Welcome to this weeks Rector’s Log, I hope you and your family are well.

The week that’s been…

Over the past few weeks, and for the weeks to come, we continue our transition programme for those young people joining us as new S1’s in August. This week, we have had Primary 7’s from Valley Primary School visiting our Modern Languages and Business departments, undertaking a wide range of activities and getting to know our staff and school. Fantastic to meet with these young people and speak to them about the journey to come.

Staff from KHS have also been to our cluster schools, meeting with young people and staff, planning for the transition to KHS. Mrs Duckett continues to work with young people from our cluster primaries with the exciting KHS singing project aimed to bring young people together through music! Staff from our maths faculty have also been visiting, working with staff and some young people.

Here at KHS, young people in S4-6 continue with their SQA examinations with English (all levels), RMPS, Dance, Graphic Communication and Chemistry all taking place this week. Mrs Maloney (Chief Invigilator) continues to be impressed by the attitude and application of our young people throughout the examinations. Well done to all and keep going!

Young people in S1-3 continue with a variety of engaging and active learning across KHS and they continue to support our senior pupil’s by being respectful around the school. Great effort!

We are in the process of analysing what is going well, progress towards our School Improvement Plan and planning for continued improvement next session. Over the next few weeks, myself and each Year Head will be meeting with focus groups of young people in S1-3 to discuss how things are going here at KHS. The views and voice of our young people is important and we hope to listen to their views to help shape the future improvement of KHS. Information will be shared with families and young people who have been randomly selected to take part.

As ever, please find below information from Mrs Whyte regarding DYW:

A lot of pupils will be looking to gain some work experience, this is a great opportunity to give you a flavour of the world of work and ‘try out’ a profession. If this is something, you are interested in there is a form to complete on the padlet. There is also a great opportunity for any S5 pupils who are looking to study medicine.

For anyone looking to leave school there are a number of vacancies including – apprenticeships in Admin, at Scotrail, Exxon, Babcock and Sky Television advertised. As well as a range of part and full time jobs.

Moreover, I have been asked to share with you a fantastic opportunity with Fife Federation of Tenants and Residents Association (FFOTRA) that would be suitable for any young person of age and thinking of leaving school this session. Please find further information attached to the groupcall email.

Lastly, as Mental Health Awareness week approaches, it is an opportune time to remind pupils, parents and carers of the support available for all young people at Kirkcaldy High School. We take the health and wellbeing of our learners, staff and wider community seriously. Mental health is an integral part of this and does not sit apart from general health.

We use the Five Ways to Wellbeing at the centre of our practice:

• Connect, 
• Be Active, 
• Give
• Keep Learning
• Take Notice 

Support can be accessed in a range of ways from short term, broad pastoral care or strategies for more targeted support. Our school toolkit shares information about how to access this support.

The week ahead…

Next week, SQA examinations continue. Masterclasses continue to support young people with final preparations for their examinations.

The next Parent Council meeting is due to take place on Tuesday 23rd May 2023 at 6pm online. Agenda and link will be sent to all parents / carers the week before. All parents / carers are welcome.

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend

Best wishes

Chris McKay

Rector

12 May 2023