Friday 11 June

 During this past week, I have been immensely proud to see many of our pupils and staff displaying rainbow colours to mark ‘Pride’ month. Pride events are rooted in the arduous history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are. The JGHS community is diverse and inclusive.  Prejudice or discrimination has no place at JGHS. Please continue to work with us to ensure all of our young people understand what being inclusive means in an increasingly diverse and enriched society.

 

 The final Parent Council meeting of 2020/21 was held on 8 June and dealt with SQA assessments, the new timetable, and arrangements for Active Schools after the summer.  A recording of the meeting and the presentations are now available on the PC website https://jghspc.wordpress.com/

1. Last week, some of our S2 students worked with a local artist, Brittonie Fletcher, to start creating our final piece for our STEAM (Sciences, Technologies, Engineering, Arts and Maths) project working with Oulu in Finland. Our first workshops focussed on photographic techniques with Brittonie using common household materials and a soil chromatography workshop using one of our Physics rooms as a darkroom with Mrs Oram and Mrs Stewart. This week we are working with Brittonie to create cyanotypes using recycled materials from our local environment. Look out for updates and our final pieces on display.
2. Two message this week from PC Fowler.
1. There is an upcoming GetSafe Online campaign. This includes webinars on the following dates 17th, 24th and 30th of June 2021. https://www.getsafeonline.org/gaming4good/
2. We have a film that was produced last year by local students who wanted to reach out to other young people to think twice before making a decision about becoming involved in the theft or criminal use of motorbikes. https://vimeo.com/359020419
3. Pupil timetables for the new academic session will be shared with pupils on Monday in advance of the new timetable starting at 0840 on Tuesday 15 June.
1. Monday 14th June

                                                               i.      Period 1 to 3 - pupils follow current timetable

                                                             ii.      Period 4 – pupils attend at their Key Adult classroom/space where Key Adults will distribute new timetables

                                                           iii.      Period 5 & 6 – pupils follow current timetable

2. Tuesday 15th June

                                                               i.      Pupils commence new timetable from Period 1

5. In response to queries from pupils relating to the European Football Championships starting this weekend,  I have agreed to teacher discretion to viewing matches when these take place during school hours. Covid 19- mitigations must remain in place to minimise risks of transmission. Very best wishes to all the nations taking part and here’s hoping for a festival of sport that all can enjoy.
6. If you happen to have an unused guitar (or a keyboard) that is looking for a new home,  our support for learning department would gladly receive your kind musical contribution and find a new home for your instrument with one of our SFL pupils. Please drop any such instruments off at reception. Many thanks in advance.
7. Please ensure that you ‘phone or email the school if your child is absent from school.  When absences are planned, please give us as much notice and detail as possible so that we can maintain accurate records. The school will be supportive and understanding of the additional pressures being faced by families during this time.
8. Well done to:
1. Zhana Fritsch (S6) who won the Talent & Creativity Category for her Frank Gehry inspired painted relief panel at Wednesday night's Paolozzi Art Prize 2021 and Cerys Scott Hobbs (S6) won the Spirit of Paolozzi Category with her dynamic fashion headpiece. Aiden Ross (S6) was a nominee for the New Directions Category with an animation. 
2. Minnie Peacock (S6) and Malena Allen-Bernad (S6) who completed a joint project for their Science Baccalaureate looking at the effect of lockdown on mental health. Their findings can be read on the following website: http://lockdown--mental-right8.webnode.com/
3. Davie (S4) and Calum Murray who are enjoying great success representing Aberdour in Shinty.  More information about Shinty can be found at:.  https://matches.shinty.com/mowi-south-leagues-2021/
4. Iona Patrick (S4) had a very successful national (rowing) regatta in Nottingham last weekend. Iona won silver in the U16 girls 200m sprint kayak race and was placed 6th in the 500m final
9. The June Maths Circle (University of Edinburgh)  will take place on:
1. Tuesday 22nd June from 5:30pm to 6:30pm (slot for 7-11 years old)
2. Wednesday 23rd June from 5:30pm to 6:30pm (slot for 11-14 years old)
3. Booking details to follow.
10. School will finish at midday on Friday 25 June.

 

 

My quote of the week: ‘We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams. (Jimmy Carter) 

 

Wishing all a lovely weekend.

Donald