1. Getting Started What is the uniform? What goes in the gym bag?
Welcome to Primary 1 James Gillespie's Primary School!
We hope to help answer some of the questions you may have before your first day. The school will give you an induction booklet when your child starts school, you can find out more on the school website,
The parent council website is at
What is the uniform?
The school uniform policy is on the school website. There is a supplier of uniform with the school logo: BE (Borders Embroidery) if you wish. You may also like to have a white shirt and tie for photos and school events (a limited number of ties can be borrowed for these events).
Day to day, most children wear a navy or white polo shirt, navy jumper/cardigan/fleece and grey trousers/skirts/pinafores. Your child will need to have 2 or 3 pairs of shoes:
Outside shoes for the walk to and from school and play time
Indoor shoes, black plimsolls, which children change into for the classroom
Trainers that are kept in the gym bag for PE activities outside (if your outdoor school shoes are not trainers)
The school uniform suppliers BE sell complete gymsac kits, however, a gym bag should have a plain t-shirt (can be in child’s house colour), plain shorts and long track suit trousers and trainers for outside activities. It is taken in on the first day of school and is kept in the classroom, coming home at mid term and end of term for washing.
What goes in the gym bag?
Things to bring in a school bag:
Pencil case with pencils, eraser, sharpener, colouring pencils or pens and a glue stick
Water bottle filled with water (make sure it doesn’t leak!)
Snack for snack time (no nuts and meant to be healthy)
Lunch, if you are taking packed lunches
What do they take to school?
School lunches are provided free for P1s. They have their lunch in the dining hall (includes those with packed lunches). P1’s are the first to have their lunch which means less queueing. School lunches are ordered by you via an ed googleform sent out by the school every 3-4 weeks – so watch out for these. The 4 week menus are available via CEC website and Edinburgh Catering Services supplies JGPS:
What happens at lunch?

2. Getting Started Where is the Lost Property Box?
Name everything, and every part of everything! There is a big lost property box next to reception.
Where is the Lost Property Box?
What homework do P1’s get and how often?
Expect P1’s to get home learning and activities during the week but not on Fridays. More detailed information will be given to you in your school induction leaflet, the home learning policy is on the school website:
How can I get in touch with their teacher?
Letters in the school bag or notes in your child’s jotters are the main form of communication between you and your child’s teacher, check for these every day.
You can arrange to speak to your child’s teacher separately if required. You can also your child’s teacher by ing with ‘FAO’ and the class teacher’s name. Please be aware that teachers may take a day or two to reply as they catch up with s once lessons have finished.
You can contact reception during school hours or
How can I get in touch with the school?
If you share your address with the school then you will receive a fortnightly with news of what is going on at school and what’s coming up.
The JGPS Council (Parent Council) will organise an parent year group list at your induction session. This is useful for being able to share ideas or ask questions or simply arrange social events.
Good luck!
How do I know what is going on in school?
The Parent Council is always looking for ways to improve communication if you have any suggestions please contact us or the school direct.