Dear Parent/Carer

Welcome to the latest KHS news update, I hope you are well and are looking forward to the Christmas holidays … coming your way soon!

Firstly, I must share the good news about our newly confirmed status as a “UNICEF” Rights Respecting “Gold Award” School. You may recall that we had a visitor from UNICEF at the end of November? I am delighted to say that yesterday morning that we received official word. Our work in relation to the protection and promotion of children’s rights is officially “of the highest recognised standard. KHS is a “Gold” UNICEF Rights Respecting School … the first secondary in Fife and one of a select few across the UK. Please take some time to read the attached report in detail. I think you’ll find it to be quite a powerful endorsement of our ethos. Personally, I found it to be a wee bit emotionally affecting too. In my opinion, some of the direct quotes from kids are the most telling. Our school is all about trust, fairness, inclusion and community … these values fit the UNCRC very well.

I should, of course, give greatest credit where it is due. Ms Young (Modern Studies) has worked tirelessly, and with great imagination, over a number of years leading this work. We are indebted to her for that. She has been superbly well supported by Miss Diamond (Depute), who has guided us through this accreditation process. Thanks too to Miss Ashby (now St Andrews High School), who also inspired and drove many of the individual strands/initiatives. We are marking this achievement at assemblies next week and will have a special celebration buffet lunch in on Wednesday. We are being joined by Carrie Lindsay (Executive Director of Education and Children’s Services) and we’ll be recognising the vital contribution of the “core” group of S3 pupils who have worked with Ms Young over 2 years; Rebecca Greig, Eilidh Drummond, Phoebe Brand and Gemma Hepburn.

Apart from next week’s events in school, we intend to hold the official media and press releases etc until after the Christmas holidays. UNICEF will be presenting a banner in due course and we have ordered up a commemorative gold pen for all pupils and staff.

This week we have had Yeargroup assemblies with a musical input for each. We showcased performances from our Christmas Concert, which took place on Wednesday evening. Also on Monday, we welcomed Hank John of Gideons International, the Christian organisation which places scripture in public places. Hank talked about the work of Gideons. After school on Monday, our Rotary Club Interact Group hosted a “Hi 5” Games Night with other local schools. As usual, this was great fun.

Tuesday’s assembly had an another input about our work with the Widening Participation Team of Edinburgh University, Dr Beattie talked about opportunities beyond school, this time for S2, and explained about an event (including a free lunch!) we are planning for January. Later in the Day, Mr John of The Gideons offered the gift of a New Testament to any young person who requested one. He had a stall in the war memorial area. I have to say that I was very proud of the respect and good manners shown by our learners … Mr John commented on this too.

Wednesday saw our Dance trip heading off to London … at 5am! It’s a very exciting programme with a day at the famous Pineapple Studios, near Covent Garden, and a trip to the West End to see “Matilda” last night. I’m grateful to the staff leading on this; Miss Malcolm, Miss Kirkwood, Miss Fotheringham and Mrs Morris. In the afternoon, our LGBT Support Group delivered training for Skills Development Scotland Careers Advisers along at the Bay Hotel, Kinghorn. Thanks to Ms Collins, who supported this. I received a message from SDS to say that our young people were “first class ambassadors” for the school and for the cause of equal treatment. We also had a combined Biology and Geography trip the National Museum of Scotland for a new exhibition about viruses and parasites, led by Mr Fleming. In Modern Studies, representatives of Fife Police visited classes to explain aspects of their work and take questions from young people.

However, for me and many people, the week’s main highlight was Wednesday evening’s Christmas Concert. Mrs Duckett (Acting Head of Music) put together a very interesting and diverse programme, with our community choir, ensemble performances and soloists, as well as an audience singalong to close. Thanks also to Mrs Simpson (Principal Teacher of Music), who came off maternity leave to support the show. Well done to hosts Keira Docherty, Melissa Francis and Cameron Hamilton, who were excellent. I should also add that the set, lighting sound and stage management were outstanding and these were all handled by our young people, supported by Mr Fleming and Dr Murray. We have received a huge number of complimentary messages and you can check out some terrific photos and video clips on Twitter @KirkcaldyHigh. Special thanks to parent Mr Sandy Fong, who sent in some terrific photographs (several included here).

Yesterday we had an S4 Assembly with a focus on course choice, career pathways and the upcoming prelim exams as well as a short talk from the school nurse team. Thanks to Mrs Davidson, who led this. We had a group of Sports Leaders from S5/6 along at the Ice Rink, supporting the “Curling’s Cool” Festival for local primary kids. I’m grateful to Mr Greenhorn, our Active Schools Coordinator for all the terrific work he does in relation to events such as these. This week it’s been the KHS Cluster Twitter Takeover Week and we have showcased the many ways in which we promote activity and healthy lifestyles. Please check this out and be very impressed by the range of initiatives and successes highlighted. On that theme, hearty congratulations to Liam Newton (S6), who has been called up to the U18 Scottish Schools football team after trials on Tuesday. Liam plays for East Fife U20s and has been part of the first team squad at Bayview.

