Issue 110 Kirkcaldy High School Oct 2013 Respect for Self, for Others, Community Newsletter for Learning in KHS. We were joined by probationer teachers The Rector writes ... Miss Ho in PE and Ms Kerek in English. Also, we welcomed Mr Davidson in RME, who started just Diary Dates ur termly newsletters allow us prior to the summer break. Miss Bell was wel- comed back after a spell at Buckhaven High School, Tues 1 Oct: Engi- to record and reflect upon re- as was Mr Cromb, back from his international ex- neering and Con- O change year in North Carolina. struction Industry cent developments and suc- Training Board Work- shops, Dress Up cesses, and to keep parents, carers and We also welcomed Robert Greenhorn, as our new Disco in the evening the wider community informed about Active Schools Coordinator. Robert is doing a terrific Wed 2 Oct: Nine job of boosting participation in sport and physical Lives of Roddy Hogg, Kirkcaldy High School. As ever, this exercise alongside our active schools ambassadors Road Safety Theatre has been a hectic term with many high- from S5 and S6. Finally, we welcomed two new Thurs 3 Oct: Who’s members of the Technician team; Mr Murphy and Shoes? Fundraiser for lights. At times, I find it astonishing to Mrs Borland. the Eve Appeal, Bag packing at ASDA for consider the breadth of opportunities Meningitis UK after Other staff are on the move. Best wishes to Mrs school and the extent of support we offer our Bruce, Biology, who moves to Forrester High School Fri 4 Oct: Dress young people. I am immensely proud of in Edinburgh to take up a position closer to home. down day, in aid of The same goes for Mrs McNeill, English, who is “DEBRA”. School all of our pupils and hugely apprecia- moving to Falkirk High School. After the October closes for holiday break, we will be joined by new staff in Biology and Mon 21 Oct: Pupils tive of the hard work and dedication of return to school, English; Mrs Gannon and Mr Ritchie. Yeargroup Assem- our staff. Reading over the latest pages blies this week in our story, I’m sure you’ll realise Congratulations to Miss Keeble, who has been ap- Thurs 24 Oct : Club pointed as guidance teacher for Adam Smith whilst XL Trip to Royal Bo- why. Mr Kowbel is on secondment to Lochgelly High tanic Gardens in School. Also, very well done to Mrs Hardie, who Edinburgh, “Friends Annually, in August, we see the publication of the becomes our Pupil Support Coordinator, and to Miss of Kirkcaldy High SQA exam results and I am delighted to report that School” at 7pm Easson, now Pupil Support Officer. once again we have seen a rising trend over almost Tues 29 Oct : Per- sonal Finance Class all of the reported indicators. Hundreds of young It is with very great sadness that I must report the trip to the Bank of people have seen their hard work and effort re- death of Joan Muir, who took early retirement in Scotland Museum, warded as they matched or bettered the ambitious 2008 after many years service to KHS as a music Edinburgh. P7 Open targets they set themselves at the start of last ses- teacher and guidance teacher. Joan was a terrific Evening. Non catch- sion. I would like to offer special congratulations to friend to many here - much loved and highly re- ment families wel- those young people who could not have done bet- come, please call garded. I know that many people across Kirkcaldy ter; Chris Duffy and Abigail James (8 top level 01592 583405 for will mourn the passing of such a great character details Standard Grades) and Stef Campbell, Saad Majeed and supporter. Joan’s uncommon compassion and Thurs 31 Oct : Ca- and Humza Saleem (5 “A” grades at Higher). Well kindness made her a true favourite of very many of reer Planning Day for done! her pupils. She will be very sorely missed by us all. all S4 at Ingliston, Edinburgh However, our exam achievement goes further than The “Friends of Kirkcaldy High School” continue to Mon 4 Nov: House that. When baseline testing at age 11 is taken into Assemblies this week support our pupils in so many meaningful ways; account, KHS pupils do exceptionally well. In terms Thurs 7 Nov: Senior through fundraising, mentoring senior pupils, driv- UK Maths Challenge, of “value added” based on the tests conducted in all ing the bus on trips and in a host of other ways. Shakespeare Schools Fife schools by Durham University, this year’s exam The recent mentors’ meeting was a remarkable Festival – KHS pre- results show that KHS pupils do relatively better collection of talent from the world of engineering, sents “Romeo and than