I have been greatly inspired and impressed with the positive ways in which all our boarders have displayed resilience and perseverance since arriving back to Knox 11 weeks ago. I wish to acknowledge the wonderful start made by our fifty five new boarders, who have settled extremely well into their new life in boarding and at Knox.

It has been a pleasure for our boarding staff to witness the boys flourishing, enjoying each other’s company, making friends whilst also taking advantage of the many opportunities provided here at Knox that enables them to grow and develop into the fine young men they strive to be.

Since their arrival, the boarders have made a significant contribution to the school through their active involvement in all facets of school and boarding life – from prep time with their academic pursuits, to co-curricular involvement and in the ways they mix positively with different year groups through the highly successful ‘Whole of Boarding' meeting and more recently during a fun evening playing futsal in mixed year groups for the ‘Boarding Brothers Trophy’.  This event was organised by Senior Boarder Martin Cao along with the captains of the BBT teams.  They did a wonderful job making the night a great success.

The Boarding Mentor Program overseen by Mr Glassie and supported by Y11’s Darren Fung and Minghao Zou, have been working closely with and training our Y10 Mentors in their important roles supporting their Y7 Mentee. The Y10 Mentors have been supporting our new Year 7 Boarders each week, with fun and engaging sessions to build positive connections in their first year of boarding.

In addition, we have Y11 Academic Mentors who are scheduled each evening to work with Stage 4 boys through the first prep session supporting and encouraging boys with their homework. These beneficial leadership and mentoring programs have provided key training skills, enabling them to develop together as a community to support each other in the best possible way.

Your sons have also been receiving outstanding academic support each evening midweek. Please refer to the ‘Evening Academic Tutor Roster’ linked here and below. This wonderful Knox academic support program provided for your sons is second to none in Australia.

Whilst it seems only a short time since the boys first came together this year, many positive activities have been completed and enjoyed by your sons as outlined by key members of our boarding and clinic staff, in this first edition of our Boarding News.

I wish to encourage as many of our boarding families to be involved in any way possible to help support the Centenary Gala Day Boarders' Stall, which will be held on the first Saturday in Term 2, a home fixture vs St. Joseph's College (Joeys) on Saturday 4 May, as well as the ‘Back to Country’ day on Sunday 5 May.  This event involves the parents engaging with the boarders in activities around the boarding houses.  It is considered an ‘Open Day’, with all the Boarding Houses open, giving the boys a chance to show their family members their rooms and what day to day life looks like for them.

Any donations of items for our Boarders Country Produce Stall and Spit Roast, as well as the Boarders Raffle, plus volunteering time to help during Gala Day, would be greatly appreciated.  The support of supplying produce, prizes and most importantly, your time (ably supported by your sons) is very much appreciated by the Boarders Parents Support Group, the School and the Boarding Community.

Last year’s amazing team effort raised for the Knox Parents Association $15,000. Through these KPA funds we received back to boarding through our ‘Wish List’ close to $13,000, which provided the upgrading of TV’s and sound systems across 2 floors in the KBC to improve the living experiences and entertainment for these boys.

In conclusion and on behalf of all our Boarding Community, I would like to pass on our congratulations and to warmly welcome Jim Hughes (Old Boy and father of Sam Hughes Y10) who was recently appointed the new President of the Boarders Parents Support Group Committee and who is supported by a wonderful team of volunteer Boarder Parent representatives on this committee.

Brian Sullivan

Boys and families were welcomed back to the New Year with a wonderful function, which was a great opportunity for families to catch up with old and new friends alike. Our new boarders had an excursion into the city, and we learned all about the Lunar New Year in a whole of boarding meeting led by our student boarding leadership team. It has also been great to see boys from the boarding house compete, represent or support in so many events across the school, whether it be the CAS Swimming Carnival, Battle of the Bands, Pipes and Drums Competitions or Knox sporting and co-curricular teams.

We have had a number of students from Stage 6 attend events at Loreto Normanhurst, PLC Pymble, Ravenswood and St Catherine’s. At each event the Knox boys always represented the school with pride and participated enthusiastically, whether it be discussing leadership in boarding or catching up informally in a social setting.

A large number of our boarders also participated in the World’s Greatest Shave, contributing significantly to the over $100, 000 raised by the school. It is great to see our boys continue to expand their connections outside of the school, endeavouring to do so in a kind and respectful manner.

Our Y11 and Y12 Boarders attended their ConneXions camp this term at Cockatoo Island. Boys spent some time exploring the island and learning about the history of the location. Y12 students delved into their personal history and strengths, the influence of others on them, and explored the kind of man they want to be when they graduate from Knox.

