‘Oliver’ was first staged in 1973 in the John Williams Hall with a cast of almost 140 performers and played over four nights. A review from The Grammarian at the time said, “One could not fail to be indelibly impressed by the spectacle and subtleties of this well-paced production."



After attending opening night, I’m happy to give my review; the performance was simply stunning! I wish I could name all 170 cast members but out of respect to all, I will not single out anyone in particular because I felt that every student put in such an extraordinary performance. This was a musical bursting with energy and talent.

The staff involved in the production of 'Oliver!' are some of the most influential role models I have had the privilege to work with. Over the last few months they have connected with the cast, created an environment that was uniquely collaborative, inspired and catered for students of all abilities and ages.

The skills gained in taking part in music and theatre are skills that set students up to cope with life after Knox: courage, resilience, communication, empathy and humility. By forging strong relationships, staff have taught the cast important life lessons that will help them succeed beyond examinations, assessments and standardised tests.

Lessons on drill, taught by the rank of each platoon, develop self-discipline, pride and confidence in the new recruits, while rank continue to develop their teaching style and communication abilities.

Dress is a significant part of Cadets as it is an indication of respect for one’s self, respect for the Unit and develops self-discipline. Each week, rank members inspect uniform to ensure the highest quality.

Over the last few weeks, recruits have been exposed to the significance of the parade ground, and its formality and history, creating an understanding of the significance of bearing of the new Unit.

Each of these aspects prepares the Unit for the events to come later this cadet year, such as Ceremonial Parades and AFX.

Further preparation for AFX was evident in senior companies, as platoons conducted swim tests and prepared activities and exercises for the Annual Field Exercise in April next year.

Overall, the Cadet Unit continues to develop under the command of the new leaders of the KGSCU and we are very proud of their progress.

By CDTCPL Shiv Suresh, Media Corporal

Guest Speaker for Recycling Week
At Friday's Assembly, Dr Ron Wainberg will address the boys about the importance of recycling and waste processing technologies and resource recoveries. Dr Wainberg is a consultant with a particular interest in resource recovery from waste materials, the development of practical waste management strategies, and how processing technology can be successfully applied to recover resources from waste. He will present and demonstrate about how we can all do so much more with recycling!

Social Justice at the Knox Christmas Markets
Come along to Social Justice Stall at the Knox Christmas markets! We will be supporting:

• our drought-impacted farmers through the work of Drought Angels
• Uniting Church - Everything in Common
• Can you help? Seeking parents to bake cupcakes, slices, biscuits to sell at the SJ Stall at the Christmas Markets. No nut products please and label with all ingredients listed.

STARTTS Program 2019 - Christmas Gift for those who will be without this Christmas 
For many years the Knox community have generously supported the STARTTS Program. STARTTS is the acronym for the 'NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors'. 

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 his life and how integral it is to our Knox values.

We encourage him to please donate a small Christmas gift (of about $10 in value). The gifts should be handed to the SAOs in Room 19 by 3 December. We intend to present the gifts to a guest speaker from STARTTS organisation who is coming to the School in the last week of this term. Please be aware that, in previous years, the gift from the 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 of girl.

Christmas Hampers for Wesley Mission Families in Need
Each year the Knox community supports those in need in the lead up to Christmas. We ask the Knox community to donate food for families who will struggle to provide for their families at Christmas.

Some suggestions include: 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/Hot chocolate, Canned fruit, Cordial, Milo and/or Nesquik, Savoury snacks, or Table trimmings (such as lollies, chocolate or Christmas bonbons).

Shoes for the Philippines – Don’t throw out good school shoes! Shoe collection this term
Please have a look at home to see if you have any shoes that are still in good condition that you can donate to help needy children in the Philippines. 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 initiative. Donations may be brought to the SAOs or Helen Clarke’s office in Room 15.

Sustainability Committee - new members wanted!
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.

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 will provide 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.

All welcome to visit the display in the JAPAC!

Guide to Scholarships 2021

For more information and to apply, please visit www.knox.nsw.edu.au/scholarships.

If you have any questions, please contact the Head of Enrolments, Martin Gooding, or phone +61 2 9473 9768.

Additionally, Charlie Stammers (Y5) was also among the Prep Pipe Band members who competed in the solo piping and drumming competition and were mentioned last week. Charlie did a fantastic job of his 2/4 March and also is deserving of congratulations.

Additional dates open during the school holidays from 9.30am-5pm (and closed from 12.30pm-1pm): Friday 6 December, Monday 13 January, Tuesday 14 January, Wednesday 15 January, Thursday 16 January, Friday 17 January, Monday 20 January, Tuesday 21 January, Wednesday 22 January, Thursday 23 January, Friday 24 January.

