Welcome to the first Rector’s log of the new term. I hope you and your family are doing well.

The week that’s been…

It has been a good first week back and a delight to see all our young people return after the October break. As ever, it has been a busy week for our young people as they get back in to their studies and the many extra-curricular activities on offer here at KHS.

On Monday, young people in S3 who are going on the Battlefields trip later in the session, visited the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh to learn more about the production of poppies and their significance. Thanks to all staff involved in organising and supporting this experience.

Our S3s also completed part of their NSA testing on Monday during P1 and P2. This will continue over the next couple of weeks.

On Tuesday, we had a group of S2 pupils attend St Andrews university as part of the First Chances programme. This is a fantastic programme aimed at supporting young people who hope to be the first in their family to attend University. Again, my thanks to all staff involved in organising and supporting this opportunity.

On Wednesday, we held welcome back assemblies for all year groups. These included inputs around Mental Health, a welcome and introduction from our house captains and relevant information for the term ahead. S1 had an input from Police Scotland around use / misuse of social media and the law and S2 had input from Scottish Fire and Rescue regarding Fireworks and bonfire night.

On Thursday we had a group of young people from S5/6 supporting Fair Isle Primary School at an enterprise event. Moreover, we had a group learners taking part in their Duke of Edinburgh expedition on Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday evening we also welcomed parents / carers and young people to an information evening about the school trip to France in February 2024. It was great to see everyone and I hope that the evening provided all with the information needed.

Finally, we say a fond farewell to Mrs Rae, Pupil Support Officer. Mrs Rae leaves us today to move on to a new role and post. Mrs Rae has been a fantastic support to many young people, families and colleagues in her role as PSO and we wish her well for the future.

The week ahead…

Next week, we welcome Parents / Carers of S1 to KHS on Wednesday for the first Parent / Carer evening of this term. Please bring along some spare change to support our S6s with their bake sale.

I would also like to give you advance notice of the next Parent Council meeting, which is due to take place on Tuesday 14th November at 6pm. Again, this will be online. I will send all parents / carers an agenda and link over the next week or so. I have attached the minutes of the last meeting to this groupcall.

Lastly, I would like to ask for your support in keeping our community safe. It has come to my attention that young people are walking through the staff car park during the school day and at the end of the day also. Part of the reason for this is that they are being picked up from this area, and also at the road to Kirkcaldy Crematorium. Some cars are parked at double yellow lines, causing further safety concerns. I would kindly ask that you park at the visitor’s car park when picking your child up at school.

I hope you and your family have a good weekend when it comes!

Best wishes,

Chris McKay

Rector

27 October 2023