Friday 29 April 2022

Friday 29 April

 It was lovely to welcome students and staff back to school after the recent Easter holiday. The brighter weather with the prospect of much more to come, lifts the spirits as we emerge from the challenges we all faced through 2 years of COVID related restrictions.

The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 10.  This is 24 fewer than the last week of term. This is the last week I will report on actual numbers as COVID testing is no longer expected. 

  1. The SQA exams started on Tuesday of this week. All the very best to students and families involved in exams over the next 5 weeks.
  2. We are required by the City of Edinburgh Council, to have an annual review of all of our pupils heath conditions and medication kept or carried in school. Please look out for emails relating to this from Welfare and complete and return as soon as possible, it is incredibly important we hold up to date information on medical conditions. If you have not informed us of your child’s medical conditions please contact me at kirsten.donnelly@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
  3. For those who missed the HPV vaccine in the last week before the Easter Holiday, Child Health are arranging some mop-up clinics primarily for the following students:
    1. S5-6s
    2. S4s who aren’t attending school next year
    3. Please call their office on 0131 446 4082 to arrange an appointment. Please be assured that students who missed the vaccine will be recalled next year if still at school.
  4. A number of families have been touch to enquire about the school’s approach to enrolling students who have arrived with us from Ukraine. My apologies for my tardiness in responding to individuals so, having just received the City of Edinburgh’s updated approach to ‘Supporting Ukraine and its People, here is the link to the relevant information. Thank you to all of our families who supported our fundraising appeal and are involved in other ways to support those who have been affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
  5. Updated Covid protocols. In line with Government Guidelines, Students, staff and visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings in communal spaces indoors but this is at each individual’s discretion. Given the increased roll and potential congestion  in our school, we are planning to retain our ‘one-way’ travel system at peak movement times.
    1. As you may be aware, Public Health Advice on COVID continues to evolve with the next significant changes taking effect from this Sunday (1 May). Fuller details can be found here.  In summary, the Stay at Home Guidance for people will be:
      1. Children and young people with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight  cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend their education setting.
      2. Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, where they can. They can go back to school, college or childcare, and resume normal activities when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough to attend.
      3. Adults who have symptoms of COVID-19 and who have a fever or are too unwell to carry out normal activities will be asked to ‘stay at home’ whilst they are unwell or have a fever.  They will no longer be advised to take a PCR test.
      4. In other words, from Sunday 1 May public health advice will change to a ‘stay at home’ message replacing self-isolation for people who have symptoms or have tested positive.
    1. You should also be aware that as set out in https://www.gov.scot/news/end-of-the-highest-risk-list/ the Highest Risk List will cease on 31 May. These changes will be incorporated in a further update at the end of May. 
  1. Congratulations to:
    1. the S1 English class who entered the First Minister's Reading Challenge this year. Ms Brown and Mrs Fairhurst challenged them to 'Beat the Teacher' and try to read their own height in books! Although Mrs Fairhurst managed a respectable 85cm, some members of the class recorded over 150cm - a special mention to Sophie and Daisy for topping their respective heights. Alongside this, and lots of other fun challenges throughout the year, what we have seen is a love of reading becoming embedded in the lives of these pupils.
    2. And sincere thanks to Munzir Bushara Mirghani Arshin in S1 who is currently fasting for Ramadan which ends on Sunday 1 May. To celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Monday, he brought in a variety of home baked goods and sweets for everyone in his class, packed in little personalised  boxes with everyone’s initials and a message. The class were absolutely delighted and I hear that his twin, Mazin is also doing the same this morning. It's such a huge and generous for the family to make, so thanks on behalf of all the delighted pupils and staff who received their special gifts.
    3. Anna Green (S6) who continues to excel in the pool, swimming for Warrender Baths Performance and the Scottish National Team. Following a stellar performance at the British National Swimming Championships Anna is now age ranked top three in the UK for her backstroke events. Anna won two golds and a silver at the Scottish National Championships and is delighted to have been selected to represent GB at the Junior European Championships in Bucharest in July.
  2. Dates:
    1. 2 May Monday Holiday
    2. 3 May Staff In-service Training
    3. 4 May Students resume
    4. 10 and 12 May S1 Parents’ evenings
    5. 17 and 19 May S2 Parents’ evenings
    6. 17 May Parent Council meeting

 

My quote for the week: “I think it’s possible for ordinary people to choose to be extraordinary.” (Elon Musk)

 

To all who are celebrating the end of Ramadan this weekend, Eid Mubarak.

