Happy New Year. I hope you had an enjoyable festive break with friends and family. It has been great to welcome our young people back after the break and to see how well they have applied themselves from day one of the new term.

We ended last term with a fundraiser/ Christmas Jumper Day in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and Bone Cancer, and I am pleased to announce we raised £462.16 towards these charities. Thank you to all who donated.

Parents’ and Pupils’ Information

Industrial Action

On Wednesday 11th January 2023 (EIS and SSTA teachers in Secondary schools will be on strike). All East Lothian Council Secondary schools (including Meadowpark) will be closed to all young people for learning on Wednesday 11th January 2023. Lets in Secondary schools for breakfast, after school and sports clubs can continue. A BACs payment will be made for those young people who qualify for a free school meal under the income threshold and whose schools are closed.

On Monday 16th January 2023 (EIS – all teachers Primary and Secondary schools and AHDS for all schools).  All East Lothian Council schools and Early Learning and Childcare settings will be closed to all children and young people for learning, including those who attend Additional Support Needs Hubs. Lets in schools for breakfast, after school and sports clubs can continue. School crossing patrols will not be operational. All ASN and Home to School transport will not operate. A BACs payment will be made for those children and young people who qualify for a free school meal under the income threshold.

I know that this action will mean further disruption to learning, and that you will have to make alternative childcare arrangements on that day and it is regrettable that we have had to make this decision, however ensuring the health and safety of our young people must take priority. While the formal notification from the EIS, AHDS and SSTA states their intention to strike on these days, there remains a possibility that ongoing pay negotiations may mean that the strikes are called off. I will keep you informed of any further developments and arrangements.

Careers Evening

This will take place on Wednesday 18 January 2023. S1-S3 6-7pm and S4-S6 7-8pm. Over fifty businesses will be in attendance at this evening and parents/pupils will have the opportunity to talk to them about their jobs and the qualifications needed for them. Please put the date in your diary. It would be great to have as many of you along as possible and it will also help your young person consider their learner pathway subject choices. The list of businesses attending can be found here.

S3 Parents’ Evening

A reminder that this has now been re-scheduled for 2 February 2023.

S4 Parents’ Evening

Information was issued on Thursday morning to pupils to complete appointments with teachers for this coming Tuesday’s Parents’ Evening (which is online from 4.30-6.30pm).

Parents’ Information

Uniform Bank

A reminder that we have a new and pre-loved uniform bank at the school. Pupils can speak directly to Ms Laudi or House Teams to request items of parents/carers can email the House Teams to request items too. We are particularly short of ties, tights (new only) and black v-necked jumpers, so if you have any at home that are in good condition and your young people have outgrown,  please wash them and hand them in to the school office so others can benefit from them. This supports our eco-school too. Thank you. Free meals and clothing grants can be applied for here if you think you may be eligible.

Support

Please do not hesitate to contact our Pupil Support Team by emailing your young person’s House Team garleton@knox.elcschool.org.uk, lammerlaw@knox.elcschool.org.uk, traprain@knox.elcschool.org.uk if you would like to discuss any support we can offer.

Dates for your diary:

Tuesday 10 January – S4 Parents’ Evening (online) 4.30-6.30pm

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 9 February – Diversity Evening – 5-9pm – at Knox Academy (tickets £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 @knoxacademyHT for the latest information and updates.