It's wonderful to welcome the boys back on campus and to see the difference that the extra week of holidays has made. This is a special time of year where some boys return speaking of winter escapades, while others talk about escaping the cold for warmer climates. These diverse experiences lead to a delightful around the grounds discussion during the first Mentor session, where all the boys had a chance to share their stories. This term we welcome Jayden Lo, Kiran Ponnam-Palam, Nathan Mak and Boarder Ruize Xu to the Year 8 cohort and look forward to helping them settle into Knox.

Our first Year Meeting was a great success, celebrating the boys for their strong finish to Term 2. We applauded their involvement in the Push-Up Challenge and their enthusiastic participation in the House Connections Day.

The results of the Big Science Competition are in, and we are thrilled to see a strong showing from Year 8. Congratulations to all who were involved, and a special mention to the boys who received a High Distinction.

Sunday 28 July
• Year 7 and 8 Wind Bands Rehearsal Workshop Day, 9.45am-5pm

Sunday 4 August
• Knox Foundation Wind Ensemble Rehearsal Workshop, 11am-1pm

Thursday 1 August
• Year 9 2025 Subject Selection Evening, 5.15pm-7.15pm. Please click here for further information.

Sunday 4 August
• Knox Foundation Wind Ensemble Rehearsal Workshop

Monday 12 August
• Year 8 Parent and Student Event - Stories of Strength and Humanity, Wenkart Theatre, 6.30pm

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

It was lovely to welcome back the Class of 2028 this week after an extended holiday break. The boys have presented well and look enthused about their penultimate term in the Junior Academy. A reminder that haircuts must be to the Knox standard, per the School Diary, page 19.

From Monday 12 August, Junior Academy parents will be able to pre-order the day before for recess and lunch in the Canteen via the Flexischools app. Reminder emails will be sent in the lead-up to this launch. This will improve efficiency in the Canteen and cut down wait time for the students during their breaks. Parents will also be able to have more oversight of what their sons are eating and how much money is being spent.

You will have received an email from Ms Linnertson about the upcoming presentation, Stories of Strength and Humanity, from the Sydney Jewish Museum. This is a flagship and impactful annual presentation to Year 8 students and their parents. Every Year 8 student is expected to attend and we would also like one parent to attend this presentation also. The presentation will take place at 6.30pm in the Wenkart Theatre on Monday 12 August. We look forward to seeing you there.

PDF Links
• Co-Curricular Newsletter Week 1 Term 3 2024
• Co-Curricular Weekly Training Schedule Term 3 2024 
• KAPA Weekly Rehearsal Schedule Term 3 2024

Cadets
During the last weekend of the holidays, our CUO candidates for the Cadet year 2024-25 participated in their third leadership course where they practised leadership, learnt new skills, and were directed in how to complete their role in the Unit if promoted to the rank of CUO.

Teamwork skills were challenged on day one, setting the scene for the following course days. The weekend concluded with a Command Post Exercise (CPX) where all candidates were challenged across aspects of leadership and command.

Years 7-9 Junior Music Theatre Showcase – Letters
Rehearsals will start on Sunday 4 August at 1pm for our collaborative creation with local girls’ performers of our Years 7-9 Junior Music Theatre Showcase – Letters. You will be astounded at the up and coming talent, as we present songs and scenes that are connected to this Letters theme. This showcase gives our Years 7-9 students the chance to step into the spotlight and shine, stretching their skillset and making strong connections with their performance art friends. Our performance will be on Sunday 22 September at 4pm.

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 1, Term 3 2024

Host a Spanish or American Exchange Student in 2025
We are seeking families to host Year 10 Spanish and American exchange students in their homes in 2025. The students are from two of our valued international partner schools. The Spanish Exchange Program is held at Knox in July-August 2025 for four weeks, and the USA Exchange Program is held at Knox in May-June 2025 for six weeks. If your family is willing to host an exchange student, please email Mr Clark.

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 1, Term 3 2024

Term 3 updates
• We have a number of teams in the mix for CAS Premierships.
• Rugby remain undefeated in CAS. They play St Aloysius’ away this weekend. Our boys played King’s on Thursday and are ready for the last few weeks of season.
• Footballers sit on top of the CAS ladder.
• Tennis also sitting on top.
• Volleyball remain in second place
• AFL won the CAS Premiership and are now in a battle with St Ignatius’ for the CIS title.

