1.
I’d
like to thank all who have contributed to the smooth running of this year’s
Prelims. Particular thanks to Mr Shankland (DHT) and Mr Hurd (Chief
Invigilator) for their hard work and coordinated efforts. Best wishes to pupils
as they will begin to receive their marks in the next few days.
2.
Planning
is now well underway for the Alternative Timetable programme scheduled for 22
and 23 May 2019. All staff and S1, 2 and 3 pupils are expected to be taking
part.
3.
I
am pleased to say that a number of general repairs round the campus have now
been completed. We encourage all on our campus to immediately notify our
janitors if they become aware of any building defects requiring attention.
4.
Well
done to both the senior boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams who, on
Thursday 24 January made it through to the play offs in the top groups of their
sections. Unfortunately the girls lost to Queensferry and Belmont to lose out
on a chance to make it to the national finals day. Our boys have made it to the
National Finals where they will take on Queensferry again in a 3 set final.
This will take place on the 12th of April in the Pleasance. This would be
a great opportunity to get parents pupils and staff along to support!
The
pupils representing us were:
a) Adam Paton
b) Chris Sankey
c) Hector Friend
d) Coran Beveridge
e) Cameron Hook
f) William Petrie
g) Robert Wright
h) Millie Stobie Platts
i)
Katie
Hayley
j)
Ava
McConville
k) Freya Clarkson
l)
Grace
Helfer and
m) Sophie Boyle
5.
Well
done to Hannah Treagus in S2 who recently, on her own initiative, raised £120
for ‘Riding for the Disabled’ by running a bake sale.
6. Our JGHS
PC would like to thank you for your support of our Festive Fundraiser.
This year, through your generous donations, we have raised £1930.
These funds will go towards supporting our pupils and our school such as
providing resources for: the STEM club; school sports clubs and teams; the book
club and the nurture group. Your help is much appreciated and all donations are
very welcome via ParentPay. Many thanks.
7. On Thursday there was an S1
Assembly during period 6 to share important information regarding this year’s
S1 Residential.
8. Ski excursion 2020 Building on the success of the annual
JGHS ski excursion, a note of interest letter will soon be emailed to all
parents with pupils presently in years S1-S3. The resort will be Les
Menuires in France or Sestriere in Italy. Letters with all the excursion
details can also be collected from the Design, Engineering and Technology staff
base or speak to Mr Digance in the same department. It is important to
judge the interest very early for the tour operator, we request that notes of
interest be provided by 12.00 on Friday 8 February 2019. I take this
opportunity of thanking all the staff (Mr Digance, Ms Dickinson, Mr Carstairs,
Mr Smith, Ms Hohs and Ms Fallon) for their involvement in our annual Ski Trip a
couple of weeks ago and making it such a memorable excursion for the 60 pupils
who took part.
9.
We are staging a Gaelic Concert on Thursday 31 January 7-9pm in
the JGHS Theatre. This is a fundraiser for the Cancer Ward at the Edinburgh
Sick Kid’s Hospital. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/oidhche-oigridh-ceolcraic-is-caise-tickets-53541424843?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
10.
We are seeking input from our parents and friends of JGHS towards
preparing all of our pupils for the world of work. The attached document gives
more details of how you can register interest.
11.
I
would encourage all recipients of this email to contribute views on our revised
school values. The survey, which takes less than a minute to complete, can be
accessed via
12.
I
would request that parents/carers and staff email me any positive stories for
inclusion in my Friday Update. Please note that this is not restricted to
sporting or academic success. I’m keen to highlight and share all successes.
And
finally I wish all a lovely weekend. If you are celebrating Burns day today, do
note that the fastest haggis are generally the tastiest.
Donald j
Macdonald
Headteacher