Y11 worked through a collection of workshops from staff that looked at developing essential skills they will need as they navigate their HSC years. Both groups also experienced the thrill of jetboating across Sydney Harbour. The camps provided a wonderful opportunity for boys to be off site, get to know each other better, and reflect on their own personal journey.

In academic news the boys in Y11 and Y12 have made an impressive start to their studies. They are expertly supported by tutors in the WSA, as well as Evening Boarding Tutors that are available each night. I have been incredibly impressed with the way boys are approaching their studies, and I’m confident that the platforms laid early in the year will reap rewards come the HSC examinations. In our house meetings and casual conversations boys are always reminded to keep things in perspective, utilise all wellbeing supports available to them and remember the importance of a healthy diet and exercise.

The end of term came with a flurry of events for our whole boarding community. We held our Term 1 Boarders Chapel Service and Formal Dinner, where we celebrated the House Manger's award recipients James Pfeiffer, Wallace Shen and Jayden Shen, plus the Connexion Award recipients Darren Fung and Henry Shepherd.

We also held our first Boarders Brothers Trophy event of the year. This event, facilitated by our Boarding Prefects and senior boarders, sees House teams compete against each other in a range of sports and competitions. It was a fantastic evening full of fun, energy and just a little bit of competition.

I would like to extend my appreciation to the Stage 6 team who support the Y11 and Y12 boarders so well.  Thank you to the House Managers, the Assistant Head of Stages and the many Evening Boarding Tutors, plus the Weekend Supervisors and of course Mr and Mrs Sullivan, for your dedication and care.

It has been a wonderful start to the year and I feel all boys and their families deserve a restful holiday. I wish you all a fantastic term break and look forward to welcoming back all Stage 6 boarders on Monday 29 April.

Rob Gulson

A strategic objective for the Stage 5 team this year has been to reinvigorate and improve evening prep and study sessions. Hence, with the help of Mr Haselden (Director of Academic excellence – Boarding) and Mr Sullivan, second prep is conducted in the Middle Academy to make use of that space. In the Middle Academy more staff are available for help and supervision is optimal. We know that the boys have enough time each evening to complete all their required homework and study, however, increasing the number of tutors and making it easier for them to be accessed by the boys has created a more efficient and effective working environment. This is a great advantage to our boarders and one we are keen to see them make the most of.

Getting the boys more involved in the many opportunities on offer at Knox has been another focus in Stage 5. Sometimes the boys need a nudge to take risks that yield rewards they might not see at first. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (the Duke of Ed) helps to do just that. The Duke of Ed is designed to “support Australian young people meet new challenges, gain important life skills, and realise their potential.” For this reason, it is a highly recognised award by universities, businesses, and government organisations and so it makes good sense to encourage all our boys to sign up. Afterall, most of the requirements for the award are satisfied through the boy’s normal school journey at Knox. Why not take advantage of being at a school that has the boys involved in wonderful programs and opportunities that recognises their growth and achievements outside the classroom.

Each week in our Stage 5 House Meetings, we look at a quote, proverb or bible verse that inspires good habits and attributes that specifically contribute to living in community. The boys are at a special time in their development where they are keen to turn away from their childhood and embrace the opportunities and responsibilities of being young adults. Regular conversations help to raise awareness of important issues that need to be acknowledged and embraced to ensure this. Billy Lloyd, Stage 5 Boarder Prefect is working through the graduate profile and the school values with the boys as an excellent example of peer mentoring. All staff reinforce these messages and encourage the boys to always strive towards good habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, and self-respect.

Many thanks to the staff who ably assist the Stage 5 boys everyday in boarding, especially the House Managers: Mrs Quigley, Mrs Calayag-Allan and Mrs McGhie, the Assistant Head of Stage: Mrs Yamamoto, Mr Futcher and Mr Gooding, plus all the Evening Boarding Tutors and Weekend Supervisors, along with Mr and Mrs Sullivan for their tireless support of staff and students.

The boys experienced the false start to their Cadet AFX camp and eagerly awaited departure to that and to the Outdoor Education Snowy Mountains Adventure. Heavy rain passed leaving blue skies and sunshine, so we hope that the long and busy Term 1 closes safely for them and they return ready for a great holiday break with family at home. Term 2 is looking to be an equally busy (if not busier) term for our young men of Stage 5 and we are looking forward to seeing them return ready, relaxed and recharged for Term 2.

