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

It was great to see so many of you at Gala Day over the weekend. We can't believe how quickly the term has gone by for the Class of 2029, with only three weeks remaining until the holidays. As usual, it's been another jam-packed week with the Mathematics Assessment Task and the Mathematics da Vinci Assessment for those in da Vinci classes, as well as an Academy Assembly on Thursday where we recognised and celebrated diversity and inclusion. During the Assembly, we heard from Ms Manou about the values of courage and compassion and students from Years 7 and 8 shared on why inclusion is important.

During Year Meeting this week, we introduced our new social skill and focus area for the next two weeks; sharing and cooperating with others. We would love to see the boys put these skills into practice with their peers and families as they are vital to their character development and growth as young men.

Thursday 12 September
• Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad

Friday 13September
• KAPA Ensembles Photo Morning

Sunday 15 September
• Pipes and Drums - PBNSW The Highlands Mini Bands Contest

Monday 16 September
• KAPA - Vocal Soiree

Saturday 21 September
• Summer Sports Trials
• Pipes and Drums - PLC Garden Party

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

Wednesday 18 September
• PDHPE - In Class Task

Monday 23 September
• Visual Arts- Hand-In Task

Please click here for the current Assessment Schedule for Year 7.

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.

This week’s Academy Assembly addressed diversity, difference and inclusion. Mr White, Mrs Raymond and Mrs Manou spoke to different aspects of these topics with the support of some of the Mentor Reps from each year group. We are so proud and protective of our wonderful range of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds in our diverse student population at Knox, and expect each individual to consistently recognise and value these differences through their actions and words.

Next week’s Academy Assembly will focus on R U OK? Day. Students from our Wellbeing Porfolio Leadership Team, along with some of our school psychologists, will lead the presentations and will issue important messages on wellbeing, mental health and being a supportive and perceptive friend/peer. This Assembly will be followed by a variety of games and activities at lunch, with staff and students donning yellow R U OK? shirts and celebrating this day together.

We hope you have a lovely and relaxing weekend.

Junior Academy Team

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.

Read your Way Around the World
The best books to transport you to faraway places – without even leaving home are on display in the library foyer.
A great way to learn about a place including its traditions, culture and history is by reading a book about it. Whatever your desired imagined destination, we have a book for you.

• 'Wonders of the World' by Lonely Planet. From Antarctica and the Amazon to Victoria Falls and the Great Wall of China, Lonely Planet reveals 101 spectacular sights.
• 'Australia in 100 Places' by National Geographic. Identifies 100 places that every Australian should aspire to explore.
• 'Wonders of the World' by Hugh Thomson. From Stonehenge and the Empire State Building to Angkor Wat and the Pyramids, this book surveys every continent to discover the most impressive, exotic, and intriguing man-made wonders of the world.
• 'Hidden Wonders' by Lonely Planet. A guide to the wildest, weirdest places.
• 'The Road Less Travelled' by Eyewitness Travel. A guide to the world's unspoilt sights and experiences.

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.

As part of the Mentor Program, the students take part in a weekly session called Connections Activities. This is to allow the students to bond as well as make new friends within their Mentor and other Mentor Groups. This week they were on the boulevard to make the most of the nice Spring weather.

Last Friday during lunch, the top two teams competed in the Basketball final of the Mini Olympics. It was an intense game and it was great to see the spectators on the sideline supporting their peers.