Last Friday night a group of Year 9 students and members of staff slept out on Knox 1, underneath cardboard shelters to raise money for Stepping Stone House. This is a charity providing medium to long term accommodation for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

By asking our young people to engage in different forms of service, we are striving to break down barriers of fear and prejudice, reduce the impact of stereotypical images and bring a human face to those in our community who might not normally be seen. The end result of which, are students with an increased awareness of justice in the world who will actively seek to transform it.

Service to others is an essential element of a Knox education. By having our students engage with people from different walks of life, and to work selflessly for the betterment of others, they learn what it means to live in a cross-cultural community and to lead a purposeful adult life.

Within our own community, there are times when families face significant challenges. It is during these times I am reminded how we genuinely care for, and about each other, and truly bond as a school. To see our community rally around families who are facing personal hardship is uplifting, and I am grateful in knowing will be there for one another when needed.

Perhaps the most beautiful moment, however, was the impromptu dance party to a song called "Invisible", written by music theatre composer Jason Robert Brown for an eleven-year-old girl in a wheelchair whose greatest wish was not to be ignored or overlooked by the world. This message was borne out by the way the boys genuinely interacted with the St. Lucy's students throughout the performance, with huge grins and high fives. On such a special day, the enjoyment and fun shown by students from both schools meant a lot to the adults in the room, with more than a few tears amongst the smiles.

MVP have been able to perform at St. Lucy's several times over the years, but this event was perhaps the most memorable. It also shows how the creative arts, and music in particular, can positively impact audiences and performers alike.

Please would each family to donate at least ONE item from the following list to help these families?

• Pasta sauce
• Breakfast cereals ( no nuts)
• Long-life milk
• Tinned ham and/or turkey
• Long-life custard and/or canned cream
• Christmas pudding/fruit cake and/or mince pies
• Tinned tuna /salmon
• Tea/Coffee / milo/hot chocolate
• Canned fruit
• Cordial
• Milo and/or Nesquik
• Savoury snacks NO NUTS please!
• Table trimmings (such as lollies, chocolate or Christmas bonbons)

STARTTS Program 2019     -   Christmas Gift Giving!
For many years the Knox community has generously supported the STARTTS Program. STARTTS is the acronym for the 'NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors'.

The organisation provides a range of professional services to facilitate the healing process for refugees who have been exposed to torture and trauma, as well as access to health services for newly arrived refugees. The aim of the program at Knox is to provide your son with the opportunity to learn a little about the organisation and what it does, as well as to think about children of his own age who have had to cope with very real difficulties in their lives. It encourages the boys to think about demonstrating compassion in their lives and how displaying that compassion is integral to our Christian compassion at Knox.

The boys are asked to make a Christmas card for a child who is currently being assisted by the service. It would be wonderful if your son could provide a small Christmas gift (of about ten dollars in value) to which his card can eventually be attached.

The gifts should be handed to the SAOs by Tuesday 3 December.  We intend to present the gifts to a guest speaker from the STARTTS organisation that is coming to School in the last week of this term.

Please be aware that, in previous years, the gift from our boys has often been the ONLY gift these children have received. If possible, please wrap and label the gift indicating whether it is appropriate for a boy or girl.

St Lucy’s - seeking meal donations
St Lucy’s School in Wahroonga are seeking weekly food donations to assist in supporting their families during the week over the school term. St Lucy's School has been providing education to children with disabilities since 1938. Having a child with special needs can add significant pressure to families emotionally, physically and financially. Jonathan Carey is their Family Support Worker and has suggested food donations to support these families in need:

• Weekly food donations for families to take home during school terms.
• Your commitment for one school term period.
• For meal donations to benefit two families by giving four serves per week.
• Meals would be picked up and given to families privately or frozen for future use.
• St Lucy's is open to advertising and supporting your business in their school newsletter.

Please contact Jonathan if you would like to offer support.

National Recycling Week
Over the past two years we have developed a student-led recycling and sustainability program. The boys are passionate about furthering commitment to this program. We are working towards a week of recycling events for National Recycling Week.

Speak to your son about the importance of recycling and being mindful of reducing individual waste.

