Dear Parent/Carer
I hope our weekly update finds you well.
Last Saturday, our Interact Club members were active again, when they assisted with bag packing at ASDA in support of Kirkcaldy Foodbank. As well as collecting unwanted clothes suitable for teenagers to send out to a refugee camp in Thessaloniki, Greece, we are currently taking donations of non-perishable foodstuffs in support of Kirkcaldy Foodbank. Please, if you are able, help your son/daughter to bring a tin or a pack of dried goods such as pasta, rice etc, to make Christmas a bit more bearable for local families in distress. We filled a van last Christmas and it would be good to do that once again.
This week we welcomed, on the Tuesday, well known Scottish crime author Craig Robertson, to talk about his work. Our English students found this of great interest and many took the chance to have their books signed. It was our S5/6 Parent/Carer Evening on the Wednesday and it was great to see such a good turnout. Those attending were able to pick up a copy our Study Support timetable. This is also shared daily on “Twitter”. We tend to find that these sessions make a real difference in the months prior to SQA exams.
Yesterday, we hosted the “Scots Scriever” Hamish MacDonald, who has the key national role in promoting the Scots language, sponsored by the National Library of Scotland. Hamish was great fun and had us all singing along to the Proclaimers! As a school, we have a particular focus on the use of the mither tongue and are looking forward to a return visit from Matthew Fitt in January. Matthew has been a great support and is best known for his Scots language translations of Tintin, Asterix the Gaul and Roald Dahl’s children’s stories. Coincidentally, last night, a good number of our S6 attended the Kirkcaldy Schools Ceilidh at the Dean Park Hotel – it was organised by young people from St Andrew’s High School this year – and it was an excellent occasion; fair braw you might even say.
Our mentors, who are all “Friends of Kirkcaldy High School” had another session with S5 students this morning. I must thank them for their support of our young people.
Next week we’ll have year group assemblies with a music input and on Monday at lunchtime, it’s the staff Interhouse Bake-Off Competition. There is always a good crowd to watch the fun. On the Tuesday we have a group going to the St Andrews University Christmas Lecture.
Wednesday is our annual Christmas Concert. I must say that in previous years it has been a terrific occasion, with musical, dramatic and comical items. On Thursday, it is our Rotary Interact “Hi-5” Games Night when we welcome young people from all the Kirkcaldy schools. On Friday, our First Years and some Second Years are off to the Adam Smith Theatre for the pantomime, Cinderella. Also, best of luck to Laurie Hunter (S2), who is a dancer in the show.
The hot dish menu for the week ahead is; Monday: Spaghetti Bolognese with garlic bread. Tuesday: Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and mash. Wednesday (Christmas Lunch): Soup or haggis balls with a chilli dip, turkey with trimmings, steak pie or vegetable wellington, trifle or mincemeat pie, with or without custard. Thursday: Macaroni cheese with chips or garlic bread. Friday: Fish and chips. We also have our pizza, pasta, sandwich, soup and salad options too.
As well as next week’s Christmas lunch on the Wednesday, starting from Monday, to promote simple, hearty and healthy eating, we are making our homemade vegetable soup completely free to all young people. Many thanks to all who have contributed to our various fund raisers in support of work such as this. It is worth noting that this is not dependent on the use of a “Myfife” card. We hope that this offer will prove popular. If we can secure commercial sponsorship in the period ahead, it would be great to make a portion of fruit available for free too. Please do be in touch if you have business connections and might be able to help. Of course, we would want to publicly acknowledge any support received, for example by involving local and regional media.
You’ll find that our regular weekly employability bulletin is attached … hopefully a useful source for senior phase students.
Looking ahead, and the term ends on Friday 23 December, when we expect the buses at around 12.15pm. It will be a “Dress Down Day” and we welcome donations (50p or £1 if possible) for “Refuge Fife”.
As ever, please be in contact if you need help, advice or have any concerns.
Yours truly
Derek Allan
9 December 2016
