Brief updates... click on photographs to enlargeTuesday 19 November - Our Parent Council play a significant role in supporting the school through positive discussions across key focus areas. We all work together to strive for improvement and to create an overall ethos in which our children can flourish. We talk about all aspects of school life, and appreciate that knowledge and clear communication links are vital. Please consider joining our Gryffe High Parent Council Facebook, by searching on Facebook for Gryffe High Parent Council or use this link;
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GryffeHighParentCouncil/?ref=share Working together we can improve our provision, our procedures, our key focus areas and make a real difference in the attainment and achievements of our children. 
Monday 18 November - Thanks to everyone who supported the school show by attending the Staff vs Pupil talent competition at lunchtime on Friday. There is so much talent in abundance at Gryffe that we are going to have to have a Part two! Watch this space...
Monday 18 November - Thanks to the Breakfast Club for this lovely photo of the sunrise this morning.
The Wee Sleep Out - Following staff from Gryffe High School and adults from Houston and Killellan Church completing the Big Sleep Out last year, there was significant interest from pupils and youth groups to host our own Wee Sleep Out. So pupils from a range of year groups along with Houston Scouts, 1st Houston Boys Brigade and Houston Kirk Youth Club along with staff, Gary Noonan the Minister and volunteers will be participating in the Wee Sleep Out at Gryffe High School on Saturday 7 December. We will be sleeping outside, braving the elements for a night, to help those who have to do it every night.
Please support this initiative if you possible can via: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-portal/fundraiserPage?pageId=1114641
Friday 15 November - Have a look at the video of the finished Art Mural depicting the History of Linwood. This work is on show at the Showcase Cinema in Linwood and was completed by S5 and S6 Art pupils. Well done on all your hard work!
Friday 15 November - The Poppy Scotland Bus 'Bud' came to the school today. The bus provides a great opportunity for pupils to learn about 'Remembrance'. Exhibits within the mobile museum include historical artefacts, interactive displays and the moving stories of veterans and their families who have been supported by Poppyscotland. School Chaplains Rev. Hanneke Marshall, Rev. Kenneth Gray and Rev. Gary Noonan also worked with S1 to S5 pupils in the Remembrance Room.
Thursday 14 November - The MADD Show 2019 is coming! Join us on Wednesday 20th November at 7pm for an immersive evening celebrating all things creative. Tickets are a bargain at only £2!
This year we are honouring our beautiful planet with our “eco” theme. Pupils have been working furiously for weeks in preparation for this captivating event. On the night, pupils and staff members will be strutting along our catwalk sporting upcycled sartorial creations. We are also holding Gryffe High School’s first ever Swap Shop! Bring along clothes you'd like to swap, exchange them for tokens, wait for the signal and then...grab yourselves a bargain! Hand your clothes into the Art department before the event to get your token. You can also bring items to swap on the night! In addition there will be breath-taking performances from singers and dancers throughout the night, and a display of stunning artwork by our talented pupils. Don’t miss it! 
Thursday 14 November - S3 HFT pupils had an informative and interactive presentation from Anne Simpson, Environmental Health Officer at Renfrewshire Council. Anne explained her role as an EHO officer and gave some real life experiences as well!
Wednesday 13 November - Today is World Kindness Day. Pupils have been writing messages of thanks at various times this week. These messages will be delivered during classes today, together with cards from staff. Remember to always be kind... and always be the rainbow in someone else's cloud. #CaringLearningAchieving
Tuesday 12 November - The November LETTER, has been uploaded and can be found under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Letters'. The letter has also been sent out via SMHW.
Sunday 10 November - School Captains Lauren Rodgers and Lewis da Silva at the Armistice Memorial Service at the Cenotaph in Paisley
- 'Lest we forget' Photograph courtesy of 'David Cameron Photographer Paisley' 
Friday 8 November - A group of S5 and S6 Art pupils have been working hard today at the Linwood Showcase on a mural that depicts the history of the area. As well as creating this amazing artwork, they have been a credit to the school and engaging with the public who were keen to see the finished outcome.