We will be adding to the committee, so please encourage your son to contact Helen Clarke to join the Recycling Committee.

Sustainability Committee - new members wanted!
As a number of senior representatives are now doing their HSC, we are forming a new committee of boys from each year group to be advocates for the recycling and sustainability program. Please ask your son to come to my office and discuss their involvement in this important committee - especially with the National Recycling Week coming up.

Shoes for the Philippines – Don’t throw out good school shoes! Shoe collection this term
We will be restarting the shoe collection to help needy children in the Philippines in Term 4. Please have a look at home to see if you have any shoes that are still in good condition that you can donate.  These can be school shoes, sports shoes (runners/football boots), sandals or crocs both for boys and girls.  These shoes really make a difference to many poor children and importantly, allow many to attend school. Andrew O’Brien and the Year 9 SJ Team are coordinating this imitative. Donations may be brought to the SAOs or Helen Clarke’s office in Room 15.

Just Parents – Parents to Social Justice
If any parent is interested in being part of Just Parents, please email Helen Clarke. We hope the group willprovide supplementary support in the community for both parents and our boys. We aim to have the role as hands-on and interactive.

Social Justice Club
The Social Justice Club meets each Friday at lunch time in room KCC101 and nearby classrooms. The Club is both social and proactive for all boys who want to serve others and make a difference. There are opportunities to participate in outback and overseas Immersions as well as many school and community based activities. This is important work that leads to important social change and transforms the lives of others in need. For our SJ boys this provides many opportunities for leadership and advocacy.

Before commencing the track at Owers Corner, the group paid their respects to fallen soldiers at the Bomana War Cemetery which included the graves of two Knox Old Boys (Desmond King and John Riley). The group experienced very wet conditions for the majority of their time on the track but were to be commended on maintaining moral and forging forward. Remembrance services held at Brigade Hill and Isurava Battle Field along with their evening history lessons about sections of the track they had walked each day were a highlight for all.

The group experienced a huge sense of accomplishment upon walking through the arches of the track at Kokoda. The group were amazing in the speed and efficiency in crossing the track and were a real credit to the school and their families. They are all keen to spruik the opportunity for future groups, and generate more interest leading into the 2020 trek.

Venue
Wenkart Theatre, Junior Academy and Performing Arts Centre, Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga

Tickets
All tickets $35 at www.knox.nsw.edu.au/oliver

The production will feature a cast of 170 students from Years 7 to 12 from Knox Grammar School, Ravenswood School for Girls and Pymble Ladies' College, with a live orchestra and sound and lighting by a student tech crew.

OKGA 2019 Golf Day
When: Wednesday 30 October 2019, Lunch from 12.30pm; Tee Off 1.30pm
Where: Avondale Golf Club, Pymble

All members of the Knox community are warmly invited to participate in the 2019 Annual OKGA Golf Day.

Competitions to be held on the day include Individual Stableford + 2 Ball Team Event, Leavers’ Trophy ‐ Aggregate Four Ball, Father and Son, Mother and Son, Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin.

2019 Golf Day Invite

Please register online here by Friday 18 October. Contact the OKGA Office on 9487 0419 if you have any questions.

OKGA Special Event: Tomorrow Man - A Night with the Blokes
When: Tuesday 29 October 2019, Free BBQ from 6.30pm; Workshop from 7pm
Where: Senior School Gymnasium, Lawson Centre

The Old Knox Grammarians Association (OKGA) is delighted to be hosting a special Tomorrow Man event in conjunction with Gus Worland (OKG86), and Gotcha4Life.

Come and join with fellow men of the Knox community for ‘A Night with the Blokes’ - a space for a casual and honest conversation about the current man code and what tomorrow’s man might look like.

Throughout the night, we will explore how we can look after ourselves, our mates and families better while carving out our own version of the Aussie man.

Participants will leave this workshop with a deeper level of understanding and connectedness to their fellow men.

This event is open to all male members of the Knox community together with grandfathers, fathers, sons and brothers (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult male).

2019 OKGA A Night With The Blokes Invite

Register online here by Friday 25 October.

Contact the OKGA Office on 9487 0419 or email okga@knox.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.

