Celebrating Diversity at KSHS

We’re getting closer to the KSHS World Fair, taking place on

World Inclusion Day – Friday 10th October.

Thank you to all at home who have already helped students prepare to showcase their cultural heritage through food, items, clothing, language trivia posters, and more. We have representation for a wide range of cultures and countries, from Scotland to Malta, Zimbabwe to Japan! Our participating students are eager to share their stories and experiences with their classmates and beyond and we can’t wait to share the celebration with you in the next newsletter and online through our official KSHS social media accounts.

Henna Application – Parent Permission Required
As part of the celebration, there will be a henna table run by Year 9 and 10 students, offering a small henna finger design to those who wish to take part. Henna has been used for thousands of years in many cultures across South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Traditionally, henna is applied to the skin in intricate patterns during special occasions like weddings, festivals, and religious celebrations. It is often used as a symbol of joy, beauty, and cultural identity.

If you would like to give permission for your child to receive a small henna design, please add a clear signed permission note to their planner in the week beginning 6^th October.

Important Notes: The natural henna that will be used contains the following ingredients: henna powder, terpineol, clove oil, benzyl, alcohol, xanthan gum and purified water. *This henna does not contain phenylenediamine which is the chemical ingredient used in “black henna” that some people can be allergic to.

• Henna will be applied only to students with completed parent/carer permission.
• Henna designs will be simple and small, applied by students experienced at applying henna.
• Henna usually fades naturally within 1–2 weeks.
• Due to time constraints and high interest, not all students with permission are guaranteed a design—access will depend on demand during the afternoon.

Global Connections – Whole School Activity
In the lead-up to the fair, from Monday 6th October, a world map will be displayed in school.

All staff and students will be invited to place a location pin on a country they are closely connected to.

This is an interactive opportunity to show and celebrate just how many different corners of the wide world are represented in our school community.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support in making the first KSHS World Fair a special event!

Ms A Natley
PSHE and Personal Development Co-Ordinator

Benefits of Reading in a Personal Development Curriculum

• Fosters self-awareness and empathy: Reading about characters and situations different from their own helps students understand their own emotions and the perspectives of others, developing compassion and empathy.
• Builds critical thinking and understanding: Engaging with texts allows students to explore complex topics, question ideas, and understand the nuances of moral and social dilemmas, equipping them to make informed choices.
• Enhances emotional and mental well-being: Reading can provide strategies for coping with challenging feelings and contributes to understanding and managing mental health, fostering resilience and a sense of control.
• Promotes personal growth and confidence: Exposure to new ideas, knowledge, and diverse perspectives in books helps students refine their own existing skills and builds confidence in their ability to navigate the world.
• Provides a safe space for exploration: Reading allows students to safely discuss challenging topics such as peer pressure, relationships, and societal issues in a structured, educational environment.
• Develops a strong moral and social compass: By exploring characters' decisions and the implications of their actions, students develop an understanding of right and wrong and learn to consider moral implications in their own lives.

• Read:     Discover and enjoy existing poems
• Write:      Try your hand at writing new poems in different styles.
• Perform: Read poems aloud to others or share spoken word.
• Share:     Connect with other poetry lovers and share your favourite poems.

Our Scribes Club is the perfect extra-curricular creative writing club for any budding poets. Students wishing to learn more about this popular club, please speak to Ms Natley in the English Department.