Term 4 Co-Curricular Clubs
Activity Selection Guide

Please be aware that the Prep Co-curricular Cubs for Term 4 have been set up on the Clipboard app. Clipboard allows you to see your son/s available clubs, as well as their sports and music schedules in the one place to reduce any possible clashes between compulsory commitments and optional clubs.

At the moment, you are able to view the clubs available, information about each club, the schedule and the associated costs. However, you are unable to make selections until it is open for enrolments. The system becomes active for bookings on Wednesday 11 September (Week 8) at 7pm.

Term 4 Clubs will run from Tuesday 15 October (first day of Week 1) and conclude on Friday 29 November (Week 7).

As the Prep Reception closes at 4.00pm, you are asked to take the time to register your son with OSH Club. The registration process does not incur a fee. However. it does give you peace of mind, should you get caught up at work or in traffic, to know that your son will be supervised until you arrive.

Please take the time to review and register your son here: https://www.oshclub.com.au/nsw/knox-grammar-school/

Reminders:

• Enrolments are secured on a ‘first in, first served’ basis
• You have 15 minutes to add clubs to your cart before checking out
• To secure your son’s placement, payment is required at the time of selection
• Students who are not successful in gaining a place will automatically be placed on the waiting list. If a place becomes available you will be notified by email to make payment to secure the position.
• Due to the strong demand for places in co-curricular clubs, students can be enrolled in only one Knox Provided Club each term. However, you can enrol in any number of Externally Provided Clubs.
• Please think carefully before you make your decision and cross check the co-curricular compulsory sport and music timetable to ensure there are no clashes.
• Changes to club registrations will incur a $50 administration fee unless a change occurs 7 days before clubs commence whereby no credit or refund can be provided for externally provided clubs as staffing and materials are set.
• Register your son with OSH Club
• The system becomes active for bookings on Wednesday 11 September (Week 8) at 7pm.

Michael Quach, Deputy Head of Prep

Father’s Day
Happy Father’s Day to all our dads and significant men in our boys’ lives. I hope your day was filled with love and special times shared, leading to lasting memories. I am so grateful to Heidi Elliot and her band of merry volunteers who have ordered, sorted, packaged and sold gifts to our boys, for you. It is a beautiful thing (one of my many favourite things to do) to watch little boys choosing gifts at our Father’s Day Stall. They take such time and care to choose the right gifts. I hope you enjoyed receiving them!

Gala Day
I’ve not met anyone today who has not commented on the incredible community event that Gala Day was for us all. Opportunities for our musicians to perform, and our sprinters to shine, wonderful food, rides and some great old fashioned fun up on the top court where our House games were run. I am so grateful to the hundreds of staff, volunteers and parents who shared the fun with their sons at this great event. Thank you all!

Chess
There is incredible tension in the air, as we wait to see whether our incredible Chess Team wins this coming Friday afternoon! After several incredible weeks of competition, we played Sydney Grammar School two Fridays ago. We have never beaten Grammar – ever! Yet our team won by just half a point; every half point counts! Last Friday, we then went on the play and defeat Neutral Bay Public School, leading us towards this coming Friday when we will take on Beecroft Public School. We’re not thinking too far ahead…I cannot wait until next Monday when I can report back on their afternoon of good hard fought chess fun!

Leave Requests
I am still receiving many requests for leave during term time. Whilst I understand that several families had pre-booked holidays for this end of Term 3 break, we are now receiving requests for leave, up to and including Presentation Day. I acknowledge that holidays are wonderful opportunities for cultural immersions, and that celebrating the 80th birthdays of family members overseas is important; I can even understand that it is sometimes the case that airfares are slightly cheaper outside of regular holiday times. However, term time is time all students should be in school.  We do finish in December well ahead of other school sectors, and the School is generous with its holiday entitlements for students. Given this, I am unable to approve leave during term time, except in a very limited number of cases. All requests for additional holidays will register as unapproved leave in our school’s management system.

