Dear Parent/Carer

A good afternoon to you (at the time of sending). I hope that you and your dear ones are well. Welcome to the KHS news update.

The week’s major event in school has again been the SQA Prelim Exams, which finished yesterday. On Monday we had Art, Business, Chemistry, Computing, Design and Manufacture, Hospitality, Latin, Dance, PE, Engineering Science, Geography, History, Modern Studies and Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies. Tuesday was Administration, Classical Studies, Engineering Science, Maths, Photography, Physics, Spanish, Woodwork and Metalwork. Wednesday’s programme comprised Art, Biology, Chemistry, Design and Manufacture, Latin and Spanish. Yesterday it was Business, Drama, Geography, Graphic Communication, Latin, Maths, Modern Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French and History. Many thanks to Mrs Davidson, who put together a very complex timetable, Mr Broadway and his team, who invested so much in looking after all the “arrangements” and to the members of FoKHS, who assisted with invigilation.

On Monday evening, Mrs Morris held a parent/carer evening for those involved in our forthcoming trip to Chateau de Warsy in Picardie, France. The group will be leaving on Sunday 10 February and it looks like a terrific programme and opportunity to develop language skills. Tuesday evening saw the last of our current round of Primary 7 Parent/Carer Evenings, at Fair Isle and Valley. Both evenings were very well attended. We issues our new Prospectus, and Mr Young and I gave a presentation on the main aspects of school life. Mr Broadway talked about the ways in which we support learning, especially for those who have barriers to learning. Many thanks to the S1 and S6 students who also chipped in, answering questions. We had Andrew Collins and Ryan Bell (S6) with Abbie Thomson and Aimee Fox (S1) along at Fair Isle. At Valley, the team comprised Melissa Francis, Luci Mavor and Brodie Green of S6 along with S1 pupils Jessica Gatherum and Megan Cuthill.

Congratulations to Liam Newton (S6), who represented his country this week in the Schoolboys International versus Australia, played through at Renfrew. Liam plays for East Fife and the school U18 team and is a credit to KHS. He is pictured back left.

Yesterday saw our “First Chances” S3 group out at St Andrews University delivering their short talks on a chosen topic. They had been supported by undergraduates to research and write up a report. Thanks to Mr Dick, who supervised, and well done to all the young people involved: Morgan Cameron, Hanna Cassidy, Millie Cowie, Paris Gillespie, Jaydanna Greig, Gemma Hepburn, Aimee Main, Blake McBride, Emily Muir, Greg Wallace and Charlotte Friel.

Today, we are posting home the S2 Reports and Course Choice information. Young people have already completed a “mock” choice. Please do remember that we have Careers and Guidance staff available to help the process run smoothly. Tomorrow’s “Saturday School” is being hosted by our Supported Learning team.

Next week we have House Assemblies marking Holocaust Memorial Day. Louise Barrett (S6) and Jonathan McIntyre (S5) visited Poland last October as part of the Scottish Government’s “Lessons for Auschwitz” Programme and they will give an illustrated talk about their experiences. I’m sure that this will be a very moving occasion. Thanks to Miss Osborne, who has supported this important initiative. I understand that our Community Choir will be contributing too.

On Tuesday afternoon, our U16 footballers compete in the quarter final of the Scottish Shield at home to St Ninian’s of Kirkintilloch. Best of luck to Mr English, Mr I’Anson and the boys.

Wednesday sees our S3 Hospitality students attending the “Hospitality Roadshow” being staged at Fife College. This has been organised by Ms Collins, Head of Home Economics. That day, our LGBT+ Support Group have been asked to deliver some training to student teachers over at Strathclyde University in Glasgow. I am so very proud of our young people, and of Dr Murray, the teacher who guides them in their important work. Also on Wednesday, we have S1 Footballers taking part in the Fife heat of the Scottish national 7 a side tournament up at the Michael Woods Centre in Glenrothes.