Thursday 7 November - We are delighted to announce that Andrew Bogan of S3, won the Desktop Publishing competition with Mill Magazine. Andrew's final layout is now in print and you can pick up a copy of the Nov/Dec magazine in shops all over Renfrewshire. It will also be available to read online at www.millmagazine.co.uk
Well done to all pupils who took part in this. Thanks also to Paul Dickson of Mill Magazine for giving our pupils this opportunity. Wednesday 6 November - To mark Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland, Miss O'Hara worked with some of our wonderful young people to create a presentation for staff. The aim was to better inform teachers about the condition, and to suggest some more ways to help these learners in the classroom. Our pupils also bravely shared how it feels to have dyslexia, and expressed this through fantastic poetry and artwork. To top it off Emma and Callum Shaw brought in a book about dyslexia in which they both had interviews published!
Many thanks to all the pupils who helped prepare the presentation; Emma Shaw S1, Callum Shaw S1, Evin Hopkins S1, Ethan Owens S2, Indeah Carey S4, and Andrew Hay S5
A message from Renfrewshire Council - Additional Support Needs (ASN) Review – Parent Engagement Sessions Currently, we are engaging with parents of children and young people with additional support needs who attend a mainstream school. The review team will be delivering three additional sessions to which all ASN mainstream parents – secondary, primary and early years – are invited. These sessions are taking place in the evening. You are invited to attend the session that is most suitable for you.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ring or email Fiona Brown (PT Support for Learning). Please note that each session will last for a maximum of one hour. 
Wednesday 6 November -The November NEWSLETTER, has been uploaded and can be found under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Newsletters'. 
Monday 4 November - A large number of pupils were privileged to hear Mike Haines OBE on Friday. Mike's brother was murdered by ISIS, but rather than focus on the negatives, Mike now campaigns for greater compassion, understanding and kindness to promote unity between people from different backgrounds. The campaign is called Global Acts of Unity.
"Mike is a true inspiration. His story is so powerful and his response is a real challenge to us all to live a better life". 
Monday 4 November - It is Dyslexia Awareness Week! Throughout the week there will be informative awareness posters displayed around the school, pale blue ribbons worn, an after school Dyslexia workshop with pupil presentations and some staff will be wearing blue on a day of their choosing to raise awareness #endthestigma #dyslexiaawarenessweek
Friday 1 November - S4 History pupils enjoyed a great day to the Bannockburn visitor centre yesterday. A weapons and knowledge session was followed by an interactive 3D experience and battle game. The day finished with an outside walk to the campsite to gain a better understanding of the strategy involved. A great day was enjoyed by all!
Friday 1 November - The Modern Languages department were celebrating the end of Global Diversity month today with their favourite cultural celebration originating from Mexico “Feliz día de los muertos”
Thursday 31 October - Molly has an Amazing time at Space School Houston....
Here is what she had to say on her return - ‘The learning journey to Houston, Texas was a once in a lifetime opportunity, that I will never forget. It was a trip packed with amazing opportunities, including behind the scenes access to NASA’s Johnson Space Centre as well as numerous talks from engineers, flight surgeon, astronomers and astronauts. The trip was a great stepping stone for the future as it created ambition for both my studies and career. I would definitely recommend this programme to anyone interested in STEM.’ Molly Barry S6 
Thursday 31 October - We were delighted to meet with Houston Primary School Eco Committee today. Both Eco Committees discussed lots of ideas ranging from battery recycling to energy consumption - keep an eye out for more updates.
Thursday 31 October - The S6 pupils put a great deal of effort into their Halloween preparations. They decorated their Social area and dressed up, all of Witch raised money for charity. They had a ‘Best Dressed’ event and I am sure you will agree that they had some amazing costumes.
