I hope that everyone managed to take advantage of the fabulous summer weather while the school was shut and that, where possible, relaxation was the top priority despite the stress-inducing Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final.
School has got off to a flying start and we welcomed new members of staff during the in-service days at the start of the week: Ms Brannigan (RMPS); Ms McCafferty (Geography); Ms McBride (Modern Languages); Mr Homer (Physics); Ms Greig (PE); Mr Gray (PE); and Ms Summerling (English). Staff that have returned to us on a more formal footing are: Mr Walls (Computing); Ms Cumming (Learning Support); Ms Watson (Science and Biology), and Ms Leggatt (Technologies) returned from Maternity Leave.
Many letters, pieces of paper and emails accumulate in my in-tray over the holidays and two of the nicest came in about our pupils’ involvement in The Open as part of the Litter Picking Teams. The organisers have written to me stating, “Knox Academy played a part in this success and I received very many favourable comments regarding…the conduct of the Litter Picking Teams…They worked hard in very hot conditions and were a pleasure to be with.” I also received an email from a parent thanking all the staff for their support of the pupils during the Open – so all round, it seems that it was very successful. My thanks go to all involved and, in particular, to Mr MacDonald (lately of PE) for being in overall charge.
Something else that I wait for, in common with our senior pupils, is the exam results. As ever there were some phenomenal performances, along with those that disappointed. Overall I was pleased but feel that there were some people who could have done better. Therefore we will be focusing even more heavily on the performance of the senior school. One of the things that parents can do to help is to ensure that pupils get here on time and that youngsters maintain the best possible attendance. Pupils need to be here to learn. Please telephone the school as soon as possible to let us know that your child is going to be off and check with your child that they have caught up on anything that they have missed.
The new S1s have brightened up the place considerably by their presence. They bring a freshness and vitality to the place as they embark on their journey with us. They already seem to have settled well and, while some of them need a bit of help with tying their ties, they look fabulous in the dress code.
Speaking of dress code, a photographer will be in school on Monday to take portraits of the S1 and S6. These photos are great mementos of their time at Knox and will no doubt be adorning many a proud parent’s and grandparent’s mantelpiece.
On the 4th September we will be having our first Parent School Partnership Meeting of the session. It takes place at 6.15pm and any parent is welcome to attend.
I wish you a very fine weekend.
S Ingham
