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Thank you for being such a steady and reliable head teacher during very difficult times. We really appreciate your work.
The Tynan family.

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Thank you so much for being such an amazing headteacher over the last couple of years- I’ll really miss your Monday morning announcements- they were a great way to start the week.
Best wishes,
Aliyah Faulds S3

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That was surely the hardest two years to have been a school head teacher since the mid 20th century. You held it together admirably, managing difficult change and giving strong leadership. Thank you.

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Wishing you a long and happy retirement.  Thank you for all your support and hard work over the years. Amelia, John, Angus, Ellen and Jamie Beattie

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Wishing you a long and happy retirement.  Thank you for all your support and hard work over the years. Amelia, John, Angus, Ellen and Jamie Beattie

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Many thanks for all you have done. Looking forward to hearing what you do next. Have a fantastic retirement. Will miss your Friday quotes. Always make me smile and think. Thank you.

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Many thanks for all you have done. Looking forward to hearing what you do next. Have a fantastic retirement. Will miss your Friday quotes. Always make me smile and think. Thank you.

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Best wishes for your retirement. Very appreciative of your congruence, community and kindness, thank you 💐

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Best wishes for your retirement. Very appreciative of your congruence, community and kindness, thank you 💐

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Thank you so much Donald for all your hard work, dedication and commitment to the school.  You have been inspirational to all your pupils and a massive asset to a great school. Your tenure whilst my kids have been there is greatly appreciated  enjoy your retirement
the Pearson family

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And wishing you all the very best for your retirement.
Bridget Lee

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Thank you so much for your help and kindness. Wishing you a happy retirement. Fr Ng family.

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We feel so lucky and grateful to be part of the JGHS community. Thank you for guiding Dan and Morwenna in their search for themselves, and for their place in the world.
Time now to relax and recuperate!
Warmest wishes from the Williams family (Dan, leaver 2021, Morwenna S6)

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Wishing you a very happy retirement. Have enjoyed your quotes every Friday these last 2 years!

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Thank you for all your hard work over the last 10 years, your commitment to the school, and your enthusiastic support of all your pupils. We are sorry you are going, but hope you enjoy retirement and the free time you will now have to do all the other things the world has to offer!

Best wishes,

Iain, Sarah, Isabel, Alasdair and Catriona Scott

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Tapadh leat gu mòr, mòr a Dhòmhnaill, agus gu math, math a thèid leat san ath cheum nad bheatha! Thank you so much for you outstanding leadership, Donald, and very best wishes for the future! Rob agus Cairistìona

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Thank you for all your help and support over the last five years, we'll miss your dry wit and thoughtful quotes!
Euan Hickman (S6) and parents.

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Wishing you a long and happy retirement. Go raibh maith agat! The Glackin family.

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Many thanks for your magisterial contribution as Gillespie's Head Teacher. The three younger MacGregors thoroughly enjoyed their time at school - a worthy testament to you and your teaching staff. We wish you a long, happy and healthful retirement. All best from Andy, Valerie, Catriona, Sheena and Sandy

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Wishing you all the best in your retirement and  many thanks for your hard work in Gillespie’s! Parents of Cosmo and Zoe Varnden

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Thank you for leading the school with such warmth, kindness and good humour. We'll miss you! Wishing you a very happy retirement. Mary and Matt (Rosie and Ronnie's parents).

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It's hard to imagine James Gillespies High School without your wise ways guiding our school community. Thank you so much for all the dedication and support you have given to all our children, inspiring and encouraging them to be their best selves - especially over the past couple of years where the trials to be overcome have never been greater. We hope that the next adventures in retirement bring fulfilling challenges, joy and peace. With all vey best wishes from the Snaith-Philp family (Edward S3, Daniel S5 and Jessica leaver2021).

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Dear Mr Macdonald,
although Milo hasn't been in this school long, we have felt that he was welcome and accepted there from day one, thank you very much for creating such a supportive and inclusive environment for our children, especially those vulnerable ones who need it most! You have made such a difference, and we hope the school can keep your legacy for years to come. From Milo Asceric-Todd (2L5) and his family.

