Monday 26th March

Year	Content                                                                                    26.3.12
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
S6
All years	Bene Fancy Dress Day - Dress up for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland for £1 - Last day of term - Friday 30th March - Theme is FAST - so dress up as a Fictional character, Animal, Sports or Traditional Dress - Bake Sale at break-time in the foyer Lost property reclaim Friday 30th March – break time in the foyer SCOTTISH OPERA CONNECT CHORUS Scottish Opera Connect are looking for young singers aged between 14 – 21 to audition for their youth opera programme, Scottish Opera Connect Chorus. This runs for seven months from September to March and is the only course available that gives a unique and practical introduction to the skills and experience needed to perform opera. Please visit the website for more details on how to audition, or to gain further information: scottishopera.org.uk/connect or see Mrs O’Brien in the Music Department for a flyer with all the information. TINDERBOX ORCHESTRA This orchestra is open to all instrumentalists between the ages of 13 and 21, and who are grade 5 standard or above on their instrument. (This is a guideline level of performance as no official grade certificates are necessary) Auditions are on March 31st and April 1st. Any pupil who is interested in this, or requires more information, please visit the website on www.tinderboxproject.co.uk or contact jack@tinderboxproject.co.uk Information is also available from the music department – please see Mrs O’Brien for flyers. EDINBURGH LOCAL MOD Any Gaelic singer who would like to enter for one of the many vocal competitions for the MOD which takes place at Liberton High School on April 21st, please see Mrs O’Brien in the Music Dept. for an entry form. Please note that all entries must be received by Friday 30th March (this Friday).

Chess success

Well done to the following who, yesterday, defeated Nottingham HS to progress to the UK semi-finals. Please congratulate the pupils when you see them!




Jonny Scott(S5)
Shivan Murdochy(S5)
Sam Gregory(S5)
Jamie Underwood(s1)
Captiva Mills(S2)
Rishi Pandya(S2)

They will now play Manchester Grammar School at some point this summer.

Wednesday 21st March

Year	Content                                                                                    21.3.12
S1	S1 'GLEE' CHOIR This choir is open to any S1 pupil who would like to perform a 'Glee' item for 'Diversecity' in June. Please come along to B2 on a Tuesday lunchtime if you are interested.
S2
S3	Prison Service Workshops Next Monday (26th) all S3 pupils will take part in a day of workshops led by the Scottish Prison Service. Services such as the police, procurator fiscal and Edinburgh Council’s CCTV unit will run workshops aimed at giving pupils a greater understanding of the criminal justice system and how to make positive choices to stay out of trouble. Please make sure you take a letter home to your parents/guardians which explains the event in more detail.
S4
S5
S6
All years	All years - Sponsored Swimathon Set yourself a challenge this April and raise some money for charity! On Friday 20th April JGHS will be hosting a sponsored Swimathon to raise money for Marie Curie cancer care and we’re looking for teams of up to 5 people (pupils only or pupils and staff) to enter. Each team will set their own challenging distance target to swim and you’ll have one hour in the pool on the day to try and achieve it. Our aim is to swim as many kilometres and raise as much money for Marie Curie as we can! To find out more or to enter your team (and book your slot in the pool) see Miss Gray in the Science department asap. SPORT AID Friday 23rd march Pupils & Staff dress up in “Sport related theme” The Enterprise class will go round the classes to collect donations All proceeds go to SPORT AID Ms ONeill PERFORMING ARTS CONCERT Good luck to the S1 Gaelic choir, accordion players and pipers as they will be representing the school at a council's Performing Arts Concert this Thursday 22nd March. This concert has performers from 7 primaries and 4 secondary schools and will feature dance, drama and music items  - Gillespie's item will finish the entire concert and we wish them well.

