May 2021

HEAD TEACHER'S UPDATE 28 MAY 2021
Published: 28 May 2021

Parents/Carers Information

Arrangements for break and lunchtime

As Covid-19 guidelines relax a bit we would like to offer all year groups the opportunity to go out of the school grounds at lunchtime and support our local community. At breaktime pupils are asked to stay on campus.  At break and lunchtime pupils must eat their break and lunch outside unless wet, where we would ask them to go to their wet weather areas.  Our school quadrant will now be closed for access during breaks and lunches and pupils should go out to the playground areas or playing fields, which allow them to run around as they are not enclosed. The quadrant will only be used now for outdoor learning with classes or for special events.

Anti-social behaviour

Parents/carers should have received a copy of the letter on anti-social behaviour which was written by Lesley Brown, Executive Director of Children’s Services, and Neil Mitchell, Chief Inspector of Police. Please do take time to discuss this with your young person as it is absolutely vital that parents/carers and the school work exceptionally closely on the expectations of behaviour both in and out of school. Thank you. We will also be discussing these expectations in a series of assemblies with all pupils.

School Uniform - For the attention of Parents/Carers of new S5 and Senior pupils

This is an update to the uniform letter released in March 2021 regarding the uniform policy for the Seniors.

Due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and risk assessment in school, parents and carers of S5 pupils can order school blazers directly from Border Embroideries. This is a change from previous years where the company have come into school to do fittings. They provide an online service which includes a fitting guide (from experience sizes are as standard). Lapel badges for Blazers and ties will be available to buy from the school office.

The supply of uniforms/blazers that Miss Laudi and the Eco- Committee provide remains unchanged and there are a limited number of Blazers currently available.

 S4/S5/S6 Assessments/Leavers

Although the official leaving date, for our senior pupils who plan to leave us at the end of this year is Friday 4 June, their last day will essentially be the day of their last assessment. We would ask that each leaver collects a leaver’s form from the school office on this day for completion and hand this in at that time.  More detailed information for year groups is below:

S4 and S5 students who are leaving, and who have completed their assessments in all subjects may complete a leaving form at any stage up to the 4 June leaving date, will be removed from registers and no longer need to attend school. Those leaving forms must be signed by all class teachers, to confirm assessments are indeed finished.  Until pupils have formally left, they must continue to attend timetabled classes.

S4 and S5 students who are staying on next year must remain in all classes until 14 June, when the timetable changes.  

S6 students who have completed their assessments in all subjects may complete a leaving form and no longer attend school but we would like to invite them back to attend the event below.

S6 Leavers’ Event

This will be held at 12.30pm in the school’s quadrant (outdoors) and will be an Afternoon tea style event. All S6 are invited but must reply to the Leavers’ Committee so we know who is coming to ensure that we can have ‘table bubbles’ for trace purposes. We hope as many of our S6 will attend as possible so we can say a proper thank you and farewell to a marvellous year group.

Awards Evening

This will be held as a virtual awards evening near the end of September. More information will follow at the start of next term.

LFD Test Kits

If you wish your young person to receive a test kit please complete the e-consent form. Pupils over 16 can consent themselves but parents/carers must consent for those under 16 (before any testing kits can be handed out to this age group).

If a pupil tests positive using the LFD test kit, they and their family should self-isolate and the pupil should book a PCR test through the NHS. Other members of the household do not need to book a test unless they are symptomatic. Please also note that if a pupil receives a negative LFD test result, but has possible Covid symptoms, they should book a PCR test and remain at home until they have a negative PCR test result.

LFD test kits for parents/carers/households can now be ordered through NHS Inform if you do not have symptoms. Pupils who have consented should continue to pick these tests up from school. 

Asymptomatic Testing in East Lothian

If you are asymptomatic, you can also visit a mobile unit in East Lothian to be tested. 

COVID-19

Positive Cases: Please report positive cases to the school by phoning us on 01620-823387. Please also report any positive cases to covidinschools@eastlothian.gov.uk or if you do not have access to email, telephone 01875 613921.Thank you.

Please note: Please do not send them if they, or anyone in your household has tested positive or has Covid-19 symptoms – a new continuous cough; fever/high temperature; loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia). Please self-isolate and book a test.

Dates for you diary:

Monday 7 June - In-service day for staff (SQA) – Pupils’ holiday

Friday 25 June - End of term

Thank you for your continued support. Have a lovely weekend.

