Parliamentary Visit
On Monday 11 December we welcome the Minister for Parliamentary Business, George Adam, for a discussion and Q&A about his Scottish Government and Parliamentary work. He will meet with some of our senior Modern Studies pupils. This will be a great opportunity for them and as well as hearing about his current role there will be an opportunity to hear about his previous roles as Chief Whip and his representation on many Scottish Parliament Committees.
Prelims
The prelims diet will come to an end at the beginning of next week. The pupils have shown an excellent attitude towards these assessments and they will be beginning to get results and, most importantly, feedback on areas to work on for improvement. For the final exams in May candidates are reminded to bring all the equipment they need and to check that calculators are in working order.
S1 Maths – Parental Workshops
The second of our 4 S1 parent/carer workshops was held on Monday 4 December in the Maths Department. Thanks to everyone who came along - feedback received was incredibly positive with our next session to be held on Monday 29 January. Sign up details will be sent out in due course. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to have an insight into the maths/numeracy your child is being taught and how we are teaching it! (By Mrs Campbell, Maths)
Diligence Awards
We are hoping to issue these to pupils by the last week of this term. More information on our diligence awards is available by clicking on this link Diligence Awards.
Christmas Dances
A great night was had by all our young people who attended the S1-S3 Christmas Dance and they were a credit to the school and themselves - they all looked amazing and behaved impeccably. Senior tickets, for the dance next Wednesday, are still on sale and should be purchased before the end of the day on Monday 11 December 2023. Thank you again to all staff and the PTA for supporting these.
PSB Christmas Lunch
The PSB held their annual Christmas Lunch this week - a bit earlier than usual as we are losing Jacquie Paton (Pupil Support Worker) from the team who has supported our young people for the past 18 months. Jacqui is off to a new role at Holyrood High School next week. A massive thank you to Craig and Anna at The Victoria Inn who provided us with a huge turkey breast and all the trimmings! Everyone enjoyed the feast and there were full bellies all around! (By Ms Fox)
Whole school Christmas Lunch
A reminder that this wil be available for all staff and pupils next week, on Wednesday 13 December. Vegetarian and Vegan alternatives available. It will just be Christmas lunch on this day.
Vaccination – Teenage Booster
A reminder that the consent forms for The Diphtheria/Tetanus/ Polio and Meningitis ACWY Booster Vaccination Letters for all the S3 pupils and some S4s, S5s and S6s must be returned prior to the Christmas break. These can be handed directly to Mrs Swallow in the medical room or handed into the Office. If for any reason your young person misses any of the booster/vaccines at the school the Community Vaccination Team offer mop up clinics and parents/carers/pupils are invited to call 0131 446 4082 to arrange an appointment.
Health and Safety
If you wish to drop your young person off at school please do so at the back car park. Please do not stop in the yellow criss-cross box at the front of the school or in the layby outside the dining room area (which is used for deliveries to our food court). Thank you.
End of term arrangements
All parents/carers should have received a letter, via email, about this but you can also read it here.
Success Stories
Rugby Plate Final
Huge congratulations to our Under 16s team (a mixed team with Dunbar Grammar School) who won the National Schools Plate, which took place at Murrayfield on Wednesday. The final score was Dunbar/Knox Team 72 and Lomond & Helensburgh 0. There was some amazing play from both teams.
Drawing competition
Congratulations to Ellie McKenzie and Delilah Brady, who were awarded first prize in the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Drawing competition.
Golf
Murray Bowsher (S5) reached the finals of the Stephen Gallacher Foundation Consolation Salver at Castle Park Golf Club on Sunday 19 November. He finished 2 under par having lost to his opponent who was 3 under after 18 holes of match play and a further 6 holes being played in a 'play off' very close competition. Well done, Murray!
Judo
Congratulations to Bella Gold (S4), whom, after nine years of hard work, has achieved her black belt in Karate!
Squash
Good luck to Jamie Pearman (S3) who is playing Dunlop Pontefract Gold Squash Championships this weekend.
Dates for your diary:
9 December – S1 Enterprise Fayre – Knox Academy – 10 - Midday
13 December – S4-S6 Christmas Dance - 7 - 9.30pm
21 December – Christmas Concert – 7pm
22 December - School Term Ends - 12.15pm
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 
@knoxacademyHT for the latest information and updates.