Peter Shannon

Helping our junior boarders to understand and utilise these building blocks, has partly been achieved through our Community Boarder Brother Programs. Y11 boarder, Minghao Zou has meticulously promoted, appointed and timetabled several senior boarders to provide peer academic support for our Y7 & Y8 boarders each afternoon. Not only does this provide community service and leadership opportunities, but it also supports the diligent efforts of our Evening Boarding Tutors (EBTs). Of the forty-odd EBTs that work within our community in the evenings, we would like to thank Mr Haselden, Ms Charlton,  Mr McHue, Mr Ferguson, Mr Murray, Mr Vardanega & Mr Riggien for assisting in helping our juniors to be organised and accountable in submitting daily homework and preparing for the hand-in and in-class assessments.

Darren Fung (Y11) and at times Mr Yates and Mr McHue have shown their dedication to the boarding environment by supporting me in facilitating and presenting to the Y7 & Y10 Boarder Brother Mentor group each Monday evening. Training the Y10 mentors, and relaying the importance of their roles in the lives of the Y7s starting at Knox, has reaped a positive influence. Sessions like speed networking, 'get to know me', residential organisation, Knox Total Fitness, and The Model Man activities have helped strengthen these peer connections, as well as provide a healthy platform to voice their thoughts and experiences in a safe environment. The Y8 & Y11 program will kick off next term with the support of Y11, Lachlan Maslin will provide further opportunities for connections off the back of last year's program.

The Whole of Boarding Meeting was held early, to expose our juniors and new boarders to the 200+ boarding community. Senior Boarder, Martin Cao and STAGS ran an information session on our supportive cultural teams, Lunar New Year Celebrations and upcoming events. It was an interactive session where both staff and students learned the New Year phrases in Mandarin & Cantonese.

Another whole of boarding initiative, The Boarders Brothers Trophy, was celebrated by the whole community in Week 9 of this term. Due to the multiple exams and events, Y7, Y8 & Y10 participated in the first session of Futsal and it was great to hear and see the enjoyment of our diminutive juniors utilising their skills and enthusiasm in the Lawson Centre.

The internal community support was showcased with multiple events that filled the Gilmore House calendar. At the start of the school year, the casual setting of the Knox Tennis Courts made way for our boarding families to meet and greet the many staff members who support them and their sons throughout each school year.

Our new boarders were treated to an off-site immersion of Sydney's transport and scenic CBD harbour views. Congratulations to Y7 Edward Irons for taking out this year's photo challenge on the several-kilometre tour in the warm Sydney conditions.

A food safari to Hornsby, cinema viewing in Chatswood and beach outing to Palm Beach along with the Headmaster's Supper, International Womens Day, World's Greatest Shave, Chartwell's Food Presentation, Battle of The Bands and Outdoor Education Camps, meant that our juniors were treated to the community minded culture of life at Knox.

Having the opportunity to reflect on this past term has shone a light on the dedicated services of the many staff involved in the day-to-day running of Gilmore House. In particular, thank you to Mr Yates, Mrs Davis and Mr and Mrs Sullivan for your tireless efforts in facilitating a positive experience for all members of Stage 4 Boarding.

We are excited to hit the ground running next term with winter sports challenges, social events, Gala Day and boarding’s annual Back to Country event.  We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday.

Allan Glassie

One of the photos below will illustrate the artwork that the boys have collaborated on with Uncle John Gurri Kelly. The boys were very proud of their combined efforts and to find out that it will be framed and hung in a prominent place in the school, added to their excitement.

We are proud of our boarders who are involved in the World’s Greatest Shave. Access the link here to see all of the boys in our Knox Grammar School Team for 2024. The Knox team raised just under of $105k, an amazing effort!

Congratulations to Year 11 boarders: Brian Lee raised the second highest amount in the school and Darren Fung who was in the top 10 fundraisers. Also, well done to Henry Shepherd and Lachlan Maslin.

As an AIEF student, Harrison Tanner entered a competition, if I was PM for a day.  Harry was one of the six students from around Australia chosen to attend an event in Canberra to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of AIEF scholarships.  Harry participated in filming by Sky news, a breakfast with politicians in Parliament House and a session in Question Time at Federal Parliament.  Harry was impressive in his interactions at all levels and has the options of cadetships with two major Finance Companies next year.

We ask you to continue to encourage your sons to be involved in the many social, inter-school, service and cultural activities that are on offer as a boarder at Knox.

Helen Clarke

Congratulations to our Y12 boarders on completing their assessment block. This experience offers them insight into how their final HSC assessments will unfold. I hope they found it enlightening and have identified areas for further focus. To all our Y12 boarders, I encourage you to rest and recharge during the break, ensuring you're prepared for the challenges ahead.

As of Term 2, Knox Boarding will be implementing changes to its Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8) and Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) Prep sessions to incorporate the Pomodoro Technique, as we strive to improve the quality of these study sessions to make them more effective and productive. The changes to Prep for Stage 5 were presented to our Year 9 and 10 boarders in Week 10 and will be presented to our Year 7 and 8 boarders at the start of Term 2.

