Dunbar Grammar School

Important Information Out This Week

Pupil Support Update
Suzanne Reid is our preferred candidate for the Guidance role.

DGSA
Thank you to everyone who attended/supported the very successful  Christmas Market on Thursday 23rd November.  The DGSA have raised over £1200 from this event.

Dunbar Grammar School Council
The DGSC is a group comprising parents, the Headteacher, Deputy Head teacher and Teacher representatives, Pupil representatives, Local Councillors and Clerk. Meetings are open invitation and take place either in the school or online.  The next meeting is online on Monday 18th December.

DGS Christmas Calendar

Please see the week ahead.

Each Friday in December, students will be able to wear their uniform with a ‘festive touch’ (Christmas jumper, tinsel, festive headwear etc.).  Staff will also be encouraged to embrace Festive Fridays

Please see the full calendar here

Christmas Dances

Tickets cost £3.50 and are payable in SchoolPay.

• S5/6 Christmas Dance on Thursday 7^th December from 6:30 – 9:30pm
• S3/4 Christmas Dance on Monday 11^th December from 6:30 – 9:15pm
• S1/2 Christmas Dance on Wednesday 13^th December from 6:30  – 9:00pm

Young people in receipt of Free School Meals are not required to pay for a ticket and should let their PE teacher know if they wish to attend.

BE Uniforms Black Friday 2023

From Wednesday 22^nd November until midnight on Sunday 26^th November there is 10% off all online school uniform orders at checkout with code BESCHOOL10. This offer applies to all school uniform; the code can also be used on items which are currently in our clearance sale

Christmas Tree Decorations Wanted
This year we will have not one, but FOUR Christmas trees in the Atrium! Each House will have a tree!
We are looking for students to bring in any old Christmas decorations in HOUSE COLOURS.  Registration classes will also be making decorations too.

The House Colours are
Castle – Red
Lauderdale – Green
Victoria – Blue
Winterfield – White

The STARS of the week are……..

Staff
Gillian Williams (Maths)
Nominations said…….
‘Miss Williams continues to go over and above supporting both staff and students across the school. Her classroom is always buzzing with positivity and is open to students both at lunch time and after school. She most definitely goes over and above for our school. Miss Williams will give up her time to support other staff with classes and is a great team player.’
‘If there was an option for all RISE values, I would’ve chosen that in a heartbeat. Miss Williams is a very kind, patient, honest and lovely teacher who goes out of her way to make Charity Committee and Pudsey day one of the best days ever! She is very inclusive and makes everyone feel valued and welcome. She always helps me with my maths homework no matter how silly the question may sound. I would absolutely love her to get Star of the Week as she’s just an overall star in general!’
‘Miss Williams is an inclusive and amazing teacher who loves supporting you and helping you out if you have any issues. Miss Williams cheers me up when I’ve had a bad day and she absolutely deserves Star of the Week for all the things she has done :]’
Gillian– you are a DGS Star, thank you for all you do!

Students
Victor Velikov (S1) Effort
Victor spent many hours on a Halloween decoration for my classroom, which can be found hanging on my door. He sketched a skeleton and all its joint and bones have been pieced together to allow them all to move independently. He wanted the skeleton to be holding a parental alert as he doesn’t think there is much scarier than that! The detail, time and effort that went into this piece of art is super impressive and I think he deserves to be recognised for his talents and humour.

Holly Schoen (S1) Effort
I would like to nominate Holly for her effort in RMPS. Every lesson she goes above and beyond what is expected in class and is always willing to push herself in everything she does. Holly can be relied upon to attempt challenges to the best of her ability and to give everything a go with a positive approach and a smile on her face. Well Done Holly you are a DGS STAR!

Dalguise Trip for S6 Cohort (current S5) in May 2024
Reminder please pay the initial non-refundable deposit of £40 by the end of November. Please see the attached letter regarding a Dalguise Trip in May 2024 for our new S6 cohort (current S5) Dalguise Letter November 2023 (002)

Flu Vaccinations.  
There is a mop up session on 29th November.

