Friday 18 December

1. Please remember that whilst you are waiting for the result of a COVID test, all members of your household should self-isolate until the result is known.
2. The Parent Council meeting this week covered changes in arrangements for SQA assessments, with a very informative presentation by Mr Shankland.  You can catch up with it at: https://youtu.be/mtpVkQj0zSA
3. The S6 Group Photo is available to view and order from the Tempest website - http://htmp.st/JamesGillespieHS.  Click on the photo and enter your email address and child’s name. If orders are placed before Friday 8th January 2021 they will be delivered free of charge to the school.  Any orders after that date can be posted to your home address but a £5 postage will be charged.
4. Thanks to all in our School community who are working on gaining School accreditation for ‘Rights Respecting Schools’. https://jghsrrsa.wordpress.com/
5. Thanks to pupils in S1, S2 and S4 who, as part of their Mandarin classes this week, have made bilingual Christmas cards for the homeless in Edinburgh. These cards will be delivered by the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, along with their winter relief packs for the homeless.
6. We are currently involved in fundraising on three fronts. Thanks to all who have contributed to these.
1. Parent Council Fundraising (See previous correspondence)
2. Children 1^st (Shopping vouchers) (Over £1,000 raised)
3. Save the children (Xmas jumpers on Friday 18 December) (£225 and rising!) www.tinyurl.com/jghscjd 

7. Well done to:
1. Reuben Murdoch (S1) who passed his Grade 3 piano this week.
2. Carla Brunelli Bonet (S1) who has been accepted as cellist in the Junior National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and
3. Alberto Brunelli Bonet (S3) who has passed his Grade 8 Violin exam (ABRSM) with distinction.
4. Isaac Murdoch (S3) who achieved his Chief Scout Gold Award in November, after completing many challenge badges and an expedition along the John Muir Way - a remarkable 55 mile journey on foot and bike from South Queensferry to Dunbar in the October holidays.   

8.       Please continue to share stories of pupils’ achievements with us so we can share with our wider school community.

9.       This term will finish at midday on Tuesday 22 December.

10. Police Scotland will be offering a bike marking session at JGHS on Wednesday 3rd February from 7.30am to 8.30am. This is an great chance to get any new bikes marked. Due to social distancing measures staff/pupils will need to book a timeslot in advanced. To book a time and collect a form, please see Ms Dolan in 2.07 or the maths base.
11. As always, do email or phone the school (please speak slowly and clearly if you are leaving a message) 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.
12. Thanks to everyone who has helped prepare pupils for the JGHS Christmas Live Lounge. Staff have thoroughly enjoyed hearing you rehearse and getting a sneak preview of all your wonderful videos! It is lovely to be able to provide a platform to celebrate the work everyone has been doing. Follow this link below to see the full playlist on the school’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGOcpQEAoNPsIj3bC-8skjD2NMXTK6pit

 I’d like to wish all of our families a lovely Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.

 My quote for the week: “And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent … ‘’ (Taylor Caldwell)

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 11 December

1. Please remember that whilst you are waiting for the result of a COVID test, all members of your household should self-isolate until the result is known.
2. Please remind pupils to bring their own face coverings to school. We have a small supply of spares for those who genuinely forget or lose theirs.
3. A reminder that the next Parent Council meeting will be held online on Tuesday 15^th December at 7pm. It will be focusing in particular on arrangements for assessments for SQA certificated subjects.  A link for the meeting will be circulated via school email at the beginning of next week. Any questions can be sent in advance to the PC at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com and where possible these will be included in the updates. A recording of the last PC meeting on 18^th November is available at: https://youtu.be/YICdgNAxPTk and the Q&A from the meeting can be found on the PC website at: http://jghscouncil.btck.co.uk/Minutesandfiles.
4. The S6 Group Photo is now available to view and order from the Tempest website - http://htmp.st/JamesGillespieHS.  Click on the photo and enter your email address and child’s name. If orders are placed before Friday 8th January 2021 they will be delivered free of charge to the school.  Any orders after that date can be posted to your home address  but £5 postage will be charged.
5. We are currently involved in fundraising on three fronts:
1. Parent Council Fundraising (See previous correspondence)
2. Children 1^st (Shopping vouchers)
3. Save the children (Xmas jumpers on Friday 18 December)
6. Well done to:
1. Toby Ward (S6), who was runner up in the Nevis Ensemble Christmas Carol Competition where he had to set his own music to the words of 'In the Bleak Midwinter'.  The Nevis Ensemble's vision is music for everyone, everywhere.  He has won a composition masterclass with the composer Stuart MacRae and
2. Rosalind Orr (S6), who has been accepted as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (Jazz) as a saxophonist. All being well by summer, the orchestra will have a week’s residential at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye, before going on tour, probably in the UK.
3. Anna Maria Tomala (S2), who passed her Grade 5 Piano exam (ABRSM) with merit results.
4. Katrina Cochran (S6), Maja Cochran (S6), Felix Hagdorn (S6) and Bronwen Stahl (S6) whose Advanced Higher German work featured in this month’s Napier University's award-winning online magazine. https://issuu.com/edinburgh_napier_languages/docs/wwn6
5.  

