Year 12 Week 3 Term 3 2024

For many, the HSC has already started or is about to start with Language speaking examinations, Major Work presentations, and Music and Drama performances. We are confident that their hard work has and will reap deserved rewards.

This weekend marks the final sporting commitments for Year 12 boys at Knox. Our AFL, Football, Volleyball, Tennis, and Rugby teams all have the chance to secure their respective Premierships and will appreciate strong support as they take the field. We encourage all Year 12 boys to attend and support their mates in what is sure to be an exhilarating final event of the season. After a fantastic turnout last weekend, let's once more showcase the strength of the Knox community and our Tartan Army!

Please find the Year 12 Road Map here for Term 3. This document gives an overview of the program of final events for Year 12. We hope that this aids you in your planning. There will be further details made available for each event in due course.

Friday 9 August - Thursday 15 August
• Year 12 Showcase featuring Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Extension English, Drama, Music, Industrial Technology, and Extension Science

Thursday 15 August
• Year 12 Arts Showcase Celebration Evening, 6.30pm in the Wenkart Theatre

Tuesday 13 August - Thursday 15 August
• Industrial Technology display, 9am-4pm in the KCC Auditorium

Friday 20 September
• Year 12 Parent Breakfast with the Boys

Monday 23 September
• Valedictory Dinner

You are encouraged to save the Year 12 Road Map for Term 3 here. There will be further details made available for each event in due course.

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

Monday 12 August
• Science Extension - Hand in Task

Thursday 15 August - Monday 2 September
• Trial HSC Block

Please click here for the current assessment schedule for Year 12.

All assessments are subject to change. Students are to refer to the Assessment Notifications provided to them and if in doubt they need to contact their teacher.

It has been a very busy fortnight for many of our boys involved in subjects where there is a performance or major work submission as part of the HSC. Through open performances and displays, it has been a privilege for us to witness first-hand the creative talents of our young men through Drama and Music. We now look forward to next week's Year 12 Showcase which is being held Friday 9 August to Thursday 15 August (9am-4pm) in the Great Hall. This weekend, the exhibition will be open on Saturday 10 August from 9am-4pm. Industrial Technology will display their projects in the KCC Auditorium from Tuesday 13 August to Thursday 15 August, 9am-4pm. Please join us for our official Celebration Evening on Thursday 15 August in the Wenkart Theatre at 6.30pm.

HSC Language Speaking exams commence this Saturday and we wish all the boys involved in those exams all the very best.

With Trial Examinations approaching, we will hold an HSC Trial briefing in Year Meeting next Monday and address the procedures for the next three weeks. First and foremost, the boys will be reminded that while these exams play an important part in working towards an end goal, they are to be kept in perspective as they are not yet HSC-ready. We keep telling the boys there is always time to make a difference. The exams will provide a benchmark as to where they are currently positioned in their HSC preparation and will enable every student to work out what needs to be done in order to improve before the HSC starts. There will be a final KAI interview in the last week of term to assist with this.

The following is a summary of the areas to be covered in the briefing.

• The boys will be reintroduced to Mrs Nicole Hayman and Mrs Michelle Bittle who will be the Presiding Officers during the exam period. Mrs Hayman will be the Presiding Officer for the HSC exams.
• Mrs Hayman will speak to the boys about all key HSC Trial procedures.
• The importance of getting to an exam early and reading the exam timetable carefully will be reinforced. We recommend that students are at school well in advance of the scheduled starting time to help guard against transport delays.
• Students will be reminded about the importance of being well prepared for each exam and to have all the correct equipment, including spare calculator batteries.
• Throughout the year we have constantly reminded the boys about the importance of exercise, good diet and getting plenty of sleep. These habits are vital during exam periods and this message will be reinforced.
• It has become a tradition that prior to the first English exam that light refreshments are served in the Seniors’ Hall. This is not a substitute for a hearty and healthy breakfast that will provide sustenance throughout an exam, but it is on offer to help settle the trial Day One nerves. English teachers will attend to provide support too. This will be repeated on Day One of the HSC Examination.
• Thursday 15 August and Friday 16 August are study days. During the study days the boys are free to use the Seniors’ Hall to study.
• During the exam period, the Seniors’ Hall will be open for individual and group study. The WSA library will be used as an exam room throughout the exam period so will not be available. Evening Study in Seniors’ Hall will operate as normal, as will the sign-up procedures for dinner. The library will not be available for afternoon/evening study until all exams have been completed.
• The Wellbeing team will be on call throughout the exam period if required. Appointments can be made through Mrs Thong.
• We will remind the boys of the importance of continually backing up their work in case of computer failure.

Procedures for students sitting HSC Trial Examinations
• Do not come to school for an exam if you are unwell. If you need to miss a scheduled exam due to illness, ensure that Mrs Thong is notified before 8am. Submit a completed IMA, as per the assessment policy within 48 hours of the scheduled exam date. All students who miss an exam will be supported by the Stage 6 team.
• Full school uniform must be worn.
• Refer to the Examination protocols.

