Friday 30 September 2016

E-Newsletter for Friday, 30 September 2016


Assemblies for Next Week
Order of Assembly:

Tuesday - Lewis

Wednesday – Skye

Thursday – Tiree



Attendance
You will hopefully have noticed that the attendance figures for each year group are on display on the Drama Studio doors.   Well done to S1 who are in the Green Zone (over 95%).   Unfortunately all 6 year groups have dropped during September and we have 2 year groups in the Red Zone (below 90%).   Come on S3 and S6.  What’s happening to you?  Low attendance figures mean that many of you are missing out on valuable learning time.
Could everyone please make a huge effort to get Gracemount into the Green Zone for all year groups.
Come on – you know you can do it!!
Ms Pretswell
 
 

S6 Pupils

Young Driver Roadshow
All S6 pupils have been invited to attend the Young Driver Roadshow at the Corn Exchange on Tuesday 4thOctober, P4-P6. You should have been given an EE2 form from your Guidance teacher and this was due in today. If you have not got a form, please collect one today and all EE2’s should be returned to the Guidance office by Monday at the latest.

Pupils will be given an early lunch at the start of P4 and we will leave school at 12.30pm.
The Guidance Team



MVP EE2 Forms
All MVP EE2 forms to be returned to Miss Davies by Monday at the latest before training on Tuesday.
Ms Davies


 
Expressive Arts Show
Anyone interested in auditioning for the Expressive Arts Show please see Tia Wallbanks or Miss Grisdale before the October Holiday.
Miss Grisdale



Literacy Skills Week
Just to let everyone know that the second Literacy Skills Week will be running the week of the 3rd October, during S1 time in the English Faculty.  The focus will not be on 'English' but 'Literacy' skills which the pupils can use across the curriculum.

The second week will be focusing on Type, Audience and Purpose. 
Mrs Gordon


 
Art Department Guest Speaker
On Tuesday, 11 October, period 5, a guest speaker will be visiting the art department.  Anyone interested in a career in fashion and textile design this would be a great opportunity to learn about University courses and see some example work.  Please see Miss Grisdale if you are interested in attending.
Miss Grisdale



Annual Data Forms
For any pupils who have not handed in their Annual Data Forms to the school office please hand them in ASAP.
Office Team



Fitness after School
There will be a fitness group starting next week on Tuesdays after school in the fitness room/games hall for S3-6. It will include a mixture of weight training, pilates, boxing, cardio and circuits. For any more information please speak to Miss Cox.
Miss Cox



 
Thai Boxing Club
The Thai Boxing club has started and will run every Thursday after school in the small gym hall. If you would like any more information please speak to Mr Whale.
Mr Whale


 
Gymnastic Club
Gymnastic after school class has restarted, still not too late to join us in the small gym from 3.30 to 5pm.  All welcome, no talent necessary just lots of enthusiasm and willingness to work hard. 
Mrs Edwards & Ms McDonald



Tales of Polar Expedition at Dynamic Earth
Join us for a family-friendly evening of exciting tales of Polar Exploration. Explorer-in-Residence for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, Craig Mathieson will share stories of his adventures in these amazing regions and tell us about the Polar Academy, where young people are given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in an Artic Expedition. The 2016 team, who were all selected from schools in Edinburgh, will also be here to give us their own take on this unique experience, from selection and training, to the highs and lows of the expedition itself.

Monday, 10thOctober 6pm – 7.30 pm

Tickets are free and are allocated on a first come first serve basis.

To reserve your place please contact
enquiries@dynamicearth.co.uk or call 0131 523 1273







 

 

Friday 23 September 2016

E-Newsletter for Friday, 23 September 2016


Assemblies for Next Week

Order of Assembly:

Monday - Lewis

Wednesday – Skye

Thursday – Tiree
 
 
For S3 –S5 Health and Food Technology - Futurechef Competition
Are you interested in a career in the catering industry?
Do you love to cook?
Are you creative in the kitchen?
Futurechef is for you
Come along to a short meeting in the HFT fabric room today at break if you are interested.
Mrs Langley



International Languages Week
Next week is International Languages Week where our Chinese teacher Ms Zhou will be holding our House Assemblies about China.

Please give her the usual warm Gracemount welcome and be sure to say hello to her in the corridors.

