November 2014

28 November 2014
Published: 28 November 2014

Last week ended on a bit of a high for me (but too late to put in my update) thanks to Anna Paterson and Rebecka Thorburn. They came to show me some work that they had been doing on World War One. It consisted of a book of letters, thoughts and diary entries that they had made up in the voice of a young soldier. They demonstrated a huge amount of empathy in their writing and the presentation of the book was impressive. I am heartened to know that there our pupils are capable of such fellow-feeling and respect for the sacrifice that many young me made for their country.

On Monday the senior pupils in Business Education, Moderns Studies and Economics hosted our annual Question Time event. It was a great success, being more interactive than in previous years thanks to a panel that gave thought provoking answers to the audience’s questions. I would like to thank the panel of Lev Crofts, Ms Brannigan, Ross Prentice, and Councillors John McMillan and Stuart Currie. The discussion was ably chaired by Saimah Uddin and Ruairidh Keiller. Thanks to the audience and staff who made the event happen. Councillor Currie summed it up in his Tweet: “Fab Question Time event . 1st Class questions, well chaired and lots of great questions on issues that really matter, too.”

I had great pleasure on Tuesday welcoming in a representative from the East Lothian Food Bank so that the S6 could present him with our fundraising cheque. The pupils managed to raise over £600 that has been split between the Food Bank and Children In Need. I couldn’t be prouder of the pupils for their support of good causes. On Wednesday we welcomed the S4 and their parents in for their Parents’ Evening. There was a really positive and purposeful atmosphere in the building, with parents and staff discussing how to get the best result possible for the pupils. It is this partnership that is at the heart of everything we do here and I’d like to thank parents for their support.

Finally, I have been asked to promote pupil vaccinations to you:

“Thanks to immunisation, diseases such as polio have disappeared in the UK. However, these diseases could come back as they are still seen in many countries throughout the world - which is why it’s so important to get your jabs. Although pupils were probably immunised against tetanus, diphtheria and polio as a child, and may have some protection, they still need a Teenage booster to complete their routine immunisations and give them longer-term protection. Likewise they need a booster dose of the MenC vaccine as a teenager to be protected from meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal group C bacteria. The booster dose increases protection against MenC and is given at the same time as the tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster. Likewise many teenagers have not had the two doses of the MMR vaccine required to ensure they are protected from Measles, Mumps and Rubella. The HPV vaccine, given to girls in S1 and S2, protects against cervical cancer. These vaccinations are provided in school by the NHS Lothian school nurse team. Pupils that are due to be vaccinated will receive a letter. Please ensure you read this and discuss vaccination with your youngster. Please return completed consent forms to the school. More information can be found at www.immunisationscotland.org.uk”

Have a good week.

S Ingham

 

21 November 2014
Published: 21 November 2014

The theme in the school, for the last couple of weeks, has really been community.

Last week the S6 managed to raise over £500, that is being split between Children in Need and the East Lothian Food Bank. Thanks to every one of you who donated, reminded pupils to wear their trainers, or helped your S6 son or daughter with their costumes.

This week, all the pupils have had assemblies about our annual Christmas Box Appeal. Each tutor group is asked to produce a decorated box filled with goodies for the elderly who live in Haddington. The theme this year is “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. We have suggested the sorts of things that should go in the boxes – mostly food items. If your son or daughter asks you for a food donation, could you please check that it’s in date? Also, sometimes pupils like to put in home baking – in order to conform to health and safety regulations, could you make sure that it is labelled with a “Use By” date and also has a list of the ingredients attached? We will be judging the boxes on Wednesday 17th December and distributing them to the local care homes and day centres later that day.

S5 pupils have been working hard on their Youth Philanthropy Initiative projects. It is a great opportunity for pupils to find out about local charities and do their bit to support them. Each pupil in S5 should be taking part and will be presenting to the rest of their class about their chosen charity. The grand final takes place at the school on the 10th December. The winning group wins a grant for their charity. It is a wonderful scheme whereby pupils can make a real difference in their community. Pupils have been out visiting their charities so that they can personalise their presentations and make them all the more hard-hitting. I look forward to hearing how they get on when I help to judge the final.

Senior musicians have been having their practical performance prelims this week. It has been delightful sitting in my office and hearing their hard work come to fruition. I know that all the S4 to S6 pupils are working hard at the minute, and if you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with your child’s Guidance Teacher.

On Monday we are hosting our annual “Question Time” Event. Senior pupils from Business Studies and Modern Studies have been busy preparing questions and inviting in panellists. I think that the debate will be lively. Good luck to all those involved.

On Wednesday we have the S4 Parents’ Consultation Evening that runs between 5pm and 7pm. I look forward to seeing parents and pupils at this important evening.

Have a good week.

S Ingham

14 November 2014
Published: 14 November 2014

I never really need an excuse to be proud of the pupils of Knox academy, but this week has provided me with a plethora of opportunities. On Sunday I was struck by the number of pupils from the school who were involved in the Remembrance Sunday events. Not only was the school officially represented by the Head Girl, Head Boy and their deputies in the parade, but numerous youngsters turned out in the uniformed organisations and along the route to support. Also, in S3 the pupils have been studying, and making presentations about, the First World War. A number of them had made replicas of trenches, which have been on display in the Library. It’s great to see so much attention to detail and pupils putting so much work into their creations. I was asked a long (along with other members of staff) to judge the trenches and our unanimous winners were Emily and Kate Wilson. Other pupils were highly commended and I would like to thank and congratulate all the pupils who took part in the project.

