July 2020 and spent 6 weeks recovering at the hospital.   To read more about their story visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hynd
    6. Jessica Taylor (S3) who was 34th in the Inter-County Cross Country Championships in Loughborough last week.  This race is the best kids in the UK competing in Cross Country running and she has another year left competing in that age group.  Jess was also 7th in the Scottish National Road Race championship at the weekend and again has another year at that level.
    7. Sam Shannon (4S1) has been selected to represent Scotland for the U17 Squash Team at the European Team Championships in Eindhoven . He has been capped for  Scotland before at National Level but this is his first European Cap. 
  9. Dates:
    1. 6-7 April HPV vaccine
    2. 8 April Term ends at 12.55
    3. 25 April All resume
    4. 17 May Parent Council meeting

 

My quote for the week: "‘When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.’’ (William Wordsworth)

 

Best wishes to all for a bright weekend packed with sunshine.

Donald

Friday 18 March 2022

Friday 18 March

 A huge thank you to all who have contributed to our Ukraine fundraising appeal. At the point of emailing, the total raised is £1,085 and rising. All donations via ParentPay.

 The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 38 This is 1 more than last week and serves to remind us that COVID is still with us so we must remain vigilant. I am pleased to see so many of our students (80%+)continuing to wear face coverings in classrooms. This is helping to reduce levels of anxiety amongst those who feel vulnerable and assists in reducing the number who become infected with COVID and have to self- isolate.  Given that we are still experiencing high numbers of positive cases within the JGHS community, I anticipate that we will be continuing with face coverings and all other mitigations until the Easter Holiday. 

  1. Our school counsellor is keen to accept donations for counselling resources for JGHS and the local primaries.  Examples include: Fidget toys, Poppits, useable play doh, Kerplunk, Guess who, Frustration, Connect 4, Uno, Dobble, Dominos, Jenga, Playing cards large plastic storage boxes and any large storage bags. Any such donations gratefully received and may be dropped off at reception.
  2. On Wednesday of this week, a BBC film crew were with us to film Mr Jennings, one of our Psychology teachers. The BBC are developing a feature length documentary about his family’s contribution to medical research into dementia. Their morning with us involved a film crew accompanying him into school on Wednesday to observe him teaching a few Psychology classes.
  3. We will have a lost property stall just outside the forum next Friday, 25th March during break. Any items not collected will be donated to charity. We have lots of keys so, if you have lost a set please come and look.
  4. For those who missed the teenage booster vaccine (for S3 upwards), Child Health are arranging some mop-up clinics. Please call their office on 0131 446 4082 to arrange an appointment. Students who missed the vaccine will be recalled next year.
  5. An urgent call for any outstanding HPV vaccine forms to be returned as soon as possible please. Child Health cannot guarantee that there will be sufficient time for self-consent on the day.
  6. A reminder that the next Parent Council meeting is on Tuesday 22 March at 7pm.  There will be an update on Active Schools by our Active Schools Coordinator, Eliot Ambrose, and a presentation by Faculty Head, Ashling Dolan, on the Maths curriculum.  We will send out the link before the meeting via the school email.  Please email the PC at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com by 12 noon on Monday if you have any questions or issues you would like included in the Head Teacher’s update. For further information on the work of the PC please see the PC website https://jghsparentcouncil.org/ where you can also find recordings of previous meetings.
  7. Wednesday 16th March was Young Carers’ Action Day. The aim was to raise awareness about young carers nationwide and this year’s theme was isolation.  This theme was chosen by young carers to draw attention to their situation which often leaves them unable to join in activities enjoyed by their peers. This link above gives information about young carers. Please contact Fiona Oatman or Richard Sievwright for any further information. Admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
  8. Covid protocols 
    1. Please ‘phone or email the school to inform us 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.
  9. Easter Basketball Camps are as follows:
    1. S1&2 Camp from 1-3pm each day
    2. On Tuesday & Thursday Girls camp from 3-5pm
    3. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 3-5pm U16&18 camp
    4. you can access all by following link below https://the-crags-centre.class4kids.co.uk/camps
  10. Congratulations to:
    1. Seumas Cross (S5) who is currently performing in the King's Theatre with the Bohemians Lyric Opera company in their production of Shrek -the musical , which was postponed from March 2020. Following this, from the 7th-12th April he is travelling to New York with the Theatre School of Scotland (TSoS) having successfully auditioned to be part of a team chosen to represent Scotland in the Tartan Day Parade on 5th Avenue .  The TSoS students will be leading the parade on Saturday 9th as well as performing at a civic event hosted by the Scottish Government. The remainder of their time in New York will be filled with theatre workshops on Broadway and attending Broadway performances.
    2. Freya Mowbray (S2), Dylan Daunt and Jessica Taylor (both S3) who have been selected to represent Scottish Schools in the International Cross-Country Championships at Pembrey Country Park (near Swansea), Wales on Saturday 26 March 2022.
    3. Clelia Ribeca (S3), Hanga Eory (Best in S4 year group) and Hugo Verity-Povoas (Best in S3 and in the School), who took part in the Intermediate UKMT Maths Competition a few weeks ago. All three pupils qualified for the Pink Kangaroo round and completed it yesterday. All pupils who took part in the competition are invited to get their certificate and results from Ms Dolan in 2.07 on Tuesday lunchtime at Maths Club. 
  1. Dates:
    1. 22 March Parent Council meeting
    2. 6-7 April HPV vaccine
    3. 8 April Term ends at 12.55
    4. 25 April All resume