Bistro Menu 2023 – 2024 Bistro Menu

Assembly – Week beginning 27 November

Thursday – S4, S5 & S6  Prelim Arrangements with Mr McBride (online)

N5 Assessment Calendar
In order to support students to plan their revision as well as understand what is required of them in terms of coursework for SQA courses we have created an Assessment Calendar.  Guidance teachers will be working with students to engage with the assessment calendar and provide support to students as required.  The calendar can be found on the year group Google Classroom.
Assessment dates are always under review depending on the ‘live’ progress being made by groups of students.  For this reason the calendar is only to be used as a guide and assessment dates may change depending on the judgement of the teacher.  Where assessment dates change sufficient notice will be given by the class teacher.
Some assessments are either class tests, SQA units or Assignment deadlines.  If there is any uncertainty about what type of assessment is taking place then please encourage the student to speak to their class teacher.
Some assessments will take place during the prelim diet in January.  However, for simplicity, these are not listed.  Prelim timetables will be issued later this term which will provide more information on the assessments taking place during that two week period

S6 YearBook
The fund is now available in SchoolPay for parents/carers of our S6 students to purchase the Yearbook. Please note the fund will close at the end of January.

Extra-Curricular Clubs and Study/Revision Sessions 2023 – 2024 – updated
Please note some of the clubs require students to sign up in advance

Extra-curricular clubs 2023-2024

2023 – 2024 Study Clubs Booklet

Student Information Sheets 23-11-21 Plasma Info Sheet

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
We are now accepting EMA applications for January starts, pupils turning 16 between 1st October and 28^th February.
EMA is a weekly Means Tested payment, paid directly to eligible young people aged 16-19 years old who are planning to continue in full time education.  If you are 16 years of age between 1 October and 28 February 2024 you may be eligible for an EMA from the beginning of the January Term.  Information on eligibility and income thresholds can be found online www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ema.
Please complete the Online Application Form . The final cut-off date for processing Application Forms for academic year 2023/24 is 31 March 2024.  We are unable to process any applications after this date.
 Please note a new application must be made each academic year.
 Further advice can be obtained from the EMA Team at the following email emas@eastlothian.gov.uk or by visiting our website www.eastlothian.gov.uk/emas .

Free school meals and school clothing grants

https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210557/schools_and_learning/11899/free_school_meals_and_clothing_grants/2

If you are unable to complete online application forms please ask for a paper application at the school office. If you have any queries or having difficulty completing the form please email freeschoolmeals@eastlothian.gov.uk

Active Schools

We are looking for any S4-S6 Girls who would be interested in becoming #AndSheCycles ambassador for DGS.  If you are interested please speak with Mr Marnoch in the PE office.

More info of the programme can be found here: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/projects/2023/scotland/andshecycles-ambassador-programme/

All our other DGS Sports Clubs are up and running, to book your child’s place at a club use link below:
https://eastlothian.bookinglive.com/home/active-schools/active-schools-dunbar-grammar/
For any questions on this please email our Active School Coordinator Scott Marnoch smarnnoch@elcschool.org.uk

Careers/Opportunities/Further Study

City of Glasgow College Open Days, find out more here.

January courses for winter leavers at Edinburgh College.
Further course information can be found here https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/courses/january-courses

SAAS Funding Information Sessions for Students and Parents/Carers

Discover STEM Day, which will take place at the University of Dundee on Wednesday 30 November 2022, running from 10am – 2.30pm.  Spaces are limited, please sign up using Discover STEM 2023 | University of Dundee, UK

BBC Early Career Schemes Higher and Graduate Apprenticeships

Scottish Government Procurement Apprenticeship

East Lothian Works Vacancies Job vacancies – East Lothian Works | East Lothian Council

Scotland’s Rural College SRUC | Open Days

Borders College Applications for full-time courses starting in August 2024.  Applications will open from 12 January 2024

