Dear Parent/Carer

Welcome to our latest news bulletin. I hope you are OK.

We’ve had a good week at KHS and I detect a hint of springtime … at last! The changes to public health guidance are also helping. There is no doubt that face coverings in class are a bit of a barrier. They are no longer mandatory in learning situations now.

Even more significantly, we held House Assemblies for the first time in over two years and these went very well. Our young people were exceptionally attentive and respectful when I shared the news about my intention to retire at the summer. The Guidance team also had excellent inputs about making the most of all the opportunities we offer, the importance of good attendance and time-keeping, and a bit about “positive destinations” for those about to leave school for new challenges. We have really missed assemblies. They are a key to working well together, and next week we’ll have Yeargroup Assemblies, starting with S1 on Monday.

On the theme of “destinations”, on Tuesday, we had a trip to Redford Barracks in Edinburgh for a group of kids who will be leaving soon. This had a focus on building confidence, problem-solving and teamwork skills. Many thanks to Jayne Preece (PSO) who organised the visit. For more on apprenticeships, training and job opportunities, please check our careers mini-website.

On Wednesday, we had the NHS vaccination team in again to deliver diphtheria, polio, typhoid and meningitis jags to selected S4-6 pupils.

Last night was our S4 Parent/Carer Evening, held online. This went well for the most part, despite some of the usual IT glitches when using the internet. The engagement is a chance for our young people to take on key improvement advice as they work towards SQA qualifications. We will soon be planning the calendar for next session’s parent and carer evenings. We will want to take your feedback about whether there is a preference for “face to face” on online evenings. It could be, and I do hope so, that in school events like this will be allowed next session.

This morning, Mr Spink (Languages) held a meeting for those interested in our proposed cultural trip Madrid in 2023. It’s another example of a slow return to something like normality. We are now planning a ski trip to Austria, the “Battlefields” trip to Belgium and France and now our trip to Spain. A trip to Paris is being looked at too. More info soon.

As you will know from the message sent home by Ms Young (our Rights Respecting School Coordinator) on Wednesday, today has been identified as a “dress down” day in support of UNICEF’s work with refugee children and young people affected by the invasion of Ukraine. This has been organised by the young people of our Rights Respecting School group as a response to the terrible news from that country at this time. Thank you for supporting this humanitarian effort.

You will also know that we have had some relaxation of our uniform rules over winter to take account of classroom temperatures. Windows are usually open to improve ventilation to reduce the risk of Covid transmission. Please be reminded that this arrangement expires at the end of this month. After the Easter break, we will require full uniform once more. Please bear this in mind if purchasing new school clothing. We expect a white shirt, school tie, plain black trousers and plain black shoes. Hoodies cannot be worn in class after Easter and track suit bottoms are only allowed for PE, not in classes. I’ll share a link about blazers shortly. Our main supplier used to be “Academy” and they have joined with a company called Stevenson’s to be able to provide a better service and wider range than before. More details soon. Any parent/carer who is finding it difficult to supply the right clothing for school should call 01592 583405 and ask for Mrs Hardie (Pupil Support Officer). We will be happy to help.

As you receive this, our U18 footballers are away to St Ninian’s High School, Giffnock, contesting another round of the Scottish Shield. Good luck to them and thanks to coaches Mr English and Mr I’Anson.

Finally, I must advise that we have been left with no choice but to ban aerosols (e.g. deodorant or hairspray) from school. We have had a couple of incidents lately when young people with asthma or similar respiratory conditions have had an adverse reaction to their use in school, mainly in the PE changing rooms. These and often quite cramped spaces and ventilation is not particularly good. Body sprays and the like can be a serious problem for any young person with such issues. If your son or daughter needs to bring a deodorant to refresh after a PE lesson, this will need to be the roll on or stick type. From Monday, aerosols are not allowed in school and will be confiscated. Confiscated cans will be returned at the end of the day. Your support is much appreciated … I hope you understand.

All the best for the weekend … and please take care.

Derek Allan
RECTOR
4 March 2022