Course Choice Information for 2020-2021 can be viewed: here
Reminder – Battlefields
S3 students going to Battlefields need to apply for their European Health cards by the end of January.
Staffing Update
Please note that Miss Claire McDonald, Guidance Teacher, has changed her name to Mrs Claire Devlin. Her voicemail has been updated to reflect this.
S3 Parent/Carers’ Consultation Evening
Letters were given to S3 students last week regarding the S3 Parent/Carers Consultation evening on Tuesday 28 January: S3 Parents’ Eve
S4, S5 & S6 Parent/Carers’ Consultation Evenings
Letters about our senior phase parents and carers consultation evenings will be issued next week. This year we have changed the format to a combined senior phase event. Therefore parents and carers of students in S4, S5 and S6 can select to attend a consultation evening on Thursday 20 or Monday 24 February.
Current S3, S4 & S5 Subject Choice Parent/Carers’ Information
This was on Tuesday 21 January, the presentation can be viewed here:
Students and their parents/carers are being invited to an interview where they will have the opportunity to ask any final questions and make final selections. Letters regarding these S3 coursing interviews went home with students this week:
Returns indicating your preference for interview times are due back on Tuesday 28 January.
Coursing interview letters for S4 and S5 students will be given to students next week.
Selection Process Timeline:
| Event | Date for S3 into S4 | Date for S4 into S5 | Date for S5 into S6 |
| Parents Information Evening | 21st January 2020 | 21st January 2020 | 21st January 2020 |
| Likely Level of Study Issued | 27th January 2020 | 7th February 2020 | 7th February 2020 |
| Parents/Carers Consultation Evening | 28th January 2020 | 20th & 24th February
2020 |
20th & 24th February 2020 |
| Course Choice interviews | 18th–21st February 2020 | 25th February – 2nd March 2020 | 25th February –2nd March 2020 |
S2 to S3 Curriculum Evening
The Information Evening was on Thursday 23 January regarding subject choices for session 2020-2021. The presentation from the evening can be viewed here:
Transition Morning
Ms Harris, Ms Sutherland, Ms McEwen, Ms Reid and 1p1 visited Dunbar Primary School on Thursday morning for Primary 7 Transition. The staff and students had a fantastic morning meeting all the pupils from the Dunbar cluster who will start S1 in August. The primary 7 pupils asked lots of great questions and discussed their ‘hopes and fears’ as they prepare to move to the Grammar School.
Home Economics/Hospitality/Health & Food Technology Payments, 2018-19 – Reminder
Please note that some accounts are still outstanding. Please arrange to pay by SchoolPay. Please contact the School Office if help is required.
Home Economics/Hospitality/Health & Food Technology Payments, 2019-20 – Reminder
Please note that some accounts are still outstanding. Please arrange to pay by SchoolPay, either the full amount or by instalment. Please contact the School Office if help is required.
Parents and Carers of S4,5,6 Music Students
We will be holding our annual DGS Music Department Senior Recital Performance on Wednesday 5 February 4:30pm
This is a live performances from our S4,5,6 Music pupils in the new social space.
A common concern among students sitting practical exams is how nervous they become when asked to perform in front of the examiner. The Senior Recital performance is designed to allow pupils to combat these nerves in a relaxed and supportive environment. The event will start at 4:30pm and should finish at approximately 5:30pm. We would appreciate your support in both encouraging your son/daughter to take part in this event, and in you coming along to hear the performances.
A letter has been sent home with your son/daughter on Wednesday 22 January: Recital Evening Letter
Please complete the return slip, and return it to the Music Department by Friday 31 January.
S2 Activities Week 2020
Please note if paying by instalments, that the next payment is now due.
Assemblies next week
- Monday – S3 Assembly Hall
- Tuesday – S2 Assembly Hall
- Wednesday –S1 Assembly Hall
- Thursday – S4 Assembly Hall
- Friday – S5/6 Assembly Hall
Annual Science Department Quiz Night – Friday 31 January 7pm
It’s back! Join us at the Royal British Legion in Dunbar for fun, games, raffle, and of course, the best quiz in town. Tickets are just £3 each and are available from the school office. We are looking for teams of up to 6, age 18+. This event has been a sell-out for the last 2 years so get your team together and buy your tickets now! The quiz is general knowledge – not just Science! All proceeds to support Science education at Dunbar Grammar School. From the Science Department.
Dates for Your Diary
| Course Choice Booklets available on our website and Likely Levels of Study issued- S3 | Mon 27 Jan |
| Torness Trip | Tues 28 Jan |
| S3 Parent/Carers Consultation Eve | Tues 28 Jan |
| DGSC meeting | Thurs 30 Jan |
| Teen booster/ACWY vaccinations | Mon 3 Feb |
| Music Recital Evening | Wed 5 Feb |
| Course Choice Booklets available on our website and Likely Levels of Study issued – S4/5 | Fri 7 Feb |
| Finish for February break | Fri 7 Feb |
| In-service | Mon 17 Feb |
| Students resume | Tues 18 Feb |
| S3 Coursing Interviews | Tues 18 Feb– Fri 21 Feb |
| Senior Parent/Carer Consultation Evening – S4,5,6 | Thurs 20 & Mon 24 Feb |
| S4/5 Coursing Interviews | Tues 25 Feb– Mon 2 March |
Also, see our latest information sheet for students: Info Sheet
Other information, events and opportunities:
- Raising Teens With Confidence Course
- The public consultation on the Council’s budget priorities is now live, to seek the views of the residents in East Lothian. Information with a short video and short survey can be reached via this link: https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210560/your_council/12202/council_budgets?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn
- Enjoy Leisure Teen Memberships Poster
- Music and Mathematics on the Edge – We are pleased to announce that Dr Martin Baker will be coming to DGS to give a talk on March 24th at 6pm – all welcome. More information can be read here: Music and Mathematics on the Edge
- Online Safety Event
- Venturing Out Activities Feb 2020
- 5k Fundraising Run
Revised School Dates
Following the decision taken by the Full Council at its meeting on 29 October 2019, a consultation exercise was undertaken with parents/carers in relation to an additional day’s leave on 8 May 2020 to coincide with VE Day 75 celebrations. The outcome of this consultation was an overwhelming support for an additional day’s school closure on Friday 8 May 2020 with the retention of the already agreed school holiday closure on Monday 4 May 2020. Approval was sought from Scottish Government for this additional day’s closure and this approval has now been received. For clarity, schools will be closed on Monday 4 May 2020 and on Friday 8 May 2020. The attached were given to all students this morning:
Student Absences
If your son/daughter is absent from school, please send a message detailing the reason for absence and anticipated date of return to 07860 049 053.
You can still contact us by telephone or email if you prefer.
Payments to the School – Schoolpay
A reminder that payments are cashless for regular payments. Parents and carers should sign up to SchoolPay. The school office will be able to help you to sign up, if you need assistance, just ask. You can also contact the dedicated On Line Payments team on Tel: 01620 827562 or email onlineschoolpayments@eastlothian.gov.uk who will be happy to help you. Please see the attached letter: Letter