7.       Thanks to Kayleigh and Liane of Marchmont Hardware for their efforts in putting this YouTube video together.  This heart-warming alternative replaced the annual community carol singing event round the Christmas Tree.

8.       Please continue to share stories of pupils’ achievements with me so I can share with our wider school community.

9.       This term will finish at midday on Tuesday 22 December.

 

My quote for the week: “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate”

(Albert Schweitzer)

 Wishing all a happy and peaceful weekend.

 Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 4 December

1. Please remember that whilst you are waiting for the result of a COVID test, all members of your household should self-isolate until the result is known.
2. Please remind pupils to bring their own face coverings to school. We have a small supply of spares for those who genuinely forget or lose theirs.
3. The next Parent Council meeting will focus on exams and assessments and will be held online on Tuesday 15^th December at 7pm. Any questions ahead of the meeting can be sent to the PC at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com and where possible these will be included in the updates. If you would like to catch up on the last PC meeting on 18^th November, it’s available to watch at: https://youtu.be/YICdgNAxPTk. The Q&A from the meeting can be found on the PC website at: http://jghscouncil.btck.co.uk/Minutesandfiles.
4. We will be doing a virtual music concert this year – more details to follow.
5. We would like to make parents/carers aware of the new school counselling service that opened in November. Our counsellor, Ana, works Monday to Thursday and is able to offer pupils between 6 and 12 sessions. We want you to know that the support Ana provides is here to help young people who are struggling and feel they would benefit from speaking to someone about this. If you think that your child may benefit from this service, we’d encourage you to talk to them about it and get in touch with their Pupil Support Leader (PSL) to find out more. Pupils can self-refer through the school website  here or through their Pupil Support Leader
6. Horticulture Club news Huge thanks to Amanda Killen (Pupil Support), Joel Hather (S1), Charlie Henderson (s1) and Kirsty Johnson (S5) for helping (last Friday) with the greenhouse clean-up and the clearing of the raised beds in preparation for planting in 2021.
7. The Parent Council is leading a festive fundraising appeal to support its Small Sums Fund.  The Fund is distributed to assist projects run by staff in the school, and to buy extra equipment that improves the educational experience for all pupils.  This money is particularly vital to support the Pupil Equity Fund, nurture groups, and therapy resources. This year, we have not been able to raise income through our usual events and fundraising activities, but many of our pupils have an even greater need of the extra services our funding can support.  We know this is not an easy time for many families, but if you feel in a position to do so, please consider making a donation to the Parent Council this festive season.  You can donate to the Small Sums Fund through the Parent Council Fundraising button on ParentPay.  Your support will be greatly appreciated!
8. We are pleased to announce that two-way video lessons for SQA candidates can now take place with IMS instructors who are unable to be in school due to COVID-19 restrictions.  If your pupil is in S3-6, taking Music as a subject, and has tuition with Ms Melrose (double bass/bass guitar), Mr Anderson (piano) or Mrs Collins (clarsach) then we require you to complete the following form.  Pupils must complete a pupil version which their instructor has issued on Microsoft Teams. Please read all information in the attached document carefully before completing and submit as soon as possible.  Lessons can take place from Tuesday and permission must be given before any two-way video can take place. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=af6sSGo3tUKfacnke7-5xNAzN55ZVE1Lkn_57qKoJ8BUQk4zQVFOSlRUNlFKTzBDRlAwRE1DMFNYRS4u
9.  Orders for S1 & S6 photographs from Tempest Photography have been delivered to the school.  Please ask students to collect from the Classroom Assistants’ Office in Bruntsfield House.

10.   We will be operating classes as ‘normal’ right up till and including the last day. Staff will be asked to maintain seating plans and continue to ensure that registers are accurately recorded. Additionally, I will be asking pupils and staff to not exchange ‘real’ Christmas cards this year.