Can I ask again, please, that you do not book holidays during term time, and especially not before Presentation Day, which is our last day of the School year. Presentation Day is a wonderful way to end the year, filled with incredible musicianship and performances that belie the age of those on the stage. It is an important event for ALL students, not just those being awarded a prize.  

Sue Floro, Head of Prep

PHOTO DAY – TOMORROW
Tomorrow Melba Studios will be taking photos of all our Prep Music Ensembles, as well as the Year 6 Graduation photo.

Please see below a list of photos which will be taken, along with a list of what the students are required to wear on the day.

Those students who are required for the Pipe & Drums Band photo will need to come to school in their Winter school uniform and change into their kilt 15 mins prior to the photo; the teachers are aware of the schedule. Please ensure that your son has all the uniform items listed below before the day.

MUSIC

YEAR 6 GRADUATION

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 with instructions on how to purchase.

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

Well, what a week it was last week. I have no doubt your boys slept very soundly over the weekend after an action-packed week. On Thursday we had our K-2 Mini Olympics. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm the boys showed, particularly when working together with their house mates. A huge thank you must go to Miss Watt for organising such a magnificent event.

Our Father’s Day breakfast last Friday was a fantastic success, filled with delicious food, laughter, and a great sense of community. It was heartwarming to see the boys and their dads enjoying quality time together, sharing stories, and creating special memories. Watching them play on the field, tossing balls, and just having fun was a beautiful reminder of the importance of these connections. Thank you to everyone who joined us—it was a wonderful morning celebrating the amazing fathers and father figures in the boys lives!

Following the breakfast, our Father’s Day sleepover on Yeldham Field was equally unforgettable! The night was filled with excitement, as tents popped up, and the boys eagerly shared stories with their dads under the stars. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as everyone indulged in far too many lollies, adding a sugar-fuelled spark to the evening. Despite a few moments of snoring from some dads, the joy of spending the night outdoors created an unforgettable experience for all. A huge thank you to our Year 2 Teaching team, as well as Mrs Floro, Mr Quach, Mr Voysey and Mr Kelliher for braving the elements (somewhat) and spending some time cooking the BBQ or playing some games with the boys and dads. We are lucky to have such a dedicated team here at the Prep!

Next week we have our K-2 Swimming Program starting from Monday. Just a reminder it is an expectation from school that all boys attend and participate in the program. You will need to ensure your son has his swimming items for each day, ready to walk to the Senior School. If your son cannot attend due to illness or injury, please provide a medical certificate stating why he cannot swim and for the period of time he will be unable to participate. As suggested in Term 2, if your son is too unwell to swim, you need to consider whether he is well enough to be at school. The walk to the Senior School can be quite challenging for the boys, particularly when unwell. 

Liam Flanagan, Director of Early Learning

• K-2 Aquatics
• Kindy Excursion to Sydney Zoo
• K-3 End of Term Chapel

Last week was full of excitement and energy as our young athletes took part in the K-2 Mini Olympics. The boys showcased their budding skills in equestrian events, sprints, relays, and rowing, all under the warm sun and gorgeous weather that we were blessed with. The atmosphere was filled with cheers and encouragement from both our enthusiastic parents and staff, making it a memorable day for everyone involved. If that wasn’t enough, the boys enjoyed a delightful lunch together with their parents, reflecting on the fun and House camaraderie that made this day so special.

Our Father's Day breakfast was a heartwarming celebration filled with delicious food and fun. Each Father and son couple enjoyed a hearty meal of bacon and eggs, accompanied by tasty torpedo rolls. The morning was made even more special with a plethora of activities on the field, where laughter and playful competition brought everyone closer together. It was a wonderful way to honour our dads, creating cherished memories for our boys.

Thank you to the parents who have given permission for their boys to attend our excursion to Sydney Zoo next Tuesday. Just a gentle reminder to please complete the Operoo form if you are yet to do so. Also coming up in week 8 is the K-2 Intensive Swimming Week. Please be sure your son has everything he requires to swim; goggles, labelled hoodie towel, swimmers and his house swimming cap. Please note that Kindergarten will swim everyday except our excursion day on Tuesday. 

