Despite Mr Illingworth’s worst fears the timetable seems to be working pretty well.  A few pupils needed a bit of advice and to make some changes, but overall everyone seems happy.  After today we aren’t going to make any changes to youngsters’ timetables so as to give everyone the opportunity to settle down and see how things go.  There will be an opportunity to tweak things in August – especially for those senior pupils who need to change their courses in light of their exam results.

Congratulations go to Robin Bellamy (new S2) and Natalie Forrest (new S4) for being two of only fifteen pupils from across Scotland to be selected to work with the Scottish Government to develop policy on young people and smoking.  They seem completely undaunted at the prospect and I know that they will add a lot to the debate.  Not only do they get an opportunity to see how government works, but they will be influencing policy for young people in the years to come. 

Pupils still seem to be buzzing with the stories of Activities’ Week.  Everyone got back safe and sound and have managed to get their “work heads” back on.  There are still displays of pupils’ work in the school and some of their presentations were particularly interesting – rockets, creepy-crawlies, and sound were just a few that I saw.  I also have to thank Ruairidh Bruce and his “Film Group” for giving me a recommendation of 10 films to watch over the holidays.  Ruairidh and his friends organised their own package for Activities’ Week and I have to say they impressed staff with their maturity and the quality of their film reviews.
Last weekend saw the Haddington Festival Parade.  Knox Academy and local sports groups put together a float of such high quality that it won a prize.  Massive thanks go to our Sport and Physical Activities’ Coordinator, Mr Wands; Mrs Little from Support for Pupils; and Mr Milne from Art, who were the driving forces behind the decoration of the float, and also to the pupils who brought it to life.

Hopefully (keep your fingers crossed) we will be having Sports’ Day on Tuesday of next week.  All pupils will be out on the field (weather permitting) so please ensure that they bring sunscreen, plenty of water and some snacks.  All of these will be available on the day, but it’s always good to be prepared.  It would be great if they brought some spare change with them as one of the Duke of Edinburgh Award teams will be raising money for their expedition at the Sports’ Day.  If you’ve always fancied soaking someone it might be your lucky day!

One event that is not dependent on the weather is the Swimming Gala and that will be held next Thursday.  On Friday we will have the Leavers’ Ceremony in the Hall at 12.15pm.  It would be great to see as many of the Leavers as possible to say our official goodbye.  The ceremony only last for half an hour and the young people should arrive in Dress Code between 12.05 and 12.15pm.

Have a very good weekend.