Dear Parent/Carer

So here it is. Merry Christmas everybody.  And welcome to my final email update of 2019, coming to you a day early this week.

May I take this chance to thank you sincerely for your interest in KHS and for your outstanding support of our school during this year; over a number of years in fact. The year past has seen many significant successes for us as a school community. Mostly of course, it’s been the barely discernible daily progress made by our learners as they grow and flourish emotionally, intellectually and physically. This is made possible by an expert team of compassionate, skilled and hardworking teachers and support workers providing experiences, challenges, guidance and care, in and out of class. And, I mean “support workers” in the broadest sense, because I know that our learning assistants, office staff, janitors, kitchen staff and cleaners also get what our shared mission is; to give your kids the best possible start in life. That is surely an inalienable right of any child? To be given a fair chance to succeed and find happiness in life. We’ve also had wider recognition of success in 2019, at local and national level. I’m thinking especially of the “Best School” accolade granted by Kingdom FM in their “Local Hero” Awards in August and the “UNICEF” Rights Respecting School GOLD Award, confirmed just last week. As I say, thanks for your part in all of this. It’s all about partnership … young people, family, school.

It’s been the last week of term and on Tuesday, Wednesday and this morning we had House Assemblies with a Christmas theme, and a focus on the UNICEF Award. The assemblies were hosted by Jake Ramsay and Cara Turner, our Head Boy and Head Girl with an input from our Community Choir, singing “We All Need Somebody to Lean On”, with real soul! We also had a new song from Martina Giorgio (S6), written by Martina to recognise the importance of the “United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child” (UNCRC). The song is called “What Am I Now?” and Martina performed guitar and vocals supported by Charley Buchan (S3) on piano and Sonny Lindsay (S6) on percussion. It was a brilliant performance. Martina is from Italy and I am amazed at her emotional eloquence in a second language. As well as the entertainment aspects we had the presentation of the “Gold” certificate, accepted by Eilidh Drummond, Gemma Hepburn, Rebecca Greig and Phoebe Brand (all S3) of our “Rights Respecting School” Committee. Mr Mitchell, representing the Guidance staff, also had an input and delivered a message for Christmas. Mr Mitchell reminded us all of the importance of giving as well as receiving gifts.

Tuesday afternoon saw our U16 footballers take on St Andrew’s and St Bride’s (from East Kilbride) in the Scottish Shield. I’m delighted to say that they overcame difficult opponents 6 – 4, after going two goals behind early in the match. Very well done to the boys and to coaches Mr English and Mr I’Anson. We are now in the quarter final draw.

At lunchtime on Wednesday we held the celebration lunch I mentioned last week, with special guest Carrie Lindsay, Fife’s Executive Director of Education and Children’s Services. We had an informal get together to mark the UNICEF Award. It was a really lovely occasion with music, a couple of short speeches and the presentation of Achiever Ties to Phoebe, Rebecca, Eilidh and Gemma for services to children’s rights. We also presented Miss Young (Modern Studies) with a specially decorated cake in recognition of her leadership of this vitally important work (photo).

Last night was our Christmas Disco and Party in the Hall. Thanks to resident DJs Disco Doc and Dick of the Decks, who, as usual, kept things rocking and rolling along. What an excellent night it was with a good turnout. As usual, the Scottish Country Dancing was very popular. I must also thank Tyler Grubb (S3) and David Manzie (S6), who got involved in running games, dancing competitions etc so wholeheartedly.

The term, and school year, ends tomorrow with a “Dress Down” Day in support of the Cottage Family Centre, Templehall. Before lunch we’re having 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 “The Lion King” in the Hall. It’ll be the new version and I’m sure that will be a nice way to end the last school day of 2019. 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 2020.

For that first week back, we have a change in the school dinner menu. The hot meal choice will be; Tuesday: Yellow pea soup, Pork sausages, chips and beans. Wednesday: Tomato soup, Chicken korma and rice. Thursday: Green pea soup, Steak Pie, potatoes and vegetables. Friday: Vegetable soup, Fish, Chips and peas or beans.

We also have baked potatoes, hot dogs, pizza, pasta, panini, sandwiches, filled rolls, salad and bakery items 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). Please see attached for a full price list.

May I offer a final 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.

Looking a wee bit ahead into the New Year, and our S2 reports will be issued towards the end of January. Parents/carers who were in school for the “Learning Fair” recently will know that we are planning a recognition evening for S2 on 18 February. We are calling these the “Respect for Learning” (RFL) Awards and we plan to present certificates to all S2 pupils who have done well in terms of behaviour and effort, as evidenced from their report. We’ll call this the Merit award. For those who have done exceptionally well across the board, we will present a certificate and an inscribed commemorative book. This will be the Distinction Award, the highest level of recognition. The plan is to hold the awards in the early evening in our Assembly Hall. We will start at 4pm and all parents/carers will be invited. We think it will be good to recognise those who always try hard in class and follow the rules. The RFL Awards will not be given for academic success, this is recognised at Prize Giving each June. As this is a new initiative, I would welcome your opinion. Please just press “reply” to offer feedback.

I mentioned the new menu, which is one of the attachments this week. The other attachment is a first draft of our “Saturday School” revision programme for those studying SQA exams in S4-6. I’m grateful to Miss Diamond, who has compiled it, and I am also grateful to the staff who are giving up time at the weekend to support this. Please note that it is a draft at this point, although we don’t expect many changes. Final details nearer the time.

Do have a lovely Christmas break. I hope you will enjoy some happy and peaceful family times. Best wishes too, for the New Year to come. Take care.

Derek Allan

RECTOR

19 December 2019