On Friday 24 January, blazers submitted for embroidery will be available for collection.

Please note from Monday 10 December through to Monday 13 January 2020, the Uniform Shop will be closed. Monday 27 January 2020 is a public holiday.

Term 1 2020
Tuesday 28 January: 9.30am-5pm. Uniform Shop open for Year 7 new students and Year 11 students.
Wednesday 29 January (Term 1 commences): 8am-5.30pm. Uniform Shop open to all students.

Preparations for our K-2 Christmas Concert are in full swing and the boys are so excited to be performing in the Wenkart Theatre in the JAPAC, Senior School  on Wednesday evening. Stay tuned for all things Christmas - I can’t wait!

Similarly, our Year 6 Musical is also coming up. This year’s Musical is 'Madagascar Jr' and the boys have already dedicated significant hours to rehearsals, in readiness for what will surely be a wonderful show. Please click on the link here to purchase your tickets. Can I highly recommend that you come along and bring the family for a fabulous evening of entertainment!

Arrangements for Wednesday evening
• Leads are to arrive at the entrance to the Wenkart Theatre (in the JAPAC, Senior School) in their PE uniforms at 5.15pm where they will be collected to change and have their sound check.
• K-2 boys are to arrive at the entrance to the JAPAC in their PE uniforms at 5.30pm where staff will collect them and help them prepare for their performance.
• There will be parking for parents in both the JAPAC and Borambil Street car parks from 5.30pm - on a first in basis.
• Please bring your ticket with you for your allocated seating.
• The School will video the concert so that you can sit back and enjoy the fun. This will be made available on Vimeo at a later date.
• Please note there will be NO ART OR CHESS CLUB after school on Wednesday.

Dates for the Diary
• 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 Kindergarten boys have grown so much this year and are definitely ready for the next step – moving to Year 1. This Friday, the boys will get a taste as they experience life upstairs in Year 1 for the Student Orientation morning. The Kindergarten teachers are extremely proud of all the boys’ achievements this year.

Christmas
This time of the year is extremely busy and the boys are getting excited for Christmas. We encourage you not to purchase gifts or lollies for students in your class. If your son would like to write a card for peers that would be lovely.

Year 1 favourite moments:
A is for the many adventures we have explored through play.
B is for Year 6 buddies which we have enjoyed each Friday.
C is for compassion - what great friends we have been.
D is for drawing pictures, the best you’ve ever seen!
E is for exercise to keep our bodies strong.
F is for the fun we’ve had as we have gone along.
G is for the good friends we made throughout the year.
H is for happy faces, filled with love and cheer.
I is for imagination used at every turn.
J is for Japanese, the games and words we have learned.
K is for Knox, hip, hip, Hooray!
L is for learning more and more each day.
M is for memories, that I have made with my mate.
N is for numbers, 2, 4, 6, 8!
O is for the obstacles we learned to overcome.
P is for painting and for having Jackson Pollock fun.
Q is for all the questions we’ve asked throughout the year.
R is for reading stories, even those that may bring fear.
S is for Science, several experiments we have tried.
T is for terrific teamwork. It’s not to be denied.
U is for unusual; it fits some things we’ve done.
V is for voices and ‘Day Without Speech’ for everyone.
W is for the world of words we’ve barely dipped into.
X is for extra special, it’s him, it’s me, it’s you.
Y is for YES, it’s been a great year.
Z is for second grade zest, we’re ready, have no fear.

Fete Day
The boys are continuing their case study of Fred Hollows to understand how we can start small, think big and change the world. As part of their research, they’ve learnt that cataract blindness can be cured for as little as $25 which still remains out of reach for so many. We are excited to see how much we can raise in next week’s Fete Day. We thank you for your ongoing support.

Mr Lammert talked about six key features of leadership;

• Have a clear vision of where you want to go
• Work hard - be the first and the last to training
• Show empathy - listening is better than talking
• Be self aware - understand yourself and be open to feedback
• Be authentic - be yourself and trust yourself
• Know your why - why is this important?

He has provided a link here to a documentary that is coming out very soon and if you are interested in supporting the team, the link to the ticket information is here.

Mrs Floro was the perfect choice to conclude our program. She spoke to the boys about looking at leadership like an iceberg. With an iceberg, you only see the top 10% and the rest lies below the surface. With our Year 6 leaders, we see the school uniform, how boys relate to others, and their behaviour. Underneath, there are many aspects of a student leader that we don’t see, does he shine his own shoes? How are they feeling? How do they treat others away from Knox? What are their motivation?

