Dear Parent/Carer
It looks like we are going to make it. Just. One of the most challenging terms ever is done and we are looking forward to a well earned two week break. These face masks and all the other restrictions make things difficult enough, but it’s been absence levels for staff and kids which break up continuity of the learning experience and are such a challenge. It’s to the credit of everyone here that we have coped so well.
Our main events this week included the S5/6 parent and carer evening which we held online. This was a success for the most part, with fewer glitches than the S3 evening two weeks ago. I’m sure that you will appreciate that these systems need time to bed in and that sometimes problems are beyond our control eg broadband issues etc. In these weird times, online events like this are really helpful. I think they will become increasingly routine. If any follow up is required after Tuesday’s event, please be in touch with Guidance.
To help us evaluate the online system, we are asking parents/carers of S5/6 who took part to complete a short survey. Thanks to Mrs Hume who has organised this. I’d be very grateful if you could complete this.
The other big deal in school event this week was the NHS Fife flu vaccination clinic we hosted on Wednesday. We’ve now supported over 1000 young people to be vaccinated over the two dates, and we’ve also vaccinated all staff, by a traditional “jag”. I’m hoping that this community health initiative can help individuals keep well over the winter and maybe help reduce any pressures on the NHS too.
Today is a dress down day and we are taking a collection for Fife Voluntary Action. We worked with this charity earlier this year when we organised a winter clothing collection for Afghan refugees being resettled in Fife. Thanks for your support.
Parents of S1 can expect to receive a “Settling In Report” in the post over the weekend. It’ll give you an indication of how things are going so far. Please contact Guidance if you feel that there is anything which needs to be discussed. We’ll likely have been in touch with you already if we have any major concerns about progress or behaviour over this first term. Please take time to complete the “feedback” slip, and also update the data check and general permission forms which are included with the report. These are important papers as we need to keep our records up to date in case of emergencies etc
Over the forthcoming holidays, S1/2 pupils are welcome to join in the free football sessions being offered at KHS by Active Schools Fife and Raith Rovers. You can sign up using the online form.
We’ll be back in school on Monday 25 October and I shared details of the key dates for next term (and beyond) in last week’s “log”. Apologies that the S2 parents’ Evening we’ll hold on Wednesday 10 November was missed from the list. I emailed out the details to S2 parents and carers on Monday. During that first week back, I am delighted to report that our community choir is back. This is run in the Hall after school on Tuesdays by the Music Department. There are no auditions and everyone is welcome. Get along to experience the joy of singing together.
And looking even further ahead, we are all looking forward to next June’s school show, which will be a full-length musical version of Little Shop of Horrors. This is a fantastic opportunity for all S1 to S6. there are leading roles for confident performers, as well as lesser parts and chorus roles for those who just want to be part of the show. We also need a back-stage crew who will work behind the scenes on stage management, set, props, costume, sound, lighting, and hair and make-up. Please see Mr McPherson of the Drama Department to be part of this amazing project.
As ever, thanks to Mr Paterson for collating our jobs bulletin (attached). Please check it out. There are a surprising number of interesting vacancies available and opportunities coming up.
Some Covid news to close and this week we have seen a further 28 cases which means that the steep decline in numbers has clearly halted leaving us with a continuing (although less prevalent) problem. Please encourage your son/daughter to get vaccinated, and please arrange for them to have their own cloth face mask for next term. We are going through disposable masks like nobody’s business. this is not a situation we relish, and who knows, if enough young people are vaccinated and case numbers can be suppressed, we might yet see “normal service” sometime soon. Here’s hoping in the strongest of terms. To help with controlling spread, we will be issuing more Covid test kits on Monday 25 October.
And finally … a sporting good news story. Very well done to Arcadia Ward (S5) who earlier this week competed in the junior ladies section of the British Figure Skating Championships held in Sheffield. Arcadia had great success and has now qualified for the World Championships. What an achievement … well done Arcadia.
As always, thanks for your support. It has seen us through another very tough spell. I hope the holidays are happy days and our staff and kids will return renewed with fresh energy to learn and grow together.
Yours aye
Derek Allan
RECTOR
8 October 2021
