Gryffe High School
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Brief updates... click on photographs to enlarge

Friday 15 January - A Head Teacher's update letter has been issued to all pupils and parents/carers via SMHW (Satchel), and is also available to view here. Each Year Head has also provided updates through the week as we continue to focus on providing an engaging online programme for our pupils. Please note the detail within the letter in regard to the Parent Portal - parents/carers are required to register via the Parent Portal in order to get access to online pupil reports, attendance....
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Update letter to pupils and parents-carers
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File Type: pdf
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Friday 8 January - A Head Teacher's update letter and our alternative timetable has been issued to all pupils and parents/carers via SMHW (Satchel). As much as we are desperate to see our pupils and get back into the way of normal school life, we still look forward to starting our full online learning programme on Monday 11 January, following our alternative timetable. Should you have any questions to ask regarding the timetable then please contact our school office on 0300 300 1323 or email gryffehighenquiries@renfrewshire.gov.uk  ...... email, even if it is questions over the weekend, and we will get back to you as we want all pupils prepared for a smooth start on Monday.

Below you will find reminder help links, tips to help you access digital content
Sign into Glow Computer: https://youtu.be/MywvlVAFIT8
Sign into Glow XBox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWTwAfLKbkU&feature=youtu.be
Sign into Glow PS4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHTHaXhccDE&feature=youtu.be
Access a teams live lesson: https://youtu.be/kr6oxecYRuc
 
All phones and tablets can download the Show My Homework and Teams app, which you sign in to using your Glow details. Remember that you can download the full Office 365 suite via your Glow account as well.

Wednesday 8 January -The JANUARY NEWSLETTER has been uploaded and can be found as usual under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Newsletters'. Please enjoy reading about the many achievements and successes of our pupils. The Newsletter might give you a feel of 'normality'. Due to current circumstances I have also put the newsletter file here for quick access.
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January Newsletter 2021
File Size: 10067 kb
File Type: pdf
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Tuesday 5 January - Head Teacher's update letter to pupils and parents/carers.
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Letter to pupils parents carers
File Size: 304 kb
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​Tuesday 22 December - Not how we had hoped to start our New Year, however the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of our pupils is of the upmost importance. I will provide an update to all pupils/parents/carers on Wednesday 6 January, once I have had an opportunity to discuss with staff and Local Authority colleagues. Remote learning for pupils will start on Monday 11 January and we hope pupils will return to school on Monday 18 January 2021.
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Our S5/6 Assessment Diet is to commence on Thursday 21 January and finish on Friday 5 February 2021.  We hope to keep to these dates. Should there be any further announcements from the Government then we may consider moving the Assessment Diet back. Drama and Advanced Higher Music Performing Practical Assessments will need to change and this has been issued via SMHW.
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S5-6 Assessment Diet timetable with letter - January 2021 revised
File Size: 394 kb
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Updates will be given on Wednesday 6 January, via SMHW and the School Website/Facebook, detailing our plans to support all our pupils. Local Authority updates can be found via:  www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/schoolsupdate-2212

Mr Johnson
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Friday 18 December - I wish my last update of 2020 to be one of pride. As much as we have had a very difficult year, it has also been one where the achievements of our pupils, staff, parents/carers and wider community has been recognised as outstanding. I am so proud of our children, in how they have adapted and the positivity shown in taking on all challenges - especially in supporting each other along the way. I would like to finish with you reading a poem written by Olivia...... 

    Merry Christmas and all the very best in the New Year

Mr Johnson

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Friday 18 December - I would like to ask for the support of all parents/carers in encouraging their children to arrive promptly on Wednesday 6 January, to ensure that they are in school by 8:47 am and making their way to class. We wish to maximise Learning and Teaching time and start lessons at 8:50 am. Could I also please ask that pupils are in full school uniform.

Thursday 17 December - Gryffe High School hosted the first Renfrewshire Online School Captains' Conference today, chaired by our own Captains Calum and Rachael. The key young leaders of all 11 Renfrewshire Secondary Schools shared effective practice with each other. Each pairing of Captains gave a presentation on key focus areas within their school and then there was discussion around their role as School Captains, the challenges they face and how they have led improvements within their own school. A very impressive grouping of young ladies and gentlemen.
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Thursday 17 December - Following on from last Friday's Christmas Jumper Day for 'Save the Children', the results are in for the Best Staff Jumper. As you can see, the standards were very high. Especially well done to Mrs Taylor (Science) and Miss Monaghan (Music) for their efforts. They qualified for the ‘Best Christmas Dressed Teacher’ competition with a vote taking place with S1 pupils. Well done to Miss Monaghan who came out on top.


Tuesday 15 December - We wish we were having our usual Christmas Concert in our School Theatre, where we have always had a feast of music, fun and laughter..... no one mention the Twelve Days of Christmas or Mr Laird might just pop up and get you singing!!!!
For the moment things are different, however we are delighted to provide the link to our Virtual Christmas Concert..... Enjoy, reflect and think positive for the year ahead.
                         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM1Xef7xfsg
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Tuesday 15 December - Ewan Mitchell and Oscar James (both S6) took part in the first round of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating competition, organised and run by the Law Society earlier this month. Like all debating competitions this year, it took place online with teams from St Columba's, Holy Cross and Broxburn Academy.  Proposing the motion "This house would make voting compulsory" the Gryffe team were up against a formidable Broxburn team (semi-finalists in last year's competition) and this was certainly a very strong debate with great performances from both teams. Deservedly, the teams from Gryffe and Broxburn both progressed through to the second round.  Well done to Ewan and Oscar for impressive performances in the first round and good luck in the next round at the end of January.


Monday 14 December - Only ONE more sleep until the link to our Virtual Christmas Concert is revealed. Unfortunately we are unable to have our usual Christmas Concert in the Theatre, which was scheduled for tomorrow evening, Tuesday 15 December. However, tomorrow evening you can watch our pupils performing, albeit in a slightly different way....... the link below is a video advert for our Virtual Christmas Concert.
               https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MORMtihYv68&feature=youtu.be

We are looking forward to you joining us on Tuesday 15 December and the link will be announced here at 18:59pm ready for a 7:00pm start.
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​Friday 11 December - Today we had a taste of Christmas round the school as pupils and staff took part in 'Christmas Jumper Day', with all donations received going to 'Save the Children'. The geography department had posted some photos on Twitter and 'Save the Children' replied 'Thanks so much for your support, the money raised will make a huge difference to children in Scotland and around the world!'. 

Friday 11 December - Please read my Head Teacher's update, covering:
- Brief detail on the December Newsletter
​- Asking for parents/carers support
- Learning and Teaching, including detail on Assessments.
       The main detail for S4, S5 and S6 pupils has been issued
​       to pupils/parents/carers via SMHW.

- Calendar... with more detail available above under the 'CALENDAR' tab.
- Communication
- Wishing you a fun filled Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Head Teacher's update
File Size: 718 kb
File Type: pdf
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Friday 11 December - LGBT Silver Charter
We are proud to announce that we have been awarded the Silver LGBT Charter Award. We have been working towards the Silver Charter, to be able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to equality and diversity & ensure that Gryffe is inclusive of all LGBT+ people. The Charter requires staff and pupils to demonstrate that they have undertaken LGBT awareness training and that all practices, resources, and policies are as inclusive as possible.
Congratulations to all staff and pupils - another proud day for us all!

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Monday 7 December - Congratulations to S6 pupils Elleanor, Eva, Abby and Heather (pictured) who received the highest number of tokens in their respective house classes for the month of November.  For more information on achievements of all pupils follow us on instagram and twitter @gryffeachieves 

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​Friday 4 December - Advanced Higher Modern Studies focuses on Crime and Law for the whole year. As part of our study of responses to crime, we invited Procurator Fiscal Mairi-Clare McMillan and Defence Lawyer Matthew McGovern to speak to both Advanced classes online.  The students gained great insight into the operations of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and developed more of an understanding of their relationship with the police and their role in directing aspects of police investigations. 

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​Wednesday 2 December - As you know, this year the Citizenship Committee has been working with Renfrewshire based ‘Night Before Christmas’ Charity who aim to give Christmas Eve boxes to families living in poverty, who would not otherwise be able to afford this tradition for their children. We are delighted to say that the donations were collected today, and around 150 packs will go to children across Renfrewshire. Well done to all those involved.

Wednesday 2 December -The DECEMBER NEWSLETTER has been uploaded and can be found as usual under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Newsletters'. Please enjoy reading about the 'Scottish State Secondary School of the Year' 😊
​and the many achievements and successes of our pupils. Due to current circumstances I have also put the newsletter file here for quick access.

