It was such a shame that Gala Day had to be postponed last Saturday, but an announcement of a new date is imminent - be sure to log that into your calendars as soon as it is released! It is always such an incredible day, filled with such a strong sense of community spirit. 

On our first day back to school last week, our Year 3 boys led our ANZAC Service, which has become a new tradition at Prep. Having studied the importance of commemorations during Term 1, and comparing commemorations held around the world, and for various purposes, our Year 3 boys wrote and delivered, a very touching, solemn and respectful service. They understood the importance of story in connecting those in attendance with the message being given, and their penned poetry was so moving. Congratulations Year 3 - a job so very well done. Our Knox Grammar School official ANZAC Service will be held at the Senior School on Sunday 19 May, beginning at 8:40am. This, too, is an incredibly moving and memorable Service, to which all members of our community are welcome. 

Last Friday night saw our Prep Football 1sts play Cranbrook on Knox 1. I do believe it may be the first time that our Prep Footballers have played on the hallowed turf of the Number 1 Oval, and my goodness, they did us proud! It wasn't just the score and an 8-0 win; there was so much to love about the experience for the boys. It began with a run onto the field through a guard of honour comprised of both Senior and Prep School players and supporters. There was a player who had been sick all week, get out of his sick bed and get a last minute clearance to play. There was a player who played up from the 2nds, conquering his nerves and showing such courage, and who scored not one but 3 goals! There was a small but vocal crowd, and as the Tartan Army began to assemble for the Senior School 2nds match which followed, this turned into cheers and drumming, which served to spur our players on even further. There was driving rain in parts, but nothing could beat our boys' spirit! By the end of the game, the adrenaline was certainly pumping and I am told by more than one source that getting sleep proved a challenge for the boys, who had to turn around and play King's the following morning. A mammoth effort boys, and so many great lessons to be learned!

On Wednesday evening, we held an information session for families of boys in Years 4 and 5, regarding the 2025 and 2026 House Immersion trips. We recorded the first introductory session, which I will send home in the next couple of days, along with the slides that each House Leader used to outline and promote the immersion. I did say that these would be sent home today, but we've experienced a short delay in finalising the recording, for which we apologise. A timeline and an expression of interest will also be sent.

Our VEX robotics World Championship Teams have returned home safely this morning and will be back at school tomorrow, when we can celebrate their achievements with them. It's an incredibly busy few days, with incredible intensity! Congratulations to all boys who qualified and attended. We are looking forward to all of your stories this week!

I wish all of our precious mums a truly wonderful Mother's Day on Sunday. May you be thoroughly spoilt, and not have to clean up the mess afterwards!

Sue Floro, Head of Prep

It was wonderful seeing the boys back at school last week and hearing about their amazing holiday experiences. What is most pleasing to me is the excitement in the boys’ eyes as they entered the gates for their first day back at school last week. May it long continue! Please find attached the invitation for our Mother’s Day celebration. This is always an exciting event on the K-2 Calendar. I know the boys are looking forward to having you come to visit and spend some time at school while they showcase some of their beautiful singing they have been working on in choir. We look forward to seeing you there on the day. Should you have any questions please contact Kate in the K-2 Office. Just a reminder whilst the event begins at 7:15am you can arrive later than this time. Fingers crossed for some sunshine.

One message we try to share with the boys in K-2 is the importance of showing gratitude towards others. We have many boys in K-2 who are great at showing gratitude to their friends, family members and teachers.  Expressing gratitude towards others is important in fostering positive relationships and cultivating a sense of appreciation within communities. At Knox, our boys can cultivate this essential virtue through simple yet meaningful gestures. Encouraging your sons to say "thank you" for acts of kindness or writing a thank-you note to a classmate are examples of how he could display gratitude. By showing appreciation, students not only acknowledge the efforts of others but also cultivate empathy, kindness, and a sense of interconnectedness. Practising gratitude has been linked to improved mental health, increased happiness, and stronger social connections, making it a vital skill for the boys in K-2 to develop as they navigate their educational journey and beyond. 

Carlines, my favourite part of every afternoon! Carlines is a great way for you to pick up your son safely and efficiently after school. We spend lots of time and resources ensuring that we have this set up to run as smoothly and safely as possible. You will notice that we have several measures in place to alleviate the traffic in the afternoons. We set up cones each Monday to block off some the parking spaces to ensure there is enough space for two cars to pass. Unfortunately, we do have a small number of parents still parking in these spots or stopping in the middle of the road to drop off or pick up their sons. The system will work effectively if we all work together and be patient. Could I ask that you ensure the following when picking up in the afternoons.

