Dear Parent/Carer
Welcome to the final weekly email of the term. We don’t usually seek any response from you but on this occasion it would be great if you would like to offer any comment on the usefulness of this regular bulletin. Some parents/carers have said that it sometimes gives a few “conversation starters” which have led to a better dialogue than the usual “fine” response when any kid is asked about how things are going in school! Is there anything else you would like me to include in future? All suggestions welcome.
I have a couple of good news stories to share. The first is that we have been shortlisted for the “Scottish Education Awards”. These are the most prestigious school awards in the country and are sponsored by the Daily Record. The finals are in Glasgow in June and we are leeted as one of the top 3 schools (primary and secondary) across Scotland for the promotion of “STEM” – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Many thanks to all our staff and young people who are involved, and in particular to Miss Higham, our Principal Teacher in this field, who does so much to promote these curricular areas. STEM skills greatly boost our young people’s employment prospects.
The other news concerns the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. I mentioned last week that Lachlan Duncan (S5) was selected for this after a competitive interview. We have now learned that Leah Bidgood (S5) has also been selected. Both will attend the Rotary outdoor adventure camp in the Cairngorms in the summer. Thanks to Kirkcaldy Rotary for their sponsorship of this. Challenging outdoor experiences like this can, in some cases, be life changing.
We’ve had a hectic close to the session with several highlights this week. As well as our Scottish themed learning all week, our assemblies were really interesting with the Charities Committee making a fund raising appeal to support the purchase of a defibrillator for the school. The main input at assembly was from Ken Froude, our chaplain, who gave a fascinating talk about addictions.
On Monday the KHS “Our Europe” film making team of four Third Year boys attended the finals at the Scottish Parliament and came away with a special commendation for their “Captain Europe” short film. They were very well supported by Miss Burke (Modern Languages). We also had another outstanding contribution from our S5 “Peer Educators”, who supported the “Sexperts” training programme for S3 pupils.
Also on Monday, perhaps you saw the Courier? KHS had a full page spread on the sugary drinks ban we introduced in 2013. There is much media interest in the story after the announcement of the “Irn Bru Tax” proposals in the budget. We are proud to be proactive in Health and Wellbeing and will continue to help our young people make the best choices. Here is a link to the article:
On Tuesday (and today) we had groups of Engineering Science pupils visit the new Forth Bridge – they found it to be an excellent experience. It was also our Higher Drama practicals on Tuesday, and yesterday it was Higher Administration.
Our Languages trip to the Multi-Lingual debate at Heriot Watt University yesterday was tremendous, and it was a pleasure to welcome disabled footballers as part of the DSF Championships. I recently received a lovely letter of thanks from the President of Disability Sport Fife, thanking us for the support of our Sports Leaders. Our young people have been brilliant helpers at DSF events all year, and I must praise them for their commitment.
Last night we hosted the Fife finals of the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal’s Public Speaking Competition and I am delighted to say … we won! In a closely fought final, Kyle Pitcaithly and Umar Mohammed beat two teams from Dunfermline High School and one from Woodmill High School to lift the trophy and title. Our boys were praised by the judges for the clarity of their argument and presentation, their excellent teamwork and their use of humour. The panel, consisting procurators fiscal and defence agents was led by Sheriff Grant McCulloch, Senior Sheriff at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, was also impressed by the way the Kirkcaldy team engaged with their audience. We’ll now represent Fife schools in the East of Scotland regional final, to be held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in May.
Today has been our end of term “Dress down Day” – in keeping with our Scottish themed learning week. I am delighted to report that we have raised over £750.00 towards the defibrillator cause so far.
We now look forward to the holidays. Best wishes to all those going on our ski trip to Andorra, they leave on Saturday. For those about to take SQA exams in May, our Easter School programme will be a great help. All sessions run from 9.30am until 1.30pm and are “drop in” style. The dates are; 29 Mar – Computing and Maths. 30 Mar – English. 31 Mar – CDT Subjects. 1 Apr – Administration, Business, Computing and French. 4 Apr – Science Subjects. 5 Apr – Art, Photography and Maths. 6 Apr – Engineering Science, Classics, Geography and Music. 7 Apr – Care and Spanish. Thanks to all the staff involved. I would urge all exam candidates to get along when they can.
School resumes on Monday 11 April. There are no assemblies planned but we do have SQA assessments in Maths and PE that week.
Do have a great holiday. As I say, your feedback on this communication is appreciated. Please just press reply and send me a few lines if you can.
With best wishes
Derek Allan
24 March 2016
