In any vibrant school community, interactions shape its culture and spirit. Knox Gala Day was a perfect illustration of how community connections are strengthened, and school pride is enhanced. Seeing the communal participation of students, staff, parents, Old Boys, Senior Knoxonians, and friends emphasised the bond our community shares with its values and traditions.

I extend my gratitude to all the volunteers who went above and beyond in preparing for, setting up, and wrapping up Gala Day. Their exceptional efforts in organising stalls, managing activities, and transporting goods were truly commendable. I’d like to specifically acknowledge Megan Bailey (Head of Community Relations, Events and Communications) and Stacey Cleary (Community Relations and Events Coordinator) for their meticulous planning and dedication, which were crucial to the event’s success. A special thanks also goes to the KPA Committee and Stall Convenors.

I also want to recognise the enthusiastic participation of students. The talents of our musicians, singers, athletes, the special tattoo performance by the Pipes and Drums and the centenary musical celebration, 'Jersey Boys', added a vibrant layer of excitement and entertainment to the event. Their contributions not only showcased their individual skills but also enriched the overall experience of the day.

It was especially heartening to see our Old Boys actively engaged, particularly through the impressive classic Car Display and the Brothers IV Brothers rugby match. The game highlighted the enduring significance of our sporting clubs and the lasting connections formed during their time at Knox.

Thank you to everyone for your invaluable contributions and support on Saturday. The success of Gala Day reflects the remarkable spirit that unites us all.

Scott James

The boys have had a successful week during this exam period. We have continued to see a high number of boys working through the week in the WSA, demonstrating that they are taking their exams seriously. With another week to go, we encourage the boys to continue working to their fullest potential, remembering that their time in Year 11 is coming to a close. They should be using this as an opportunity to test out their study techniques and routines that they have used this year and consider whether adjustments need to take place moving into their final year of schooling. In conversations with some of the boys during the week, some have discussed with us that they have realised arriving too early before an exam is not helpful for them as it can increase their anxiety. For others, they need to arrive with plenty of time so they can settle their nerves. Working through these moments in Year 11 and reflecting on the process they have taken so far can be advantageous for them moving into Year 12.

We know that there will be varying levels of stress for boys across the cohort as they move into the second week of exams. Here are some tips that may come in handy: Remind them to be kind to themselves and reflect on what their achievements have been so far, allow them to talk about what is causing pressure for them, remind them not to compare themselves to others and to solely focus on their personal best, get practical and be productive.

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.

Congratulations to Year 11 on an outstanding start to the Preliminary HSC Examination period! This morning we were reviewing the first week of exams with the Presiding Officers and they were full of praise for the way the boys conducted themselves. Boys are reminded that full school uniform is to be worn to school on exam days. This includes boater and blazer. With the Class of 2024 coming to the end of their journey at Knox, the boys are the leaders of the School and the younger years do model themselves on the actions and behaviours of the cohort. Wearing the uniform with pride, even on exam day, sends a clear message to the junior boys of the value we place in their appearance.

We have been so impressed with the boys arriving well in advance of their examination start time and using Seniors’ Hall to gather their thoughts, take a deep breath and enter their exams with a degree of calmness. We would like to encourage the boys to consider not driving themselves to school as they normally would. They are still very inexperienced as drivers and during this examination block they will have their minds on the upcoming exam. Whilst we understand that there may not be an alternative other than to drive, we have been sad to hear of several accidents recently in the locality.

PDF Links
• Co-Curricular Newsletter Week 7 Term 3 2024
• Co-Curricular Weekly Training Schedule Term 3 2024 
• KAPA Weekly Rehearsal Schedule Term 3 2024

Cadets
It is that time of year where the Cadet program seeks parental confirmation whether your son is interested in continuing within the Cadet program.The Cadet Continuation Agreement is now live and can be accessed via Operoo through the Knox portal. Please complete this with the assistance of your son as this form seeks his Platoon preferences for next year. Please read all information within the form carefully as it outlines the following points:

• Posting Preferences
• Attendance
• Activity Cost
• Promotion
• General activity information

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
Sport Newsletter Week 7, Term 3 2024

Our Athletes had a great opportunity to run on Knox 1 at Gala Day and show some great skills and speed in front of a supportive crowd. We ran the Preparatory Headmaster's Dash, as well as the Deputy Headmaster's Mile and Headmaster's Gift 100m Dash. Our boys ran in their Centenary singlets, and reminded me of scenes from the movie 'Chariots of Fire'. We were also fortunate to have Paris Olympian and Knox Old Boy Cameron McEntyre (OKG16) come and throw an exhibition Javelin on Knox 1 and show all spectators just how it is done at the top level.

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

Martin Haywood, Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

PDF Link
Experiential Newsletter Week 7, Term 3 2024

New Caledonia Service Adventure, December holidays 2025: This unique service adventure program provides a wonderful variety of landscapes, endemic plant species and birdlife, unique cultural encounters and an opportunity for students to contribute to the sustainability and regeneration of fragile coastal ecosystems. This adventure will cost $6,000 and is being led by World Expeditions. Please note, this trip will 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

I sometimes find myself focusing on the negative aspects of my day, or looking to point the finger at how others could have made my day a bit easier. Our inner dialogue that shapes our attitudes and identity, can be critical of our own gifts, efforts and abilities.

Gratitude to our gracious God helps us to shift that focus to our many blessings. Giving thanks for the beauty we see in the everyday, the new spring flowers that have spontaneously arrived, a beautiful sunset that catches our eye at the end of a long day. If we are encountering difficulties in our lives, we can remember God’s promises to walk alongside us in the good times and the bad. A colleague shared a song with me today, and I hope these words are helpful to remind us to sing the glory of God’s name, and to give glorious praise.

“And I know that seasons never last forever
So, God I will remember all of the reasons
My heart has to be grateful
All the times You've been faithful to me
God, I'm still counting my blessings
For all that You've done in my life.”
Counting My Blessings, Seph Schleuter

Chaplaincy Team

Text of the Week
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise.
Psalm 66:1-2

Week 8 Term 3 Menu

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.

All members of the Knox Community (aged 18+) are invited to the OKGA Annual Golf Day.

When: Wednesday, 16 October 2024 | From midday for a 1.30pm Shot Gun Start
Venue: Avondale Golf Club, Pymble
Event Information and Registration: OKGA website here

The Diverse Learning Department needs volunteers to read and/or write for some of our senior students in the upcoming HSC Exams.

Volunteers can be parents, grandparents, or recently graduated students.

As a writer, it would be your task to act as an extension of the student by writing as they dictate their response to an examined question. As a reader, it would be your task to read the examined question aloud for clarity. As a reader/writer you would be asked to perform both tasks for the one student.

You may like to volunteer your time to cover the whole exam period, part of the exam period or you may prefer to be an emergency scribe for those inevitable sporting injuries the day before an exam. Either way, we would love to hear from you. Availability during the working week is obviously paramount.

If you would like to consider assisting the school in this very meaningful way, please contact the Diverse Learning Department on 9473 9757 for further information.