11.   Well done to Daisy Adams (S3) who started making some jewellery a few years ago to help fund a school trip she was hoping to go on. Daisy is now advertising online and Is keen to hear from anyone who would like to discuss potential Christmas presents! https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/divinebydaisya?ref=shop_sugg

12.   Please continue to share stories of pupils’ achievements with me so I can share with our wider school community.

13.   This term will finish at midday on Tuesday 22 December.

 

My quote for the week: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”(Henry Ford)

 

Wishing all a happy and peaceful weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 27 November

In the past few days we have been dealing with an increased number of bullying incidents which have caused considerable distress to pupils and families. In ‘normal’ times we would talk about such matters at assemblies and reinforce expectations of all. Currently, as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, we are unable to hold assemblies. We would encourage all of our families to talk about what bullying is and the importance of us all never accepting bullying behaviour. At the very least, bullying should be called out and reported to any member of our school staff. The 9 protected characteristics included in the Equality Act may offer a good framework and starter for discussion with your son/daughter. These 9 protected characteristics are:

1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4. Marriage and civil partnership
5. Pregnancy and maternity
6. Race
7. Religion or belief
8. Sex
9. Sexual orientation

 

Every member of our school community has a right to go about their daily business without fear of discrimination or harassment. Please be reassured that as a school community we will not tolerate any form of bullying.

 

1. We have received more details this week from the SQA in relation to proposals for how we are going to award grades to S4 pupils taking National 5 courses. On the evening of Tuesday 15 the Parent Council will be hosting an information meeting for parents where we will update you on our proposed approaches in relation to prelims, assessment windows, etc.
2. Please remember that whilst you are waiting for the result of a COVID test, all members of your household should self-isolate until the result is known. 
3. The Parent Council is leading a festive fundraising appeal to support its Small Sums Fund.  The Fund is distributed to assist projects run by staff in the school, and to buy extra equipment that improves the educational experience for all pupils.  This money is particularly vital to support the Pupil Equity Fund, nurture groups, and therapy resources. This year, we have not been able to raise income through our usual events and fundraising activities, but many of our pupils have an even greater need of the extra services our funding can support.  We know this is not an easy time for many families, but if you feel in a position to do so, please consider making a donation to the Parent Council this festive season.  You can donate to the Small Sums Fund through the Parent Council Fundraising button on ParentPay.  Your support will be greatly appreciated!  
4. Teenage booster immunisation packs will be issued for all S3 pupils on Wednesday 25 November 2020 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 2nd December to your Key Adult or to the school Reception before that date.
5. JGHS is keen to gather information on the Key Adult meetings that take place between each pupil and their Key Adult teacher.  This survey will be used inform us on the current process and any future development.  We would be very grateful if each pupil could complete the survey before Monday 30th November. Key Adult Survey Link The survey link has also been posted to the Key Adult class teams.
6. We are looking for volunteers to join our parental consultation group for Anti-bullying. The first step for this group will be to have an initial discussion on Wednesday 25th November from 5:30pm – 6:30pm. In advance of this you would receive some council documentation to review. The second step would be to help review the draft policy in Mid-December Please email ben.lewis@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk by Sunday 22nd November if you would like to participate.
7. Parents are invited to complete the pre-consultation document (https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/ce/gme-edinburgh/) on Gaelic Medium Education (GME) secondary provision.  GME has been part of JGHS for the past 30 years and, pleasingly, it has grown in numbers to such an extent that the Council has decided to develop an autonomous secondary GME school. The Council is holding two virtual public meetings to discuss the options further:

• Wednesday 25 November 2020, 7.00pm – 9.00pm (This meeting was well attended)
• Monday 30 November 2020, 7.00pm – 9.00pm

If you would like to attend either of the public meetings, please contact Committee.Services@edinburgh.gov.uk to confirm which date you would prefer. The meetings will also be webcast live here. If you have any comments or questions that you would like to be addressed, please contact us ahead of the meetings, or by 11th December to be included in the outcome report.

9.       You may be aware of media speculation around term finish dates and when we resume in January. We will keep you posted as soon as we get confirmation of any changes to the current arrangements.

10.   We will be operating classes as ‘normal’ right up till and including the last day. Staff will be asked to maintain seating plans and continue to ensure that registers are accurately recorded. Additionally, I will be asking pupils and staff to not exchange 'real' Christmas cards this year. 