Community Information

What to do if you are worried about a young person

If you have any safeguarding or child protection concerns about any young person please contact one of the Designated Members of Staff (DMS) for Child Protection.
DGS Child Protection Poster

Contacting teachers/Queries
Please email admin@dunbargrammar.elcschool.org.uk or pupilsupport@dunbargrammar.elcschool.org.uk

Getting in touch
We are really keen to chat to our parents and carers.  If you would like to discuss anything with a member of the Senior Leadership Team, we are happy to chat over the phone, via Google Meet or in person.  Please email admin@dunbargrammar.elcschool.org.uk and we will be in touch to arrange a meeting

Senior Student Study Resources

• Scholar UK
• Achieve
• e-Sgoil/NeLO  Study Support 2023  Home Page | e-Sgoil
• National E-Learning-Education Scotland | Education Scotland
• SQA website

Important Information Out This Week

UCAS Process
UCAS applications are being submitted at the moment and in coming weeks by Guidance teachers. Already some pupils are receiving offers which is great news!
Any questions please get in touch with the relevant Guidance teacher.

Pupil Support Update
Ms Williamson (Guidance Teacher for Winterfield House) will be leaving us at Christmas time.  Recruitment for a new Guidance teacher is underway.  We will update all parents and carers once we make an appointment.

Christmas Tree Decorations Wanted
This year we will have not one, but FOUR Christmas trees in the Atrium! Each House will have a tree!
We are looking for students to bring in any old Christmas decorations in HOUSE COLOURS.  Registration classes will also be making decorations too.
All decorations should be handed into the office by next Thursday (23^rd November)
House Captain Teams will decorate the trees next Thursday ready for the Christmas Fair in the evening.

The House Colours are
Castle – Red
Lauderdale – Green
Victoria – Blue
Winterfield – White

DGSA
The Dunbar Grammar School Association has organised a Christmas Market in the school’s social hub on Thursday November 23 between 6pm and 8.30pm including stalls selling unique, locally made gifts, hot dogs, cakes and festive drinks. There will be games organised by pupils and Christmas ornaments designed and made in the school.

To help make the night a success the DGSA would love help in the following ways:

1. volunteers to help on Nov 23 on stalls or in the kitchen depending where you would like to be
2. companies to sponsor one of the pupil competitions concluding at the Christmas market such as design the school Christmas card/ or the Great DGS Xmas Bake Off
3. donations of exciting, new prizes for the raffle (no booze please)

If you can assist with any of the above or would like to suggest another means of support please email helenschoen@hotmail.co.uk very soon

S6 Prom/Leavers Event

Please see the attached letter sent out to all parents/carers of our S6 cohort
Prom Letter from ELC HTs

Sensitive Topic in RMPS
Our S3 students within RMPS are moving on to the topic of euthanasia/assisted dying.  We understand that for some students this topic may be upsetting due to past or present circumstances.  If you have any concerns about your young person being involved in this topic please contact Mr Sutherland, Principle Teacher of Health and Wellbeing.

Dalguise Trip for S6 Cohort (current S5) in May 2024
Please see the attached letter regarding a Dalguise Trip in May 2024 for our new S6 cohort (current S5) Dalguise Letter November 2023 (002)

The STARS of the week are……..

We have 2 staff STARS this week

Alana Campbell (Classroom Assistant)
Nominations said…….
‘I’m nominating Alana because I feel she’s an unsung hero of the school, working tirelessly in classes to support students and doing an absolutely fabulous job. She’s a patient, kind, supportive presence, doing a sterling job of supporting students in my S3 classes. Coupled with that she always makes me laugh! A definite Dunbar star!’
‘Alana does a great job of supporting our students in class. She is caring and considerate and is making a difference to the lives of many of our students, making them feel included and supported. Her support is also much appreciated by the teachers she works with.’
Alana– you are a DGS Star, thank you for all you do!

