First, some sporting news: On the 27th November over 80 pupils travelled from all over the county to compete in the Mid and East Lothian Secondary Schools Badminton Championships held at Meadowmill Sports Centre. All 6 Secondary Schools from East Lothian and three from Midlothian had players representing their school at this event. Following this event selection will now take place for pupils to represent Mid & East Lothian Schools at the Scottish Schools National Championships which will be held on the 12th and 13th March at Bells Sport Centre, Perth. The results from the Knox contingent are pretty impressive, I think you’ll agree:

Final results – U14

• Girls’ Singles Runner up – Amanda Martin
• ‘B’ Final Winner – Kirsty Booth
• Runner up – Catriona Watson
• Boys’ Singles ‘B’ Final Runner up – Kyle Sutherland
• Girls’ Doubles Runners up – Amanda Martin & Rachel Broadley
• ‘B’ Final Winner – Kirsty Booth & Catriona Watson
• Boys’ Doubles – Winners – Callum Rettie & Kyle Sutherland
• Mixed Doubles – Winners – Calum Rettie & Rachel Broadley

Final results – U16

• Girls’ Singles ‘B’ Final Winners – Shannon Harkness
• Boys’ Doubles ‘B’ Final Runners up – Adam Gray & Niall Holman

Mr Redford writes, “On Wednesday we had the final of this year’s Youth Philanthropy Initiative with the S5. We had seven groups presenting on behalf of local charities that they have been working with: Safe Families for Children; Beyond Boundaries East Lothian; Leuchie House; Dementia Friendly; Mid and East Lothian Drugs (MELD); Stepping Out; and SiMBA. Every group had visited their charities and were able to give a really personal account of the philanthropic work that they do, including some of the work the pupils themselves have done with the charities. The final was judged on the quality of the pupils’ presentations and they made it incredibly difficult for the judges. With that in mind, I would like to thank Rebecca Keegan, Depute Head Pupil; Claire Thomson, a previous winner; Councillor John McMillan and Nicola Wood from Speratus Group (YPI's local sponsor) and of course our Head Teacher, Sarah Ingham for taking he time out of their busy schedules to judge the event. After some debate, the winners were announced as the group representing Dementia Friendly. Gregor Booth, Taylor Clark, Chloe Johnston, Andrew McKnight and Evie Trouton won over the judges with their compelling account of the time they spent with the charity and those it supports and the amazing work the charity does for those suffering from the effects of dementia in our community. Dementia Friendly will now receive a cheque for £3000 thanks to the fantastic job that the pupils have done over the last few months. Each and every young person on stage was an absolute credit to the school and served to remind us all about the importance of engaging with those less fortunate than ourselves in the community. I am, as always, immensely proud to be part of the process.”

The 66 pupils who went out to see Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at the Lyceum on Wednesday evening were, as usual, a credit to Knox. Ms Whitfield comments, “We ALL agreed the fantastic set and costumes were a pleasure to watch. The Mad Hatter was a favourite character too.”

Thanks to all parents who came to the Parent Council Meeting on Wednesday night. We had a really interesting budget update courtesy of Ms Skirrow (Business Manager) that led to some good discussions. We also received updates from the pupils on matters as diverse as rooming to the Christmas Dance. We also had an excellent parent turn out to the S1 Parents’ Evening. It was great to have the opportunity to get to know some of our new parents and to get their feedback on how the first full term has gone for their youngsters.

Next week we have the Christmas Dance (Thursday, 15). I look forward to seeing all the pupils dressed “to the nines” for the event. Rules about the dance can be found on this website.

Have a great week.

S Ingham