Issue 129 July High School 2018

Respect for Self, for Others, Newsletter for Learning

The Easter Break Diary Dates The Rector Writes ... For some of our young people, the Easter holiday was a very productive and busy time. Our "Platinum" Sports

Mon 13 Aug Staff training Ambassadors had an excellent experience coaching and Day 1, S5/6 Coursing pm ith another session over, it is satisfying teaching at school sports camps in Sweden. Well done Tue 14 I n– Service Day 2 to Cameron Pilmer and Sean Saunders, who were an Wed 15 Extended Tutor (S1 to reflect that for KHS, it has been a absolute credit to the school. Thanks to the staff who in Hall at first) W very happy and successful one in so led our trip to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester during Fri 17 S2-6 Year Assemblies many ways. I am probably most proud of our the holidays for the Champions League Quarter Final Tues 21 Adam Smith As- between Manchester City and Liverpool. This was also sembly re School Values, gaining the UNICEF “Rights Respecting School” quite an experience for those involved. House Captains, and Silver Award a couple of months back. This was “Boozebusters” Presentations Thanks also to all the staff who came in during the Wed 22 Carlyle Assembly recognition of many strands of our work but I Easter break to deliver study support sessions for our Thu 23 Osw ald Assembly, think that, above all, it says that we are a listen- SQA exam candidates. It was great to see such a big English trip to Edinburgh Book turnout for these revision sessions. Festival, FoKHS Meeting at ing school. Our young people are the school, and 7pm are central to all we do … and this fits very well Week Beginning 16 April Fri 24 S5/ 6 PSE Session “I with our core value of “Respect”. During first week back we had yeargroup assemblies on Can” Statements (Careers) the theme of teenage mental health (for S1-3) and the Mon 27 S1 Assembly re SQA exams (for S4-6). The S2 also had a special input School Rules, Circulation, Further very positive news came a couple of from our link Police Officer, Stevie Black, about online Expectations etc safety and "sexting". Thanks go to Christine Paterson, Tue 28 S2 Assembly weeks ago with the publication of the of DAPL, for her input to our assemblies. Christine is our Wed 29 S3 Assembly, Geo- “Parentwise” and “Pupilwise” surveys. These school based wellbeing counsellor. bus Trip to St Andrews (Geography) were conducted online We also welcomed Thu 30 S4 Assembly, Sen- by Council. The young people from ior Health Day (S5/6 timetable Valley, Fair Isle, suspended) full report is on our Torbain and Cap- Fri 31 S5/ 6 Assembly w ith website, with a tab on shard as part of our Polar Academy input our homepage. "enhanced transi- ( High School) tion" programme. Tue 4 Sept Vaccinations You will be aware Catch Up Session (Hall) Remarkably, in all of that we always try Wed 5 S1 Numeracy to do whatever is Growth Mindset Evening for the 57 questions asked, best to make the Parents/Carers the KHS "satisfaction" move from primary Fri 7 S4 Tracking P arental to secondary suc- letter, overview to pupils, Fife rate was above the Fife cessful. On the Education Conference average, often signifi- Thursday evening, Mon 10 Maths Week Scot- Morgan Faulds and land, UCAS Convention pm cantly so. Overall, the Cara Hayes Tue 11 Adam Smith Assem- Pupilwise level was (S3) were up at KHS Prizewinners 2018 bly (Rights Respecting School 7% more positive with Dundee Sheriff Court on presentation, extended to Public Speaking business. It 9.25am all week), Maasai "Parentwise" 15% above. was the national semi-final of the Crown Office Procura- Warriors Dance Troup pm tor Fiscal's Championship ... the Scottish Schools Public Wed 12 Carlyle Assembly, Speaking Competition. KHS won through to the national S4 N5 Maths Parents Evening Some of the important trends are that 11% more final. In that semi we were against Glen Urquhart High Thu 13 Osw ald Assembly of our young people say that they feel safe and School, near Inverness and Morgan and Cara spoke Fri 14 S5/6 Tracking Pa- passionately about child poverty, the impact of hunger rental letter issued, overview cared for in school, 12% more enjoy their learning and poor nutrition. to pupils and 10% more report that they are happy in Mon 17 S1 Assembly re On the Friday, we welcomed the St Andrews University Fordell Trip Arrangements school. The "Parentwise" report indicates that Geobus to school. The