Dear Parent/Carer
Welcome to the weekly KHS news bulletin, which appears on our website as the “Rector’s Log”. I hope that you are well. Here’s what’s been doing here …
I mentioned that last Friday night was a highlight of the KHS year, with the “Friends of Kirkcaldy High School” Ceilidh and music from the Bert Pozzi Band. Many thanks to FoKHS, a sum of just over £2000 was raised. This will go to support the work of the school, either through the purchase of specialist equipment or in providing travel grants for kids from less well-off backgrounds to help them be part of school trips. I am very grateful to Mrs Davidson (Depute Head) for all the terrific work she puts in to support this event. She does a fantastic job as chief organiser.
This week we’ve had Yeargroup assemblies to mark World Book Day. We are keen to continue to develop a reading culture in KHS and in the wider community. This has included investing in a new computerised literacy programme called “Accelerated Reader”. Many thanks to the young people who led these assemblies. On Monday, we had a large group of S3 pupils taking part in a wider access event in school with Abertay University. We are committed to making university more accessible to all our young people, regardless of their background or family experience. These programmes help break down those barriers. This programme is called “Lift Off” and it was excellent. A total of 32 young people have “signed up” to the programme.
After school on Tuesday, our S1 footballers qualified for the Fife finals tournament which takes places at Bayview next Friday evening. Very well done to them.
Wednesday saw another vaccination session, this time for S1. This was the HPV vaccination (first dose). Yesterday we had a trip to Edinburgh. Then yesterday, Ms Tennant and Dr Murray (Principal Teachers of STEM), took our Go4SET Technology team to compete in a major science competition at Heriot-Watt University. A team of six S2 pupils were involved. Very well done to Lily Paterson, Tayla Lazmirski, Miren Grant, Emily Cunningham, Alyssa Mercer, and Ollie Patel, who only went and won the competition! This effectively makes them the East of Scotland Technology Champions and means they have a place in the national final to be held at Glasgow Science Centre later this year.
Today at lunchtime, Mr Farquharson has arranged for a talk for S6 about student finance. Elizabeth Jamieson, from the Stewart Ivory Foundation, will talk about the work of “SAAS”, the Student Awards Agency Scotland. Saturday School for tomorrow is Biology, Chemistry and Physics. On the theme of additional study sessions, please find attached the programme for “Easter School”. This is for exam candidates in S4-6. I am very grateful to the staff giving up their time and also to Miss Diamond, who compiled the programme.
Next week’s House Assemblies (Tuesday to Thursday) will focus on “Learner Journeys” and on past occasions such as this we’ve had students, staff or visitors as guest speakers, explaining how they have reached where they are in life (especially in respect of work and study) and where they are going next. It’s quite nice for our young people to tune in for a bit of advice.
On Monday, Ms Young and Mr Paterson are taking a large group of Modern Studies pupils on a visit to Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court as part of their study of Law and Order.
On Wednesday we’ll have a special event for young people interested in careers in medicine, delivered by Dundee University Medical School. Many thanks to Dr Beattie who is leading on this programme, called “Medic Insight”. After school we are having staff training for that Accelerated Reader literacy programme I mentioned earlier. Thanks to Ms Cunningham for her work with this.
On Thursday, Mr Jones (Head of Social Subjects) and Ms Wallace of the Geography Department will take our Travel and Tourism students down to Fife College for a training event. I understand that this involves the College’s aircraft simulator and that our kids will be taught skills required of cabin crew … how cool is that? Also that day, Mrs Kendrick and our Mental Health Ambassadors are attending a Conference at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes. Best wishes to them.
Saturday school for 21 March is Art and Design, Care, Spanish and Music.
In the refectory, next week’s hot meal choice will be; Monday: Lentil Soup, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Tuesday: Scotch Broth, Chicken Tikka, Rice and Naan, Wednesday: Minestrone Soup, Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Thursday: Carrot and Coriander Soup, Pasta Bolognese with Garlic Bread, Friday: Leek and Potato 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).
I mentioned “Covid 19” last week and of course, we are increasingly alert to the dangers and disruption associated with the spread of coronavirus. Please continue to follow the basic advice given, and encourage your kids to do so too. Wash your hands often with soap and water and use anti-bacterial gel if you can. Make sure you use a handkerchief for coughs and sneezes. Self-isolation may also be appropriate … please see the official advice. We have supplies of hand sanitiser in all classrooms and extra paper tissues too.
You are likely aware of our planned trips to France/Belgium (end of April) and Italy (June). The latest news for all those involved is that there is significant uncertainty after the UK and Scottish Government statements yesterday. We are still unsure of the timeframe for the “ban” and the insurance arrangements which will apply, if any. Travel insurance does not always cover a UN declared “pandemic” and we are still seeking clarity from the companies with which we are working and the insurers. I hope to be able to write to all parents affected with some more definitive (and hopefully better) news next week. By then, Fife Council will have had the chance to offer us some support too. Please bear with us.
One restriction is now in place and it involves our lunch service. Orders for filled baguettes and plated salad will now have to be placed in advance as we are no longer permitted to leave food out in the open for sharing.
In light of all that is going on, we are trying to ensure that all our learners are able to keep up with their studies remotely, purely as a precaution. Remember that we are particularly active on Twitter @KirkcaldyHigh. Please sign up. We also have other digital communication tools such a “Show My Homework”, GLOW, Microsoft Teams and “Scholar” available. Ask your son/daughter about these resources.
Have a braw weekend. Don’t be alarmed, but do take care.
Derek Allan
RECTOR
13 March 2020
