Friday 11 January 2019

Firstly, a very happy 2019 to everyone. I hope all had a restful and rejuvenating break and are now raring to get stuck into what will be another busy and productive year.

1.       This week we welcomed several new staff:

a.       Ms Tania Peters (Pupil Support Leader for Spylaw)

b.       Miss Ruth Cox (Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts)

c.       Mr Alasdair Alexander (Teacher of Biology and Sciences)

d.       Miss Julie Francis (Languages Faculty - started in last week of last term)

2.       Congratulations to Mrs Tania Galvez Castells (Languages Faculty) who had a baby boy (Phoenix) during the holidays. All reported to be doing well!

3.       Congratulations to Mr Brandon Cannady who has been appointed to a new pupil support officer role. This role has been created to give additional targeted support to youngsters who need a bit of extra TLC to fully realise their potential.

4.       Prelim exams start on Monday 14 January for pupils in S4, 5 and 6. Very best wishes to all!

5.       Our annual Ski Trip (S1,2 and 3)  is currently taking place in Alpe D’ Huez, France. 66 staff and pupils are involved.

6.       On Tuesday evening we are holding a curriculum planning meeting for parents of pupils who are currently in P7 at Bun Sgoil Taobh na Pairce.

7.       There will be a 'Pub quiz' at Craigmillar Golf Club on the evening (7-9 Pm) of Thursday 17 January to raise funds for bringing South African learners across to JGHS in June. Tickets will be available at the door in the evening.

8.       S2 parents’ evenings are taking place this week; 22 January (non-practical subjects) and 24 January (practical subjects).

I wish all a lovely weekend.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Senior Pupil who speaks 11 languages!

Friday 21 December 2018

1.       Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this week’s 2018 Christmas concert. It was a resounding success and testament to the efforts of so many.

2.       Many thanks from the JGHS Parent Council for all your generous donations to our school’s festive fundraising drive.   It’s not too late to give via Parent Pay.  Already with your help we have raised £1,800 to support our students.  All the projects we are able to fund are listed on our website at: http://jghscouncil.btck.co.uk/ .  Thank you for all your support.

3.       It was a pleasure to pick up on the theme of kindness at today’s closing assemblies for S1, S2 and S3. The JGHS community has done us proud over the past year in supporting so many worthy causes.

4.       As 2018 draws to a close, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all pupils, staff, carers, parents and friends for all that you have contributed to making JGHS the wonderful school that is. I wish you all the best for the festive season and may 2019 bring you the best of health, success and happiness.

We look forward to welcoming pupils back to school on the morning of Wednesday 9 January 2019.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher

Friday 14 December

1. Many thanks to those who supported the Cheese and Wine fundraiser last weekend; £1020 was raised, Funds raised will be used to bring students across to Edinburgh in June 2019
2. We continue to encourage pupils and staff to walk, run or cycle to school. I am delighted to observe that most cyclists are now using strong ‘D’ locks.
3. Well done to our Logo Team who finished third overall in the robot games competition, and won the award for the best research project/presentation in last week’s schools’ competition.
4. Best wishes to pupils in our rearranged tennis match against George Watson’s College in the Scottish Cup on Tuesday 18 December. The pupils involved are -
1. Robbie Galloway S5
2. William Belkebir S5
3. John Dabos-Doukas S5
4. Sean Gallacher S3
5. Congratulations to:
1. Mollaidh Nicholson (S3) who has been selected by East Lothian to compete in USA in February 2019. This trip will involve practice rounds at the world renowned Pinehurst Gold Course.
2. Fergus Jajdelski, is in S3. He just won a place as Principal second violin in the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (junior) for 2019.
3. Liam McLaughlin (S5) who won an incredible 5 Junior Champion gold medals for 100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m freestyle and for the relay 4x100m freestyleat the Scottish National Short Course Championships.
6. Sincere thanks to all who have contributed to our Christmas appeal for Children First. The coordinator, Mrs Fallon, describes the response as overwhelming!
7. A reminder that the Christmas Concert is on the evening of Tuesday 18 December at 7 Pm. Tickets are available from the Usher Hall Box Office.
8. This term will finish at midday on Friday 21 December; Pupils resume on Wednesday 9 January 2019.
9. Staffing:
1. Congratulations to Mrs Emma Sturm who was appointed to the vacancy in the English department.
2. Mr Robin Andrews who was appointed to the vacancy on the Support for Learning Department
3. We look forward to Ms Julie Francis starting in our Modern Languages Faculty on Monday 17 December.
4. Welcome to Mr Seonaidh Charity who started with us as Head of Gaelic on Wednesday 12 December.

And finally, a safe weekend to you all as wintry snow showers are forecast over the weekend.

Donald j Macdonald

Headteacher