University staff worked with Tue 18 S2 Assembly with 95% of our parents/carers are "happy with the Geography classes all day. The activities were a lot of Teenage Cancer Trust tbc, school". The Fife figure is 79%. fun and had a focus on earthquakes and tectonic activi- Equalities Conference in Edin- ty. There were some terrific designs for 'quake proof burgh (D Allan and pupils) buildings. Finally, we held an excellent employability Wed 19 S3 Assembly I must thank you for this very powerful vote of session on the Friday in conjunction with Costa Coffee. (Courses), S5/6 UCAS sign up We had a large group of young people from several Thu 20 S4 Assembly confidence, it means a lot for us here to have our different secondaries engaging with the Costa training Fri 21 S5/ 6 Assembly collective efforts recognised by you … and to team to set up a series of work placements, mainly at Mon 24 S3 Employability the coffee shop in the Fife Retail Park. Two of our Sen- Week with workplace visits etc have your backing. In some ways this is reflected ior Phase pupils subsequently started work placements Tue 25 S3 “Course Trans- in the sharp rise in our school roll for the session with Costa. fer” Meeting at Lunchtime Wed 26 S1 Fordell Trip for ahead, much of this due to “placing requests”. Adam Smith, AH Geography to However, as I shared at the Prizegiving last Second Week of Term Kindrogan (Perthshire) for 3 Week 2 was another busy week, culminating in what days, KHS at National Adverse month, we will strive to do better still. Usque was effectively the last day of school for our S6. After Childhood Experiences (ACES) Conabor, as it says on the badge! school on the Tuesday, our Active Schools Ambassadors Conference in Glasgow hosted a transition event which they had organised for Thu 27 Fordell Trip Carlyle our new P7 intake, laying on taster sessions in dance Fri 28 S1 Settling in Report Finally, you are likely aware that Mrs Aitken and netball. issued, Fordell Trip for Os- wald will be Acting Headteacher of Lochgelly High Also on the Tuesday evening, Mrs Davidson and Mr Tue 2 Oct Adam Smith As- School, from August. We have moved quickly to Allan attended the Rotary Club of Kirkcaldy meeting at sembly (with Kirkcaldy “backfill”, and I’m delighted that Mrs Sharon the Dean Park Hotel. This had a strong focus on youth Mosque, tbc), S3 Parents’ and activities with our Interact Club members speaking Carers Evening (1) Hamilton, currently Head of Maths, will be an about their fund raising activities. The Rotarians were Wed 3 Carlyle Assembly, Acting Depute Rector on return. She will be Year- also introduced to Kiara Montgomery and Blain Aitken School Photos (S1, 3 and 6), (S5), our successful RYLA Leadership Camp applicants. Open Doors Afternoon/ head for S3, with Mr Young taking on that role Kiara and Blain are being sponsored to take part in a Evening (Tours for FPs etc) for S1/2. Miss Diamond stays with S4 and Mrs week long adventure and leadership camp in the High- Thu 4 Osw ald Assembly lands this summer. They will also be joined by Stepha- Fri 5 Charity Dress Dow n, Davidson oversees S5/6. nie Blyth (S5) after an additional place became availa- Maths CSI Court Case, Close ble. Many thanks to Kirkcaldy Rotary for all their sup- with return on Mon 22 Oct. port. Yours 1

On the Wednesday, KHS was Also on Monday morning, Mrs In the afternoon, our U14 invited to be part of a prestigious Davidson went along to ASDA football team contested event at Kirkcaldy West Primary Carberry Road to collect a cheque the semi-final of the School. It was the launch of the as part of the "Green Token" Scottish Schools' FA Plate Scottish Government's School scheme. Many thanks to the store against St Modan's High Improvement Our young peo- for their support. Then, on Mon- School of Stirling. The ple spoke about different aspects day afternoon, we had the first match took place at New of their being involved in design- session of the Migele Experience Central Park, home of ing learning and contributing to work shadowing programme. Kelty Hearts and KHS school improvement. Gayle Gor- Many thanks to Dom Panetta of won a keenly fought man, the new Chief Inspector of Dom Migele for his support. As match 2-1. Schools attended the event. It is you know, helping young peo right that our success in involving On Wednesday, we had a young people in the life of the Tuesday saw a visit by our group of over 50 S1 school continues to be recognised. Go4SET technology