 

Wishing all a gorgeous long weekend.

 

Donald

Friday 8 April 2022

Friday 8 April

As another busy and productive term draws to a close I’d like to thank everyone in our school community for your contributions to the continued running of the school.  In particular, thanks to our students who have stayed focused and positive throughout what has continued to be a most challenging time. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all students in S4, 5 and 6 all the very best for the exams that start the week after the Easter Holiday. As this is the last full week for our S6 and a few in S4 and S5 who are moving on to chapters new, I’d like to wish them every success and happiness for the future. Very best wishes also to Mrs Ann Fraser (Classroom Assistant) who leaves us after 29 years’ service and to Ben Lewis (Head of Maths and currently Acting DHT) who takes up his new role as DHT at Queensferry High School after the Easter break.

 

 The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 34.  This is 2 more than last week.

 

  1. I will email parents and students in the latter half of the Easter Holidays with news of any changes to our COVID arrangements at JGHS.
  2. The aim of Gàidhlig Beò is to give our GME pupils opportunities to use their Gàidhlig in a social setting while doing fun activities. We want to provide leadership, teamwork and creative opportunities as well as the chance to link up with GME pupils from other parts of Scotland. Over the next few weeks we have several exciting opportunities which are open to GME pupils in S2 and S3 including watersports, climbing, biking and an overnight camp with GME pupils from Glasgow. There are mentoring opportunities for GME pupils who are currently in S4 and S5. If you have not already signed-up your child and would like to find out more or register an interest, contact Mr MacLellan: callum.maclellan@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
  3. Over the last few weeks, students sitting SQA exams will have been finding out their estimates in discussion with their teacher. Teachers have also been working hard where possible to gather final pieces of robust evidence to contribute to your child’s estimate. A summary of estimate bands will be sent to students and parents/carers during the week beginning 18 April.
  4. The Parent Council wants to hear from parents about how online parent consultations with teachers have been working, and your views on whether we keep this format or go back to in-person meetings.  What has worked for you and what has not? In the future, what sorts of school events are best held in the school and what can be done online? Our survey will be running over Easter and can be completed here: Parents' Evening Survey It will only take 5 minutes and we want to hear from as many parents as possible.
  5. For those who missed the HPV vaccine this week, Child Health are arranging some mop-up clinics primarily for the following students:
    1. S5-6s
    2. S4s who aren’t attending school next year
    3. Please call their office on 0131 446 4082 to arrange an appointment. Please be assured that students who missed the vaccine will be recalled next year if still at school.
  6. Thank you to all who have contributed to our Ukraine fundraising appeal. The total raised is £2,820 and rising. All donations via ParentPay.  
  7. Covid protocols 
    1. Anyone testing positive for a Lateral Flow Test (Home Test) should immediately self-isolate in line with current Government Guidelines.
    2. 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.
    3. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
  8. 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
  9. Congratulations to:
    1. Our senior boys’ basketball team who were narrowly defeated in the Scottish cup final on 31 March 2022.
    2. Isaac Murdoch (S4) who received two awards on Monday -  Chief Scout Platinum Award (Chief Scouts Platinum Award | Scouts) and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. He completed this with the support of Meadows Explorers Scouts, including volunteering weekly with Beavers, an expedition in the Pentland hills and getting his local community involved in planting a wildflower meadow to increase biodiversity
    3. Aliyah Faulds (S2) who was successful in an audition she did earlier this year and has passed into the NYCOS National Girls Training Choir. She will therefore be attending a residential choir event in the Easter holidays and singing in a concert at the RNSO centre in Glasgow on April 16th.
  10. Dates:
    1. 25 April All resume
    2. 26 April Exam leave starts
    3. 10 and 12 May S1 Parents’ evenings
    4. 17 and 19 May S2 Parents’ evenings
    5. 17 May Parent Council meeting

  

My quote for the week: "The greatest thing about tomorrow is I will be better than I am today.” (Tiger Woods)

 

Best wishes to all for a wonderful Easter holiday.

Donald 

Friday 1 April 2022

Friday 1 April

Earlier this week, I was privileged to attend a launch event for Bilingualism Matters. At JGHS we are proud of and enriched by having so many languages and cultures in our school community. The latest research confirms that there are many advantages to us learning and regularly using different languages. Therefore, families are strongly encouraged to use different languages in the home. Whilst in previous generations, it was argued that focusing on one language gave students the best opportunity to progress across a wide curriculum, we now know that the opposite is true. Latest estimates indicate that at least 50 languages are spoken within our school community.