December Newsletter
File Size: 11792 kb
File Type: pdf
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Tuesday 1 December - The countdown starts to the Christmas Festivities. Unfortunately we are unable to have our usual Christmas Concert in the Theatre, which was scheduled for Tuesday 15 December. However, on the evening you can watch our pupils performing, albeit in a slightly different way....... the link below is a video advert for our Virtual Christmas Concert.
               https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MORMtihYv68&feature=youtu.be

We are looking forward to you joining us on Tuesday 15 December.

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Friday 27 November – It is with great pride that we inform you that The Sunday Times has just announced Gryffe High School as:
SCOTTISH STATE SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR ​
with full detail being published in their paper on Sunday 29 November.

 
We went through our Her Majesty’s inspection in February, with the report published in August, and came out with recognition of our EXCELLENT practice. In June, Gryffe won Respect Me’s ‘Change Starts with Us’ Award for our efforts in regard to anti-bullying. In September, Gryffe was accredited as a Vision School for Holocaust Education in Scotland. In October, UNICEF accredited Gryffe as a Gold Rights Respecting School, and in early November, Gryffe was Awarded their 3rd Eco Green Flag.
               Now SCOTTISH STATE SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR.

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Mr Johnson stated ‘To say I am proud of our pupils and staff is a complete understatement. To be the Head Teacher of a school where the pupils, day in day out, impress with their enthusiasm, drive and persistence is an absolute pleasure and privilege.’
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Tuesday 24 November - Last week we had a focus on National Anti-Bullying Week, and ran a variety of events throughout the week from Bee scavenger hunts, to refreshing lemonade drinks to Do-nut Worry donations. Gryffe also featured on Respect Me's twitter page with our very own stigma reducing mental health group 'Like Minds'... #BeeKind. This focus is obviously not only for the one week, it is week in week out. The picture has some wise words from our Pupil Management Group.

Monday 23 November - Physical Education/School Sport
For a few weeks we got a good bit of life and soul back into the school as our sports clubs were getting back up and running. However, whilst in Level 4, a reminder that all PE lessons will now take place outdoors again. Pupils are asked to prepare accordingly for potentially cold and wet weather and are encouraged to bring plenty warm and waterproof clothing. Classes will remain outdoors for all lessons unless any conditions become dangerous. In line with Education Scotland guidelines, all school sport sessions are suspended whilst in Level 4.
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​Monday 23 November - ‘Maths Inside’ is a photo competition open to everyone living in Scotland hosted by the University of Glasgow. As part of Maths Week Scotland 2020, pupils were asked to make some maths connections called ‘Complete the pattern’. Two photos were presented and entrants were asked to complete the pattern with a photo and commentary of their own. Very well done to Aidan Smith in 1B who took first prize in the third/fourth level category. His entry was called ‘Round and Round, Up and Down’. Brilliant work, Aidan. 

Friday 20 November - Well done to Gregor and Iain in S6 for their work with Brian Costello of Headstrong for International Men’s day. A lesson created on Men’s Mental Health that will be delivered to all S1 and S2 in Gryffe over the next week and opened up to schools across the country. A big thanks to Brian for all his help!!   https://fb.watch/1SDvkYrE_F/

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​Tuesday 17 November - Today a group of S3 /S4 pupils from Gryffe's Digital Ninja Group took part in a virtual bootcamp as part of the #DigiInventors Challenge. Throughout the day, the team joined in a series of online sessions to help them develop their app idea in preparation for presenting it to the judging panel in an upcoming final in December. Focusing on Wellbeing, their app 'Gryffe Cares' was designed to offer a digital solution to ensure that pupils had somewhere to go if they needed to talk to someone about their mental health or felt that they were victims of bullying. The team are now looking forward to refining their app idea and getting ready for the final.

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​Saturday 14 November- Just Announced...... Gryffe High has been successful in gaining a share of the Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund 2020. The Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund - by young people, for young people - gives you, as a young person, a voice in your community and lets you decide how to make living as a young person in Renfrewshire better. Gryffe Wellbeing put forward their idea of the 'Find your Angel' project and it received the most votes in the 'Villages' category.
Look out for further detail on this project in the coming weeks. Very well done to the Gryffe Wellbeing Team for their hard work in making this happen.

