Friday 11 September

1. On Tuesday evening of this week we learned that a second case (unrelated to the first case) had tested positive for Covid-19. Please be reassured that Council and National guidelines were followed in the school’s follow up actions. (See attached letter from NHS Lothian)
2. NHS Scotland has now made a contact tracing app available.  This ‘Protect Scotland App’ from NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect team is a free, mobile phone App designed to help us protect each other, reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid further lockdowns. All members of the JGHS community are encouraged to download and contribute to stopping the spread of the virus.
3. In the coming weeks, when pupils are absent from school, teachers will be placing work covered on TEAMs. All pupils should have their own logins to enable them to access the relevant work.
4. Please encourage your son/daughter to dress appropriately for the unpredictable Scottish weather. Classroom windows will be opened to maximise air circulation and, other than in really wet weather, pupils should be outdoors at breaks and lunchtimes.  
5. 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.
6. If you are clearing out old revision books, success guides, textbooks etc.  we would like you to donate these to the school. We have set up a tray in the entrance foyer where your child can drop them off. 
7. Look out for emails from our Parent Council. We have a very strong and active Parent Council and I would encourage you to get involved and engaged. The next meeting will be online and is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday 22 September.  
8. Congratulations to Mr Lewis (Curriculum Leader for Mathematics) who will take over the DHT vacancy from Mr Porter. Ms Dolan will step up as Lead for maths whilst we advertise and appoint someone to replace Mr Lewis.
9. During the last week of September, we will be helping to promote ‘Bike to work’. We are hoping to have the Police help us in marking pupils’ cycles to deter thieves. In the interim, all are reminded to use good quality locks. ‘D’ locks are recommended.
10. Parents/carers are requested to not use the school carpark to drop off pupils. Exceptionally, pupils with mobility issues, may be dropped off in the school car park. For all others, please drop off in adjacent quieter streets.

 

My quote for the week: ‘Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today’. (Malcolm X)

 

Best wishes to all for a restful and safe weekend.

 

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher