Friday 26 November

Wintry weather Is coming our way this weekend. Please dress accordingly and allow extra time for travel to and from school. 

The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 4. This is one more than last week.  Please continue to support efforts to minimise opportunities for COVID transmission.

 

1. Teenage booster immunisation packs have been issued for all S3 pupils and some S4-6 on Wednesday during Key Adult class. Please return the completed form by Wednesday 1st December to the school Reception. It is important that we get these back on time as a team from the NHS will come to triage the forms. Any S3 students who have not received a pack, please contact the Welfare Office.
2. We are seeking your views on what improvements we should make to the services provided via our school office and welfare facility. Please take a few minutes to respond to this Parent Survey A separate survey link has been sent to students and staff.
3. There is now a designated recycling bin at reception to gather all used inhalers. Thanks to Mr Bracewell, Euan Hickman [S5] and the JGHS Sustainability team. 
4. Teenage booster immunisation packs will be issued for all S3 pupils on Wednesday 24 November during Key Adult class. These will also be issued to some S4-S6 pupils who haven’t had the immunisation in S3. Please return the completed form by Wednesday 1st December to the school Reception. Any S3 students who don’t receive a pack, please contact the Welfare Office.  
5. All are reminded to ensure that unattended bicycles are securely locked. A high quality ‘D’ lock is recommended.
6. Update from the Pupil Equity Department: We have updated our school website to include a page with information on support available for families. This direct link takes you there. There is information here to help families sign up for Free School Meals, apply for funding for winter coats and shoes, clothing grants and support with debt management and benefit applications etc.  We hope this may be useful to some of our school community especially as we head into winter months. We can also help provide students with educational resources such as support materials and stationary e.g. revision books, calculators, pencil cases etc. Please contact us if you would like more information via the school office email Admin@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk or by phone 0131 447 1900. (Laura Stewart and Elaine Oram)
7. Please remember that the next Parent Council meeting will be on Tuesday 30 November at 7pm. We will send the link out next week via the school email. At the meeting we will hear from:

1. Donald Macdonald (HT) – overview and parents’ questions
2. Bob Shankland (DHT) – review of SQA assessments in 2020/21 and look forward to 2021/22
3. Ian Porter (DHT) – supporting children’s mental health
4. Eliot Ambrose (Active Schools Co-ordinator) – update on the Active School programme.
5. Questions can be asked on the night via the Q&A typed chat facility, but if you want to raise an issue in advance please send it to the PC email jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com by Monday at 2pm and we will try to include it in the updates.  You can also find the recording and Q&A from the last PC meeting at: https://jghsparentcouncil.org/.

8. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Anyone testing positive for a Lateral Flow Test (Home Test) should immediately self-isolate and arrange for a free PCR test
3. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
4. As always, email or phone the school if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
9. Covid-19 Vaccination arrangements for students:
1. All people 12+ are eligible for at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
2. You don’t have to have any other medical conditions or particular vulnerabilities
3. You don’t need to wait until you are contacted
4. You don’t need an appointment
5. You can just go (with a parent) to a drop-in vaccine clinic (see https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/vaccinating-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17-years/)
6. There are several of these in and around Edinburgh: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx
10. Dates:
1. 30 November Parent Council meeting
2. 1 December Deadline for return of teenage booster immunisation forms
3. 3 December School Office surveys due date
4. 14 December Course choices (S2 into S3; S4 into S5 and S5 into S6) information event (online)
5. 17 December Term ends at midday.

 

Please continue to share stories of Students’ wider achievements with me.

 

My quote for the week: “Silence the angry man with love. Silence the ill-natured man with kindness. Silence the miser with generosity. Silence the liar with truth.” (Gautama Buddha)

 

Best wishes to all for a great weekend.

 

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

Friday 19 November

 Throughout the course of the past week I have had several colleagues tell me how polite and respectful our students are. It’s lovely to hear this and so important we take time to acknowledge what a super bunch of young people we have at JGHS. Well done to everyone for your contributions to making our school community so purposeful, positive and a privilege to be part of.

 The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 3. This is the same as last week.  Please continue to support efforts to minimise opportunities for COVID transmission.

 

1. S1 Photos - Orders from Tempest Photography The order window has been extended to Sunday 28 November for deliveries to the school.  Any orders received after that date will incur a £5 delivery charge and can be delivered to your home address.
2. We are seeking your views on what improvements we should make to the services provided via our school office and welfare facility. Please take a few minutes to respond to this Parent Survey A separate survey link has been sent to students and staff.
3. Teenage booster immunisation packs will be issued for all S3 pupils on Wednesday 24 November during Key Adult class. These will also be issued to some S4-S6 pupils who haven’t had the immunisation in S3. Please return the completed form by Wednesday 1st December to the school Reception. Any S3 students who don’t receive a pack, please contact the Welfare Office.  
4. All are reminded to ensure that unattended bicycles are securely locked. A high quality ‘D’ lock is recommended.
5. Students should be on campus each no later than 830 am. Latecoming has increased in recent weeks so please support us in doing all you can to ensure that students are punctual.
6. The next Parent Council meeting will be held online on Tuesday 30 November at 7pm. We will send out the link before the meeting via the school email. At the meeting we will hear from:

1. Donald Macdonald (HT) – overview and parents’ questions
2. Bob Shankland (DHT) – review of SQA assessments in 2020/21 and look forward to 2021/22
3. Ian Porter (DHT) – supporting children’s mental health
4. Eliot Ambrose (Active Schools Co-ordinator) – Active School update

1. There will be the opportunity on the night to ask questions via the Q&A typed chat facility, but if you want to raise an issue in advance please send it to the PC email jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com and we will try to include it in the updates.  You can also find the recording and Q&A from the last meeting at the PC website: https://jghsparentcouncil.org/.
2. Education Reform consultation: please also remember to comment on this government consultation. Comments can be submitted to the PC via this form before midday on Wednesday 24th November. For more information on the consultation see the PC website.
6. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
3. As always, email or phone the school if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
7. Covid-19 Vaccination arrangements for students:
1. All people 12+ are eligible for at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
2. You don’t have to have any other medical conditions or particular vulnerabilities
3. You don’t need to wait until you are contacted
4. You don’t need an appointment
5. You can just go (with a parent) to a drop-in vaccine clinic (see https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/vaccinating-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17-years/)
6. There are several of these in and around Edinburgh: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx
8. Dates:
1. 30 November Parent Council meeting
2. 1 December Deadline for return of teenage booster immunisation forms
3. 3 December School Office surveys due date
4. 14 December Course choices (S2 into S3; S4 into S5 and S5 into S6) information event (online)
5. 17 December Term ends at midday.

 

Good luck to our footballers who are in action today and tomorrow:

 

Friday 19 November

1. Our U15 Girls are at playing Bathgate in the Scottish Cup. The game is at Kirkbrae/Double Hedges and KO is at 2pm.

Saturday 20 November

2. Our U13 boys are playing Royal HS. The game is at Kirkbrae/Double Hedges and KO is at 9.30am.
3. Our U15 boys are playing Firhill HS. The game is at Firhill and KO is at 9.30am.
4. Our U16 boys are playing Royal HS. The game is at Royal HS and KO is at 10.45am.

 

Please continue to share stories of Students’ wider achievements with me.

 

 

My quote for the week: ‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.’

(Mark Twain)

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

Friday 12 November

 Yesterday’s Remembrance Day was our chance to remember and pay our respects to the people who have been killed in warfare, whenever and wherever that was. It is also a day when we take the time to reflect and think about the people whose lives have been crippled by war, whether physically or mentally, wherever they may be in the world. And perhaps most important of all, this is a time we can set aside to consider the devastating impact that intolerance, racism, arrogance and violence can have on us as individuals, as communities and as countries. Yesterday’s two minute silence at JGHS was preceded by a reading from Mrs Carruthers, poetry readings in French and German by Hana Mackinlay (S6) and by Mathew Wright (S4) who read verses in Gaelic and English.

 I am delighted to report that our Active Schools programme (extra-curricular sports) is now fully up and running. Uptake is higher than in pre-pandemic days which is really pleasing and important as we strive to re-establish routines and opportunities for all to be physically active. Enormous thanks are due to the organisers, coaches and volunteers who have pulled out all the stops to ensure that these opportunities are available to our students. You may recall that during the current session, in line with Government and Council advice, any funding needed should be raised by voluntary donation. We are currently assessing what minimum donations will be needed for the next term in order to maintain our current provision. Thanks to all who have already donated and I take this opportunity to gently remind others to also donate. More communications will follow in the next few weeks.

The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 3. This is one higher than last week.  To avoid disruption to learning in school, it Is essential that we remain vigilant in applying and following our current mitigations.

 