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Wishing you a long and happy retirement,  Lewis Storr and family. 

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Wishing you a long and happy retirement,  Lewis Storr and family. 

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Bu mhath leinn taing mhòr mhòr a thoirt dhuibh airson ur ceannas, ur taic, ur foighidinn agus ur lèirsinn. 'S e sàr obair a rinn sibh a thaobh adhartachadh foghlam Gàidhlig agus gach taobh eile den sgoil thar nam bliadhnaichean. Gum meal sibh an cluaineas air a bheil sibh cho airidh!

Wilson, Konstanze agus Mànus McLeod

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Thank you so much for leading the school in such a nurturing and positive way. We wish you all the very best of luck in your future endeavours.
Warmest wishes
Daunt family

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Thanks Mr Macdonald! We hope you will be enjoying your retirement!

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Thanks Mr Macdonald! We hope you will be enjoying your retirement!

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Erfu Yang & Family

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Thank you for your dedication to the school, the young people, and the job as a whole. Alaric has thrived at Gillespies and I will always be grateful to you, and your staff for that. We wish you a very happy retirement and like many others, will very much miss the Friday update quote of the week! Fiona and Alaric

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Thank you for all your hard work at the school. We wish you a very happy retirement.
(And we too will miss your quote of the week!) Scarlett (S2), Lizzie and Adam Matthews

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Thank you for all you have done for the JGHS community. You have led with kindness and your calm leadership has steered us all through the turbulent Covid and lockdown experience. We value and admire how you put student welfare above all else and stress the importance of each talented pupil finding what they are good at and interested in pursuing in their future.
The Colegrave family (Amelie S5, Isla S3, William S1)

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Thank you for running such a kind, nurturing school for our young people and for your inspiring Friday quotes! The Craig Family (Tom, S6)

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We have only been part of the JGHS community for three years. We wanted to say a huge thank you for your calm and steady leadership during that time. Wishing you every happiness during your retirement. You will have at least 500 fewer decisions to make each day! Best wishes. The Sim family (Callum S4)

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Enjoy every minute of a long and happy retirement reflecting on a job well done. Hope you get to do all the things you have had no time to do so far ! With many thanks and the greatest of respect, Anna, Sarah, Stuart and Aileen Nimmo

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Thank you for all your hard work and all the inspiring quotes ... really enjoyed them and also found useful. Hope u enjoy your time after school life and get do all the things on your To Do List. As fheàrr leat, Frances, Tum & Arale Durack Chuphithaktham

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In keeping with your weekly quotes.
“Thank you for everything”- Paddington Bear
From the rebuild to the pandemic and everything in between.
Happy, healthy retirement.

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A quote very much for you Mr Macdonald- ‘Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.’ - Malala Yousafzai. Ceud mile taing - for all you have done and the difference you have made in so many ways. Very best wishes for a happy and fulfilling new chapter. Fiona Killen Quinan, Lloyd Quinan and Naiara Killen Quinan

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Thank you for all the hard work and dedication.
Wishing you a healthy and happy retirement!
Emili, Steffi & Will

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Thanks so much for all your hard work at JGHS - especially over the very challenging pandemic years. Happy retirement!

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Thanks so much for all your hard work at JGHS - especially over the very challenging pandemic years. Happy retirement!

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We are so grateful for all your messages and dedication to good quality teaching. Enjoy your well deserved retirement and keep spreading your wisdom which is so necessary in today's world.

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Wishing you a long, happy and healthy retirement. We know the last few years must have been very challenging, so we hope you have some well-deserved R & R. Thanks for all you have done for the school. Josh (S6), Ruth & Graeme Tough 

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Wishing you a long, happy and healthy retirement. We know the last few years must have been very challenging, so we hope you have some well-deserved R & R. Thanks for all you have done for the school. Josh (S6), Ruth & Graeme Tough 

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What an amazing career in one of the most challenging jobs, especially over the last couple of years! Thanks for everything you have done for the school and for us, and wishing you well for all that comes next. Sian, Oliver and Ula Brookes (S3)

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Thank you for all your hard work and dedication for the school and our children. Best wishes for a carefree and relaxing retirement. Clarissa, Jason and Tasha (2L1)

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Thank you for your amazing support throughout our high school experience. While we also conclude this part of our journey this year, we depart with fond memories and gratitude.
A special thanks for the help and understanding when we needed it the most.
Here's to many happy days of retirement!
Tristan from S6.

