This week we have run a series of assemblies to welcome our young people back and to ensure all know our high expectations at the school which create the climate and ethos to allow everyone to flourish. Staff have noted an improvement to our climate for learning in classrooms with the restrictions on mobile phones – allowing pupils to be more focused and to engage with one another – testament to the pupils also making this work. Thank you also to parents/carers for your support of this as we know many of you have had conversations with your young people at home about this and are as keen for this to work as we are. If you are interested to find out more about this area, the recent article about UNESCO is very well worth reading.
Staffing (new)
Acting Business Manager Post – Frances Forrest will be acting up in this position until further notice.
We are also advertising a Grade 6 Senior Business Administration position.
Parents’ and Pupils’ Information
Flu Vaccinations
Pupils’ vaccination letters were issued this week. These should be returned to the school before Friday 1 September, as NHS will uplift these on Monday 4 September. The date for all Flu vaccines is Monday 25 September.
Clothing Grants and Free School Meals
The thresholds have changed as of April for Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants. Paper application forms are available from our school office for those parents/carers who are unable to complete online ones and the school office can then assist in emailing these for you freeschoolmeals@eastlothian.gov.uk
S3-S6 Volunteering Fayre
Our annual Volunteering Fayre will take place on Friday 8 September. Local and wider businesses will attend on this day and set up stalls and S3-S6 will be given a time slot to visit these companies to explore volunteering opportunities with them.
Edinburgh Book Festival
The English Department ran two very successful trips to the Edinburgh Book Festival this week. Having such an amazing festival on our doorstep meant that over 60 s2/3’s were lucky enough to listen to a host of inspiring authors including Nikesh Shukla, William Hussey and Amara Sage. The pupils were brilliant ambassadors for Knox Academy behaving impeccably and asking interesting questions. Many were lucky enough to get their free books signed by the writers themselves! The S2’s then went on to explore the National Museum of Scotland before returning back to school exhausted but energised. Look out for Theatre trips in the future, where the texts we study in class come alive on the stage! I would like extend a huge thank you to the staff for organising this trip.
Edinburgh Fringe
The Drama Department was very fortunate to welcome Sylvester Magqabaza yesterday. Sylvester is a successful theatre director and performer and joined the department fresh from his show at the Edinburgh Fringe. He ran an inspirational, educational and energetic workshop on South African music and culture. Thank you to Mrs Fry (Librarian) for organising Sylvester to attend the school and to Ms Colquhoun for working with him and the Drama classes to make it a memorable experience for all involved.
Pupils’ Achievements
Success Stories
Athletics
Congratulations to Aoife Swan-Ashe who came 2nd in the U15 girls 300m at the National Age Group Championships in Aberdeen last weekend.
Karate
Following nine years of hard work and a lot of training, Bella Gold has achieved her black belt in karate. A huge congratulations to her.
Ice Hockey
Maya Low (S6) has been selected, through a rigorous process, to play for Whitely Bay Beacons Women’s Ice Hockey team who play in the elite league. This is a massive achievement and we wish Maya all the very best for her future in the team.
If you have any success stories about your young person please send these in to our admin@knox.elc.school.org so we can share these with everyone in our school and community. Thank you.
Support
Please do not hesitate to contact our Pupil Support Team by emailing your young person’s House Team if you would like to discuss any support for your young person or to arrange an appointment to come in to speak to someone.
- Garleton - garleton@knox.elcschool.org.uk
- Lammerlaw - lammerlaw@knox.elcschool.org.uk
- Traprain - traprain@knox.elcschool.org.uk
Dates for your diary:
Tuesday 5 September – Parent Council Meeting (all welcome) – Library – 6.30-8pm
Friday 15 – Monday 18 September (inclusive) – holiday
Wednesday 20 September – S2 Parents’ Consultation – 4.30-6.30pm (in school)
Our school calendar is updated regularly and should be used to access all information throughout the year and allows you to plan ahead too.
Sue Cook
Parent Council
The Parent Council has requested a footer on my HT’s update that remains there year round and which offers quick links to remote learning resources, course choices, supported study and careers news. Clicking on these headings takes you straight to these pages.
Please also look at our website for lots of other information. Please also follow us on Twitter for up-to-date news on a day to day basis.
Please also remember to follow us at: www.ka-net.org.uk @knoxacademy(link is external) @knoxacademyHT(link is external) for the latest information and updates.