11.   Please continue to share stories of pupils’ achievements with me so I can share with our wider school community.

 My quote for the week: ‘No one can make you feel inferior without your consent’. (Attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt)

 Wishing all a happy and peaceful weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 20 November

1. Please remember that whilst you are waiting for the result of a COVID test, all members of your household should self-isolate until the result is known.
2. Teenage booster immunisation packs will be issued for all S3 pupils on Wednesday 25 November 2020 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 2nd December to your Key Adult or to the school Reception before that date.
3. Earlier this week we were delighted to welcome Ana Puljic, our school counsellor to James Gillespie’s! This is part of a Scottish Government initiative to have counsellors available to every school. Ana is with us from Monday to Thursday. Information on access arrangements will appear on our school website shortly.
4. We are looking for volunteers to join our parental consultation group for Anti-bullying. The first step for this group will be to have an initial discussion on Wednesday 25th November from 5:30pm – 6:30pm. In advance of this you would receive some council documentation to review. The second step would be to help review the draft policy in Mid-December Please email ben.lewis@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk by Sunday 22nd November if you would like to participate.
5. Thanks to all who contributed to the staging of our first online Parents’ consultation on Tuesday evening. Parents who took part are requested to complete the following survey so that we can learn and make suitable changes for the next such event. S3 Online Parents' Evening - Parent Feedback
6. Thanks to all who were able to attend Wednesday evening’s Parent Council meeting. Presentations on accommodation arrangements for JGHS from August 2021 and our evolving anti-bullying policy were followed by a Q and A session. Copies of the Q and A will shortly be available on the Parent Council section of the School website.
7. Parents are invited to complete the pre-consultation document (https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/ce/gme-edinburgh/) on Gaelic Medium Education (GME) secondary provision.  GME has been part of JGHS for the past 30 years and, pleasingly, it has grown in numbers to such an extent that the Council has decided to develop an autonomous secondary GME school. The Council is holding two virtual public meetings to discuss the options further:

• Wednesday 25 November 2020, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
• Monday 30 November 2020, 7.00pm – 9.00pm

If you would like to attend either of the public meetings, please contact Committee.Services@edinburgh.gov.uk to confirm which date you would prefer. The meetings will also be webcast live here. If you have any comments or questions that you would like to be addressed, please contact us ahead of the meetings, or by 11th December to be included in the outcome report.

8. Around this time last year some will remember the buzz of excitement across our school community when we were asked to provide a school choir to perform in the sequel to Princess Switch -a Netflix blockbuster Christmas movie. We are delighted to announce that the Princess Switch 2 was released on Netflix on 19 November. At a time when we cannot come together to perform in person, it is great to be able to celebrate the talents of our combined choirs and orchestra who will feature in a few scenes from this film. Congratulations to all who were involved, we are incredibly proud of you!

9.       Earlier this week I learned of the efforts of Catherine Rednall in S3. During lockdown, Catherine really progressed her art and then, over the summer, developed floral images into cards and stationery to sell. She has set up her own Etsy shop and is also in the Art and Craft Collective in Causewayside. Catherine may well be Edinburgh youngest collectivist - quite an achievement! Alongside her floral art, Catherine is currently selling Christmas cards with £1 from each card going to a Christmas Charity for refugees. Well done and thanks to Catherine for her outstanding efforts.

10.   Congratulations to Ms Donna M MacIver (History and Gaelic Teacher) who takes over the Curriculum Leader role when Mr Seonaidh Charity leaves us to return North on Thursday 26 November.

11.   Please continue to share stories of pupils’ achievements with me so I can share with our wider school community.

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 harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore, Dream, Discover’. (Mark Twain)

 

Wishing all a great weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 13 November

1. It was uplifting to learn about progress with vaccines earlier this week.  This gives us all much hope of a return to some ‘normality’ in 2021.
2. Please remember that whilst you are waiting for the result of a COVID test, all members of your household should self-isolate until the result is known.
3. The next Parent Council meeting will be held online using Teams on Wednesday 18^th November at 7pm. We will send out the link on Tuesday via the school email.  We will hear from: Donald Macdonald (HT) – Overview; Laura Stewart (DHT) – Darroch refurbishment delay contingency plans; Anti-Bullying Policy – Ben Lewis (DHT) and Cait Pearce (Pupil Support). There will be the opportunity to ask questions via the Q&A typed chat facility, but if you have any questions ahead of the meeting please email us at jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com by 2pm on Tuesday 17^th November and where possible these will be included in the updates. If you would like to catch up on what was covered at our last meeting and AGM on Wednesday 14^th October, it’s available to watch at: https://youtu.be/utGwuDatRmE. We hope to hold a further PC meeting before the Christmas break: date to be confirmed.  
4. Reminder – we still have some S6 school photograph proofs which need to be collected from the Classroom Assistants’ office in Bruntsfield House. The photographs can be viewed online at www.tempest-orders.co.uk - enter your reference number and web access code which you will find on the photo proof. To limit the handling of papers just now, we would ask that orders are placed online.  However, you can return the completed order form to the school in the sealed Tempest Photography envelope. The deadline for orders has been extended, if returned by Friday 20th November, you will avoid extra p&p costs. The photos will be sent directly to the school for your child to bring home.
5. The University of Edinburgh’s next Virtual Maths Circle will take place on Saturday 14th November from 10:00 to 12:30. To facilitate interaction and better tailor the activities, this Maths Circle will be split into two slots: 11:30- 12:30- for age 11-14. The event is free to attend but booking is required. For further details about the event and to book a ticket (free of charge), please click on the links below: 11-14 years old (lower secondary school) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-maths-circle-november-2020-second-slot-age-11-14-tickets-127285029951 Please note that all minors will need to be supervised by a parent/guardian for all the duration of the online event.