Nely Daher, Kindergarten Team Leader

• K-2 Aquatics
• K-3 End of Term Chapel

We are thrilled to report that the Knox Father's Day celebration last Friday was nothing short of action-packed. As we all know, fathers and father figures play an invaluable role in our lives, and it was a true delight to witness them being thoroughly spoiled. Nevertheless, this celebration also serves as the perfect reminder of the gracious and unconditional Fatherly love of God.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the Father's Day stall, where the boys had the opportunity to shop for special gifts for their beloved fathers. The enthusiasm and excitement in the air were palpable, and the boys took great care in selecting meaningful presents. I am wondering how many gifts remained a secret until Sunday! A big shoutout of gratitude goes to the dedicated volunteers who lent a helping hand at the stall, ensuring that the boys had a fantastic shopping experience, thank you!

It's not just within the classroom walls that our boys thrive; the great outdoors is their playground for exploration and learning too. This was especially evident during Year 1's fun excursion to Bobbin Head, where the boys eagerly explored the natural surroundings, learned about the local environment, and enjoyed a day of hands-on discovery. The sheer joy they find in learning is evident whether they're engaged in a classroom activity or an outdoor adventure. To commemorate these treasured moments, we've captured a few snapshots that encapsulate the spirit of our school's vibrant learning environment. The images speak volumes about the enthusiasm, curiosity, and sense of wonder that our boys bring to their educational journey.

Finally, our Gala Day last Saturday was an absolute success, filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit. From thrilling games and exciting rides to delicious food stalls and lively performances, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The event not only brought our school community together from K-12 but also raised significant funds to support our programs and initiatives. A huge thank you to all the volunteers, families, and participants who made this day unforgettable. Your enthusiasm and support truly made Gala Day a memorable celebration of our school's vibrant community!

As we reflect on some of the past week's celebrations and activities, we're reminded once again of the incredible community that is ‘Knox’. Our families, volunteers, teachers, and, most importantly, our boys, collectively create an environment that fosters growth, discovery, and connection. 

God Bless!

Julie Stowe, Year 1 Team Leader

• K-2 Aquatics
• K-3 End of Term Chapel

Father’s Day Sleepout
Last Friday we held our Year 2 Father’s Day Sleepout. Our sleepout began with some super excited boys and dads arriving after school to set up camp on Yeldham field. Once the tents were all set up it was time for the boys and their dads to spend some time together. There were games of handball, chess, ten pin bowls, giant Jenga and a game of dad’s vs Year 2 boys soccer game. As the sun set a barbeque dinner was enjoyed by all followed by a movie, choc top and popcorn. Our sleepout concluded on Saturday morning with a barbeque breakfast and a few further games. Thank you to all those dads who came along last Friday, it was so lovely having you all attend to share this special first outdoor experience with your sons.

To all our amazing Year 2 Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, and significant adults we hope you all had a very happy Father’s Day yesterday. A thought reflecting on Father’s Day is, DAD - ‘“Deserving Appreciation Daily” This reminds us to stop and give thanks for the wonderful role that our father’s or significant adults play in our lives. Dads are indeed special and deserve appreciation daily for the support they give to their families, the love and care they show and the modelling they pass on to their children. 

Mini Olympics
Last Thursday, the Year 2 students had a fantastic time participating in our very own Mini Olympics! The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and excitement filled the air as all the Year 2 Athletes gathered on the Ireland Field, ready to show off their skills and sportsmanship.

Our Mini Olympics featured a variety of fun events designed to let everyone have a go and enjoy themselves. The activities included a sprint race, a relay race, a triathlon, and tug-o-war. There were lots of smiles and cheers as everyone took turns running, swimming, riding, and competing in the different events.

