Dear Parent/Carer

I hope that you are well, enjoying these bright, cold days and are looking forward to the weekend.

Last week I mentioned our fund raising in support of Children in Need. I am delighted to say that well over £800 was donated to this excellent cause

This week has been Book Week Scotland with pupils promoting the value of reading at assemblies. Well done to all of them, they have been very good communicators. I was especially impressed by Sam Aslam (S5) this morning – Sam spoke with great passion about the power of books. Staff have also been sharing their latest reading with pupils by using a poster on their classroom door to show their current book. It’s been quite enlightening! We also had a visit by children’s author Danny Weston on Wednesday and an “opening lines” quiz running all week.

On Monday, all S5/6 were taken off their usual timetable to work on employability skills, based on statements of what they can do. For example, preparing a CV or conducting themselves appropriately in a job interview. I understand that they found these sessions very relevant. Then, on Tuesday, we had a meeting with a good range of local employers to look at ways of extending our ability to get our leavers “job ready”. We discussed work experience, careers talks, mentoring, mock interviews and sponsorship opportunities. Also, please see attached for the latest employability bulletin with local vacancies. Something to think about for the future, or, in some cases, to act upon right now.

Wednesday evening was another parent/carer engagement – this time for S4 National 5 Maths candidates. Mrs Hamilton (Principal Teacher of Maths) and Miss Grubb (Teacher) led a session on this important qualification and gave advice about supporting young people to achieve their very best in maths/numeracy. Thanks to all who contributed, especially Cameron Lafferty (S6), who spoke very well. It was also a chance for parents/carers to acquire past papers. We find that lots of exam practice from now until May is the best way to enhance chances. We are also adjusting the S4 timetable slightly between now and the SQA exams in order to maximise opportunities for success.

During the day, the Fife Free Press interviewed some Maths pupils about the ways in which the school is working to build a “growth mindset” … watch out for next week’s paper.

Yesterday morning our History students had a rare treat when Fraser Brown, an expert researcher into World War One and formerly of the Black watch Museum in Perth gave an illustrated talk. Then last night, Erin Kyles and Umar Mohammed represented the school at the Auld Kirk, picking up the Mary Leishman Award, worth £500, from Provost Jim Leishman. The award is given to support young people’s engagement in music and the performing arts and I am delighted to say this sum will go towards our participation in the National Theatre of Scotland “Connect” event next year. Our drama students will be staging a performance at the royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh next March … quite an opportunity for our budding actors and actresses. Many thanks to the Provost, his continued support of Fife’s youth is greatly appreciated.

The week ends with our first Christmas engagement. Our school orchestra will be playing carols at the switch on of the ASDA Christmas lights this afternoon. It’s always a lovely occasion and it’s nice to be able to support ASDA’s community initiatives – the store has always been very supportive of school activities over several years. Later today, our “First Chances” group of young people who are being mentored by undergraduates at St Andrews University have an evening class session in St Andrews. Many thanks to Mrs Hunter, who supports this group so well.

Next week is a Personal Learning Planning week for our S4 pupils who will be in discussion with teachers about targets and about what they need to do next to do their very best in the SQA qualifications in May 2017.

We also have House Assemblies (Tuesday to Thursday) at which we will welcome guest speakers from Refuge Fife. This is a locally based charity which supports refugees; those who have settled here and those who are in temporary camps across Europe and the Middle East. Jan McColl is one of the volunteers and she will explain how desperate the conditions are – especially for child refugees stuck in camps without their parents. Our young people are being asked to donate items of clothing which they no longer need to help keep these kids keep warm this winter. Jan and her team will be travelling by truck overland to a camp in Thessaloniki, Greece next month. All donations of clothing suitable for younger teenagers will be gratefully accepted. I’m sure all our young people will want to do their bit for others.

On Thursday we welcome well known children’s author Craig Robertson, who will give a talk to English pupils. In the afternoon it will be a pleasure for us to host a netball tournament for teams from our associated primaries: Capshard, Fair Isle, Torbain and Valley.

The hot dish menu for the week ahead is; Monday: Spaghetti Bolognese with garlic bread. Tuesday: Chicken fajitas. Wednesday: Macaroni cheese with chips or garlic bread, Thursday: Steak pie and potatoes. Friday: Fish and chips. We also have our pizza, pasta, sandwich, soup and salad options too.

On a final note, I wish to invite you to take part in a Scottish Government consultation about the ways in which schools are run and funded. At present, local authorities are responsible. However, the Government has published a paper which looks at different possible future models. One aim is close the “attainment gap” between schools in wealthier and less well off areas. You can access the governance review online and make a response.

As ever, if we can be of assistance, please do be in touch.

Always yours

Derek Allan

25 November 2016