• Do not skip (push into) the line
• Ensure you pull over as close the curb as possible
• Please only park in areas that are not blocked by the coloured witches hats
• Do not park over driveways
• Do not drive on the wrong side of the road to try to go around traffic
• Please do not leave your car to pick up your son!

If we all follow these small steps it will mean a smooth, efficient and safe carline for all!

Have a good week.

Year 6 Group, Siblings, catch up individuals & – Wednesday 8 May

On Wednesday 8 May (Week 2, Term 2) Academy Photography will be taking the following photos: 

Year 6 Group photo 

Siblings photos 

Catch-up Individual photos (for those students who may have missed having their individual photographs taken earlier in the year) 

What to Wear 
Students are required to wear full winter school uniform including blazers (no jumpers or boaters) for the photographs. Students who have PE that day will not be required to wear their sports uniform and should instead wear their full winter school uniform. 

Siblings Photos 
Those students who wish to have a family sibling photo (this does not include parents or siblings outside of school or brothers at the Senior School) can come to the K-2 Void at the beginning of  lunch. Please note not all students are required to have a sibling photo. It is at the discretion of the students and parents.  

After the sibling photo is taken, the students will be given a flyer to take home which will have an individual shoot key along with details on how to order the photo directly with Academy Photography, if you wish to do so.  

How to Order the Photos
When the above-mentioned photos are available for purchase (usually around a month from when the photos are taken), parents will be emailed a shoot key for each of the photos.  Parents can then view and purchase these photos via the Academy Photography website using this shoot key.

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the 3-6 Office on 9473 9351.

• Kindergarten Home Learning Program

It brings me great joy to see our boys walking into school every morning wearing their winter uniform with pride. Their top button is done up, socks are pulled up, they are carrying their own bag and a smile is beaming from ear to ear. What a great way to start the day!

Today your son has brought home his Home Learning book. Within, you will find an Inquiry grid with various tasks. In addition to his daily readers, Matific and Reading Eggs tasks, we ask that three activities from the grid be completed. Each home learning rotation will be sent home on a Monday (Week B) and will be due on the following Thursday (Week A) as stated in the grid. This provides time for your son to complete his work around your family’s schedule. Please click on the link above for more information.

Last Friday, Kindergarten collaborated with our Year 6 buddies to discuss the different places that comprise a community, and how people work together in these communities. Similarly, the boys worked together to create their own community that was made up of important places and people the boys felt were needed. The discussions were so rich and engaging, highlighting the significance of working together within our Knox community.

On Wednesday 8 of May, weather permitting, Kindergarten will be visiting Wahroonga Park. This opportunity allows us to observe how the park is used within the community and its significance to Country both past and present. Students are required to come to school in their winter school uniform. No additional resources are required as we will start our adventure following roll call and return to the Prep for recess as normal.

Nely Daher, Kindergarten Team Leader

With Week 2 well under way the boys have all had a great start to the term. The teachers have been delighted to see how energetic and enthusiastic the boys have been following the holidays. We have enjoyed hearing all about the fun and adventures had by all during the break.

Mother’s Day Morning
Year 2 are looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day with all our mums on Monday 13 May, 7.30am.  The boys are so excited and cannot wait to share this special morning with you.

On behalf of the Year 2 boys and teachers I would like to wish all our Knox mothers, grandmothers and aunts a happy and heartfelt Mother's Day for this coming Sunday. The special love that only a mother can give is always appreciated but not always acknowledged. Every day should be Mother's Day, so why not rest and relax on Sunday and allow your family to show their love and thanks to you for the invaluable role you play in their lives.

Nadine Smith, Year 2 Team Leader

Year 3 has been reading and examining the story Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty as a part of our inquiry into our Big Idea, Purpose influences design. This beautifully written and illustrated text tells the story of a young girl named Rosie who dreams of becoming an engineer. Through her determination and creativity, Rosie overcomes challenges and learns valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance and embracing failure as a natural part of the learning process. The boys reflected on their understanding of the moral in the story and were proud to share these with their classmates. Please enjoy reading some life lessons that we can all learn from written by our Year Three boys.

“Thinking outside the box and using my imagination can help me to come up with solutions to problems.”

