We’ve had a great week at Knox.

We discovered that we have raised over £300 for Save the Children thanks to the Christmas Jumper Day last Friday.

On Monday we judged the Christmas Box competition. We received boxes from nearly all tutor groups that were decorated along the theme of “Christmas Films”. The boxes were filled with goodies galore that I know were appreciated by the recipients. The overall winning box came from 1L2, and what impressed the judges (Mrs McGillivray and 2 P7 pupils from King’s Meadow) was the combination of decoration and content.

The concert on Tuesday night was wonderful. With over 120 pupils involved in various bands, ensembles and choirs, we were treated to items that ranged from “A Vaughan Williams Christmas” to “Mambo Italiano” by way of “Blue Moon”. Thanks go to all the music staff and instructors who have rehearsed so hard with the pupils, and thanks to all the parents and carers out there who support the youngsters with their musical endeavours.

Yesterday I helped judge the S1 Nativity competition that is run by the RMPS department. Pupils are asked to depict the Nativity in their own way and we regularly see beautiful pictures, craft work and cakes. This year the order of merit goes like this:

Overall winner: Reuben Phoenix Hill (1T2) for his fabulous website with full coding and a whopping 25 hours of work.

Runners up: Anna Munroe (1L1) for her beautiful light up Nativity Manger in a box made out of craft straws and other materials. Maya Lavender and Jessica Goodfellow (1G3) for their edible manger.

Special mention for originality goes to Lizzie Vischer (1L1) for her coloured jar tea light Nativity.

And today, we have had the S6 panto “Back to Knox” that was written, directed, produced and musically accompanied by the S6. It has been a marvellous production, full of music, dance and gentle humour. The PE staff have been entertaining pupils with dancing and fun and the rest of the staff have been enjoying the company of their classes as the day has gone on. We close at 4pm today and will reopen for everyone on Monday 9 January 2017.

Have a great festive period and I wish everyone health and happiness in 2017.

S Ingham