team to Levi- pupils attending a special It certainly fits in well with our ton (Brand-Rex) in Glenrothes. event at Edinburgh Uni- "Rights Respecting School" Award. This is the national "STEM" com- versity. They enjoyed petition and we are grateful to taster sessions which gave S1 Teams at the Dave Garland Brand-Rex for their support in them an idea of student life Tournament, Glenrothes preparing our team of S2 engi- with mini lectures neers. After school, our Rotary (including social anthropology) The system is called the "Parents Interact Club held a sponsored and the chance to see some of the Evening Booking System" (or walk which will help us buy a University facilities. We are the PEBS), and the feedback forms "shelter box" for use in a disaster first school in Fife to be involved are very positive. On the Friday, zone. They had a special guest to with Edinburgh like this ... it's we had large group of start off the walk ... Denis Spiller about widening access and giving young people took part in the is the top Rotarian in the British young people an insight into dif- Dave Garland Memorial Sports Isles. He is President of Rotary ferent possibilities. Hopefully, by Tournament at Glenrothes High International Great Britain and starting early, we can help young School. Dave was a former col- Ireland. people be clearer about which league of Mr Allan, who died of "pathway" best suits them. It Motor Neurone Disease in 1995. On Wednesday we had a group of could be employment, further There were football and netball Science pupils up at Glenrothes training, college or university. This competitions for First Year and we Activities Day at M & Ds High School, taking part in the trip was targeted mainly at young are delighted to report that KHS Theme Park, Motherwell Faraday Challenge. people with no tradition of Higher won the football. Very well done Education in the family. to Matthew Johnston, Harry The Thursday evening was a Turner, David Cummings, Louis It was also the Junior UK Maths Friends of KHS meeting in our For S1-3, the Friday was our Patrick, Jay Copeland, Barry'Joe Challenge on the Thursday. Many Boardroom. As always, many "Activities Day", with young peo- Spears, Connor Auchterlonie and thanks to Miss Brown for taking thanks to FoKHS who continue to ple out and about at: M and D's Callum Husband. The boys beat the lead in organising this, it is be a great support to the school. Theme Park (Motherwell), Xtreme Viewforth, Madras, Levenmouth, always a very worthwhile activity Also, "Active Schools Fife" did Trampolining (Glenrothes), Bowl- Bell Baxter, Woodmill, Beath and for those involved. We had 35 some filming in school after we ing/Cinema (Dunfermline) or Blair Balwearie to lift the trophy. Well young mathematicians taking were shortlisted for "Secondary Drummond Safari Park (Stirling). done also to coach Mr Harrower of part. Also, we had a large group School of the Year”. They all had a great day out, aand the PE Department. We also had of S1 girls taking part in the Fife even the weather was kind. another group of S3 pupils helping Schools' Netball competition at Week 4 Report out at the Primary Fun Athletics the Michael Woods Centre in Glen- Monday was the Week 6 Competition being held today at rothes, where they competed very May Day holiday the Michael Woods Centre in Glen- well. Update rothes. and we were We had our Primary closed. Tuesday The Friday was the last day before 6 Theme Day on the was the first day of Tuesday, welcoming The Week of 28 May the exams, and S4-6 had study our "Step Up" En- This was the final week of SQA leave, or in some cases, work well over 200 young terprise sessions people from Cap- exams. The results are posted out placements. It was quite an emo- for our new S1 on August 7. tional day, as the "Class of 2018" shard, Fair Isle, intake. Pupils from Torbain and Valley said their final farewells. They our four associated On the Wednesday evening after collected their yearbooks and had for special subject Primary Schools based lessons all on school, the staff got together to these signed by friends and and those who share their professional learning staff with goodwill messages the theme of the have made a plac- United Nations Con- over the past session. Thanks to swapped. ing request joined those who shared their experienc- vention on the us on the Tues- Rights of the Child. es of improving classroom prac- The S6 also had the chance to add day or the tice. There