E-Newsletter for Friday, 28 October 2016

No assemblies next week

 

Outward Bound 2017 S1 Trip

Please bear in mind that today (Friday) is the £45 deposit payment deadline for the 2017 Outward Bound trip. If you would still like to go, but haven’t paid your deposit please see Mr Wyllie before leaving school today.
Mr Wyllie

 

Outward Bound 2016 Photo Display

A display of Outward Bound Photos have recently gone up in the Social Subjects corridor. This might be of interest if you were on the trip this year or you’re currently in S1 and want to see the sort of things you will be getting up to next summer!
Mr Wyllie

 

S1 Halloween Storytelling on Monday, 31 October 2016

To celebrate the International Storytelling Festival and Halloween, the English department and Library have invited our resident storyteller Calum Lykan to share ‘spooky’ stories with all S1 Pupils on Monday, 31 October 2016.
Mrs Gordon

 

Chinese Tesol Students
On Tuesday 1st November and Wednesday 2nd November, Modern Languages will be hosting 8 Chinese TESOL students.
Mrs Towers

 

Study Skills sessions - after school in the Library 3.30pm

Nov 1st            How to study

Nov 3^rd             Planning your time / study timetable

Nov 8th            Note making revision for study/ exams

Nov 10th          Study guides / online help

Nov 15th          Studying friends or other pupils

Nov 17th          Exam techniques

If you cannot make the sessions, but still want help, see Mrs Brown

Mrs Brown

Lunchtime Quiz

The Library will be the venue of once a month quizzes organised by the Chaplaincy Team, some pupils and Mrs Brown.  The first one will take place on Wednesday 2^nd November and then the first Wednesday of the month for the rest of the year.

The first quiz will be a general knowledge one and will be contested between Lewis, Skye and Tiree.  Each team will play both for house points and prizes.  The more teams the better.  You may even see if you can get staff involved.  The quiz will start at 1pm prompt, so bring your lunch.
Mrs Brown

 

Expressive Art Show Auditions
Expressive Art Show Auditions are taking place on Wednesday 2^nd November at 3:30pm in the Drama Studio. Please see Miss Grisdale for more information or if you would like to sign up.
Ms Grisdale

Art Club

Art Club will start after school on Wednesday 3.30-4.30pm in Miss McCreadie’s room and is open to all S1-3 pupils. Come along if you’d like to do some extra drawing/painting or the chance to work towards competition entries. 
Ms McCreadie 

S2 Fireworks Safety in English Depatment

The English Department welcome the production ‘Toast’ into GHS on Thursday, 3 November to highlight fireworks safety to all our S2 pupils.
Mrs Gordon

Exam Portfolios

Any pupils who would like to collect their exam portfolios from last year, please see Miss Shannon or Miss Grisdale. The cost is £5 for the return of work.
Ms Grisdale

 

Modern Apprenticeship in Childcare

1.       Are you aged between 16-19 years old?

2.       Do you have a minimum of 3 National 4 qualifications (including English)?

3.       Would you like to work full time as a Child Care Modern Apprentice in a Private Nursery with babies to 5 year olds?

If you have answered yes to these 3 questions, please see Mrs O’Connell for further details.

Mrs O’Connell

Welfare and First Aid

Pupils should note that Mrs Fraser will not be available for welfare support on  p 2+3 Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  She will, however be available at break time.  Only Emergency first aid issues will be attended to when Mrs Fraser is not available. Any pupils requiring emergency first aid during those times should ask at the office.
Ms Sinclair

Modern Languages Study

There will be study every Tuesday lunchtime in Modern Languages with Mrs Towers. Bring your lunch.  At the moment this is where you can work on any aspect of your Modern Languages or quite simply do your Modern Languages homework in peace with support.
Mrs Towers

 

Lunch club

Passes will be issued to all pupils who have already been invited to join lunch club.  If you have been attending you should ask Mrs Fraser the welfare assistant for your pass.

Any other pupil wishing to access our lunch club should speak to their guidance teacher to request a pass.

No food or drink should be brought along but should be consumed in the dining hall.

Lunch club does not open until 1.10pm.  You will not be allowed entry without your pass.

