HEAD TEACHER'S UPDATE 6 OCTOBER 2023

Parents’ and Pupils’ Information

Staffing

We are recruiting a Senior Business Support Assistant (Grade 4) – permanent and term time only

We would like to thank Elaine Kilgour, a member of out office team, for being a great member of our school team for the last few years and wish her all the very best in her new post at Dunbar Grammar School.

Drone Experience

Skills Development Scotland provided a 'World of Work' experience for - S1s, S3s and Meadowpark learners on Monday 2 October. The session involved learning about real world careers in; construction, engineering and architecture using Drones and drone technologies. They also tried a 'virtual reality' work experience in engineering using VR headsets. 

The young people were excited and most did not realise these careers were available. We had a similar experience for S3s last year during the Activity Week, we have also booked them in for a session with our PSB learners in Dec. (By Mr Tait, Curriculum Leader Technologies)

Music – Jazz Band

There is a wonderful opportunity to be entertained by our Jazz Band, and many other talented young musicians, at St Mary’s Kirk, on Wednesday 11 October at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 and Concessions £2.50. Book your tickets by contactinf mawils@edubuzz.org

Bridge Centre Youth Nights

Senior Youth Club (S1+)

Thursday’s 6.30pm-8.30pm @ Haddington Bridge Centre

Drop in with tuck shop available

A registration form must be completed before attending and is available by emailing bridgecentreyouthnights@gmail.com

Or please call the Bridge Centre for more information 01620 823137

Young Scot Big Survey 

Young Scot is running a survey to get a better understanding of what life’s like for a young person in Scotland in 2023. As part of this survey they are asking what things in  life, community and Scotland make them feel good, what things they might worry about and the issues that are important to them. All of the information they provide in this survey is completely anonymous. 

After each young person completes thehttps://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90604184/BIG-Survey survey, they will get a code for 150 Young Scot Rewards points. If they redeem that code, they will also be entered into their draw  for a chance to win an Apple Watch SE! 

 

Parents/Carers Information

Clothing Grants and Free School Meals

The thresholds have changed as of April for Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants(link is external).  Paper application forms are available from our school office for those parents/carers who are unable to complete online ones and the school office can then assist in emailing these for you freeschoolmeals@eastlothian.gov.uk(link sends e-mail). if you need support filling these in please also contact the school and we can support you with this too.

Reporting Absences

Parents/carers are reminded that when notifying the school of absences, either via ParentsPortal or attendance@knox.elcschool.org.uk , a reason for the absence must be stated.  This allows for the appropriate code to be entered against the pupil record.

Parent Council

The new co-chairs of Parent Council for this year are Morven Atkinson and Sarah Ramsay. Parent council exists to work in partnership with the school and provide support whilst representing the views of parents and help with school improvement. We would be delighted for parents to join the meetings and let us know of any issues or queries they wish to raise in advance of each meeting.

Our next meeting will be on the 25 October and will be held online and Elaine Gorman (Developing the Young Workforce) and Chris Trotter (Skills Development Scotland) will be our guest speakers at it. Ms Breslin will also be joining us to speak about the school’s stage musical this session. If you would like the link sent to you, or there is anything you would like us to raise at the next meeting, please email us at parentcouncil@ka-net.org.uk before the 18 October.

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 for your young person or to arrange an appointment to come in to speak to someone.

 

Dates for your diary:

Monday 16 October – Monday 23 October (inclusive) – Pupils’ mid-term holiday

Monday 16 October – Friday 20 October – staff holiday (Monday 23 in-service)

Wednesday 23 October – Parent Council (online) – 6.30-8pm.  Please email parentcouncil@knox.elcschool.org.uk for the link.

Our school calendar is updated regularly and should be used to access all information throughout the year and allows you to plan ahead too.

Have a lovely weekend

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 84CEAEA2   for the latest information and updates.