1. At a Headteachers’ meeting earlier this week I learned that nationally, young people continue to be drawn into inappropriate use of social media. Of particular concern in recent weeks is their use of TikTok - a video-focused social networking service. We will, as a school, continue to educate our students on how to stay on the right side of the law and how to stay safe whilst online. We call on all to assist by alerting and reminding our young people on how to engage with social media responsibly and the necessity of avoiding destructive and harmful posts against others.
2. We are seeking your views on what improvements we should make to the services provided via our school office and welfare facility. Please take a few minutes to respond to this Parent Survey A separate survey link has been sent to students and staff.
3. All are reminded to ensure that unattended bicycles are securely locked. A high quality ‘D’ lock is recommended.
4. Students should be on campus each no later than 830 am. Latecoming has increased in recent weeks so please support us in doing all you can to ensure that students are punctual.
5. Billed as Scotland’s Biggest Parents’ Event, please find attached information regarding online events happening next week, organised by our partners at Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and focusing on future career choices.  In addition, the attachment also contains a handy reference guide to help you support your child in making the all-important decision about ‘what’s next’ after school.
6. JGHS Industry Directory
7. Thanks to the many parents who have completed our online form offering their time and experience to help inform our students of their chosen career or post-school experiences.  If any other parents are interested, please could you complete the following online form: JGHS Industry Directory Online Form All details of what we are looking for are within the form, with the deadline for submissions being Monday 15 November at 10am.  Following this, Danielle Hart Adams our DYW Coordinator will be in touch with individual parents to discuss next steps.
8. The public consultation phase of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review is now live. As James Gillespie (whose bequest led to the founding of our School)  was a merchant who made his fortune from the sale of tobacco products, this consultation has added significance for our school community.
1. The online survey can be found here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/slaverycolonialism and will be open for 12 weeks until January 19 2022.
2. Background information to the Review is being hosted on the Council’s website here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edinburghslaverycolonialism
3. The Review Group is hopeful that this consultation will be of interest to many people living and working in Edinburgh, and to others with links to the city or a stake in the Council’s aim to address historic racial injustice and stem modern day discrimination.
9. As COP26 draws to a close I would like to remind everyone that the Royal Meteorological Society is producing short daily videos for the duration of COP26 aimed at keeping young people up to date with the latest important developments. We will endeavour to share these videos with pupils at school, but it would be worth considering watching these daily as a family in order to engage together with this critical event. The videos will appear on YouTube.
10. A group of JGHS pupils travelled to Glasgow this week to attend a talk by the Youth Climate Ambassadors for Wales. There was a panel of young activists, and also indigenous leaders from Brazil and Peru. They described their passion for climate action and the need for young people to have their views listened to, and their work in Wales to push for change. The indigenous leaders described the impact that climate chaos is already having on their environments. The panel were really pleased to see such a good attendance from Scottish schools. Our pupils came away really inspired and now want the same youth representation for Scotland.
11. Scottish Youth Climate Declaration Last weekend 70 young people from across Scotland worked with various partners to draw up a Scottish Youth Climate Declaration. We should all be aware of the very impressive contributions our young people have to make, and watching this short video will enable you to do that.
12. For your diary, the next PC meeting will be on Tuesday 30 November
13. Best wishes to students and staff involved in their silver Duke of Edinburgh excursion on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 November.
14. If any student has missed their flu vaccination in school the parent\carer may contact the Community vaccination team on 0131 446 4082 to arrange a clinic appointment.
15. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
3. As always, email or phone the school if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
16. Covid-19 Vaccination arrangements for students:
1. All people 12+ are eligible for at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
2. You don’t have to have any other medical conditions or particular vulnerabilities
3. You don’t need to wait until you are contacted
4. You don’t need an appointment
5. You can just go (with a parent) to a drop-in vaccine clinic (see https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/vaccinating-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17-years/)
6. There are several of these in and around Edinburgh: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx
17. Let us know with as much advance notice as possible of any days and periods when your child will not be attending, with a reason. Information provided should include the name of the young person, class, and reason for absence with number of periods or days involved. All absences are recorded as either Authorised or Unauthorised.
1. Email: admin@jamesgillespies.edin.such.uk
2. Phone: 0131 447 1900
3. Write: Hand letters into reception
4. Text: Respond to the text alert when child is missing from class
18. Dates:
1. 17 November S5 and 6 reports issued to parents
2. 30 November Parent Council meeting
3. 3 December School Office surveys due date
4. 14 December Course choices (S2 into S3; S4 into S5 and S5 into S6) information event (online)

 

Warmest congratulations to:

 

1. Our Senior Girls football team who won their Scottish Cup tie against Ross High 3-2. A very impressive display with some S3 and even S2 pupils stepping up to play. We now face a strong Boroughmuir team  in the next round!
2. Our S2 girls football squad who did incredibly well last Wednesday at the regional 7’s football competition by winning all of their games and now proceed to the next stage.
3. Fraser Peel (S6) who played with a 100-strong symphony orchestra of young musicians from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and its Junior Conservatoire with internationally recognised conductor Emil de Cou and singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield.  The orchestra played as part of a 60-minute live spectacular blend of sound and cinematic visuals. Highlights included new footage of climate change from NASA and National Geographic, messages from the International Space Station and the Earthshot Prize, and appearances by young environmental partners from the most impacted areas of the world.
4. Dylan Daunt and Laurence Ward (both S3) who. Last weekend,  took part in the Lindsay’s Scottish Athletics National Short Course XC Championships in Lanark.  Along with Laura Muir, Jake Whiteman and Andy Buchart and their team (Edinburgh Athletics Club) they received the bronze medal.

 

Please continue to share stories of Students’ wider achievements with me.

 

 

My quote for the week: ‘Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow..’ (AJ D’Angelo)

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

Friday 5 November

Now that we’re into November, we’re experiencing darker mornings and nights. All are encouraged to allow a bit more time to get ready and to travel to school in the mornings. Road users are reminded to take all reasonable steps to ensure they are visible to others and mindful of the increased likelihood of collisions at this time of year. Do take particular care when crossing roads. We expect students arrive on site by 830 at the latest so that all lessons can start promptly at 840.