Students studying in the Seniors’ Hall during day (non-exam days)
• Only the Seniors’ Hall is to be used. Other areas of the school campus are off limits.
• Neat casual clothing may be worn. Students not dressed appropriately will be asked to go home.
• Students are to sign in and out with Mrs Thong.
• A printer and library return box will be found in Seniors’ Hall during the examination blocks.

NESA in conjunction with the Sydney Morning Herald have published a useful HSC Study Guide.

Important reminders
Monday to Thursday evening the WSA is open for all boys in Year 12 to study. The following information summarises the daily schedule:

• 3.30pm-5.30pm. The Library is open for individual quiet work (closed during examination blocks) and Seniors’ Hall for collaborative and group work.
• 5.30pm-6pm. Dinner break. Any student wanting a meal must register in the WSA Boater Cafe by the end of lunch Monday to Thursday. During the dinner break the Library is closed.
• 6pm to 8.30pm. Any student staying after 6pm must sign in with the Supervisor in Seniors’ Hall and stay until 8.30pm. Boys wishing to leave prior to 8pm will require a note, email or phone call from their parent via the student’s mobile phone to the Academic Staff Supervisor. From 6pm the library is closed. The Seniors’ Hall is open until 8.30pm.

Seniors’ Hall is open on Sundays from 12pm-5pm.

As outlined in last week’s newsletter, as your son approaches the end of his time at Knox, we are very keen to provide you and your son with an opportunity to give feedback about your experiences at the School. To encourage you to express your opinions openly and frankly the School has commissioned MMG Education, a consultancy specialising in school research and strategy development to conduct the surveys.

The parent/carer survey is open until Friday 16 August. Year 12 students completed their surveys under supervision during Academy Assembly yesterday, and we encourage parents/carers to check they have done so. We encourage all parents and boys to complete the survey prior to closing as the feedback will be of great assistance as we strive to improve every aspect of our performance and the quality of service we provide for our students and parents. A letter from the Headmaster with more information is available here.

The wellbeing of the boys is always our first priority and we encourage them to reach out if they need support at any stage over the coming weeks.

We wish you all a restful weekend ahead.

Senior Academy Team

Co-Curricular

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

Year 12 winter colours
All students must check the list posted in the WSA Seniors’ Hall from 8am, Tuesday 13 August. Please note that this is a draft list with the final list to be posted from 3pm, Wednesday 14 August.

If you have any queries regarding colours, please address your concerns to the Director of the relevant activity by Wednesday 14 August. After this date they will not be considered.

• Students and parents will be emailed the colour nomination on Monday 12 August
• Please print two copies of the email. Both copies are to be signed by a parent/caregiver to confirm the costs associated with the embroidery of blazers (Dry cleaning: $20.50, Pocket Off: $28 and Per line: $20.50.)
• Fold and place paperwork in the top left pocket of the blazer.
• All blazer pockets are to be clear of items and all badges removed from the lapels.
• The students full name is to be clearly marked on the inside of the blazer. Blazers not labelled will not be accepted.
• Blazers are to be handed in to the WSA Senior office by Wednesday 14 August before school starts, lunchtime or after school until 3.30pm.
• Please note all embroidery will be charged to the student’s School account. It is not compulsory to have the embroidery done but it must be organised through the Uniform Shop and not an independent embroiderer.

Embroidered blazers will be available for collection from Monday 2 September from the WSA Senior office.

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

Experiential Learning

PDF Link
Experiential Newsletter Week 3, Term 3 2024

Borneo Service Adventure Tour, 6-19 December 2024
A position has become available for a Years 9-12 student to travel to Borneo in December 2024 on an adventure service tour which will see travellers experience true off-grid living, trekking through the heart of the Bornean jungle, helping to protect animal habitats and contributing to rural communities. Cost is $6,200. Knox is partnered with MLC School for this tour. Please contact Mr Clark to express interest.

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

Stuart Clark, Director of Experiential Learning

Sport

PDF Link
Sport Newsletter Week 3, Term 3 2024

Last week, Knox Basketball hosted NBA Assistant Coach for the Utah Jazz, Mr Evan Bradds, for our Knox Basketball program and winter Basketball program. As many as 84 students participated in the clinic over two days and it was a fantastic experience for both students and coaching staff. It is the second year in a row that Knox have hosted an NBA Assistant Coach. Last year we hosted Mr Charles Klask of the Denver Nuggets. Knox is the only school in NSW to host these NBA Coaches. We thank Evan for his time and for putting our students through a master class training session.

Next week, as one season draws to an end, we transition straight into the summer season with Week 4 predominantly being an “information week”. This is followed by a regular week of summer training in Week 5. Week 4 will also be another opportunity for boys to consider Athletics (no doubt, many are inspired from the Olympics). Boys can join our Knox Track and Field team for Term 3 – an amazing sport filled with so much variety and fitness to consider where boys can run, jump, and throw.More information can be found here, through the Knox app, or email Ms Hemsworth.