Ms Sinclair

Annual Data Forms

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E-Newsletter for Friday, 14 October 2016

Assemblies for Next Week

Order of Assembly:

Tuesday - Lewis

Wednesday – Skye

Thursday – Tiree

 

Staffing
We wish to take this opportunity to wish Ms Pretswell a very long and happy retirement after over 20 years of service to Gracemount High School.  She will be very much missed.
Mr Hunter

 

Modern Languages Study

There will be study every Tuesday lunchtime in Modern Languages with Mrs Towers. Bring your lunch.  At the moment this is where you can work on any aspect of your Modern Languages or quite simply do your Modern Languages homework in peace with support.
Mrs Towers

 

S1 Pupils - Outward Bound Trip (21^st - 25^th August 2017)
Places for S1 pupils are now available for the Outward Bound 2017 trip to the English Lake District. The trip is for 5 days, 4 nights and includes a wide range of exciting activities including an overnight camping expedition.

Total cost of trip is £175. To secure a place you must collect a letter from Mr Wyllie or the school office then complete the tear off slip at the bottom of the letter and return this along with a deposit of £45.  Slips and money must be returned to the school office no later than Friday 30^th October.

If you wish to participate, but foresee any difficulties preventing you from taking part then please contact our depute head teacher, Ms Sinclair, to explore how we might be able to support you further.

Mr Wyllie

Lunch club

Passes will be issued to all pupils who have already been invited to join lunch club.  If you have been attending you should ask Mrs Fraser the welfare assistant for your pass.

Any other pupil wishing to access our lunch club should speak to their guidance teacher to request a pass.

No food or drink should be brought along but should be consumed in the dining hall.

Lunch club does not open until 1.10pm.  You will not be allowed entry without your pass.

Ms Sinclair

 

Apprentice Hairdresser Opportunity Age 15-18

Are you looking for a career in hairdressing?

Bryony Quate Hairdressing is looking to take on a NEW apprentice, and give someone a chance to blossom into a creative stylist following an NVQ level 2 mentor training programme.

If you or anyone you know would be interested, please contact Bryony via email Bryonyquatehairdressing@outlook.com

Salon is in Bruntsfield - check out fb for more info.

Mrs Langley

Lunchtime Quiz

The Library will be the venue of once a month quizzes organised by the Chaplaincy Team, some pupils and Mrs Brown.  The first one will take place on Wednesday 2^nd November and then the first Wednesday of the month for the rest of the year.

The first quiz will be a general knowledge one and will be contested between Lewis, Skye and Tiree.  Each team will play both for house points and prizes.  The more teams the better.  You may even see if you can get staff involved.  The quiz will start at 1pm prompt, so bring your lunch.

Mrs Brown

 

Library use

Before school – for returning books, computer use and a quiet place to sit. 

Break - closed to all pupils.

Lunchtimes Monday – Wednesday

20 passes to use the computers, priority to be given to homework / study use

40 passes for main section of the library.  This is for quiet chat, reading, use of new makerspace and games. 

Passes will be available from Mrs Brown or the prefects on lunch duty.  No entry after 1.20 pm.

There should be no eating or drinking unless permission is given and no drinks at all near the computers.  Eat your lunch in the dining room first.

Thursday lunchtimes - used for Book Group and Gracemount Ogwini Team meetings.

 

After school

The library will be open after school for all pupils for homework, study, research or reading at the following times:

Mon/Wed 3.25- 4.00

Tues/Thurs 3.25-4.30

Fri 12.35-1.15 * may be open later, depends on meetings

Mrs Brown

 

Fitness after School

Fitness group has started on Tuesdays!  It will take place 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

Singing Club

The Gracemount Singing Club is starting back up and looking for new members.  If you would like to express your voice and improve your singing please speak to Mrs Hirst and come along on Tuesday lunchtimes from 1.05 pm to 1.35 pm.
Mrs Hirst

 

Annual Data Forms

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

 

School Session Resumes
Just a reminder that the school session resumes on Tuesday 25th October.
Mr Hunter

 

 

 

E-newsletter for Friday, 7 October 2016

Assemblies for Next Week

Order of Assembly:

Tuesday - Lewis

Wednesday – Skye

Thursday – Tiree

 

Staffing

We wish to take this opportunity to wish Ms Pretswell a very long and happy retirement after over 20 years of service to Gracemount High School.  She will be very much missed.
Mr Hunter

 

Ogwini Visitors

A huge thanks to everyone who was involved in any way with the Ogwini visitors, they had a fantastic experience.  They loved meeting all the staff and pupils and enjoyed teaching some classes about South Africa and even passing on some izizulu words.

