Good afternoon

The weather has turned a lot colder this week but the heat has certainly increased for our senior pupils who have been sitting their prelims.  These continue in to next week too. Once over I would ask parents/carers to support young people studying on regular basis and to ensure they have an official study plan to adhere to as this does help them focus.  Support for this can be found on our website and in the presentations from our Senior Leadership Team.  Pupils may also go to SLT or Guidance for help in devising a study timetable – we are most happy to assist.

Staffing

Nick Tait visited the school yesterday to meet with the team and will start as Faculty Head of Technologies on 4/02/19

Rebecca Graham was appointed to the PE post and will start on 28/1/19 and Gavin Boyle, to the Biology post. He will start on 29/1/19.

Mrs Caroline Falconer (DHT) is embarking on a 23 month secondment as a Quality Improvement Officer with the South East Improvement.  Interviews for her acting DHT post will take place on Friday 1st February.

We are also still actively recruiting for Home Economics, English and a part-time Guidance teacher as Mrs Doig will return part-time from February.

Parent Council

We had a very good turnout of parents/carers at the Parent Council on Tuesday night. This evening featured a presentation by John Taylor, Faculty Head of Science, on the faculty’s improvement plan and the strides they are making towards progress in the areas of Leadership of Change, Learning and Teaching and Equality and Inclusion.  I was also able to show the new posters on one of our school values ‘Respect’ which has been designed by pupils and parents working together.  This will be displayed around the school in corridors and classrooms over the coming weeks.  Thank you to all who took part in this and helped lead the school in our improvement.  Please do come along to attend future meetings if you can as it is lovely to have as many voices leading school improvement as possible.

S4 Parents’ Evening

Another great turnout from S4 parents/carers last night and all those I spoke to remarked on the high quality feedback they got from staff in terms of current progress and next steps.  Great to see positive comments from parents/carers on our school twitter too (please do follow us on @knoxacademy and @knoxacademyHT as lots of information posted on an hourly basis and very current).  

Swimming

Over the weekend of 12-13th January a group of swimmers from Knox Academy proudly represented Haddington ASC at the East District Age Group Championships Round 3 in Glenrothes. Swimmers competed in events over the distance of 200m as well as 4 x 50m relay events. Notable achievements were Aidan Ballantyne (S3) who came 2nd in 200m Butterfly, and 1st in the 200m Breaststroke. Owen Williamson (S2) came 3rd in the 200m Freestyle. Congratulations to all the swimmers that competed and are now working hard to achieve standards for national meets as well as the Scottish Schools Championships that take place next weekend

(by Lana Borwick, PE Teacher)

Netball

Congratulations to our ever growing Netball teams who played Ross High school on Wednesday evening.  Although we didn’t win the girls showed great team skills.  We took 28 girls along to this event so this was phenomenal and shows how much Netball has grown in popularity during the year. Thanks to all involved in leading and coaching the teams. You are doing an amazing job at inspiring these girls!

PTA Burns Supper

The next Fund Raising activity is the BURNS SUPPER which is a very enjoyable evening. This takes place on Thursday 24th January from 7-10pm (wine/beer/soft drinks available).  Tickets cost £10 and available from Mrs Ball and Ms Borwick. If you would like to make a donation for the raffle that would be wonderful.  Please hand it in to the school office for the attention of either of these staff. 

Dates for your diary:

Burns Supper – Thursday 24th January – 7-10pm – Knox Academy food court

S3 Parents’ Evening – Thursday 31st January – 5-7pm

February holiday – 11th – 18th (Inclusive)

 

Have a lovely weekend

Sue Cook