 

My quote for the week: "‘Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer’’. (A Krizzan)

 

Best wishes to all for a bright weekend packed with sunshine.

Donald

Friday 11 March 2022

Friday 11 March

Earlier today, I met with 4 student reps from our ‘Rights Respecting Schools’ working group to discuss how our school community can help the Ukrainian families who are now faced with such heartbreak and hardship following the invasion of their country. Look out for more information on what we are planning and how to contribute next week.

 

The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 37.  This is 11 more than for last week and serves to remind us that COVID is still with us so we must remain vigilant. I am pleased to see so many of our students (80%+)continuing to wear face coverings in classrooms. This is helping to reduce levels of anxiety amongst those who feel vulnerable and assists in reducing the number who become infected with COVID and have to self- isolate.

 

  1. It’s reassuring to see so many of our students and staff choosing to travel to school in more environmentally friendly ways. Travel by bicycle, scooter, walking or running to school are all examples of the type of travel we are keen to promote.
  2. The Modern Languages Department, in partnership with the Korean Education Centre UK, is pleased to say there are still spaces to sign up for Korean Club. Please see the flyer with details and joining instructions as emailed earlier this week.
  3. The next Parent Council meeting is on Tuesday 22 March at 7pm and will include a presentation by Faculty Head, Ashling Dolan, on the Maths curriculum.  We will send out the link before the meeting via the school email.  Please email the PC at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com with any questions or issues you would like included in the Head Teacher’s update. Information on the PC and recordings of previous meetings are available on the PC website at: https://jghsparentcouncil.org/
  4. A small group of S4-S6 parents is needed for an online meeting on Monday 14 March at 7pm (about an hour) for research on the impact of Curriculum for Excellence on attainment, subject choice and student experience.  The project is being run by Stirling University who want to examine the experience of parents of supporting their child to make subject choices. If you would be interested in participating, please contact the Parent Council on jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com. Further information is available on the project website https://curriculumproject.stir.ac.uk/ and on Twitter https://twitter.com/CAPDStirling
  5. Covid protocols 
    1. Please ‘phone or email the school to inform us 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.
  6. Dates:
    1. 16 March S5/6 Parents’ night
    2. 22 March Parent Council meeting
    3. 6-7 April HPV vaccine
    4. 8 April Term ends at 12.55
    5. 25 April All resume

 

 

My quote for the week: "There is only one way in which one can endure man's inhumanity to man and that is to try, in one's own life, to exemplify man's humanity to man." (Alan Paton - South African author and anti-apartheid activist.)