If anyone is interested in working with Ogwini Learners and staff on future projects, please see Mrs Brown or Ben Ferguson, Alishah Ahmed, Alexandria Warner or Iqra Younis from the Gracemount Ogwini Team.

Mrs Brown

 

 

S4-S6 Apprenticeship Roadshow

Please ensure if you want to go on this trip that your EE2 form is handed into the Guidance office by the end of today.
Mrs O’Connell

 

S5-S6 Apprenticeship Vacancies

If there are any pupils who might be interested in applying to the following Apprenticeship vacancies in Car Garages across Edinburgh please see Mrs O’Connell as soon as possible for further information:

Panel Beater

Customer Service Administrator

Technician (Car Mechanic)

Parts Advisor

Business Administrator

Car Mechanic

Warehouse Operative

Mrs O’Connell


 

S3 Taste the Industry: Hospitality Event

All S3 Pupils will be out of timetabled classes next Wednesday 12^th October to take part in various Hospitality Industry workshops.  Pupils should attend registration then go to the Drama Studio.
Mr Gregor

 

Lunchtime Quiz

The Library will be the venue of once a month quizzes organised by the Chaplaincy Team, some pupils and Mrs Brown.  The first one will take place on Wednesday 2^nd November and then the first Wednesday of the month for the rest of the year.

The first quiz will be a general knowledge one and will be contested between Lewis, Skye and Tiree.  Each team will play both for house points and prizes.  The more teams the better.  You may even see if you can get staff involved.  The quiz will start at 1pm prompt, so bring your lunch.

Mrs Brown

 

Expressive Arts Show

Last chance to sign up to the expressive arts show auditions. Final deadline is Friday 14^th October.  Please see Miss Grisdale or Tia Wallbanks to sign up.
Miss Grisdale

 

 

Pupil Council Members

The results are in! Our new Pupil Council members, in no particular order, are as follows:

Skye – Ayaa Madji, Isla McCue, Richard Nye, Chloe Eaton, Ben Ferguson, Morgan Falls

Lewis – Luke Clements, Callum Mitchell, Kyle Ruthven, Millie Lawrie, Katie Kovacs, Thomas Jamieson,

Tiree – Pascal Tene, Maia Robinson, Kim Ratcliffe, Brady McMillan, Chloe Yeung

The first meeting will be next week and the above pupils, along with Head Boy, Head Girl and our Deputes, are your point of contact for anything you would like raised.

Miss Flannigan and the Pupil Council


 

Rainbow Laces

Research from Stonewall shows that homophobia, biphobia and transphobia continue to be rife in many sports.  In football alone, 7 in 10 fans have heard homophobic abuse on the terraces.  On 28^th February 2016, Manchester UTD and Arsenal exchanged ‘Rainbow Laces’ to show support for LGBT people in sport.

If you agree that sport should be free of LGBT discrimination, please see Mrs Whyte in the Drama Classroom to add your name to the pledge, and collect your free pair of Rainbow Laces to wear in PE or at home!
Mrs Whyte

 

Library use

Before school – for returning books, computer use and a quiet place to sit. 

Break - closed to all pupils.

Lunchtimes Monday – Wednesday

20 passes to use the computers, priority to be given to homework / study use

40 passes for main section of the library.  This is for quiet chat, reading, use of new makerspace and games. 

Passes will be available from Mrs Brown or the prefects on lunch duty.  No entry after 1.20 pm.

There should be no eating or drinking unless permission is given and no drinks at all near the computers.  Eat your lunch in the dining room first.

Thursday lunchtimes - used for Book Group and Gracemount Ogwini Team meetings.

After school

The library will be open after school for all pupils for homework, study, research or reading at the following times:

Mon/Wed 3.25- 4.00

Tues/Thurs 3.25-4.30

Fri 12.35-1.15 * may be open later, depends on meetings

Mrs Brown

 

Fitness after School

Fitness group has started on Tuesdays!  It will take place 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

 

Singing Club

The Gracemount Singing Club is starting back up and looking for new members.  If you would like to express your voice and improve your singing please speak to Mrs Hirst and come along on Tuesday lunchtimes from 1.05 pm to 1.35 pm.
Mrs Hirst

 

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, 10^thOctober 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

 

Annual Data Forms

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