January 2011

28 January 2011
Published: 28 January 2011

The S5/6 prelims have been taking place this week and run until 4 February. Study leave is now finished and all pupils return to normal timetable from 31 January, and they should be in all classes unless they are sitting an examination.

It has been a busy week for assemblies; as the assembly hall is in use for the S5/6 examinations, ‘virtual’ assemblies were played in each classroom for the S1-4 Tutor Groups to view.  On Tuesday, pupils celebrated Burns’ Day by reading about the poet, reciting and sharing some of the poems and gathering Scottish words. To add to the celebration, KASG funded the ingredients for shortbread for each pupil and the Home Economics Department made hundreds of delicious pieces of shortbread. The assembly was planned and developed by Mr Swinney and the English Department. Congratulations and thanks to all involved.

On Thursday, we had another virtual assembly to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. The theme was ‘Untold Stories’ and the pupils had the opportunity to listen to the stories of individuals who had experience of the holocaust and other genocides. Each pupil was given an information booklet. Later, saplings were planted as part of a memorial area. Many thanks to Mr Campbell for organising this moving event.

During the week I visited all S4 classes in column D of the timetable. The theme was homework. It is a pleasure to report that the vast majority of pupils were considered satisfactory by staff, regarding homework. A few however, need to be more organised and meet deadlines. All S4 pupils should have, and be following, a revision programme.

Best wishes,

JB Craig

21 January 2011
Published: 21 January 2011

The week was off to a great start with the success of the school’s ‘Pride of East Lothian’ Young Enterprise Group at the annual ‘Young Enterprise Trade Fayre’ on 15 January. Competing against around 20 schools from the Lothian area, it was a great day for Knox, with 'Pride of East Lothian' winning awards for ‘Best Display Stand’ and ‘Best Sales and Marketing’ and being named ‘Overall Trade Fayre Winners’. Full details of the day are on the website, congratulations to all pupils involved.

This week, the theme of the assemblies has been ‘Being All You Can’ and used New Year resolutions as examples. The assemblies looked at the top ten resolutions and why people make them (and, so often, break them).

The Parent School Partnership (Parent Council) met on Wednesday evening and various issues and areas were discussed. The meeting began with a presentation from Ms B Skirrow, Business Manager, regarding the budget in the school. Minutes will be available on the Parents’ website.

During the week I visited all S5/6 classes in column D of the timetable. The themes were attitude to work and preparation for examinations. It is a pleasure to report that the vast majority of pupils were considered hard working by staff. In turn, the pupils assured me that they had been preparing hard for the prelims, time will tell. The prelims start next week and run until 4 February. Next week, the pupils have study leave, however, to assist pupils in making up any lost ground, pupils are encouraged to remain in school and a supervised study area will be available at all times. Also, pupils will be able to approach staff regarding specific concerns. I am sure you join me in wishing all the pupils every success in the prelim examinations.

Last night, was the S3 Parents/Carers Consultation Evening. This was very well attended and I hope parents found the discussions with teaching staff helpful and re-assuring.

I know many people were very disappointed that we decided to cancel the evening performance of the Christmas Concert. The afternoon performance was recorded and the audio recording is available to hear on the website (it sounds lovely). We hope to be able to share the film with you as soon as possible.

Best wishes,

JB Craig

14 January 2011
Published: 14 January 2011

Happy New Year.

The spring term has begun as last term finished, hectic and busy. On Tuesday evening, friends and family of the S6 pupils were able to catch a performance of the S6 panto, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. The evening was enjoyed by all, congratulations to the S6 on keeping the festive spirit into January.

Last night, nearly half of the school pupils attended the delayed Xmas Disco, re-named, the New Year Ball. This was a very successful event and feedback today has been positive from all year groups. Congratulations to the S5 group (as part of the Self in Society course) and KASG (Knox Academy Support Group), for organising and running the evening.

I know many people were very disappointed that we decided to cancel the evening performance of the Christmas Concert. The afternoon performance was recorded and we hope to be able to share this with you as soon as possible via the website.

If you would like to get a flavour of the activities on offer at the school, please take a look at the Bulletin section on the website. Many clubs and activities are re-starting next week, ranging from sports to debating to craftwork. Please encourage your youngsters to ‘have a go’ at a new activity.

Pupils are now settled back into the routine of the school and are aware of the work and study required. I wish all pupils a successful and enjoyable spring term.

Best wishes,

JB Craig