Jenny Duguid (Support for Learning)
Nominations said…….
‘I would like to nominate Miss Duguid because she can always put you in a good mood. She’s so supportive of everyone and is the best person to go to for advice. She will do the very best she can to help with anything weather it’s with homework or calming you down, she always goes over and above’
‘she’s helped me when I needed help and she’s very supportive, she puts a lot of effort into her job!’
Jenny– you are a DGS Star, thank you for all you do!

Our student STARs will be shared on Monday

Annual Data Forms with PC A (replaces PC1 form) and Photograph Permission forms were sent out to parent/carers of all students.  Please complete and return to school as soon as possible.

Tempest Orders
A polite reminder that the closing date for the S6 Group Photograph for free delivery back to school is Tuesday 21^st November. Order through the Tempest website using  www.tempest-orders.co.uk   If you need any assistance in ordering your photos, feel free to contact Tempest on 01736 751555 (option 3).

Flu Vaccinations.  
There is a mop up session on 29th November.

Bistro Menu 2023 – 2024 Bistro Menu

Assembly – Week beginning 20 November
The Assembly plan for next week is
Monday – S1 in the Games Hall with Ms Fallon
Tuesday – S2 in the Games Hall with Ms Fallon
Wednesday – S3 in the Games Hall with Ms Fallon
Thursday – S4 in the Games Hall with Ms Fallon
Friday – Whole School Online with Mrs Slowther

Mr McBride will also have a S4 assembly and will send information about that separately

N5 Assessment Calendar
In order to support students to plan their revision as well as understand what is required of them in terms of coursework for SQA courses we have created an Assessment Calendar.  Guidance teachers will be working with students to engage with the assessment calendar and provide support to students as required.  The calendar can be found on the year group Google Classroom.
Assessment dates are always under review depending on the ‘live’ progress being made by groups of students.  For this reason the calendar is only to be used as a guide and assessment dates may change depending on the judgement of the teacher.  Where assessment dates change sufficient notice will be given by the class teacher.
Some assessments are either class tests, SQA units or Assignment deadlines.  If there is any uncertainty about what type of assessment is taking place then please encourage the student to speak to their class teacher.
Some assessments will take place during the prelim diet in January.  However, for simplicity, these are not listed.  Prelim timetables will be issued later this term which will provide more information on the assessments taking place during that two week period

S6 YearBook
The fund is now available in SchoolPay for parents/carers of our S6 students to purchase the Yearbook. Please note the fund will close at the end of January.

Extra-Curricular Clubs and Study/Revision Sessions 2023 – 2024 – updated
Please note some of the clubs require students to sign up in advance

Extra-curricular clubs 2023-2024

2023 – 2024 Study Clubs Booklet

Lost Property
We have a considerable amount of lost property stacking up.  At the end of each term, we donate what has not been claimed to local charities.
To assist young people in receiving any lost items on Friday 24^th November, all lost property will be displayed in the Social Space and Ms Gillespie and Ms Smith will be on hand to help students find lost items

Student Information Sheets 23-11-14 Plasma Info Sheet

Dunbar Grammar School Council
The DGSC is a group comprising parents, the Headteacher, Deputy Head teacher and Teacher representatives, Pupil representatives, Local Councillors and Clerk. Meetings are open invitation and take place either in the school or online. See school e-mails for further information and consider attending to become involved with your school community. This is not a fundraising group.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
We are now accepting EMA applications for January starts, pupils turning 16 between 1st October and 28^th February.
EMA is a weekly Means Tested payment, paid directly to eligible young people aged 16-19 years old who are planning to continue in full time education.  If you are 16 years of age between 1 October and 28 February 2024 you may be eligible for an EMA from the beginning of the January Term.  Information on eligibility and income thresholds can be found online www.eastlothian.gov.uk/ema.
Please complete the Online Application Form . The final cut-off date for processing Application Forms for academic year 2023/24 is 31 March 2024.  We are unable to process any applications after this date.
 Please note a new application must be made each academic year.
 Further advice can be obtained from the EMA Team at the following email emas@eastlothian.gov.uk or by visiting our website www.eastlothian.gov.uk/emas .