Enjoy the full picture gallery here (with some S1 pupils featuring as well)... https://sway.office.com/juQFgBHOrIPPPFvN?ref=Link
Wednesday 30 October - A fabulous display of transferable skills as finalists of the S1 Geography Tourism in Scotland Challenge presented their projects to their year group and the judging panel in the theatre - well done! Congratulations also goes to the winning group from 1Fm: Amber, Amelie, Erin, Martha, Anna and Iona.
Friday 25 October - To celebrate International Chefs Day, S4 pupils attended Healthy Eating workshops at West College Scotland on Wednesday. Worldchefs has committed to using International Chefs Day to teach pupils around the globe about the importance of healthy eating by hosting fun-filled workshops worldwide. The workshops included healthy ice cream, chocolate and passionfruit mousse, avocado wedges, healthy pizzas and mocktails.
Friday 25 October - As announced on Show My Homework and through the calendar and Pupil Bulletin, today was an own clothes day for House Funds. In addition to collecting pupil donations in the morning, the S6 House Captains organised their first house event. Pupils can be seen here enjoying a Just Dance event at lunchtime in the theatre.
Wednesday 23 October - We are delighted to say that Jack Young in S6 has been accepted into the prestigious New York Academy of Sciences’ Junior Academy. The New York Academy of Sciences is one of the country’s oldest and most widely respected scientific organisations. As a member of The Junior Academy, Jack will have the opportunity to collaborate with nearly 3,000 students from 94 countries on virtual STEM education challenges sponsored by industry leading companies. These challenges are designed by the Academy’s education experts to help students develop 21st-century skills as they prepare for the jobs of the future.
Well done Jack and we wish you well in this venture! 
Wednesday 23 October - Pupils enjoyed their opportunity to get a henna tattoo today as part of our Global Diversity Awareness Month. Our talented team will also be back next Wednesday if you missed out today!
Monday 21 October - Please take a little time to look at our Standards & Quality Report for session 2018/2019, which can be found under the 'ABOUT US' tab. I hope this document gives you a feel of our pupils significant achievements. We are very proud of the continued positive direction of our school, and in the excellent relationships between pupils, staff, parents/carers and the local community. Please have a look at the report and feel free to contact us to provide your own views and possible feedback.
Additional Study Support for S4, S5 and S6 pupils can be found under the 'PUPIL ZONE' tab, then 'Supported Study' 
Monday 21 October - AH Music pupils along with some Drama pupils enjoyed a visit to the Theatre Royal in Glasgow this evening, where they were introduced to opera with Tosca Unwrapped. This was a taster session, giving an insight into the performance and how it is created.
Friday 11 October - In-Service day today for staff who will all be taking part in a whole day Pivotal Education Workshop, looking at behaviour management and focusing on classroom practice that eradicates low level disruption and refocuses everyone on the learning. Ultimately leading to a shift in expectations in every classroom and from every adult.
As we look forward to our October break next week, we wish all pupils and staff a relaxing holiday. Return date is Monday 21 October, with our usual 8:50 am prompt start. It will be an exciting week for S6 pupil Molly Barry, as she goes off to Houston in Texas, having gained one of only 10 places to Space School. Molly will enjoy VIP tours of the Johnson Space Centre, meet astronauts and visit Mission Control. We wish her a fantastic trip! 
Thursday 10 October - Over 20 of our pupils were trained by the Local Authority Youth Services Team, on Monday 9 October, and then led focus groups today looking at our Personal and Social Education Curriculum. This detail will led to changes within our curriculum, will also be fed back to the Local Authority, and then finally fed back to the Scottish Government.
We are delighted that the views of our pupils clearly matter.
Thursday 10 October - 'Clap It/Wrap it' had a bake sale today in order to raise funds for their Young Enterprise registration and for the purchase of start up stock. Gryffe High School are participating in this yearly event and are looking to fulfil the stationery needs of Renfrewshire.
