The focus of the week here at Knox has been the annual extravaganza known as “Activities’ Week”. 

Pupils from S1 to S3 have been out and about (some in foreign climes) experiencing learning outside the normal classroom experience.  Pupils have been engaged in various activities and visits and, thank fully, the weather seems to have held up for the most part.

S1 pupils had a series of visits to places within “coach” distance – Dynamic Earth, Bonally etc.  On one of their days they completed an enterprise challenge where they developed and marketed board games.  I judged the competition on Monday and I have to say the standard was exceptionally high.

S2 and S3 pupils had choices of school-based activities and trips as diverse as walking in the Cairngorms, to canoeing down the Ardeche.  As ever, being away from home and communal living 24/7 with people who aren’t your family have caused some people to have a “wobble”, but that’s all part of the learning experience.  I’ve been keeping an eye on the school’s Twitter Feed and the photos that people have posted, and the texts that we have received, lead me to believe that people have been having a ball.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff who have organised activities, especially Mr Taylor and Mrs Weir who have been coordinating it all.  It is a mammoth task ensuring that the best part of 400 pupils has a good week.

The new S5 pupils came in to school today to collect their timetables and sort out any issues with their choices.  Hopefully that will mean that they will hit the ground running on Monday and get straight into their courses.  June is the time to sort out teething problems and glitches, so pupils should not worry if things aren't perfect right from the get-go.  If pupils have concerns they should see their Guidance Teacher or Head of House in the first instance.

The timetable changes for everyone on Monday – how the time has flown.  So, unless youngsters have an exam on Monday, I expect to see all pupils back in school at 8.44am, in full and proper Dress Code, ready to get on with work.

Have a good week.
S Ingham