One of the highlights of the day was the triathlon. There were lots of giggles as the students put on their goggles, bike helmets and vests, trying their best to reach the finish line! The tug-o-war was another favourite, with the competition between colour houses quite fierce aiming to score points for their team.

It was wonderful to see the students encouraging each other and celebrating everyone's efforts. The teachers were so proud of everyone for showing such great teamwork, effort, and enthusiasm. It was a brilliant afternoon filled with laughter, joy, and a true Olympic spirit!

Well done, Year 2! 

Nadine Smith, Year 2 Team Leader

It was a very busy week for our Year 3 boys, culminating in vocal and string performances at Gala Day. The breadth of their skills and passions continues to truly amaze us, and we feel so lucky to have such talented boys! Thank you to all families who attended Gala Day. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying time together and supporting our Knox community.

VEX Robotics and Lego Robotics
Throughout the term, several Year 3 students have eagerly participated in Vex Robotics and Lego Robotics competitions, showcasing their passion and enthusiasm for technology. It’s been wonderful to see the boys immerse themselves in these projects, collaborating with peers and using their creativity and STEM skills to solve complex problems.

IPSHA Athletics
Congratulations to those boys selected to represent Knox Prep at IPSHA athletics over the last few days. In their very first IPSHA Athletics carnival, they gave their all, and we could not be prouder of their efforts. Miss Watt noted the incredible teamwork and support shown by the boys for their peers, cheering each other on with enthusiasm and pride

Sarah Beaumont-Jones, Year 3 Team Leader

• 4-6 End of Term Chapel

We hope each of our families were able to enjoy Father’s Day yesterday and that our dads had a great day! It was wonderful to see so many Year 4 boys and families at the Knox Gala Day on Saturday! The support shown for each of the House activities was tremendous, where joy and a healthy competitive spirit were in abundance at each of the House stands. The Prep music performances were another highlight of the day – congratulations to each of the boys who performed so well.

Upcoming Excursion – Warragamba Dam
Please be on the lookout for an Operoo form later this week for our upcoming Warragamba Dam excursion.

Food
An important rule at school in relation to eating time is about sharing food. It is not permitted at all. The reason for this is for the safety of your sons and any known or unknown allergies they may have. The Year 4 teachers have been discussing this with the boys throughout the year and more increasingly, throughout this term. Unfortunately, this continues to happen. Please take the time to discuss this with your son this week.

Another important area for us to support the boys is in their choices around food and in particularly, sweet foods and sugar. While we encourage the developing independence with the boys packing their own lunches and ordering their own lunch orders, there are some concerning patterns emerging. For example, some boys have been ordering a Juice Bomb drink for both recess and lunch. Additionally, we have noticed that the boys are eating lollies, chocolates and other sweet treats at both recess and lunch.

Lastly, we understand how lovely it is for the boys to celebrate their birthdays and we are very open to this. If you do choose to send in something to school, a single, small treat is more than sufficient – there is no need for party bags with lots of treats in them.

Thank you in advance for your support with these important messages, and we ask you to review and discuss these with your son. 

Water Bottles
The warmer weather has been so lovely over the last week and the boys have certainly enjoyed it. Please ensure your son has a named water bottle at school each day to keep him hydrated. Last week the school issued every student with their own Knox water bottle. As you can imagine, if your son’s bottle is not named, it has little chance of finding its way back to him! We ask for your attention to this asap.  

Nicola Molloy, Year 4 Team Leader

• 4-6 End of Term Chapel

As we commence Week 7, it is pleasing to observe the boys become more competent at navigating their day-to-day commitments. This has translated into the classroom, with the boys demonstrating a high level of engagement throughout all their lessons. The notion of demonstrating courage is something we refer to quite often in the classroom, as it links with our values. I encourage you to do the same at home, seeking opportunities where you can support your son with demonstrating courage.

