The SQA exams seem to be progressing well and the pupils I have spoken to so far feel that the papers have been fair. As our seniors are engaged in their exams it seemed a really good time to look at a few added value experiences for our S1-S3 pupils and to this effect we have set up an S1 Drones sessions, which will allow pupils to understand more about their uses as well as getting the opportunity to build one and fly it. S2 will all be engaged in Battle of the Bands, with the semi-finals running on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 and the final on Thursday 26 May. It is always a superb event and so much talent on show from our S2s. Our S3 pupils will all have half a day’s First Aid training. This is a great life skill for them all and useful not only to keep themselves safe but also family and friends. This training will be led by our local Fire Brigade and our Rugby Development Officer.
Covid-19 Update
The guidance for schools was updated on Monday 2 May. From Sunday 1 May public health advice changed to a ‘stay at home’ message replacing self-isolation for people who have symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19. People who have symptoms of Covid-19 and who have a fever or are too unwell to carry out normal activities will be asked to stay at home while they are unwell or have a fever. Pupils and staff will no longer be advised to take a PCR test. Full information on the stay at home guidance is available here. Continuing with our approaches to good hand hygiene, ventilation, physical distancing (where possible), and recommending face coverings be worn in social areas and larger gatherings will still be a feature until the end of the summer term. Face coverings are still recommended on school transport too. Our latest Risk Assessment can be read here.
Staffing
Computing Teacher - this has been re-advertised – Full time post starting ASAP.
Pupils’ News
Curriculum and SQA Information
Easter Revision School and Booster Sessions
A reminder that our supportive Booster and immersion sessions will take place over the coming weeks and all of our S4-S6 are welcome to attend these to support their SQA exams. No need to sign up – just come along.
Parents’/Carers’ Information
Parents’ Portal
This is now live and we know there have been a few issues for some parents accessing all aspects of this. For this reason, please see the user guide for further information and to support any troubleshooting.
Parents Information Sessions – Intellectual Disability
Please find below information regarding information sessions for parents of children and young people with an Intellectual/Learning Disability run by Gill Kidd (Clinical Psychologist, NHS) and Miranda Eodanable (Educational Psychologist, CEC). Please feel free to share with relevant parents/carers. The link tells you more, but all of the 7 sessions are open to parents:
Session 1: What is an Intellectual Disability? - Thursday 19th May at 11-12.30.
Session 2: Supporting communication. - Thursday 26th May at 11-12.30.
Session 3: Understanding behaviour and how to manage challenging behaviour. - Wednesday 1st June at 11-12.30.
Session 4: Sensory differences in ID. - Thursday 9th June at 11-12.30.
Session 5: Developing and supporting play. - Thursday 16th June at 11-12.30.
Session 6: Sexual health and relationships. - Thursday 23rd June at 11-12.30.
Session 7: Parental and sibling well-being. - Thursday 30th June at 11-12.30.
Venturing Out – Summer Programme
Venturing Out is running a summer programme for young people. This is in partnership with the Council’s Outdoor Learning Service. The activities will be live for booking at 6pm on Friday 6 May 2022.
Achievement Ties
Today marks the deadline for Achievement Tie Award applications. These awards mark the many significant achievements of our pupils at Knox Academy and can relate to both in school based extra-curricular and non-school based wider activities. Even recently we have seen multiple examples of pupils who have done great things both in and out of school. Applications may be made by parents, teachers, coaches; you may even consider nominating a friend or yourself if you haven't already done so! Achievement Ties nomination form
Mr Clark will be contacting the Achievement Ties Committee in due course to help consider those pupils who have been nominated for awards.
Pupils’ Achievements
John Muir Award
An award ceremony took place on Wednesday afternoon for eleven of our S1 and S2 pupils who achieved their John Muir Award. The Chair of the 'Friends of the river Tyne' was present to hand out the awards and speak with all of our young people. The John Muir Award is a national environmental award scheme which encourages people of all backgrounds to connect with, enjoy, and care for wild places.
This year we joined forces with the local community group ‘Friends of the River Tyne’ who shared their expert knowledge and supported our young people to achieve this award. The group met every week for 7 months and participated in many activities, including the construction of hedgehog huts, leaf, tree and flower identification, river reports, DIY bird feeders, Fire safety, River safety, Mini beast hotels, bush craft and fire building, bird watching, photography, water safety, foraging, and nature trails/hunts. A very wide experience of the wild!
A huge congratulations to all of these pupils and very well deserved!
Squash
Congratulations to Jamie Pearman who competed in the Junior Five Nations 2022 Squash Competition at Warwick University a few weekends ago.
Jamie won both of his matches against Ireland & Wales 3-0 but lost to France & England. The Scottish Team came third overall. Well played Jamie and congratulations to the Scottish Team!
Swimming – Scottish National Age Group Championships
Helen Stoddart (S3): Three golds (50m freestyle, 50m butterfly and in the 14-16 mixed 4x100 medley relay) which makes her the 15 year old age group champion in these events. She also won one silver (100m butterfly) and two bronze (100 freestyle and 4x100 14-16 girls medley relay). Helen made 5 finals for individual events and broke numerous team records.
Louisa Stoddart (S5): A silver (50m butterfly 17-18 age group), bronze ( 4x200 freestyle girls 17+ relay). Louisa also made 3 finals for individual events and also broke numerous team records.
Owen Williamson (S5): Owen made 6 finals in individual events. He was placed 4th in the boys 17+ 800m freestyle and broke numerous team records.
Lauren Clark (S5): Lauren made the 200 butterfly girl 17+ final and was in the top 10 in 3 relays. Lauren also broke numerous team records
Lucia Bivar-Segurado (S6): Loads of personal bests and in the top 10 for 3 relays
Lucy Hall (S2): Lucy got a bronze medal in the 11-13 girls 800m freestyle and she made 4 finals for individual events.
What a talented group of swimmers we have at Knox Academy and as members of the East Lothian Swimming Team.
Dates for your diary:
Thursday 19 May Parent Council – 6.30pm (online)
Monday 23 May Pupils’ Holiday – Staff in-service day
Thursday 2 June Senior Pupils’ Induction sessions
Friday 3 June Platinum Jubilee Holiday (staff and pupils)
Monday 6 June New Timetable – all year groups
Tuesday 7 June P7 Information Evening – at Knox Academy
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
