Thursday 17 December 2015

E-Newsletter for Friday, 18 December 2015

No Assemblies next week.

 

Christmas Service
The Chaplains would like to invite pupils and staff to join them for a Christian celebration of Christmas on Tuesday, 22 December 2015, in the drama studio.  This is an optional service and any pupils wishing to attend must give their names to Group Tutors no later than end of Registration on Tuesday, 22 December.  Lists of those attending will be circulated to staff in advance of the service and only pupils who are on the list will be allowed to attend.
Ms Sinclair    

 

Ball Deposit
A reminder to all S5/6 pupils that the ball deposit of £20 is due today! Anyone who is unable to pay today please see Mr Gregor or Miss Greig. 
Mr Gregor

 

Career Ready
All pupils involved with the programme should meet with Mr Gregor Period 3 today in the
PE Department. 
Mr Gregor



Christmas Challenges
Please hand all these in to Guidance at the end of registration today and send the ‘Selfies with Elfies’ to Mr Whyte.

Thanks to those who have already submitted entries – good ones from L10 and T4. Ms Pretswell



Attendance Christmas Tree
There are still 5 Amber baubles (90-95%) and one Red bauble (below 90%) on the tree.  S3 are in the RED!

Well done to S2 and S5 who improved their attendance figures this week.  S1 and S4 stayed the same.  Disappointingly S3 and S6 went down.

S1 and S6 are fighting to be the stars at the top of the tree by the end of term. They are both on 92.9%.

Make sure you are in school Monday and Tuesday of next week and let’s aim for 100% attendance on Thursday 7 January for the start of the new term.

Remember from 11 January you will earn a House Point for every day that you are in school on time!

Have a fantastic holiday everyone!
Ms Pretswell



Information - Last Day of Term Arrangements - Tuesday 22nd December

08.30 - 08.40 registration (as normal)

Period 1 08.40 – 09.40

Period 2 09.40 – 10.30

Interval 10.30 - 10.45

Period 3 - 10.45 - Pupils will be called to the hall in year groups – to be seated for 11am

Christmas Show – 11.00am – 12 noon.

It is a Dress Down Day.  “Wiggle it” wear a wig and Christmas jumper to school.   

Please can everyone bring £1.00 as we will be raising money to help buy real hair wigs for young Cancer patients. 

School finishes at 12 noon.
Mr Hunter

 

S5 & S6 Pupils
INC is a charity partnership currently recruiting Playworkers and Volunteers across 4 venues in Edinburgh during the school holidays in February (15th -19th February 2016), supporting children and young people with disabilities to participate in a range of fun holiday activities & outings.

They are looking for responsible, energetic and enthusiastic individuals who can easily relate to children and young people and have the right attitude and values along with communication skills, patience, reliability, commitment, and a sense of fun. Full training will be provided.

This is a perfect opportunity to learn new skills and gain invaluable experience in the field of childcare, youth work and support work along with developing your leadership and interpersonal skills.

Paid positions (£6.70–£8.00 + annual leave) are available for those with the required skills and attitude. However, this is not required for those seeking voluntary positions. Please note that the minimum age for volunteers is 16.

A full job description, person specification and application form is available from their website www.actiongroup.org.uk or see Mrs O’Connell in Guidance for further details.
Mrs O’Connell

 

Polar Academy
Three of our students are taking part in the Polar Academy and are going through some grilling training to be ready for the expedition in March 2016.

They are raising money for the expedition and will be organising a series of events around the school and the community.

Iona Somerville and her mum Irene Wilson have created a Justgiving page to help raise the funds.  If you wish to donate and help our students reach their fundraising target please go to Iona's page using key words "Irene Wilson polar academy".

To know more about this fantastic opportunity and help it happen please visit the polar academy website at www.thepolaracademy.org
Mr Cardiet and Mr Rafferty  



School Immunisation Programme
Immunisation helps protect our communities from a wide range of illnesses.  Thanks to immunisation, diseases such as polio have disappeared in the UK. However, these diseases could come back as they are still seen in many countries throughout the world - which is why it’s so important to get your jabs.

The NHS Lothian school nurse team carry out an annual immunisation programme.  The vaccinations will be given in spring term 2016.  Consent packs are being issued now.  Please discuss the consent pack at home and return it to school by Friday, 11 December 2015.

The teenage booster to ensure protection from tetanus, diphtheria and polio will be offered to pupils in S3.  This completes the programme, begun in infancy, to give life-long protection.