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

Martin Haywood, Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

Welcome to Term 3. I hope you were able to keep warm over the winter holidays.

The beginning of any new thing signals change, and change can often bring with it its fair share of concern and anxiety. One cannot help but wonder about the unknown and unexpected.

While we are well into the school year, we may be encountering change on a personal level. This verse from Isaiah reminds us that God is with us through all life’s changes. It is a comfort knowing that God is able to hold all things – and that I am strengthened to encounter the challenge that is before me.

God bless.

Chaplaincy Team

Text of the Week
Do not fear, for I am with you,
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Week 2 Term 3 Menu

OKGA Evening with an Author – Heather Morris
Members of the Knox community are invited to hear the international best-selling author of 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz', Heather Morris, in conversation with Scott Whitmont (OKG78).

When: Tuesday 20 August, commencing 7pm
Venue: Knox Cultural Centre Auditorium
Tickets: Adults $20, Free for Knox students
All proceeds from this event go to the Old Boys for Old Boys Program
Enquiries: OKGA Office 02 9487 0419 | 0416 183 474 or email 

For more information and to register, click here.

Years 9, 10 and 11, 2025 – your call to make your mark on the School’s Centenary Yearbook is here! Bring your fresh ideas to the Grammarian, the Knox School annual.

We are looking for new members to join the committee for the 2024 edition. This invitation is open to students currently in Years 8-10.

Academy Honour Awards and Colours are awarded for commitment to this co-curricular activity. If the fields of photography, writing, interviewing, design and/or editing interest you, submit a brief written application and answer the following questions:

• The cover of the Centenary Yearbook will be a standout feature. If you had to choose one event or activity from 2024 for the cover, what would it be and why?
• What specific skill(s) can you bring to the Grammarian Committee?
• Summarise your favourite House activity in one word.

Please feel free to attach examples of your work, where applicable.

Applications close Friday 16 August. Interviews will be held after this date. For all applications and/or enquiries, please email Mrs Aroyan, Publications Manager.

Statements containing the final 2024 instalment of tuition and compulsory charges were emailed to parents on Friday 19 July. The global Crowdstrike IT issue also occurred at this time. We can confirm all statements were emailed successfully from Knox, however if you have not received your statement please email accountant@knox.nsw.edu.au urgently as full payment is due 9 August, 2024 (unless you are on a fortnightly or monthly direct debit plan – in which case the payment of unpaid incidental charges is due 9 August). If you have any concerns, please refer to the Knox website to confirm the various payment options.

Each term, Knox holds a Handwriting Course designed to help improve the speed, accuracy and legibility of students’ handwriting, reducing tension and fatigue when writing for long periods of time. In 2024, the classes will be held by Ms Lisa Norton, an occupational therapist, who specialises in the development of skills necessary for handwriting and the remediation of handwriting difficulties.

We are now taking expressions of interest for our Term 3, 2024 course for Years 7-12.

Our course will run on either a Tuesday or Wednesday or both mornings, starting at 7.30am, once minimum numbers are confirmed.

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.

Knox Parents’ Association Term 3 Meeting
Date: Tuesday 30 July 2024
Time: 8.30am-10am
Venue: Inquiry Hub, 1st floor, Oval Building, Knox Preparatory School

Notice is hereby given that the Knox Parents’ Association Term 3 Meeting will be held on Tuesday 30 July 2024 at 8.30am. The Headmaster, Mr Scott James, along with the Head of Wahroonga Prep (Mrs Julie Wiseman), Head of the Prep School (Mrs Sue Floro) and Deputy Headmaster K -12 and Head of Senior School (Mr Andrew Weeding) will be attending to give an update on the different campuses.

The invitation is open to all parents from Senior, Prep and Wahroonga Prep. The agenda is available here.

If you are able to attend, please click here to register your attendance.

For those parents unable to attend in person, you may view the meeting via the following livestream link here.

If you are viewing the meeting via live stream, please could you still register your attendance here.

We look forward to welcoming you on the day.

Welcome back to Term 3
The library staff extend a warm welcome to all students returning to their studies this term and are here to suggest some wonderful reads and to help you in all aspects of your research. Please come along and extend your holiday loans or return your borrowed books.

