Dear Parent / Carer,
Welcome to this weeks Rector’s Log. I hope you and your family are doing well!
The week that’s been…
It has been a great week here at KHS and it was lovely to have all year groups from S2 – S6 back in school. It’s amazing how much you miss the fullness and busyness this brings to our school!
On Tuesday, our staff team took part in our last INSET day, undertaking Child Protection training, receiving their iPads and initial training in preparation for the roll-out to learners in September. Finally, we spent time reviewing our improvement priorities for next session.
On Wednesday, all young people in S2-S6 returned to school following the holiday and INSET. All year groups were welcomed back officially into their new year groups through year head assemblies focussed on our value of respect and some reminders of our processes. It was great to see everyone and speak to each year group about the importance of setting our sights high and being ambitious to meet their potential.
Today, young people in the senior school undertook first aid training, linked into our priority around developing skills for learning, life and work. This has been a mainstay of our programme over the last couple of years and is always well received by our young people, with a tangible impact and outcome for those involved.
Over this session, we have been reviewing our current vision, values and aims. We have engaged across our community to understand what we collectively value and what our school values should be. Across all stakeholders, Respect continues to be a prevalent value. What has also been shared through everyone’s feedback is around ambition. I plan to work with our young people through focus groups to tease this out further and then share across the community to hear final views before agreeing on our vision, values and aims.
As always, you can read more about all the goings on in our blog.
A wee update from Ms Black and our Supported Learning department:
“A quick week here in Supported Learning but very exciting as we welcomed our new S1 learners for a transition visit, spending time in the classroom, building relationships, out to play and a tour of the school. We are loving getting to know you more and look forward to seeing you next Wednesday morning.
Across the classes in History, we have been learning about Robert the Bruce and in Health and Wellbeing with Miss Currie we have been discussing mental health and sharing strategies that we recognise that we use to build a collective toolkit. SLD4 for John Muir have been exploring our local environs and thinking about how they would use natural spaces, in SLD3 their John Muir award is around wildlife, habitats and they have been sketching local areas and creating maps that we will use over the next few weeks and months.
In SLD2 they have been working in the Polygrub with Mr Broadway and team, learning about the plants, what they need to thrive and helping with the watering and with Miss Logan they have been discussing how to pay a compliment, it has been lovely to hear the kind comments being exchanged. Big well done to Liam who continues his studies at the Tradehub and shows a talent for tiling, well done Liam!”
House Point totals for the week and session so far are as below:
This weeks total:
Adam Smith – 58
Carlyle – 45
Oswald – 101
Overall total:
Adam Smith – 3355
Carlyle – 3575
Oswald – 3781
Well done to all!
Mrs Duckett has asked me to share the following exciting opportunity for our young people:
“Exciting news! S3 students are invited to apply to become Learning Ambassadors, helping to uphold our school values and create a positive, welcoming environment at Kirkcaldy High School. As a Learning Ambassador, they will have the chance to develop leadership skills, support their peers, and contribute to making our school the best it can be. If your child is passionate about making a difference and embodying our school values with respect at its core, fiill out the form or see Mrs Duckett. Don’t miss this great opportunity to make a positive impact!”
Finally, Mrs Gibb has asked me to share with you some fun facts around Poland, continuing with our drive to celebrate the many cultures that are a wonderful part of our community. Thank you to our Equalities group for this.
Celebrate Poland (The Equalities Group)
During the month of June, we are celebrating Poland. When you see a member of staff or another young person, instead of your usual greeting, please use “Witam” instead. Our fact for this week: did you know, Poland has the world’s first upside down house!
Our rationale and next steps around equalities are on the website.
The week ahead…
Next week, we welcome families and young people of our new S1s on Thursday evening to KHS. The evening will provide an opportunity to hear more about the transition days, current school updates and a chance to meet our Guidance team and ask any questions. We are looking forward to welcoming families and young people alike.
I hope you and your family have a great weekend!
Best wishes,
Chris McKay
Rector
06 June 2025