Monday 19th March

Year	Content                                                                                    19.3.12
S1	S1 'GLEE' CHOIR This choir is open to any S1 pupil who would like to perform a 'Glee' item for 'Diversecity' in June. Please come along to B2 on a Tuesday lunchtime if you are interested.
S2
S3	French Alps Trip There is a meeting for all going in L11 (Mr Stewart's room) this Wednesday at 1pm. Prison Service Workshops Next Monday (26th) all S3 pupils will take part in a day of workshops led by the Scottish Prison Service. Services such as the police, procurator fiscal and Edinburgh Council’s CCTV unit will run workshops aimed at giving pupils a greater understanding of the criminal justice system and how to make positive choices to stay out of trouble. Please make sure you take a letter home to your parents/guardians which explains the event in more detail.
S4
S5	Edinburgh Schools Under 18 Rugby 7’s Tournament Could any S5 and S6 pupils interested to compete in the Edinburgh Schools Under 18 Rugby 7’s on Friday 23rd March please see Mr. Wallace in the P.E. department by Tuesday 20th March? Thank you. S5/6 only - Swimathon: Helpers needed If you’d be willing to lend with running the sponsored Swimathon on Friday 20th April, please see Miss Gray in the science department asap.
S6	Edinburgh Schools Under 18 Rugby 7’s Tournament Could any S5 and S6 pupils interested to compete in the Edinburgh Schools Under 18 Rugby 7’s on Friday 23rd March please see Mr. Wallace in the P.E. department by Tuesday 20th March? Thank you. S5/6 only - Swimathon: Helpers needed If you’d be willing to lend with running the sponsored Swimathon on Friday 20th April, please see Miss Gray in the science department asap.
All years	All years - Sponsored Swimathon Set yourself a challenge this April and raise some money for charity! On Friday 20th April JGHS will be hosting a sponsored Swimathon to raise money for Marie Curie cancer care and we’re looking for teams of up to 5 people (pupils only or pupils and staff) to enter. Each team will set their own challenging distance target to swim and you’ll have one hour in the pool on the day to try and achieve it. Our aim is to swim as many kilometres and raise as much money for Marie Curie as we can! To find out more or to enter your team (and book your slot in the pool) see Miss Gray in the Science department asap. SPORT AID Friday 23rd  march Pupils & Staff dress up in “Sport related theme” The Enterprise class will go round the classes to collect donations All proceeds go to SPORT AID Ms ONeill RESONATE CONCERTS Congratulations to all performers from Gillespie's who represented the school in these City of Edinburgh concerts recently. Many pupils performed at these, including the pipers and members of both our wind band and orchestra. PERFORMING ARTS CONCERT Good luck to the S1 Gaelic choir, accordion players and pipers as they will be representing the school at a council's Performing Arts Concert this Thursday 22nd March. This concert has performers from 7 primaries and 4 secondary schools and will feature dance, drama and music items  - Gillespie's item will finish the entire concert and we wish them well.

Wed 14th March

Wed 14th March

Diverse-city

Reminder to all students that are wishing to take part in this years “Diverse-city” performance, that their own rehearsals should be underway by now!
Rehearsal space is available in the Drama & Media rooms on a first come first served basis.
There will be a short meeting for all those wishing to take part, straight after school on Thurs 15 in the hall, attendance is essential.  

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Paired Reading

S1 and S6 pupils – paired reading talks place in the library during PST today. Could all of those involved please head to the library as soon as possible. Attendance has been a little poor recently and some S1 pupils have been without their buddy, so please remember to go.

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S5 Course Choice sheet (for pupils choosing subjects for S6)

The S5 course choice sheet has two subjects omitted from it by accident.
Please add:

Column D - Higher Computing
Column E - Int 2 Information Systems

Contact Mrs Brown for more information. 

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S5 - S6   Edinburgh Schools Under 18 Rugby 7’s Tournament

Could any S5 and S6 pupils interested to compete in the Edinburgh Schools Under 18 Rugby 7’s on Friday 23^rd March please see Mr. Wallace in the P.E. department by Tuesday 20^th March? Thank you.

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S1 – S4   Scottish Cup Under 15 Basketball Semi Final; Thursday 15^th March

A reminder our under 15 semi final is tomorrow at The Peak Sports Complex, Stirling. All players must meet in the P.E. department at the beginning of period 3. Good luck!