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

Martin Haywood, Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

Basketball

This is a reminder of the various university applications which are now open. Closing dates are soon approaching, so it is important to be mindful of these closing dates and for students to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Open Days – check university websites for details on the upcoming Open Days. Click here for dates for the 2024 University Open Days.

Early Entry – all university Early Entry Schemes are now open. Early entry is an alternate admission scheme offered by many universities and are based on criteria other than an ATAR. Information on the various early entry schemes available can be found on the UAC website and here. Every university has its own eligibility criteria and, as the early entry application is direct to the university, students can apply to more than one early entry scheme. These type of schemes allow students to accept their early entry course offer as well as receive a course offer in the main offer round via UAC in December Round Two.

UNSW Portfolio Early Entry Conditional Offer Scheme – this scheme is for domestic students and provides students applying for most Arts, Design and Architecture and Engineering degrees with the opportunity to showcase their passion and talent through a portfolio of work, alongside their ATAR. Applications will re-open on 7 September. Click here for details.

Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) – closes 16 September and offers are made in November. SRS is an early offer scheme managed by UAC with criteria other than the ATAR. It is not for all courses and not all universities participate in this scheme. Students need to submit an UAC application prior to applying for SRS. More information can be found on the UAC website here.

Educational access Scheme (EAS) – this scheme is available to students who have experienced significant circumstances which have had a negative affect on their study. EAS applications close 21 November. This requires documentary evidence to be submitted to UAC along with the application form. Students need to complete a UAC application prior to applying for EAS. More information can be found on the UCA website here.

Other Applications
• UNSW and UTS Co-op Programs are now open. Co-op programs provide students with up to 18 months of industry experience along with a scholarship award. Students are encouraged to refer to the university websites for information on how to apply.
• A reminder to check individual university websites for eligibility and closing dates for adjustment factors under Elite Athlete and Performer (EAP) Program.
• Scholarships are offered by all universities and provide students with financial support towards a student's education, and are awarded on the basis of academic or other achievement. Click here for a copy of the Scholarship Guide (this can also be found on the Careers Hub on the Knox portal).

Please contact Mrs Gomez if you have any questions.

Linda Gomez, Director of Career Education and Development

The image of an eagle soaring high in the sky is one that evokes many emotions and represents different meanings across a variety of cultures. The effortlessness of their ability to soar through the sky makes them remarkable viewing, either in person or on a David Attenborough documentary! Eagles are known for their ability to use strong winds and updrafts to soar above storms which helps them to avoid dangerous conditions. This provides a powerful image which can be seen in Isaiah and highlights the immeasurable strength that God provides his people.

As the famous piece ‘You Raise Me Up’ suggests, God is with us through the storms of life and it is through him that we can rise above the challenges that face us. As an eagle spreads its wings and is supported by the wind, so too can we lean into God and allow him to support us. In the good and bad weather, we are reminded that the Lord is our strength and he will raise us up to soar like eagles.

Chaplaincy Team

Text of the Week
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Evening with an Author

Enquiries: OKGA Office 02 9487 0419 | 0416 183 474 or email
For more information and to register, click here.

Knox Christian Fellowship

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 two meetings in Term 3 to pray for our schools. All are welcome to attend.

Term 3 Evening Prayer Meeting
Tuesday 13 August at 7.30pm in Gordon.

Term 3 Morning Prayer Meeting
Friday 16 August at 9.30am in Killara.

For more information, please contact Jackie and Jeremy Tham.

Knox Gala Day 2024

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

The event is a huge community celebration with children’s rides, live music performances, market stalls and much more.

Come and enjoy a wide range of foods and market stalls. Members of the public are welcome to attend throughout the day. Entry is free.

Attractions include:
• Kids rides
• Live music – bands, choirs and more
• Performance by the Knox Pipes and Drums
• Bargain bazaar
• Book stall
• Classic cars display
• Café – coffee and homemade treats
• Market stalls
• Show bags
• Lucky dips
• Souvlaki
• Asian food
• Hot Chips
• Cake Stall
• Popcorn and Slushies
• Barbeque
• Boarders' spit roast and produce

Parking is limited – we encourage all attendees to use public transport.

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

Volunteers Needed

The Diverse Learning Department needs volunteers to read and/or write for some of our senior students in the upcoming HSC Trial exams, End of Year 11 Exams and the 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 Rebecca Papageorgiou in the Diverse Learning Department on 9487 0470 for further information.

Year 12 Showcase

All are welcome to come and view the amazing projects, performances, and practical works by Year 12 students. Please join us for the official Celebration evening on Thursday 15 August in the Wenkart Theatre at 6.30pm.

Year 12 Music Recital

Well done to all those who performed at the Music recital on Monday night. It was wonderful to see such talent among the Class of 2024.

Year 12 Team 2024

Events

Assessments

Senior Academy Team 2024

Co-Curricular, Experiential Learning and Sport Team 2024

Co-Curricular

Experiential Learning

Sport

Careers

Chaplaincy Team 2024

Community