Why is the Pomodoro Technique so valuable?

• It is a popular and successful time management method that can significantly enhance study outcomes for learners of all levels and help them to develop healthy study habits. By breaking study sessions into manageable intervals, typically 20-30 minutes of focused work followed by a short break, this technique helps to maintain concentration and prevent burnout.

• One of the key benefits is its ability to improve productivity and efficiency. By working in short focused sessions, individuals are encouraged to concentrate fully on the task at hand, minimising distractions and maximising their output. This focused approach not only helps to complete tasks more quickly but also ensures a higher quality of work due to increased attention to detail.

• It promotes better time management skills, by allocating specific periods for work and rest, students can better plan their study sessions and make the most of their available time. This structured approach can also help to alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed and procrastinating, as tasks are broken down into smaller, more manageable segments.

• Incorporated regular breaks can improve cognitive function and prevent mental fatigue. Short intervals of rest allow the brain to recharge, enhancing concentration, creativity, and overall cognitive performance. As a result, students find themselves feeling more alert and focused throughout their study sessions, leading to better retention of information and improved learning outcomes.

Overall, the Pomodoro Technique offers numerous benefits for students looking to improve their study outcomes and develop health study habits. By promoting productivity, better time management, and enhanced cognitive function, this method can help learners achieve their academic goals more efficiently and effectively. 

We look forward to seeing how these positive changes impact our boarders Prep time and help them to grow and develop their skills and knowledge in preparation for their senior studies.

I extend my best wishes to everyone in our boarding community for a safe, restful and enjoyable school holiday break. I eagerly await the return of our boarders in Term 2. If you have concerns about your son's academic progress, please don't hesitate to reach out, so we can provide further assistance.

Michael Haselden

IMMERSION PROGRAM

Following multiple online meetings last year, we started the on-site process with an immersion tour of the scenic Sydney Harbour. The opportunity to check in with our new boarders while journeying by train and ferry, walking over the Harbour Bridge, strolling through the Rocks Markets and experiencing the CBD together, helped both staff and students connect in a beautiful, panoramic outing.

This was followed up with a 20-day check-in, where Mr Sullivan, Mr Hobin, Senior Boarder Martin Cao and I, presented to the group.  We discussed Boarding's support structure, coping with aspects of homesickness and reiterating their rights and responsibilities within our Community.

BOARDER BROTHER MENTORING

This program has set the foundation for Darren Fung (Y11) and myself to facilitate activities that promote a respectful school culture, nourish meaningful connections and strengthen relationships among students to optimise student wellbeing and foster positive contributions. We have held weekly sessions such as Mentorship training, implementing The Knox Total Fitness, showcasing ourselves through a 'get to know me tik-tok', acknowledging the significant women in our lives through International Women's Day and understanding the efforts in becoming an inspirational man.  These have all been healthy exercises in building our program.

With the progression and implementation of Lachlan Maslin (Y11) supporting the Y8/Y11 connections forged last year, we have organised monthly check-ins where we aim to continue strengthening the bonds between boarders of varying year groups.

BOARDER BROTHER TROPHY

With the absence of BBT leader Harrison Tanner, who was attending an AIEF event at Parliament House in Canberra, Finlay McDonald (Y11) assisted me and the BBT captains with organising the first BBT competition for 2024, which involved games of futsal in the Lawson Centre. We ran junior and senior sessions, which ensured all boarders had the opportunity to take part in the fun and rally around their BBT Houses. This was a fantastic event with many running, tackling, passing and striking the ball as best they could.

STAGS (Student Teams Advocating for Greatness & Support)

Assisted by Martin (Wei) Cao and Bernad LAU (Stage 4 Boarding Prefect Y12), the STAGS relished the opportunity to run this year's first Whole of Boarding meeting in the KCC. As it was held during the Lunar New Year Celebrations, it allowed the boys to educate our community on the intricacies of their cultural celebrations and also the fun task of teaching us the Cantonese and Mandarin sayings that are specific to that time of year.

We have also held a STAGS meeting to give voice to the various prefect, cultural and junior leaders in boarding, where they spoke of the climate in each year group and the wellbeing support that we can afford those in their respective groups. As a team we spoke about the whole of boarding events, like Gala Day and Back to Country, BBT and BBM initiatives.

It has been a busy term incorporating the diligent student leader efforts, with the individual academic, social and spiritual aspects of our boarder's day-to-day lives. We are ever strengthened knowing the benefits of a healthy culture create a healthy community.

Allan Glassie