In addition this year all S3 – S6 pupils are recommended a meningitis vaccine (ACWY).  This is to protect against the W strain of meningitis which is on the increase across the UK.
Mr McKenzie

Friday 11 December 2015

E-Newsletter for Friday, 11 December 2015


Assemblies for Next Week

Order of Assembly:

Tuesday - Skye

Wednesday – Lewis

Thursday – Tiree

 

GHS Christmas Concert
A massive thanks to all of the performers at last night's GHS Christmas Concert.  All of you were a credit to the school and you performed to such a high standard so WELL DONE from all of the music staff.
Music Department

 

Ogwini February 2017
Our school has a partnership with Ogwini High School in Durban, South Africa.  Every two years we run a trip for Senior pupils to visit the school and experience education in South Africa. 

The trip will run from Thursday 9 February – Sunday 19 February 2017.   This is open to all present S4 and S5 pupils. 

Mrs Brown and Miss Kennedy are holding an information event after school on Wednesday 16 December 2015 from 3.30pm.  You will be able to speak with pupils who have gone on the trip this year and ask any questions.  All S4 and S5 pupils are welcome – see you there!
Miss Kennedy

 

Gracemount Ogwini Team Meeting
There will be a meeting of the Gracemount Ogwini Team on Tuesday 15th December at Lunchtime in the Library.

All pupils welcome, old and new.
Mrs Brown & The Ogwini Team

 

Gracemount Gymnastics Team
Good luck to the gymnastic teams representing Gracemount at the Lothian Championships. For some this is their very first competition so we want them to do their best and enjoy the experience. 
Mrs Edwards/Miss Thomson

 

S5 & S6 Pupils
INC is a charity partnership currently recruiting Playworkers and Volunteers across 4 venues in Edinburgh during the school holidays in February (15th -19th February 2016), supporting children and young people with disabilities to participate in a range of fun holiday activities & outings.

They are looking for responsible, energetic and enthusiastic individuals who can easily relate to children and young people and have the right attitude and values along with communication skills, patience, reliability, commitment, and a sense of fun. Full training will be provided.

This is a perfect opportunity to learn new skills and gain invaluable experience in the field of childcare, youth work and support work along with developing your leadership and interpersonal skills.

Paid positions (£6.70–£8.00 + annual leave) are available for those with the required skills and attitude. However, this is not required for those seeking voluntary positions. Please note that the minimum age for volunteers is 16.

A full job description, person specification and application form is available from their website www.actiongroup.org.uk or see Mrs O’Connell in Guidance for further details.
Mrs O’Connell

 

EE2’s for German Market
All German pupils going to the German Market on Thursday 17th Dec must bring their EE2 to Mrs Towers by Tuesday 15th December so I can finalise arrangements.

Danke!
Mrs Towers

 

Polar Academy
Three of our students are taking part in the Polar Academy and are going through some grilling training to be ready for the expedition in March 2016.

They are raising money for the expedition and will be organising a series of events around the school and the community.

Iona Somerville and her mum Irene Wilson have created a Justgiving page to help raise the funds.  If you wish to donate and help our students reach their fundraising target please go to Iona's page using key words "Irene Wilson polar academy".

To know more about this fantastic opportunity and help it happen please visit the polar academy website at www.thepolaracademy.org
Mr Cardiet and Mr Rafferty  



Summer Ball
A reminder for S5 and S6 pupils that Summer Ball contracts can be collected from the PE Base.  This should be returned along with a £20 deposit by Friday 18th December.
Mr Gregor

 
Dance-a-thon
Gracemount Dance academy are holding a Sponsored Christmas Dance-a-thon to raise money for dance and for the polar academy.  £5 to entry fee.  It will held on the Friday 18th December 1-3pm. Sign-up sheets in the PE department. All welcome.
Ms Wilson

 

School Immunisation Programme
Immunisation helps protect our communities from a wide range of illnesses.  Thanks to immunisation, diseases such as polio have disappeared in the UK. However, these diseases could come back as they are still seen in many countries throughout the world - which is why it’s so important to get your jabs.

 The NHS Lothian school nurse team carry out an annual immunisation programme.  The vaccinations will be given in spring term 2016.  Consent packs are being issued now.  Please discuss the consent pack at home and return it to school by Friday, 11 December 2015.

The teenage booster to ensure protection from tetanus, diphtheria and polio will be offered to pupils in S3.  This completes the programme, begun in infancy, to give life-long protection.

