Last Friday, David Martin MEP, visited the Advanced Higher Business Management class. On his website, Mr Martin comments that he ‘was hugely impressed with the pupils’ wide-ranging knowledge of Europe and the perceptiveness of their questions. East Lothian's business is in good hands with such exceptional students and their mentor, Principal Teacher of Technology, Mr R Flood has taught them well indeed.’ He wished S6 pupils, Aileen McKnight, Christina Laing and Campbell Hastings the best of luck with their future studies.

On Monday, the school hosted a visit from Shona Robison MSP, Minister for Public Health and Sport. The visit was to mark the community sports hub initiative that aims to meet the sporting needs of the local community by maximising the opportunities and facilities available and linking schools with local clubs and support. The Minister viewed the facilities at Knox Academy and spoke with the Sports and Physical Activities Co-ordinator (Mr Lambert), members of the PE Department and pupils. Ms Robison seemed impressed by the range of activities on offer at the school (boxing, cheer-leading and yoga have been added to the programme recently) and could not resist taking a turn on the trampoline, impressing the pupils with her agility and enthusiasm. My thanks to the Minister for visiting us and to all staff and pupils, including the S6 Leadership Team, for making the visit such a success.

During the week, S4 Drama pupils have been completing their Standard Grade Practical examinations. These seem to have gone very well and I look forward to seeing the results in August. Yesterday evening, senior pupils studying Higher Drama, went to see ‘Small Town’ at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh. The trip was very successful, the pupils were excellent (‘as usual’ says Mr Campbell) and staff and pupils enjoyed the very funny play.

Parents/carers of pupils in S1: please note that due to a technical hitch (the reports gremlins are at it again), the S1 Progress Reports due to be issued on 30 March will be delayed. We hope to send the reports home as soon as possible and certainly before the end of term. Our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please take a look at the ‘Kidnapped’ mystery photograph competition (on the website), all staff are involved plus various visitors to the school and some identities are more obvious than others!

Best wishes,

JB Craig