Dear Parent/Carer

Welcome to the first weekly news bulletin of the summer term. I hope that you had a pleasant holiday, despite the “mixed” weather. At least things have cheered up towards the end of this week.

For some of our young people, the break was a very productive time. Our “Platinum” Sports Ambassadors had an excellent experience coaching and teaching at school sports camps in Sweden. Well done to Cameron Pilmer and Sean Saunders, who were an absolute credit to the school.

Thanks to the staff who led our trip to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester last week for the Champions League Quarter Final between Manchester City and Liverpool. This was quite an experience.

I must also thank all the staff who came in during the Easter break to deliver study support sessions for our SQA exam candidates. It was great to see such a big turnout. There is much evidence that these sessions are a real help for those sitting exams.

This week we have had yeargroup assemblies on the theme of teenage mental health (for S1-3) and the SQA exams (for S4-6). The S2 also had a special input from our link Police Officer, Stevie Black, about online safety and “sexting”. Thanks go to Christine Paterson of DAPL, for her input to our assemblies. Christine is our school based wellbeing counsellor. We’ve also welcomed young people from Valley, Fair Isle, Torbain and Capshard as part of our “enhanced transition” programme. You will be aware that we always try to do whatever is best to make the move from primary to secondary successful. The young people who have been in this week will join us in August.

Last night, Morgan Faulds and Cara Hayes (S3) were up at Dundee Sheriff Court on Public Speaking business. It was the national semi-final of the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal’s Championship … the Scottish Schools Public Speaking Competition. I am very proud to report that KHS won and are now through to the national final which takes place at the High Court in Edinburgh on 8 May. We’ll be up against Shawlands Academy of Glasgow and either Royal High (Edinburgh) or Castle Douglas High from Dumfriesshire. Last night was against Glen Urquhart High School, near Inverness and Morgan and Cara spoke passionately about child poverty, the impact of hunger and poor nutrition. In fact, one of the judges said on “Twitter” that she had been “inspired and moved to tears” by our “remarkable young women”. Congratulations to both girls … they are a credit to the school and to their families.

Also last night, Erin Johnston (S5) was selected to be the official Photographer for the Fife Schools Netball League Finals, which took place at St Columbus RC High School, Dunfermline. Erin represented KHS to the highest of standards, she was extremely professional and captured fantastic shots of the warm-ups, action shots during match play and right through to the medal presentations at the end of the evening. This was a fantastic opportunity and experience for Erin to showcase her photographic talent … well done!

Today, we welcomed the St Andrews University Geobus to school. The University staff worked with Geography classes all day. The activities were a lot of fun and had a focus on earthquakes and tectonic activity. I’ve seen some terrific designs for ‘quake proof buildings today.

As you will know, we have previously highlighted the problem of the “Greggs” bakery and “Subway” sandwich bar on the forecourt of the Shell Garage on Hendry Road.  This is a busy petrol station and there is no room for the vast number of young people who have been hanging around. Vehicles drive in and out constantly, often reversing, and sometimes the drivers are frustrated as pupils walk across the forecourt between the pumps. I am very concerned about safety.  We have recently conducted a risk assessment and the chances of an accident are rated as being very high. Reluctantly, we have decided to make this area out of bounds at lunchtime. I appreciate that this is not popular with our pupils, nor with the operators of the garage. We are in discussion with their local and regional managers about the situation. I ask for your cooperation … please advise your son or daughter to stay away.

Please also remember that you can “top up” a “MyFife” card online and this means that young people can only spend their dinner money in the school canteen or outdoor servery. This is a reasonably cheap, nutritious and safer option than leaving the school grounds at lunchtime. Those on free lunches have the value of a meal added to their card automatically. If you need advice about free meals, please contact the school and ask for Mrs Hardie (Pupil Support Officer).

Next week our S4-6 pupils will have their individual SQA exam timetables issued. Maybe you are working with your son/daughter to help them plan their study programme? Next Friday (27 April) is the last day in school for those taking exams. The “study leave” period commences on Monday 30 April. To assist the exam candidates with last minute revision, we have set up a programme of “masterclass” sessions, usually on the day prior to an exam. Please see the attached timetable. I am grateful to Mrs Davidson for preparing the schedule, and to the staff giving up their time.

Also next week (Tuesday to Thursday), we have House Assemblies which are led by S6 leavers. This is usually an emotional occasion and a real feature of the last week before the exams. Best wishes to the Class of 2018.

On Tuesday evening, Mrs Davidson and I will attend the Rotary Club of Kirkcaldy meeting at the Dean Park Hotel. This has a strong focus on youth activities and our Interact Club has been invited to speak about their fund raising activities. The Rotarians will also be introduced to Kiara Montgomery and Blain Aitken (S5), our successful RYLA Leadership Camp applicants. Kiara and Blain are being sponsored to take part in a week long adventure and leadership camp in the Highlands this summer. Many thanks to Kirkcaldy Rotary for all their support.

On Wednesday, KHS has been invited to be part of a prestigious event at Kirkcaldy West Primary School. This will be the launch of the Scottish Government’s School Improvement Guidance in a pupil friendly format. Charlie Murdoch (S2), Christy Ritchie (S6) and Lucie Jones (S6) will all speak about different aspects of young people being involved in designing learning and contributing to school improvement. Gayle Gorman, the new Chief Inspector of Schools will lead the event and I am delighted that our successes in involving young people in the life of the school is recognised. It fits in well with our newly confirmed “Rights Respecting School” Award.

On Thursday, and once again on that theme, a group of 13 young people are taking part in a training event for Headteachers at the Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline. It’s all about “Pupil Voice” and “The Year of Young People”. Again, we are pleased to be recognised as leading the way in this area. It’s also the Junior UK Maths Challenge next Thursday. Many thanks to Miss Brown for taking the lead in organising this.

As I say, next Friday is the last day before the exams, which start a week on Monday with Spanish and Urdu. S4-6 have study leave (or in some cases, work placements) until we start back on our new timetable after the Holiday on Monday 4 June. Also, very best wishes to our U14 football team which will contest the Fife Cup Final against Beath High School at Bayview Stadium after school. They beat Queen Anne High School in the semi this week.

You should have received (or will receive shortly) an email from the Yearhead Depute with other specific information and important dates for the term ahead. Please do always remember that we are at your service.

Finally, the menu for next week is;

Monday: Lentil soup, Butter Chicken Tikka Masala and Rice, vegetables

Tuesday: Mushroom soup, Grilled Sausage/burger – veggie/beef/chicken, chips, baked beans

Wednesday: Scotch broth, Roast chicken and gravy, potatoes and vegetables

Thursday: Carrot and coriander soup, Mince pie, potatoes and vegetables

Friday Yellow split pea soup, Breaded fish/Sausage roll, chips, peas

We also have baked potatoes, pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salad 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. We also have our “Breakfast Club” available from 8.10am and this is free to those facing hardship (it costs 50p otherwise). We have cereal, toast and jam and juice on offer.

Yours, with regards

Derek Allan

RECTOR

20 April 2018