“It’s okay to make mistakes because I can learn from them.”

“You only truly fail when you give up.”

“I should keep trying even if I make a mistake.”

“You shouldn’t give up even when faced with obstacles or setbacks”.

“It’s important to always try your best.”

“I learned that making a mistake doesn’t mean that I get to give up.” 

With such beautiful reflections we ask that you continue to encourage your son to take risks and try new things. Developing a growth mindset in children so that they can learn from their mistakes and view them as opportunities for growth rather than failures is essential for their growth and development. Together we can encourage our boys to embrace challenges, persevere through obstacles, and to have a positive attitude towards new learning opportunities which will set them up for success both in school and in life.

Sarah Beaumont-Jones, Year 3 Team Leader

• ScopeIT Charges Semester 1

It is always wonderful to witness the energy and warmth between the boys when we return from school holidays. They eagerly shared what they got up to in the holidays and they have begun to settle back into the routine of being at school. It was special to gather as a whole school on our first day of Term 2 to mark Anzac Day. Thank you to Year 3 who led the Prep School in a moving Anzac Day Service.

Visual Literacy
So much of the information that comes to us in our world is through a combination of written text and images, and it is essential that our boys can process information in all forms. As humans we are visually oriented, so images have a powerful impact on us. Learning how to work with visual information is important and provides many benefits including increased processing, understanding and retention of information.

Visual literacy is about communication and interaction through images. Part of our learning in Literacy Groups will be on our ability to construct meaning from images within texts, focusing on the text The Rabbits which is written by John Marsden and illustrated by Shaun Tan. This text links to our learning about colonisation in Knoxigations and the boys will build an understanding of how images are deliberately created to tell a story or convey a message. We look forward to working with the boys to develop their understanding of the metalanguage of visual literacy. Shaun Tan has fantastic images on his website, so we encourage you to take the time to have a look at these and discuss them and the learning taking place in class with your son.

Nicola Molloy, Year 4 Team Leader

The first week back of any term is always brilliant, with the boys creating a buzz in the air which is warm and welcoming. It was great to hear about all the wonderful activities they experienced during the holidays. The boys have fallen back into the routine seamlessly, adjusting to the slight changes in their timetable. We are looking forward to an action-packed term, with many fantastic experiences planned.

Interconnected Systems
As part of the current Knoxigations inquiry, Year 5 boys are exploring the Amazon Rainforest as a case study. The students are learning about the range of interactions and adaptations that occur within the Amazon. The boys have been engaged in immersive experiences which allow them to explore the Amazon from various layers and truly understand the complexities and true wonder of the Rainforest. Please ask your son about the different interactions which occur within the Amazon using terms such as predation, mutualism, commensalism, and competition. 

Be Your Best
A reminder that our Year 5 Motto is based on the idea of being your best. Each morning during lines, the boys who conduct the muster describe a connection to the motto. We hear a range of ideas centred around the School Values, weekend sport, effort in class and so much more. It is empowering to hear the boys have such a grasp on what it means to be your best. A question to ask your son in the morning could be, ‘How are you going to be your best today?’ And in turn, respond with how you are going to be your best.

Dylan Nexhip, Year 5 Team Leader 

• Year 6 Canberra Excursion Parent Letter
• ScopeIT Charges - Semester 1 

Visual Literacy in Year 6
To begin the term, Year 6 are exploring visual literacy through a range of picture books. Visual literacy is being aware of how we experience images, video, and other forms of multimedia. Exploring the role of images encourages our boys to be increasingly discerning and critical, which is most important in our image saturated world. More than recalling a series of words to explain visual literacy techniques, our focus has been on how techniques are used to illicit a response in the viewer.

Last week we explored how angles position the viewer to feel empathy, how distance establishes a form of closeness or separation from a character and how authors use salience to create a reading path through an image.

Below are some student responses from last week’s learning:

• Angle – “The angle in the picture makes the girl seem insignificant, neglected and not of importance.” – Zac
• Distance – “The mid-shot image shows the first time that the dad and Hannah are close, sharing personal (loving time) together. It fits the mood of a cozy/warm time (birthday). - Leon
• Salience - “The man is in the centre of the image, taking the prominent position in the shot. His stark orange colour provides the focus before you view the setting around him.” – Dean

Artistic expression connects communities.
“The story is told eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart.” – Scottish Proverb

Stories let us share information in a way that creates an emotional connection. They allow us to gain a deeper understanding of other people’s experience and develop empathy and perspective. Stories take on many art forms.

