Staffing

Congratulations to Hannah McBride who was appointed as PT Equity for a twelve month period. This was an internal post with the main aim to be closing our poverty related attainment gap and improving outcomes in literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing and attendance.

Parents’ and Pupils’ Information

Course Choice

All S2-5 pupils have received an email last week with an update on course choice. It is essential that they get into the habit of checking their edubuzz email regularly and especially over the coming weeks as further updates and information will be issued.

16 January – Thank you to all parents/carers who attended Mr Russell’s online Learner Pathway Information Evening on Monday. All information is now available on the school website in the Course Choice section.

Careers Fayre

A huge thank you to all the fifty-seven businesses and employers who attended our Careers Fayre on Wednesday evening. It was great to see so many parents/carers and their young people along exploring ideas for their future and hearing first hand from those who do the role what it is about and the qualifications required to access the job. Talking to some parents and pupils on the evening it certainly seemed to have opened their eyes to thinking again about their future pathway and considering new vocations. Just what these evenings are for! A huge thank you to our pupil helpers on the evening and our Parent Council for keeping all our stall holders going with tea/coffee/biscuits.

S3 Parents’ Evening

A reminder that this is now re-scheduled for Thursday 2 February, from 4.30-6.30pm, and will take place at the school. Letters and appointment sheets were issued to pupils during registration on Wednesday 18 January.

Diversity Evening – 9 February from 5-9pm

This in a really exciting event for our community as Knox Academy comes together with our associated primary schools to put on a huge event to celebrate our diversity and inclusion. As well as a show from 7-9pm (tickets are now available from the School Office), there will be an international market place and workshops. All in our community will be warmly welcomed. This letter gives all the detailed information.  Please book quickly for workshops as places will go fast!  (Google Form link for workshops sent to pupils and parents/carers).

Edinburgh Marathon Festival

The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is running on Saturday 27 May and Sunday 28 May. We have already had some participants from S6 and staff signed up to run the 10k or the half marathon. This is open to all S6 pupils, staff and parents. We will be raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust and would welcome more participants to help contribute to our fundraising target. If you wish to sign up please inform Ms Borwick: lborwick@knox.elcschool.org.uk.

Parents’ Information

PE

A short reminder to parents/carers that if your young person is unable to participate in PE, for any reason, you provide them with a covering note for their PE teacher.  In most cases, the young person will be expected to observe the class so when they re-join it they are up to speed with the work of the class. Thank you.

 

Pupils’ Achievements

Scottish Schools’ Swimming Results

In November, many of our swimmers represented Knox Academy at the East Lothian and Borders schools competition that took place at the Mercat Gait Centre in Prestonpans. Our S1 pupils competed across 50m distances, with our older swimmers having the opportunity to compete up to 400m distances. In recent years, the Scottish Schools finals have not run, however this year pupils were able to be put into virtual results from across the country. A huge congratulations to Morven Kenny 16th, Boyd Fearnside 6th (S1) and Owen Williamson 5th (S6) who's regional results contributed to their final standings in the Scottish Schools Championships Virtual Results.

Support

Please do not hesitate to contact our Pupil Support Team by emailing your young person’s House Team if you would like to discuss any support we can offer.

• Garleton - garleton@knox.elcschool.org.uk(link sends e-mail)
• Lammerlaw - lammerlaw@knox.elcschool.org.uk(link sends e-mail)
• Traprain - traprain@knox.elcschool.org.uk(link sends e-mail)

 

Dates for your diary:

Monday 16 January – Course Choice Information Evening S2-S5 (online) – 6.30-7.30pm

Wednesday 18 January – Careers Fayre – at Knox Academy – all year groups – 6-8pm

Thursday, 2 February, S3 Parent Consultation (in person) - 4:30 to 6:30pm (in school)

Thursday 9 February – Diversity Evening – 5-9pm – at Knox Academy (tickets for show £5/£3)

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(link is external) @knoxacademyHT(link is external) for the latest information and updates.