Purple Friday! (27th February 2015)

The LGBT group, in collaboration with the Health Opportunities Team, would like Gracemount High School to take part in Purple Friday!

“To mark the last Friday of LGBT History Month, we’re asking staff and pupils at Scottish schools, colleges and universities who stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia to wear something purple to school. – LGBT Youth Scotland.”

Just to be clear – this is NOT a dress down day.  Full uniform is expected.  However, pupils are encouraged to be creative and use purple accessories/make-up etc to show their support.  The Health Opportunities Team will have some of their purple wristbands available on the day.

It would be fantastic to have as many staff and pupils getting involved as possible. 

Thank you,

LGBT Team

Special Diets

In in partnership with our catering providers (Amey) we recognise the need to provide special diets where required on the basis of religious requirements, cultural/ethical reasons or on the basis of medical conditions (as recommended by a doctor or dietician).

The parent/carers or young person should request a special diet form from the school.  In the case of a request based on a medical condition, a letter must be attached from a registered dietician or doctor.

The school will ensure that the forms are shared with those people who have an interest such as caterers.

We will be issuing forms to parents/carers where a food issue is already recorded on our system.  If you require a form for your child, please contact the school office on 0131 664 7440.

IMPORTANT: Are you protected?

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.

Although you were probably immunised against tetanus, diphtheria and polio as a child, and may have some protection, you still need a Teenage booster to complete your routine immunisations and give you longer-term protection. 

Likewise you need a booster dose of the MenC vaccine as a teenager to be protected from meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal group C bacteria. The booster dose increases protection against MenC and is given at the same time as the tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster.

These vaccinations are provided in school by the NHS Lothian school nurse team. If you are due to be vaccinated you will receive a letter this week. Please ensure you read this and discuss vaccination with your parents or carers. 

Please ensure completed consent forms are returned as soon as possible to school.

More information can be found on the Immunisation Scotland website.

Stonewall T-shirts/Mugs

As advertised at last week’s House assembly, the LGBT group are ordering the red “Some people are gay. Get over it” t-shirts.  Some staff and pupils have requested purchasing their own T-shirts and mugs, so I’d like to open this invitation to all staff before submitting our final order.

T-shirts with the slogan: “Some people are gay. Get over it.”  *Other slogans are available – see weblink for more info.*

Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Cost: £15

http://web.stonewall.org.uk/public/shop/default.aspx?Category=Clothing

Mugs with the same slogan.

Cost: £7.50

http://web.stonewall.org.uk/public/shop/default.aspx?Category=Mugs

If you’re interested, please get in touch by Wednesday 11^th February.  Let me know the item, slogan and size (if applicable).  Payment can be made by cash or cheque made out to ‘Gracemount High School.’  Payment is needed prior to ordering please.

PUPILS: Slips are in Group Tutor files for those pupils who’d like more information.  Feel free to send pupils to me during registration (Art 2) if they have any further questions.

Thanks,

Mrs Whyte