The week was off to a great start with the success of the school’s ‘Pride of East Lothian’ Young Enterprise Group at the annual ‘Young Enterprise Trade Fayre’ on 15 January. Competing against around 20 schools from the Lothian area, it was a great day for Knox, with 'Pride of East Lothian' winning awards for ‘Best Display Stand’ and ‘Best Sales and Marketing’ and being named ‘Overall Trade Fayre Winners’. Full details of the day are on the website, congratulations to all pupils involved.

This week, the theme of the assemblies has been ‘Being All You Can’ and used New Year resolutions as examples. The assemblies looked at the top ten resolutions and why people make them (and, so often, break them).

The Parent School Partnership (Parent Council) met on Wednesday evening and various issues and areas were discussed. The meeting began with a presentation from Ms B Skirrow, Business Manager, regarding the budget in the school. Minutes will be available on the Parents’ website.

During the week I visited all S5/6 classes in column D of the timetable. The themes were attitude to work and preparation for examinations. It is a pleasure to report that the vast majority of pupils were considered hard working by staff. In turn, the pupils assured me that they had been preparing hard for the prelims, time will tell. The prelims start next week and run until 4 February. Next week, the pupils have study leave, however, to assist pupils in making up any lost ground, pupils are encouraged to remain in school and a supervised study area will be available at all times. Also, pupils will be able to approach staff regarding specific concerns. I am sure you join me in wishing all the pupils every success in the prelim examinations.

Last night, was the S3 Parents/Carers Consultation Evening. This was very well attended and I hope parents found the discussions with teaching staff helpful and re-assuring.

I know many people were very disappointed that we decided to cancel the evening performance of the Christmas Concert. The afternoon performance was recorded and the audio recording is available to hear on the website (it sounds lovely). We hope to be able to share the film with you as soon as possible.

Best wishes,

JB Craig