The annual S6/Staff Team Building weekend at Dalguise was a resounding success. All the pupils took part in the activities, they worked well together and there were no complaints, even though it was very cold (and at one point they had to do press ups in a river!). Mr Illingworth (Head of S6) reported that the Talent Show was quite an eye opener (we expect to see the Deputy Head Boy on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ very soon). Congratulations to all involved, and a big thank you to the staff who attended the weekend, in particular Mr MacDonald who led the organisation of the event.

Following last week’s S1 ‘Settling In Evening’, at an assembly on Tuesday, the feedback from staff on how the pupils have settled in was presented to S1. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, although I have challenged S1 to try and cut down on the ‘chat’ in lessons, a concern raised by many staff. Also, Mr Hutchinson, Head of Modern Languages, introduced the European Week of Languages. During the week, pupils have been able to take part in various activities and games using a range of languages.

Also on Tuesday, 3 ‘Hibs’ players visited Knox to launch a new football league for youngsters with learning difficulties. The league competition is sponsored by Hibs FC and includes training opportunities as well as matches for the pupils involved. Good luck to the Knox team.

The Drama continues, as yesterday afternoon, the acclaimed Catherine Wheels Theatre Company returned to Knox. They performed ‘Hannah and Hanna’, the themes being refugees and immigration. Pupils in S3/4 studying Drama attended the performance and it was a very successful, thought-provoking afternoon that provided an opportunity for the pupils to see theatre being performed here at school and not using a 'theatre space'. It was quite an emotional piece ‘but with lots of laughs too’. The company said the pupils were an excellent audience.

Best wishes.

JB Craig