February 2013

22 February 2013
Published: 22 February 2013

It’s good to be back and straight into the swing of things.  I hope everyone enjoyed their February Break (if they were lucky enough to have time off).  For me, the first Saturday saw me running a gamut of emotions from anxiety that the New York group would, in fact, not make it to their destination given the snow, to being inspired and elated thanks to attending the Scotland versus Italy match at Murrayfield.  Thanks must go to the SRU for inviting myself, Mr MacDonald and Mr Greenaway to attend a presentation on, and discussion of, the School of Rugby initiative that they support at Knox and for hosting us at the match.  I had never been to a match at Murrayfield before and thoroughly enjoyed myself – especially given the result. 

The New York trip went off without a hitch and I am looking forward to catching up with staff and pupils to hear about their highlights.  Suffice it to say that the young people behaved impeccably and were a credit to themselves and the school.

I am delighted to announce that for the third year running, Knox is entering a film in the Kids Witness News Competition.  This year the group have chosen to look at the issue of teenage cancer.  The film is on the website and can be found here.  Some of the feedback that they have had from staff already makes me think that they have judged their topic well and, I believe, have treated it in a mature and profound fashion.

There has been some active learning going on near the school grounds this week.  Mr Blair’s S3 Maths class were out in force on Pencaitland Road using a Laser Speed Gun provided by the local police.  It was all part of their work on measurement.  So, not only did they get to scare local drivers, but they also had interesting conversations about local speed limits with the Community Police.  Thanks to all involved.

It’s good to know that it hasn’t all been “work, work, work” as Mr Dempster informed me: "On Wednesday evening, the Advanced Higher Business Management class accompanied by Mr Dempster and Mr McFarlane, headed towards Ocean Terminal for a meal at Frankie and Benny's.  All had a great time with good company, conversation and a fabulous meal.  They hope to be able to have another similar team-building excursion before the Final Exams."  It’s good to take time to relax in the run-up to exams, getting the work-life balance is all important in ensuring that pupils peak at the right time and don’t succumb to the stresses that exams inevitably bring.
 

Just a reminder that there is the S3 Parents’ Consultation Evening on the 27th February from 5pm-7pm.  Youngsters should have been getting their appointments sorted, so please check in school bags if you haven’t seen the sheets yet.

Have a very good week.

8 February 2013
Published: 08 February 2013

As usual the week goes past in something of a blur, but not without its highlights.

On Tuesday, S3 parents came in to hear about how their youngsters are going to be helped to make their choices for S4.  I hope that it was informative and I’d like to thank Jennifer Jones from Skills Development Scotland for coming in and assisting myself, the Management Team and staff members in imparting information.

Wednesday saw the Parent School Partnership meeting for a “normal” meeting followed by their AGM.  Please keep an eye on their website for minutes, contact details and how you can get involved.

Some of our S2 pupils went to visit the Observatory as part of their participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).  Mr Blair accompanied them and wrote:
“I just wanted to let you know that the group were exceptionally well behaved, well- mannered and enthusiastic participants today during our visit to the Observatory. We had talks from a few people, tried out an infra-red camera (quite fun!) and had an access all areas tour of the facility which included seeing some equipment which will be part of the Hubble telescopes replacement. A particularly interesting room was the Crawford library which included a first edition copy of Newton's 'Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica'.  We'll take a lot from it for our research on the Importance of Engineering to Scotland.”

Unfortunately the Valentine’s Disco that was due to take place yesterday evening had to be postponed owing to lack of numbers.  Pupils should keep hold of their tickets as we will try and run it again after the holiday.

Today pupils are marking UNICEF’s Day for Change by dressing up as glamorously as possible.  It’s wonderful going round the building and seeing pupils suited-and-booted and staff looking fab-u-lous.  They raised over £460 to help alleviate world hunger and malnutrition.  Well done!

Tomorrow a group of pupils and staff head off for a week in the Big Apple.  I’m not sure that New York is going to know what has hit it, but I wish both America and our group all the best!

School closes for the February Week at 12.05 today and re-opens for all on the 18th. 

Have a very fine week.

1 February 2013
Published: 01 February 2013

This week has been one marked out by creativity.

I had the pleasure of discussing the Rotary Young Chef Competition with Findlay Wallace and Charlotte Smith at the beginning of the week.  Whilst they were not placed in this event, it was evident from what they told me that they had had fun and learned a lot from it.  The challenge of producing their two courses in an hour and a half was one that would have tested even a Master Chef contestant and they coped with it calmly and with good humour.

On Tuesday evening I found myself at the Scottish Parliament to see our Show Choir – Venus – perform at the first ceremony recognising teachers who demonstrate that they are encouraging creativity through their teaching.  We had been invited because Ms Brown (Music and Drama) was receiving her certificate.  Owing to the presence of the President of Quebec in the building, we were unable to assemble in the original venue for the evening and the group coped woman-fully with having to perform in the foyer of the parliament (with ‘phones ringing, people being met and drilling as part of the building works).  I was delighted that so many people came up to congratulate the group and it might result in them being asked to perform again (watch this space…)

I had a very interesting chat yesterday with pupils from the Advanced Higher Modern Studies class as they came to show me their questionnaires for their investigation into crime and its causes.  Their maturity and understanding of such a complex issue as crime and punishment was inspiring.  I look forward to seeing the results of their interviews.

S3 pupils are going to get underway with writing their S3 Profile as of next week.  This is to help them reflect on their progress in S3 and to get them to start thinking more deeply about their choices for next session.  Please have a chat to your youngster about this and they will bring paper copies home for you to see once they have completed them (in the week of the 18th February).

The senior prelims are now finished and S4 to S6 pupils will be pushing on to look at how they can improve their performances.  Please keep an eye on the extra-curricular timetable to see when revision sessions are being held and encourage your youngsters to take advantage of every opportunity to consolidate their learning.

Some dates to look out for next week:
Tuesday S3 Parents’ Information Evening (6.30pm)
Wednesday PSP meeting and AGM
Friday  End of half term (12.05pm)

Enjoy your weekend!