This term our boys are exploring the role various forms of artistic expression have in communicating stories and a message. It was wonderful to hear from a student who had recently visited the Banksy exhibition and commented that it was a form of social commentary, because Banksy’s work often addresses social issues in our world.  

Currently our boys are exploring a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistic expressions. These expressions serve as poignant reminders of our interconnectedness and our place within something greater than ourselves.

Through our Knoxigations unit, we hope to unpack an understanding that while our individual experiences and worldview can differ, we do all share similar emotions, fears and hopes and values.

These commonalities unite us all and when these characteristics are woven into various forms of artistic expression, they establish a profound connection between the creator, the audience and the community.

We encourage you to reflect with your son on various forms of artistic expression that exist and how they might connect different communities through shared emotions, fears, hopes and values.

Year 6 Yearbook 2024
We need your help to ensure that your son is included in the Year 6 Yearbook for 2024 - a book of treasured memories.
We will require 5 photos of your son to include in his half page bio. The deadline for uploading photos is 1 August 2024.
Photos must be related to school events. All photos need to be high resolution and suitable for print. Do not include any screenshots. 

Ideas for photos for your son’s half page:

• School uniform shots (e.g. his first day at Knox Prep)
• Sporting photos (action or portraits)
• Receiving special awards
• Participating in school events
• Playing his musical instrument
• His favourite activity at school
• House carnivals
• Winter/Summer sport
• Grandparents day
• Sibling photos

There will be an opportunity to submit additional photos for the remaining sections of the book at a later date.
Please upload your son’s photos to the appropriate class using the Dropbox link below. You can also find additional instructions via the Dropbox link.

https://bit.ly/knoxprepyearbook

Have a great week! 

Sally Soo, Sophia Wu and Christina Matta, 2024 Yearbook Convenors

Jared Rastall, Year 6 Team Leader

Please Read

• How to Guide for Knox App
• Knox Prep Sports Expectations
• Winter Sport Training Schedule
• Extreme Weather Sports Training Plan

Prep Sports Expectations
Sport is an important and compulsory aspect of your son’s enrolment at Knox. Whilst we acknowledge that many boys are members of sporting clubs externally to school competitions, the School expects that all boys will fulfil their sporting commitments to School teams. We are, of course, always willing to work with families, to help boys to be able to participate in each of their commitments. If you foresee any clashes, please reach out sooner rather than later, so we can reach a resolution with you. Simply not turning up, or leaving early each week, is not acceptable.

Weekend Highlights - Football
The Prep 1sts played against Cranbrook in a wet curtain raiser on Knox 1 on Friday night. The boys played an incredible game of football, eventually winning 8-0, with goals scored by Seb (3), Harry (3), Sal (1) and Logan (1). Thank you to all families who came out to support the boys; the atmosphere was absolutely electric!

After a buzzing night on Knox 1, the 1sts were a bit tired for their game against King’s on Saturday morning. A slow start and down 2-1 at half time made them switch on in the 2nd half. Great effort from all players saw them come away with a 5-3 win in the end. Well done lads.
After being down 1-0 at half time, the 2nds showed great strength and determination, earning a well-deserved penalty, which Callum took brilliantly. The game was capped off by a ‘goal of the season’ contender by Alex from near halfway. Great start to the season, boys.
The 3rds had a great start to the game scoring their first goal of the season within the first 2 minutes. The boys played some great passing football which rewarded them with a win. Great effort from all players.
The 4ths started off red hot with Eric making a darting run from left wing and scoring a wonderful goal. The boys worked together brilliantly throughout the game and were rewarded with timely goals. We defended brilliantly and were ultimately rewarded with our team keeping a clean sheet. Happy Days!
What a tough and an exciting game for the 5ths to start the season. 2 - 0 down at half time, only to fight back in the 2nd half to get a 3-all draw. Jason You getting a hattrick was amazing. Every one played really well and never gave up.
The 4A team played a fantastic game of football, enhanced by a possession focus in the second half. 3 goals from Omar, 3 goals from Ryan, 2 from Charlie C, 2 from Robbie and one from Joe C topped off a brilliant team effort across the pitch!
Boys in the 4B team played a brilliant game of football, with excellent teamwork centred around passing, possession and lovely finishing. Goals- Andrew (2), Marcus (4), Rohan (2), Arran (2), Charlie (1), Hanwen (1). Well done, boys!
The 4C boys showed terrific teamwork in their opening game, with great ball movement across the pitch. Goals- Lucas (5), Ian (4), Kieran (2), Darrick (1), Oscar (1).
The 4D team demonstrated great communication and passing throughout their match. With a large lead against Sydney Grammar, the boys displayed excellent sportsmanship in their adoption of the mercy rule.

