Dear Parent/Carer
Welcome to the weekly news from KHS. I hope you are well in all respects.
May I start by congratulating our young people on a successful restart after our enforced time in limbo? I think we have all been surprised, and pleased, at how well they have coped with being back in a structured learning environment again. Our S1 have also settled well. As you know, it’s our largest new intake in decades and we can really sense the difference. KHS feels very, very busy. Our current roll is over 1400 and that’s the highest in many years too.
This “busyness” makes it all the more important that everyone follows the public health regulations at all times. Thanks to our kids for doing that. However, a wee chat at home would be appreciated too. Please emphasise hand hygiene, our one way system and respecting distance rules with adults. The teachers have a taped off area in class and the kids know that they shouldn’t cross that line. Ask your kids about the rules and get back to me if there are any queries.
Of all the curricular areas, it’s perhaps our PE Department which is most adversely affected by the new rules. Right now, all PE has to take place outdoors and our changing rooms have been put out of use because of potential overcrowding. This means that we have created screened off changing areas in our boys’ and girls’ gyms. Please discuss this with your son or daughter and explain that this is how it has to be right now. We understand that it’s not ideal but I’m optimistic that this rule will be changed soon. The Scottish Government’s announcement on the re-opening of gyms and swimming pools today is the basis of that optimism. We are also unable to collect in valuables at the start of PE lessons. Please bear this in mind.
We have had a few parents/carers call in to say that they have arranged a coronavirus test after detecting symptoms. Thanks for that … it’s exactly what we ask you to do. I’m pleased to report that all tests on KHS pupils (and their family members) have, so far, been negative. However, I’m afraid to say that it’s probably only a matter of time until we have to convene a response team, along with NHS Fife, to handle a positive case or cases. Rest assured that we will be right on it. We’ll follow all the protocols and will keep you informed all the way. In the meantime, please be reminded that we will isolate any young person showing symptoms in school and ask that they be removed and that a test is booked right away. Thanks for your help with this … and please don’t send your son or daughter to school if they have a cough, fever or loss of the sense of smell/taste.
Apart from Covid matters, it’s been really good to be able to drop in to see so many quality lessons being taught this week. Well done and thanks to the teachers who are engaging so well, often in innovative ways. I am especially impressed by our new start teaching staff, including the trainees. It’s clear that they will be an asset to KHS for years to come.
We’ve also had clubs and activities starting up again. It was great to see Mrs Woods’ Serenity Garden group at work again (photo) at lunchtime. Mrs Woods is part of our Pupil Support Officer team and I extend a special thanks to them all; Mrs Hardie, Mrs Woods, Mrs Rae and Mr Ritchie. They have gone to exceptional lengths to “get it right for every child” over the lockdown period, the summer break and this fortnight past.
I’d like to alert parents/carers of S5/6 students of the Fitzgerald Trust grant. It’s a payment available to all S5/6 students resident in Kirkcaldy and attending any of the High Schools in Kirkcaldy. I understand that last year it was a grant of about £90 but it tends to vary year on year. Forms are available from tutor teachers and should be returned before 11 September.
So, KHS is back. It’s certainly not “normal”, but our new arrangements can be every bit as good as before. In fact, several staff have said to me that a large number of pupils appear to have developed a greater than ever appreciation of the value of education. Maybe it’s a case of not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone? I’d urge all our learners not to take school for granted, especially our school, which is so clearly geared at putting those very young people at the heart of it. That’s maybe another discussion to have at home?
On a final note, a few parents have asked about face coverings. On Government advice, these are not compulsory in school. However, any young person or member of staff is very welcome to use a face covering. Some are doing this and I have been wearing a mask or visor myself when supervising busy areas of the school eg lunch queues. To reiterate, no young person should feel that a face covering is not appropriate in school. Given that they must be worn in shops and on public transport, I know that some of our students are a bit surprised by what they see as a “mixed message”. Let’s just say that face covering is entirely welcome in KHS.
As always, please do be in contact if you need any advice or support. We have a whole network in place to provide both.
Yours
Derek Allan
RECTOR
21 August 2020
