20 December

1.                Thanks to everyone who attended our wonderful Christmas concert at the Usher Hall on Tuesday evening. Thanks also to the teachers and the parents whose combined efforts ensured that our pupils’ talents go from strength to strength.

2.                   The money raised from the bucket shaking at the Christmas concert was £498.83. A huge thanks to all those who contributed. A gentle reminder we collect funds to:

1. Pay for our SA Educators and Learners to visit Edinburgh as part of the educational exchange
2. Raise funds for continuing projects such as creating libraries at our partner schools
3. Raise funds for musical and sporting equipment
4. Finally, we are gratefully accepting donations of books and pencil cases.

3.                   Congratulations to:  Evie Craig (S4) and Aaliyah El-Salahi (S5).  Both girls were part of a dance group (Oona Doherty: Hard to be Soft – A Belfast Prayer)  that was voted Number One show by the Guardian at the Edinburgh International festival in 2019. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2019/dec/15/top-10-dance-shows-of-2019

4.                   Parents are requested to use Easyfundraising to help raise funds for JGHS. Those of you who run businesses can also use this system to raise precious school funds at no extra cost. https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/JGHSparentcouncil/

5.                   As a parent of 2 teenage daughters who are currently in the midst of their exams (one in S5 and the other in university) , I know all too well that this stage in the term can be very stressful for parents as we worry about our children’s study habits and apparent lack of application and preparedness for January prelims. Be reassured that It all comes good in the end and prelims do help! Please remind all S4,5 and 6 pupils to also have some days off during the holidays so that they can also recharge their batteries.

6.                   Please note that pupils in S1,2 and 3 are not set any homework during holidays. We much prefer that our younger pupils read for pleasure and spend time pursuing leisure pursuits with friends and family.  

7.                   School resumes for pupils at 0830 on Thursday 9 January 2020.

My quote for the week:  "To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

And finally, may I wish all a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher