Dear Parent/Carer

I do hope that you are well and enjoying the summer weather … until today!

We’ve had a good start to our new timetable this week, with new classes settling in to new courses, and often with new teachers. I must thank Mrs Aitken for all the hours she has devoted to putting together the timetable. As you can imagine, it’s a complex and demanding task with a great many quirks, variables and constraints. Tuesday was D Day and we have made minor adjustments for individual pupils as required all week.

On Tuesday evening we were represented at a special Civic Reception at the Townhouse to honour Fife pupils who were winners in the recent World Burns Federation Scottish Finals. This included our retiring Head Girl, Louise Wallace, who was winner of the “Best Singer” Award for the second year in a row.

Wednesday was extra hectic, with lots going on. We had Year Group Assemblies and, after school, all our new Prefects received their badges and certificates. We also presented Saltire Volunteering Awards, including 500 Hour Awards for William Rae and Rhiannon Cross. This is a phenomenal achievement. We presented Sports Colours and special awards to Sports and Dance Leaders and finally announced the new Head Boy, Head Girl and Depute team. Congratulations to Lachlan Duncan (Head Boy), Rachael Stoddart (Head Girl), Josh Binnington (Depute Head Boy), Bethany Cunningham (Depute Head Girl) and Leah Bidgood, Shauni Boyd and Chloe Newton (Deputes). I’m sure that they will be excellent ambassadors and leaders.

Our special guest for the presentations was Lesley MacDonald – former KHS pupil and captain of the Scotland netball team. Lesley was brilliant, and spoke with great passion about how honoured she felt being chosen to lead her country in the Commonwealth Games. She said that she owes it all to being inspired by her PE teachers at KHS during the 1990s. She told me that it was especially our own Mrs Rollo who set her on her way, and that the encouragement and coaching she received back then had been the basis of her passion for sport, and indeed her career. Lesley has literally travelled the world and is now the Sports Development Manager with Netball Scotland.

During the day on Wednesday, it was a pleasure to welcome Matthew Fitt, the well known author. Matthew, writer of the pioneering “But’n’Ben A Go-Go”, the first ever sci-fi novel written in Scots, is delivering a Scots Language programme in our school and three other schools around the country as part of the “Scots Hoose” Project. He took classes all day and the pupils’ verdict was that it was braw. As this was going on, “Eco Schools Scotland” were in school making a film about recycling with our own Eco Team – many thanks to Miss Nessel for her work with this initiative. We look forward to the finished film.

Meanwhile, in Glasgow, still on the Wednesday, we were finalists in the Daily Record Scottish Education Awards, in the “STEM” Category. Despite being a runner up on this occasion, we reflect on a terrific achievement to make the finals once again. That’s two appearances in the last three years, which is quite a record. We were represented in Glasgow by John Hamilton, Dylan Jobson and teachers Miss Higham, Mr Morrice and Mrs Hamilton.

Today is our S6 Induction Day and the programme includes inputs on the Saltire Volunteer Scheme, and our in school ambassador programme for S6 to assist others in various ways eg promoting “STEM”, supporting English as an Additional Language, being a sports ambassador etc. We also had inputs from employers, a session on financial management, healthy eating, further and higher education etc. The afternoon will be problem solving games and other fun team building activities. Many thanks to Mr Farquharson for putting together such a rich programme.

You’ve maybe seen the front page of the Courier today? KHS is right behind the paper’s “Can It” campaign which is highlighting the dangers of “energy drinks”. These are laden with caffeine and sugar and are known to be detrimental to young people’s health. We do not allow their consumption in the school building and I would ask that you do not include them in any packed lunch.

On Sunday, our CDT trip to London departs.  Many thanks to Miss Simpson Wands, Miss Robertson and Mr Davidson for supporting this.  Highlights includes, the Harry Potter Experience, the London Eye and a trip to the West End for a show, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.

Next week is, on the “Hecticometer”, another belter! Monday is an Assembly for the new S3, when we’ll award “Achievers’ Ties” to our national Go4SET STEM winners. It was great that the school was congratulated on this achievement by Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday. It’s also the AGM of “Friends of Kirkcaldy High School” at 7pm.

Tuesday evening is our Prizegiving, and this is always a fantastic showcase. It’s often a moving occasion as we reflect on academic and wider successes during the year past say farewell to our leavers. Special guest is Harry Ritchie, former pupil and well known author and editor of the Times Literary Supplement, based in London.

Wednesday and Thursday are our Primary Welcome Days, with 216 young people from Capshard, Fair Isle, Kirkcaldy North, Pathhead, Valley, Torbain and a few other schools following their August timetables to help them settle in. It’s a Parents’ Evening on the Thursday whilst the young people enjoy a disco and barbecue.

Finally, on Friday, we have a Modern Languages trip to St Andrews University. Those involved might well meet up with our “First Chances” Graduates who will have enjoyed their residential experience. The Graduation Ceremony is on the Friday Evening. Just as this is happening, the “Class of 2016” will be whooping it up at their prom at Fernie Castle near Cupar. I did say it was a hectic week!

Next week’s hot dish menu is; Monday: Chicken and mushroom pie with potatoes. Tuesday: Gammon steak and chips. Wednesday: Mince pie and mash. Thursday: Lasagne with garlic bread. Friday: Chicken curry with naan bread. We also have our pasta, sandwich, soup and salad options too.

Do have a great weekend. If we can help at all, you know that we welcome your enquiry.

Yours aye,

Derek Allan

RECTOR

10 June 2016