{"id":1112,"date":"2019-03-15T12:00:38","date_gmt":"2019-03-15T12:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/?p=1112"},"modified":"2023-11-08T09:11:58","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T09:11:58","slug":"rectors-log-15-3-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/2019\/03\/15\/rectors-log-15-3-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Rector’s Log 15\/3\/19"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Parent\/Carer<\/p>\n

Welcome to the “Rector’s Log” … I hope that all is well with you and your family. As I type this, the news is coming through of the dreadful terrorist atrocity in New Zealand. After discussion with Fraser and Mollie, our Head Boy and Head Girl, we are planning to visit Kirkcaldy Central Mosque today before Friday prayers to convey our sympathy and outrage to Imam Mansoor. We have signed a card on behalf of our school community, which feels like the right thing to do.<\/p>\n

Last week I mentioned our annual “Friends of Kirkcaldy High School” Ceilidh. As always, this was a big success, albeit one which was overshadowed by the recent death of FoKHS Chairman John Beck. We remembered and paid tribute to John on the night. Many thanks to all who came along. I understand that almost \u00a32000 was raised. Thanks to Mrs Davidson (Depute) for the work she puts in behind the scenes. I am also very grateful to Lorraine Lister, our janitor, who also show exceptional commitment to the cause. It was great to see so many young people there, current S6 and those who left school in the past year or two.<\/p>\n

Many thanks to our raffle donors, much appreciated. We have one prize which was not drawn on the night and I wonder if you would like to take part in a blind auction? We have a Fife Golf Trust voucher for a complimentary four ball at any of the Trust\u2019s courses: Auchterderran, Dunnikier, Cowdenbeath, Glenrothes, Kinghorn, Scoonie or Lochore. This voucher has a value of \u00a360 and we are inviting all offers. Please just email a note of your bid along with your name and name of your son\/daughter. You only need to press \u201creply\u201d and the highest bid will win the voucher. Thank you in advance.<\/p>\n

I also mentioned that Cara Hayes (S4)\u00a0was competing in the East of Scotland finals of the Rotary Club \u201cYoung Musician\u201d Competition (vocal section) at Kinross.\u00a0Cara is a\u00a0beautiful singer\u00a0and\u00a0represented the school with distinction.<\/p>\n

Saturday School was Latin (N5), Classics, Drama, Psychology, Graphic Communication, Design and Manufacture and Engineering Science.\u00a0 Miss Diamond has now put together the SQA Easter School programme and this should be ready for sending home next Friday. These are all exceptionally helpful opportunities for our young people preparing for exams and I am grateful to all staff who support these initiatives.<\/p>\n

This\u00a0week\u00a0we had\u00a0our SQA Dance prelim exams on the Monday morning and a guest speaker from \u201cGreenpeace\u201d in to discuss that organisation\u2019s environmental campaigning.\u00a0This was arranged by Miss Ashby and Ms Young (Modern Studies) to\u00a0help our students understand the relevance of the UN\u2019s \u201cSustainable Development Goals\u201d programme. Sally Romilly describes herself as veteran green campaigner and she delivered two excellent talks with the focus on single use plastics.<\/p>\n

At lunchtime on the Tuesday, Mr Farquharson arranged a speaker to talk to S6 about student finance, loans and bursaries. Many thanks to Elizabeth from the Stewart Ivory Financial Education Trust. In the evening, we were\u00a0represented at the AGM of Kirkcaldy Foodbank, with a group of staff and pupils along to hear the guest speaker, Sir Harry Burns, former Chief Medical Officer for Scotland. I was one of those who attended, and was once again so very impressed by the commitment and compassion of the Foodbank volunteers. Sir Harry was excellent very interesting, talking about the health impacts on children living in poverty. Please support Kirkcaldy Foodbank if you can.<\/p>\n

Very well done to our U15 Football team who recorded a fine 5-1 win over Woodmill to progress to the final of the Fife Schools League Cup.<\/p>\n

The other big event on Tuesday evening was the charity football match held at Starks Park in memory of Connor Aird and Ethan King. Despite the worst of weather, an amazing crowd of over 1100 turned out to pay tribute to the boys who died in the Standing Stane Road crash last November.<\/p>\n

Also that evening we held a Parents Evening for those taking part in our forthcoming trip to Madrid, which takes place in June. Many thanks to Mr Spink (Modern Languages), who is leading the trip, and the other staff assisting.<\/p>\n

On Wednesday, we held another \u201cSpeedy STEM\u201d science and engineering awareness session in the Hall, supported by the \u201cSTEM East\u201d Ambassador Team. We had over 25 ambassadors involved in \u201cspeed dating\u201d with groups of S3 pupils to explain their work as engineers, technicians and scientists. The feedback from the kids was excellent. Thanks to all of them for engaging so well.<\/p>\n