In addition this year all S3 – S6 pupils are recommended a meningitis vaccine (ACWY).  This is to protect against the W strain of meningitis which is on the increase across the UK.
Mr McKenzie

 

Information - Last Day of Term Arrangements - Tuesday 22nd December
08.30 - 08.40 registration (as normal)

Period 1 08.40 – 09.40

Period 2 09.40 – 10.30

Interval 10.30 - 10.45

Period 3 - 10.45 - Pupils will be called to the hall in year groups – to be seated for 11am

Christmas Show – 11.00am – 12 noon.

School finishes at 12 noon
Mr Hunter



End of Term Challenges
During registration time next week you will be given various challenges to complete.  Instructions will be in tutor group pigeonholes on Monday.

Look out for them and please get involved.  You have to be in it to win it – house points up for grabs!
Ms Pretswell
(come on Skye!!!! Ho Ho Ho!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday 3 December 2015

E-Newsletter for Friday, 4 December 2015


Assemblies for Next Week
Order of Assembly: 
Tuesday - Skye
Wednesday – Lewis
Thursday – Tiree
 
 
 
Children and Families Christmas Card Competition
Congratulations to Stephanie Davies in S1 as she has won the Children and Families Christmas Card Competition. This will now be shown on digital bus shelters in Princess Street from today and will also be shown in bus and train stations across the UK over the festive period.
 
Well done Stephanie!
Mr Hunter
 
 
 
 
S3 Art Exhibition
The S3 Art Exhibition will take place on Friday 4th December, period 4 and after school, in Art 2. All pupils andteachers welcome.  Refreshments will be provided.
Miss Grisdale
 
 
Half Price Book Fair
A reminder that there will a Scholastic Half-Price Book Fair this week.  Head to the Library for some pre-Christmas bargains.
Mrs Brown
 
 
Christmas Concert on Thursday, 10 December 2015
Our annual Christmas concert is on Thursday 10th December at 7pm in the school Hall.
Tickets will be on sale from Monday 23rd November from Ms Kerr.
Adults £4 children (concessions) £2.  Family ticket £12.
Ms Kerr
 
 
Senior Pupils involved in MVP
All senior pupils involved in MVP to come and see Ms Davies before their session next week.
Ms Davies
 
 
LEAPS – S6 CONFERENCE
On Friday 11 December from 9.30-12.30 LEAPS will be holding their annual S6 Conference for LEAPS eligiblestudents who are aiming for university or college next year or beyond. The Conference will be held at Appleton Tower, University of Edinburgh central campus, and they are providing free coach travel to and from the Conference from a number of locations outside Edinburgh.
All LEAPS eligible students who have received a Pre-Application Interview have been sent an email invitation to the event and they hope to see you there on day.
For further info, and to register, please visit www.leapsonline.org/s6conference.html
Mrs O’Connell
 
 
Polar Academy
Three of our students are taking part in the Polar Academy and are going through some grilling training to be ready for the expedition in March 2016.
 
They are raising money for the expedition and will be organising a series of events around the school and the community.
Iona Somerville and her mum Irene Wilson have created a Justgiving page to help raise the funds.  If you wish to donate and help our students reach their fundraising target please go to Iona's page using key words "Irene Wilson polar academy".
 
To know more about this fantastic opportunity and help it happen please visit the polar academy website at www.thepolaracademy.org
Mr Cardiet and Mr Rafferty  

 
Summer Ball
A reminder for S5 and S6 pupils that Summer Ball contracts can be collected from the PE Base.  This should be returned along with a £20 deposit by Friday 18th December.
Mr Gregor
 

 
Dance-a-thon
Gracemount Dance academy are holding a Sponsored Christmas Dance-a-thon to raise money for dance and for the polar academy.  £5 to entry fee.  It will held on the Friday 18th December 1-3pm. Sign-up sheets in the PE department. All welcome.
Ms Wilson
 
 
 
School Immunisation Programme
Immunisation helps protect our communities from a wide range of illnesses.  Thanks to immunisation, diseases such as polio have disappeared in the UK. However, these diseases could come back as they are still seen in many countries throughout the world - which is why it’s so important to get your jabs.
The NHS Lothian school nurse team carry out an annual immunisation programme.  The vaccinations will be given in spring term 2016.  Consent packs are being issued now.  Please discuss the consent pack at home and return it to school by Friday, 11 December 2015.
The teenage booster to ensure protection from tetanus, diphtheria and polio will be offered to pupils in S3.  This completes the programme, begun in infancy, to give life-long protection.
In addition this year all S3 – S6 pupils are recommended a meningitis vaccine (ACWY).  This is to protect against the W strain of meningitis which is on the increase across the UK.
Mr McKenzie