Welcome to the last Rector’s Log for this term, I hope you and your family are well.

The week that’s been…

Our final full week in school, before the Christmas break, has been busy with young people taking part in our Christmas themed House Assemblies. One of the themes of the assemblies was around resilience in the face of adversity, with young people listening to some key messages from the House Captains and teams. The assembly finished with some festive singing and cheer. Thank you to all young people and staff involved in producing / taking part in these assemblies. Also, there was a year group assembly for S4 on Monday with young people informed about their upcoming prelims and given paper copies of the prelim timetable.

Continuing with the festive theme, our learners from Supported Learning held a wonderful Christmas Fayre for parents, carers and friends on Wednesday this week. There were lots of stalls from baking to jewellery and everything in between. Everyone who was involved and who came to support had a fantastic time. Well done and thank you to all involved in putting this together.

This week, young people in S2, S4 and S5 continued to plan for their course choices in February with a 1 to 1 meeting with their Guidance teacher. Young people had the opportunity to discuss their future career ambitions and were supported to reflect on their skills and abilities, using their recommended levels of study and current progress. Young people then made some decisions about their potential subject choices for S3, S5 and S6. Following this, all young people were given their choices to take home and discuss with their family. We hope that this helps to lay the groundwork for the real course choices in February.

We also held our last Parents’ Evening of this term with Parents / Carers of S4 pupils attending to learn more about how their child is progressing in their National Qualifications. Teachers supported families and young people by providing feedback to support the needs of each individual learner. If any parent / carer requires further information or feedback, please contact your Child’s Guidance teacher in the first instance. N.B. Mrs Hume (DHT Closing the Gap) has assumed the role of S4 Year Head in the continued absence of Ms Diamond.

As ever, some information about DYW from Mrs Whyte: New opportunities including many Apprenticeships. January is when companies start to advertise for their next intake of Apprenticeships. You can see on the padlet that you can get an apprenticeship in most industries, and it is a great way to gain a qualification but also earning money. There are many industries where this is a better route into continued employment that going to University/ College. Speak to Mrs Whyte or the Careers Advisors for further information.

Lastly, I am delighted to be named Rector of Kirkcaldy High School on a permanent basis. Since joining in August, I have enjoyed every minute here at KHS. I am humbled and honoured to be continuing as Rector. I look forward to working with you, ensuring we continue KHS’ proud history, values and success. For me, it is about ensuring every child, has every chance, every day to achieve their potential.

The week ahead…

Last term, we consulted with Parents / Carers on a number of issues from our School Improvement Plan to Parents’ Evenings and tutor time. Next week, I will send out an end of term letter that will include seeking your views on changes we propose to make in our Curriculum as well as in how we support young people. Specifically, this will look at our course choice process for February and a proposal to develop an Inclusion area to enhance support for all young people.

Finally, next week is a short week with school closing on Wednesday, 21/12/22 at 3.15pm, for the Christmas break.

Wednesday, 21st December will be a dress down day. As part of this, any young person who wishes to make a small donation to support some local charities is welcome to do so on the day.

Further ahead…

• School will re-open to young people on Thursday, 5th January 2023.
• The next Rector’s Log will be on Friday 13th January 2023
• Young people in S4-6 will start their prelims w/b 9th January 2023

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year when it comes.

Best wishes

Chris McKay

Rector

16 December 2022