6.       Edinburgh’s Children’s Partnership is really eager to hear the views of Parents and Carers across Edinburgh. If you are a Parent or Carer and live in Edinburgh we would like to hear how you coped during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period and how we can best respond to any new and existing needs that you may have. By completing this survey you will be help to shape future Family Support Services across the city.  We would be very grateful if you could complete the survey before Friday the 20^th of November.

7. Around this time last year you may remember the buzz of excitement across our school community when we were asked to provide a school choir to perform in the sequel to Princess Switch -a Netflix blockbuster Christmas movie. We are delighted to announce that the Princess Switch 2 will be released on Netflix on 19 November. At a time when we cannot come together to perform in person, it is great to be able to celebrate the talents of our combined choirs and orchestra who will feature in a few scenes from this film. Congratulations to all who were involved, we are incredibly proud of you!

8.       The Judy Murray Foundation are running tennis sessions tonight (13th November) from 7 - 9pm at the Meadows Tennis Courts to raise money for Children in Need. To register please email Alex@judymurrayfoundation.com. This event is for over 12's (including adults). Suggested donation : £5

9.       On Wednesday of this week we marked remembrance day by a minute’s silence to remember victims of all conflicts followed by a reading of ‘The Dug out’ by Siegfried Sassoon over the school’s Public Address system by Hana Mackinlay (5L3).

10.   Congratulations to Izzy MacLullich (S4) who passed her grade 3 piano with distinction.

11.   Please continue to share stories of pupils’ achievements with me so I can share with our school community.  

My quote for the week: ““Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.” (Brian Tracy) 

Wishing all a lovely weekend.

 Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 6 November

1. 1. In recent weeks, school practices have evolved in response to changing circumstances.  I am pleased to report that lessons are progressing ‘normally’ but, for example, in areas where there would ordinarily be pupils moving around and interacting we have had to change how we do things. A good example of this has been in PE where lessons have been outdoors. We are fortunate to be located in one of the most beautiful areas in Edinburgh affording us access to some wonderful green spaces close to the school. Earlier today I shared with parents that, in line with the latest Government advice, PE lessons will be indoors from Monday 9 November. It is likely that COVID-19 is going to be with us for some time and so we will have to continue to adapt to live with it. Well ventilated classrooms, hand washing, surface disinfection, the wearing of face coverings and social distancing continue to be effective in suppressing virus transmission and keeping everyone safe.   
   2. During this past week, we were made aware of two further pupils (one in S1 and one in S6)  who tested positive for COVID-19. The two cases are unrelated. All those who were deemed to be ‘close-contacts’ have been traced and are now self-isolating as per NHS guidelines. I take this opportunity of thanking everyone in our school community for your support and efforts in making our schools as safe as it can be.
   3. Please remember that whilst you are waiting for the result of a COVID test, all members of your household should self-isolate until the result is known.
   4. We are now starting to receive more detailed information on assessment arrangements for  National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher for certification in 2021. We will keep you informed of arrangements for prelims etc when we know  a bit more for all subjects.
   5. The next Parent Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 18th November at 7pm (please note the change in date).  As for previous meetings it will be held online on Teams, and a link to join the meeting will be circulated in advance via the school email. 
   6. Reminder – we still have some S6 school photograph proofs which need to be collected from the Classroom Assistants’ office in Bruntsfield House. The photographs can be viewed online at www.tempest-orders.co.uk - enter your reference number and web access code which you will find on the photo proof. To limit the handling of papers just now, we would ask that orders are placed online.  However, you can return the completed order form to the school in the sealed Tempest Photography envelope. The deadline for orders has been extended, if returned by Friday 20th November, you will avoid extra p&p costs. The photos will be sent directly to the school for your child to bring home.
   7. The University of Edinburgh’s next Virtual Maths Circle will take place on Saturday 14th November from 10:00 to 12:30. To facilitate interaction and better tailor the activities, this Maths Circle will be split into two slots: 11:30- 12:30- for age 11-14. The event is free to attend but booking is required. For further details about the event and to book a ticket (free of charge), please click on the links below: 11-14 years old (lower secondary school) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-maths-circle-november-2020-second-slot-age-11-14-tickets-127285029951 Please note that all minors will need to be supervised by a parent/guardian for all the duration of the online event.
   8. The entries for the first round of the Scottish Maths Challenge have now been posted. A huge well done to all who entered from across every year group. We will let you know when the results are out and of course the next round!
   9. Senior UKMT Competition. Well done to all the S5 and S6 pupils who took part in the challenging 90min paper on Tuesday evening. Ms Dolan will be in touch via teams when the results are available.
   10. S4 Study Support Session for National 5 Maths We have been so impressed with the numbers of pupils joining the teams meetings after school on Tuesday and Wednesday with Ms Dolan and Mr Hoyland. This is a great first step towards improving pupils’ understanding and gaining confidence. Next week’s session in on Statistics at 4.30pm. If pupils have not already signed up to one of the previous sessions then please speak to your maths teacher for more information or see the recent parent email for the code. We plan to have further meetings on Linear and Quadratic Algebra the following week.