was a particular focus their names to the traditional It's a great way to Wednesday to Cara and Morgan at the get to know the on how we are using the Pupil Leavers' Mural. This time it's in take part in a Equity Fund (or PEF) to support the Science corridor. High Court, Edinburgh school, make new business competi- friends and learners from disadvantaged tion organised by background to do a bit bet- The final event of that week in- meet the teachers. Our primary "Entrepreneurme". Many thanks visitors had brilliant day in school. ter, primarily in literacy volved our U14 footballers, who to Matt Stewart, who, as always, (especially reading) and numera- contested the Fife Shield Final The feedback forms are among was a very enthusiastic host. The the most positive ever seen! Many cy. Health and wellbeing, includ- against at other transition event in the week ing mental health and self esteem Bayview Stadium after thanks to the staff and S3 Prefects was our P7 Sports Day on the who made the primary kids so are also very important. There school. KHS won 3-0. It was a Friday. was also a talk by Christine Pater- thoroughly deserved victory and welcome on the day. son, our "DAPL" mental health the boys put on an outstanding Also, on Tuesday evening, we counsellor". show of slick, fast passing foot- On Wednesday, we interviewed contested the Crown Office Procu- candidates for the positions of ball. Very well done to the whole rator Fiscal Public Speaking Na- Later on Wednesday evening, we squad and many thanks to Mr Head Boy and Head Girl as well as tional Final at the High Court, the Deputes who make up the attended the Fife Active Schools English and his assistant Mr I'An- Edinburgh. The Principal Judge Awards, held at the Rothes son, who have coached this group Student Leadership Team. After a was James Wolffe QC, the Lord selection process and initial inter- Halls. The Rector was joined at so well. Advocate. Very well done to Cas- the awards evening by Miss McIn- view, a group of 13 young people tle Douglas High School, Dumfries were shortlisted for a second in- tosh and Miss Malcolm of the PE Week from 30 April and Galloway, who were declared terview, which included deliver- Department. As well as the start of the SQA the Scottish Champions. We are ing a presentation on the school exams on Monday 30 April, we exceptionally proud of Morgan values. Very well done to: Blain also had the visit of Paul John- Faulds of Cara Hayes, who came Aitken, Fraser Anderson, Camer- ston, Scottish Government's Di- very close and were outstanding on Bowie, Katie Brown, Ella rector-General for Education, ambassadors for KHS throughout Dews, Kirstin Graham, Shannon Communities and Justice. the whole competition. Houston and Mollie Turner who will form the Student Leadership He was keen to meet staff and Week Beginning 14 May Team next session. In all, we young people in the "front line". have appointed around 80 Pre- We hosted Steve Grimmond, the On the Tuesday, our Go4SET Technology Team (supported by fects for 2018-2019. Chief Executive of Fife Council, who was part of the visit too. The Brand-Rex, Glenrothes) took part in the regional heat of this nation- Our S3 Parent/Carer Evening event went very well and our took place on the Thursday visitors were left with an excellent al technology competition at the Carnegie Conference Centre, Dun- night. We used online booking for Salters Chemistry Festival impression of our school and the first time. at Heriot-Watt University some very useful feedback from fermline. those "front line" learners. 2

The winning school this year On Wednesday we got underway Also that day, we had an author It was also our Prizegiving on was Queen Anne High School ... again on our new timetable, which visit from Dion Leonard, of Tuesday 12 June. We were de- very well done to them. Well done has run very smoothly. "Finding Gobi" fame. A group of lighted to be joined by Joe Pike as also to all of our staff, especially RME pupils met with him to dis- our Principal Guest. Joe is a Politi- the PE team, who promote school We had yeargroup assemblies on cuss his work. Dion’s true tale is cal Correspondent with ITV and is sport and physical activities. The the Thursday, including an input about one man's love for his dog, the husband of the late Gordon highlight for many was the speech from Ms Mahr and Mr Mitchell and dedication and resilience in Aikman, former Head Boy of KHS. delivered by our own Kianna (RME) who will be leading our overcoming the odds. Everyone Gordon died of Motor Neurone Shearer (S4), who spoke elo- upcoming trip to Rwanda in Octo- was very impressed after meeting Disease last year and was a re- quently and passionately about ber 2019. This is a very exciting Dion and Gobi … it truly is an markable ambassador for that her involvement in the Fife "Sports prospect and the next stage in inspirational story. Gobi is the cause. Stars" programme. developing our partnership with cutest of dogs too! Group Scoliare Bumbogo, near The other big deal that week was Kigali. It was fascinating to hear As if there wasn’t enough going our S2 "Disaster Day" with all about school life in Africa. We on, our “Learning Council” met pupils "off timetable" on the Friday explained that, although this is an that afternoon with their counter- expensive trip, we are parts from our local primaries to able to support two en- finalise our shared “Learning Char- tirely funded places ter”. What an excellent project (worth over £3000 in this has been. It should help im- total) through sponsor- prove the “learner journey” of all ship from “Friends of our young people over time and is ”. to feature as “good practice” on These places are being the Education Scotland website. reserved for pupils who qualify for free meals. Week from 11 June We are also intending to Many thanks to Miss McIntosh and fundraise to support the Miss Malcolm, who led our Cairn- other participants too. gorms trip over weekend. It was very challenging and enjoyable Mr Harrower (PE) spoke programme aimed at boosting at the S2 assembly confidence. Those involved got a about a World War 1 great deal from the experience Battlefields Trip to Bel- and were involved in all sorts of Charlie Murdoch with gium and France which active, outdoor adventure experi- S2 Disaster Relief Team Challenge he is planning for May Joe Pike and the Gordon ences such as climbing and abseil- Aikman Cup for Charity 2019. Again, this is a ing. It's all part of our "health and to take part in themed outdoor fantastic opportunity. Again, fi- wellbeing" agenda, and this trip learning linked to a disaster situa- nancial support is available for was targeted at those who have We are making the Scottish Motor tion. We had outdoor teamwork pupils on free meals. For help with not had an outward bounds expe- Neurone Disease Association the activities with a focus on building registering for free meals entitle- rience in the past. main focus of our charity work for temporary shelters, using commu- ment or a clothing grant please the next few years ahead and nications (including Morse Code), call 01592 583405 and ask to We had the AGM of Friends of have introduced the "Gordon Ai- survival skills, an assault speak to Mrs Hardie (Family Link Kirkcaldy High School on the Mon- kman Cup" for charity work, spon- course, first aid including Worker). day evening and must once again sored by Gordon's family. Joe was "Heartstart" CPR, decoding mes- thank this fantastic group for the a brilliant speaker and gave a sages and moving and filtering At the assemblies, we had a fur- excellent support they offer our moving account of Gordon's life, fresh water ... and our young ther input from Robert Greenhorn, young people. The two main fund challenging our young people to people also had a lot of fun in the our Active Schools Coordinator, make the most of theirs and to be sun. It was a great way to mark recruiting potential Sports someone who makes a differ- the end of Year 2 in KHS. Thanks Ambassadors and potential ence, as Gordon surely was. to organiser Miss Wight of the "Sports Stars" for the year Geography Department for her ahead. Prizegiving celebrates aca- expert coordination of a complex demic, sporting and wider event. We also had a group of S3 On the Thursday, our U14 achievement. Once again, it Sports Leaders helping out local football team contested the was a brilliant showcase for primaries with their Athletics Fes- final of the Scottish Schools our young people. We are all tival and our windband playing in Plate against Wallace High really felt very proud of all of a concert along at Capshard Pri- School from Stirling at them as they received recog- mary. Bathgate. KHS won after a nition for their efforts. penalty shoot-out. It was a Week 8 News dramatic final which ended 2- We should give a special men- This was a short week but a par- 2 (with scorers Jordan Tosh tion to our major prizewin- ticularly