Dear Parent/Carer
I hope you are well. We’re back up and running after a well-earned autumn break. Our exploits over Term 1 are documented in our Newsletter. All pupils received a paper copy this week, but just in case this has not made its way home, an electronic copy is attached.
We have had Year Assemblies this week with our special guest, Mansoor Mahmood, the Imam of Kirkcaldy Mosque. Mansoor, accompanied by his wife Afeefa, gave a fascinating insight into what goes on in the mosque and explained some of the details of the new building on Hendry Road. This is expected to be completed in 2018.
Also this week we worked with professional actors at the Byre Theatre in St Andrews on the “workshop” for our “Shakespeare Schools Festival” production of “Much Ado About Nothing”. The workshop session took place on Tuesday and the final production will be performed at the Byre on November 14. Tickets are available directly from the Byre. Also on Tuesday we had a Modern Languages trip to the cinema at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) to see “Ma Vie de Courgette” (My Life as a Courgette). Our young people loved it, is was a real hit, very funny and poignant. In the evening there was a committee meeting of “Friends of Kirkcaldy High School” (FoKHS).
On Wednesday afternoon, our Drama Department took a group to the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline for “Blood Brothers” by Willie Russell and thoroughly enjoyed an emotional and sometimes shocking experience. Last night was our Primary 7 Open Evening. All P7 parents and pupils in our associated schools were invited as well as those considering making a “placing request” for next August. It was great to see such a big turnout and the feedback suggests that the chance to see young people in their classrooms and chat to teachers was greatly appreciated.
Next Monday we’ll have a special S1 Assembly with Hank John, representing Gideons International. Also, the S1 will be out of class for a visiting theatre production of “The Nine Lives of Roddy Hogg”. This is a hard hitting drama which focuses on road safety.
On Tuesday afternoon and evening we welcome a wide range of local employers as well as colleges and universities for our “Employability Fair”. All young people in S4-6 will visit the various stalls laid out in the Hall in the afternoon and parents/carers are welcome to join us in the evening. Please see the attached letter … all S4-6 have been given a paper copy. I do hope you can come along to find out more about different learning or career pathways, including information on Modern Apprenticeships. As you are aware, ensuring that all of our young people secure a positive “destination” after school is a big part of our work. All parents/carers and young people are welcome in the evening. It’s a good offer.
On the Wednesday afternoon evening we are holding a similar event for S2, with a focus on learning pathways and course choice. It’s our S2 “Learning Fair”. Young people studying in the Senior Phase will be on hand to explain what to expect from different subject choices in S3 and above, including studying for the “Nationals” in S4. This will help the S2 be better prepared for the opportunity to personalise their curriculum in S3 and beyond. This process takes place in the New Year. We are holding the “Learning Fair” earlier than usual in response to parent/carer feedback. Please see attached for details of what to expect. It’s an electronic version of the letter given to S2 at Assembly this week.
Next week closes with our fund raising Race Night being held in the Hall and organised by “Friends of Kirkcaldy High School”. Many thanks to those who have bought tickets or sponsored a horse or a race. We are very grateful to FoKHS for their ongoing support. This is both financial and in terms of time committed to the school.
The other big event next Friday is the SQA Star Awards finals which takes place at the Assembly Rooms in George Street, Edinburgh and will be hosted by Kaye Adams, the well-known TV presenter. I’m delighted to say that our very own Miss Audrey Diamond has been shortlisted in the “Appointee of the Year” category in recognition of her outstanding service to the national exam system. Miss Diamond works long hours in support of the SQA, mainly over weekends, and this honour is well deserved. We wish her well in the final.
Looking ahead, please come along to our Christmas Fayre Fundraiser, which takes place on Thursday 9 November from 6-8pm in our Assembly Hall. It’s organised by S6 with funds raised going towards the cost of their yearbook and prom. The Fayre features stalls selling Body Shop, PartyLite Candles, various jewellery, gifts, crafts etc. Entry costs only £1, payable on the door and we’ll also have a raffle, hot food, tea and coffee and home baking.
I’m sure you know that we are always keen to support you with any matter, so please do be in touch. Also, Twitter is a great way to keep up with school news. There are usually lots of photos of all the varied activities reported in the weekly “blog”. Just follow @KirkcaldyHigh. We also use it to pass on important or urgent messages to you.
Finally, many thanks to those who have completed “Parentwise” survey either on paper or online. We really value your views and I kindly would ask all parents carers to take a little time (probably no more than 5 minutes) to take the survey online.
It is important for us to receive your feedback and your responses/comments go straight to the Council for their consideration. We receive the collated responses and comments in a couple of months and we always try to respond to your suggestions. For example, the introduction of “Show My Homework” online tracking app and the recent revamp for Parent/carer evenings came about as a result of feedback from you. As I say, please try to find that 5 minutes.
On a closing note, well done to Tony Hoggan (S6) who is the recipient of the Richard John Taylor Scholarship for 2017. The scholarship is given in memory of the Welsh inline skating champion who died in 2004. Tony is himself a champion skater and the award will fund his travel and accommodation costs to take part in competitions in Montpelier in France, Eindhoven in Holland and in Latvia later this year. Congratulations Tony!
Best wishes and kind regards
Derek Allan
RECTOR
27 October 2017
