Dear Parent/Carer

Here’s hoping you are well and have had a good week … welcome to the “Rector’s Log”.

First off, many congratulations to Rebecca McGowan (S4), who has been selected for the Scotland U16 Women’s football squad to travel to Finland later this month. Bexi is a star of our school team and also plays for Raith Rovers.

I should also congratulate Cameron Lafferty (S6) who has been elected by his peers to be one of the Deputes on the Pupil Leadership Team. Well done Cameron!

This week we have had House Assemblies at which we started to involve learners in the consultation on our curriculum plans. Many thanks to those of you who have returned the parent/carer questionnaire we sent out by post. Next week our young people will be completing a pupil survey in tutor time. We are really interested in taking the opinions of all “stakeholders” on board.

On Wednesday, we held a Parent/Carer Evening about the “First Chances” programme we have with St Andrews University. As I explained last week, this is a very effective “wider access” project which helps to increase the number of young people from a working class background moving on to higher education. I must thank Mrs Hunter (PT Guidance) for her support and commitment and it was great to welcome back Pamela Forbes, a former pupil who is now one of the leaders of “First Chances”.

Yesterday, a group of Higher Drama students attended a performance of “The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil” by John McGrath at Dundee Repertory Theatre. I understand that it was a very powerful, moving and affecting piece. Last night, Mr Farquharson (PT Guidance) organised a University entrance talk for parents/carers which was very well attended.

As I prepare this message, the first meeting of our new “Learning Council”, the main vehicle for “pupil voice” in the school, is taking place. The topic on the table is the question posed at assemblies: what is the point of school?

To the week ahead. On Monday all of our S6 will attend a convention in Glenrothes with a focus on Universities, Colleges and Modern Apprenticeships.  On Tuesday, we welcome renowned Scots language author Matthew Fitt, who is working with classes to build confidence in the use of Scots … braw!

Please do come along to our Parent Council Annual General Meeting on Tuesday. As I mentioned previously, as well as the usual business of an AGM, I will explain some of the details behind our SQA exam results and Miss Diamond will explain how we are rewriting our anti-bullying policy to reflect new guidelines. Chair Derek Dunsire extends a warm welcome to all.

After school on Wednesday, our Pupil Support Officer Miss Easson has organised a parent/carer evening to explain the innovative work she has been undertaking with a target group. The approach has included relaxation and aromatherapy. Many thanks Miss Easson. On Thursday, English students will experience a creative outdoor learning experience at Jupiter Artland, Edinburgh. Also Drama students will attend a performance of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” in Glasgow. Having seen the show, I can confirm it is a brilliant whodunit … and I have been sworn to secrecy!

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.

Looking ahead, our new S1 pupils will be looking forward to their adventure day out at Fordell Firs, near Dunfermline. This is a team building, outdoor education experience and Adam Smith pupils attend on Wednesday 21 September, Carlyle go on the Thursday and Oswald on Friday. Thanks to those of you who have paid their £15. Pupils qualifying for free meals are not being asked for payment.

Finally, following our launch of “Show My Homework”, an online resource to assist pupils and parents/carers to track and monitor their homework, I am pleased to report this is going well. You will have received a letter this week giving your child’s PIN and your own PIN number too. Mrs Davidson also included instructions on how to set up your account. You can download the App for your phone or tablet and receive notifications re homework due. For anyone who is unable to do this, remember you can still access SMH and see the whole school homework calendar on our school website. The tab is on our “Home Page”.

Any comments or feedback re “Show My Homework” will be gratefully received. You can respond to this email if you wish – especially if you have not received the letter posted.

I do hope that you have an excellent weekend. Please be in touch as required – we are always here to help.

Derek Allan

9 Sept 2016