The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 2. This is half the number recorded last week. For a variety of reasons, it is anticipated that positive case numbers are likely to rise in the coming weeks so it Is essential that we remain vigilant in applying and following our current mitigations. 

1. The public consultation phase of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review is now live. As James Gillespie (whose bequest led to the founding of our School)  was a merchant who made his fortune from the sale of tobacco products, this consultation has added significance for our school community.
1. The online survey can be found here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/slaverycolonialism and will be open for 12 weeks until January 19 2022.
2. Background information to the Review is being hosted on the Council’s website here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edinburghslaverycolonialism
3. The Review Group is hopeful that this consultation will be of interest to many people living and working in Edinburgh, and to others with links to the city or a stake in the Council’s aim to address historic racial injustice and stem modern day discrimination.
2. Today at COP26: The Royal Meteorological Society is producing short daily videos for the duration of COP26 aimed at keeping young people up to date with the latest important developments. We will endeavour to share these videos with pupils at school, but it would be worth considering watching these daily as a family in order to engage together with this critical event. The videos will appear on YouTube.
3. Over the past week, we have had the pleasure of seeing brilliant artistic works from our S1 pupils on display in the school. Using climate change facts as a starting point and the Design project “Totemy”, 320 S1 students worked collaboratively in pairs, using paint, colour, form, pattern, textures using collage 3-D paper shapes to create brilliant sculptural totems. This was an opportunity for our pupils to make their creative voices heard on issues of climate change, bringing their unique perspectives to a wider audience as well as having their art exhibited in the city centre.  Thanks to the Art Department and Art teacher Mrs Troon, who represented the school when meeting with the Lord Provost at the Exhibition.
4. Many thanks to all who donated to our YoungMinds charity fundraiser, and to all the students and staff who took part in the 10K challenge.  We raised £180 which will be gratefully received by the charity. Thanks also to Fiona Oatman (Support for Learning department) for coordinating .
5. For your diary, the next PC meeting will be on Tuesday 30 November
6. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
3. As always, email or phone the school if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
7. Covid-19 Vaccination arrangements for students:
1. All people 12+ are eligible for at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
2. You don’t have to have any other medical conditions or particular vulnerabilities
3. You don’t need to wait until you are contacted
4. You don’t need an appointment
5. You can just go (with a parent) to a drop-in vaccine clinic (see https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/vaccinating-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17-years/)
6. There are several of these in and around Edinburgh: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx
8. Let us know with as much advance notice as possible of any days and periods when your child will not be attending, with a reason. Information provided should include the name of the young person, class, and reason for absence with number of periods or days involved. All absences are recorded as either Authorised or Unauthorised.
1. Email: admin@jamesgillespies.edin.such.uk
2. Phone: 0131 447 1900
3. Write: Hand letters into reception
4. Text: Respond to the text alert when child is missing from class
9. Dates:
1. 10 November S4 reports issued to parents
2. 17 November S5 and 6 reports issued to parents
3. 30 November Parent Council meeting
4. 14 December Course choices (S2 into S3; S4 into S5 and S5 into S6) information event (online) 

Warmest congratulations to: 

1. Alberto Brunelli Bonet (4R5) who, as a student of the Junior programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), joined the RCS Symphony Orchestra for the 'Vital Sign of the Planet" concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on the 2nd of November as part of the COP 26.
2. Former pupil Millie Stobie Platts who is taking part in the Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge 2021. Millie is part of the 2021 Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge, and will be pedalling the rickshaw from Thirlestane Castle to Edinburgh (finishing at Sciennes Primary School) at between 330 and 4 Pm on Friday 5 November.
3. Doughal Boyes (S6)  who has been awarded an MOD Air Cadet Pilot Scheme Flying Scholarship. He is one of 6 cadets to win a flying scholarship and the only award in South East Scotland Wing. The Scholarship is a 2 week residential course which includes 12 hours flying, ground training and the possibility to go solo in a single engine propeller aircraft.

 Please continue to share stories of Students’ wider achievements with me.

My quote for the week: ‘Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life. Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism.’ (David M. Burns)

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher) 

Friday 29 October

Welcome back to everyone after what I hope was a relaxing and enjoyable October break. Staff returned on Monday of this week to the third of five staff training days. Well done to all (students and staff!) who made the effort today to dress up for Halloween. It was really uplifting to see the considerable efforts many made to mark the occasion.  A particular favourite was Emily’s (self-made) wonderful mushroom outfit!

Warmest congratulations to Mr Jeff Warden on his appointment to the Headteacher position at Lanark Grammar School. Mr Warden has been at JGHS for the past 14 years; most recently as Depute Headteacher. I anticipate that he will take up his post in January 2022; arrangements to fill the resulting DHT vacancy will be made in the next week.

The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 4. This is a reduction of 1 from the previous week. Thanks to all for your continued support and patience in our collective efforts to minimise opportunities for virus transmission.

