Kirkland Ciccone visit

Prize winning young adult author, renowned speaker, and general all round character Kirkland Ciccone will be at James Gillespie’s High School as part of their Book Week Scotland celebrations on Monday 23^rd November. Kirkland is the author of ‘Conjuring the Infinite’ and ‘Endless Empress’. He will address the entire of the school’s third year about his own writing and what it takes to be an author, and why reading is important. This has come about largely due to the enterprising efforts of one of the school’s own pupils, Jasna Deas Morgan, who may be Kirkland’s biggest fan! Kirkland is fast gaining a reputation throughout Scotland for being a unique and inspiring speaker, with an amazing ability to engage and enthuse teenagers about reading.

Here is why Kirkland is doing the event in his own words:

Book Week Scotland is like Christmas to authors, or in my case Halloween. My first event during a week crammed full of amazing events is James Gillespie High School. And it was organised by a fan! That's proper people power isn't it? When Jasna asked if I would stop off at James Gillespie High School during my book tour, of course I said yes. My next step was to ensure the teachers and the school librarian received my list of demands for this event which include tea and a packet of McVitie's Fruit Shortcake.

Remembrance Day 2015

At 1130 today (chosen as 1100 coincides with our morning break when staff and pupils would have been in transit between our different campuses), our school observed a 2 minute silence to rememember and reflect on the many who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world. It was great to see all of our young people in such thoughtful and reflective mode.

Remembrance

I really enjoyed today's assembly which was presented by pupils from Maxwell Comunity. They talked about what remembrance of heroes meant to them. Fascinating to see the variety of approaches and gratifying to see how respectful they all were of all who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Rowing success

Well done to Rachel Chowings (6R3) and Hannah Davis (6K4) on their rowing success last weekend. They won the novice double at the Inverness Head race which is the biggest in Scotland for the number of entries. A very impressive 1st place considering they were competing against some University crews in a gruelling 4k row. 

Dress Code/Uniform decision

Following the recent consultation on school dress code/uniform it has been decided that the current arrangements will continue. Over the coming months the wording in the current policy will be revised so that everyone is clearer as to what is deemed to be acceptable.

Thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to share their views on what is best for James Gillespie’s High School.

Yours sincerely,

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)