To qualify, upfront full year payments must be made for a minimum of one year and the payments must be made by 31 October in the year before your payment program begins. Payments will only be accepted by direct funds transfer or cheque (credit card or Bpay payments are not permitted for this program).

Details of the Fees in Advance Program can be found here on the Knox website. Alternatively, you might like to discuss this in confidence with Betty Fowler from the School’s Accounts Department on 9487 0442.

Please RSVP by 15 November here. For more information, email Amanda Pooley.

Parent seminar - Raising Boys in a Digital World flyer

Knox Grammar School Competition Band #1 competed in both Grades 3 and 4 – Medley and MSR.  They placed first overall in both grades. Knox Grammar School Competition Band #2 competed in both Grade 4 – Selection of Marches and Medley.  They placed third in Grade 4.

William Denton represented Knox in the Drum Majors Solo competition. The last event of the day was the Massed Bands held at the very end of the competition. 

Congratulations to all involved.  It was a very successful day.

The advent of our summer sport rounds bring the opportunity for a timely reminder that School Sport is compulsory and, whilst we are always accommodating when families have events on a particular Saturday that preclude their sons from attending sport, we do require advance notice of this and the regular leave process applies. Similarly, if your son is unwell, it is expected that parents will email Mrs Dewar to advise her of his absence. Our teams rely on the full contingent of players so we do seek your assistance in ensuring that your son attends both his game and the afternoon training session.

At our Stage 3 assembly on Monday, we recognised boys who have achieved highly in both Music and Debating this year, awarding Colours for each. Congratulations to these boys, who have demonstrated not only skill in performance but commitment to practice and working together to achieve excellence – well done to our musicians and debaters!

It is always encouraging to hear stories of our boys not only upholding but living the School’s Values. Four of our Year 6 boys did just that, late last week, assisting a younger student on the train and seeking help for him when he needed it. These boys demonstrated not only compassion for the student, but wisdom in their handling of the matter, integrity in knowing that there was a problem to solve and not turning a blind eye, and similarly, courage for taking a stand and doing what needed to be done. Congratulations to Luke Marks, John Back, William Fu and Blake Alderson – fine young men of Knox!

We look forward to welcoming all our K-2 families to the K-2 Sports day on Friday afternoon from 12:20pm.

Dates for the Diary
• Thursday 24 October, 2pm - 2F Assembly
• Friday 25 October - K-2 Sports Day
• Monday 28 October - Day Without Speech
• Thursday 31 October, 2pm - 2B Assembly
• Tuesday 5 November, 7.45am–9am - Yr 2 Band Introduction
• Thursday 7 November, 2pm - Yr 1 Assembly
• Wednesday 13 November, 6pm - K-2 Concert
• Friday 15 November - K-6 2020 Orientation Day
• Thursday 21 November, 2pm - Kindergarten Assembly
• Friday 22 November, 9am - K-2 end of Term Chapel Service
• Monday 26-Friday 30 November - K-2 Aquatics Program
• Monday 2 December - K-2 End of Year BBQ
• Wednesday 4 December - Last Day for K-2

The boys are filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for this week’s K-2 Sports Carnival on Friday 25 October. We look forward to sharing our first sports carnival with you on Ireland Field.

Kindergarten has been practising for our Day Without Speech which is being held on Monday 28 October. We have been practising being silent for five minute periods. As you can imagine, it’s quite a challenge for us not to talk and possibly even more so for the teachers!

As part of our Taking Action phase of the Knoxigations Unit, Year One have created a video about the charity, ‘Day Without Speech’. Last Thursday,  Weh Yeoh, Founder of OIC Cambodia, came to our K-2 assembly and discussed the ‘Day without Speech’ fundraising challenge. Knox Prep will be raising awareness and fundraising for this initiative on Monday 28 October.

We cannot wat to see how many lives that we impact. Please donate money to the cause and we look forward to you participating in the ‘Day Without Speech’ next Monday.

The K-2 sports day will begin at 12.30pm this Friday 25 October. The boys have been reminded to wear their sports uniform, bring a water bottle, sunhat and their House Spirit!