  The number of pupils testing positive for Covid over the past 7 days was 32.  This is exactly the same as last week. Given the rapidly evolving guidelines, I will email parents and students in the latter half of the Easter Holidays with news of any changes to our COVID arrangements at JGHS.   

 

 

  1. Parents may find this link on our school website to a variety of family supports to be of interest: https://www.jamesgillespies.co.uk/parents/support-for-families/
  2. The Parent Council wants to hear from parents about how online parent consultations with teachers have been working, and your views on whether we keep this format or go back to in-person meetings.  What has worked for you and what has not? In the future, what sorts of school events are best held in the school and what can be done online? Our survey will be running over Easter and can be completed here: Parents' Evening Survey It will only take 5 minutes and we want to hear from as many parents as possible.
  3. Students who attended the Climate Strike on Friday 25 March can have their absence recorded as authorised if their parent/carer emails the school to register approval for their child’s attendance at the strike.
  4. Details of our in-school Easter revision programme were emailed to parents and students earlier this week.
  5. Details of exam leave arrangements from Tuesday 26 April for S4,5 and 6 are being completed and will be shared with students and families next week.
  6. Thank you to all who have contributed to our Ukraine fundraising appeal. The total raised is £2,680 and rising. All donations via ParentPay . We will keep this fundraiser open until 8 April.
  7. The Junior Maths Challenge for S1/S2 pupils will take place on Wednesday 27th April and will, most likely, to be online after school. If your child would like to take part, then please email Ms Dolan on ashling.dolan@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk  or ask them to speak to their maths teacher. Pupils can also attend maths club on Tuesday lunch times in 2.07 to practise some problems and find out more information about the competition. To get an idea of the type of questions, you can find past paper questions online here: https://www.ukmt.org.uk/competitions/solo/junior-mathematical-challenge/archive
  8. The HPV vaccine will take place next week, Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th April. Students report in at the Forum for this at the appointed times. The schedule has been shown to students in Key Adult time this week. It has also been emailed to students and can be viewed at the forum. Please remind students to wear a vest or t-shirt on the day and to take their water bottle to keep hydrated. S5-6s can go at any time, preferably on Wednesday please.
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. Thanks to all pupils and staff who made it along on 30 March to support the Mini Recital Evening. This was our first live event for over 2 years and it really was amazing to be back! Congratulations to all those S3 - S6 pupils who took the opportunity to showcase their talents. We are very proud of you all and look forward to many more events in the not too distant future.
  12. Congratulations to:
    1. Rhys Edwards (S4) who, this weekend, will be representing and captaining the East & Central Scotland team at the Youth Tour of Scotland Britain’s most prestigious youth bike race. A 3 day 5 stage race around the roads of Perthshire
    2. Sarah Johnson (S4) has passed an audition to sing in the NYCOS National Girls Choir, conducted by Christopher Bell. She's looking forward to a six day residential course over Easter and to singing in concerts later in the year.
    3. Dominic So (in class 1L2), who achieved a bronze medal in the British Fencing - Edinburgh II U13 boys foil on last Sunday 27 March.
    4. The following pupils on their success in the Lothian League cross country event which came to a close this week after 4 races. 
      1. Freya Mowbray (S2) who came 1st in the S1/2 girls
      2. Josh Daunt (S1) who came 3rd in the S1/2 boys
      3. Kieran Glass (S3) who came 2nd in S3/4 boys
      4. Dylan Daunt (S3) who came 3rd in S3/4 boys
      5. Aaron Patrick (S6) who came 3rd in S5/6 boys
    5. Jess Taylor who was 18th in the Schools International and 2nd Scottish girl from her team of 8. Dylan Daunt (S3) was also competing and was 16th and 3rd Scot.
    6. Jasmina Davé (S6) contributed to the UK Standing Stones Episode of The Science Tourists, which was released this week on Monday March 28. The Science Tourists is a family science travel series focused on showing how interesting science things can be found all around us. https://youtu.be/nk3sOGojZKU
  13. Dates:
    1. 6-7 April HPV vaccine
    2. 8 April Term ends at 12.55
    3. 25 April All resume
    4. 26 April Exam leave starts
    5. 17 May Parent Council meeting

 

 

My quote for the week: "‘ If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. (Nelson Mandela).

 

Best wishes to all for a super weekend.

Donald