This week assemblies have been about remembering all the positive things that go on at Knox. I find that we can often get bogged down in the “bad news” stories and we forget the huge number of things that we have going for ourselves as a school: charity fundraising; 93% of pupils reaching positive destinations when they leave; extra-curricular opportunities; sporting and musical success etc. etc. The school is going form strength to strength and it’s thanks to the hard work of staff, pupils, and parents that we continue to move forward.
Talking of good new and success: Our S1 girls’ hockey team won the East Lothian Hockey Tournament on Friday. The played 7 matches and won all of them. It’s the 1st time for a long time that any school at any age group has knocked North Berwick off the top of the table. It should also be noted that the S2's placed 2nd in their event the week before. Our Team comprised of: Isla Booth, Mairi Dewar, Catriona Dee, Eve McBain, Catriona Wrinn, Ingrid Clark, Emma Dickson, Jenny Vischer, and Sophie Charbonnier, and was ably coached by a combination of senior pupils, parent helpers, and Ms Stobie. Congratulations to all involved!
Wednesdy morning saw the PE Department welcome the P7s from our associated primary schools. The event was part of our transion process. By all accounts everyone had a fine time. Special thanks go to the senior pupils and School of Rugby pupils who helped organise the activities and kept everything running smoothly.
On Wednesday evening the cream of East Lothian’s musical talent performed at the annual Showcase Concert (or, as I think of it: the warm up to the Knox Academy Spring Concert!) As usual, Knox Academy was well represented and all the pupils played marvellously. Thanks to the staff, pupils and parents who made it happen.
Yesterday, we had the short-leet interviews for the permanent DHT’s post – I am delighted to say that we have preferred candidate and are awaiting the completion of references and discolusre. Also the S3 had their Diphtheria and Tetanus immunisations. The nurses have asked me to pass on their thanks for how well behaved and positive the pupils were.
Today I had the pleasure of visiting various classrooms where they were watching the solar eclipse. Of particular mention is the effort of the school’s “Da Vinci” Club who transformed part of the Biology corridor into a set of pinhole cameras. It was great to see all these pupils actively involved in their learning.
The Scottish Government is currently consulting on detailed guidance that supports parts of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. This Act is a new law that will give children, young people and their families extra support and will encourage everyone to talk about children’s wellbeing using the same words. The consultation on the guidance is due to run until 1 May, 2015. It is mainly aimed at the people who support your child – including parents’ organisations – but individual parents are welcome to get involved if they wish. You can take part in the consultation via this link: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/02/1851
Next Tuesday there is the S2 Parents’ Consultation Evening and on Wednesday we have the Parent School Partnership at 6.15pm. I’m looking forward to catching up with parents at these events.
Have a very good week.
S Ingham
