Friday 24 June 2022

Friday 24 June

 In Support for Learning we have been celebrating the creative talents of our pupils. They are a lovely and talented bunch and it has been a wonderful opportunity for them to share their work with staff and pupils alike.

Exhibits over recent days included photography, print work, artwork, ceramics, tapestry, handmade patch work, handmade cushions and toys, an originally designed skateboard (made from a recycled skateboard,) animations, and metal work. Well done to all involved.

 

  1. Best wishes to members of our LBGT+ club who will be marching behind the JGHS banner at Edinburgh Pride this Saturday. Di look out for them and give them your support if you are there.
  2. Parents are reminded to give the school as much notice as possible of planned pupil absences. Do give us as much detail as possible so that we can determine what level of support is appropriate and whether the absence is to be authorised.
  3. The following message from Eoghann Dover of Blaze Basketball may be of interest:
    1. We will be running Basketball camps for the whole summer from 9am-1pm Monday to Friday.
    2. We will also be running S1&2 Camp from 1-3pm each day
    3. On Wednesdays High School Girls camp from 3-5pm
    4. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 3-5pm U16&18 mixed camp
    5. You can access all by following this link https://the-crags-centre.class4kids.co.uk/camps.  If there are children who need financial help to attend please contact the organisers and they will share discount codes
  4. I was thrilled to hear of the large number of parents who have volunteered their expertise and services to students by coming in to school to share their industry knowledge. Thanks to Danielle Hart Adams, our school ‘Developing the Young Workforce’ (DYW) coordinator for her lead on this initiative. If you have not already made contact please contact Danielle Danielle.HartAdams@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk directly to offer your skills, expertise and services. Our aim is to ensure that every school leaver achieves a positive and sustained post-school destination.
  5. On receiving a pupil ‘absence alert’ from the school parents are advised to not text that number as it is an automated number. If you wish to contact the school, please email us or phone 01314471900.
  6. Parents are reminded to notify the school with as much notice as possible
  7. 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, 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.
  1. Well done to:
    1. Kirsty Johnson, S6,  who is the sole, female, competitive track and road cyclist (aged 16-22) selected  to be part of 'Team Scotland Achieve 2022', an education programme designed to inspire the next generation of Scottish athletes.  Through attending the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer, along with a programme of activities and workshops, it aims to assist her in preparation for representing Scotland in future Games. 
    2. Dominic SO (2L2) who won a silver medal in the Scottish Secondary School Championships U14 Boys Foil in last Saturday 18 June 2022. 
    3. To all the pupils who participated in this year's Carnegie Shadowing programme.  This is the UK's longest running children’s book award, with the Carnegie medal first being presented in 1936. The shadowing scheme invites young people to read, discuss and review the shortlisted books, and vote for their favourite. Over the last three months, interested students have met on a regular basis to share their views and enjoy related activities.  This culminated in a final celebratory event on Monday 20th June. Congratulations to all involved, on a really enjoyable and worthwhile project!
    4. Storme McCall (S2) and Esme Hobson (S2) who, together with their Spartans Football Club "Reilly" team mates, won the final of the Scottish Women’s Football Under 14s South East Youth Regional League Cup, beating Musselburgh Windsor FC 3-2 at Ainslie Park on Saturday 12th June 2022.
    5. All athletes w
    6. Gillespie's water polo team who scooped the plate at last week's Scottish Schools Championships in Dunfermline. After a couple of early losses, the 10 players found their form, and won the next four matches in a row. The team, captained by GB squad member Ali Shippey, put on a fine show of skills and teamwork in a friendly atmosphere with excellent and sometimes humorous commentary.  The 8 teams competing were required to field a female player and a non-club player in every match, making it a more inclusive event. Our non-club players excelled, and scored many of the goals! Congratulations to Andrew Wright, Anna Nimmo, Daniel Chowings, Evelyn Watson, Finlay Pringle, Quinn Ungless, Rosa Green, Seren Fothergill, Shuai Gao, Ali and coach Neal Rayner who coaches sessions at school and is the head coach at Warrender Water Polo. If any students are interested in playing in one of the world's toughest sport, book in to next year's Active Schools sessions or get in touch with Warrender Water Polo for some free trial sessions.
  2. Dates:
    1. 27 June Alcohol education assemblies for S3
    2. 28 June S6 leavers’ ceremony and Prom
    3. 1 July Term ends at midday
    4. 17 August Students resume

 

My quote for the week: ““You are the one thing in this world, above all other things, that you must never give up on. When I was in middle school, I was struggling with severe anxiety and depression and the help and support I received from my family and a therapist saved my life. Asking for help is the first step. You are more precious to this world than you’ll ever know.” (Lili Reinhart American actress)

 Wishing all a weekend filled with sunshine.

Donald j Macdonald

No comments:

Post a Comment