Last weekend a bunch of intrepid pupils and staff travelled south to Manchester for a football trip.  They had a tour of Manchester City’s ground and then attended the Manchester United versus Stoke City match.  The match was apparently close fought and everyone got into the spirit of it. The staff were proud of how the pupils conducted themselves and, while it was an exhausting day it was well worth it.

On Tuesday we had a packed Hall for the P7 Open Evening.  It was great to see everyone and get a sense of the excitement that the primary youngsters already have about coming up to Knox.  As I said on the evening – there is no such thing as a daft question and primary parents should not hesitate to get into contact if there’s anything we can do to assist.  If they do not live in the catchment area for the school and they want their youngster to come here, parents need to remember to contact the council to make an “Out of Catchment Placing Request”.  Details can be found here.  Any questions about transition should be directed towards Mr Simpson (Depute Head Teacher).

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of welcoming a party of Norwegian Librarians to the school.  They had a mix of school and public library experience and were looking at how East Lothian runs its library service.  They were very impressed with the pupils who were using our library at the time, but expressed some surprise that not every pupil has a designated PC in the building.  If only…However there will be a school-wide WiFi  network available at Knox in the new year, so maybe the opportunity for a device per pupil will be achievable in the near future.

The PSP meeting on Wednesday was well attended.  Our Business Manager (Ms Skirrow) gave an illuminating and impressive insight into the school budget and the Head Boy and Girl introduced themselves to gathered parents.  Thanks to everyone who attended, but special thanks must go Ms Skirrow for her presentation and to our Head Girl (Gemma) for coming to a PSP meeting on her birthday.  Our Head Boy (Mark) also had reason to celebrate having been a member of our U18 Rugby Squad who had just beaten Dunbar Grammar 55-33 to get into the final of the Brewin-Dolphin Plate.  We await news of who else is in the final and wish the team all the very best.

On a sadder note I have been made aware of some thefts of money that have occurred from the PE Changing Rooms.  Whilst we investigate every single one of these incidents we can’t guarantee to apprehend the person responsible.  When they register in PE all the pupils are reminded to give their valuables to their teacher for safe keeping.  Pupils should never leave money, jewellery or mobile ‘phones in the changing rooms.  As Head Teacher it always disappoints me when members of our community show disrespect to others, and taking things that you have no right to is the ultimate disrespect.

Next week sees the much-anticipated production of Tally’s Blood.  It’s on the 7th November at 7 pm (easy to remember) and tickets cost £3 for children and £5 for adults. Please come along to support the pupils and the Drama Department.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Have a very fine weekend.
S Ingham