There will also be a Chinese option available on school lunch menu next week.
Mrs Towers
Miss Davies
Mr Meyer


Woodwind Lessons
Mr Lamb is covering woodwind lessons for Mrs Cunningham. Can all woodwind students please check the timetable for their lesson time.
Mrs Hirst



Instrument Tuition
There are still spaces available for instrument tuition in Brass, Piano/Keyboard, Vocals, Guitar and Percussion, you do not need your own instrument the school can provide this.  Any students who are interested in lessons need to see Mrs Hirst at break time. 
Mrs Hirst

 

Scottish Chamber Orchestra Trip
All S3 and Senior phase Music students are attending a performance by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra on the afternoon of Wednesday, 28 September.  Students need to bring money/pass/tokens for the bus. The concert finishes at approx. 3:15 so students will be home a little later than usual.
Mrs Hirst



S1 Parents Evening - Tuesday 27 September 4.30 – 6.30pm
To all S1 pupils - Please encourage Parents/Carers to come along on Tuesday and hear how you are progressing. We are trialling a new on line booking system but if your folks haven’t managed this please just get them to come along and meet your teachers.
Ms Sinclair
 

Young Sport AmbassadorsAny S4 or S5 pupils who would like to be or find out more about become a Sport Ambassador this year should see Mr Kidd in the PE department ASAP.
Mr Kidd



Art Department Guest Speaker
On Tuesday, 11 October, period 5, a guest speaker will be visiting the art department.  Anyone interested in a career in fashion and textile design this would be a great opportunity to learn about University courses and see some example work.  Please see Miss Grisdale if you are interested in attending.
Miss Grisdale



Thai Boxing Club
The Thai Boxing club has started and will run every Thursday after school in the small gym hall. If you would like any more information please speak to Mr Whale.
Mr Whale

 
 
Gymnastic club
Gymnastic after school class has restarted, still not too late to join us in the small gym from 3.30 to 5pm.  All welcome, no talent necessary just lots of enthusiasm and willingness to work hard. 
Mrs Edwards & Ms McDonald


 
Expressive Arts Show
This year’s Expressive Arts Show will be taking place in February 2017!  Anyone with a talent in dance, music or drama please sign up to audition before the October break.  Please See Ms Grisdale or Mrs Shannon.
Ms Grisdale


 
Tales of Polar Expedition at Dynamic Earth
Join us for a family-friendly evening of exciting tales of Polar Exploration. Explorer-in-Residence for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, Craig Mathieson will share stories of his adventures in these amazing regions and tell us about the Polar Academy, where young people are given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in an Artic Expedition. The 2016 team, who were all selected from schools in Edinburgh, will also be here to give us their own take on this unique experience, from selection and training, to the highs and lows of the expedition itself.

Monday, 10th October 6pm – 7.30 pm

Tickets are free and are allocated on a first come first serve basis
 
To reserve your place please contact
 
enquiries@dynamicearth.co.uk or call 0131 523 1273




 

 


 


 

Friday 16 September 2016

E-Newsletter for Friday, 16 September 2016


No Assemblies next week.


 
Ogwini Visitors
A reminder that two pupils and two members of staff from Ogwini, our partner school in South Africa will be visiting us over the next two weeks.  They arrive on Wednesday, 21st September and they will be here until Thursday 29th September. 

Say hello if you see them around the school, they may even be attending one of your classes.

If anyone wants to help me during their visit, please let me know
Mrs Brown

 

S1 Guidance Interviews
All S1 pupils will be given a 5 minute ‘settling in Guidance interview’ next week.

You will receive an interview slip in your registration wallet, with a date and time to meet with your Guidance teacher. We are looking forward to meeting with you!
The Guidance Team



S4-S6 pupils

The Scottish Apprenticeship Show
Skills Development Scotland would like to invite any interested pupils to visit their first Scottish Apprenticeship Show where you will be given the opportunity to meet potential employers from over 80 different Modern Apprenticeships. 

 If you are considering an apprenticeship as a stepping stone to your future career and would like to come on this trip on Thursday 13th October, please give your name to Mrs O’Connell (or your Guidance teacher) no later than next Wednesday.
Mrs O’Connell



S5 & S6 Pupils
The University of Edinburgh are running a series of events for senior pupils who are interested becoming a:

Lawyer

Vet

Engineer

Architect

Biomedical Scientist

Social Worker

Primary Teacher

Nurse

For further details see the poster on the Common Room door or your Guidance Teacher.
Mrs O’Connell



Health and Food Technology
Please remember that pupil contributions for food are due in by Monday 19th of September.  Please see your HFT Teacher today if you need another letter.

After practical lessons food must be kept in the HFT Department and picked up at the end of the day or during lunch if you want to eat it.  Food spoilage and spillages have resulted in this rule being reinstated.
Mrs Langley

 
 
Fundraising Event on Friday, 23 September 2016
Gracemount High School and Gracemount Primary School are holding a joint fundraising event, organised by parents, on Friday 23 September from 7pm - late at Gilmerton Miners Club.  Tickets are £7.50 and can be purchased from the school office.  Raffle donations can be handed into the school office.
Office Team


 
Extra-Curricular Clubs

Senior Basketball

Training after school on a Friday 12.45-2.00pm in the games hall

Girls Basketball

Training after school on a Wednesday 3.30-4.30pm in the games hall 

S1 Football

Training after school on a Thursday 3.30-4.30pm on the Astro 

S3 Football

Training after school on a Friday 12.45-2.00pm on the Astro 
Mr Kidd


 
For all S3 and Senior Music Students
S3 and Senior Music students are going to see the SCO perform Prokofiev’s Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra on the 28th of September.

