We’ve blinked and our boys are about to undertake their final assessments of Year 11! It has been encouraging to see so many of our boys already utilising the Seniors' Hall to prepare for their assessments. It is clear that many of our boys are benefiting from collaborating with their peers and taking breaks here and there to reset. Some have even found their way onto Knox 1 and surrounds to take a break in the favourable weather of late. The amount of boys studying on campus highlights how connected they feel to the School and their peers.

As we approach the beginning of the examination period on Monday, it's important to remember that exams are just one part of your son's journey. While academic success is important, maintaining a healthy balance in life is crucial for his overall wellbeing and long-term success. Over the coming weeks please encourage your son to keep perspective during this time. Remind him that exams are a measure of what he knows now, not his potential or worth. It’s essential for him to understand that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow, not reasons for stress. Maintaining physical and mental health is vital. Make sure your son is getting enough sleep, eating well and taking time to relax. Social connections are also key where spending time with friends can provide a much-needed break and help him recharge. Encourage him to engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, whether it’s a hobby, sports or simply spending time with family. Help your son stay motivated by reminding him of his goals and what he’s working towards. Celebrate the small achievements along the way and encourage him to stay enthusiastic about learning. A sense of purpose can help him navigate this period with positivity and resilience. By helping your son maintain a healthy perspective and balance during this time, you’re setting him up not just for exam success, but for a thriving, fulfilling life.

Saturday 31 August
• Knox Gala Day

Tuesday 15 October
• Year 11 Social with PLC 

A full list of school events can be found in the School Calendar via the Knox app or Parent Lounge.

Monday 2 September - Friday 13 September 
• Year 11 Final Examinations

Please click here for the Year 11 final examination timetable.

At the Year Meeting this week, the upcoming Assessment block was addressed. The following is a summary of the areas covered by Mrs Goddard, Mrs Hayman, Mr Nunan and Mr Gliddon.

• The boys were introduced to Mrs Nicole Hayman who will be the Presiding Officer at this assessment block. She outlined the procedures, especially on the first day of exams so they are familiar with the routine in advance. The boys have been sent the Stage 6 Code of Conduct via email. The importance of getting to an exam early and reading the exam timetable carefully was reinforced. The boys are encouraged to plan ahead with respect to transport to ensure they have extra time that will prevent potential issues in case of transport delays on the day of the examination.
• All mobile devices are not permitted at the examination venue. They should be left in a locked locker. Boys must have all equipment required for their examination in a clear, plastic bag. If they have any notes with them, they are asked to place these items in the white baskets provided before moving into their exam venue.
• Throughout the year the boys have constantly been reminded about the importance of exercise, good diet and getting plenty of sleep. These habits are vital during exam periods.

PDF Links
• Co-Curricular Newsletter Week 6 Term 3 2024
• Co-Curricular Weekly Training Schedule Term 3 2024 
• KAPA Weekly Rehearsal Schedule Term 3 2024

KAPA
Congratulations to our Knox Bands for their exceptional performances at the 2024 NSW State Band Championships on Sunday 25 August. Our Knox bands achieved the following outstanding results:

• Knox Symphonic Wind Ensemble – First place in the Youth A Grade Concert Band Championship
• Knox Concert Band – First place in the Youth B Grade Concert Band Championship
• Knox Year 8 Wind Band – Fifth place in the Youth C Grade Concert Band Division
• Knox Year 7 Wind Band – First place in the Youth D Concert Band Championship

This was an extraordinary team effort from our 269 students, KAPA staff, families, and School community in teaching, preparing, mentoring, and assisting our boys with the skills required for exceptional outcomes – Bravo!

ABBOX, 6-8 December
We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the Sony Foundation School Holiday Camp (ABBOX). The camp, which involves senior Knox and Abbotsleigh students, offers residential respite care for children with disabilities, aged 5-16, at no cost to families. It will be held at the Abbotsleigh Boarding facilities from 6-8 December.

We welcome and encourage applications from families within the Knox community, and we invite you to share this opportunity with any families, friends, and communities whose children would benefit from this camp. Please find the link here. Applications close Friday 6 September 2024. Please direct all enquires to Mrs Clarke via email.

For more details, click on the latest Co-Curricular Newsletter linked above. Should you have any questions regarding the activities please email the Co-Curricular department here.

Chuck Ardron, Director of Co-Curricular Operations

PDF Link
Experiential Newsletter Week 6, Term 3 2024

Larapinta Trail Hike, NT, 11-18 July 2025: We are offering students the opportunity to hike one of Australia’s most iconic and spectacular walks, the Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory. On this hike, led by World Expeditions professional guides, students can soak up the ethereal scenery of vast flood plains, razorback rocky ridge lines and stunning waterholes. Cost is $4,500.00. Please note, this trip is likely to be run with Ravenswood School for Girls.

You can also find more information about all the programs on the Experiential Learning microsite here.

Stuart Clark, Director of Experiential Learning

PDF Link
Sport Newsletter Week 6, Term 3 2024

I hope everyone is looking forward to Gala Day this Saturday. From a sport perspective, we will be showcasing our Track and Field squad in a number of events, whilst honouring our commitment to the Headmaster’s Gift Race and Deputy Headmaster’s Mile Race. I encourage everyone to come and watch our best athletes in action, as they show their skills in the build-up to their big event in September.

Snow Sports
34 students from Knox Prep and Senior School competed in the Snow Australia Interschools State Championships in Perisher last week. More amazing results were achieved in sometimes quite difficult race conditions, with Knox securing 3rd place Primary Male Overall Championship and 6th place Secondary Male Overall Championship. Knox students brought home one gold, five silver and four bronze medals, with several teams and individuals qualifying for the National Championships in September. We are so proud of the efforts of all students and wish those competing at Nationals the best of luck!

For more on sport this week, please read the Sport Newsletter linked above.

Martin Haywood, Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

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

Week 7 Term 3 Menu

When: Saturday 31 August 2024, 10am-4pm
Where: Knox Senior School

Plan your day! Please see below for our site map for Gala Day this Saturday. Parking is limited – we encourage all attendees to use public transport. See you there!

More information: www.knox.nsw.edu.au/galaday.