Last weekend, we were delighted to hear that our Rwandans colleagues had arrived home safely in Ruhanga. No doubt they are enjoying the warmer weather; many thanks and congratulations to Ms Orr and her team for organising the successful visit.

On Sunday, a group of senior Drama pupils attended a workshop as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Exchange programme. The workshop, led by playwright David Greig, was excellent and examined the physics of creating theatre through the use of fruit! A big thank you to Mr Campbell, who accompanied the group and will remain their mentor even though he has moved to pastures new. 

Monday evening was busy; after school, "Twisted" was performed by Drama pupils. The Junior Drama Club performed four pieces based on a fairy tale with a twist; next, the NC Acting and Theatre Performance pupils presented a devised piece based on a twisted version of ‘Hansel and Gretel’ that had the audience jumping out of their seats. It was the first public performance by the NPA Musical Theatre pupils, who co-choreographed and performed "Burlesque Express" as part of the course assessment. The evening was a huge success and we look forward to their cabaret performances in March 2012. 

The drama did not end there as, later in the evening, a large group of staff and pupils of all ages travelled to Edinburgh to see ‘We will Rock You’ at the Playhouse. The (noisy) show was enjoyed by all and staff reported that, again, the pupils were a credit to the school. 

On Tuesday over 40 S3 pupils, accompanied by staff from the Chemistry Department, attended the Royal Society of Chemistry Xmas Lecture ‘Dr. Bunhead’s Exploding Christmas’. Dr. Bunhead investigated the flammability of custard, exploding hot water bottles, spontaneously combusting jelly babies and many more Christmas conundrums. There was lots of smoke, bangs and explosions and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the show. 

On Tuesday, there was a very big disappointment for the pupils, when, following an amber weather alert, the disco was cancelled yet again. However, it has been re-arranged for Tuesday 17 January, when we can celebrate the New Year. 

During the week, I visited all the S4 and S2 classes, the themes were homework and conduct. I am delighted to report that all classes were reported to be working well and completing homework; although the one or two individual exceptions need to ensure they work harder and prepare for assessments but, all in all, a positive picture. 

Yesterday morning, John Vischer, minister from the West Kirk, presented a thought-proving assembly to the pupils on Christmas and the meaning of the Nativity; our thanks to Rev. Vischer for being with us at this very busy time of year. 

Yesterday evening, there was another successful 'teambuilding' event at the King's Theatre in Edinburgh, when S5/6 Business Education pupils and guests attended a performance of ‘Cinderella’. The evening lived up to expectations and was enjoyed by all. 

Finally this week, congratulations to Naomi Rogers, 3L2; the card she designed in the Art class, has been chosen as this year’s Knox Academy Christmas Card.