Friday 13 May

Studies have long shown that reading and being read to can have positive impacts on mental health. It’s a good way to relax, unwind and enjoy time with others. So, that’s how we marked Mental Health Awareness Week this year. Staff came to the library on Wednesday at lunchtime to read stories, poetry, and passages from some of their favourite books. Colleagues and pupils came to enjoy the readings and they were delighted! Everyone thought it was a good experience, and we’re hoping to make it a regular event. My sincere thanks to all involved and especially to Ms Adenekan (one of two Librarians) for organising the event.

 

Over recent weeks, we have seen a gradual re-introduction of school excursions. I was really pleased to hear glowing praise for JGHS students who have been involved in working towards Duke of Edinburgh accreditation. Well done and thanks to all involved.

 

1. Now that home testing for COVID is no longer recommended we have a number of unused testing kits. The NHS has advised that we can offer these for free to staff / students / parents who might have vulnerable family members who still require tests. Please contact the school office if you wish to arrange to collect these from us.
2. A reminder from the Parent Council that the next meeting is on Tuesday 17 May at 7pm.  Nikki Graham, the school’s Mental Health Coordinator, will be talking about her post and mental health support at the school.  We will also hear from our Headteacher, Donald Macdonald, in his last Parent Council meeting before his retirement in the summer.  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 Headteacher’s update. For further information on the work of the PC please see https://jghsparentcouncil.org/ where you can also find recordings of previous meetings.
3. Staffing: congratulations to Ms MacIver (Curriculum Leader for Gaelic Medium Education (GME)) who was appointed to the post of Depute Headteacher (GME) earlier this week.  We will shortly share an update of staffing changes across the school with all parents.
4. We are grateful to Mr McGeary (Guitar Instructor) for giving JGHS students an opportunity to perform at a fundraising event at the Usher Hall on Friday 10th June. Some of the proceeds from this event will be used to fund more music therapy from Nordoff Robbins. The performers will include the James Gillespie's High School junior choir, a guitar orchestra featuring past and present pupils and much more. A huge cast of musicians performing rock, folk, classical and film themes! The evening will also include a tribute to our late friend Dave Leslie, a former head of music at JGHS. The ticket price (£18.15) includes a programme and booking fee, and due to some very generous sponsorship, every single penny goes to support charities. Tickets can be purchased at the Usher Hall box office: https://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on
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.

2. 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. 
5. Dates:
1. 17 and 19 May S2 Parents’ evenings
2. 17 May Parent Council meeting
3. 10 June Charity Guitar Gig at Usher Hall https://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on

 

My quote for the week: "You want weapons? We're in a library! Books! The best weapons in the world! This room's the greatest arsenal we could have - arm yourselves!" (11^th Doctor Who)

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

Donald