   11.   Good luck to the 10 senior pupils who were invited to take part in online assessments for Oxford and Cambridge universities this week.

   12.   Edinburgh’s Children’s Partnership is really eager to hear the views of Parents and Carers across Edinburgh. If you are a Parent or Carer and live in Edinburgh we would like to hear how you coped during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period and how we can best respond to any new and existing needs that you may have. By completing this survey you will be help to shape future Family Support Services across the city.  We would be very grateful if you could complete the survey before Friday the 20^th of November.

   13. Thanks to all who contributed and Mrs Oatman (Support for Learning Department) who coordinated the efforts of others to raise £255 for YoungMinds. With an estimated 3 children in every classroom with a mental health problem, YoungMinds is leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges.
   14. Dates for reports and parents’ evening for this session are as follows:

    

   Year Group	Report Distribution	Parents’ Evenings
   S1	Wed. 2 Dec. 2020	Tues. 18 May 2021 (Practical) Thur. 20 May 2021 (Non Practical)
   S2	Wed. 26 May 2021	Tues. 26 Jan. 2021 (Non Practical) Thurs. 28 Jan. 2021 (Practical)
   S3	Wed. 5 May 2021	Tues. 17 Nov. 2020
   S4	Wed. 9 Dec. 2020	Mon. 8 Mar. 2021
   S5/6	Wed. 16 Dec. 2020	Wed. 17 Mar. 2021

    

   My quote for the week: “There's always a new challenge to keep you motivated. (Sir Sean Connery)

    Wishing all a lovely weekend.

    

   Donald j Macdonald

   Headteacher

 

Friday 30 October

1. It was fun today to see so many pupils and staff dressed up to mark Halloween. Thank you to everyone who had clearly put considerable thought and effort into making outfits and enhancing appearances.
2. Hoping that everyone managed to have some downtime during the October Holiday week.  It was lovely to see everyone back on Tuesday looking refreshed and raring to get stuck into schoolwork. In response to parents who have asked about vaccination arrangements I can confirm the dates are:
1. Teenage Booster (Tetanus, diphtheria and polio (Td/IPV),Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY)) on Tuesday 02-Mar-21
2. HPV on Wednesday, 31-Mar-21 and Thursday, 01-Apr-21.
3. Well done and thanks to the Art department who have worked with S1 and S2 pupils to produce posters depicting inspiring and uplifting Unicorn Graphic illustrations.
4. S6 school photograph proofs are now available and can be collected from the Classroom Assistants’ office in Bruntsfield House. The photographs can be viewed online at www.tempest-orders.co.uk - enter your reference number and web access code which you will find on the photo proof. To limit the handling of papers just now, we would ask that orders are placed online.  However, you can return the completed order form to the school in the sealed Tempest Photography envelope. If returned by Friday 6th November, you will avoid extra p&p costs. The photos will be sent directly to the school for your child to bring home.
5. The University of Edinburgh’s next Virtual Maths Circle will take place on Saturday 14th November from 10:00 to 12:30. To facilitate interaction and better tailor the activities, this Maths Circle will be split into two slots: 11:30- 12:30- for age 11-14. The event is free to attend but booking is required. For further details about the event and to book a ticket (free of charge), please click on the links below: 11-14 years old (lower secondary school) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-maths-circle-november-2020-second-slot-age-11-14-tickets-127285029951 Please note that all minors will need to be supervised by a parent/guardian for all the duration of the online event.
6. I will email you next week with the details of parents’ evenings (online) and reporting dates. Apologies for the delay in getting these to you.

