December 2010

23 December 2010
Published: 23 December 2010

Once again we have had a week at the mercy of the snow and cold weather. There have been transport problems and it was with great regret that we decided to cancel the evening performance of the Christmas Concert. This decision was not taken lightly and was made due to concerns about travel in the dark and below freezing conditions. The afternoon concert went ahead and was a great success, congratulations to the Music Department and all the participants. The performance was recorded and we hope to be able to share this with you as soon as possible.

On Tuesday, Provost Richardson judged the Christmas Boxes. The boxes were decorated on the theme of carols and contained lots of festive foods. The winners were: Overall: 6T2, Garleton: 1G2, Lammerlaw: 1L1, Traprain: 2T2, Highly Commended: 1T1, 4G2 and the Management Team and Judge's Special Mention: Learning Support Staff and Awful (Office) Angels. Congratulations to all who contributed, the boxes have been distributed in the local community. Many thanks to the Provost for fighting her way through the ice and snow to act as judge.

Today, the last day of term, has been very hectic. In the three House Groups, pupils have moved around three activities: the S6 Panto, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, a very lively ceilidh and a focus on Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’.  Well done to everyone involved but a special mention for Mr Campbell and the S6 pupils who, against the odds of limited and shortened rehearsals, helped to finish the term in fine festive fashion with the traditional panto.

School finishes at 4pm today and resumes for pupils on Tuesday 11 January 2011 at 8.44 am.

Many thanks to all members of the school community for their support and patience over the last few challenging weeks and best wishes for the festive season and 2011.

JB Craig

 

17 December 2010
Published: 17 December 2010

This has been a more settled week for the school, although the cold weather caused the odd transport problem. However, the majority of pupils have had a ‘normal’ week of lessons.

The delayed S5/6 Parents' Consultation Evening was held on Tuesday. The evening was well attended and I hope parents found the meetings with staff informative and helpful. S5/6 pupils are encouraged to find some time over the festive season to study for their prelim examinations that begin on 24 January.

Yesterday was a busy day: at interval, the senior pupils in Home Economics held an Xmas Fayre. Delicious items such as mince pies, shortbread and fruit punch were available. In the morning, I had the great pleasure of judging the Christmas Card competition that had been organised by a S5 ‘Self and Society’ Group. Details of the winners will be available in the latest ‘Knox News’ and on the website. Congratulations to all pupils involved. In the evening, a group of senior pupils and staff went to see the panto at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre (‘Jack and the Beanstalk’). This was a team-building event organised by the Business Education Department. I understand everyone had a great time and all were very well behaved (oh yes they were!).

Rehearsals are underway for the S6 Panto (all pupils and staff will have the opportunity to see this on Thursday 23) and the Christmas Concert to be held, as planned, on Tuesday 21.

Best wishes

JB Craig

 

10 December 2010
Published: 10 December 2010

This has been another unusual week for us all; the 'inclement' weather resulted in an early closure on Monday and the postponement of various events. The decision to close a school early is not taken lightly and on Monday we liaised with the Education Department, transport providers and police. At all times, the safety of the pupils is paramount. I would like to thank all sections of the school community for their co-operation and patience during this difficult situation.

There was further transport disruption on Tuesday and Wednesday. Any pupil unable to come to school is advised to look at the school’s website for information and work.

The S5/6 Parents' Consultation Evening has been re-arranged for Tuesday 14th December. The school play and the winter disco have been postponed to the New Year. However, we hope to hold the Christmas Concert on Tuesday 21th December as planned.

In school, life has gone on as usual (only with a lot more ‘wellies’ on display): pupils have been taking French and Music practical prelims, preparation for NABS and other assessments has continued and pupils have been given lots of homework.

Today it appears that a thaw has set in, but whatever the weather between now and the end of term, every effort will be made to have a ‘normal’ couple of weeks of hard work……and some festive fun.

Best wishes
JB Craig

2 December 2010
Published: 02 December 2010

'This has been a most unusual week for us all, the 'inclement' weather has meant that all East Lothian schools have been closed to pupils for the week. I would like to re-assure the school community that every effort will be made to ensure that the progress and success of the pupils are not adversely affected by this. I am sure all pupils, and in particular, the seniors, can continue to study at home, I know many pupils have been accessing the school website for work.

Please note, that as we have been unable to distribute the information, including the booking sheets for appointments, for the S5/6 Parents' Consultation Evening, the event has been postponed from the 7th to, provisionally, the 14th December. Arrangements will be confirmed as soon as possible next week.

I would like to thank all sections of the school community for their co-operation and patience this week.

Best wishes,
JB Craig