 

1. SQA Appeal Outcomes: The school was informed this week of the outcomes of all standard Type A (Academic Judgement) SQA appeals for last academic year.  The outcomes have been communicated directly to candidates, via the school email system.  All Type B/C Appeal outcome letters have already been communicated with candidates/families directly. If there are any issues or questions, please contact Bob Shankland, SQA Coordinator at Robert.Shankland@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
2. I’m pleased to share with you that the public consultation phase of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review has launched yesterday. As James Gillespie (whose bequest led to the founding of our School)  was a merchant who made his fortune from the sale of tobacco products, this consultation has added significance for our school community.
1. The online survey can be found here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/slaverycolonialism and will be open for 12 weeks until January 19 2022.
2. Background information to the Review is being hosted on the Council’s website here: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edinburghslaverycolonialism
3. The Review Group is hopeful that this consultation will be of interest to many people living and working in Edinburgh, and to others with links to the city or a stake in the Council’s aim to address historic racial injustice and stem modern day discrimination.
3. Today at COP26: The Royal Meteorological Society will be producing short daily videos for the duration of COP26 aimed at keeping young people up to date with the latest important developments. We will endeavour to share these videos with pupils at school, but it would be worth considering watching these daily as a family in order to engage together with this critical event. The videos will appear on YouTube.
4. Your school needs you! Earlier this week you will have received a letter from Danielle Hart Adams, our school’s Developing our Young Workforce (DYW) Coordinator intimating that we would like to reach out to our school community, to enquire if you would like to be involved in helping us develop a James Gillespie’s Industry Directory. We would like to utilise the vast amount of industry knowledge we have amongst us. We are looking for people who might be willing to come in and talk to our pupils about their own careers. Informing them of the pathways they took after leaving school and during their careers, to give our young people some idea of what is possible and how to get there. If you would like to get involved in this initiative, please complete the following online form, by clicking on the link:  JGHS Industry Directory Online Form
5. The Parent Council AGM was held on 13 October and, as well as appointing the new PC, also included updates and questions on Covid rules, Ipads, school wi-fi, school staffing and many other issues. The recording of the meeting is on the PC website.

https://jghsparentcouncil.org/. If you are interested in volunteering to be involved with Events and Fundraising, there is still time to let us know on jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com.  For your diary, the next PC meeting will be on Tuesday 30 November

6. The JG Trust AGM took place on Tuesday of this week. Sincere thanks to Ms Ann Henderson who has stepped down from the Trust after 8 years of dedication and hard work. Ann has been a terrific chair for the past 2 years. Mrs Sheena Purdom, takes over as chair and I wish her well for the coming years. Many thanks all to all the trustees who support as a school community. The Trust is there to support the school in its endeavours and especially in regard to supporting pupils who need a bit of a helping hand to allow them to fulfil their potential. If you would like to find out a bit more about the Trust then please visit the JG Trust website.
7. Those who are seeking a YoungScot card for their child should  go to the following link : https://young.scot/the-young-scot-card/edinburgh
8. As part of activities in celebration of Black History month, Alex Wheatle, (Young Adult writer) visited the school today. A British-born writer of Jamaican heritage, Alex shared his personal experiences and their influence on his writing. He also talked about his latest novel – Cane Warriors. Following his talk, students had the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments.  We’ll shortly organise a competition to get signed copies of Alex Wheatle's books to pupils.  Thanks to Ms Tomi Adenakan for arranging the visit and to the Scottish Book Trust for fully funding the visit.
9. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
3. As always, email or phone the school if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
10. Covid-19 Vaccination arrangements for students:
1. All people 12+ are eligible for at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
2. You don’t have to have any other medical conditions or particular vulnerabilities
3. You don’t need to wait until you are contacted
4. You don’t need an appointment
5. You can just go (with a parent) to a drop-in vaccine clinic (see https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/vaccinating-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17-years/)
6. There are several of these in and around Edinburgh: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx
11. Let us know with as much advance notice as possible of any days and periods when your child will not be attending, with a reason. Information provided should include the name of the young person, class, and reason for absence with number of periods or days involved. All absences are recorded as either Authorised or Unauthorised.
1. Email: admin@jamesgillespies.edin.such.uk
2. Phone: 0131 447 1900
3. Write: Hand letters into reception
4. Text: Respond to the text alert when child is missing from class
12. Good luck to the following S2 boys who will represent JGHS at the national finals tomorrow (Saturday) as part of COPP26. The final will involve designing, building and running a hydrogen powered Lego vehicle
1. James Sinclair
2. Niall Mackintosh
3. Lachaidh-Alexander Dunbar
13. Dates:
1. 31 October Clocks go back one hour at 2 am on Sunday
2. 1 November S1 Parents’ consultation (Practical Subjects)
3. 3 November S1 Parents’ consultation evening (Non-practical subjects)
4. 10 November S4 reports issued to parents
5. 17 November S5 and 6 reports issued to parents
6. 30 November Parent Council meeting

 Warmest congratulations to: 

1. Kenneth MacIver (S5) who has been successful in achieving an Arkwright Engineering scholarship. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time we have had a winner of this scholarship. Particular thanks to staff who teach our Engineering Science course and also to all staff whose collective endeavours ensure that our Students at JGHS experience a broad and extensive curriculum throughout S1-S5.