Cross Country
On Wednesday 21 August, Brody Johnson competed in the School Sport Australia Cross Country Championship. The event was held at the Yarra Glen Racecourse in Victoria, with Brody finishing 8th overall, with an impressive time of 11:14 over 3km. We are so proud of Brody and the results he has achieved, but more importantly the dedication and commitment he has shown towards his running. Amazing work Brody!

Athletics
Congratulations to the six students who represented Knox at the IPSHA Athletics Carnival. You represented our School with pride and determination. A massive congratulations to Jesse Alexander and Brody Johnson who have qualified to compete at the CIS Athletics Event this Friday. Good luck boys!

Uniform
We are noticing more and more boys challenging the uniform expectations. The Knox Grammar School uniform brings a clear sense of identity and connection to both the School and the local community. The uniform policy states that students are expected to know and comply with the dress and appearance regulations of the School. It is each boy’s responsibility to be correctly and neatly dressed. The uniform represents our School’s fine history and builds on our traditions. So please adhere to the requirements of the dress code every day. 

Emotional Regulation Webinar
Sometimes emotions get the better of teens. This can lead to fights, arguments and friendship breakdowns. Understanding how they can let out their emotions in a controlled manner is an important step. This webinar draws on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy to support parents with strategies and tools to de-escalate conflict, helping young people manage uncomfortable emotions, and enabling progressive muscle relaxation.

Details:
Emotion Regulation (Toolbox Education)
September 3rd, 6:30pm
Please join the webinar here
Meeting ID: 949 2422 7877
Passcode: 906777

Dylan Nexhip, Year 5 Team Leader

• Academic Profiling Day 2024
• 4-6 End of Term Chapel

Year 7 Focus Group
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting some of our former Prep boys to discuss their transition to the Senior School. We use information from a variety of sources to help further our transition program for the boys. It was reassuring to hear how quickly they adapted to Year 7 and to hear their warm memories of their time at the Prep School.

The boys reflected on various aspects that they particularly enjoy, including the broad range of support available, the mentor program, opportunities to explore different activities and passions, making new friends, and (of course) the canteen.

Our visits to McKenzie Library, along with other planned activities, will continue to help the boys become more familiar with the large campus and many teachers—an area they identified as the greatest challenge in Year 7.

McKenzie Library Visits
We are grateful for the opportunity to have our boys explore the JAPAC Lounge and McKenzie Library last week. The Senior School Library Team so warmly welcomed the boys and prepared some interactive experiences that everyone enjoyed before completing some additional research for their Knoxigations task.

They are very excited to work with the boys next year.

Friday Academic Profiling Day
This Friday 6 September is the Year 7 Academic Profiling Day.

Students should make their way directly to the Senior School. Year 6 teachers will be available at the Great Hall to settle the boys from 8:00am before they begin the day.

Students are to wear neat casual clothes rather than school uniform. Recess will be provided at the Senior School, but boys will require lunch which will be eaten upon return at the Prep School. Please make sure you cancel any recess orders. Lunch orders will be fine to order.

Year 6 teachers will return to collect the boys at the conclusion and bring them back to Prep School for normal dismissal. All Prep students should return to the Prep School.

Please see the communications above sent by the Head of Junior Academy.

Emotional Regulation Webinar
Sometimes emotions get the better of teens. This can lead to fights, arguments and friendship breakdowns. Understanding how they can let out their emotions in a controlled manner is an important step. This webinar draws on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy to support parents with strategies and tools to de-escalate conflict, helping young people manage uncomfortable emotions, and enabling progressive muscle relaxation.

Details:
Emotion Regulation (Toolbox Education)
September 3rd, 6:30pm
Please join the webinar here
Meeting ID: 949 2422 7877
Passcode: 906777

Year 6 Yearbook
Firstly, thank you to all the families that have contributed to date.

We are also chasing photos for sporting, academic and music events to include in the Yearbook, such as, band camp, music concerts, debating, swimming carnivals, Saturday sport, athletics/cross country carnival, Gala Day and Celebration of Learning. These can be uploaded to the link below.

https://sites.google.com/knox.nsw.edu.au/year6yearbook

There are three folders where you can upload your photos; Sport, Other Events or Music and Band. Please rename the photo eg, “Gala Day”
The deadline for submissions is Friday 30th August.

