Dear Parent/Carer

Welcome once again, to the weekly news update from your school. I am hoping that you are well.

We’ve had another productive week in the circumstances, with lessons going well despite the slightly surreal environment we inhabit here. With face coverings and an enhanced hygiene protocol, it’s nothing like normal. However, I’m pleased that the vast majority of our learners are making the most of it.

We’ve had a stronger focus on some of the “givens” in classes. These are the basic things which make learning go smoothly. Issues such as removing outdoor gear and hoodies at the start of a lesson, making sure that ‘phones are switched off and out of sight and not eating, drinking or chewing in class or in the corridors. It’s very important that these rules are respected by everyone to ensure the best learning experience.

I suppose this is the basis of our efforts to ensure a safe, well ordered environment. Our enhanced health and safety procedures are designed to help too, with a focus on reducing the risk of the transmission of Covid. We greatly value your input and advice on all aspects of our work and I’d like to give advance notice of our next meeting (online) of the KHS Parent Council. Gillian McIntyre (Chair) and I would be delighted if you could join us on “Zoom” at 6pm on Tuesday 22 September. I’ll put out an official invite next week and share details with those who “register”. We had a similar meeting in June and it was very well attended.

The Parent Council is an important means of engaging and keeping in touch, as are our parents’ and carers’ evenings. Right now however, the virus restrictions mean that we can’t conduct these in the usual way and we are actively looking at ways to make up for this. It will likely mean that we will have to increase the extent of our tracking and reporting. I’ll have details soon. We have a small group of staff working on new arrangements.

At the end of next week we will be sending out our first tracking report of the session. This will be an important check for S5/6, especially those undertaking the Nationals, Highers or Advanced Highers. Another engagement next week will be a visit from a reporter and photographer from The Times newspaper. The Times is keen to report on the impact of “lockdown” and the new restricted learning environment on young people. As you know, our kids are articulate and thoughtful. I’m sure that they will provide some real insights for Times readers.

It had been planned that from next Monday, 14 September, PE lessons would be allowed indoors under a slight relaxation of the “Education Scotland” rules. Unfortunately, only yesterday, following the FM’s announcements in parliament, the advice changed and this welcome move to exercise is now on hold. Please note that our curriculum offer in this area remains limited and subject to change according to weather conditions. I really feel for the PE staff right now, the uncertainty is very difficult. It will be the same for the kids, especially those who are taking certificate courses.

On that theme, we are expecting further advice about SQA expectations for 2021 to become available, subject by subject, over the next two weeks. It is my understand that it is planned to hold exams, but these will be modified, and possible held back slightly. More details when we have it.

So, as I have been able to report so far this term, we are open for business and doing alright. Our kids respect the face covering rules and they are following all the other requirements (check out  the photo of our Prefect Leadership Team leading the way). However, some are a bit forgetful, so please do ensure that your son/daughter has a face covering every day. We do have an emergency stock, but these are running a bit low and it’s much better if pupils bring their own to school. If your son/daughter uses the school bus, please remind them of the need for a face covering travelling to and from school too. We do encourage walking and cycling and it’s good to see so many kids choosing these healthier modes of transport.

One final point … one of the measures in place, to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission, is that classrooms should be well ventilated, usually with the windows open. As this will have an impact on room temperature, it would be wise for your son or daughter to wear a jumper or warmer clothing to compensate. It’s a difficult one to get the balance right. On the one hand, we encouraging uniform and the removal of outdoor gear but in some circumstances we will allow it. Teachers have a signage system in place and it will be their decision about dress code rules. By wearing a jumper or cardigan, pupils can still keep more comfortable without the need of a coat.

Have a good weekend … and take care.

Yours

Derek Allan

RECTOR

11 September 2020