Dear Parent/Carer

I’m hoping you are well.

I was in contact on Wednesday evening with some news of our outline plans to begin a phased return for all pupils from a week on Monday (15 March). You’ll recall that I explained some of the challenges. In particular, we’ll have to have a daily attendance “cap” on pupil numbers; caused by the need for 2m physical distancing at all times in school. There is also the negative impact which having teachers delivering lessons in school will have on “home learning”.

After detailed planning at school level and consultation with Fife Council Education Service, I’m pleased to be able to share our arrangements for the period 15-26 March. Pupils will attend KHS as follows;

• Monday 15 March: Keyworker children, vulnerable learners and Supported Learning only. Teachers will reorganise their classrooms and set up home learning for period ahead. We’ll also get mass LFD testing organised (staff and S4-6)
• Tuesday 16 March: All pupils (S1-6) with surname A-G attend, as well as keyworker children etc, who will be in school every day
• Wednesday 17 March: All pupils with surname H-N
• Thursday 18 March: All pupils with surname O-Z
• Friday 19 March: S4-6 pupils A-G (some teachers available to look after home learning)
• Monday 22 March: S4-6 pupils H-N (some teachers available to look after home learning)
• Tuesday 23 March: S4-6 pupils O-Z (some teachers available to look after home learning)
• Wednesday 24 March: All pupils with surname A-G
• Thursday 25 March: All pupils with surname H-N
• Friday 26 March: All pupils with surname O-Z.

This means that all learners have at least one day a week in school and those undertaking qualifications this year (S4-6) will have a minimum three days over the two weeks, matching the expectations laid out by the Scottish Government and Fife Council. I say “minimum” because some SQA candidates will be asked in by special arrangement to continue with the practical work which has been begun. Our arrangements allow us to maintain physical distancing at 2m and keep a version of home learning going. Keyworker children and vulnerable learners will attend every day and join their classmates on identified days (by surname). Supported Learning pupils attend every day as usual.

The need to follow all the public health rules at all times is of prime importance. There is a change in the face mask rule, with all pupils now required to use a face covering at all times when indoors. Young people will be outdoors at break and lunchtime, although we will have a wet weather contingency. We’ll keep careful note of all seating plans to assist with “track and trace” should any positive cases be reported.

All students in S4-6 will be given LFD Covid test kits and are asked to take to test at home on the day before coming in to school. In many cases it will be possible to test on the first morning in school. Whilst testing is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended. We have found that those who have been in school for SQA practical work have been keen to support it.

The school buses are operating as usual with a requirement to wear a face covering and observe 1m distancing. These are the general rules for public transport. We are not entirely sure how catering will operate but we are thinking about a staggered lunchtime to reduce queueing and we will be encouraging pupils to eat outdoors if possible. If pupils want to bring their own packed lunch from home this might well be the most convenient arrangement. Those qualifying for free meals will be catered for as usual.

I’m sorry that this is a lot to take in, but you’ll appreciate the complexity of delivering a safe and meaningful experience. Whilst engagement will be limited for most, it will be a chance to meet friends again and engage with teachers “face to face” in advance of a full-time return for all learners after the Easter holidays. I see it as a preparation/taster phase in advance of our full reopening.

Please be in contact if any of this is not clear and do drop us a line if you would like to be part of our Parent Council meeting on Tuesday 16 March at 6pm. I’ll arrange for you to receive the log in details for “Zoom”.

On a different tack, please find our regular Employability Bulletin attached, many thanks to Mr Paterson. I have also attached our Serenity Garden Newsletter. Our garden space at the back of the school is a wonderful project which has taken on special importance during lockdown, and this will continue into the time of renewal. We are lucky to have such a dedicated team of staff, pupils and community volunteers and supporters, led by Gillian Wood, Pupil Support Officer. The garden is a beautiful outdoor space dedicated to nature, kindness and the memory of lost love ones, including Ethan and Connor, who died in the terrible Standing Stane road crash in 2018. Mrs Wood has put together an excellent newsletter and I am indebted to her for all her work in this area. I hope that you will enjoy reading about the garden which, to my mind, projects a welcome feeling of hope and growth at this time. If you think that you can help support its development in any way at all, please be in contact. I’ll pass you on to Gillian.

These are certainly challenging times, and organising a phased return is our next challenge. I’m sure that together, it’s one we can meet.

Take care

Derek Allan
RECTOR

5 March 2021