Student Achievements
Congratulations to Shyan Ekanayake in Year 6 who represented Knox Prep at the CIS Touch Football trials last Wednesday. It was a tough day, with some wet conditions and we are so proud of you, Shyan!

Wet Weather/Extreme Heat
Please remember that Prep sports training is never cancelled due to the weather. Students will always be supervised until the training session’s scheduled finish time. Please refer to the extreme weather plan for further details.

Sport Absences – IMPORTANT!
Please remember that Prep Sport is a compulsory requirement of your son’s enrolment at Knox Prep. If your son is unable to attend a session for any reason other than injury or illness, please ensure you request leave in writing from Miss Watt, at least three days prior to the session.

Please log any absences due to injury or illness through the ‘Co-Curricular’ tab on the Knox App.

Prep utilises an automated system for student attendance at sport. Parents whose sons are absent without prior explanation will receive an automated email from Clipboard. If your son arrives to a session late, his absence will be removed and will be flagged as a late arrival; you will still receive the absence email, as this is sent once the rolls are marked.

Pickup After Sports Training & Matches
A friendly reminder that students are supervised at Billyard Ave gates each afternoon. Please ensure you remind your son to meet you at Billyard Ave rather than Cleveland St.

When leaving with your son, please do not walk across Billyard Ave. It is important to utilise the pedestrian crossing on the corner of Cleveland St and Billyard Ave to ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Please also refrain from pulling into or stopping in front of the Billyard Ave gates.

Knox App
Please ensure you have subscribed to the correct sports categories on the Knox app to ensure you are receiving the information relating to your son’s sport. All parents should subscribe to ‘Prep Fixtures & Trainings’ as well as the sport-specific category. It is important to ensure the category contains ‘Prep’ in the title, otherwise you will be receiving Senior School information.   

Susan Watt, Prep School Sports Coordinator

“Music can change the world because it can change people”. Paul David Hewson, also known as Bono, vocalist in the Rock Band U2.

Over the past 100 years, Music has certainly changed our world and our students! Music at Knox has played a transformative role in shaping our boys in various ways. Initially, music education was often limited to basic singing groups or choirs. However, as the years progressed, our music programs expanded to include a wider array of ensembles, instruments, genres, and styles. Did you know that the history of music at our school traces back to its very foundation? In 1929, the Prep School officially opened its doors on its own campus in Ewan House. Music found its place early on, with small singing groups laying the foundation. By 1931, a Prep Choir emerged, marking a formal beginning to our musical journey!

Music has provided students with a means of self-expression, allowing them to explore their creativity and emotions through the three main aspects of the Music curriculum; Performance, Listening and Composition, which we integrate into both our Classroom Music lessons and our Ensembles Program. Music has also fostered a sense of discipline and dedication, as students learn to master their chosen instruments or vocal techniques through consistent practice and rehearsals. As we celebrate our school's centenary this year, it's a poignant reminder of the importance of our musical history. Each note sung and each instrument played echoes the legacy of those who came before us. It has been amazing to learn the history of our Prep Music throughout the years and acknowledge just how far music has come. Learning an instrument or being part of one of our ensembles isn't just an extracurricular activity at our school; it's ingrained in our very culture, enriching the lives of our boys. 

Dates for the Diary
Week 2
6 May – Knox Instrumental Concert Series: Cello/Double Bass Concert in the Inquiry Hub from 6-7pm.

Week 3
18 and 19 May - Annual Band Camp involving all boys in Junior Band, Intermediate Band, Senior Band and Performance Ensemble. Don’t forget to accept the T&C’s via Operoo and pay for camp.

Week 5 
27 May - Knox Instrumental Concert Series: Woodwind Concert in the Inquiry Hub from 6-7pm.Students who learn from Meredith Hastings.
29 May – Knox Tattoo rehearsal 1.30-3pm – involving Prep Performance Ensemble, Year 5-6 Vocal Ensemble and all Prep Trumpeters.
1 June - Knox Tattoo – involving Prep Performance Ensemble, Year 5-6 Vocal Ensemble, Prep Pipe Band and all Prep Trumpeters. 