This Friday afternoon, the Year 3 team would like to invite all parents to participate in a celebration of your son’s learning. At 3.15pm, all Year 3 parents are encouraged to share in the learning journeys undertaken by the boys within each classroom as part of an ‘Interconnected Systems Expo’. Further information regarding this event was emailed to all parents last week and the Year 3 students and staff look forward to welcoming any guests who are able to join us for this exciting occasion.

Finally, next Monday 28 October, the Year 3 students and staff will take part in the Prep School’s ‘Day Without Speech’ event. This important fundraising initiative assists students in experiencing what it is like to have a verbal communication difficulty. Being able to talk and be understood is something many of us often take for granted!

Sponsorship cards have been distributed to the boys and all fundraising will support the important work of OIC Cambodia, which seeks to create better futures for thousands of children affected by speech and communication disabilities.

Dates for the diary
• Friday 25 October -  Year Three ‘Interconnected Systems Expo’ presentations
• Monday 28 October - ‘Day Without Speech’ K-6 event
• Wednesday 30 October - Years 3-6 Summer House Gala Day
• Friday 29 November - Year 3 Surf Awareness and Education Day
• Thursday 5 December - Years 3-6 Presentation Day

If you have any queries with upcoming events, please do not hesitate to contact your son’s classroom teacher or Mr Glenn Stephenson.

The Year 3 team hopes you enjoy the week ahead.

Year 4 Aquatics Program
Please ensure that your son brings the necessary equipment (swimmers, goggles and a towel) for sport over the next three weeks. We encourage the boys to wear their swimmers underneath their sports uniform to school and change after their swimming lesson. If your son is unwell and unable to swim, please notify your classroom teacher. We cater for all abilities and understand that some boys may be nervous about this program. Please do not hesitate to contact your son’s classroom teacher in the first instance.

This week, our Year 5 boys are finalising our unit of inquiry by looking at the big idea and stating whether they agree or disagree that we have learnt from the lessons of the past. They will be able to use all the information from the last 8 weeks of inquiry including our excursion and our guest speaker, to support and justify their response. We have provided a range of options for the boys to present their information so that it is accessible to all students with a range of understanding. 

Year 5 Inspired Leadership course
This week, our Year 5 Leadership program commenced, where we were lucky to have a visit from Nick Reynolds and a few of his team from the Senior School. As a new boy in Year 5, Nick became the Knox Prep School captain and it has just been announced that he will be the captain of Knox Senior School in 2020. The boys gave a presentation on servant leadership and then broke the Year 5 boys into smaller house groups so that our boys could feel comfortable asking questions. 

On Thursday 17 October, Year 5 had an amazing opportunity to hear from an Old Knox Boy, Chris Green on the topic of Leadership. Chris Green is a professional cricket player, best known for being the vice-captain for the Sydney Thunder team. Chris engaged the boys through stories of leadership styles that he’s experienced throughout his cricketing career. The boys asked many engaging and relevant questions about leadership in cricket. Here is what Chris had to say about his visit; “Loved going back to my old school, Knox Grammar Preparatory School, to talk to Year 5 about leadership. I have had the privilege of playing under some great leaders in my short time that have helped shape who I am as a person, and as a leader, so it was great to share some of my experiences with the boys. Was blown away by how attentive they were and their ability to ask the hard hitting questions made the session really special”.

Knox Fest
We look forward to Knox fest this Thursday evening. Earlier this week, we announced prizes for those ‘best dressed’. We invite parents to come dressed up. The theme is DENIM WITH A TOUCH OF CLASS. Have fun! The boys are so excited to show you their films. 

Please do not hesitate to contact Tammy Paterson if you have any questions or concerns.

Last week the boys were handed out sponsorship forms for the Day Without Speech which they will be participating in on Monday 28 October. This day has been organised to assist children with communication disabilities in rural Cambodia. Please take the time to talk to your boys about this at home and encourage them to think about non-verbal ways of communicating.

A reminder that this week the Aquatics program begins for Year 6. Please ensure your son has the correct equipment ready to go for Thursday. 

Are they in ‘gently used’ condition?
Then, you’re in luck...

