It was fabulous to welcome our new S1 pupils on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. After an introduction to the days from Mr Illingworth, I spoke to them about our school values of Ambition, Respect and Community. I was delighted to say that every one of them showed these values in action over the two days. The pupils followed a ‘real timetable’ and were introduced to staff, experienced new subjects and enjoyed some very challenging tasks. I am sure they made lots of new friends too. Thank you to all parents/carers who have been in touch since the visit to say how much their young person enjoyed Knox Academy. We are all really looking forward to welcoming them all after the holidays.
Staffing
We are currently advertising for a teacher of Home Economics
We are also advertising for 3 Additional Support Needs Auxiliaries for Meadowpark
Knox Academy’s School Improvement Plan for session 2019-20
Our School Improvement Plan for next session is now available. We have aimed to have a very concise improvement plan so we can make significant progress across the year in the areas we have identified. We have also devised a parent/carer overview of our improvement plan which gives a summary of our key areas for improvement in each of our four priorities.
New School Ties with House Colours
These will be available to buy from the school office on the in-service days (Monday 12/Tuesday 13 August) and also on the first week of the new term. They will cost £6 each and the office would be grateful if the exact amount of money is brought so they do not have to deal with lots of change. For further information on dress code and about support in purchasing it, please refer to the Dress Code section of our website. Please also note that hooded tops will no longer be acceptable dress code from August. The reasons for this are also covered in the dress code information.
Achievement Ties and Diligence Certificates
As you will be aware from previous Head Teacher’s updates, we will launch our new approaches to the recognition of achievement and diligence in August. Thank you to all pupils, parents/carers and staff who took part in our consultation to design ties and in agreeing the criteria. Diligence certificates will be awarded termly for all pupils showing hard work and commitment in their subjects. More detailed information on both is given in this document. Mr Moncrieff is coordinating the achievement tie nominations and will let everyone know when nomination forms can be submitted for the October awards. Forms will be available from the school office and also online for anyone wishing to nominate pupils (parents/carers/coaches/community partners).
Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Congratulations to all the young people who have completed their Gold, Silver and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expeditions over the last few weeks. They worked really well as teams and demonstrated all our school values in action. A huge thanks to two young people who supported one of their team members off the hill after injuring their ankle – great support! Finally, thank you to parents and assessors for their support in making these happen.
Little and Large
The Little and Large cooking finals took place in Musselburgh Grammar last Tuesday. The primary finalists from our heats were Archie and Aidan (P6's) and an S3 Knox Academy pupil. I am very proud to say that they won the contest with the judge saying their dessert was the best she had ever tasted! Next year’s final will be held here at Knox Academy. (by Sally Cochrane)
East Lothian Works
East Lothian Works has a brand new blog detailing all of the amazing successes and achievements that their clients, and students, experience. As East Lothian Council’s employability hub, East Lothian Works creates collaborations with schools in order to aid student thinking about their future career paths, and aids in their journey towards achieving their goals. The hub looks at providing opportunities for young people that will give them advantages when entering the world of work. For example, East Lothian Works is responsible for the organisation of the Foundation Apprenticeships that are on offer to senior phase students, and create the Pre-Vocational opportunities that young people can engage with. We have experienced many successes through these programmes, having had numerous students go on to find positive destinations as a result of their experiences with East Lothian Works. The new blog details these triumphs, and informs students, school staff, and parents, of the many opportunities that are out there. We encourage you to check out this site, and bookmark it, as there will be more posts in the future that may be of interest to you, with a particular emphasis being given to Foundation Apprenticeship courses over the summer holidays.
(by Alice Kerr, Graduate Intern at East Lothian Works)
Knox Trampolining Club
Congratulations to our club for winning the Schools Trampolining Competition last Friday. It was really great to see these pupils buying into the schools values and dedicating lunch times and Friday afternoons to practice for the competition!
Longniddry Villa Football team
A huge congratulations to Leo Harrison, Brodie Ritchie and Lewis Lang (and their team) who won the South East Region’s under 14’s Division 2 Football League last week (winning their final game 3-1). This is a huge achievement for them all personally and also for their team. It was their skill, commitment and team work that ensured they finished top of this highly competitive league.
Scottish Cook of the Year
Great to announce that Maria Millar, who is one of Knox Academy’s amazing cooks, has got through to the final of Scottish Cook of the Year. What a privilege it is to have Maria serve us her wonderful cuisine on a daily basis. The assessing team will visit Knox Academy on 23 August. Watch this space for the result after this date. We wish her well in her quest to win.
Litter
Please can I ask parents/carers to support our Eco School campaign by speaking to your young person about disposing of their litter safely and responsibly at all times, whether this be in and around the school or in our local and wider community. Thank you.
Dates for your diary
- 21 June 2019 - Sports Personality of the Year Awards (5.30pm for 6pm)
- 26 June 2019 - Evening of Celebration – Awards (7pm)
- 28 June 2019 - School finishes for the summer holidays at 12.15pm
- 12/13 August 2019 - Staff resume
- 14 August 2019 - All pupils resume – 8.30am
Sue Cook