Band Camp Week 3 - 18 and 19 May.
Band Camp is being held for Performance Ensemble, Senior Band, Intermediate Band and Junior Band members from Saturday 18 May to Sunday 19 May, here at the Prep School.  This camp will provide a great opportunity for students to get to know each other, the Band Directors and Music Staff and to workshop pieces.  We would like ALL members to come to the camp so please make any necessary arrangements for your son to be there. The Sunday concert will be from 3.00 – 3.45pm in the Amphitheatre outside Ewan House and all boys are to be taken home from the Prep School after the concert. 

All parents who have a son in Band should have received an email last week with more information and the consent for camp. Please make sure you accept the T&C’s and pay for camp via Operoo.

HELPERS NEEDED!
I also still need about 12 parents to help on the Sunday and show their MasterChef skills on the BBQ, and helping to serve burgers to boys. If you are able to help from 11.30- 2.00pm on the Sunday, can you please email me at morrisr@knox.nsw.edu.au.

We are all looking forward to camp very much!! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Mrs Morris anytime.

Knox Centenary Tattoo – Saturday 1 June.
2024 marks Knox Grammar School’s Centenary with the pinnacle event for the year being the Knox Centenary Tattoo on Saturday 1 June. The actual concert will be on the Saturday evening at 7.30pm and will be held in a massive ARENA – at the Quay Centre, Sydney Olympic Park. The Performance Ensemble, Prep 5-6 Vocal Ensemble, A selection of students from the Prep Pipe Band and all Prep Trumpeters will be performing at this prestigious event. This is undoubtedly a once in a lifetime opportunity and an extremely special and historic event to be a part of.

All Parents whose son is performing were emailed last week (via the Senior School) an invitation to purchase tickets to this AMAZING event – before it goes on sale to the Knox Community and public. This is set to be a sell-out performance so definitely get in early and purchase your tickets!

There will be a dress rehearsal for all performers from 2.00pm onwards at the arena on Saturday 1 June. The exact rehearsal time is TBC; however, please lock in 2pm onwards for all performers. There will be ample supervision throughout the afternoon rehearsal period and the concert will commence at 7.30pm. Dinner will also be provided for all Prep performers. A Parent information letter and more info will be emailed shortly.

We would LOVE to see as many Knox Prep Families in the audience as possible, so definitely keep your eye out for the ticket sales link. This is an historic Knox event that is not to be missed!

Prep School AMEB exams on Campus
This year we will again be hosting the Prep School AMEB Music exams at the start of Term 4 here on the Prep Campus. The exams are open to any Knox boy who learns an instrument both at school or externally and who is ready to sit the exam. There are TWO steps that parents will need to do to enrol your son via Operoo; however, you will firstly need to ask his tutor what grade your son is ready to sit and has been working on.

If you would like to enrol your son for an AMEB exam and have already chatted to his tutor, simply read the AMEB information form for instructions on how to pay and enrol through school. Or email your son's tutor and make sure you have your son's full name, DOB, his AMEB candidate number (if known) exam name, exam code, exam fee.

If you have any questions in regards to AMEB exams please email Mrs Morris any time.

Chapel and Assembly Performers
A huge congratulations to Austin Deng in 5G for performing Air Varie sur in theme da Pacini by Charles Dancala at our Yr 5-6 Chapel last week. His performance truly was remarkable, and the students were mesmerised watching his performance!

String News
All of our fantastic String players have leapt into Term 2 with enthusiasm and each group has been excited to tackle some new and challenging repertoire. String Ensemble, Camerata Strings and Concert Strings are all preparing for the ASBOF competition next term, where each group must perform an Australian composition and a contrasting piece of their own choice. The boys are working hard on these pieces in rehearsals and are encouraged to follow up with good quality practice at home and with their instrumental teachers so they can have the best performance possible. We will also have a fun String camp with professional tutors assisting to help prepare for this in early Term 3, the date is Sunday the 3rd and 4th August so please mark this into your diary. Later this term we also have a Violin and Viola Instrumental Solo concert coming up on Monday 17th June, so we would like to encourage all Violin and Viola students to keep practicing consistently in preparation for this wonderful concert.