 Please continue to share stories of Students’ wider achievements with me.

My quote for the week: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” (Vivian Greene) 

 All are reminded that the clocks go back an hour at 2 am on Sunday morning so remember to adjust your clocks before you go to bed on Saturday night.

 Best wishes to all for a lovely and drier weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher)

Friday 15 October

I’m sure that all are looking forward to a well-earned break from Monday 18 October. Over recent months, I’m delighted at how well the school has coped with the impact of COVID and how resilient folk have been whilst coping with continually changing circumstances.  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported others in and around our school community. These have been extraordinarily challenging times for families and I know that for some it has, on occasion, felt overwhelming. Being part of a wider community gives us the capacity to support and look out for each other. On a daily basis I see wonderful examples of our parents, students, staff and partners going the extra mile to ensure that others feel loved, cared for and supported. Thank you, one and all.

 In the coming weeks we will need to continue to be resilient as we re-establish familiar school routines and ways of working. We will be doing more to be anti-racist and we will continue to ongoing efforts to tackle climate change. We will do all of this whilst working together as a school community.

 The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 5. This is the same number as in the previous 2 weeks. Thanks to all for your support in minimising opportunities for virus transmission.

 

1. Thanks to all involved in the School’s Parent Council and especially those who take on official roles. Best wishes to those who are office bearers for the coming session.
2. The recording of the Parent Council meeting and AGM on 13 October is now available on the PC website https://jghsparentcouncil.org/. The meeting included updates and questions on COVID rules, Ipads, school wi-fi, school staffing and many other issues. The completed Q&A for the meeting will be posted on the PC website as soon as it is available. For your diary, the next PC will be on Tuesday 30 November. 
3. Those who are seeking a YoungScot card for their child should  go to the following link : https://young.scot/the-young-scot-card/edinburgh
4. For those students who did not receive their flu immunisations at school on Thursday 30 September due to absences or because the nursing team did not receive a consent form, please note that mop up clinics will be running during October 2021.  The number to call for booking an appointment is 0131 446 4082.
5. It’s not too late for staff and students to take part in the YoungMinds 10K challenge.  Please email me via the school email and I will add you to the team, it’s fun, good exercise and it’s for a good cause.  If you would like to make a donation, please click here.  we have already raised £90!
6. Covid-19: information.  
1. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
2. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
3. As always, email or phone the school if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
7. Covid-19 Vaccination arrangements for students:
1. All people 12+ are eligible for at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
2. You don’t have to have any other medical conditions or particular vulnerabilities
3. You don’t need to wait until you are contacted
4. You don’t need an appointment
5. You can just go (with a parent) to a drop-in vaccine clinic (see https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/vaccinating-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17-years/)
6. There are several of these in and around Edinburgh: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx
8. Let us know with as much advance notice as possible of any days and periods when your child will not be attending, with a reason. Information provided should include the name of the young person, class, and reason for absence with number of periods or days involved.
1. Email: admin@jamesgillespies.edin.such.uk
2. Phone: 0131 447 1900
3. Write: Hand letters into reception
4. Text: Respond to the text alert when child is missing from class
9. Dates:
1. 25 October Staff training day
2. 26 October All Pupils resume
3. 27 October Wear Red to support Anti-racism day
4. 29 October Dress Up for Halloween  (No Fake blood, fake weapons or face masks other than Covid related face coverings)
5. 1 November S1 Parents’ consultation (Practical Subjects)
6. 3 November S1 Parents’ consultation evening (Non-practical subjects)

 

Warmest congratulations to:

 

1. Lily Robertson in S5 who won the first prize at an engineering event organised by  Napier University. The competition included submitting a digital poster answering the question “Envisioning the future of EVs as a means to fight socio-economic inequality”.
2. The following who all did us proud at this week’s Scottish Schools’ Road races.
1. Josh Daunt S1 – 9th place in Boys Under 13s race
2. Freya Mowbray S2 – 9th place in Girls Under 15s race
3. Fraser Lupton S3 – 10th place in Boys Under 15s race
4. Jessica Taylor S3 – 12th place in Girls Under 17s race
5. Dylan Daunt S3 – 12th place in Boys Under 17s race (The Boys Team also came 6th in this race with Dylan’s result combined with Laurence Ward S3, Daniel Chowings S3 and Patrick Snowden S3)
3. S1 pupils who have worked collaboratively in pairs and fully engaged with climate change facts and mixed media to produce their colourful totems. We are excited to have their work featured in a community exhibition from 26th - 30th October at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Edinburgh.
4. The following S2 boys who have won through to the national finals for designing, building and running a hydrogen powered Lego vehicle
1. James Sinclair
2. Niall Mackintosh
3. Lachaidh-Alexander Dunbar

 

My quote for the week: “Be Someone's Strength. Be Someone's inspiration. Be Someone's Reason to Never Give Up” (Source unknown) 

 

I wish all a super October break. Enjoy yourselves and stay safe.