Free school meals and school clothing grants

https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210557/schools_and_learning/11899/free_school_meals_and_clothing_grants/2

If you are unable to complete online application forms please ask for a paper application at the school office. If you have any queries or having difficulty completing the form please email freeschoolmeals@eastlothian.gov.uk

Active Schools

All our other DGS Sports Clubs are up and running, to book your child’s place at a club use link below:
https://eastlothian.bookinglive.com/home/active-schools/active-schools-dunbar-grammar/
For any questions on this please email our Active School Coordinator Scott Marnoch smarnnoch@elcschool.org.uk

Careers/Opportunities/Further Study

January courses for winter leavers at Edinburgh College.
Further course information can be found here https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/courses/january-courses

SAAS Funding Information Sessions for Students and Parents/Carers

Discover STEM Day, which will take place at the University of Dundee on Wednesday 30 November 2022, running from 10am – 2.30pm.  Spaces are limited, please sign up using Discover STEM 2023 | University of Dundee, UK

BBC Early Career Schemes Higher and Graduate Apprenticeships

Scottish Government Procurement Apprenticeship

East Lothian Works Vacancies Job vacancies – East Lothian Works | East Lothian Council

Scotland’s Rural College SRUC | Open Days

Borders College Applications for full-time courses starting in August 2024.  Applications will open from 12 January 2024

Community Information

Event for potential adopters
The council’s adoption team is holding an event for potential adopters on Tuesday 21 November. If you’re considering adoption, the informal event will give you a chance to meet the council’s team and experienced adopters to find out about local support. It is being held on Tuesday 21 November, 6.30pm-9.30pm at the Brunton Hall, Musselburgh. Find out more about adopting in East Lothian at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/adoption or by calling the team on 01620 827643.

Dunbar Rotary in partnership with the school and Connected Community’s are organising gifts this year for families who are affected by the current cost of living crisis.  It is a difficult time of year and it can put a strain on finances for families to find extra funds for gifts.  The Dunbar Rotary have organised an Angel Tree service for the last 2 years and families have really appreciated the help.  If you wish to take part please email your details including Age, gender of your children and gift preference to connect-dunbar@eastlothian.gov.uk  It is completely confidential as connected community’s will manage the mail box and the Angels who buy the gifts will only have the age, gender and gift preference.  You will see the Trees in various places around the town.
This email is for use by the parent or legal guardians of Children who are participating in gifts from the Angel Tree Christmas 2023.
Any information we have of you will be held in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). The personal data collected on this application will be held securely and will only be used for administrative purposes relating to your consent.
You have the right to request a copy of the information we hold on your child and to request corrections or deletions of it.
East Lothian Council Connected Community’s  is the ‘data controller’ for your child’s information and can be contacted at any time on the email connect-dunbar@eastlothian.gov.uk
We will only keep your child’s details for as long as necessary after which your details will be destroyed.  You can also contact Helen Harper Community Development Officer at Bleachingfield centre countess crescent Dunbar EH42 1DX   phone Mobile  07970189321 if you have any questions.

What to do if you are worried about a young person

If you have any safeguarding or child protection concerns about any young person please contact one of the Designated Members of Staff (DMS) for Child Protection.
DGS Child Protection Poster

Contacting teachers/Queries
Please email admin@dunbargrammar.elcschool.org.uk or pupilsupport@dunbargrammar.elcschool.org.uk

Getting in touch
We are really keen to chat to our parents and carers.  If you would like to discuss anything with a member of the Senior Leadership Team, we are happy to chat over the phone, via Google Meet or in person.  Please email admin@dunbargrammar.elcschool.org.uk and we will be in touch to arrange a meeting

Senior Student Study Resources

• Scholar UK
• Achieve
• e-Sgoil/NeLO  Study Support 2023  Home Page | e-Sgoil
• National E-Learning-Education Scotland | Education Scotland
• SQA website