The pace has not let up at the school.

This week the S4 prelims began with the Art, Hospitality and Music practicals. The prelims are a very valuable experience for the youngsters and helps them to prepare for the rigours of the exams in the summer.

There has been lots of activity on the drama front. On Tuesday, members of the National Theatre of Scotland provided a workshop for senior pupils studying drama. This was followed in the evening by a trip to the theatre to see the NTS production of 'The House of Bernarda Alba'. The pupils and staff reported that it was a great production and very emotional at the end. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the pupils studying Higher Drama performed their investigative drama pieces. I was lucky enough to catch the Thursday performances of the two groups performing their own plays on the theme of 'Conflict'. These were convincing performances from committed and talented pupils.

The weather has not been kind to the sporting fixtures, but last Friday, the under 16 Boys' Football team had a well earned victory away at West Calder (5-3).

On Wednesday, the School Council had a very successful training day. They spent the morning on a team building and community exercise gardening at St Mary's Pleasance. This proved to be hard work but a rewarding experience. In the afternoon the Council held a business and planning meeting. Thanks go to Miss Duff, Miss Bulloch and Mrs Fairbairn who not only organised the day but took part in the activities.

The Parent School Partnership (the Parent Council) met on Wednesday evening. The PSP is preparing for the AGM and an election to the council, information will be on the website and in the next Knox News.

I have been visiting the S2 English classes this week. The theme has been 'Homework'. Once again it is a pleasure to report that all classes were given a 'clean bill of health' regarding the quality of their homework and their reliability in meeting deadlines.

Finally, the school held Remembrance Day Assemblies yesterday afternoon (a little earlier than usual as the hall will be used for the prelims next week). The assemblies were organised by Depute Head Girl, Debbie Blair and Depute Head, Boy Peter Martin and all participants were from S6. The assemblies were very moving and all pupils stood in silence while the poppy wreath was placed on the school memorial by the Head Boy and Head Girl. The pupils have been so generous in donating to the 'Poppy Appeal' that we have had to request more collection cans and poppies to sell. Well done to everyone involved.

Best wishes,
JB Craig