 

Donald j Macdonald (Headteacher) 

Friday 8 October

 The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days was 5. This is the same number we had in the previous week. Thanks to all for your support in minimising opportunities for virus transmission. 

1. The next Parent Council meeting will be held online on Wednesday 13 October at 7pm. We will send out the link on next week via the school email.  It is the PC’s AGM so there will be some procedural business to complete, including the appointment of the new PC and the election of post holders. Given the interactive limitations of an online meeting please email us in advance at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com if you are interested in taking on an official role, in joining the Committee, or in volunteering in any capacity.  Many thanks to those who have already got in touch and offered to help.  If you volunteered through the PC survey and we haven’t already been in touch with you, please also let us know. At the meeting we will have updates from our Head Teacher, Donald j Macdonald, and there will be an opportunity to ask questions via the Q&A chat facility.  If you have any questions ahead of the meeting please email us by 5pm on Tuesday and where possible these will be included in the updates.  Our next PC meeting after this one is on Tuesday 30th November.   
2. On Wednesday next week, a group of pupils will be participating in a virtual Four Nations Conference event based on the real CoP26 meeting. There are 20 schools joining in from all over the UK, each representing a country as in the real CoP.  JGHS pupils are representing Ethiopia, and will be communicating their country's position on climate change and addressing key questions about the future of our cities, oceans, forests, food and energy with the other countries. The pupils will have an amazing experience, not just furthering the knowledge of climate change but also discovering how a big global conference works and how it can achieve results.
3. For those students who did not receive their flu immunisations at school on Thursday 30 September due to absences or because the nursing team did not receive a consent form, please note that mop up clinics will be running during October 2021.  The number to call for booking an appointment is 0131 446 4082.
4. S1 proof photographs will be distributed during Key Adult classes on Wednesday 13 October.  Full instruction on how to order online are included with the photograph(s). If orders are placed on or before Friday 5th November delivery will be made to the school.  After this date delivery can be made to your home address but will incur a delivery charge.
5. Covid-19: information.  
1. The number of positive cases in our school community in the past week was: 5. (compared with 5 last week)
2. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
3. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
4. As always, email or phone the school if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
6. Covid-19 Vaccination arrangements for students:
1. All people 12+ are eligible for at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
2. You don’t have to have any other medical conditions or particular vulnerabilities
3. You don’t need to wait until you are contacted
4. You don’t need an appointment
5. You can just go (with a parent) to a drop-in vaccine clinic (see https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/vaccinating-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17-years/)
6. There are several of these in and around Edinburgh: https://www.nhslothian.scot/Coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Drop-in-Clinics.aspx
7. Let us know with as much advance notice as possible of any days and periods when your child will not be attending with a reason. Information provided should include the name of the young person, class, and reason for absence with number of periods or days involved.
1. Email: admin@jamesgillespies.edin.such.uk
2. Phone: 0131 447 1900
3. Write: Hand letters into reception
4. Text: Respond to the text alert when child is missing from class
8. Dates:
1. 15 October Mid-term break. School finishes at 12.55 on Friday 15 October
2. 25 October Staff training day
3. 26 October All Pupils resume

 

Warmest congratulations to:

 

1. Oisín (1R4) for success in Gaelic singing at the Royal National Mod. Nach math a rinn thu!

 

 

My quote for the week: “We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it.” (Barack Obama) 

 

Best wishes to all for a lovely weekend.

Friday 1 October

Today, Friday 1 October marks the beginning of Black History Month in the UK, an event that has been celebrated nationwide for more than 30 years. The month was founded to recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to the UK over many generations. During October, all members of our community - students, staff and parents – are invited to reflect on how we can all be more kind, more aware, and, crucially, more anti-racist. We are a culturally diverse school and we benefit enormously from the enrichment that cultural diversity brings to our school. My thanks to all who contribute to our evolving understanding of how best to educate our pupils and address historical injustices in an increasingly connected and better informed world.

During this past week, I was pleased to see a number of school initiatives focusing on Climate Change educational activities. COP26 is the most important meeting about climate change ever and it starts in Glasgow on October 31st. The City of Edinburgh Council has organised a Countdown to COP to help young people to engage with COP without getting overwhelmed. The countdown lasts for 5 weeks, each with a different theme. You may find it useful and informative to visit the site each week and discuss it with your own children. The first theme is Nature – click here to find out more. If you would like to know more about COP26 from the point of view of young people, you may find this video informative.

 The number of Covid cases in our school community during the past 7 days is 5. This is half the number we had in the previous week. Thanks to all for your support in minimising opportunities for virus transmission.