Last night was our S5/6 Christmas Ceilidh or “Formal”. Thanks to all the staff who supported this. Their commitment at a busy time of year is greatly appreciated. It was fantastic, with Scottish Country Dancing courtesy of Dr Murray and his Ceilidh Band as well as a DJ set from Mr Dick.

The S5/6 Assembly this morning had a focus on course choice for S5 and “destinations” for S6.  Mrs Davidson also went over the arrangements for the Prelims. At the end of the day, we’ll do a mock choice and record proposed leaving details for S6. It’s very important that we follow our leavers through to their “destination”. We also have had our annual trip to the Adam Smith Panto this morning. It’s was for S1, and it was “Jack and the Beanstalk”. I’m told that it was great fun with plenty of audience participation. It’s also our “Christmas Jumper Day” today, organised by our S4 Personal Development class. We have asked pupils and staff to wear something with a Christmas theme … not necessarily a jumper, and make a donation to “Save the Children”.

Next week is the last week of term and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we are having those House Assemblies with a Christmas theme, the UNICEF Award. Tuesday afternoon will see our U16 footballers take on St Andrew’s and St Bride’s (Coatbridge) in the Scottish Shield. Good luck to all involved. At lunchtime on Wednesday we’re holding that special lunch. Many thanks to the Hospitality pupils who are doing the catering. That evening it’s our Christmas Disco and Party in the Hall. Thanks in advance to resident DJs Disco Doc and Dick of the Decks, who will, as usual, keep things rolling along. They make an excellent double act. The term ends on 20 December when we hold a “Dress Down” Day in support of the Cottage Family Centre, Templehall. Before lunch we’ll have the traditional end of term Staff X Factor, when teachers and other staff showcase their talent, or in many cases, absence of talent. In the afternoon, we are planning to show a Christmas movie in the Hall so will bring lunchtime forward by 30 minutes to allow enough time in the afternoon to see the full movie. The closing bell is at 3.20pm and buses at the usual time. Please note that pupils return on Tuesday 7 January 2020. For those in S4-6 involved in SQA exams at National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher, the prelims start on Monday 13 January. Please see the attached timetables.  Many thanks to Mrs Davidson for her work on this.

The hot meal menu for next week. Monday: Lentil soup, Stovies with crusty bread, turnip Tuesday: French onion soup, Chicken korma, boiled rice and vegetables Wednesday: Tomato soup, Steak pie, potatoes and vegetables Thursday: Green pea soup, Sweet chilli beef and noodles, vegetables Friday: Vegetable soup, Breaded fish/Scotch pie, chips, peas (possibly a reduced menu).

We also have baked potatoes, pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salad available every day as well as our outdoor snack bar. Please do be aware that we offer a free cup of soup with bread for all our young people, regardless of their “free school meals” status. There is also our “Breakfast Club” (sponsored by Stephens the Bakers) available from 8.10am and this is completely free for those facing hardship. We have cereal, toast and jam and juice on offer. Lunchtime meals are priced at £2.20 for pupils, and this is the value of the “free meal” entitlement. Main courses are £1.55 and desserts are priced at £0.65. Please call if you are facing financial hardship and would appreciate help to apply for free meals. You should ask for Mrs Hardie (Family Link Worker).

Just a wee reminder that Café Inc, which is Fife Council’s school holiday meals service, is up and running again over the festive period. You don’t have to qualify for free school meals to use the service, everyone is welcome, and lunch is completely free for all the family. The service runs between 11.45am and 1pm on the following days; Hayfield Community Centre on 30 and 31 December, Templehall Community Centre on 23, 24, 30 and 31 December and the Linton Lane Centre on 23 and 24 December. Well done to Fife Council, who are responsible for this excellent community initiative.

For a final word, and on that theme of “community”, please see if you can support our Kirkcaldy Foodbank Appeal by helping your son/daughter to bring in a couple of items of non-perishable foodstuff on Monday or Tuesday. Our collections at tutor are coming along and we have a growing stockpile at reception too. Anything you can do to help families coping with poverty and hunger this winter is greatly appreciated. All donations gratefully received.

As I say, our attachments are the Prelim Timetables and The UNICEF “Gold” Report. All the very best to you and all your family. Never hesitate to be in touch if you need anything.

Yours

Derek Allan

RECTOR

13 December 2019