As I had mentioned in a previous update, Fraser Samuel and Lucy Ballantyne were competing the in the finals of the Scottish Schools’ Swimming Championships last weekend. I am really pleased to announce that Fraser placed 12th overall in the 400m Freestyle, and Lucy got 20th place in the 100m Fly. These are fantastic results given the calibre of the athletes and the numbers of people competing, and give us an indication of great things to come from these two young people. I look forward to hearing about their future successes.

I am also delighted to announce that Stefan McGinley, who works principally in our Pupil Support Base, has been declared “Active East Lothian” inaugural “Volunteer of the Month”. As it says on their website: “The inaugural award was won by the amazing Stefan McGinley, who is a behaviour support worker at Knox Academy. Stefan has set up a hugely successful Self-Defence after school club, which has grown rapidly and is now regarded as one of the biggest clubs within Knox Academy. With around 20 participants every week, Stefan has managed to motivate and engage with a wide range of individuals and with his 8 years British Combat Association experience truly has succeeded. Over 50% of the regular participants are girls who began the class struggling in confidence and fitness levels. These girls have now grown into very fit, technically proficient and are increasingly confident in themselves and in leading others.” I would like to thank Stefan for all his hard work with the club, and would also like to acknowledge all the hard work that various volunteers do for us in the school – from coaching sport, to helping at events, to doing paired-reading, to being on committees like KASG and the Parent School Partnership. We could not manage without all of those people – staff, pupils, parents and friends who give up their time, and we probably don’t say “thank you” enough. Thank you!

The Guidance offices have been particularly busy this week with the commencement of the coursing process for our young people. It’s been great to hear them talking about what subjects they are going to take and what their hopes for the future are. I know that some parents have been concerned about a few subjects that we have chosen not to offer this year. Please rest assured that any decision that is taken about the curriculum is done after taking into account a number of factors, and done for very good reasons – any parent who is concerned should call to speak to their child’s head of house.

Next week, on Wednesday, we have the Parent School Partnership meeting – 6.15pm in the Library.

Also, please note that the school will shut for the February holiday on Friday, 12th February at 12.05pm. Staff will resume on the 22nd February for an In-Service Day, and pupils on the 23rd.

Have a good week.

S Ingham