On Wednesday evening four of our pupils presented to the Haddington and Lammermuir Area Partnership Meeting about life for young people in the area. My, but they were impressive. They got the group to talk about issues of safety, opportunities, and transport (to name but a few). Their questions and observations were well considered and challenging. Everyone at the meeting commented on their positivity and creativity. So, well done to Hamish, Abbi, Emma and Lois.

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the performance of “Yellow Moon”. Whilst, it was a relatively short piece (only an hour long) it managed to pack in a huge number of issues: love, loss, anxiety, self-perception and much, much more. The acting was impressive and the staging cleverly done. Congratulations to all the company – actors and crew for an enjoyable evening. Special mention should go to Ms Whitfield and Ms Mackinnon for their hard work.

Yesterday saw the final meeting of the S2 Decipher-Assist Group. This group of pupils have been working with health and education representatives to help decrease smoking in school. We are the first secondary school in Scotland to take part in the programme that asks pupils to have conversations with their peers about health and healthy habits. This deceptively simple approach has garnered great results in other parts of the UK, so fingers crossed that it will lead to healthier pupils in our school.

Congratulations to all pupils who have taken part in sporting activities this week. We had girls dashing off to Netball, Rugby competitions, and swimmers doing what they do best – winning medals at the Haddington swimming championships – congratulations to Fraser Samuel, Brigid Hay, Andrew McKnight and Fiona Dickson.

The priority tickets for the Christmas Concert go on sale next week until the 28th November. These are for the family members of those performing. Once we have those tickets settled we can offer the rest for general sale. Make sure that you don’t miss out.

Lastly, apologies if you have been accosted today by S6 pupils decked out in all manner of costumes. It is our usual Children In Need extravaganza and the pupils, as ever, have embraced the opportunity for dressing up and raising money.

Have a good week.

S Ingham

7 November 2014
Published: 07 November 2014

On Monday I was delighted to welcome Mrs Allison to the school as our new Home Economics teacher. We are in the throes of sorting out her timetable, so please bear with us on this. However, it’s great to have her as part of our school community.

This week the Sports’ Ambassadors have been speaking at assemblies about their role in the school and their plans for events next week. We are having a focus on Health and Wellbeing that will culminate in “Sport Your Trainers” on Friday (coinciding nicely with Children In Need). Pupils are encouraged to bring in a donation of 50p (or more, if they like) and we will split the proceeds between Children In Need and the East Lothian Foodbank. I look forward to seeing the S6 fancy-dressed and the other pupils trainer-ed.

In other sporting news, I was delighted to hear that Nils Bleakley has been signed as a goalie for Berwick Rangers. I am really pleased for him and it is a testament to his hard work and resilience. Congratulations must also go to the S2 Girls’ Hockey team who beat Linlithgow 11-0 at the weekend. Onwards and upwards, ladies!

The Parent School Partnership met on Wednesday evening. The discussions ranged from how to get more information out to parents, to dress-down days. The next meeting is on the 3rd December and anyone who is interested is welcome to join us (6.15pm in Learning Support).

Four pupils in S4 (Hamish Hastie, Lois Finnie, Abbi Robertson, and Emma De Costa) have been working very hard with representatives from the Council and Community Learning and Development to gather ideas and information to feed into the work of the Local Area Partnership. They will be presenting to the next Partnership meeting on the 12th November here at Knox. I look forward to hearing their findings and their ideas, and know that they are going to be part of making Haddington a better place for all its residents.

Talking of next week…the Senior Drama Performance takes place nest Thursday at 7pm in the Hall. The play is entitled “Yellow Moon”. Tickets can be acquired through the Drama Department. See you there!

Have a good week.

S Ingham

7 November 2014
Published: 07 November 2014

On Monday I was delighted to welcome Mrs Allison to the school as our new Home Economics teacher. We are in the throes of sorting out her timetable, so please bear with us on this. However, it’s great to have her as part of our school community.

This week the Sports’ Ambassadors have been speaking at assemblies about their role in the school and their plans for events next week. We are having a focus on Health and Wellbeing that will culminate in “Sport Your Trainers” on Friday (coinciding nicely with Children In Need). Pupils are encouraged to bring in a donation of 50p (or more, if they like) and we will split the proceeds between Children In Need and the East Lothian Foodbank. I look forward to seeing the S6 fancy-dressed and the other pupils trainer-ed.
In other sporting news, I was delighted to hear that Nils Bleakley has been signed as a goalie for Berwick Rangers. I am really pleased for him and it is a testament to his hard work and resilience. Congratulations must also go to the S2 Girls’ Hockey team who beat Linlithgow 11-0 at the weekend. Onwards and upwards, ladies!
The Parent School Partnership met on Wednesday evening. The discussions ranged from how to get more information out to parents, to dress-down days. The next meeting is on the 3rd December and anyone who is interested is welcome to join us (6.15pm in Learning Support).
Four pupils in S4 (Hamish Hastie, Lois Finnie, Abbi Robertson, and Emma De Costa) have been working very hard with representatives from the Council and Community Learning and Development to gather ideas and information to feed into the work of the Local Area Partnership. They will be presenting to the next Partnership meeting on the 12th November here at Knox. I look forward to hearing their findings and their ideas, and know that they are going to be part of making Haddington a better place for all its residents.
Talking of next week…the Senior Drama Performance takes place nest Thursday at 7pm in the Hall. The play is entitled “Yellow Moon”. Tickets can be acquired through the Drama Department. See you there!
Have a good week.
S Ingham