We're excited to share some incredible achievements and highlights from this past week – it's been full of exceptional accomplishments and enriching experiences!

We are thrilled to announce some amazing results from the Year 8 cohort. Five of our students scored in the top one percent of the state in the Geography Competition, showcasing their exceptional knowledge and dedication. Additionally, 14 students received a high distinction in the Junior Science Olympiad, achieving the highest percentage of high distinctions per grade in the School. This is an outstanding accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of each of you. Well done!

Mrs Raymond led a thoughtful discussion on the importance of mindfulness during this week's session. She emphasised how taking just 15 minutes out of our day for mindfulness practices can significantly reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing. We encourage all students to consider incorporating mindfulness into their daily routines.

Saturday 24 August to Sunday 25 August
• NSW State Band Championships

Sunday 25 August
• Pipes and Drums - CSS Solos Competition

Friday 30 August
• Jersey Day

Saturday 31 August
• Knox Gala Day

Tuesday 3 September
• KAPA Ensembles Photo Morning, 7am-8.20am
• Parent Webinar with Toolbox Education - Emotion Regulation, 6.30pm-8pm

Thursday 5 September 
• Year 8 Science Excursion - Field of Mars Group 1

Friday 6 September 
• Year 8 Science Excursion - Field of Mars Group 2
• Year 8 Parents' Supper Greengate Hotel, 7pm-11pm

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

Monday 26 August - Friday 30 August
• Geography Task 1 (IC)+(PP)

Thursday 29 August
• Mathematics Task 3 (DV) (IC)

Monday 2 September or Wednesday 4 September
• Music Task 3 (IC)

Please click here for the current assessment grid for Year 8.

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 in the Junior Academy, our Year 8 students took part in workshop sessions led by Toolbox Education. This program was designed to help students navigate common thinking traps like fortune telling, ignoring the good and catastrophising. Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques, the students learned practical skills to manage anxiety, reframe negative thoughts, and set realistic expectations. A key aspect of these sessions was teaching students how to recognise and adjust unhelpful thinking patterns, such as setting the bar too high or assuming they know what others are thinking (mind reading). These activities are aligned with the Knox Graduate Profile, focusing on building optimism and resilience. Follow-up discussions will be guided by the boys' mentor, allowing time to explore examples and scenarios that resonate with their Senior School experience.

Below is an excerpt from Hugh L and Charlie S, both members of the current Knox/Abbotsleigh Connections Group.

This week, the Knox Abbotsleigh Connections group reconnected for an opportunity once again for our Stage 4 Mentor Representatives to continue to build meaningful connections while contributing to a good cause. This year, we have focused on learning about OzHarvest, an organisation dedicated to reducing food waste across Australia. In our sessions, we participated in a number of cooking activities. The first involved making veggie fritters with tzatziki sauce at Abbotsleigh, and the second took place at Knox, where we made French toast and fresh fruit. Most recently, we cooked honey soy noodles accompanied by assorted fruit and a dipping sauce. Through these activities, we not only gained insight into the impactful work of OzHarvest, but also deepened our understanding of food waste and how we can contribute to addressing this issue. Our time together has strengthened our connection with the Abbotsleigh community while supporting a meaningful cause.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Junior Academy Team

PDF Links
• Co-Curricular Newsletter Week 5 Term 3 2024
• Co-Curricular Weekly Training Schedule Term 3 2024 
• KAPA Weekly Rehearsal Schedule Term 3 2024

KAPA
NSW State Band Championships – Sunday 25 August, Penrith
Full details of band arrival and performance times can be found within this letter.
Venue: The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith
Meeting Place: in the main foyer of ‘The Joan’
Uniform: Full Winter School Uniform (no boater)
Bring: Instrument and music folder (Year 7, Year 8 and Concert Band). You can bring a water bottle and light snack with you too, but we ask for no additional bags, there is only space for instrument cases. Spit towels – you know if you need them!

Arrival Times:
• Year 7 Wind Band – 7.30am
• Year 8 Wind Band – 10am
• SWE – 1.15pm
• Concert Band – 4pm

Students will be dismissed directly following their performance.

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 5, Term 3 2024

The CAS Track and Field season has officially kicked off. This past weekend, our students competed in their first internal meet at Knox, showcasing their skills in running, jumping, and throwing whilst some were dusting off the cobwebs after a big winter season. Some incredible times have already been recorded.

We are thrilled to have Knox’s own Paris Olympian, Cameron McEntyre (OKG16), share his expertise on the javelin with our athletes and this will be ongoing for the entire season. Cam spoke to our Year 7s last week about his first experiences at Knox as a 13yr old Athlete and the journey that got him to Paris.

