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

Welcome back, Year 12! As you return to normal classes following your HSC Trial Examinations, we hope you are feeling accomplished and ready for the final stretch. With only 11 school days remaining before graduation, it is crucial to make the most of this time. Below are some tips to help maximise your final days at Knox.

Seek Feed Forward: Don't hesitate to approach your teachers for feedback on your trial exams. This valuable input can help you refine your study strategies and focus on areas that need improvement. Remember, your teachers are here to support you in these final days.

Consolidate Your Learning: Use this time to review challenging concepts, practise past papers, and solidify your understanding of key topics. Every moment counts as you prepare for your final HSC exams.

Friday 20 September
• Year 12 Parent Breakfast with the Boys

Monday 23 September
• Year 12 Valedictory Ceremony
• 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.

It was fantastic to welcome the boys back from Trials last Tuesday. The examination block was managed well by the cohort and our examination invigilators were so impressed with the way the boys tackled their examinations in such a focused and mature fashion.

While it is important the boys find some time to relax and recharge now that exams are over, it is also important to keep working and to act on all feedback received from the Trial Exams. Significant improvements between now and the HSC examinations are more than possible. At the Year Meeting next Monday, we will show the boys some data that demonstrates the improvements that were made by many boys from the Class of 2023 between their Trials and their final HSC performance. These next three weeks of classes prior to the break are important to lay the foundations required to achieve these potentially substantial gains.

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

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.

It’s already that time of year when we’re approaching the final 2024 Year 12 BBQ which helps to raise funds for the Valedictory Dinner. It will be held at lunch on Wednesday 11 September so please remind your boys as they head off to school!

In our Lunchtime Concert on Wednesday we enjoyed performances by Rohan F, Sebastian H, Davey J, Steven W and Nick W.