 

My quote for the week: “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears’’ (Nelson Mandela)

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 16 October

1. Having now had clarity from the Scottish Government on arrangements for examinations in 2021, we will firm up dates for parents’ nights, prelims, reports etc. We would normally publish these key dates in June but, given current circumstances, have been unable to finalise the details. We will get these out to parents in the next week.
2. Thanks to all who contributed to Wednesday night’s Parent Council meeting and AGM. It was great that so many parents attended and keen to get involved in the Parent Council for the coming year. Thanks to the outgoing office bearers and especially so to Ailsa Macintosh who has been the Parent Council chair for the past 4 years. Ailsa has been a tremendous support to me and the wider school community. Best wishes to Sarah Scott who is our new Parent Council chair. Our next PC meeting will be on Tues 17th November.   
3. During recent weekends we have had pupils climbing over the boundary walls to access the school playing field at Thirlestane. Pupils should not be using this facility unless being supervised by a teacher.
4. As part of our ongoing support for pupils, and to ensure that we organise supports appropriately for future year groups, we need all pupils in S4, 5 and 6 to complete the following survey: https://tinyurl.com/y3c5x8qj. This short survey gathers information regarding when they plan to leave school, what route they plan to take and what their preferred future occupation might be.
5. In response to parents who have asked about vaccination arrangements I can confirm the dates are:
1. Teenage Booster (Tetanus, diphtheria and polio (Td/IPV),Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY)) on Tuesday 02-Mar-21
2. HPV on Wednesday, 31-Mar-21 and Thursday, 01-Apr-21.
3. It should be noted that the school has no influence on the dates, they are chosen by the NHS. No information has been given to the school about how parents may, if they wish, make alternative arrangements.
6. Notice for Pipe Band Pupils. We are delighted that face to face lessons can resume on 29 Oct. Please check the music notice board for your lesson time. Also note that the rooms for these lessons have changed and are marked on the timetable. If you have any questions, please see Mr Duhig in Music (S1.08).
7. Although we are not able to attend any live events at the moment, you might be interested to see this concert which features some music composed by S6 pupil Alika Arnott. Skip to 8 minutes in the video to hear her piece being performed by a professional ensemble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Miil7iDbZos Well done Alika!
8. Well done and thanks to Mrs Conroy’s S3 class who have developed a range of posters to remind and encourage everyone to wear face coverings whilst in corridors and communal spaces.
9. Congratulations to Sadie Drye (S5) whose story has won the September round of the  Scottish Book Trust 50 Word Fiction Competition in the Gaelic category.
10. I take this opportunity of informing/reminding all that teachers do not set homework for pupils in S1, 2 and 3 during holidays. Instead, it is expected that pupils take every opportunity to read for pleasure, engage in physical exercise and, subject to Government Guidelines, interact with others. It is left to the discretion of pupils in S4,5 and 6 if they wish to engage in their academic studies during designated holidays.
11. With current restrictions likely to limit how pupils can celebrate Halloween this year, we would like to invite all pupils and staff to dress up in an appropriate Halloween costume, should they wish to do so, on Friday 30th of October. There will be more information to follow next week, including rules relating to costumes [if there is fundraising] and fundraising activities.
12. We are on holiday from Monday 19 until Monday 26 October. Pupils return to school on Tuesday 27 October.

 

My quote for the week: “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – (Franklin D. Roosevelt)

 

Best wishes to all for a restful and safe October holiday.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Message for all pupils

Dear JGHS Pupil,

Firstly, I’d like to thank you for helping us making JGHS a happy and safe place to be. In particular:

• Keeping to the one-way system at busy and class changeover times
• Wiping work surfaces between classes
• Cleaning of hands throughout the day (minimum of 5 times)
• Keeping 2 m from staff
• Wearing of face coverings whilst moving in corridors and in communal areas
• Being outside at breaks and lunchtime

All help in reducing the opportunity for and viruses to spread between us.

 

1. Wet weather arrangements

During really wet weather you may use the following areas:

S1           -              Spark Building

S2           -              Top Floor Malala

S3/4       -              Middle floor Malala and HUB

S5/6       -              Ground Floor Malala 

 

2. Whilst in communal areas, please:

• Wear face coverings unless you are eating or drinking
• Sit in groups  of no more than 6
• Keep at least 1 m apart

 

3. Outside the school grounds

When you are out of school please remember that you are representing our school community.