Sue Cook

Please also remember to follow us at: www.ka-net.org.uk for the latest information and updates

HEAD TEACHER'S UPDATE 21 MAY 2021
Published: 21 May 2021

On Monday 17 May we moved to Coronavirus Level 2 restrictions.  For us at school, there is no change to any of our health and safety measures at this time with the exception of Physical Education and Dance where outdoors contact and non-contact PE is permitted. Group and individual non-contact PE is also permitted indoors

Face-coverings are still required to be worn in classrooms, corridors and all social areas (unless exempt) and when eating/drinking. Pupils have been amazing wearing these but recently there has been an increase in them forgetting to bring their own (preferably material ones) and having to pick the single use face coverings up at the front door or school office (about 150/200 every day). Please can I ask you to encourage your young people to pack their face covering in their bag the night before, like they would with their school equipment. As an Eco School it is important that we promote the use of re-useable face coverings to save our environment rather than handing these out on a daily basis.  This Scottish Government has said that the wearing of face-coverings will be reviewed regularly.

A reminder that pupils are asked to have their break and lunch outdoors – which should be much easier this time with the warmer, drier weather. If it is wet, we have designated areas for pupils to go and all are aware of these arrangements. 

Staffing

We are delighted to have appointed Stuart Kemp as our new Science Technician. He will start on Monday 21 June 2021.

Parents/Carers Information

School Ethos

Generally relationships have been really strong and respectful since our young people have returned after Easter. There has been a slight increase in mobile phone use in classes and again, I would ask that parents/carers remind their young people that these should be out of sight during classes and in bags. Pupils should definitely be focusing on their face to face teaching and where technology is required, chromebooks will be provided.

Please can I also ask for parental support in regards to uniform.  Pupils are expected to wear school uniform to school every day (no hooded tops/leggings/ripped jeans) and to come to school smartly dressed. A uniform, whilst giving our young people a strong sense of identity with the school, also supports our approaches to inclusion and equity – the uniform being functional and less about being fashionable and expensive.  We understand that in the current climate that it may be difficult financially for some families to provide a uniform for their young person.  We have lots and lots of free uniform at the school, in all sizes, so please do get in touch with Miss Laudi or your young person’s Pupil Support Leader if you would like some. This approach to uniform also supports our Eco-school of re-use and recycle – so if you have uniform that is in great condition and your young person had grown out of, please also hand this in to the office so we can recycle this too. Thank you.

S4/S5/S6 Assessments/Leavers

Although the official leaving date, for our senior pupils who plan to leave us at the end of this year is Friday 4 June, their last day will essentially be the day of their last assessment. We would ask that each leaver collects a leaver’s form from the school office on this day for completion and hand this in at that time. We are currently trying to arrange an outside leavers’ celebration of some kind, particularly for those in S6, which will take place at 12.30, on Friday 4 June, in the quadrant area of the school. More information will follow very soon.

SQA Update – Senior Pupils

SQA released a new statement on Friday for staff, pupils and parents/carers about the National Qualifications. Please do take time to read it as it highlights the process involved in terms of how the school will come to the decision about provisional grades. 

Battle of the Bands

This is a competition run by the Music Department with S2 classes. They are involved in selecting a piece of pop music and tasked with recreating that in their own style, with all in the class being part of the final production of it. Due to Covid restrictions we cannot have a live performance as we would usually do, so all classes are being filmed in their bubbles and a group of judges will then watch these performances and agree a winner. The winning class will feature in our virtual Summer Concert. 

Anti-social behaviour

Parents/carers should have received a copy of the letter on anti-social behaviour written by Lesley Brown, Executive Director of Children’s Services, and Neil Mitchell, Chief Inspector of Police. Please do take time to discuss this with your young person. Thank you.

LFD Test Kits

If you wish your young person to receive a test kit please complete the e-consent form. Pupils over 16 can consent themselves but parents/carers must consent for those under 16 (before any testing kits can be handed out to this age group).

If a pupil tests positive using the LFD test kit, they and their family should self-isolate and the pupil should book a PCR test through the NHS. Other members of the household do not need to book a test unless they are symptomatic. Please also note that if a pupil receives a negative LFD test result, but has possible Covid symptoms, they should book a PCR test and remain at home until they have a negative PCR test result.

LFD test kits for parents/carers/households can now be ordered through NHS Inform if you do not have symptoms. Pupils who have consented should continue to pick these tests up from school. 

Asymptomatic Testing in East Lothian

If you are asymptomatic you can also visit a mobile unit in East Lothian to be tested. 

COVID-19

Positive Cases: Please report positive cases to the school by phoning us on 01620 823387. Please also report any positive cases to covidinschools@eastlothian.gov.uk or if you do not have access to email, telephone 01875 613921.Thank you.

Please note: Please do not send them if they, or anyone in your household has tested positive or has Covid-19 symptoms – a new continuous cough; fever/high temperature; loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia). Please self-isolate and book a test.