New display celebrating the Paris Olympics
All students are welcome to view the library display celebrating the Paris Olympics. There are many biographies on famous Olympians and many texts detailing their achievements. A list of suggested reads can be found below.
• 'The Ancient Olympic Games' by Judith Swaddling. An illustrated guide to the games.
• 'Australia and the Olympic Games' by Harry Gordon. Tells the full story of Australia’s unbroken involvement with the Olympic movement.
• 'Born to Run' by Cathy Freeman. As a little girl, Cathy Freeman had only had one dream – to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
• 'Patty Mills' by Boti Nagy. In 2021 Patty led the Boomers to their first Olympic medal at the Tokyo Olympics, arguably the greatest single game played by anyone wearing the green-and-gold for an Australian men’s basketball team.

The 2024 National da Vinci Decathlon was held from 28-29 June and 1 July for a field trip to Taronga Zoo. Schools from each Australian state who had won their respective State competitions, travelled to Sydney for the three days and competed for the National title.

I am very pleased to announce that Knox did exceptionally well with a listing of the placings below. The full listing may be found here.

Year 7 – Coach Mary Ali
Overall 1st Place
• 5th Art and Poetry
• 1st Cartography
• 3rd Creative Producers
• 1st Engineering
• 1st English
• 2nd Science
• 6th Mathematics
• 2nd Ideation
• 1st Legacy
• 1st Code Breaking

Year 8 – Coach Mary Ali
Overall 4th Place
• 2nd Art and Poetry
• 3rd Cartography
• 6th Creative Producers
• 5th Engineering
• 2nd English
• 5th Science
• 1st Mathematics
• 6th Ideation
• 3rd Legacy
• 2nd Code Breaking

Year 9 – Coach Sudhesh Singh
Overall 1st Place
• 4th Art and Poetry
• 4th Cartography
• 1st Creative Producers
• 4th Engineering
• 2nd English
• 1st Science
• 1st Mathematics
• 3rd Ideation
• 7th Legacy
• 5th Code Breaking

Year 10 – Coach Gordon Smith
Overall 1st Place
• 6th Art and Poetry
• 3rd Cartography
• 2nd Creative Producers
• 1st Engineering
• 3rd English
• 2nd Science
• 3rd Mathematics
• 1st Ideation
• 3rd Legacy
• 1st Code Breaking

Thank you to all the coaches of our Knox teams who trained them to succeed, as well as to our wonderful and vibrant Master of Ceremonies, Chris Leggo.

Sherry Bieman, Director of da Vinci Decathlon

We celebrated NAIDOC Week at a special whole of school Assembly on Thursday, with particular focus on our First Nations Year 12 students. The boys spoke of their culture, why NAIDOC week is important, and the difference between an Acknowledgement of Country and a Welcome to Country.

With the unveiling of a special artwork, a painting by our First Nations students under the guidance of Uncle John ‘Gurri’ Kelly, an Aboriginal elder from the land of the Dunghutti People of Kempsey NSW, our students stepped us through its meaning and significance. The completed canvas will be put on permanent and public display in the JAPAC. Congratulations to all the boys whose totems appear in the painting: Ben Askew, William Lloyd, Harrison Tanner, Charles Kellahan, William Humes, Henry Anderson, Hunter Wiki-Sullivan, Nate Stewart, Malakai Dwight, Noah Farr, Edward Kimpton, Mackye Bron, Redson Cubby, Axel Knox, Jack Wilson.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the Assembly was a song sang by our whole School, featuring Redson Cubby of Year 7.

Congratulations to Archie Heatherington for achieving 12th place in the 14 Years age group at the NSW All School Cross Country Championships. This is an outstanding result for Knox at NSW All Schools on what was a challenging and dry course.

In other exciting news, Tom Moncreiff will spend time in September at the Basketball New South Wales Talented Athlete Program. Well done, Tom.

In this Tuesday's Year Meeting, Mr Shaw had the pleasure of presenting a large number of students with a Certificate of High Distinction from the Big Science Competition conducted in Term 2. Well done to Alvin Alford, Linden Chang, Bowen Chen, Bryan Chen, Bruce Ding, Max Johnston, Sithuka Kannangara, Caleb Kwok, Leo Li, Marcus Lin, Jasper Liu, Oscar Lu, David O'Meara, Vincent Qiao, Jonathan Ren, Jerry Shi, Luc Sierro, Zachary Tang, Youran Wu, Peter Xiong, Kevin Xu, Ryan Yang, Andy Yu, and Winston Zhu.