Dear Parent / Carer,

Welcome to our weekly family and community communication that provides a Headteacher overview of the weeks events and other school-based information.

The week that’s been…

What a great first week back at KHS! It was wonderful to welcome all our young people and staff back after a summer filled with warmth and sunshine – for the most part!

On Monday and Tuesday this week, staff in KHS took part in our first 2 INSET days. These days allowed us to focus on a range of training needs as well as time to organise and get ready for learners returning to school. Colleagues undertook training in Child Protection, Health & Safety, De-escalation training and work with the Deaf service to help us understand and support learners and families. This was also coupled with professional learning around Practitioner Enquiry, Pupil updates and discussion around the attainment of our learners in S4-6 from last session.

On Wednesday we welcomed all of our learners into KHS for the new academic session. It was great to see all our learner so well dressed in their uniform, to chat to them about their summer and check in after the break. I have appreciated the high fives and fist pumps from a range of young people over the past few days.

A special mention to our new S1 cohort who continued with their seamless transition into KHS. They have been absolutely amazing over the past few days – full of enthusiasm and adventure. Our S6 buddies have also been fantastic and very supportive of our new year group. Well done to all!

Over Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, all year groups attended welcome back assemblies led by the respective year heads. Alongside key information about school routines and policies, the assemblies focussed on our school vision and values and a clear message around ambition for the year ahead.

I have been super proud of all our learners on their return to KHS following the summer break. The attitude, application and enthusiasm over the last 3 days has been tremendous. I am looking forward to a great session ahead.

A few things to make you aware of…

Buses – many of you will be aware that there have been issues for learners accessing buses at night. This is due to many reasons. The bus transport is provided for those who live within the KHS catchment but are over 3 miles radius from KHS. Those who are entitled to a bus pass will receive a different pass from the young scot / saltire card. We will continue to prioritise those with this pass and then all other learners on a first come, first serve basis. Normally, this rights itself over the next couple of weeks. Fife Council’s school transport policy is available for your reference.

Breakfast provision – we offer free breakfast to all learners before school school – from 8/8.15am until first period.

New Boy’s toilets – towards the end of last session and through the break work has been undertaken to upgrade the boys toilets. This work is now complete, and we have 11 floor to ceiling cubicles for use.

Course changes – Mrs Hamilton and I have worked with learners in S5/6 to ensure that any changes have been actioned. Unless Mrs Hamilton or I have said for a learner to come back to discuss changes, there will be no further course changes. This is the same for new S3 learners.

House and Guidance changes – a reminder that we are in the process of increasing our guidance teachers from 6 to 8. As a consequence of this, we will be seeking the views of our community to support this significant change. On Monday, I will sahre a document outlining a timeline for this change and a form to collect your views.

Our key principles around this change are:

• To ensure optimal communication with families and key partners so that a school-based Team Around the Child exists for every young person
• To provide consistency of support for young people and families
• To allow Guidance and Support staff more to engage in more meaningful contact with young people across their caseloads, with renewed focus on attainment and attendance

The week ahead…

Next week we have our first PACK meeting. This is our Parent / Carer council meeting. It will take place on Thursday 6pm – 7pm online..

I would also like to bring to your attention the following:

• S1 Parent / Care English / Maths info evening on Thursday 4th September
• KHS Community and family fun day – Sunday 6th September -information has been shared over the summer and on our website / X / Facebook

I hope you have a great weekend when it comes!

Best wishes,

Chris McKay

Headteacher

21 August 2026