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

Donald

Friday 4 March 2022

Friday 4 March

A particular highlight this week was hearing that JGHS pupils not only enjoyed themselves at this past week’s Cross Country running competitions but also were strongly represented amongst the prize-winners. Warmest congratulations to all who represented JGHS and huge well done to the quartet of boys who took team gold in the U14 category. (See appended). 

The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 26 (This is 2 more than for last week) 

  1. In the lead up to national exams all involved will now be focused on reflecting on prelim performances and planning for May. An email with a list of additional support for pupils (including Easter revision) has been sent to families by  Mr Lewis.
  2. The next Parent Council will be held on Tuesday 22 March at 7pm.  and will include a presentation by Faculty Head, Ashling Dolan, on the Maths curriculum.  We will send out the link before the meeting via the school email.  Please email the PC at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com if you have any questions or issues you would like included in the Head Teacher’s update. If you would like to catch up on the last meeting in January, the recording and Q&A are on the PC website: https://jghsparentcouncil.org/
  3. Curriculum for Excellence research: JGHS is taking part in a research project being led by Stirling University on the impact of Curriculum for Excellence on attainment, subject choice and student experience.  As part of the research, the investigators would like to speak with a group of 4-6 parents with a child/children in S4-S6 to learn about their experience of supporting their child to make subject choices.  There will be an online meeting with the group on Monday 14 March at 7pm (about an hour). If you would be interested in participating, please contact the Parent Council on jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com. Further information is available on the project website https://curriculumproject.stir.ac.uk/ and on Twitter https://twitter.com/CAPDStirling
  4. We are extremely grateful to award winning Screenwriter Paul Laverty for taking precious time out of his busy schedule to come into school and talk to the department (and other Modern Studies educators across the city via TEAMS) about his work, the type of research undertaken for his screenplays and best practice for teachers in using feature films in a classroom environment.
  5. Covid-19 Update: Thanks to all members of the JGHS community who have responded so positively and sensibly during the past week as, in line with National Guidelines, we begin to phase out some COVID mitigations. We are still in the midst of a pandemic so we must not become complacent.
  6. 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.
  7. Dates:
    1. 7 March S4 Parents’ evening
    2. 16 March S5/6 Parents’ night
    3. 22 March Parent Council meeting
    4. 6-7 April HPV vaccine
    5. 8 April Term ends

 

  1. Congratulations to:
    1. Dylan Daunt, Kieran Glass, Fraser Lupton and Laurence Ward (all S3) who won team gold in the Scottish Schools’ Cross Country championships  (Boys 14-15 category) and brought home the cup! This is a first for Gillespie’s and a fantastic achievement.  It should be noted that each category has up to 250 of the best young runners from around Scotland.

Other impressive individual results included:

    1. Josh Daunt – 3rd
    2. Jess Taylor – 4th
    3. Freya Mowbray – 6th
    4. Josh Daunt – 14th
    5. Fraser Lupton – 14th
    6. Anna Cruden – 18th
  1. Thursday’s successes follow other cross country successes last weekend at Callender Park, Falkirk, where the following pupils participated successfully:
    1. Josh Daunt (S1), Jess Taylor, Freya Mowbray, Anna Cruden, Bethan Kitchin, Dylan Daunt, Fraser Lupton, Laurence Ward.
  2. Congratulations to Liam McConnell (6R4) who captained Edinburgh Rugby U18 team to win the prestigious Junior 1872 Cup. Liam is considered to be an outstanding player at his age group and with continued dedication has the potential to have a bright future in the sport.

 My quote for the week: “Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall’’ (Oliver Goldsmith)

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

Donald