Friday 24 February 2017

E-Newsletter for Monday, 27 February 2017


No Assemblies next week.

 
Values Focus Week
This week we will be focusing on Tolerance and Fairness – “We promote equality, celebrate diversity and value our differences.  We ensure that everyone is treated equally”.
Mr Hunter

 
Formal Assessments for S4-S6 Pupils
Formal Assessments will take place on Monday, 27 February until Friday, 3 March for all S4-S6 pupils. 
Mr Hunter

 
Rights Respecting School Award Pupil Meeting:
All House Captains and Vice Captains should attend a Rights Respecting School Award Meeting on Wednesday at lunchtime in Mr Reid’s room. If any other pupils would like to attend feel free to come along.
Mr Whale

 
Watersports Trip
This is a reminder for any pupils who are interested in the Watersports trip to Spain to come and collect a letter from Miss Davies or Mr Gregor.
Ms Davies/Mr Gregor


National Museum of Scotland Event
Free event for pupils interested in STEM at the National Museum of Scotland on Saturday 4th March.

Careers Hive is an immersive careers event designed to give high school students a new way to think about their futures. It highlights the opportunities available to those who study STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).

This free open day will give young people, their family and friends the chance to get involved, meet volunteers from STEM companies, explore interactive activities and get hands on with specialist equipment. There is also the opportunity to hear from inspiring STEM professionals across a range of industries as they talk about the different routes they took to get to where they are today.

Ask in Science for more details.
Mr Wallis



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 2017.  Consent packs are being issued now.  Please discuss the consent pack at home and return the completed and signed consent form to school as soon as you can.

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. Any pupils in S4 – S6 who have not yet received this vaccination will also be offered this.

In addition, all S3 pupils are recommended a meningitis vaccine (ACWY).  This protects against several strains including the W strain of meningitis which is on the increase across the UK. Any pupils in S4 – S6 who have not yet received this vaccination will also be offered this.
Mr Mackenzie

 

S5/S6 Pupils

·        Would you like to find out what University life is like?  Applications for the Sutton Trust UK Summer Schools 2017 are now open.

·        At the University of Edinburgh summer school students will be given the chance to explore what University life is really like.  You will have the opportunity to attend academic lectures, live in halls of residence, make friends from across the UK and receive high-quality advice on how to navigate the UCAS application process.

·        All costs including travel, accommodation, food and activities are covered by the Trust and our partners, which means it is completely free of charge for your students to attend.

·        All the information for applicants are available on:


·        Applications will close at 5pm on Thursday 2 March 2017.

See Mrs O’Connell for further details
Mrs O’Connell

 
S4 & S5 Pupils
Do you have interest in a career in Law?  Are you the first generation in your family to think about attending University?  If you have answered yes to both questions a Royal Bank of Scotland work experience week would be ideal for you!

For one week, the legal team at RBS are offering pupils the opportunity to experience life as a lawyer. Throughout the week pupils will get the opportunity to participate in lots of interactive workshops and experiences.  They will sit in on a real live court case, take part in a mock trial, take part in exercises to help increase presentation skills, public speaking, confidence and team-working, spend an afternoon in a large central Edinburgh law firm, and find out about career paths and routes into the profession.

When and where is it?

Monday 19 June to Friday 23 June 2017 - It is in term time, so permission to attend will be required from the school as well as a parent / guardian.

Location – RBS Gogarburn office (by the airport). Travel costs will be reimbursed and lunch provided daily.  Students will be required to make their own way to and from the venue.

See Mrs O’Connell if you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity.
Mrs O’Connell

 
The Health Opportunities Team Gilmeron Health Drop In
The Health Opportunities Team Gilmerton health Drop-in is on every Wednesday evening between 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Gilmerton Community Centre. The Drop in is a free and confidential service, where young people aged 12-25 can access advice, support and information on all health issues, including sexual health.  Pop in to say hi, join in the activities or stay to get some 1 to 1 advice – it’s your choice.
Eilidh MacIver, Project Worker


S6 Pupils
LEAPS Summer School

For LEAPS-eligible students who are holding one or more UCAS offers and would like to strengthen their chances of university entry and experience university study.

Key Dates:

Summer School will run from Friday 2 June – Friday 21 July 2017 at various locations throughout Edinburgh.

Deadline for registering interest: 5pm Friday 17 March 2017

(Registering interest form open online now – students who register interest will be contacted when applications open online in mid-March.)

Deadline for completed applications: 5pm Friday 31 March 2017

(Full application form will open online in mid-March.)
www.leapsonline.org/summer-school

 
Careers Advisor

The Careers Adviser Kay Hannah will be available in the school library at lunch-time on Tuesdays - no appointment necessary. Kay can support you:

·         To work out which career is a good match for you

·         Support you with College and University applications

·         Support you to develop a high-quality CV, job applications and interview skills

Kay Hannah


Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers
The PE department are collecting Active Kids Vouchers again this year.  Please encourage parents/carers to take these when offered if they shop at Sainsbury’s.  Vouchers can be handed to your registration or PE teacher.
Mr Gregor

 
Breakfast Club
Breakfast club is now up and running every day, fuel your learning - come along to HFT fabric room from 8am. 
Mr Gregor

 
Medical Forms to be returned to Mrs Fraser
This is a reminder that any pupils still to hand in their Asthma Consent forms (and/or any Medication to be Replenished forms) should submit them to Mrs Fraser ASAP.
Mrs Fraser