The Year 6 Library leaders will be hosting a ‘Book Swap’ at lunchtime on Tuesday 29 October (Week 3).

All funds raised will benefit the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF), which aims to increase literacy levels and develop a life-long love of reading, providing books written in both indigenous languages and English.

You can start to bring to the Library either one, two or three books to swap, along with your diary, so that we can record how many books you have donated. Your diary will be stamped with one stamp representing one book.

3-6 Book Swap
When: Tuesday 29 October, 1pm-1.40pm
Where: 3-6 Library
Cost: Gold coin donation

Scholastic Book Club

The closing date of the latest Scholastic Book Club is October 25. No cash or order forms are to be returned to school. Please order online using the LOOP payment system.

Cricket
The first XI had to settle for a draw on Saturday but there was so many wonderful individual performances to recognise. Youngster Dom Goddard making his 1^st XI debut scored a century and our school archivist cannot recall any other boy here at Knox scoring a century for the 1^st XI on debut – and he is in Yr 10 !! Our 5 boys that all made their debut all contributed and the squad look like they are in for a lot of fun this Summer. Many other teams played either St Aloysius or Scots and the day went really well with many positive comments and positive feedback from the coaching staff.

Waterpolo
Knox hosted a CAS selection trial on Saturday and our Firsts went through the 'tournament' undefeated and look like being rewarded with a number of CAS representatives. Waterpolo have had a huge pre-season with good plans, strong turnout at training, and a pre-season tour that has the squad well-prepared for a big summer. The younger teams are dominating and will also enjoy much success this season if they continue the commitment shown so far.

Sailing
Our Sailing squads began term 4 in great conditions out off Newport then the parent group kindly hosted a BBQ at Clareville. The boys loved their day and will be keen to get back out on the water this week.  

Baseball
As mentioned Baseball had their first win 13 - 9. These boys have shown great commitment to the pre-season and are making great progress. Well done team. 

Surf Lifesaving
Head Coach Dave Stenning reported a great day at the beach and the boys are building fitness and speed and will be in for a great summer. Bronze Medallion boys are prepared and will start that journey in the coming weeks.   

Table Tennis
All boys were trialling in the Great Hall on Saturday for final places in the School competition team. Games were tight and the boys looked primed for another huge season – defending champions!

Triathlon Talent ID Academy - December 9-11, Sydney Academy of Sport  

Can you run? Can you swim? Why not give Triathlon a go?

For anyone who has ever wanted to get involved in Triathlon, but didn’t know where to start, Triathlon NSW are running a three day live-in camp with some of the state's best Triathlon coaches, in order to teach the skills required for the sport. It is also timed perfectly for athletes looking for a competitive advantage at the annual NSW All Schools event, held in February 2020 or one of the other many junior events being conducted around NSW.

The camp includes:

·         Three day, live-in camp including food and accommodation.

·         Mentoring and coaching from some of Australia’s best triathlon coaches.

·         Held at Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen, utilising their high quality sporting facilities.

·         Develop your triathlon skills and enhance your performance at the NSW All Schools Triathlon event.

·         Culminating in a fully sanctioned race (included in your registration!) by commercial race directors, Mildren Events.

For more details click here.

Please contact Mr Hart if you have any questions about the camp.

Thank you to all parents who supported our Swim BBQ on Saturday. Money raised will help the squad go on a Xmas camp to Lennox Head as we prepare to take on the best in QLD – Nudgee College.

This week we will be announcing our Summer Captains and First team selections to the Headmaster. Well done to all boys and good luck for a great season ahead. 

Also this week, the Cricketers will launch their season with guest speaker, and Aussie Spin King Nathan Lyon coming to talk to the boys on Friday evening at Curagul. It will be great to hear from Nathan with some insight into the recent successful Ashes tour – and some tips on how Nathan got to be our #1 off spinner of all time.    

Coming up this term – Knox will host Barker College in a night of Friday sport on 22 November including Basketball, Tennis and Volleyball. Times will be circulated and we would love to see each sport have the full support of boys wearing the Black & Blue.   

Good luck everyone for a great start to the CAS season – and Go the Black & Blue.