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All the very best for a long and relaxing retirement! Go raibh maith agat agus slan, Sinéad, Dan, Ollie & Malachy Baynes x

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Wishing you a wonderful retirement. Woo hoo :-)
And a huge thank you for your commitment and dedication to  the JGHS pupils, school and community. You will be very much missed.
Gaynor, Segar and Pia

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Wishing you well on your retirement.
Enjoy , you will me missed by all. Best wishes from the parents of Hamish S6 and Olivia S2 . Thankyou for your help when we needed it. Very interesting approach. Good luck .

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Thank you for you commitment, leadership and humanity. We have enjoyed your weekly quotes and your wide perspective on inclusivity and achievement. We will miss you.
Thank you for all the support to our boys Hamish Finn and Daniel, especially Hamish!
Enjoy the next chapter.
Best wishes Jillian and Andrew Thomson

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Congratulations on your retirement! Beannachd leat!
Best wishes, Andrew, Michelle, Archie and Findlay Foster

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Wishing you the very best for your retirement and all the adventures ahead!
Very many thanks for all your hard work and dedication to JGHS.
Anna, Glenn, Louis and Elsa

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Thanks for everything you've done for our children, especially over the last couple of years. Enjoy your retirement, you've more than earned it!

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Gum meal sibh ur naidheachd a' Mhaighstir MacDhòmhnaill is ceud taing airson ur tacais rè na h-uile bliadhna seo! :)
Bho teaghlach Fuentes O'Rourke

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We wish you a lovely, restful retirement but we're sad you're leaving. Warmest wishes from David and Jacqui Connolly 

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We wish you a lovely, restful retirement but we're sad you're leaving. Warmest wishes from David and Jacqui Connolly 

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Wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy retirement.

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Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the school and pupils.

🙏🏻

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Thanks for providing a supportive atmosphere at our school
Enjoy retirement
-Rosie Jones

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Thank you for all your hard work and commitment, and steady hand throughout your time at JGHS. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you on the PC, facing many challenges but having many successes, and a laugh along the way.
All the very best for your retirement - you will be missed.

An rud a nithear gu math, chithear a bhuil.

Cath, Robb, Alastair, Lachlan & Fraser

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Wishing you a long and happy retirement. Thank you for all you have done for James Gillespie's. We loved your weekly quotes! Best wishes from the Goerke family (S4 and S6)

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So sorry the pandemic's prevented us from getting to know you better, but our S3 son says you've been "good", which is high praise from him:-) I too have loved your quotes, esp the She Stood in the Storm one, which came back to me lots during home schooling! Have always wondered if the spelling of your name without the usual capital D is a typo or a statement of individuality?? The Dow Ewings

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Thank you for helping to make the school an inclusive, nurturing place, and for your calm leadership during the last difficult couple of years.
The Ingle family: James (2021 leaver) and Emily (S3)

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We will miss your mindful weekly quotes and of course your caring and tranquil tone which has been of such reassurance in the past 2 years. Thank you for caring for our youngsters over your career and enjoy your retirement!

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Thank you for your dedication to the school and espcially for your leadership in these very tough times. Enjoy your freedom now! Chiara O'Carroll and Sara Buonomo

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Thank you for your dedication to the school and espcially for your leadership in these very tough times. Enjoy your freedom now! Chiara O'Carroll and Sara Buonomo

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Sorry to see you go.
Enjoy your retirement.
You deserve it!!

S1 Family

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Thank you for all the leadership you have demonstrated, encouragement you have given and kindness you have shown at James Gillespie’s High School.

We wish you all the very best in the next chapter of life. Happy Retirement!