EE2 forms need to be handed in at the office ASAP.
Mrs Hirst



Prefect Photo
All prefects should now have received their personal photos. 

The prefect photo is in the school office window.  If you wish to order it please add to your personal orders.

Please could monies please be returned to the school office by Friday 23rd September – it must be either cheques or exact monies.  No change is given.
Classroom Assistants

      
 
Gymnastic club
Gymnastic after school class has restarted, still not too late to join us in the small gym from 3.30 to 5pm.  All welcome, no talent necessary just lots of enthusiasm and willingness to work hard. 
Mrs Edwards & Ms McDonald

 

Expressive Arts Show
This year’s Expressive Arts Show will be taking place in February 2017!  Anyone with a talent in dance, music or drama please sign up to audition before the October break.  Please See Mrs Shannon and Ms Grisdale for more details.
Ms Grisdale

 

 

 


 

Friday 9 September 2016

E-newsletter for Friday, 9 September 2016


Assemblies for Next Week

Order of Assembly:

Tuesday - Lewis

Wednesday – Skye

Thursday – Tiree



Prefects Meeting
There will be a meeting for all prefects during period 2 today.  Please register with your period 2 teacher then meet in social subjects room.
Ms Sinclair


Pupil Council
Could anyone who has not yet put their name forward for Pupil Council, and would like to, please remember to pass their name to Miss Flannigan by Monday morning.
Ms Flannigan

 
 
Literacy Week
Just to let everyone know that the first Literacy Week extravaganza will be running the week of the 12th September, during S1 time in the English Faculty.  The focus will not be on 'English' but 'Literacy' skills which the pupils can use across the curriculum.

The first week will be focusing on Listening and Talking skills. 
Mrs Gordon



For All New S1 Pupils
If any S1 pupils would like an audition for percussion/ drum kit lessons please see Mr Callaghan in Music room 1 on Thursday 15th September at morning interval.
Mr Callaghan


S1 Photograph Orders
Reminder for S1 Students - please note that photo orders must be handed into the office by Friday 16 September.  Exact monies or cheque to be placed in the envelopes – no change can be given.
Classroom Assistants



Prefect Photo
All prefects should now have received their personal photos. 

The prefect photo is in the school office window.  If you wish to order it please add to your personal orders.

Please could monies please be returned to the school office by Friday 23rd September – it must be either cheques or exact monies.  No change is given.
Classroom Assistants



Gymnastic club
Gymnastic after school class has restarted, still not too late to join us in the small gym from 3.30 to 5pm.  All welcome, no talent necessary just lots of enthusiasm and willingness to work hard. 
Mrs Edwards & Ms McDonald

 
 
Expressive Arts Show
This year’s Expressive Arts Show will be taking place in February 2017!  Anyone with a talent in dance, music or drama please sign up to audition before the October break.  Please See Tia Wallbanks or Hozan Temel to sign up now.
Ms Grisdale

 

 

 


               

Friday 2 September 2016

E-Newsletter for Friday, 2 September 2016

Assemblies for Next Week

Order of Assembly:

Tuesday - Lewis

Wednesday – Skye

Thursday – Tiree



S1 Photograph Orders
S1 Students - please note that photo orders must be handed into the office by Friday 16 September.  Exact money or cheque to be placed in the envelopes – no change can be given.



Senior Pupils

S6 UCAS Exhibition visit
All S6 pupils who generated a ticket in PSE last week for the UCAS Exhibition at the Corn Exchange on Tuesday 6 September should now have received an EE2.  Please hand these in on Monday, at the latest, to your Guidance Teacher.

On Tuesday, we will meet in the dining area at 9.20am and return to school at 12pm.

If you have any questions please see Mrs O’Connell as soon as possible.
Mrs O’Connell



The University of Edinburgh: UCAS Personal Statement Workshop
If you are thinking about applying to University this year, Edinburgh University is running a valuable UCAS Personal Statement Workshop on Friday 30 September, 2.00pm – 4.30pm.  To register for the event, which I think would be really worthwhile for you to attend, there is poster on the Common Room door with all the details or see Mrs O’Connell.
Mrs O’Connell



Lauren Gollan Academy of Make Up Artistry
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for any pupils who may be interested in a career in the Make Up industry.  The academy is having an open weekend this Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September.  The following will be on offer each day:

Make Up Demonstrations and Master Classes

Professional Course information

Make-Up Application Offers.

If you are interested in attending please see Mrs O’Connell for further details.
Mrs O’Connell



Gymnastic club
Gymnastic after school class will restart on Tuesday the 6 September in the small gym from 3.30 to 5pm.  All welcome, no talent necessary just lots of enthusiasm and willingness to work hard. 
Mrs Edwards & Ms McDonald

 

Expressive Arts Show 2017
Dance, Music, Drama, Fashion Show and much more.  Expressive Arts Show auditions coming soon.
Art Department