Instrumental Lessons and Ensemble rehearsals
A reminder that if your son cannot attend a rehearsal or his instrumental lesson for whatever reason, please ensure you email the Ensemble Director or your Tutor to ensure they are aware of your son’s absence. Missed music lessons whereby the tutor is not notified will be charged.

Rebeccah Morris, Director of Music

Scholastic:
Issue #3 of Scholastic Book Club catalogues will be sent home this week. Please place all orders (K-2 & 3-6), by Friday the 10th of May. Make sure that you correctly select your child’s library, class and classroom teacher when ordering, and follow the online payment (LOOP) system. No catalogues or money are to be sent back to school. Thank you for your support.

Overdue Items:
If you have received overdue notifications in the holiday’s please note we will be charging accounts for books that have been overdue for more than 60 days.  If you have any questions about the books your child has on loan, please contact your child’s library teacher. 

K-2 Library Borrowing:
Boys in K-2 are encouraged to borrow from a wide range of literature each week when they come to the library .  We encourage boys to take home a range of books from each of the sections of our library, as well as books from the Premier’s Reading Challenge list to help them finish the reading challenge.

The following is the current borrowing limits for students is:
Kindy: Two books
Year 1: Three Books
Year 2: Four Books.
Years 3-6: Six Books

Book Covering Volunteers Required — Term 2 2024 
Research shows volunteering has many health benefits that can improve mental health such as increasing happiness and decreasing stress levels. Please sign up by clicking on the link:

https://signup.com/go/aTEifhi

Jo Wheatley, Emma-Kate Smith and Emma Wood Library Teachers

The Annual Knox House Chess Tournament is scheduled to commence in Week 3. Burns and Haslett will kick off the tournament on Monday 13 May. 

Pertinent details are as follows:
When: Monday lunch time 1:15-1:40 (eat first)
Where: Inquiry Hub
Who: Burns v Haslett (all boys are welcome regardless of ability)

Each student will earn one house point for participation, and another for a winning game. These points accrue to be in the run for the Knox House Chess trophy. It’s big, it’s shiny and it’s waiting to get another winning House name engraved on it. Will Lang maintain their winning streak in 2024?

Best of luck to all houses. Stay tuned for updates!

Mrs Daher and Miss Felizzi

Please find the menu for Term 2 here

The Headmaster warmly invites members of the community to the Knox Centenary Tattoo to celebrate 100 years of Knox, relive fond memories, and most importantly look towards a bright future inspired by our traditions, values, and connections.

See flyer here for details of the event and how you can purchase your tickets.

Please understand that tickets are highly sought after and limited to a maximum purchase of two (2) tickets so act quickly to avoid disappointment!

If you are unable to attend, you may view the Knox Centenary Tattoo at this link www.knox.nsw.edu.au/tattoo-livestream

Knox Christian Fellowship – Term 2
The Knox Christian Fellowship is a community of parents, carers, staff members and chaplains from the Knox Senior School, Knox Prep and Wahroonga Prep.

We will be holding a staff and parent prayer breakfast and an evening meeting in Term 2 to pray for our schools. All are welcome to attend. 

Staff and Parents Prayer Breakfast:
Thursday 16 May from 7:15am to 8:15am at the Knox chapel

RSVP for catering purposes by Thursday 9 May to MaclartyR@knox.nsw.edu.au with dietary requirements and number attending.

Term 2 Evening Prayer Meeting:
Tuesday 14 May at 7.30pm in Gordon

For more information please contact Rev Dr Rosalie MacLarty MaclartyR@knox.nsw.edu.au or Jackie and Jeremy Tham jackietham@yahoo.com.au 

Prep School Tuckshop - Volunteers Required for Term 2 2024
We greatly appreciate our volunteers and their contributions to our School community. 

Helping out in the tuckshop is a very rewarding experience and a great way to meet and socialise with new friends. If you are able to volunteer in the Prep School Tuckshop in Term 2, please click on the following link to choose days that suit you:

https://signup.com/go/iDzhwiV

Please note that persons working as volunteers at the tuckshops are required to have had at least two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. By signing up to volunteer, you provide the School with an assurance that you have had at least two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, and may be required to show proof of double vaccination when signing in on campus.

All volunteers are also asked to please read and comply with the Knox Volunteer Code of Conduct.

If you have any questions about volunteering in the tuckshops, please contact Stacey Cleary, Community Relations and Events Coordinator.