\"Sky

Sky “Ocean Rescue” Challenge<\/p><\/div>\n

At the same time in the Library, we hosted the Sky \u201cOcean Rescue Challenge\u201d. These were workshops with a focus on plastic pollution \u2026 again, this work was about extending understanding of those UN \u201cSustainable Development Goals\u201d. As a UN Rights Respecting School we are committed to doing this. Many thanks to Fallon Dunleavy of the Transformation Trust, who was an excellent facilitator. We are hopeful that our winning team, the \u201cSea Savers\u201d, can qualify for the Scottish final which involves making a short film for Sky TV. Many thanks to Miss Ashby and Ms Young for their support of these sustainability and participation initiatives. Please see photo right and check out the link<\/a> for our winning video.<\/p>\n

We also had a group of S1 boys out on a visit to Waterstones Bookshop on Wednesday. Many thanks to Miss Wilson (English). We value reading and literacy and we also made a small sum available to allow those on the trip to buy a book of their choosing.<\/p>\n

Also, Alanah Ferguson (S6)\u00a0was off to the UK \u201cBig Bang\u201d Science Competition at the NEC in Birmingham. Alanah has developed a project on underwater energy generation which is very exciting. It\u2019s part of the Nuffield Foundation Research Programme and Alanah has been spending time at Dundee University developing her ideas. “Big Bang” is the UK’s top Science Competition for young people and I am immensely proud of Alanah. I understand that she was awarded a medal by Engineering UK in recognition of her achievements.<\/p>\n

Yesterday\u00a0saw our S5 \u201cSexperts\u201d peer education trainers working with all S3 (by House). This is an excellent sex and relationships programme which has won praise from \u201cCOSLA\u201d. Many thanks to Mrs Houston (Guidance Team Leader) for her work with this and to our partners from Barnardo’s, NHS Fife and the Youth Work team who “train the trainers”. I was also involved in a meeting with Boyd Legal, who have recently opened an office in Kirkcaldy and are keen to establish a partnership link with KHS. It should mean work placements, visits etc and a chance for our learners to better understand some of the employability skills required in this sector \u2026 this is an exciting opportunity for us.<\/p>\n

Last night it was our first ever\u00a0\u201cDance Showcase\u201d in the Hall. I am delighted that dance has become a real strength for KHS. Many thanks to Miss McIntosh (PE), who leads on this and shares her passion for dance. The show itself was absolutely outstanding \u2026 a brilliant display of talent and hard work. It was moving and inspiring. Well done and thanks to everyone \u2026 including our brilliant tech team. Thanks also to the staff involved, especially Miss McIntosh, the organiser. This was a huge undertaking superbly well organised.<\/p>\n

This afternoon we will have a visit from Lee Pirie, a reporter at Radio Kingdom FM. Lee is a former Head Boy of KHS and has asked to speak with a group of S2 pupils who are concerned about climate change \u2026 you will be aware of the campaign involving young people protesting against the environmental damage caused by current economic policies. Lee will then be talking with our Higher Politics and Modern Studies students about their views on Brexit. This should be a lively engagement! Please tune in over the weekend to hear our kids\u2019 opinions of the important issues of the day.<\/p>\n

This evening, we\u2019ll have teachers and pupils from the Computing Department attending the Adam Smith Global Foundation Annual Lecture at the Adam Smith Theatre. It\u2019s part of the Kirkcaldy \u201cFestival of Ideas\u201d and the speaker is Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who is credited with “inventing” the world wide web. Quite a coup for Kirkcaldy.<\/p>\n

The Saturday School tomorrow will be Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics, Drama, Music and Dance. This is a great chance to boost SQA grades before May.<\/p>\n

Also tomorrow, I\u2019ll be taking Umar Mohammed, Cara Hayes and Morgan Faulds along to Stirling University to contest the Scottish final of the Rotary Club Public Speaking Competition. We are up against Aboyne Academy, St Andrew\u2019s and St Bride\u2019s (East Kilbride) and Hutchesons\u2019 Grammar School (Glasgow) for a place in the UK final at Nottingham in May. Best wishes to team KHS. Cara is our main speaker and she will talk about “Adverse Childhood Experiences”.<\/p>\n

