Late Breaking rather Late Reporting News
Way back in September three intrepid Knox teams braved the scorching sun and the unforgiving blue sky to navigate around John Muir Park performing team building activities and problem solving challenges. Our teams were all proud of their achievement on the day with one celebrating last place, another third and the last placing first, winning the coveted Gold Hiking Boot. Well done everyone.
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On a crisp fall day three S3 teams from Knox Academy set out to compete with six other teams from Ross High and Preston Lodge. They braved foul weather, exposed terrain and exposed legs (shorts in November! Really??) to dominate the challenge. This year's challenge was comprised of orienteering, problem solving, compass skills and negotiating thick mud and cow pats. All our teams placed in the top five with one team placing first. Despite the discomfort, once out of the wind and on the bus home, all participants vowed they would be back next year to compete in the S4 Outdoor Challenge.
Congratulations to all participants.
Haddington Joint Campus (the new school building for St Mary's and Haddington Infants) is holding a public open evening next Tuesday (27 November 2012) between 6 pm and 7.30 pm.
This is a great opportunity for anyone, (but particularly maybe former pupils and their families) to come in and have a nosy around the new school. The PTA are running a cafe in the dinner hall too.
Cara-Louise Slater and Courtney Broadfoot recently rose to the culinary challenge to win the final of East Lothian’s Young Chef of the Year competition, in Prestonpans.
The Haddington duo each received a hamper filled with local and Scottish produce, after seeing off the opposition from Musselburgh Grammar, North Berwick High, Dunbar Grammar and their hosts at Preston Lodge.
The teams of two S4 pupils had 90 minutes to prepare a two-course meal based on local ingredients, working under the scrutiny of a team of judges.
The main course featured seafood as its primary component and the dessert was based on seasonal fruit.
Source: East Lothian News
In the Edinburgh Evening News today (17 Nov 2012), former pupil Jeff Young prepares to pack his bags for the trip of a lifetime, to help needy people in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
He will help develop sanitation projects, build shelters for the homeless and work with endangered animals such as giant turtles.
He hopes that in telling his story he can inspire other teenagers to do their bit to make a difference.
The full story can be read on the Edinburgh Evening News website.
Parents and staff are invited to make their views known regarding the dress code. Please complete the survey. Survey closes 25th November.
Click here (now closed) to access the survey.
PUPILS:
Please note that you have an opportunity (through the School Council) to contribute to the consultation, in their survey here.
I am delighted to report that all fourth year pupils have placements arranged for next week. Thanks go to all the parents/carers/aunties/friends and pupils who have worked so hard to get placements organised. Despite a few nail biting last moment hitches, everyone should be well prepared for many new and exciting experiences next week. All the pupils should have handed in consent forms and the last few stragglers will be chased up on Friday. Pupils are encouraged to phone to confirm last minute arrangements with their employer. This serves to check that employers have remembered they have a work experience pupil with them next week, so it's worthwhile making the call. All pupils have a log book to complete over the course of the week and this should be handed in to the teacher on their return.
All that remains is to say good luck and have a great time out in the "world of work" We look forward to hearing all the stories on your return.
Pupils from six East Lothian secondary schools who achieved top marks in their Highers were celebrated at a special prize giving held at Queen Margaret University.
On Monday 12 November, eight pupils from Ross High, North Berwick High, Musselburgh Grammar, Knox Academy, and Dunbar Grammar who attained the best overall performance in Higher Health Food Technology and Higher Business Management, were praised and rewarded for their achievements.
Former S6 pupil, Jenni McBirnie achieved the top mark in Higher Business Management at Knox Academy for Session 2011-2012.
Five of the students who were able to attend the reception were presented with a prize together with a certificate of achievement. The awards were presented by Dr Majella Sweeney, Programme Leader for the BA(Honours) International Hospitality and Tourism Management and Dr Dave McGuire, Programme Leader for the BA (Honours) Business Management, both from the Division of Business, Enterprise and Management at Queen Margaret University.
Carol Brennan, Director of the Consumer Insight Centre at Queen Margaret University, said: “The University wants to be at the very heart of the East Lothian community and we are delighted to support the local schools in this way. We hope that these prizes provide some well-deserved recognition for the hard work that the pupils have put into their study and help to motivate the younger students to do well in their Highers.”
Dr Majella Sweeney said: “With our flagship in Sustainable Business, Queen Margaret University is also very keen to support young people in the study of business management, hospitality and food related areas. We would also like to encourage young people in East Lothian to reach their potential by continuing with their learning after leaving school, whether that be at college or university. Importantly, this prize giving encourages young people to come through the door of East Lothian’s university. It helps us develop a good relationship with the schools and the pupils.”
"Should Scotland become independent?"
Mr Illingworth and Mr Redford will be taking part in a debate on Thursday 22 November (1.25 pm in the library) on the question of Scottish Independence. It's going to be fairly informal with opening speeches then questions/comments from the floor with an opportunity for the speakers to respond.
The idea is to raise the profile of debating, a great format for challenging our pupils to think independently, and encouraging pupils to talk about the independence question.
We would like to announce our Alzheimer Charity Gig on Wednesday 21 November from 7.30 pm to 10 pm. Tickets are on sale every breaktime at the Trophy cabinets for £3. Merits and house points will be awarded for every ticket sold.
Mr McFarlane, Mr Wren and Mr Edwards are hosting the event and many local bands from the school are playing such as Vacant Life.
Jaimee Pickard, Adam Richmond, Finlay Munro and Craig Greathead