Susannah and David Kernohan

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Thank you so much for your leadership of James Gillespies (and for your work at Liberton High and Portobello before that).  Our city and its young people thrives when schools are well led.  Thank you. Fred Mackintosh

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Thank you so much for your leadership of James Gillespies (and for your work at Liberton High and Portobello before that).  Our city and its young people thrives when schools are well led.  Thank you. Fred Mackintosh

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Thanks for your leadership over the years.  Enjoy retirement and all the freedom that it brings.

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'S e ceannart air leth a th annad!

Tha sinn gu math brònach gu bheil sibh a' falbh, ach cuideachd toilichte gu bheil tachartas snog ur bheatha.

Tapadh leibh gu mòr agus gur math a thèid leibh, Laird family.

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Wishing you all the best because you deserve it. Please accept my hearty congratulations on your retirement!
Evan Alkhamisi S1

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Thank you for all your hard work and commitment and for always taking a strong position to protect JGHS when needed.  We had hoped you might stay longer but delighted for you and wish you a long, happy and healthy retirement.
Ailsa, David, Finlay, Katie, Cara and Lindsay

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Happy retirement 😀 Thanks for your commitment and support to the James Gillespie's High School. 

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Happy retirement 😀 Thanks for your commitment and support to the James Gillespie's High School. 

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Best wishes from Abby's family (S1)

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Wishing you a long and happy retirement. Thank you for all you have done for James Gillespie's. Best wishes from the Abbotts (S2 and S6)

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Wishing you a long and happy retirement. Thank you for all you have done for James Gillespie's. Best wishes from the Abbotts (S2 and S6)

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Thank you for being a steady hand in the school over the past few years and all your hard work.  We wish you well in your retirement, much deserved.  You will be missed.
The Keerie Family (Daniel and Christopher)

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Happy to have known you both here and your time at Liberton.  Enjoy retirement and thanks for all you did to keep James Gillespie's a great school.  The Snowden Family

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Happy to have known you both here and your time at Liberton.  Enjoy retirement and thanks for all you did to keep James Gillespie's a great school.  The Snowden Family

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Thanks for your legacy to our learning and thriving community. Best wishes for the future. Gabriel (S1) Elizabeth & Mateo 

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Thanks for your legacy to our learning and thriving community. Best wishes for the future. Gabriel (S1) Elizabeth & Mateo 

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"Retire from work, but not from life." - M. K. Soni
Thank you for your professionalism, compassion, care, creativity, and inspiration. You have been a true gem in the Edinburgh educational system and will be missed. Eva (S2), & Liza Sutherland

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Wishing you a great retirement.  Thanks for all you have done for the school and the children over the years. You will be missed.
le gach deagh dhùrachd
Corrie, Finlay, Catrìona, Alistair agus Rona

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Sorry to see you go, but you can rest assured you have done a great job and left JGHS in excellent shape. Charles Warlow and Cathie Sudlow

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Sorry to see you go, but you can rest assured you have done a great job and left JGHS in excellent shape. Charles Warlow and Cathie Sudlow

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Thank you for your years of service and good luck for your retirement. Best wishes
Evelyn (S5) and William (S1)

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A’ Mhgr MacDhòmhnaill a charaid chòir, Meallaibh ur naidheachd🥳! We have been so fortunate to have had your steady, caring and wise hand at the helm these last few years, particularly through the pandemic. We are so sad to see you go, but hope you have a long & wonderful retirement. Tapadh leibh gu mòr agus gur math a thèid leibh,
Gillie, Kevin, Cara, Ceitidh, Màiri & Roddy

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Thank you for your commitment, dedication and support at JGHS, including those extra kindnesses when needed! Wishing you a wonderful retirement. Vikki, David and the 'Australian kids', Tom and James.

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Many thanks for all your hard work and dedication in keeping the school flying high, while not forgetting kindness and care for the individual student. All the very best for the future!
Parents of Rabi Jha.

