Dear Parent / Carer,
Welcome to our weekly family and community communication that provides a Headteacher overview of the weeks events and other school-based events and information.
The week that’s been…
It’s been a very busy week here in KHS with lots going on…
This week, learners in S5/6 started to undertake formal assessments in preparation for the SQA examinations in May. It’s been a full week of examinations with lots of focus and determination. Well done to everyone and only a couple more days to go!
On Wednesday, Mrs Gibb and I attended Fair Isle and Torbain Primary Schools to meet parents / carers and young people from P7 who will be starting KHS in August. It was great to speak to many new (and some current) families and young people and share what we are all about as a school. It was also great to answer some questions and learn more about our new S1s. Thank you to both schools, all families and young people who attended and supported.
On Thursday, several of our S3s were involved in the Hospitality takeover day in our HE department. Learners got the opportunity to take part in several workshops across the day including making apple crumble, mocktails and learning more about some of the finer parts of the industry! An amazing experience for all involved. Massive thanks to Ms Smith and Ms Akers in HE and to all those partners that supported the day.
We also had our 3rd PACK meeting of the session, first of 2026 on Thursday evening. Matthew shared an update from the pupil leadership team about the inspection, S5/6 Formal and life in school since returning from the festive break. Mrs Gibb provided an update around the Equally Safe At School (ESAS) survey that S2/4/6 will be involved in. I provided the following updates to PACK:
- Brief update about Inspection including positives in leadership and support and next steps with raising attainment
- School Budget and predicted breakeven for this session
- Making changes to our School Improvement Plan based on HMIE feedback and next steps
- Mobile phone policy feedback and uniform
- Staffing – Mrs Macmorris to start on 2nd February as PTC Humanities, Ms Christie appointed to permanent role of PT Guidance, Mr G Stewart appointed to permanent teacher of BGE, Mrs Taylor leaving on 16th February and updated on some absences.
- PACK raised concerns about toilets within KHS and issues with some school buses. We will continue to ensure that we address all issues raised.
As ever, if you want to read more about what is happening here at KHS, please follow our blog.
Mrs Davidson has asked me to share some information from Skills Development Scotland.
Mrs Duckett has asked me to share the following also:
The Haggis Hoppers have recorded a special treat for Burns Night and it’s absolutely brilliant. We would encourage you to enjoy this. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the occasion and showcase the pupils’ hard work and enthusiasm.
Furthermore, Mrs Duckett had shared information with you about supporting efforts to improve the middle den through a fortnightly litter pick. Please check this out and come support a great cause.
We are engaging with all stakeholders to gather your views around our current mobile phone policy, and we will use this information to amend our current policy. I have written to all families about this and you can have your say by completing the form sent by “GroupCall”. Young people will be asked to share their views over the next couple of weeks.
In addition, Fife Council are seeking your views about your experience of the school and Education directorate through the Parentwise survey. To that end, we would ask you to share your views by completing the Parentwise survey using the link, also sent in “GroupCall”.
Lastly, I would ask for your support in ensuring that young people have an appropriate water receptacle that they can fill with water at any of the water fountains around the school. We would also ask that they take time to fill these up at break / lunch to ensure that they are able to maximise learning time in class. A few young people are leaving class to fill bottles, and this is having a negative effect on their learning.
Moreover, we as a school have a limited supply of paper / plastic cups that are needed for first aid. We will not hand out cups to young people unless there is a medical need. We would as for your support in discouraging your child(ren) from seeking a cup from the office unless there is a medical need.
Please see below the House Points:
This weeks total:
Adam Smith – 75
Carlyle – 174
Oswald – 143
Overall total:
Adam Smith – 1387
Carlyle – 1600
Oswald – 1709
The week ahead…
Next week, formal assessments continue for S5/6 on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday will be a catch-up day for anyone who missed an assessment.
The P7 Roadshows continue with visits to Valley P.S. at 5pm and Capshard P.S. at 6pm on Wednesday 28th January 2026.
On Thursday, there will be House assemblies marking Holocaust Memorial Day. Information will be shared with young people via the Blue Bulletin.
I hope you have a great weekend when it comes!
Best wishes,
Chris McKay
Headteacher
23 January 2026