Wednesday 9 October - Tonight was the last session of Activ8, which is now in its 10th year. Activ8 is our annual spread of activities on offer, aimed at keeping active bodies and active minds for the 8 weeks of our first term. Doodle and Destress and Drama Club were busy activities with a very wide range of other activities happening in our PE facilities. Although Activ8 finishes now until August 2020 for year 11, there are various extended curricular opportunities around the school on offer on different days of the week with some new clubs set to begin on Wednesdays after school as a follow on from Activ8.
Wednesday 9 October - Miss Brown and Miss Still attended the @growingupinscot conference today. An insightful day into child development. This year’s conference aimed to explore the latest findings and hear about future plans for the GUS survey. Topics covered from the findings included overweight, obesity, cognitive development, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and youth work.
Tuesday 8 October - The October LETTER, has been uploaded and can be found under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Letters'. The letter has also been sent out via SMHW. 
Monday 7 October - Sixteen S5 pupils completed their Silver DofE Practice Expedition over the weekend, Friday to Sunday. Their location was in the Aberfoyle Area. Our four DofE Young Leaders were with them.
Sunday 6 October - Very well done to Leo Downes in S3 who achieved a Bronze Medal today at the Scottish Gymnastics National Championships in Perth. This was in the Trampolining NDP4 13+ category, which is a new level for Leo. Watch his performance on the Gryffe High Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/gryffehighschool/videos/769872046795721/
Sunday 6 October - What a performance by former pupil Callum Hawkins, as he finished fourth in the World Champs. It really was a fantastic and well-timed run from Callum who clocked 2.10.57. The winning time was 2.10.40. A matter of seconds....how amazing is that. Very well done Callum!
Picture courtesy of British Athletics. 
Thursday 3 October - A big thank you to Professor Adam McBride OBE who gave two inspiring and interactive lectures to S1 and S5/6 pupils on “Mathematics in our Modern World” today. This was just one of many activities happening across the school to celebrate Maths Week. Gryffe also hosted the Enterprising Maths regional heat for Renfrewshire yesterday. This is a Scottish Mathematical Council competition, for teams of S3 and S4 pupils.
Thursday 3 October - S6 Wellbeing Ambassadors, Matthew Cliff and Laura Workman joined Miss O'Hara in representing the school at the Mental Health Foundation 70th Anniversary Evening Reception held last night. This took place at 'The Lighthouse' in Glasgow. The event detailed the crucial work that has been undertaken in the prevention of mental health problems spanning the last seven decades.
Wednesday 2 October -The October NEWSLETTER, has been uploaded and can be found under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Newsletters'. 
Tuesday 1 October - What a day on Thursday! A fitting finish to Gryffestyles week, with over 400 pupils (from S1 to S6) taking part in the 3K Fun Run organised by S6 Sports Ambassadors and the PE Department. P7 pupils from our associated primary schools also ran in the event. 3K Fun Run proceeds go to LGBT Youth Scotland...... Well done to all!
Be sure to check out both our Gallery of pictures by the Media Team and video with Peter (our Sports Reporter) and Robbie on camera. https://sway.office.com/DWbPXIAVPuE7giIH?ref=Link https://youtu.be/1xOcti-ca9M |
CalendarTHIS WEEK: .... this is week 3 for school meals, menus shown under the 'MORE' tab
Mon 18 Book Week Scotland Achievements completion week National 5 Prelims starts - Practical Wed 20 MADD Show, 7:00 pm start Fri 22 Book Week Scotland Fancy Dress Day NEXT WEEK .... this is week 1 for school meals, menus shown under the 'MORE' tab Mon 25 National 5 Prelims starts - Theory Parent Council Meeting, 7:00 pm start Tue 26 3rd Deposits for Activities Week Thur 28 S1 Reports issued to pupils PTA Christmas Fayre Fri 29 St Andrew's Day event, wear some Scottish with uniform Monday 2 December St Andrew's Day Holiday SPORTS UPDATES ... click in photographs to enlarge
| ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
