Dear Parent/Carer
Welcome to our regular news bulletin – I hope that you have had a good week.
I’m pleased to say that our new outdoor cafe/kiosk has started operating this week. There is varied menu and we have placed several picnic benches in a sheltered corner of the playground. The tills accept cash or the prepaid “Myfife” card and it has already had a positive impact on the queues in our main dining room. There really is no need for any young people to be leaving the school over lunchtime, especially if it is in pursuit of junk food! By using the online “top up” system you can make sure that your son/daughter’s dinner money is spent on a nutritious meal.
This week we had House assemblies. These were led by the leaders and captains. We had Adam Smith on Tuesday, Oswald on Wednesday and Carlyle on Thursday. The main theme was getting involved in school.
On Monday afternoon, Mrs Davidson organised a work experience trip to the Kwik Fit Training Academy at Broxburn and this was very helpful for those involved. In the evening, Mr I’Anson took a supporters’ bus to Hampden for Scotland v Malta. As you know, our kids cheered Scotland on to a win. Here’s hoping for another couple next month!
Tuesday was a training day for our Sports Ambassadors at Perth Concert Hall and I would like to publicise a campaign which has been organised by Mollie Turner (S5), one of our Ambassadors. From next week we will be collecting unwanted sports equipment and clothing for distribution to less well-off families. Please rake out those football boots which are too small or that badminton racquet which is never used. All gear in reasonable condition will be accepted. Thanks in advance.
After school on Wednesday our LGBT Support Group took part in a Fife wide meeting of equalities groups at Queen Anne High School. I’m also delighted to say that following last week’s visit from Katie Rafferty, Director of “RespectMe”, the group has been invited to give a presentation at a national conference on bullying and discrimination which will be held in Glasgow on 13 November.
Yesterday, our Modern Studies pupils enjoyed a very informative visit to Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court and last night, Mr Farquharson led a special Parent/Carer evening for S5/6 considering a University application in the next few months. This went very well … many thanks to Mr F.
This morning, we had Morgan Faulds and Cara Hayes (both S3) as guest speakers at the Fife Children’s Services Conference in Glenrothes. The girls talked about the impact of “adverse childhood experiences” in front of 400 education, social work and health professionals. Other speakers included the former Governor of Polmont Young Offenders Institution. Morgan and Cara are currently the East of Scotland Procurator Fiscal’s Public Speaking Champions and I am delighted to say that they greatly impressed the audience with their take on a really important issue. I am very proud of them.
We’re also posting out our tracking report for S4 today. I hope that it will be a sharp reminder for those who need it. Fourth Year is a big step up, with SQA exams next May. At the assembly last week, I took the chance to remind S4 that many of them require to up the pace of their learning in order to ensure success. Also, Miss Diamond (Yearhead) has included a letter with the Tracking Report. It reminds parents/carers of the ongoing importance of internal assessment in ensuring success in the National Qualifications. She also gives details of our special Parent/Carer evening on Tuesday 21 November. There will be a particular focus on what is required to succeed at National 5 level with inputs from Mrs Hamilton (Head of Maths) and Mrs Hume (Head of English).
Looking ahead, next week is Maths Week Scotland. As well as in-class activities we are having a “Growth Mindset” in Maths Parent/Carer evening for S1 from 6.30pm on the Wednesday (13 September). On the Thursday we’ll have a number based “Treasure Hunt” starting at 6.30pm from the school. Last week we sent home information about these events.
Also on Thursday evening, our Drama Department has organised a trip to the Adam Smith Theatre to take a National Theatre Live performance of “Yerma” which features an award winning performance by Billie Piper.
At end of next week we will be posting home a “tracking” report for all S5/6 students. This should be very helpful for parents/carers. It will help our young people understand what needs to be done to keep “on track” for success in the SQA exams in 2018.
Please check out the attachment, our weekly employability bulletin.
Finally, our menu for the week ahead is;
Monday: Lentil soup, Butter Chicken Tikka Masala and Rice, vegetables
Tuesday: Mushroom soup, Grilled Sausage/burger – veggie/beef/chicken, chips, baked beans
Wednesday: Scotch broth, Roast chicken and gravy, potatoes and vegetables
Thursday: Carrot and coriander soup, Savoury mince cobbler, potatoes and vegetables
Friday: Yellow split pea soup, Breaded fish/Sausage roll, chips, peas.
We also have baked potatoes, pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salad available every day as well as our new outdoor snack bar. Please also remember that we offer a free cup of soup with bread for all our young people, regardless of their “free school meals” status.
As always, please do be in touch if we can assist with any matter of concern.
With very best wishes for the weekend.
Derek Allan
RECTOR
8 Sept 2017
