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I am so proud to announce that all of our pupils have now been on the water in a kayak or canoe. For some this has been hugely challenging and our young people have had to tap into pockets of resilience and determination in order to overcome some initial fears, but they have managed this and can legitimately celebrate their achievement.
Our full newsletter contains information about all our activities this week.
The SQA is proud to be at the heart of the education and skills system in Scotland and is committed to helping young people realise their potential and to achieve their ambitions.” - Dr Janet Brown, Chief Executive of SQA.
A document entitled "Guide to Scottish Qualifications" has been published and is available on the SQA website.
Knox Academy is pleased to invite applications for the following vacancies:
Closing Date: Sunday 29 October 2017
A full moon and high winds definitely have an impact on young people – and maybe on those of us who are not so young. A surge of energy has passed through Meadowpark this week and we have encouraged pupils to take it out onto the playground as much as possible. Fortunately we have plenty of space, bikes, scooters and imagination for pupils to unleash their teenage energy.
We would dearly love to have some permanent pieces of playground equipment so if anybody can help with application forms for funding please get in touch.
The High winds have meant that a number of the beautiful trees that surround Meadowpark, and further afield have lost their leaves. Not to miss a trick our ever resourceful teachers and support staff have been gathering these to make lovely Autumn displays, walking along the banks of the Tyne and through the park. It is a wonderful time of year to talk about change and transition, which many of our young people find difficult, and being to use the natural environment to assist with this enables understanding and puts difficult concepts into a real life context.
We had a birthday to celebrate this week and Oliver received not one, but two cakes from Class 2. One was made on site by Oliver’s peers and the other was made at home by Daniel. The fact that they were both demolished within minutes shows how baking and good food can be such a great motivator.
Class 1 went to Tesco to do their shopping for soup making. I would like to thank Tesco who continue to be incredibly supportive of our young people as they venture further into independence. Meadowpark pupils and staff are always made to feel welcome when shopping and this reaffirms my vision that Haddington could become an Autism Friendly town.
Class 3 used root vegetables from their weekly visit to Amisfield Garden – a huge parsnip, potatoes and leeks were washed, peeled, chopped and put in the pot. Again, the soup was consumed within minutes.
As I write all pupils are enjoying exercising in the autumn sunshine – some are swimming in Aubigny sports Centre, others doing their daily mile or visiting the local park. When they come back Class 2 will hold an Assembly on Being a Good Friend and celebrating the achievements of others.
Daily exercise and healthy eating are essential ingredients for everyone and we will continue to educate all our young people to make healthy choices – home-made food, water, fruit juice and milk rather than sweets, fizzy drinks and highly processed food.
Have a peaceful weekend.
Charli Prime
So many milestones have been achieved this week, in spite of staff and pupils fighting coughs and colds. We are nothing if not resilient at Meadowpark.
Almost all of our pupils have now been kayaking on the water and we anticipate that all pupils will have managed this by the October week. A change of clothing on Mondays is really helpful.
We had a number of visitors and specialists visit the school this week.
Marion Barclay, East Lothian’s PE Specialist and Heather Lowdon from Scottish Disability Sport brought along a charming young man, Lewis McConnell, SDS Coaching Futures Apprentice who was able to inspire Meadowpark pupils in the exciting and strangely addictive game of Boccia.
I first became aware of Boccia or Petanque as it is known in France when I stayed with a pen pal near Lille. I noticed that all the villages had a patch of dirt, usually in partially shaded areas near a local park or village green where, mostly men, would throw small silver boules (balls). Since then I have played the game in several locations, including France and Battersea Park when I lived in London. It would be great to encourage all our young people to take up this sport. Equipment is easily transportable and not very expensive. Perhaps we can create a permanent Boccia/Petanque area in the grounds of Meadowpark for pupils and the local community? I think I know just the ideal place…
The ever bubbly Kelly Clarke from Loose Parts Play arrived on Wednesday morning with a camera crew to film Class 2 using the wide range of materials we have acquired that make break times and PE lessons so much more interesting. I will let you know where and when this short film which promotes Loose Parts Play can be viewed.
Fraser Stewart, photographer, popped in to meet pupils and staff with a view to volunteering and offering his expertise to all classes in photography and film making.
I am delighted that Chris Aien from YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative) who has been supporting Build-a-Band at Meadowpark and Knox Academy since 2015 has joined us again.
All our young people enjoy and engage in opportunities to develop music skills and interests. Chris will be working 1-1 with 2 of our pupils for whom life has dealt a few challenges recently. I know that Chris’ calm level-headed enthusiasm will further enhance the approaches to curriculum planning that benefit all our pupils. .Chris also encourages young people to play music from their favourite bands and I’m sure the walls of Meadowpark will soon be resounding to White Stripes Seven Nation Army and My Chemical Romance Welcome to the Black Parade. If it puts a smile on the face of a Meadowpark pupil or staff member then we are doing our jobs effectively.
I was sad to have cancelled the parents’ evening which had been schedules for Thursday 28th September, but with so many call offs it was all I could do. Class teachers will contact parents about review meetings for pupils.
Can I please ask that if anyone is interested and has the time to offer, to come forward and assist us in setting up a Meadowpark Parent School Partnership.
There is a lot to fit in before the October break and I am confident that we will continue to see all Meadowpark pupils flourish.
Charli Prime
A reminder that all are invited to the next Parent Council meeting to be held in the library at 6.15 pm on Wednesday 4 October 2017.
Knox Academy is pleased to invite applications for the following vacancy:
Closing Date: Sunday 15 October 2017
This session at Knox Academy, one of our priorities is to work with families, parents and carers to help raise ambition and attainment. This involves the development of a Family Learning Programme and also the creation of an effective Home Learning Policy.
To support this work, we would really value your opinion on homework in terms of frequency, value and your current experiences. Please take just a few minutes to complete a short questionnaire. Access to the questionnaire is via a password protected page. This password will be sent to parents/carers via a text message. Many thanks in advance for your time and views.
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