Monday 12th March

Year	Content                                                                                    12.3.12
S1	S1 Vocal Group Any S1 pupil who have been part of the recent vocal group, or who would like to join, please come to a meeting tomorrow at lunchtime (Tue. 13th March) in B2 to discuss the possibility of performing an item from 'Glee' at 'Diversecity'.
S2
S3
S4
S5	S5 OXBRIDGE APPLICANTS CORN EXCHANGE EDINBURGH 1 DAY EVENT 29th March If anyone is interested in attending this please see me in the Guidance office You have to be “booked on” to attend the course You also get to attend workshops with other people who have selected the same courses ie all the History applicants get to work together in the afternoon sessions However if you commit to attend you must turn up as places are scarce Ms ONeill Guidance
S6	Enjoy a night of Glamourous Girly Fun at Cheynes Bruntsfield Avenue View a live demonstration of this seasons "must have" Prom/Red Carpet Hair styles by the fabulous Cheynes team. Preview the latest Prom collections curtoesy of Kudos Couture. Indulge in Fabulous Jewels latest sparkles and find the perfect piece to compliment your gown. Arrange your Prom Pamper Package with the Cheynes Beauty Zone therapists . Friday 9th March- 6.30pm FREE ENTRY Cheynes Hairdressing 2 Bruntsfield Avenue EH10 4EP Any bookings made on the evening will receive 10% off Prom hair styling at Bruntsfield and 10% off any purchases at Kudos Couture. Call 0131 478 3522 to secure your place S6 – SOUTH AFRICA TRIP 2012-03-07 IF ANYONE FROM THE SOUTH AFRICA 2012 TRIP WOULD LIKE TO LEARN AND PERFORM A SONG ‘WALILIZELA’ FOR THE PARENT’S REVIEW AND DIVERSECITY COULD YOU PLEASE ATTEND A MEETING IN THE GAMES HALL ON WEDENSDAY LUNCH (WED 14th MARCH).
All years	Spring Concert on 13th March Gillespie's fantastic pipers will be performing at this concert tomorrow night at the Queen's Hall. The concert will feature instrumental groups from across Edinburgh and we are delighted that the pipers are opening the event. Tickets are priced at £5/£3 concession at the door. Edinburgh MOD Competition This competition takes place on Saturday 21st April and entries are now available for any Gaelic solo singer or group of singers,  fiddle players and clarsach players amongst others. Please see Mrs O'Brien in the Music Dept. for an entry form and for more information. Edinburgh Young Musician of the Year Success Huge congratulations to Kirsten MacFarlane in S6 who has made it through to the final of the Edinburgh Young Musician of the Year competition on clarinet. Kirsten has beaten competition from some very talented musicians from across Edinburgh in the heats and semi-final to reach the final stage, and we wish her all the best for this in May. More information regarding this concert will be forthcoming for anyone who would like to support Kirsten at this. Good luck! South Africa Would I Lie To You/Take Me Out Event On Thursday 15th March, to raise money for the South Africa project, there will be a double-bill of hilarious gameshows that you can't miss! 'Would I Lie to You?', based on the hilarious BBC panel show featuring Miss Halliday, Mr Hay, Miss Falconer, Mr Alexander, Miss Gray & others! 'Take Me Out', our version of the hit matchmaking series starring 5th & 6th years! Doors open at 7PM and the show will start at 7:30PM There will be a tuck shop on the night, also to raise funds for the South Africa project Tickets will be on sale at break in the foyer starting Monday 12th March and will be £4 for students/£6 for adults Not limited to Gillespie's students - so invite your friends and parents! Sponsored Swimathon Set yourself a challenge this April and raise some money for charity! On Friday 20th April JGHS will be hosting a sponsored Swimathon to raise money for Marie Curie cancer care and we’re looking for teams of up to 5 people (pupils only or pupils and staff) to enter. Each team will set their own challenging distance target to swim and you’ll have one hour in the pool on the day to try and achieve it. Our aim is to swim as many kilometres and raise as much money for Marie Curie as we can! To find out more or to enter your team (and book your slot in the pool) see Miss Gray in the Science department asap.

Monday 5th March

Year	Content                                                                                    5.3.12
S1
S2
S3
S4	STANDARD GRADE PERFORMANCE SUPPORT These clubs run for all instruments every lunchtime on a Monday to Thursday – all Standard Grade pupils are welcome and encouraged to rehearse their pieces before their final solo performance exams start next week. HIGHER PERFORMANCE SUPPORT These clubs run for all instruments after school on a Monday and Tuesday in all music rooms– all Higher pupils are welcome and encouraged to rehearse their pieces before their final exams for both instruments start next week. SQA MUSIC PERFORMANCE EXAMS A reminder that these take place from Tuesday 13th to Monday 19th March in B1 for all Standard Grade and Higher Music candidates. These are final exams and will appear as part of your overall course award. All pupils should ensure regular practise of their pieces and ensure that all dynamics have now been added to their programme.
S5	STANDARD GRADE PERFORMANCE SUPPORT These clubs run for all instruments every lunchtime on a Monday to Thursday – all Standard Grade pupils are welcome and encouraged to rehearse their pieces before their final solo performance exams start next week. HIGHER PERFORMANCE SUPPORT These clubs run for all instruments after school on a Monday and Tuesday in all music rooms– all Higher pupils are welcome and encouraged to rehearse their pieces before their final exams for both instruments start next week. SQA MUSIC PERFORMANCE EXAMS A reminder that these take place from Tuesday 13th to Monday 19th March in B1 for all Standard Grade and Higher Music candidates. These are final exams and will appear as part of your overall course award. All pupils should ensure regular practise of their pieces and ensure that all dynamics have now been added to their programme.
S6	STANDARD GRADE PERFORMANCE SUPPORT These clubs run for all instruments every lunchtime on a Monday to Thursday – all Standard Grade pupils are welcome and encouraged to rehearse their pieces before their final solo performance exams start next week. HIGHER PERFORMANCE SUPPORT These clubs run for all instruments after school on a Monday and Tuesday in all music rooms– all Higher pupils are welcome and encouraged to rehearse their pieces before their final exams for both instruments start next week. SQA MUSIC PERFORMANCE EXAMS A reminder that these take place from Tuesday 13th to Monday 19th March in B1 for all Standard Grade and Higher Music candidates. These are final exams and will appear as part of your overall course award. All pupils should ensure regular practise of their pieces and ensure that all dynamics have now been added to their programme.
All years	‘This Wednesday during PST, some S2 pupils will be coming around selling badges in aid of Children 1st. At the assemblies last term we all became aware of the excellent work that this organisation does for young people. Please support our hard-working neighbours by bringing some small change to PST on Wednesday.’ ALL INSTRUMENTAL PUPILS RECEIVING LESSONS IN SCHOOL It is vital that any pupil who receives lessons in school attends a short meeting during interval on FRIDAY 9th MARCH in the hall. SPRING  FLING Congratulations to all performers who worked so hard to make the concert a success.