Please do come along to Fife College (St Brycedale Campus) on Wednesday evening at 7pm. Our drama students are staging an abridged version of “Othello” as part of the Fife Schools Shakespeare Festival. Waid Academy will also perform and entrance is free, with donations being taken for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Many thanks to our Director, Mrs Bruce and all the young people involved. I’m sure it will be excellent entertainment. Well done to the young people involved: Ollie Patel, Cameron Batchelor, Amy Snaith, Finley Tracey, Aiden Russell, Kyle Hutchon, Jorja Webster, Freya Terris, Caitlin Halliday, Eilidh Jackson, Emma Reekie, Liam Nisbet and James Kelly.

After school on Thursday, Mrs Hamilton has set up a “masterclass” session for young people in S4-6 interested in a career in hair and beauty. We have staff in from “Glam Candy” who will share tips on cosmetics etc and talk about training and job opportunities in the industry. At 6.30pm, we are holding a parent/carer evening for all those involved in our art, drama and music trip to Italy in June. This involves visits to Venice and Verona and the programme sounds really good.

The Saturday School next week is for SQA candidates (S4-S6) in Hospitality and History. Many thanks to the staff who are prepared to give up time at the weekend to support this.

In the refectory, next week’s hot meal choice will be; Monday: Lentil Soup, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Tuesday: Scotch Broth, Chicken Tikka, Rice and Naan, Wednesday: Minestrone Soup, Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Thursday: Carrot and Coriander Soup, Pasta Bolognese with Garlic Bread, Friday: Leek and Potato Soup, Fish, Chips and Peas or Beans.

We also have baked potatoes, hot dogs, pizza, pasta, panini, sandwiches, filled rolls, salad and bakery items available every day as well as our outdoor snack bar. Please do be aware that we offer a free cup of soup with bread for all our young people, regardless of their “free school meals” status. There is also our “Breakfast Club” (sponsored by Stephens the Bakers) available from 8.10am and this is completely free for those facing hardship. We have cereal, toast and jam and juice on offer. Lunchtime meals are priced at £2.20 for pupils, and this is the value of the “free meal” entitlement. Main courses are £1.55, and desserts are priced at £0.65. Please call if you are facing financial hardship and would appreciate help to apply for free meals. You should ask for Mrs Hardie (Family Link Worker).

As I mentioned last week, we greatly value your opinions and your involvement in the school. I am hopeful that you will kindly complete a short Parental Engagement survey which has been commissioned by our Parent Council in order to plan how best the Council might be able to represent the wider parent body in future. I’m very grateful to Miss Hay (Maths), who has taken responsibility for this after recently joining the Parent Council as a teacher member. The survey is on “Survey Monkey” and should only take 5 or 10 minutes complete. I’d be very grateful if you could help us with this. Here is the link you will need: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TBQP7QV. Thanks to all who have already completed this.  The survey will close on Monday.

Dominika Valente is a young woman who left school last year. She now attends Fife College and dropped in last week to share that she has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious “Top Model” 2020 Annual Show, representing Scotland. This is an important modelling show which will be held on in London on 28 March. Top Model works with the charity “Children with Cancer UK” and Dominika aims to raise £500 for that cause. For more information please visit the Top Model Website: www.topmodel.co.uk. There is a collection tin at our reception and you can also support Dominika by donating on her fundraising page: https://topmodel2020.everydayhero.com/uk/dominika-v. It’s a good cause.

Finally, another wee reminder about our annual fundraising ceilidh, organised by FoKHS. This takes place in our Assembly Hall on Friday, 6 March. It’s always a terrific evening with dancing to the Bert Pozzi Band, a fish supper from Valente’s and a cash bar. It’s our main community social event of the year and is one of the reasons why FoKHS managed to donate over £6500 to support the school last session. To reserve tickets, please call 01592 583405 and ask for Mrs Davidson (Depute). I have attached a “flyer”.

Best wishes to you, I hope you have a lovely weekend … especially if you are celebrating Burns Night. For auld lang syne.

Derek Allan

RECTOR

24 January 2020