Friday 1 July

 As session 21/22 draws to a close, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in our school community and our partners for your unfailing support, understanding and kindness throughout the past session. On a personal note, thanks to all for your good wishes and lovely messages as my time as Headteacher at JGHS draws to a close. I wish you all continuing good health and every success for the future.

  

1. Our calendar of events is almost complete. It will be shared with all families by the end of August.
2. Warmest congratulation to our Young Carers’ support team who, this week, learned of gaining national recognition for their work in this area. As the number of pupils identified as young carers in our school continues to grow, we ensure that we provide individualised support to every pupil who has caring responsibilities. This involves making time to talk with each pupil in a supportive environment that respects each pupil’s circumstances. Our young carers’ staff working group has increased from 3 to 9 and awareness continues to be a priority across the school. If any parents, carers, school staff or pupils would like to find out more about our programme to support our young carers, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Richard Sievwright or Fiona Oatman.
3. Last Saturday, students from our LGBT+ group and some members of staff attended the first Edinburgh Pride since before the pandemic. Over 20 members of the JGHS community attended, making us one of the largest school groups present. As the school banner was unfurled, a number of Gillespie's alumni came to say hello and march alongside their old school community. After the march, they moved to the Canongate Youth centre for face painting and music performances - including some by our own students. Well done and happy pride to everyone involved!
4. Warrender Baths are a great local Swimming Club who are open to new members, and running swim taster sessions over the summer months. If you’d like to know more please contact joinwarrenderbc@gmail.com or you can check out their website here.
5. Well done to:
1. Dominic SO (2L2) who achieved Grade 6 (with merit) in Piano.
2. Bruno Bancalari-Ruiz (S3) who achieved Grade 5 in Jazz Saxophone with Trinity College London
3. James Havard (S4) who won the U16 Boys Foil at the Secondary Schools Championship on 18th June
4. Storme McCall (S2) and Esme Hobson (S2) who, earlier this month, 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 in the final.
5. Rhys Edwards (S5) who won the Scottish Time Trial Cycling Championships, successfully defending he title he won last year.
6. Lachlan McDiarmid (S3) and  Alessandro MacDonald (S3) who were awarded their Chief Scouts Gold Award, the top award for Scouts.  This is a significant milestone to have achieved as Covid restrictions meant they did not have the usual camps or expeditions and they have had to do a lot of the work for the challenge badges themselves at home/in back gardens! 
6. Dates:
1. 15 August Staff resume
2. 17 August Students resume

 

My quotes for the week:

 

‘Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway.’ (Source unknown)

 

and

 

‘Cha tig adhartas gun strì’  (Gaelic proverb)

  

Wishing all a wonderful summer and open highways to explore and enjoy.

 

 Donald j Macdonald