It’s not too late to get involved. Tomorrow, all students are invited to join the Knox Track and Field program at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre for more athletic fun as we gear up for the CAS Track and Field Championships on September 19 – see you there! For more information, please refer to the Knox app and select Track and Field.

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

Martin Haywood, Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

There are many things to be concerned about today. Whether it is socio-political, personal, financial or health issues, there never ceases to be something that causes anxiety. These anxieties are surely exacerbated by 24-hour news cycles, social media interconnection, and other peculiarities of our time; in the same breath, anxiety seems to follow us all regardless of time and place.

But as Christians we can rest on Christ. We are told not to be anxious about anything, but rather to be prayerful. We are told that we can “bring all (our) anxiety and worry to Him”. I am thankful that I don’t have to have everything figured out, I’m so grateful that I don’t have to puzzle through everything myself. It brings the greatest peace to know that whenever we encounter anxieties or problems that may appear insurmountable, we can trust in the mercy and goodness of God. The peace from faith “transcends all understanding”, which is such a wonderful gift to reflect upon.

Chaplaincy Team

Text of the Week
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Week 6 Term 3 Menu

Year 8 will be commencing Cadets in Week 1, Term 4 and this year, all compulsory Cadet uniform items are available to order online via Flexischools. You will find these items listed under the Cadets section.

The Uniform Shop will exchange most items (except socks) provided the swing tags are still attached. You are encouraged to place your order as soon as possible ahead of the commencement of Cadets. Below is the list of all compulsory items required, along with sizing recommendations.

• 1 x shirt (order the same size as your son's school shirt)
• 1 x pants (recommend to size down from your son's waist measurements as pants are of a generous fit)
• 1 x ripstop jersey (recommend to size up as this is worn over the Cadet shirt)
• 2 x socks
• 1 x boots (recommend to go one size up from your son's shoe size to allow for some room to grow and thickness of the Cadet socks)
• 1 x balmoral (the size is equal to the circumference measurement of your son's head)
• 1 x balmoral bow
• 1 x bush hat
• 1 set of name badges (note that these have been pre-ordered)
• 1 x compass

Should you have any questions, please contact the Cadet Unit Adjutant, Mr Ben Moss.

Seeking Volunteers and Bakers!
Year 8 is responsible for stocking and operating the extremely popular Cake Stall. This year we would like to reach a target of 300 baked goods. The Cake Stall is always very popular and with your help, we can continue its success. How you can help:

We require baked goods to sell and are looking for volunteers to commit to baking at least one item. We are looking for an assortment of cakes (e.g. chocolate cakes, sponge cakes, carrot cake etc.), slices (e.g. caramel slice, lemon slice, coconut ice etc.), chocolate crackles, honey joys, cupcakes, muffins, and gingerbread men - all popular items! Please keep it simple as the maximum price for baked items will be about $25.

Previous years tell us that homemade baked items are what our customers are looking for and that cookies, individually wrapped and store-bought items just don’t sell. The demand for gluten free items has increased so if there are any volunteers who like to bake these goods, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Could you please make a note of this in the comments box when you sign up.

Please note, we do not have access to a refrigerator so please do not provide toppings that will spoil e.g. fresh cream and fruit. Also no nuts please, including almond meal etc.

Cake boxes are available to collect from the Year 8 SAO’s office and from Senior School Reception (located at 2 Borambil Street). Baked items can be delivered directly to the cake stall by 10am on Saturday 31 August. Delivery can also be made on Friday 30 August to Main Reception or the Year 8 SAO’s office.

If you are able to bake a cake for Gala Day, please sign up by clicking the link here so we know how many cakes to expect.

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

What's on at Knox Gala Day 2024? Live music, track and field and an Old Boys' Rugby game. There's also the huge range of food and market stalls, rides and games, classic car show, the popular Bargain Bazaar and giant book sale, our Boarding Parents' Fresh Produce Stall and so much more!

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

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

Book Week Continues! Don't miss our Bookmark competition
During Book Week, all Years 7-9 students are encouraged to enter the Bookmark competition. Prizes will be awarded including book vouchers. Watch this space for the announcement of the winners!

On Thursday 22 August, the Headmaster communicated with the community in relation to the significant strides we've made in the first half of 2024 towards our environmental stewardship goals. Please see the letter here.

Another successful Knox Abbotsleigh Connections session was enjoyed this week as students continued their learning around Oz Harvest and food sustainability working together to make a delicious sticky chicken and noodle dish.

The Australian Science Olympiads are a national enrichment program for secondary science students. Knox has been very successful every year with students often being selected to move onto second round, national level and even international recognition status.

The Australian Science Olympiads provide rewarding opportunities for students to extend themselves way beyond school science through challenging exams, stimulating extensions and enrichment programs and international competitions. Australian Science Olympiads are a staged enrichment program where students receive support and recognition for their efforts. Congratulations to the boys on their achievements!