eventful one! Monday, and Cameron McGregor). In ners. Congratulations to our June 4, was a public holiday and the shoot-out, the winning Dux for 2017-2018, Rebecca Tuesday was teacher in-service penalty was cored by Owen Meekison. Rebecca is the Dews. Well done on a magnif- leading scholar of the year, training, with our Sports Colours U14 Scottish Plate Winners 2018 Ceremony with Saltire Volunteer icent achievement, and having gained straight A and Prefect presentations at 4pm. thanks to coaches Mr English and raising events are the ceilidh and passes in her Highers and excel- Those attending were all blown Mr I’Anson. the race night … please do be ling in her studies this year too. away by the quality of the election involved. She is off to Glasgow University to speeches delivered by the Head Further congratulations go to study Law and has ambitions to Boy and Head Girl candidates. Cameron Bowie (S6), who was On Tuesday 12 June, we had a one day work for the United Na- They spoke passionately about named as “Young Volunteer of the group of 28 young people partici- tions. how they plan to be part of our Year” in the Fife Voluntary Action pating in the Fife Schools' Athlet- ongoing improvement. Awards. Cameron, who is chair of ics Championships at Pitreavie. Rebecca was also the recipient of the KHS LGBT+ was nominated by Many thanks to Mr Harrower, who the McDermid Bursary for this “Pink Saltire” for his work in pro- organised this. Congratulations to year. This is an award of £500, moting “Inclusivity in Fife Sean Stewart (S4) and Scott given by internationally renowned Schools”. Well done Bowie ... your Graves (S3) who each won a Gold crime writer, Val McDermid, to school is very proud. and a Silver Medal … coincidental- support a young person in their ly, both in Long Jump and the first year of a University course, Friday 8 June was our S6 Induc- 100m respectively. living away from home. Val is a tion Day, many thanks to Mr Far- former KHS student. Very well quharson (Guidance), who put We also had music students taking done Rebecca. together an interesting and varied part in a Trinity Music Workshop programme with inputs on volun- at Lochgelly Centre. This was a The first ever winner of the Gor- teering, careers, university appli- fantastic opportunity and the don Aikman Cup was Charlie Mur- cations, financial health and lead- chance to listen to professional doch, a Second Year pupil who is ership opportunities. musicians perform a programme chair of our Rotary Interact Club. of rock and pop music before Charlie has raised hundreds of We also had team building activi- learning to play some music in pounds for several good causes in ties and problem solving in the smaller groups on their chosen his two years at KHS and thor- afternoon. At the end of the day, instrument. It was also being oughly deserves recognition. Mr Allan announced our Head Boy completely funded by Trinity Music and Head Girl for the session so there was no expense for those On the Wednesday, our new crop ahead … congratulations to Fra- involved. Well done to Ms Simp- of Sport Leaders were assisting at Fraser Anderson and Mollie ser Anderson and Mollie Turner … son, Head of Music, who set this the Disability Sport Fife Athletics Turner, Head Boy and Girl and to all our Student Leadership all up. Championships which were held at Team. Pitreavie. 3

It was a very rewarding experi- The Penultimate Week The Wednesday was ence for our young people and an Oswald Assembly

their support was greatly appreci- of Term and we also held a ated by the organisers, who were Week beginning 18 June was an staff "Bake Off" in in touch to express their gratitude, exceptionally busy one. We had support of Cancer on behalf of all the competitors. our new S3 First Chances group Research UK at All of our Sports Leaders showed off for a residential experience at lunchtime and this exceptional commitment to sup- St Andrews University from Mon- raised over £125, porting the disabled athletes, as day to Wednesday. From Wednes- many thanks to Ms judges, timekeepers or setting up day onwards our S4 students then Collins, Head of Home equipment. In particular, com- stayed at the University with their Economics. At mendation goes to Zak Cairns graduation at the end of the week. lunchtime, student (S6), who was described to us by Many thanks to Mrs Hunter, Miss members KHS LGBT+ Gilbert Cochrane, of Scottish Ath- Nessel and Mr Dick for their com- delivered