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Dear Mr Macdonald! Thank you so much for your hard work, your kindness,  and support! We will miss your 'weekly quotes', which often helped us to look into the future with optimism and hope. Wishing you lots of health and happiness, Vanya, Fedya, Katya, Ivan&Elena Cheltsov

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Dear Mr Macdonald! Thank you so much for your hard work, your kindness,  and support! We will miss your 'weekly quotes', which often helped us to look into the future with optimism and hope. Wishing you lots of health and happiness, Vanya, Fedya, Katya, Ivan&Elena Cheltsov

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We have been so fortunate to have you as headteacher while both our children were at the school, especially over the last two years. You will be hugely missed at Gillespie's and we hope you have a fabulous retirement. Best wishes, The Pinsky Family

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A huge thank you Donald from all of us for everything you have done over the years to help create a supportive, caring and flexible environment for all the children at JGHS. We're hugely grateful and will miss knowing you are there at Lauderdale St but wish you the very best of retirements One of our favourite quotes of the week was from Dr Who where you even specified which doctor said it. May you have many happy hours reading in the library in your retirement!.

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Thank you for all your hard work over the years. My children and I are delighted you were the headteacher. Enjoy your well earned retirement

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So glad Craig has studied at James Gillespie. He has good time there because you and all staffs there so nice. Enjoy your retirement life！谢谢您！

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So glad Craig has studied at James Gillespie. He has good time there because you and all staffs there so nice. Enjoy your retirement life！谢谢您！

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Thank you for all your hard work over the years. We wish you the very best for a long happy retirement. Best wishes
The Robertson family

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Dear Mr McDonald
Thank you for your tremendous leadership, and for your support and kindness over so many years for our three children. Enjoy your retirement! Gillian Beeston

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Thanks for the services and dedication to the school. We wish you a happy and healthy retirement. Good luck for the new adventure.

Parents of Nabhan (S3) and Zaydan (S5)

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Wishing you a long and happy retirement, thank you for your many years of service. I loved how you greeted the gaelic kids in their language, it made all the difference to their inclusion

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Thank you for your service not only to JGHS but also through collaborations with our neighbouring high schools. I know first hand from one of those heads that your leadership has greatly supported them and their senior leadership teams in many aspects of school life.

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Hoping that your retirement is all you hoped and dreamt for during challenging days in your professional career! All the best, James family

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Thank you for the years of dedication to the school and the children. Have a happy and fulfilling retirement :) The Kudla Family.

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You were the greatest example of how the perfect Head teacher should be so kind and always dedicated. All the best at your retirement!

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You were the greatest example of how the perfect Head teacher should be so kind and always dedicated. All the best at your retirement!

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Best wishes for a very happy and long retirement and thank you for your many years of dedication and service to many many children and young people.

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Although we parents have never seen you but much joyously look forward and enjoy your quote of the week. Wishing you all the best in your retirement. Parents of, & Shourjo Dutta Roy 2L6

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Wishing you many exciting and happy times ahead ! The Armstrong family

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Very best wishes for your retirement. Ben Crawford & Family. X

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Very best wishes for your retirement. Ben Crawford & Family. X

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Will miss seeing your snazzy waistcoats on parent council Teams meetings! Thanks for you encouragement and care you have given all our kids over the years - Archie and Jack Mackintosh - s6 and s3

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Happy retirement. Best of health and happiness!
Antoni Gniewek

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Thank you so much for maintaining the spirit of trust and gentleness the school holds and for working so hard to support Gaidhlig for my Leodhasach.  Have a wonderful retirement.

I remember when Sadie was P1, I was bringing in a forgotten lunchbox in week one and you wouldn't let me in. You said 'Do you not trust your daughter that she will find a solution?' The answer to that question then was no, I was convinced she would starve. She is on her way to Glasgow University in the Autumn and the answer is now yes.

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Wishing you a very happy and healthy retirement, and sorry to see you go! We will miss your 'Quote of the week', and steady, humane presence and ethos. Susie Bainbrigge, parent of Jonny B, 2R5.

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Wishing you a very happy and healthy retirement, and sorry to see you go! We will miss your 'Quote of the week', and steady, humane presence and ethos. Susie Bainbrigge, parent of Jonny B, 2R5.

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Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement. JGHS has been extremely fortunate to have you as HT, particularly during these difficult recent years. Thank you for your dedication! Family of an S2