Dear Parent/Carer
It’s been great to be back in school this week and I can report that much effective learning has taken place in and out of classes. I do hope you enjoyed the holiday break.
Our yeargroup assemblies had a twin focus; involvement in school sport and “respect for learning”. Young people were reminded of the benefits which successful learning brings in life and also reminded of the specifics which promote the best learning; being prepared, settling quickly at the start of lessons, concentrating in class and following teacher instructions without reminder. We’ll keep this theme going at the start of next week when all classes will be given a presentation on the important aspects of quality learning.
On Tuesday it was a pleasure to once again welcome the weel-kent author in Scots, Matthew Fitt, who has been doing some excellent work with young people to boost their confidence in using their own tongue to express themselves. Matthew was joined by a representative from Education Scotland, who support the initiative, called “Scots Hoose”.
Last night we held a very successful “Open Evening” for potential intake pupils and their families for August 2017. It was very busy and well received and I must thank all the staff and young people, especially the Prefects, who supported the event. In January, we’ll be holding further parent/carer engagement evenings in Capshard, Fair Isle, Torbain and Valley, with special inputs from S1 and S6 pupils.
Today is our school photographs for S1, S3 and S6, and pupils will be bringing proofs home with them tonight. PLEASE NOTE THAT CARDBOARD MOUNTS ARE FREE BUT YOU NEED TO INDICATE ON THE ORDER FORM THAT YOU REQUIRE MOUNTS BY TICKING THE APPROPRIATE BOX. Taking the photos on offer is completely optional, but I would remind you that the school receives a small commission on all sales and that this helps us with trips and events throughout the session.
Next week all S5 pupils will attend the Safe Drive, Stay Alive Roadshow in Glenrothes on the Tuesday. Wednesday evening is the Rotary Club Quiz for all the Kirkcaldy secondary schools. It is our turn to host the event, which is for S6 students. On the Thursday we have a Science Trip to “Bright Green Hydrogen” based at the Energy Park in Methil. The week ends with an English Department trip to Holyrood to take part in the “Language in Parliament” event there.
A big event we are holding next week is our Christmas Fayre, proceeds from which will go to support our S6 Prom and Yearbook. We have over 20 traders offering a fantastic range of candles, cosmetics, gifts and jewellery. We also have a bake sale, raffles and other treats. Tickets are £2, which includes tea or coffee and a biscuit. The evening starts at 6.45pm and tickets are available from the school or on the night. Please see the attached poster, which details the wide range of goods on offer. I do hope you can make it along.
Also next week is Scottish School Meals week and we have a special menu; Monday: Sweet Chilli Chicken/Rice. Tuesday: Veg Bolognaise in tomato sauce with spicy pasta. Wednesday: Butter chicken Curry/Rice. Thursday: Scot Pot (Meatballs & pasta in a tomato sauce). Friday: Fish and Chips.
At break time on Friday every £1 spent 10p will be donated to Social Bite, a homeless charity.
Looking further, we will mark Remembrance with special assemblies on 8-10 November and a wreath laying at our in-school memorial at 11am on 11 November. We will also be part of the official Kirkcaldy Remembrance Parade and lay a wreath at the town memorial on Sunday 13 November. Pupils can also donate and receive a poppy to wear in school from next week.
On a final note, and on a similar theme, I was touched and very impressed to hear about Logan Thomson’s fundraising for Poppy Scotland. Logan is an S1 pupil who will undertake a charity bike ride on 11 November and you can support this excellent cause on Logan’s “Justgiving” page.
As always, if we can be of any help at all, please do be in touch.
Your aye
Derek Allan
28 October 2016
