There’s so much to tell you this week, so I’ll just get on with it. As you know, music plays a large part in the life of Knox Academy and I was delighted to hear of the following pupils’ success in cello over the last few months: Caitrin Aylward Grade 4 – 79% (merit); Jason Cowie Grade 2 - 85% (merit); Dillon Ball Grade 5 - 89% (distinction); Adam Wilson Grade 7 - 90% (distinction); Ronan Leslie Grade 8 - 87% (distinction). Congratulations to all of them for their hard work.

On Monday, I had the real pleasure of receiving a letter form the Modern Studies Association of Scotland, informing me that one of our pupils, Cailtin Wright, had garnered the highest mark in her Advance Higher Modern Studies paper in Scotland. This is no mean feat and it’s great when a pupil’s hard work is recognised.

Speaking of Advanced Higher, a group of Historians went on their customary trip to Stirling and its environs this week. Ms McPhee writes: “First stop was the Battle of Bannockburn centre where pupils were given the opportunity to study some contemporary accounts of the battle. This led to a discussion surrounding the problems with using these conflicting pieces of evidence to piece together the events of the battle. The group then got transported back into the battle itself and were given a chance to prepare themselves to lead their own armies in the fight. Despite the bravery shown by Lucy and her fellow Scots the English army did, in fact, win the 2015 battle by killing King Robert the Bruce. Having re written history, the group were then shown how the real battle played out before being taken outside to examine the surrounding landscape which had a pivotal role in the events of midsummer 1314. From there it was a whistle stop tour of Cambuskenneth Abbey, Stirling Bridge and Stirling Castle, and of course a stop at Frankie and Benny’s for lunch. The pupils had an enjoyable day and were a credit to Knox Academy.”

Sport continues to go from strength to strength with some great results on the rugby pitch last weekend. Well done to all the players.

The Active Schools Extra Curricular Timetable is now up. There is something for everyone. Activities run before school, at lunchtime and after school, so come along and try something new!

Knox Academy Sports will be using Team App this year to communicate training and match arrangements. Both parents and players should access this! Rugby, hockey and football will be the first sports using the free system. Please visit https://www.teamapp.com Simply select the activities you or your child participate in: a. Knox Academy Rugby b. Knox Academy Hockey c. Knox Academy Football You will then be able to see and receive up to date fixture info, cancellation updates, training and match arrangements etc.

We are delighted to say that Knox Academy and Haddington Rugby Club have united their efforts and created ‘Haddington Rugby’. The aim of this new entity is to develop a strong, fun and vibrant rugby environment within the Haddington community that we can all benefit from. It has been made possible with a massive amount of work from everyone involved. A big thanks must also go out to everyone that has contributed financially HRFC, sponsors and the SRU. ‘Conference’ fixtures start this weekend.

The Knox team sport affiliation fee of £10 is now due for this year (for hockey, football, and netball only). The fee contributes to the cost of kit, equipment and coaching resources. One payment covers multiple sports so no need to pay more for multi-sport involvement. Payments should be made in the usual way.

Speaking of paying for things in the normal way (I’m getting quite good at this segueing into topics), we have introduced an online payment system for the school. Information is on this website – go to “News”, then “General News” and we posted about it on the 31st August. It’s the same system that you might have used to load money onto your child’s smart card via the council website, and is simple and secure.

We had a really good meeting of the PSP on Wednesday night (seats were rapidly running out). Thanks to everyone who came and gave their support and ideas. The first Knox Academy Support Group meeting of the year will be on Tuesday 8th September at 6.30 at school, in the Learning Support Room (L3). New members will be made most welcome. The next venture will be a Blingo Evening – it was very successful last year - on Thursday 8th October.

If you are concerned about internet safety and how you can help your child be safer online, the council is running an information session on Tuesday 29th September, 6.30pm-8.30pm, at John Muir House. If you’d like to join us, please let them know by emailing dramsay@eastlothian.gov.uk or call 01620 827108.

Finally, our volunteering fayre is well under way. Pupils are finding out about all the ways that they can be involved. Thanks to all the speakers and stallholders who came in to make this a success, and particular thanks to Mr Flood and Ms McBride for coordinating the event.

Next week we have the UCAS Information Evening for S6 pupils ad parents. It’s on Thursday and runs from 7.00pm until 8.30pm.

Have a very good week.

S Ingham