We started off our week with our Carbon Footprint day, aiming to keep the lights off in rooms as much as we could. We also had a vegetarian day in our school canteen to offset our carbon footprint by not eating meat. Pupils and staff were also encouraged to walk/cycle to school or share cars to reduce emissions in terms of our travel to and from school. A great way to heighten everyone’s awareness of our role in reducing climate change.
Children in Need
It’s been a busy morning already with our young people in various dress-ups across the school from notable characters and a whole register class dressed up as The Incredibles. We have the much awaited pieing of the teacher a breaktime still to come and this is always a popular choice with the pupils (I can’t possibly think why)! Hats off to all the staff who have volunteered (or is it coerced) in to participating in this.
The funds raised this year will be a joint effort as we have teamed up with Haddington Primary in our bid to raise even more money for Children In Need. I will let you know the total next week and will put an update on Twitter too.
Staffing
We are looking forward to welcoming Aileen McSherry as our new PE teacher as Rebecca Graham moves to a Pupil Support Leader post at Berwickshire High School. Mrs McSherry will start on 28 November. We wish Rebecca Graham all the very best in her new role.
Congratulations to Laura Bates, who was appointed to our 0.65FTE Biology Post and to Katherine White, who was appointed to our part-time temporary Biology post.
Parents’ and Pupils’ Information
Strike Action on 24 November 2022
All parents/carers should have received a letter to let them know that the school will be closed on Thursday 24 November due to strike action. No pupils should come to school on this date.
S3 Parents’ Evening
Due to strike action, as detailed in the letter sent to parents/carers on Wednesday 16 November, the school will be closed all day on this date and therefore the S3 Parents’ Evening has been cancelled.
Supported Study
Our supported study timetable is up and running and pupils of all age groups can access these sessions. They will be particularly useful for Senior Pupils in preparing for their prelims and SQA exams. Information for parents/carers about how the National Qualifications for pupils will be assessed this year can be found here. This is definitely worth reading.
Author visit during Book Week Scotland (and linked to our focus on Diversity)
S1 and S2 pupils were treated to a most enjoyable event this week. Victoria Williamson gave a very interactive talk about her latest book, War of the Wind. In addition to finding out about the plot, we learnt a little about how wind turbines work, pupils used BSL to sign their own names, and we had an explanation of secret alphabet codes and then decoded information using the Caesar Cipher. We were not told how the story ends, so if pupils are interested in finding out, the book is available to borrow from the school library, as are the other titles by Victoria Williamson (Ms Fry, Librarian)
Achievement Ties – Applications Open
Applications are now open and the deadline for nominations this session is Friday 25 November. Over the last three years Knox Academy has recognised achievement in school based extra-curricular and non-school based wider achievements through the awarding of Achievement Ties. Nominations can be completed through the google form found here . Further information can be found in this presentation.
Festive Fayre
On Saturday 10 December our inaugural "Festive Fayre" will take place in the school from 10 am - 12 noon. S1 Business and Administration classes, as well as other groups including S6 Young Enterprise, will be presenting stalls offering a variety of festive products and gift ideas as well as some fun activities. There are no tickets for this event and parents/carers and pupils are invited to come along on the day to browse items and hopefully make some purchases too.
Parents’ Information
Parents Portal
Parents/Carers are encouraged to sign up for the Parent Portal, which a new way for parents/carers to access information on their children, interact with their schools and easily access other school services. Access to the portal is via the same myaccount login (which is used for SchoolPay) to update parent/carer and child details, report absences and access SchoolPay. Over time, more services will be available. For more information on how parents can log into the Parents Portal and “link” to their children, please visit the East Lothian Council Parents Portal site.
Paid Work Experience for Parents/Carers
Calling all parents – we are looking for enthusiastic, hardworking and committed parents to undertake a Paid Work Experience placement within the hospitality industry. Whether you are just looking for some extra income or would like to pursue a career in this industry, we have many employers across East Lothian waiting to meet you. Many of these positions have the potential to turn into permanent jobs.
If you are interested please contact us.
Support
Please do not hesitate to contact our Pupil Support Team by emailing your young person’s House Team garleton@knox.elcschool.org.uk, lammerlaw@knox.elcschool.org.uk, traprain@knox.elcschool.org.uk if you would like to discuss any support we can offer.
Pupils’ Achievements
Scottish Young Sportswoman of the Year
Orla Winn (S5) is one of three finalists in the Scottish Sportswoman of the Year 2022. We wish her all the very best in the outcome of this. Orla is the World Wakeboarding Champion for her age group and recently travelled to Thailand to represent GB.
Swimming
Congratulations to Morven Kenny (S1) who competed for the school at the East Lothian and Borders U12 swimming competition at the weekend. Morven won a bronze medal in the 50m butterfly. Fantastic performance.
Halloween Art Competition
Congratulations to Corin Togher (S1), Roseanna Lyall (S1) and Cerys Young (S5), who were 1st, 2nd and 3rd (respectively) in our Halloween Art Competition. There pictures were stunning (you can view them on Twitter). Thank you very much to our local Coop for providing the prizes.
Our Community Kitchen (OCK)
OCK contacted me to say how fantastic our pupils were in helping run a charity quiz for “Our Community Kitchen” (OCK) at the local bowling club. This is what they said, “Lauren Clark, Oscar Pirie, Hannah Pathirana, Kirsty Dee and Olivia Dale, went above and beyond to support the running of this. They welcomed guests, sold raffle tickets and folded them, marked the quiz and collated the scores. They also promoted games that were played on the night. They also helped with the setting up of the event and clearing up afterwards. They worked their socks off and were polite, mature, helpful and enthusiastic. We raised £1008.50 at the evening, which was fantastic.
There will be an opportunity for Knox pupils to work with us every year as we are hoping this will be an annual event. If any parents/carers or pupils would like to get involved with the charity in any way they should email elaine@ourcommunitykitchen.org.uk.”
A great accolade for the school and holding true to our value of community.
Dates for your diary:
Friday 25 November - S4/5/6 Prelims
Monday 12 December (incl)
Tuesday 6 December Dasher's Dance BGE (S1-S3): 7pm-9.30pm
Wednesday 14 December Christmas Concert
Thursday 15 December Blitzen's Ball Senior Phase (S4-S6): 7pm-9.30pm
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 @knoxacademyHT for the latest information and updates
