It’s been another full-on week at Knox Academy.

On Wednesday we had the final of this year’s Youth Philanthropy Initiative with the S5. We had six groups presenting on behalf of local charities: Anti Bullying East Lothian; North Berwick Beach Wheelchairs; Kid Zone; The Trussell Trust; East Lothian Special Needs Play Scheme; and New Horizons. Every group had visited their charities and were able to give a really personal account of the sterling work that they do. The final was judged on the quality of the pupils’ presentations and they made it really difficult. At this point I would like to thank Councillor John McMillan, our Head Prefect, Harry Bowles, a previous winner of the final, Natalie Forrest, and Max Sykes from Canon UK for being fellow judges. Eventually, after much wrangling, we decided that the group representing New Horizons had just edged it. Hannah Paxton, Eilidh Watt, Claire Thomson, and Lucy Hargreaves had given a compelling account of the work that this charity does to alleviate homelessness for young people in Haddington. New Horizons will receive a cheque for £3000 thanks to the girls’ efforts. The representative from YPI Scotland, Linda Kirkwood wrote to me saying, “Knox teams just go on getting better and better and it was such a joy to hear their care and passion as well as their high level of skill and commitment. They are indeed a credit to their school and community.” I don’t think I could have put it better myself.

On Thursday we decided to run the House Challenge that was postponed from October. So, during period 6, pupils were engaged in different activities that would gain their House points. I’m still in the process of collating the results, but these points, along with those for the various Christmas Boxes will make a big difference in the Inter-House competition.

Thursday night saw the Snowball Dance. The pupils looked stunning, having gone all-out in the finery-stakes. Thanks go to Mrs Ball and the parents who supported us by manning the tuck shop, looking after the cloakrooms and donating prizes. I must also thank the large number of staff who attended in order to look after the pupils and keep order.

Next week will be very busy. The Christmas Boxes are due to be judged on the 15th December (Tuesday) and there are the two Christmas Concerts on Wednesday (2pm and 7pm). On Friday we have our Christmas Jumper Day, along with the S6 Pantomime, House Ceilidhs and the Twelve Days of Christmas, before we finish at 12.05pm. I’m exhausted just thinking about it!

Have a lovely week.

S Ingham