Thank you again for your support in helping to make this yearbook a success!

Sophia Wu, Sally Soo and Christina Matta
Yearbook convenors 2024

Jared Rastall, Year 6 Team Leader

K-2 Mini Olympics
The K-2 Mini Olympics took place last Thursday. It was wonderful to see the boys out on the fields in a sea of coloured House shirts. There were smiles and laughter all across the grounds as boys competed in various running races, rowing without water, triathlons without water or bikes, equestrian and tug of war. The sportsmanship on display was tremendous! A highlight for me was hearing the Kindy boys cheering ‘Go Every House!’ during their sprints.

K-2 Aquatics Program – Week 8
All students in K-2 will be participating in their termly aquatics program next week. Please ensure ALL of your son’s belongings are clearly labelled with his name. Please remember that if your son is too unwell to swim, you will need to send a medical certificate to your son’s classroom teacher. Please also keep your son at home to avoid the spread of illness.

Weekend Highlights – Headmaster’s Dash
The inaugural Preparatory Headmaster’s Dash was run at Gala Day on Saturday. Congratulations to all students who competed.

IPSHA Athletics
Last Wednesday, Knox Prep had 29 students compete at the IPSHA Athletics Carnival. It was a long hot day, but the boys ran, threw and jumped their hearts out. Some notable top 10 results include:

• Marcus Ni – 8th 100m

• Stirling Elliott – 9th 100m, 8th 200m, 7th Long Jump

• Louis Behrens – 10th 800m

• Brody Johnson – 2nd 800m, 1st 1500m

• Junior Relay Team – 6th 

• Jesse Alexander – 3rd High Jump

• Dhulain Fernando – 7th Long Jump

• Timothy Zhu – 2nd Shot Put, 3rd Discus

Good luck to Jesse, Brody and Timothy who will be competing at the CIS Championships on Friday.

Term 3 Sport
Friendly reminder that summer sport resumes on Monday 16 September (Week 9). There will be no compulsory sport in Weeks 4-8 inclusive. Students will continue summer sports in the same teams as Term 1.

Important Prep Dates:

• Monday 12 August-Saturday 14 September – No sports training or Saturday sports

• Monday 9 September-Friday 13 September – K-2 Aquatics Program

• Monday 16 September – Summer sports training resumes

• Saturday 21 September – Summer sports trials for selected sports

Year 3-6 AFL Clinic
NSWAFL will be hosting an after-school AFL training clinic on Thursday afternoons, 3:15-4:15pm in weeks 5-8 this term. Sessions will be held on the Prep ovals. The program will cost $50, payable upon registration. Dates are:

• Thursday 22 August
• Thursday 29 August
• Thursday 5 September
• Thursday 12 September

Students participating in this clinic should wear their regular Thursday uniform to school and change into their PE gear after school. Please see flyer attached for further information.

Susan Watt, Prep School Sports Coordinator

“The Piano keys are black and white but they sound like a million colours in your mind” – Maria Christina Mena

The fact that our Music Centre is a colourful building on the outside, was no mistake…… and gives us a tiny little peek at how colourful it is on the inside!!! Every day before school it is overflowing with a million colours and vibrant energy that carries on throughout the day! This week’s quote - The Piano keys are black and white but they sound like a million colours in your mind” by Maria Christina Mena beautifully encapsulates the essence of music in our Music Centre! While the piano keys may seem limited in terms of colours, the sound they produce has an immense capacity to evoke a plethora of emotions within us!  The same goes for our boys playing music, as whilst they all look the same in their uniform practising and performing, the varied musical talents, instruments, different voices and different approaches to learning music all add to how bright our boys shine!! 