training NHS letics, as “outstanding” on the mitment to this. They reported staff at Victoria Hospi- day. Zak said that he had be hum- that our young people had all tal. As you know, we bled by the experience and had done particularly well. Also on the are very proud of all found it a very rewarding one. Monday, and again on Friday, our their campaigning Advanced Higher Chemistry stu- and training efforts … This week saw our Primary 7 Wel- dents spent the day at the Edin- breaking down preju- come Days, held on the Wednes- burgh University labs at King's dice. Bubble Football at the “Big Event” day and Thursday. Many thanks to Buildings. Thanks to Dr Murray for our PSAs, buddies, escorts and organising this. Our Boozebusters sessions, deliv- Thanks also to the sponsors, espe- Prefects who brought the P7 to the ered by the S5 peer educators to cially to Smeaton Stores, who school and looked after them. Our We also had the S3 Youth and all S3 took place on Thursday and donated the ice cream, which was visitors followed a “normal” time- Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) Finals we also had a group out of school much appreciated in the heat! table and met their new teachers. in school on Monday. This is spon- all day attending the Computer On the Thursday night there was a sored by the Wood Group Game and Animation Jam Compe- For the end of session we held a parent/carer evening and a disco/ and results in a local charity re- tition at Fife College, Stenton "Dress Down Day" in support of barbeque for the P7. It was a ceiving a cash donation of £3000. Campus, Glenrothes. We are de- the Scottish Motor Neurone Dis- great way to break down barriers, It's a very worthwhile initiative lighted to report that KHS won the ease Association, in tribute to get over any fears and make new and involves groups of young competition! Well done to Amy Gordon Aikman. It was also our friends. I have to say it was excel- people researching good causes Krzyanowska, Mackenzie Aitken, traditional last day Talent Show ... lent. It was good to meet our new and becoming advocates for that Lyall Parter and Leon Lessels, won many thanks to all the young bumper intake and their parents/ charity. over the judges, taking home the people who took part. carers. top spot with their simple, yet It was tough for the judging panel challengingly addictive game Parents and carers know that Mrs We also had Academy Uniforms, which comprised Mr Allan, David "Gilbert in Space". Mr Adams, of Aitken (Senior Depute) will be- our recommended uniform suppli- Torrance MSP and Charlie Murdoch our Computing Science Depart- come the Headteacher of Lochgel- er, in school. Uniform orders can (S3), winner of the Gordon Ai- ment said that he was very proud ly High School after the break. also be placed online for collection kman Cup for Charity. After much of his team. This is an "acting" arrangement at in August. These will available deliberation, the judges decided first, and recognition for Mrs Ait- from Monday 6 August that Autism Rocks, promoted by On the Friday, we had two trips to ken's fantastic contribution here 2018. Please order directly at Khai Slater and Cara Hayes were Edinburgh ... one is a Business over 10 years, it's also a chance www.academyuniformsltd.co.uk/ winners. Autism Rocks is a small Studies trip to the Investment for her to lead her own school. Blazers sourced elsewhere are charity based in Buckhaven and 2020 Conference and the other to also perfectly acceptable and we this donation was described by the Royal Highland Show (Home Well have school badges for sale from Morag Duff, one of the volunteers, Economics). Both were rich learn- done also the office at only £5. as a "game changer". Khai and ing experiences for those involved. to Dr Cara's reward was to attend the Jones, On the Friday we had a group of National YPI Showcase at Perth who will Concert Hall on the Wednesday, The Last Week of Term 18 S4 Science students taking We had a pretty busy final week also be part in a "Next Generation" activi- which included a performance by leaving Emeli Sande. This was, as you too. On Monday, Dr Jones and ties event at Port Edgar Sailing Mrs Brewster (PSA) took our S1 us after Centre. It was a very active learn- may imagine, very special. the break "Reading Group" on a day out at ing event … with much wetness! Camperdown Wildlife Park in Dun- to take The week ended with our leavers’ On the Monday afternoon, we also up a had “Boozebusters” Peer Educator dee, and all had a great experi- Prom, which was held at Forrester ence. promoted Park, Dunfermline. It was a terrif- Training supported by "Clued Up" post as and our Employability Partners ic final send off for the “Class of Also on Monday, the History De- Head of 2018”. Good luck to them all, they Meeting after school, arranged by Addition- Miss Nessel. The aim was to set partment hosted a seminar on the have been a real credit to KHS. First World War. It was good to al Sup- The event went very well, and up work placements etc for the port at year ahead. If you can help us welcome back Fraser Brown, for- Mrs Aitken, new much credit goes to the staff side mer curator of the Black watch Speyside Head at Lochgelly of the Prom Committee. Many provide "real life" or vocational High experiences, please do be in Museum in Perth. Fraser is an old thanks to Mr Fulton, Mrs Hardie, friend of the school and a brilliant School in Aberlour. Very well done Mr I'Anson and Miss McIntosh for touch. Ask for Mrs Davidson. too to Mr Mitchell of our RE Dept. military historian. On Tuesday, our their excellent work. Administration and IT students He has been appointed to be Mrs On Tuesday we had an Adam Thompson's replacement as Guid- Smith Assembly and Miss Osborne planned and organised a trip to On the Saturday, our LGBT+ Sup- Edinburgh, where they visited the ance Teacher in Adam Smith port Group members took part in (History) took a group of S4 stu- House. This is a temporary ar- dents to St Andrews University for Camera Obscura and we were Edinburgh Pride, and had a great represented at the Capshard rangement for the year ahead. day out. We are immensely proud workshops and lectures to help Mrs Thompson has been appointed with their studies. This was a P7 Leavers' Show. of this group and all they have Head of English, and very well achieved in a short space of time. fantastic experience and included done to her. She replaces Mrs a talk from Michael Morpurgo, We had a special assembly for S4 KHS is a better place for their on the Wednesday. Miss Dia- Hume, who has been seconded to campaigning work, and in fact celebrated author of "War Horse". position with the Scottish Govern- mond explained what to expect their influence extends beyond from the SQA qualifications pro- ment’s Education agency. Con- this school. This has been recog- In the evening it was the AGM gratulations to Mrs Hume. of our Parent Council. We dis- cess and exams. That afternoon, nised by Fife Council and we are we attended the Torbain leavers’ very pleased to share that the cussed our latest budget position, You already know that Mr Morrice which is reasonably healthy in a show. In the evening, we held a group has been nominated by Fife parent/carer evening for those (CDT), Mrs Tulloch (Computing) Council for the "CoSLA" Excellence time of difficulty in the public and Mr Britain (Music) will be sector. The Rector also gave a interested in our 2019 trip to Awards 2018. Rwanda. taking retirement. Best wishes to staffing update and explained that all of them. I am delighted that by and large, we are unlikely to On Thursday we held another both Mr Morrice and Mr Britain will have recruitment problems, alt- continue in a part-time capacity hough this can often change by special assembly for S3 to an- nounce the winners of our recent after the summer, at least in the the week. short term. "Disaster Day" Teamwork Chal- lenge. Very well done to Oswald Mr Allan shared our Improvement Looking ahead, after the SQA Plan priorities for the year ahead House, declared overall winners. In the afternoon it was our "Big exam results on Tuesday 7 Au- and spoke about the latest gust, the staff return to school on "Pupilwise" and "Parentwise" Sur- Event" to mark the end of session. We had the usual stalls and fun Monday 13 August and the pupils' vey results. Our next meeting is first day in Wednesday 15 August. set for Tuesday 28 August at 7pm. activities with bubble football, giant inflatables as well as ice Anyone requiring to reconsider Please do come along if you are their course choice in light of their able, it really is useful to have cream, face painting, nail bar etc. Many thanks to the staff commit- exam results should come in to S4 “First Chances” Graduates you involved in the workings of school on the afternoon of Monday at St Andrews University the school. tee who have planned this and booked up the different inputs. 13 August. 4