Apologies for the “radio silence” over the last week – circumstances beyond my control, I’m afraid.
The last two weeks have been jam-packed with events and happenings, and there looks to be no let-up for next week as well. We have had visitors from the Ministry of Education in Singapore. They visited the PE Department specifically and were looking at how we planned for and assessed pupils in PE. Given Singapore’s standing in the league tables of education it was quite an honour that they felt that they might have something to learn from us. Carrying on with the sporting theme the football match against the Forth One Allstars on the 14th March was great. Thanks to everyone who turned out on a particularly cold evening to support the Knox Academy team. It looks like we have raised well over £1000 for the Cash For Kids charity.
If you are an S3 parent, please encourage your youngster to apply to be an S3 Prefect. The closing date for applications is the 22nd April and all that the pupils need to do is to present me with a letter of application. This can be the traditional handwritten letter, or a recording, a poem or a picture (as long as I can understand what the pupil is trying to get across). The pupils have a letter with further details that should be helpful in the application process.
The East Lothian Showcase Concert took place on the 19th March. Unfortunately I was not able to be there, but I know that Knox was strongly represented in almost all the groups. Thanks to all of the instructors and parents who have supported the youngsters in their musical endeavours. I am looking forward to our own Spring Concert next Wednesday (7pm) when I will be able to revel in the musical talents of our young people.
We had another productive Parent School Partnership meeting this week. Mr Plain, our Librarian, came along to talk to the group about all of the electronic access that there is to library resources. Please check out the Library page here on the website.
The S2 Information Evening on Tuesday was very well attended. Thanks to everyone for turning out. S2 pupils will be getting their reports and course booklets next week, and they should receive their appointment sheets for their Parents’ Evening very soon. The Parents’ Evening itself is on the 24th April.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind both parents and pupils that smoking in any form is not allowed on East Lothian Council property, and we do not tolerate smoking in and around the school in any case. This includes the use of e-cigarettes. These will be confiscated from pupils and parents informed. We are trying to play our part in ensuring that youngsters lead healthy lifestyles and would really appreciate everyone’s support in this matter.
We have had numerous successes over the last two weeks in the sporting arena with particular kudos going to the Rugby and Hockey Teams. Well done to all involved for their winning streaks (I’ve probably jinxed it now!). Please follow our Twitter feed for up-to-the-minute sporting news.
Finally, huge congratulations should go to all of our Young Enterprise competitors. We had two teams this year “Valu£ It” and “Teapots and Whatnots”. At the Young Enterprise Awards’ Evening on Tuesday, Valu£ It won Best ICT Director, Best Business Idea, Best HR Director, and came second in the Best Managing Director category. Teapots and Whatnots also got second place for Best Sales Director category. Thanks to all the pupils, staff and the Business Advisors. This is an excellent showing and everyone should be proud of their hard work and commitment – I certainly am.
Next Friday the school will close for the Easter Holidays at 12.05pm. Pupils in S4 to S6 are welcome to attend the Easter Revision programme that will take place each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the holidays. The school will reopen to all at the normal time on Tuesday 22nd April.
S Ingham