Dates for you diary:

Monday 24 May - Pupils’ holiday (staff in-service)

Tuesday 25 May - In-service day for staff (SQA) – Pupils’ holiday

Monday 7 June - In-service day for staff (SQA) – Pupils’ holiday

Friday 25 June - End of term

Thank you for your continued support. Have a lovely weekend.

Sue Cook

Please also remember to follow us at: www.ka-net.org.uk for the latest information and updates

HEAD TEACHER'S UPDATE 14 MAY 2021
Published: 14 May 2021

It has been another busy week at the school for all of our young people but particularly for those in S4-S6 who are in week two of their assessment diet. Many of our sports clubs have resumed, as have face to face music lessons for most of our pupils, so it definitely feels as though life is resuming a greater level of normality.

This week is also Mental Health Awareness week, with the focus on linking with nature to help us relax and de-stress.  We have held a series of assemblies for all year groups on this and given ideas for consideration to support their mental health and wellbeing, along with information on who to contact should they require support.

On Monday 17 May we will move to Coronavirus Level 2 restrictions.  For us at school, there will be no change to any of our health and safety measures at this time. We are following current guidelines and once there is any revision of these, we will put any new guidelines in to place and let parents/carers and pupils know these. Thank you for continuing to support all of our mitigations. 

Staffing

Hannah McBride goes on maternity leave today. I would like to wish her well on behalf of all at Knox Academy and we will look forward to an update very soon.

Parents/Carers Information

SQA Update

SQA released a statement on Monday in relation to disruption to young people’s learning during the pandemic and giving information about how evidence is being gathered to come to decisions about provisional grades.

Attendance

There is a very strong correlation between high levels of attendance and attainment and achievement. High levels of attendance ensures young people have the opportunity to achieve their potential through maximizing their learning experiences at school – both in class time and in terms of participation in the many curricular activities we offer.

Our recently updated Attendance Policy outlines the steps we take to monitor attendance and the responsibilities we all have to ensure our young people attend school on a regular basis to ensure they attain their best.  You can inform the school of any absence by either calling the school or emailing attendance@knox.elcschool.org.uk.

If you receive a message from the school at any point in the day to say your child is absent or missing from class please contact the school as soon as possible. Thank you.

S4-S6 Leavers

Please could parents/carers remind their young people to return school library books to either the school library or Haddington Library before the end of term? If anyone is unsure if they still have library books, please get in touch with Ms Fry, our School Librarian. Thank you.

Football is back!

Diversionary Saturday night football is back from 15th May so please encourage your young people to go along to this free opportunity.

Details are:  

Open Football (Under 18s)

Starts: Saturday 15th May

Time: 19:00 – 21:00

Venue: 3G Whittingehame Drive

Cost: Free

All Welcome!

(By Paul Huish)

LFD Test Kits

If you wish your young person to receive a test kit please complete the e-consent form. Pupils over 16 can consent themselves but parents/carers must consent for those under 16 (before any testing kits can be handed out to this age group).

If a pupil tests positive using the LFD test kit, they and their family should self-isolate and the pupil should book a PCR test through the NHS. Other members of the household do not need to book a test unless they are symptomatic. Please also note that if a pupil receives a negative LFD test result, but has possible Covid symptoms, they should book a PCR test and remain at home until they have a negative PCR test result.

LFD test kits for parents/carers/households can now be ordered through NHS Inform if you do not have symptoms. Pupils who have consented should continue to pick these tests up from school. 

COVID-19

Positive Cases: Please report positive cases to the school by phoning us on 01620-823387. Please also report any positive cases to covidinschools@eastlothian.gov.uk or if you do not have access to email, telephone 01875 613921.Thank you.

Please note: Please do not send them if they, or anyone in your household has tested positive or has Covid-19 symptoms – a new continuous cough; fever/high temperature; loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia). Please self-isolate and book a test.

Dates for you diary:

Monday 24 May               Pupils’ holiday (staff in-service)

Tuesday 25 May               In-service day for staff (SQA) – Pupils’ holiday

Monday 7 June                 In-service day for staff (SQA) – Pupils’ holiday

Friday 25 June                  End of term

Sue Cook

Please also remember to follow us at: www.ka-net.org.uk for the latest information and updates

HEAD TEACHER'S UPDATE 7 MAY 2021
Published: 07 May 2021

S4-S6 Assessments

Our assessment timetable has gone smoothly to date, with pupils completing assessment one in many subjects by the end of this week. Our busiest day this week was Wednesday, with some pupils completing assessments in both early and late morning, but this seemed to go smoothly. Other days this week were a little quieter, with only one assessment slot. Feedback from Curricular Leaders is positive, with most pupils coping very well and feeling a little calmer now that the process has started.