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​Wednesday 11 November - Today was the day that we delivered our Foodbank collections to the Trussell Trust: Renfrewshire Foodbank. Every house contributed, with Mackintosh just out there in front with the most donations. Well done to everyone who contributed to such a worthwhile cause. The House Captains had the responsibility of packaging up donations. On the way to the drop-off, they dropped by Houston and Killellan Kirk to ensure their weekly donation was dropped off safely as well. On arrival at Trussell Trust in Renfrew, they were given an informative talk about the next stage for the donations and how they are distributed to those in need. Gryffe Pupils, Parents, Carers and Staff should be very proud of their contributions and the benefit they will have to those in need in the local area.

Wednesday 11 November - Please read my Head Teacher's update, covering:
- Discussion at the Parent Council Meeting
​- Support the PTA
- Covid 19 Health and Safety update
- Curriculum, including detail on National 5 and Higher/Advanced
  Higher, updates
- Dyslexia Awareness, GOLD Rights Respecting School, Remembrance

Head Teacher's update
File Size: 336 kb
File Type: pdf
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Wednesday 11 November - At 11:00 am on 11 November 1918 the Armistice, which ended the fighting during the First World War, came into effect. Since then it has been traditional to honour the millions who have died during all wars and conflicts by observing Two Minutes Silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
As a school we will have a Two Minute Silence today, Wednesday 11 November, at 11:00 am. All classes will also be shown a video clip on Remembrance, will stop for the two minute silence, and then continue with the clip. The bell will ring at 11:00 am then again at 11:02 am.
Please take time to view the video                 https://youtu.be/V4szU_fMy00

Mr Johnson, along with Calum, Catherine and Jennifer, laid a wreath in Bridge of Weir, and Mrs Brown, along with Megan, Esme and Alex, laid a wreath in Houston.
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Wednesday 11 November - Last year, four talented and brave Gryffe High School pupils stood in front of staff and read a poem that they collectively wrote about their experience of Dyslexia. This year we got together again and recorded it to share more widely, as part of Dyslexia Awareness Week - enjoy!
                                             https://youtu.be/J8reMTOZdWM
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Monday 9 November - To mark the start of Gryffe High's Dyslexia Awareness Week, here is a short video outlining some of our plans and highlighting some important facts about living with dyslexia. This has been uploaded to the school YouTube channel.
                                         https://youtu.be/LANY7ic72d8
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Wednesday 4 November -The NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER has been uploaded and can be found as usual under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Newsletters'. Please enjoy reading about the work of the school and the many achievements and successes of our pupils. Due to current circumstances I have also put the newsletter file here for quick access.
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November Newsletter
File Size: 12459 kb
File Type: pdf
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Sunday 1 November - You may know that on Friday afternoon the Government published new guidelines for schools. Most of the detail we already have in place, however the key change that we will implement from Monday 2 November is that Senior pupils, S4 to S6, must now wear a face covering while in class.
 Please read my Head Teacher’s update.
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Head Teacher's update
File Size: 427 kb
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Parent-Carer update from Director of Children's Services - Steven Quinn
File Size: 182 kb
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Friday 30 October - On Friday, non-uniform day, it was a pleasure to see the S6 pupils in their ‘Eighties Theme’, bringing back a few distant memories!!!, and to see smiles on faces. The picture is from the Pupil Management Team weekly Friday 8:00 am meeting.
​We long for the return of ‘fun’ and the normality of learning and teaching without restrictions.

Wednesday 28 October - We are delighted to be confirmed as the first school in Renfrewshire to have gained the prestigious GOLD Rights Respecting Schools Award. Please see the update letter for further detail.
Update letter RRSA
File Size: 315 kb
File Type: pdf
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​Sunday 25 October - Mr Paul McClelland attended his Lowland Leader Assessment on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 October and passed with flying colours. This is a requirement for DofE. Our thanks to Stuart from Outlook Adventures for his time in recent months to support a number of staff in gaining their Lowland Leader qualification. 

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​Thursday 22 October - Some of our S4 pupils are currently out completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Group 3 can be seen here getting ready to tackle Gleniffer Braes earlier on in the day. Their reward is the enjoyment of toasting marshmallows this evening.