Next week we have Yeargroup Assemblies with differing themes. For S1 on Monday we will welcome Hank John of Gideons International, who will give a short talk about the voluntary work undertaken by this Christian Charity. Mr John will then be available at a “stall” in school at breaks with the gift of a New Testament to any young person who would wish to accept the offer. S2 on Tuesday will have a safety talk from Fife Fire and Rescue. On Wednesday we’ll have a focus on “Learner Journeys” when 3 of our S6 will explain what they plan to do after school. There is a focus on positive destinations such as College, University or a Modern Apprenticeship. This will be the same for S4 and on Friday (S5\/6) we are welcoming a guest speaker to explain their “learner journey” and offer some advice. Also on the Friday, S6 will be briefed about arrangements for their Prom, which this year takes place at Fernie Castle, near Cupar, on Friday 14 June. Mrs Nelson will also speak to S6 re completing the paperwork for Saltire Hours and offering S5 pupils opportunities to become “buddies” for new S1 pupils.<\/p>\n

Please do come along to our Parent Council meeting next Tuesday Evening. It starts at 6pm and it\u2019s a great way to get involved in the life of the school. There is no commitment to attend all of our meetings and you will not be landed with taking the minutes or anything like that. Chairman Derek Dunsire is keen to see wider participation and I share his wish to achieve this. The agenda this time around will cover; budget, staffing, a proposed teenage mental health parent\/carer evening and talk on \u201cadverse childhood experiences\u201d as well as a report from our Head Boy and Head Girl. As I say, please do come along. You can respond to this email to confirm and please inform me of anything you would want to add to the agenda. Also that evening, Mr Stewart is holding a parent\/carer evening for those involved in our ski trip to Austria in April.<\/p>\n

On the Wednesday morning we are welcoming representatives from Stephens the Bakers Foundation along to our Breakfast Club. Stephens have recently become our official sponsor and are donating monthly to ensure that those who can\u2019t afford to eat well have a nutritious breakfast in school. Many thanks to the Foundation, we are very grateful. Thanks also to the Kirkcaldy Area Committee, who are sponsoring our healthy home-made soup initiative. This is available every day at lunchtime, and is now served in reusable mugs \u2026 we are committed to tackling the single use plastics in school.<\/p>\n

On Wednesday evening, I\u2019ll be at the Scottish Parliament with a group of S4 pupils at the invitation of \u201cChildren First\u201d we have been asked along to a reception hosted by Humza Yousaf, the Justice Secretary, to recognise the efforts made by schools and other organisations in developing understanding of the impact of childhood trauma and neglect. As you will be becoming aware, this is becoming ever more important for us in protecting children\u2019s mental health.<\/p>\n

The week ends with a visiting delegation of 12 Headteachers from Norway, organised by the General Teaching Council for Scotland. Also, many thanks to Ms Roberts (Home Economics), who has organized for Hospitality students to prepare and serve a Mexican themed lunch for staff. This is part of the assessment of the Hospitality course.<\/p>\n

The Saturday School for 23 March will be Care, Spanish and Advanced Higher Latin.<\/p>\n

Next week’s canteen hot meal menu is as follows: Monday: Lentil soup, Butter Chicken Tikka Masala and Rice, vegetables Tuesday: Mushroom soup, Grilled Sausage\/burger \u2013 veggie\/beef\/chicken, chips, baked beans Wednesday: Scotch broth, Roast chicken and gravy, potatoes and vegetables Thursday: Carrot and coriander soup, Lasagne, garlic bread and vegetables Friday: Yellow split pea soup, Breaded fish\/Sausage roll, chips, peas.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cfree school meals\u201d status. We also have our “Breakfast Club” available from 8.10am and this is free to those facing hardship (it costs 44p otherwise). We have cereal, toast and jam and juice on offer.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, our Rwanda Exchange 2019 team are busy planning a quiz afternoon at Betty Nicol\u2019s on the High Street for Sunday 24 March at 2pm.\u00a0 This should be a great afternoon where the team can fundraise for their humanitarian trip to Africa in September, where they will be working with Comfort International and our partner school in the Bumbogo district.\u00a0 If you are interested in tickets please contact the school and ask for Ms Mahr.\u00a0 Tickets are \u00a34 for adults and \u00a32 for children.\u00a0 Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult due to licencing laws.<\/p>\n

Very best wishes \u2026 and please remember that we are inviting email bids for that golf voucher.<\/p>\n

Derek Allan<\/p>\n

RECTOR<\/p>\n

15 March 2019<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dear Parent\/Carer Welcome to the “Rector’s Log” … I hope that all is well with you and your family. As I type this, the news is coming through of the dreadful terrorist atrocity in New Zealand. After discussion with Fraser … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10574,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[72,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-latest-news","category-rectors-log"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10574"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1112"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1112\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1113,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1112\/revisions\/1113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}