As a result of high winds on 14 June and the identification of an issue with blockwork, additional inspections have been carried out at Knox Academy. As a precaution an area continues to be cordoned off and structural engineers have advised that remedial works should be undertaken. These remedial works will be undertaken during the school summer holiday period and the school will remain open as usual.
General News
Published: 18 June 2018
Published: 15 June 2018
In spite of the inevitable teething problems that are bound to arise during a period of transition for young people on the autistic spectrum we have had a successful week and I am incredibly proud of all pupils who have either changed classroom, welcomed a new peer group and staff or made the journey to Knox Academy for classes in specific subject classes. For each individual this is a celebration of personal achievement and provides further opportunities for reflection and self-evaluation. It also builds resilience. Read more here...Meadowpark Newsletter 15.06.18
Published: 14 June 2018
Due to high winds, additional inspections were conducted by FES on the East Lothian secondary school estate. These inspections identified an issue with the block work at Knox Academy. As a precaution, the area was cordoned off and structural engineers are attending to advise remedial work.
All processes are in place to address this matter promptly. It is anticipated, at this time, that the school will open as normal tomorrow (Friday 15 June 2018).
We will update further, in due course.
Fiona Robertson, Head of Education
Published: 11 June 2018
What a great start to transition. Not only has the weather been incredibly kind to us with long, dry warm days providing ample opportunity for outdoor learning, but we had an extra –ordinary opportunity on Monday to create a fully inclusive play area in a playground that has until now had very limited appeal. Read more here...Meadowpark Newsletter 08.06.18
Published: 09 June 2018
Knox Academy is pleased to invite applications for the following vacancy:
Closing Date: Sunday 1 July 2018
Published: 08 June 2018
The council is launching a new school payments system, IPayimpact, which enables parents to make a range of payments online. This replaces the online payments system that is currently used.
IPayimpact is now available to schools in the Haddington cluster area, and will be rolled out to the rest of our schools in September.
If your school is in the Haddington cluster area i.e. Haddington Infant School, King’s Meadow, St Mary’s RC and Yester Primary Schools, and Knox Academy: iPayimpact, is now live!
Parents of primary pupils can now make informed menu choices in advance, and can pay for meals online. Payments for milk and trips are also possible, including the option to make payments in instalments for larger expenses e.g. school trips. Payments can be tracked electronically meaning that parents can see when payments are due and how much is still outstanding. Quick and easy to use, it puts you in control of their finances. It’s also mobile responsive, which means you can use it ‘on the go’ on your phone or tablet.
If you’ve not yet activated your account, it’s quick and easy to do – why not do it today? Look out your invitation letter for information on what to do. If you do not have your invitation letter, please get in touch with the School Office.
If your school is not in the Haddington cluster area: don’t worry, nothing changes for you at the moment. We plan to roll out the new system to your area in September - we will be in touch with you after the summer with more information.
Published: 06 June 2018
The Food Court Menu for Session 2018-2019 is now available.
Published: 06 June 2018
All registration teachers have been issued with an "Order and Payment" envelope for the whole school photograph taken recently. There are various combinations of photograph styles that can be ordered if desired.
Additional order envelopes can be obtained from The Office, The Library or Medical Room.
Completed orders should be returned to Mrs Ball no later than Tuesday 19 June 2018.
Published: 06 June 2018
The Parent Council is often asked to provide Parent Observers to assist in staff interviews, the role usually includes:
Lesson Observation
The parent observer will sit in a classroom watching the candidate teach a class and taking notes on various aspects of the lesson. There is a checklist of what to look for. The class is normally an S1 or S2 class. Often we have two classroom observations running at the same time so the parent will swap with the other observer half way through the lesson so they can observe both candidates. There is a feedback meeting at the end of the interview process.
Interview
The parent observer will sit on the interview panel, asking questions and taking notes, normally with the Head Teacher and a Depute/Faculty Head. There will be a sheet of prepared questions, which the Head Teacher will go over with the parent before the interviews commence. There is a feedback meeting at the end of the interview process.
This is a great opportunity for you to play an important part of the life of the school and see what happens in a classroom!
No experience is required. If you’d like to be involved in interviews and are able to commit a half day or in some case a whole day to the process (it’s good to have continuity of the same observer for all applicants), then please contact the Parent Council and you’ll be put on a list of interested parents. When we’re approached by the school office for volunteers, you’ll receive an email seeking your assistance, with dates etc. then it’s first come first served. We hope that this can extend the reach of parental involvement within the school. You don’t need to be a member of the Parent Council to take part in this, but you do need to have a strong desire to play an important part in the ongoing development of the school.
John Wrinn
Chair of the Knox Parent Council
parentcouncil@knox.elcschool.org.uk
Here are comments from other parents who’ve helped out recently:
“When I saw an email asking for parent helper I ignored it. After all I had been out the work place for many years and I thought I would be of no help at all. Another few emails came out and as no one stepped forward I decided to offer my help. I admit I was apprehensive the first time I was involved with an interview. That was about a year ago and I have now been involved with quite a few. The role is fairly informal. You sit in a classroom and observe the interviewee. You are given a sheet of paper with guidelines. As a parent you observe the interview in a different way from a teacher. I really think this helps the interview panel to acquire a better overall impression of the candidate. I also benefitted from the process. I know more of the staff and they in turn know who I am, I have a better understanding of how the school functions and I have an active role in my children’s school. I would highly recommend being involved.” KB
“Being a parent observer was a great experience. It gives both a great insight into classroom learning at the school and ensures that parental views are taken into account during the recruitment process. It’s well worth a morning of your time.” SS
Published: 05 June 2018
Further to our recent return HMI inspection, the follow-up letter from Education Scotland has now been published.
