June 2010

25 June 2010
Published: 25 June 2010

Last Friday we said the official farewell, at the Leavers’ Ceremony, to the pupils in S4 and S5 and, of course, all the S6 pupils who have now left Knox Academy. This was a low-key but very enjoyable event and after the ‘ceremony’, pupils and staff mingled and chatted over light refreshments.

There was more socialising in the evening at the Leavers’ Dance, held at the Edinburgh Carlton Hotel. The dance was a huge success and the hotel staff contacted the school to report that ‘Knox Academy are the best behaved, most polite students we have had and it was a delight to have you in house’. Congratulations to everyone involved in organising the event.

On Wednesday, the school’s Amnesty International Group took part in the national ‘Amnestea’ event. Tea and cakes were available to purchase and at the last count over £130 was raised to support Amnesty’s work for human rights.

This has been Campaigning Week and today all pupils have the opportunity to vote for house/year members of the School Council.  In addition, staff and S5/6 pupils vote for the House Heads. Following yesterday’s hustings, staff and S6 pupils vote for the S6 Leadership Team. The school is adorned with election posters and East Lothian Council has supplied voting booths and ballot boxes. The results will be announced next week. Many thanks to all the candidates for taking part and Ms Bulloch, Mr Illingworth, Ms Duff and their team for organising the elections.

Calendar change: the Scottish Government has allocated 2 additional in-service days for staff to develop the Curriculum for Excellence. East Lothian has identified Wednesday 18 August as one additional in-service day. Therefore, pupils will resume school after the summer holiday on Thursday 19 August 2010. East Lothian has proposed Tuesday 26 October as the second additional in-service day. Currently this is a provisional arrangement and will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Best wishes,
JB Craig

 

18 June 2010
Published: 18 June 2010

The P7 Parents’ Evening on Monday was a very busy event. Hopefully, the information provided on dress code, lunch arrangements and curriculum and guidance structures proved useful for the parents and re-assured them about their youngsters’ move to Knox Academy.

On Tuesday and Wednesday we hosted a 2-day visit from the P7 pupils who will be joining us as S1 pupils in August. As well as following part of their timetable, the youngsters took part in various activities including guitar hero, literacy tasks, sports and lunchtime clubs. The ‘new’ S6 pupils provided excellent support and will continue to do so in August.

Yesterday was School Sports Day and the weather was lovely. As well as the athletics finals, all pupils were invited to take part in a variety of events, including the ‘Welly Wang’, Beat the Goalie, hula-hoop and putting. An enjoyable and successful morning, congratulations to all involved and many thanks to the PE staff and Mr Couper for organising the event.

Today we say the official farewell, at the Leavers’ Ceremony, to the pupils in S4 and S5 who are leaving the school and, of course, all the S6 pupils who are moving on to pastures new. On behalf of Knox Academy I would like to wish them health and happiness in all their endeavours.

Calendar change: the Scottish Government has allocated an additional in-service day for staff to develop the Curriculum for Excellence. East Lothian has identified Wednesday 18 August as this additional in-service day. Therefore, pupils will resume school after the summer holiday on Thursday 19 August 2010.

Best wishes,
JB Craig

 

11 June 2010
Published: 11 June 2010

The end SQA diet of examinations has now been completed and it was a great pleasure to see the new S6 pupils at Assembly on Tuesday at the start of their Induction Morning. The morning included sessions on personal finance, information on the election process for the Leadership Group and dancing. Many thanks to all staff involved, in particular Mrs Garwood, who co-ordinated the event.

Today, after a delay, the new timetable has started. So far so good………

Next week we will be hosting a 2-day visit from the P7 youngsters who will be joining us as S1 pupils in August. A busy and fun packed time is planned.

Following an extensive programme of athletics heats, next Thursday we hope to hold the School Sports Day, so fingers crossed for good weather.

Calendar change: the Scottish Government has allocated an addition in-service day for staff to develop the Curriculum for Excellence. East Lothian has identified Wednesday 18 August as this additional in-service day. Therefore, pupils will resume school after the summer holiday on Thursday 19 August 2010.

Best wishes,
JB Craig

4 June 2010
Published: 04 June 2010

Congratulations to Ben Nisbet and his KMPS team on their success in the ‘Little and Large’ Cooking Competition held last Thursday.

On Monday, we hosted a visit from 6 Czech teachers from Pardubice. They said they had enjoyed the visit and had found all aspects of the school very interesting. They toured the school and commented how well behaved and charming the pupils were.

As we approach the end of the SQA diet of examinations, it was a great pleasure to see the new S5 pupils at Assembly on Tuesday at the start of their Induction Day. The day included sessions on NABs (assessments), information on further education and the trying on of blazers. Many thanks to all staff involved, in particular Mrs Garwood, who co-ordinated the event.

On Wednesday evening, the Parent School Partnership held it’s last meeting of the session. Also on Wednesday, the traditional KASG Duck Race was held. The school is very appreciative of the support offered by the PSP and KASG.

Yesterday (Thursday) a team from Chocolate Films visited the school to film interviews and presentations on Holocaust Memorial Day. Pupils involved included the Head boy, Head girl and 3 pupils in S1 and Mr Campbell was interviewed. This will form part of the HMD 2011 film that will be distributed widely to schools and other organisations. Knox is the only secondary school involved and the filming team congratulated the pupils on their contributions (‘such articulate youngsters’). Well done to all concerned.

Due to various complications, we have had to delay the start of the new timetable until next week. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly.

Calendar change: the Scottish Government has allocated an addition in-service day for staff to develop the Curriculum for Excellence. East Lothian has identified Wednesday 18 August as this additional in-service day. Therefore, pupils will resume school after the summer holiday on Thursday 19 August 2010.

Best wishes,
JB Craig