• Keep your distance from members of the public
• Wear face coverings in shops and on public transport
• Do not enter local stairwells, loiter in doorways or enter local carparks

 

My thanks to all.

 

Mr Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 9 October

1. I am pleased to share that there is a calm and purposeful atmosphere across the school. All the pupils I speak with are pleased to be back at school, working face to face with teachers and able to socialise with friends.
2. Having now had clarity from the Scottish Government on arrangements for examinations in 2021, we will firm up dates for parents’ nights, prelims, reports etc. We would normally publish these key dates in June but, given current circumstances, have been unable to finalise the details. We will get these out to parents in the next 2/3 weeks.
3. Thanks to our Modern Studies department for the increased focus on ant-racism teaching during  ‘Black History Month’.
4. The deadline for online Tempest S1 Photo orders with free delivery to the school is next Wednesday 14th October.  Orders can still be returned to the school reception until Friday 16th October. If your child has not received their S1 photo they can collect from the Classroom Assistants’ Office in Bruntsfield House.
5. Thanks to all of our pupils for being so supportive of the measures we introduced to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission This includes:
1. One way system at busy times
2. Disinfection of desks and work surfaces at class changeovers
3. Wearing of face coverings
6. The next Parent Council meeting will be held online using Teams on Wed 14th Oct at 7pm. We will send out the link on Tuesday via the school email.  It is the PC’s AGM so there will be some procedural business to complete, including election of post holders and forming a new PC Committee.  Given the interactive limitations of an online meeting please email us in advance @ 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.  At the meeting we will also have updates from our Head Teacher, Donald Macdonald, and in response to feedback after our last PC meeting we will have an update for S1 parents and carers from Deputy Head Teacher, Ben Lewis.  There will be an opportunity to ask questions via the Q&A chat facility but if you have any questions ahead of the meeting please email us @ jghscouncilcomms@gmail.com by 2pm Tuesday 13th Oct and where possible these will be included in the updates.   Our next PC meeting after this one is on Tues 17th November.   
7. At this time of year we would expect common colds to become more widespread.  
1. Do continue to access the NHS (Scotland) Guidance so that you will know when you should get tested for Covid-19.
2. We will err on the side of caution if/when any pupil displays one or more of the three recognised Covid-19 symptoms.
3. As always, email or phone the school (please speak slowly and clearly if you are leaving a message) 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.
4. Remember to tell us the results of the Covid-19 test and when your child is returning to school.
5. You must not send your child to school whilst any member of your household is waiting for Covid-19 test results.
8. We continue to encourage all to cycle or walk to school. Please remember to use good quality locks. ‘D’ locks are recommended.
9. When pupils are absent from school they should access learning materials vis their Microsoft TEAMs account. All pupils have their own login and are in a ‘team’ for each different subject they do.
10. Pupils who are interested in pursuing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award this year are asked to join the Team group. Signs up will be running between now and the October holidays. After that the Team will be closed and no other additions will be made. For access to more information about the award as well as information on the next steps, students can head to their Teams account and join our DofE team using the code: p2xhx5r. If you need any further help with this please get in touch with Miss Ewing in the PE department MONDAY OR THURSDAY LUNCHTIME ONLY or via email Chelsea.ewing@jamesgillespies.edin.sch.uk
11. Congratulations to Alika Arnott who was selected to have her composition performed at Red Note Ensemble's upcoming concert ’Noisy Nights Hybrid’. The concert will be streamed for free on our YouTube channel this Friday 9th October at 6PM, encouraging donations to Help Musicians Coronavirus Financial Hardship Fund. (https://www.youtube.com/user/rednoteensemble)
12. A huge well done to the Kirsten Allan, Rachel Allan, Minnie Peacock, Catriona Forrest, Evie Tynan and Justine de Cremoux who took part in the UKMT Mathematical Olympiad for Girls this week online.
13. Please note that pupils are on holiday from Monday 19 until Monday 26 October. Pupils return to school on Tuesday 27 October.
14. I take this opportunity of informing/reminding all that teachers do not set homework for pupils in S1, 2 and 3 during holidays. Instead, it is expected that pupils take every opportunity to read for pleasure, engage in physical exercise and, subject to Government Guidelines, interact with others. It is left to the discretion of pupils in S4,5 and 6 if they wish to engage in their academic studies during designated holidays.

 My quote for the week: “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right’’. (Rosa Parks)

 Best wishes to all for a restful and safe weekend.

 Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher