Dear Parent/Carer

Welcome to the Rector’s Log. As always, I’m hoping that you are doing alright.

We’ve had another tough week in KHS, badly affected by sickness, self-isolation and Covid. Monday was particularly bad with 40 new Covid cases reported. Since then a further 69 cases have been confirmed (as of midday today) and pupil attendance has been markedly down all week.. The staff are affected too. We have had to hire in supply teachers and ask our own teachers to cover for absent colleagues when possible. I’m grateful to them all for going the “extra mile”, again. Same goes for our support and office staff. All in all, it’s not a very satisfactory situation, and it’s as well we’ve got such a top class team here.

Because, despite all the difficulties, we continue to see success in the classroom and quality learning being delivered across the school. On Tuesday we shared a brief video put together at a time when we can’t hold “in person” assemblies. I spoke “to camera” concentrating on our school values, as always, and I reminded our young people of issues such as the need to wear a face covering (respect for others) and not letting mobile phones interrupt lessons (respect for learning). I also reminded everyone of the need for school uniform … education is a team game and we all do better when we proudly wear the team colours. Please note that that if a pupil is inappropriately dressed they will have to wait to the end of the queue for lunch. I think it’s reasonable to want to incentivise the wearing of school dress.

Also on Tuesday, it was a pleasure to welcome representatives from Exxon’s Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran. We are very pleased to be supported by company this session. KHS is one of only a few Fife schools selected and on Tuesday we took delivery of over £3000 worth of technical and scientific gear (including hand tools, digital calipers, gauges and micrometers) to support “STEM” learning, that’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I’m greatly indebted to Mr Paterson, our “Young Workforce” Coordinator, who has worked hard to build up this link. He has also put together this week’s jobs update (attached).

Yesterday morning I had an online meeting with Headteacher colleagues from across Fife at which we discussed the immediate problems we all face with coronavirus and longer term strategic matters such as improvements in outcomes for learners and post school destinations. At another online meeting last night, with the KHS Principal Teachers, we agreed to proceed with plans to hold “prelims” for the SQA qualifications over a two week period beginning 17 January 2022. These will be for all learners in S4-6 who are studying National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher courses. The SQA plans to hold exams over a five week period from the end of April 2022, although we are all conscious that this will depend on the public health situation.

However, today sees another step towards normal service with the reintroduction of our “Health Zone” clinic in school, run by the Fife School Nurse Service. Young people can access the confidential drop in service for any reason at all, including support with sexual health and contraception. The nurses also offer mental health support and will “signpost” to other services.

Still on the theme of health, please be reminded that the first in-school flu vaccination clinic, operated by NHS Fife, takes place for S5/6 on Wednesday 22 September. The vaccine is administered as a painless nasal spray. Thanks to all who have returned the consent letter. Young people in S1-4 will be vaccinated on Wednesday 6 October.

Next week we are once again off to Fordell Firs with S1 Carlyle pupils at the adventure camp on Monday and Tuesday followed by Oswald on Wednesday and Thursday. S2 will attend during the fortnight after that. The first groups had a fantastic experience last week and I intend to visit the camp myself this Wednesday. I don’t think I’ll be persuaded to try that bungee swing though! Please check our @KirkcaldyHigh on Twitter for photos and video clips.

Looking ahead, and our S3 Parent/Carer Evening takes place online by videolink on Wednesday 22 September. Instructions for setting up the appointments were sent home earlier this week. Please contact us if you experience any problem. It’s our first time using this system and I’m hoping it will prove successful. I am very grateful to Mrs Hume (Head of English), who has taken a lead in introducing this initiative.

As is often the case, I have some staff news to close. I mentioned that Mr Adams (Computing) is moving on to a promoted post at Lochgelly High School. Very best wishes to him. I am delighted to report that we interviewed for a replacement this week and we will be joined by Mr Campbell Davidson Kelly after the October break. Mr Davidson Kelly is currently teaching in Aberdeen.

Please do check that your son or daughter has their own face covering to bring to school. We can provide paper masks, but these are expensive and not very sustainable. Face coverings need to be worn inside the building at all times. Also, please continue to ensure that your son or daughter is taking a lateral flow test twice weekly. We are issuing another box of kits at the start of next week. Many thanks for all your help with all of our health and safety measures. It’s greatly appreciated.

Very best wishes to you. Please take care.

Derek Allan
RECTOR
10 September 2021