I have seen so often, in many of our boys, a total transformation in the student as soon as you place an instrument in front of him!! The shy and timid become fierce and confident, the loud and boisterous can become quiet and emotional…. Music is one of those subjects and artforms that can transform the boys into a world of their own, transporting them to a different time and place! Watching over 70 boys race down at the start of lunch pumped and excited for their rehearsals, is a daily reminder of how awesome music is in all of our boys lives!! A huge congratulations to all students for their eagerness and smooth start to the year!

Prep Gala Day
A huge congratulations to all of the boys who performed at our Annual Prep Gala Day! The weather was absolutely stunning making the Great Hall foyer a hive of hot musical activity!! Well done to all of our boys in the Choirs and all of our String Ensemble Groups! You all sounded absolutely amazing and the parents and public walking past absolutely loved your performances!!

Knox Instrumental Concert Series
Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting two Instrumental Concerts—one for Flute on Monday evening and another for Clarinet on Wednesday evening. These concerts provide an excellent opportunity for our boys to showcase their talents and demonstrate the progress they've made on their instruments. The atmosphere at these events is relaxed and supportive, welcoming performers of all skill levels. We had students playing everything from beginner pieces like ‘Hot Cross Buns’ to advanced Grade 6 and 7 repertoire.

These concerts also offer a wonderful chance for parents to meet their son's tutor in person and discuss their musical development. Moreover, it’s inspiring to see the boys supporting each other as they share the same musical journey. Attending these concerts is a highlight for me, as it allows me to see the students in a different light—away from the sports field and the classroom. A huge congratulations to all the boys who performed over the past two weeks! Your hard work and dedication to your musical growth are truly commendable. 

ASBOF – Australian Band and Orchestral Festival
At the end of Week 8 this term all of our Bands and String Groups including Prep Orchestra will be performing at the Australian Band & Orchestral Festival on Sunday 15 September 2024. Please note the below times for each Ensembles arrival and lock this date in your calendar.

Parents are invited to stay and watch their son’s performance. Boys will be required for approx. 1 1/2 hrs. There will be supervision for boys who are in numerous ensembles and further information and a permission form will be sent out shortly.

Dates for the Calendar Term 3
10 September - Knox Instrumental Concert Series for all drum/percussion students 6-7.15pm
15 September – Australian Band and Orchestral Championships involving all string and band ensembles. All day event

Rebeccah Morris, Director of Music

2024 Premier’s Reading Challenge
A remarkable achievement and a historic first at the Prep—EVERY student has completed the 2024 NSW Premier's Reading Challenge. 775 boys! 100% completion. Truly outstanding!

The Premier's Reading Challenge is more than just a list of books to tick off. It’s about developing a lifelong love for reading, nurturing imagination, and building resilience. Our students have shown us all the power of dedication, curiosity, and the simple yet profound joy of getting lost in a good book.

The books we’ve read this year are just the beginning. The world of reading is vast and full of endless possibilities, and we can’t wait to see where it takes our boys next.

Congratulations to all our students for this exceptional accomplishment. 

Book Covering Volunteers Required — Term 3 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/ewXQaob

Decorate your Door!
Every year classes decorate their doors as part of our Book Week tradition at Knox Prep. Classes decorations can include what inspires them about Book Week, sharing a book they have enjoyed as a class or having fun with the Book Week theme. Have a look at the beautiful work they have created!

We are thrilled to share the latest news from the Knox Prep VEX Robotics Clubs and Competitions space. There are currently 130 students involved in VEX across Years 1 to 6, and 70 students competing in the Elementary and Middle School Age Divisions. The Innovation Hub buzzes with energy throughout the week as students meet during recess, lunchtime, and after school to refine their team designs and strategies.

This season, we have 20 competition teams actively engaging in the VEX Robotics challenge, Rapid Relay. With four tournaments completed, we are proud to share that two of our teams have already qualified for the NSW State Championships in November. Congratulations to all the students and coaches for their hard work and dedication.