those in any other secondary school in Fife. In medicine, education and business. I am confident Juliet” at Rothes other words, Kirkcaldy High School is top of the that our young people will be inspired and moti- Halls. table for “added value”. Mon 11 Nov : Re- vated by the regular contact offered by the FoKHS. membrance Event at 11am. Wreath laying As always, we have seen a significant turnover in Please do not hesitate to be in touch with us if you at our own war me- staff, with several new teaching appointments from require assistance or advice. morial August. At the start of session we welcomed new Tues 12 Nov: “Safe teachers; Miss Tennant in Physics, Mr Penman in Drive Stay Alive” Maths, Mrs Hunter in Maths, Mrs McLean in Modern With warmest regards Young Driver event at Studies, Mr Kerr in PE and Mrs Holmes in English. Rothes Halls. All S5 We also formally welcomed Dr Murray to the per- attend. Parent Coun- cil Meeting at 7pm manent staff in Chemistry after his probation period Fri 15 Nov: In- Ser- vice Training Day. All teachers are involved in subject based conferences across We have an ancient Latin motto in KHS. Fife discussing the new qualifications known as the It is ‘Usque Conabor’ or ‘I strive to the utmost’. “Nationals”. This is what we are about. Issue 110 BuildingOct 2013Teamwork at Fordell Firs Cheering On In September, all S1 pupils had a great time when they focussed on team working, lead- Scotland! ership skills and personal growth through a series of problem solving tasks as part of an Many thanks to the staff who are helping outdoor learning experience at Fordell Firs KHS pupils contribute to the national foot- near Dunfermline. Each House group - Adam ball team’s recent revival by running buses Smith, Beveridge, Carlyle and Oswald, had a to Hampden. They were there for the Bel- day away at the camp which is the Scouts gium match and will cheer on the Scots National Activity Centre. The pupils had the against Croatia shortly. Well done Mr Eng- chance to try out a range of activities includ- lish and Mr I’Anson. ing pot holing, climbing and archery. Many thanks to "Friends of Kirkcaldy High School" We’ll also be running trips to the autumn for their financial support. Fund raising from rugby internationals at Murrayfield in No- last year's ceilidh subsidised the price of the vember. Many thanks to Mr MacDonald. trips. “STEM” - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Update Miss Higham reports that our S1 Science Club has again proved popular this term, with ever increasing numbers each week. So far, pupils have had the opportunity to make some alien goo, have a go at fire writing and to make lava lamps. There is also a trip to Dy- namic Earth in Edinburgh be- ing planned by the group. S2 Science “Enrichment” classes have taken over some of the work carried out by S3 last year at the Dunnikier Park Biodiversity Development Pro- ject. They have taken samples to measure water pollution and used microscopes to detect and identify which micro organisms are living in the water. Most recently, they have helped the Council to spread wild flower seed and a variety of grass seeds to cultivate the meadow area and bring in new species to the park. You will no doubt have seen the changing face of Dunnikier Park. It is soon to become a “country park” and is now character- ised by wild planting and wetlands. KHS is pleased to be part of this major green project. KHS at the Last Ever Airshow Our Dress Code - Dress to Impress A group of KHS pu- pils had a great Thanks for your continued support with uniform. We time at the last ever work better together when pupils identify with the RAF Leuchars Air- school and our shared values through a common dress show in September. code. PLEASE BE REMINDED THAT THE FOLLOW- The pupils experi- ING ITEMS SHOULD BE WORN TO SCHOOL ; white enced first hand the shirt (preferably with a “formal” stiff collar) or blouse, work of the RAF and school tie knotted near the throat, plain black trousers got to know more or skirt. A school branded fleece or plain black jumper about aircraft, flying or cardigan is also appropriate but it must be a v-neck and aviation. There so that the tie is visible. No jeans, track suits, white or were opportunities coloured shoes/trainers, leggings or hooded clothing to better under- are allowed. Footwear must be plain black. stand the varied work of the Royal In S5/6, all seniors are expected to wear a black Air Force and gain insight into career opportunities too. blazer with the badge on the breast pocket.