Wednesday 21 October - Please find opposite an update letter from Steven Quinn, Director of Children's Services.
Letter to parents/carers
File Size: 181 kb
File Type: pdf
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Tuesday 20 October - Our system of recognising achievements through tokens has gone digital. The value of each token and categories you can receive a token for remain the same as in previous years. Please watch the video for more information in this link. https://twitter.com/GryffeAchieves/status/1318525933448474625?s=20

Tuesday 20 October - Please find attached our additional study support for S4 and S5/6 pupils. For any further information please contact Ms Dhesi.
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Additional Subject Study Support
File Size: 61 kb
File Type: pdf
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Tuesday 20 October - Gryffe High has applied for funding for a local community project. To be successful young people within the authority must vote on the Young Scot website. Can pupils please take 2 minutes and follow the steps below to vote:
 
1. Check your glow email account for a unique Young Scot Number which will give you access to vote (search for Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund) 
2. Go to: http://voting.youngscot.org and put in your unique Young Scot Number 
3. Look for ‘Gryffe High – Find Your Angel’ project 
4. VOTE!! 
The voting period is October 12th – October 30th (5pm). 


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​Friday 9 October - Today, we supported Young Minds UK mental health campaign 'Hello Yellow' in celebration of World Mental Health Day.
Our Hearty Lives ambassadors sold pre-packaged yellow food, yellow masks, yellow bracelets, and yellow badges! All money raised will be donated to Young Minds UK, the UK’s leading charity in young people’s mental health.  
It was a wonderful way to begin the October holidays!

Thursday 8 October - Head Teacher's update letter to Pupils and Parents/Carers. This will also be sent to all Pupils/Parents/Carers tomorrow via Show My Homework.
Update letter to pupils-parents-carers
File Size: 417 kb
File Type: pdf
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Thursday 8 October - Please take a little time to read our Standards and Quality Report for session 2019/2020. All schools publish this Report prior to the October break, and we are sure that in reading it you will be impressed with the outstanding achievements of our pupils. Our aim, as always, is to provide an EXCELLENT learning experience for our pupils.
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Standards and Quality Report 2019-2020
File Size: 4870 kb
File Type: pdf
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Thursday 8 October - As part of Global Diversity Month, Citizenship are celebrating other cultures by holding Mehndi stalls. All the money raised from the stalls will be going to the “Show Racism the Red Card” charity. Some beautiful artwork by some talented artists.


Wednesday 7 October -The OCTOBER NEWSLETTER has been uploaded and can be found as usual under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Newsletters'. Please enjoy reading about the work of the school and the many achievements and successes of our pupils. Due to current circumstances I have also put the newsletter file here for quick access.
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October Newsletter 2020
File Size: 9582 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Wednesday 7 October - Please have a look at the great ideas for Christmas from the PTA. Do try to support the PTA in their work as they strive to raise funds to benefit our pupils.
 
All the detail that you need is here - 
             https://www.gryffehigh.com/pta-xmas-shop.html
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Tuesday 6 October - Congratulations to Alfie Sidebotham in S6 who won the Old Course Ranfurly golf course 3rd annual Generation cup with his brother Jamie on Sunday. Photo used with kind permission from Old Ranfurly.


Tuesday 6 October - A second informative video has been uploaded to the school YouTube channel as part of ADHD Awareness Week. Here is the link -
 
                                            https://youtu.be/wWIAauHgEqI
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Monday 5 October - 'Quote of the Week' - from our School Captains Rachael and Calum.

Today marks the start of ADHD Awareness Week at Gryffe.
Here is a link to a short video which has been uploaded to the school YouTube channel, with some important facts to kick us off!
 
                                             https://youtu.be/UEPOtfi4nJQ

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Monday 5 October - If you have any tokens from last session at home, please bring these back into school before the October break. Points from tokens put into tubes this week will be counted in this year's house competition. 


Friday 2 October - S1 Meet The Teachers: Thursday 8 October 2020
You will be aware that under the present circumstances parents/carers are not allowed in the school building. As such we are unfortunately unable to hold the S1 Meet The Teachers Evening.
Further detail has been sent to all S1 Parents/Carers via Show My Homework, including detail on further S1 subject information that we intend to issue.

Participation and Achievements
​- CLICK HERE for latest detail on clubs
 

Calendar

THIS WEEK:      .... this is week 3 for school meals, menus shown under the 'MORE' tab 
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NEXT WEEK:     .... this is week 1 for school meals, menus shown under the 'MORE' tab


                          Please look at brief updates for any further information          

SPORTS UPDATES    ... click in photographs to enlarge
Tweets by @gryffe_sports




Brief Update Archive
Sport Update Archive
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Gryffe High School 
Old Bridge of Weir Road, Houston, Renfrewshire, PA6 7EB 
Tel: 0300 300 1323 
email: gryffehighenquiries@renfrewshire.gov.uk 
      Head Teacher:  Mr Colin H Johnson BSc