We have officially past the halfway point of Term 3, and there are some big weeks ahead as we approach the end of term. We would like to remind the boys to maintain their high standards, even as fatigue begins to set in. Let’s all aim to finish the way we started - strong, focused, and committed.

A special mention goes out to Ryan Y, who is currently completing two mathematics papers as part of the HSC Trial Examinations with Year 12. Ryan has put in an extraordinary amount of hard work, and we are all cheering for him as he tackles this important milestone.

During our Year Meeting this week, we took the opportunity to congratulate several boys who have shown consistent dedication to reading throughout the term. Their commitment has made them role models for their peers. Well done to Joshua H, Eason, Ethan K, Zachary D, Eric N, Ryan K, Brandon B, and Bowen C.

Saturday 31 August
• Knox Gala Day

Tuesday 3 September
• KAPA Ensembles Photo Morning, 7am-8.20am, JAPAC and Wenkart Theatre
• Year 8 Knox Ravenswood Friendship Connection Afternoon, 12pm-3.15pm
• 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

Thursday 12 September 
• Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad, 8.30am-12.30pm

Friday 13 September 
• KAPA Ensembles Photo Morning, 7am-9am, Wenkart Theatre

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

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

Tuesday 10 September or Wednesday 11 September
• History Task 1 (HI) + (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’s entry is from our Study Skills expert, Dr Prue Salter, on Motivation.

7 Key Questions to Ignite Your Motivation
Knowing what motivates you can help you take action.  Having the certainty that you can “push past” procrastination also builds your confidence. Next time you are feeling unmotivated, ask yourself these questions:

1. Why does this matter to me? Understanding the significance of your task is crucial. Ask yourself why it's important to you personally. Knowing the purpose behind your actions can fuel your desire to succeed and make the journey more meaningful.

2. What are the consequences of not taking action? Consider the potential costs of procrastination. Visualise how not completing the task could impact your goals, grades, or even your well-being. This awareness of potential consequences can serve as a powerful motivator to get things done.

3. What aspects of this task can I enjoy? Find the fun and interesting elements in what you're doing. Whether it's a fascinating subject or a creative project, focusing on the positive aspects can make the task more enjoyable. If you're struggling to find excitement, practice acceptance and approach the task with an open mind.

PDF Links
• Co-Curricular Newsletter Week 6 Term 3 2024
• Co-Curricular Weekly Training Schedule Term 3 2024 
• KAPA Weekly Rehearsal Schedule Term 3 2024

KAPA
Congratulations to our Knox Bands for their exceptional performances at the 2024 NSW State Band Championships on Sunday 25 August. Our Knox bands achieved the following outstanding results:

• Knox Symphonic Wind Ensemble – First place in the Youth A Grade Concert Band Championship
• Knox Concert Band – First place in the Youth B Grade Concert Band Championship
• Knox Year 8 Wind Band – Fifth place in the Youth C Grade Concert Band Division
• Knox Year 7 Wind Band – First place in the Youth D Concert Band Championship

This was an extraordinary team effort from our 269 students, KAPA staff, families, and School community in teaching, preparing, mentoring, and assisting our boys with the skills required for exceptional outcomes – Bravo!

ABBOX, 6-8 December
We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the Sony Foundation School Holiday Camp (ABBOX). The camp, which involves senior Knox and Abbotsleigh students, offers residential respite care for children with disabilities, aged 5-16, at no cost to families. It will be held at the Abbotsleigh Boarding facilities from 6-8 December.

We welcome and encourage applications from families within the Knox community, and we invite you to share this opportunity with any families, friends, and communities whose children would benefit from this camp. Please find the link here. Applications close Friday 6 September 2024. Please direct all enquires to Mrs Clarke via email.

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 6, Term 3 2024

Larapinta Trail Hike, NT, 11-18 July 2025: We are offering students the opportunity to hike one of Australia’s most iconic and spectacular walks, the Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory. On this hike, led by World Expeditions professional guides, students can soak up the ethereal scenery of vast flood plains, razorback rocky ridge lines and stunning waterholes. Cost is $4,500.00. Please note, this trip is likely to 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

PDF Link
Sport Newsletter Week 6, Term 3 2024

I hope everyone is looking forward to Gala Day this Saturday. From a sport perspective, we will be showcasing our Track and Field squad in a number of events, whilst honouring our commitment to the Headmaster’s Gift Race and Deputy Headmaster’s Mile Race. I encourage everyone to come and watch our best athletes in action, as they show their skills in the build-up to their big event in September.

Snow Sports
34 students from Knox Prep and Senior School competed in the Snow Australia Interschools State Championships in Perisher last week. More amazing results were achieved in sometimes quite difficult race conditions, with Knox securing 3rd place Primary Male Overall Championship and 6th place Secondary Male Overall Championship. Knox students brought home one gold, five silver and four bronze medals, with several teams and individuals qualifying for the National Championships in September. We are so proud of the efforts of all students and wish those competing at Nationals the best of luck!

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

Martin Haywood, Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

September is the month the ecumenical church has marked as a time to celebrate creation as well as to draw attention to the ecological crisis we face. The theme for the Season of Creation 2024 is “To hope and act with creation”. You can read more about the initiative here. 

The church recognises that we have not been relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used. Nevertheless, we hold a hope for a better future. Biblical hope is a contextual hope which requires us to actively strive for new life amidst the our collective struggles and concerns. Just as in childbirth, we acknowledge that we can go through intense pain knowing that new life will spring forth. This is our hope as we all do what we can for the sustainability and care of our earth.

Chaplaincy Team

Text of the Week
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now
Romans 8:22

Week 7 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 or the Cadet Administration Assistant, Ms Donne Boers.

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

Plan your day! Please see below for our site map for Gala Day this Saturday. Parking is limited – we encourage all attendees to use public transport. See you there!

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

New Display – Moving objects
Do you like to read about Planes, Drones and Automobiles? Students are welcome to come into the library to see the new display in the library foyer.

• 'Drone Pilots' by Andrew Morkes. In this book, you'll learn about the types of drones, the benefits and potential dangers.
• 'World’s worst Aircraft' by Jim Winchesster. Some aircraft were commercially unsuccessful, some no longer met military requirements, and some definitely should not have left the drawing board.
• 'Supermarine Spitfire' by Mike Speck. Read about the most famous combat aircraft of all time.
• 'Born to Race' by Max Verstappen.A biography about the first Dutch driver to win the F1 World Championship in 2021.

On Friday, boys and staff were invited to wear their favourite jersey. It was a great way to raise awareness and promote conversation about organ and tissue donation. Below are some of our Year 8 co-hort showing their support with Mr Shaw, Mr Scarr and Mr Leggo.

William K presented at Year Meeting this week about the pen recycling imitative promoted by KEST. Recycled pens and highlighters can now be dropped off to the SAO office for recycling.