Dear Parent / Carer,
New session / term information letter
With the new term just around the corner, I wanted to write to you to introduce myself, extend a warm welcome to our new S1 families and those who join us again for the new session, as well as, to give you some brief information for the start of term.
Introduction
I am delighted to be joining Kirkcaldy High School as interim Rector. I am joining from St Columba’s High School in Dunfermline, and I very much look forward to working with all young people and families over the coming weeks. I have met with Mr Allan on a few occasions over the summer, and he has been incredibly supportive, ensuring that I am fully up to speed with all areas – thank you Mr Allan for your support and knowledge.
Kirkcaldy High School has a fantastic reputation within the local community and beyond. I will strive to ensure that the school’s inclusive ethos, success, hard work and happiness are at the forefront of all that I do. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the school if you wish to discuss anything regarding our school community or your child.
Welcome
Please let me extend a very warm welcome to all our young people and families who join us for the new session. In addition, a special welcome to our new S1 young people and families. I know that you have had many transition events and meetings over the past session, but we will continue to ensure that you feel welcomed into our community and will be cared for by all.
As you may be aware, Kirkcaldy High School has been shortlisted for the Kingdom FM ‘Best School 2022’ award. Well done to all for this fantastic recognition and thank you to those who nominated us.
Finally, Mr Allan has also been nominated for his outstanding contribution to education in Fife. Congratulations to Mr Allan for this nomination and I know the KHS community wish you well for this award and in your retirement.
New Staff information
As ever at the start of session, we have several new staff joining our fantastic team. They are:
Kris Moore (currently at Viewforth), Cherelle Torrens (currently at Levenmouth) and Danielle Mendes (Probationer) in Design Technology, Leigh Donaldson (Probationer) in Biology, Emmanouil Mastoridis (Probationer) and Stephanie Barclay (currently Royal High School) in Maths, Ellie Brown (currently Levenmouth) in Home Economics, Iona Quilter (currently Whitburn Academy) in Music, Leah Crichton (Probationer) in Art and Design, Paula Cobban (currently Levenmouth), Kiera Robertson and Hannah Britton (both Probationers) in English, Lisa Millar (currently Lornshill Academy) in Modern Studies, Robbie Crow (Madras College) in Drama and Rebecca Wilkie (Balwearie) in Supported Learning. Rebecca won’t start until the October beak when her maternity ends. We’ll also be joined by Clare Donaldson in Guidance (currently Inverkeithing High School) but Clare’s actual start is delayed due to her maternity leave which starts in September. Finally, Euan McCowan (History) and Rachel Geddes (Biology) will remain with us on permanent contracts following temporary contracts last session.
We are in the process of interviewing for a vacancy in Business and we will re-advertise a permanent English post early in the new term.
SQA Results and information
Today, young people who undertook SQA assessments and examinations will find out their results. Congratulations to everyone for their hard work, effort and success. May I also share some outstanding success from the following young people: well done to Kaitlin Hunter who gained 8 A passes at N5, and Hanna Bengagi and Callum Husband, each with 5 A Highers. Top of the class was joint dux Logan Piotrowicz with 3 A passes at AH. Well done Logan!
If any young person has a query or concern regarding their SQA results, please contact us, either by phone or e-mail and we will get in touch to discuss this.
S5/6 Re-coursing
Following the SQA results, some young people may wish to re-course. The Guidance team will be on hand to support this on Wednesday 17th August 2022 at 9am. Any young person who wishes to re-course should register in their tutor class and make their way to the library for discussion and negotiation with their guidance teacher.
First day arrangements
The new session starts on Wednesday, 17th August 2022. All young people in S2-S6 should report to their tutor class where tutor teachers will hand out timetables and other relevant information. Tutor time will be extended until the end of P1 to allow this to take place. From P2 onwards, all S2-6 should follow their normal timetable.
For our new S1 pupils, they should report to the assembly hall where they will be met by Staff and S6 buddies. Buddies will then support pupils and lead them to their tutor class. Buddies will support all S1 classes throughout the first week of the new term, ensuring that young people know their way around. All S1s will leave class 5 minutes early to allow a smooth transition to their next class / break.
We will have year group assemblies on Thursday 18th August. Information on this will be shared with pupils on Wednesday.
Uniform
Before the end of term, we shared with you our school uniform policy. I have attached our uniform poster to this mail for your information. I would ask for your support in ensuring that all young people are appropriately dressed for school and adhere to our policy. If any family has any issue with uniform, please contact us and we can support.
Notable dates for the term ahead
We are currently finalising the school calendar and will ensure this is with you by the start of the new term. At this time, please let me share the following important dates with you:
Parents’ Evenings
- S1: Tuesday 21st March 2023
- S2: Wednesday 9th November 2022
- S3: Wednesday 28th September 2022
- S4: Thursday 24th November 2022
- S5/6: Tuesday 25th October 2022
N.B. The S3 Parents’ Evening in September is due to be held virtually, with all Parents’ Evenings this session under review. I will update all parents / carers as soon as practically possible.
Reporting
Information about reports will be issued soon with dates added in the school calendar.
Friends of Kirkcaldy High Race Night – Advance notice
Friends of Kirkcaldy High are intending to host a race night on Friday 25th November 2022. More details will be shared in due course.
Finally, I hope you find the information contained in this letter useful. I look forward to working with you and your child(ren) over the coming weeks. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Christopher McKay
Interim Rector
