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

This week, our Year 9 students came together to celebrate their participation in the highly anticipated Mentor Olympics. The event, which culminated on Thursday, saw every member of the year group involved in an incredible showcase of talent, teamwork and community spirit, with students participating in 20 different activities across a range of disciplines.

Each Mentor Group nominated two students for each activity, allowing our boys to shine in areas such as mathematics, drama, history, languages, creativity, and sport. The atmosphere throughout the event was overwhelmingly positive, with students cheering each other on and embracing the spirit of friendly competition.

Wednesday 11 September 
• Years 9 and 10 Drama Excursion 'The curious incident of the dog in the nighttime' - Belvoir St Theatre

Friday 13 September 
• KAPA Ensembles Photo Morning, Wenkart Theatre

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

Monday 16 September 
• Building Moral Courage - Student and Parent event - Great Hall
• KAPA Vocal Soiree 6pm-8pm JAPAC

Tuesday 17 September 
• Boarding - School Photos 7am -8am

Thursday 19 September 
• CAS - Photos, Assembly and Championships at SOPAC

Friday 20 September 
• Centenary Event: Boarders' Family Dinner 6.30-9pm

Saturday 21 September 
• Pipes and Drums - PLC Garden Party

Sunday 22 September 
• Junior Musical Theatre Showcase - LETTERS

Friday 8 November - Save the Date 
• Year 9 Parents' Supper. Details and invitation to follow soon.

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

Please click here for the Term 3 Assessment Grid.

Week 8
• Monday 9 September - iSTEM - Hand in and in class task
• Tuesday 10 September  - Commerce - In class task
• Wednesday 11 September - Science - In class task
• Friday 13 September - Geography - Hand in task

Week 9
• Monday 16 September - Applied Critical Thinking - In class task
• Monday 16 - Wednesday 18 September - Languages - In class task
• Monday 16 - Wednesday 18 September - Languages (Chinese in Context) - Hand in and in class task
• Monday 16 September - Music - Hand in task
• Monday 16 - Friday 20 September - PDHPE - In class task
• Wednesday 18 September - English - Hand in task
• Friday 20 September - Computer Science - Hand in task

Please save the following date for a special event, which we expect all Year 9 students to attend, and strongly encourage an accompanying parent to attend as well.

Building Moral Courage 
Date and Time: Monday 16 September, 6.30pm
Venue: Great Hall

• Every student in Year 9, plus one parent
• Boarding students will attend as a group, with boarding families being included via livestream.

This unique and interactive event has been developed as a joint initiative between The Ethics Centre and Knox. The evening will support values-based conversations and understanding of ourselves and each other, in order to promote moral courage and navigation of ethical dilemmas. Parents will be provided with the skills and tools to understand the context and challenges experienced by students today, and promote greater social-emotional connection within families and the community.

We look forward to your support of this event and the moral character and leadership it will help to build in your sons.

Middle 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.

The boys enjoyed two rotations using their brains or brawn in selected activities, as they aimed for Gold, Silver or Bronze for their Mentor team. Please enjoy some photos from some of the games.

At this week's Year Meeting, we heard from our own David J, who performed on his guitar.

David has just returned from almost eight weeks on scholarship at Berkeley, USA. Finn O interviewed David about his experiences and we learned David did many workshops, performed at some gigs and enjoyed learning more about his craft.