Here’s a quick rundown of our recent achievements:

• Teamwork 2nd Place Award (VIQRC): 2076E - Invalid Syntax
• Excellence Award (VIQRC): 2076E - Invalid Syntax
• Teamwork Champion Award (VIQRC): 2076A - Apollo 18 (Twice)
• Design Award (VIQRC): 2076K - Space Elevator
• Judges Award (VIQRC): 2076H - Goose On The Loose!
• Innovate Award (VIQRC): 2076A - Apollo 18
• Sportsmanship Award (VIQRC): 2076R - Robotix
• Judges Award (VIQRC): 2076C - It Works in Theory
• Energy Award (VIQRC): 2076K - Space Elevator
• Judges Award (VIQRC): 2076M - Atom

Please find some photos from the VEX space so far via this link. We are looking forward to sharing more successes as the season continues.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GfnBqsHNdFXGLjnoLAznPl27VZB3ZQc-?usp=sharing

Haslett news - Gala Day winners
Congratulations to the highly anticipated winners of the Haslett “guess how many” lolly jars:

Snakes (186) – Zaynne Z (guessed 187)

Sour worms (556) – Rory M (guessed 556!)

Jelly beans (2365) – Nicole and Cecilia (guessed 2376)

Matt Pendlebury, Haslett House Leader

Stationery for Samoa
The excitement is palpable as we near our Immersion to Samoa. We are asking for your support to purchase stationery and furniture for our school, Falefitu Primary School who have limited resources.

Items available for purchase:

• $20 – Stationery pack (1 entry to Lucky Lolly Jar draw)
• $50 – Furniture (5 entries to Lucky Lolly Jar draw)
• $100 – Furniture (10 entries to Lucky Lolly Jar draw)

All items will be purchased and delivered to our school in Samoa.

All entries will go in the draw to win a Lucky Lolly Jar. A $20 donation will provide your son with one entry, $50 donation will be five entries & $100 will be 10 entries. This will be drawn on Monday 16 September Week 9 During house lunch.

The link to purchase items can be found here…

Dear Ewan families,

Thank you so much to all those boys/ families that have participated in the Ewan Read-a-thon. Can I please ask that you return the booklets to school this week and transfer the donations through the link provided below. Every single dollar raised is going to make a difference and I’m hoping to include a plaque in the Cuvu library with every participant’s name.

The donation transfer portal is now ready for you to make payment for the Ewan House Readathon - helping us build a library in Fiji! A step-by-step on how to complete payment is below. Please follow this link 2024 Immersion Payment Link and the numbered steps below.

1.      Select : OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES -> Next

2.      Payment option -> Next -> Event Name -> Select ‘2024 Ewan house Readathon’

3.      Please enter your donation raised , boys full name and class in the ‘ Participant Names’ field, so that we are able to easily allocate your payment.

 
Thank you for your support! 

September is the month the ecumenical church has marked as a time to celebrate creation as well as to draw attention to the ecological crisis we face. The theme for the Season of Creation 2024 is “To hope and act with creation”. You can read more about the initiative here. 

The church recognises that we have not been relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used. Nevertheless, we hold a hope for a better future. Biblical hope is a contextual hope which requires us to actively strive for new life amidst the our collective struggles and concerns. Just as in childbirth, we acknowledge that we can go through intense pain knowing that new life will spring forth. This is our hope as we all do what we can for the sustainability and care of our earth.

Chaplaincy Team

Text of the Week
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now
Romans 8:22

Please find the menu for Term 3 here

This is a gentle reminder that all students will be required to wear summer uniform at the start of Term 4. Boys, now is a good time to check that your summer uniform still fits.

The Knox Uniform Shop has stock in all sizes of summer uniforms for ordering online via Flexischools or purchasing in-store.

Prep School Tuckshop - Volunteers Required for Term 3 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 3, please click on the following link to choose days that suit you:

https://signup.com/go/KTsSsYd

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.

Code Camp - Spring
Code Camp is back for another jam-packed holiday program running from 30 September – 4 October.

Please Click Here for more information.