The week was off to a good start following the success of the S2 pupils who took part in the East Lothian Secondary Orienteering Competition last Friday. The Knox team of 20 pupils emerged as the East Lothian Champions. Thanks to Ms Jeffrey who organised the team and well done and congratulations to all involved.

During the week we received news about success in a music competition. Supported by Ms Brown, a Knox team entered the first competition for schools run by the Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society. The judges were impressed by the standard of all of the entries and after an anonymous judging session, Knox Academy was chosen by the judges as the runner-up in both of the individual categories (Solo/Small Ensemble and Chorus). For being runners-up the school has been awarded £150 and qualifies for five free tickets to the next G&S production ("Iolanthe"). Congratulations to all involved on an excellent submission.

More sporting success on Wednesday at the East Lothian Cross Country competition: the S2 girls’ team finished in second place (4 Knox pupils finished in the top 10) and the S3 girls’ team won their event. Congratulations to both teams and a special well done to S3 pupils Bethan McGregor who won the race and Sally Birrell who finished in third place.

The Parent School Partnership (Parent Council) met on Wednesday evening and the minutes will be available on the Parents’ website. Items discussed included the website and the Management Structure Review.

This week I visited all S2 classes and Mr Illingworth visited all S4 classes. The theme of the week was ‘Attitude to Work’. Most classes and the majority of pupils are working hard. However, some pupils do need to stop the chatting and work harder; needless to say, we will be monitoring them closely.

Best wishes

JB Craig