I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Scott Thomson, one of our S6, for winning the Junior U60kg category at the Scottish Open Judo Championships held at Meadowbank last Saturday. Scott continues to work hard at his studies and play hard at his sport, and is a real role model for all youngsters here at Knox Academy – I couldn’t be more proud of him.

We had a very successful visit to the Granton Campus of Edinburgh College this week. Mr Flood, Ms Easson and Ms Adam accompanied forty of our pupils to the open afternoon. It was a great opportunity to see how the college works and for pupils to familiarise themselves with the buildings. Hopefully this will enable the young people to make the best decisions as to next steps and how we can support them in that.

On Wednesday there was a very busy S4 Parents’ Consultation Evening. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces. From what I could glean as people sped from one appointment to another, it seems that pupils are getting clear feedback on what they have to do to ensure that they get the grades that they deserve come the summer. We are in the process of collating a list of after-school study clubs that will go on the website in due course and I know that Mrs Falconer has put the wheels in motion to begin getting the Easter Revision sessions sorted. If any parent did not manage to get an appointment with a member of staff on Wednesday and would like to catch up with them, get in touch with your child’s Guidance Teacher and they will do their very best to facilitate a meeting.

We’re having a bit of a crackdown on late-coming at the moment. Pupils need to be in their register classes by 8.44am (there is a warning bell at 8.40am). The doors automatically lock after the 8.44 bell and we are taking the names of pupils who arrive after that time. Pupils who are late three times in a week (without an excuse from their parent) will be required to attend a detention. If you know that your son or daughter is going to be late, could you please furnish them with a note, or give the school a call? Also a reminder about Dress Code – basically it’s: white collared shirt (long or short sleeves); school tie; sweater or fleece (navy or black only - no adornment); black trousers or skirt; black shoes or trainers with no additional colours.

We are going to be trying to encourage as many of our pupils who are 16 and over to register to vote. It’s a really simple process (five minutes, really) to register and all that the pupils needs is their National Insurance Number - just go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Next week is a busy one. The S4, S5 and S6 start their benchmarking assessments – good luck! On Wednesday there is an Information Evening for pupils who are presently in S3, 4 and 5 regarding course choices and transitions into next session. And finally, on Thursday is our, now sold-out, Burns’ Supper.

Have a great week.

S Ingham