Good afternoon

We have now reached half term and it has been a very busy one indeed, as you will know from my previous updates.  Staff and pupils have worked exceptionally hard this term especially with the addition of prelims for senior pupils and prelim marking for staff. Hopefully the holiday next week will allow everyone to recharge their batteries and return full of zest. 

Staffing

Nick Tait, the new Faculty Head of Technologies, started with us on Monday.

Gavin Boyle, Biology, will start on Monday 18th February.

Mrs Caroline Falconer (DHT) is embarking on a 23 month secondment as a Quality Improvement Officer with the South East Improvement.  Alice Clubb, Curriculum Leader of Maths was the successful candidate and we are currently agreeing a start date for her.

Interviews will take place for English on Tuesday 19th February. The interviews for part-time temporary guidance teacher will also take place on Tuesday 19th February.   This will be a job share with Mrs Wendy Doig, who returned this week part-time Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 

I have also advertised for full time positions in Modern Studies and PE.  These have gone out internally first (within East Lothian Council) and then externally thereafter if we do not appoint.

We are re-advertising for a part-time Home Economics teacher.

Squash

Dylan Pearman, S2, was playing at the Scottish Junior National Championships last weekend.  He had a bye in the first round but played 4 matches between Saturday and Sunday in the boys under 15 competition.  Dylan came 5th overall, which is fantastic considering he is 13 and only moved into this age category at the beginning of the season.  Well done Dylan!

Gymnastics

Two S2 pupils, Oakleigh Robertson and Amy Reid,  won the Scottish Gymnastics Team Gym Championships at Meadowmill on Sunday (Level 3 Youth – the highest possible youth level). A brilliant achievement!

PE Performance

PE staff have been taking up their weekends going to see various pupils playing their sports in league and cup fixtures as part of the certificated course the pupils are doing (one off performance assessment).  PE staff have been very impressed with all the talented sports performers we have in our midst!

Basketball

I was lucky enough to attend the Basketball Scottish Cup finals at the weekend to assess Lucy Lemmon in the Girls U18 cup.  It was a bit of a nail biting finish with seconds left on the clock and the score was tied – Lucy’s team stole the ball and drove up the court for a buzzer beater final 2 points.  Game finished West Lothian Wolves victorious 51-49!  Captain of the team is another of our pupils Molly McHugh who won MVP for the game.  Congratulations to the team but in particular to our Knox pupils Molly and Lucy! (Lana Borwick, PE)

Award Nomination

Angus Langlands, S5, has been nominated for the Skills and Learning/Community Champion for the forthcoming Scottish Disability Awards.  Nominations closed on Monday and we should hear the result in March.  Whether or not he wins the award his achievements are phenomenal.

For the past 18 months Angus has represented East Lothian in the Scottish Youth Parliament as well as speaking at government supported events promoting inclusion.

Angus has also volunteered in the local community and has been gardening as part of his Rural Skills course.  He has also been volunteering in the local charity shop.  Angus loves photography and takes many pictures just for fun and it is hoped over time these will form part of a Photography portfolio.  From what I hear, going into Haddington with Angus is like being with a celebrity!  He is known and liked wherever he goes.   We are very proud of Angus’ achievements at Knox Academy – a great ambassador for the school and a winner in his own right – award or not.

Museum of Flight - Engaging with Experience Project

Ross Combe, Education Officer, has written to us to say has been an absolute pleasure to work with all of the young people on this project.  It has been a great privilege to see how much each individual has developed in terms of their skill level and confidence.  They’ve all shown exemplary team working abilities too.  They are a real credit to you and to their school. 

It is great to get such positive feedback.

Dates for your diary:

February holiday – 11th–18th (Inclusive) for pupils (staff in-service Monday 18th February)

S2 Parents’ Evening – Tuesday 12th March – 5-7pm

Parent Council and AGM – Tuesday 19th March – 6.15-8pm (Library)

Easter holidays (staff and pupils the same) - Break up on Friday 5th April at 12.05pm and all resume at 8.44am on Tuesday 23rd April.

Have a good holiday week

Sue Cook