 

1. The next Parent Council meeting is our AGM on Wednesday 13th October. As we are still unable to meet in person, please email us at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com ahead of the AGM if you would like to join the Parent Council or would like to find out more about what the PC does.  Membership is open to all parents and carers within the JGHS community and our role is to represent parents’ views and to work with the school to create a school which is welcoming for all parents.  Please also email us with any questions you have for the updates at the meeting.  The reports of the chair and treasurer, and the 2020/21 accounts, are now available on the PC website https://jghsparentcouncil.org/ and if you would like to catch up on the last PC meeting on 7 September the recording and the completed Q&A can also be found there.
2. Covid-19: we should all continue to be vigilant towards minimising opportunities for transmission.
1. The number of positive cases in our school community in the past week was: 5. (compared with 10 last week)
2. Please continue to access the NHS Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid19.
3. Details of how to access Covid vaccination clinics for all aged 12 or over can be found here.
4. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid19 test and any advice you have received in regard to attendance at school.
5. As always, email or phone the school if your child Is absent and do tell us if your family is waiting to be tested for Covid19. This is recorded differently in the school’s attendance register.
3. Please encourage your son/daughter to dress appropriately for the unpredictable Scottish weather. Classroom windows will be opened to allow air circulation and, other than in really wet weather, pupils should be outdoors at breaks and lunchtimes.
4. Let us know with as much advance notice as possible of any days and periods when your child will not be attending with a reason. Information provided should include the name of the young person, class, and reason for absence with number of periods or days involved.
1. Email: admin@jamesgillespies.edin.such.uk 
2. Phone: 0131 447 1900
3. Write: Hand letters into reception
5. Text: Respond to the text alert when child is missing from class
6. The Warrender Water Polo club, with which we have a long established link, is now welcoming new members from age 8.
7. YoungMinds is a charity that  helps young people with mental health issues. The aim of our challenge is to compete the equivalent of 10K in two weeks. This can be achieved by any activity ranging  from walking, cycling, jogging, or simply exercising in your own home. It’s your choice, you can either do it in one go or spread out over the two weeks. Those interested in taking part should see Mrs Oatman in B6, in Bruntsfield House. The challenge starts on the 8th October.  YoungMinds also celebrate Mental Health Day with HelloYellow Day, a chance to show off your brightest yellow attire! If you would like to donate please follow this link.
8. At JGHS, as part of the ‘We Care Award’, we are raising awareness of what it is to be a young carer. Between now and Christmas we will be focusing on bringing this to the attention of the school community, with the aim of identifying hidden young carers in our school and increasing the support of those we know.  On Wednesday Jenny Lewis, schools project manager, from Edinburgh Young Carers, gave a live talk on what it is to be a young carer, during key adult time. Jenny will have further involvement in JGHS bringing in resources and speaking to classes. If you would like more information, please do contact either myself (Mrs Oatman), Mr Sievwright or Mr Caruthers.
9. Thank you to all who signed up to audition for instrumental lessons in school. Audition times have now been assigned for all who applied and are displayed in the Muriel Spark building. They can be found on the noticeboard on the ground floor outside the theatre and in all music classrooms. All pupils who have signed up to audition for an instrument, must go to the Spark building to check their audition time as soon as possible.
10. We are currently arranging for some of our S6 pupils to be part of a paired reading scheme with some of our S1 pupils.
11. Best wishes to the S6  pupils who went out on their Gold Duke of Edinburgh DofE practice expedition last week Wed – Fri  and are going to be heading out on their Gold assessed expedition next week Sun 3rd to Wed 6th Oct .
12. Dates:
1. 5 October S3 Parents evening (Details of how to book appointments were emailed earlier this week)
2. 8 October Wear Yellow day and donate to YoungMinds.
3. 15 October Mid-term break

 

Warmest congratulations to:

 

1. S1 and S2 pupils who took part in competitive workshops on Monday linked to COP26 to design the most efficient Lego vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Some great teamwork, problem-solving and ingenuity was displayed. The three winning teams from James Gillespie’s will compete in the Edinburgh final next Friday, with the winners from that event going on to the national final which takes place in Glasgow during COP26 itself.
2. Last year at the regional finals our teams performed incredibly. Iconic Racing won three star quality awards, they were the Judges Choice team and won the Pit Display and Research& Development awards. Fibonacci won the star quality presentation award, and went on to win the Regional Final overall! They are now competing in the National Finals, taking place virtually on Friday 8th October. Well done to all the students involved; Chris Rae, Pere Tenesa Navarro, Robert Newman, Emil Griffin, Robbie James, Abby Earnshaw, Manu Silverton, and particularly Sam Mackintosh and Matt Ball-Torokoff who manage the teams.  Look out for more news as our teams for 21-22 begin their competition preparation, and good luck to all involved.
3. Laurence Ward (S3) who won the British Junior inter regional orienteering championship last weekend, helping Scotland to victory in the team competition.
4. Carla Brunelli Bonet, Surya Schneiders and Trudy Patrick who  represented JGHS at the Scottish Schools Slalom champs this weekend in Alva. Great achievement in their first slalom race, Trudy won silver U14!

 

My quote for the week: “Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already have all the answers.” – (Socrates)

 

Best wishes to all for a delightful weekend.

 

Donald