Next week there is one small amendment to our assessment timetable on Friday 14th May. All pupils completing N3/4/5 English assessments will now do so during Period 2 only (not Period 2 and 4 as stated in the timetable) and for those who require extra time, this will run into morning break. For those pupils doing English, who would normally attend Core PE at this time, their English teacher will inform them of the classroom they should attend to complete the assessment during Period 2, rather than attending Core PE. This will mean that all pupils will complete the assessment at the same time and there will be no requirement to run onto period 4. We hope this is supportive for all involved. This does mean that pupils will only be completing a maximum of two assessments next Friday, rather than what looked like 3 – a little less daunting! All details will be clearly outlined to pupils in advance.

The model SQA has set out this year allows us to be as aspirational as we possibly can with supporting our pupils to achieve the best they can through the gathering of demonstrated attainment through their assessments. This means that pupils are currently being presented at the highest level possible to give them the opportunity to achieve this. If any changes are required to presentation levels following these assessments, this will be discussed with pupils and parents/carers.

New Timetable

It has been agreed that all East Lothian schools will change to their new timetable on Monday 14 June.  S6 will leave school on 4 June, as will those young people who have elected to do so in S4 (must be 16 by September 30) and S5. We will be working with all our leavers to support them in to a positive destination. Support is also available from our Chris Trotter, our Skills Development Scotland adviser at the school.

Coursing

As always with the new Timetable we are doing our very best to accommodate as many of the pupils’ first choices as possible but it is not possible to do this 100%.

Pupils will receive an email next week confirming which subjects they are being entered for. Any changes from their original first choices involve the reserve subjects that they identified when making their choices.

If there are any issues with the courses or levels, pupils should speak to their Pupil Support Leader in the first instance. Please bear in mind that making a request for a change is no guarantee that it will be possible.

Meadowpark

Summer term reports will be issued to all pupils on the 4th June.

All pupils have now returned to school, with school now finishing at 3.25pm

Emails

If you haven’t already given us your email address (which is our main method for correspondence) please can you send this to admin@knox.elcschool.org.uk – this will ensure all information reaches you.  Our website details most of our information but it is good to be able to email parents/carers with more personalised/specific information at times too. 

Twitter

Please can I encourage parents/carers to sign up to our Twitter pages, which feature all the events happening at the school on a day to day basis and also features lots of employment opportunities that advertise. Twitter is easy to set up and well worth doing as has lots of excellent links for parents beyond the school too. The Twitter Twitter_logo_blue[1]  accounts are .  Most of our subject departments have accounts too and post some useful work for our young peopls or links for them to explore. It would be great to have as many parents/carers following us as possible.

LFD Test Kits

If you wish your young person to receive a test kit please complete the e-consent form. Pupils over 16 can consent themselves but parents/carers must consent for those under 16 (before any testing kits can be handed out to this age group).

If a pupil tests positive using the LFD test kit, they and their family should self-isolate and the pupil should book a PCR test through the NHS. Other members of the household do not need to book a test unless they are symptomatic. Please also note that if a pupil receives a negative LFD test result, but has possible Covid symptoms, they should book a PCR test and remain at home until they have a negative PCR test result.

LFD test kits for parents/carers/households can now be ordered through NHS Inform if you do not have symptoms. Pupils who have consented should continue to pick these tests up from school. 

Roll out of future LFD test kits - Pupils can pick up kits as follows:

S1/S2                                  Mondays

S3                                        Tuesdays

S4                                        Wednesdays

S5/S6                                  Thursdays

All year groups                  Friday mornings

Any pupil can also access kits from the office as before, as can staff members. Current guidance is x2 kits per each collection.

Although participation is voluntary it is recommended as it is helps support our safe return to school and keeps our families/community safe too.

COVID-19

Positive Cases: Please report positive cases to the school by phoning us on 01620-823387. Please also report any positive cases to covidinschools@eastlothian.gov.uk or if you do not have access to email, telephone 01875 613921.Thank you.

Please note: Please do not send your young person to school if they, or anyone in your household has tested positive or has Covid-19 symptoms – a new continuous cough; fever/high temperature; loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia). Please self-isolate and book a test.

Dates for you diary:

Monday 24 May               Pupils’ holiday (staff in-service)

Tuesday 25 May               In-service day for staff (SQA) – Pupils’ holiday

Monday 7 June                 In-service day for staff (SQA) – Pupils’ holiday

Friday 25 June                  End of term

Have a lovely weekend.

Sue Cook

Please also remember to follow us at: www.ka-net.org.uk for the latest information and updates