The “Emotional Cup”

So much of what we do in our daily interactions can fill a child’s “emotional cup” – greeting them warmly, sharing a funny story, giving them time to talk about their interests, appreciating their efforts & conveying empathy for their feelings ☺️

The emotional cup is a helpful way to explain to your child why it’s important for them to identify how they’re feeling, to come to you if they’re running on empty, and what they can do to ensure their cup is always full. Emphasise the importance of always taking care of themselves and their mental health ☕️

#mentalhealth #wellbeing #positivepsychology

(From colleagues at NHS Highland – CAMHS)

2020 Yearbooks

The 2020 GGS yearbooks have arrived, a little later than originally planned!

A huge thank you to all of our 2019-20 seniors for making this happen in incredibly challenging times, and especially to Nell for co-editing the yearbook.

They will be out for delivery over the next few days, courtesy of Postman Patton and his team of volunteers.

“Are you thinking about joining the Police in the future?”

Police Scotland are holding a virtual 90 minute recruitment event tomorrow evening. Individuals will learn about the recruitment process, the training, the role of a police officer and the opportunities available to you in you choose this career path.

Thursday 8th October, 6.30pm – 8pm

To reserve a space please email recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.pnn.police.uk

(Police Scotland will be holding more virtual events over the next six months, so don’t worry if you cannot attend tomorrow evening)

Blythswood Shoebox Appeal 2020 – Shoeboxes Wanted

It is almost the most wonderful time of year again and again GGS will be collecting for the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal.

Last year we were able to donate well over 50 boxes which was one of the biggest donations from a single school! These were then passed to those who were less fortunate than ourselves.

After the October break we will be starting to collect items to go in our shoeboxes with pupils being organised by their tutor teachers to bring in donations. Information about what to donate will be linked below however what we really need at this point as shoeboxes. If you are planning on buying some new shoes or have any old shoeboxes that you would like to donate then please could you hand into the school office.

If you would like to donate a shoeox that you have made up at home then we could deliver these for you. Dates for collection have yet to be published by Blythswood however we will keep you posted.

Blythswood Shoebox Checklist

Thank you for your continued support.

UCAS – Personal Statement Due Now!

This final week before the October break is the time that you should have your first draft of your personal statement handed to your Guidance Teacher. There are still some people who are due to hand in their first draft, if you are struggling please see your Guidance Teacher. Alternatively you can use the UCAS personal statement website.

The next term will be spent finalising this statement as well as Guidance staff writing your reference. All applications should aimed to be sent to UCAS by the end of the Christmas term (19th of December).

Lost Property

Could pupils please check and reclaim any lost property from the shelving by the double doors to PE, by the end of the week. As we have accumulated a large amount, the janitors will clear this into storage and you will need to check with them if you cannot find it in the usual place. Also anything small and of value is usually held at reception, so please check there too. There are quite a few pairs of glasses that have been there for some time.

Canteen payments

Following a computer crash which has affected the Canteen’s tills, staff and pupils have not been able to access pupil’s accounts. The ladies in the canteen have continued to provide their usual efficient service, but are now trying to reconcile what has been bought by pupils while the tills were out of action. Some pupils have been issued with a statement of what money is owed to their canteen accounts. Could you please check with your child and arrange for this to be paid directly to the canteen, as soon as possible. If you have any queries, please contact the school as usual on 01479 872649 or by email to grantown.grammar@highland.gov.uk

UCAS Virtual Exhibitions

In a normal year we would usually be able to take pupils who are considering university to a UCAS exhibition however this year we are unable to do so. UCAS are running virtual exhibitions for you to attend.

These may help you to decide upon which university or course to choose. You also have the ability to ask questions of universities that you would not normally get a chance to do so.

If you want to attend on of these you need to book online. Use the link provided to see what exhibitions are coming up as well as to book.

https://www.ucas.com/ucas/events/find/scheme/virtual-and-digital/type/scheme/virtual-and-digital/type/exhibition