Dear Parent/Carer
I hope you are well and have had a good week. The update comes a day early due to tomorrow’s training day closure.
This week started with all Second Year pupils involved in a “Speedy STEM” Challenge Day in our Hall supported by the Hydrogen Office of Methil, Fife College and the RAF. The focus was on renewable energy and designing engineering solutions to energy problems – including building a boat with wind powered paddles. On Tuesday, our “Enterprising Maths” team represented Fife in the Scottish finals held at the Glasgow Science Centre. Well done to Gaby, Dominika, John and Michael, who competed so well and brought back a lovely crystal trophy. Thanks also to Miss Grubb for her excellent support. It was also our S1 Parent/Carer Evening on Tuesday and it was really good to see such a healthy attendance. It was also a pleasure to chat with so many parents/carers on the night.
On Wednesday we had special assemblies for all yeargroups on the theme of facial disfigurement – many thanks to the “Changing Faces” Charity and speaker Lorna Telford, who handled a very difficult subject very well. Our young people were very attentive and will now be better prepared to deal with disfigurement or people who appear different in a sensitive and fair way.
The Rotary Club Young Musician Competition was held at Balwearie High School last night – very well done to vocalist Aimee Lindsay (S4), who competed well against older musicians. Many thanks to Mr Britain for his great support.
Today is our spotty themed dress down day in support of Children in Need with various fund raising events. It’s been good fun and I will be able to give you a total sum raised next Friday. I’ve also just heard that our U13 footballers had an excellent result away to Portlethen Academy in the Scottish Shield, winning 5-0. Very well done to them and good luck in the next round.
Next week is Book Week Scotland and we’ve got yeargroup assemblies with S4 pupils promoting the value of reading. All staff have also been asked to share their latest reading with pupils by using a poster on their classroom door to show their current book.
On the Monday, at the S1 Assembly, we’ll also have a short talk from Gideons International, a Christian charity which distributes copies of the New Testament. At a separate stall later in the day, young people will be able to ask for a copy should they wish; it will be entirely their choice. In the afternoon all S5/6 will be taken off timetable to work on an employability skills audit, based on statements of what they can do. For example, preparing a CV or conducting themselves appropriately in a job interview.
On that theme, from 4pm on the Tuesday, we have a meeting with a good range of local employers to look at ways of extending our ability to get our leavers “job ready”. We’ll be looking at work experience, careers talks, mentoring, mock interviews and that kind of thing. Any parent/carer who wishes to attend is very welcome as we are combining this with our regular Parent Council Meeting. Please call 01592 583405 if you can make it along.
Next Wednesday evening is another parent/carer engagement – this time for S4 National 5 Maths candidates. Mrs Hamilton (Head of Maths) has sent letters home as we are very keen to maximise young people’s chances of achieving well in this important SQA qualification.
The week ends with Christmas increasingly in sight. Our school orchestra will be playing at the switch on of the ASDA Christmas lights in the afternoon. I’ll pop along and some point and will perhaps catch some parents/carers at their shopping! Please say hello if you are drawn to the festive music.
Next week’s hot dish menu is; Monday: Chicken and mushroom pie with potatoes. Tuesday: Gammon steak and chips. Wednesday: Mince pie and mash. Thursday: Lasagne with garlic bread. Friday: Chicken curry with naan bread. We also have our pasta, sandwich, soup and salad options too.
Finally, please do be aware of the procedures we will employ if we are required to close the school for an emergency, such as severe weather. I attach the official Fife Council advice paper for your information. Above all, please ensure that we have an up to date mobile number so we can send you a text alert. I would also recommend that you follow @KirkcaldyHigh on Twitter to keep informed. I assure you that closure we be an absolutely final resort … but we can never rule it out.
As always, we are happy to hear from you if we can be of any help. Have a great weekend.
Derek Allan
17 November 2016