Mrs Floro challenged the boys to be responsible for the 'below the line’ things. She encouraged the boys to be the best they can be. The boys then walked around and looked at a variety of leadership quotes and discussed which ones resinated with their idea of leadership. To end the session, Mrs Floro and the boys looked at what gets in the way of leadership. The boys then had the opportunity of looking at a leadership shield and after hearing from our variety of speakers, thought about what aspects of leadership were now important to them.

I want to thank Mr Russell for taking the time to organise all of our guests. It was evident after listening to the boys' responses, how they changed over the course and thought that it was very relevant for them.

On Tuesday we will have House meetings where the boys wishing to be considered for House Captain roles will give a speech. They will be given the topic and time to prepare on the day. The boys have been asked not to prepare a speech at home.

Declan Maxwell, Nick Bull, Greg Onikul and Atticus Rowland-Stefanic will compete in the IPSHA Speaker’s Challenge at Abbotsleigh tomorrow and we wish them every success with their prepared and impromptu speeches against approximately 120 other students from independent schools across Sydney.

The boys have been busy rehearsing their songs and dance moves for 'Madagascar Jr' with such energy and enthusiasm. It is going to be a spectacular show and the first Year 6 Musical to be performed in the Wenkart Theatre in the JAPAC, Senior School. You should have received information regarding the tickets and costumes this week and I encourage you to purchase your seats early here and bring the requirements for your son’s costume to school as soon as possible.

Swimming at the Aquatic Centre will continue this week on Thursday 14 November for 6B, 6D, 6F and 6S following the K-12 Christmas Assembly in the Great Hall. Classes 6C, 6H and 6P will not participate in swimming this week due to the assembly being scheduled at the same time.

Year 6 boys will attend their Year 7 Orientation Day at the Senior School on Friday 15 November. Boys should arrive at the Senior School at 8.20am wearing smart casual clothes, and bring food for recess and a water bottle, sunscreen, a pencil case with pens and pencils and a notebook. Boys will meet outside the Wenkart Theatre in the JAPAC. The day will conclude at 2.30pm where boys will be collected from the Senior School. Parents are invited to an information evening following the Orientation Day at 7pm in the Wenkart Theatre.

Dates for Your Diary
• Friday 15 November - Year 7 Orientation Day
• Wednesday 27 November - Year 6 Musical Performance 7pm
• Thursday 28 November - Year 6 Musical Performance 11.30am and 7pm
• Friday 29 November - Water Sports Day
• Wednesday 4 November - Year 6 Farewell Assembly 11.30am
                                             - Final Assembly 3-6 and piping out of Year 6 at 2pm

Arrival information
Please ensure your son arrives at the Wenkart Theatre in the JAPAC, Senior School by 6.15 pm on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in order for costumes to be fitted etc. Boys may be collected from pick up areas at the end of the performances (these areas will be announced on the night).

Costumes
Costume requirements to Miss Ali Irwin (Costume Coordinator)

6C Visitors to the zoo
All boys are required to bring the following items to school:
• A collared, striped or plain business shirt (any colour)
• A pair of black jeans or chinos.
• Black socks and school shoes

6H Penguins
Boys will need to bring:
• A white collared business shirt (from dad’s wardrobe or Lowes)

6S Zoo keepers
Boys are required to bring:
• Their summer khaki school uniform:
• shorts
• shirt
• khaki socks
• school shoes

6P, 6B, 6F, 6D - No other costume required.
All costume items will be returned at the end of the performances. All costumes must be in class by Thursday 21 November (Week 6). Please include a wire coat hanger.

Make-up
Make-up enquiries to Mr Terence Foltyn (Make-up Coordinator)

All boys should come to the evening performances with basic foundation, natural lipstick and enhanced eyebrows. This will save time and assist greatly.

We also need a small team of parents to help with make-up prior to the performances. If you are able to assist, please note your availability here.

Finally, boys, if you have any questions either contact Mr Ashley George or your class teacher.

• To participate in the Operation Christmas Child initiative, please collect a shoebox from reception from Week 4 and follow the information pamphlet inside. Please return to school by the end of Week 7.

• To participate in the Exodus Foundation Toy Drive, please donate a brand-new toy for a child in need, either before Friday, Week 7 or bring it to the Christmas Chapel Service on Sunday 1 December.

We hope to spread Christmas cheer far and wide.

Many thanks in advance and Merry Christmas,
The Social Justice Portfolio

Shoes for the Philippines
Please consider donating any shoes that you may have at home that are still in good condition to help needy children in the Philippines protect their feet and attend school. These can be school shoes, runners, football boots, sandals and crocs for either boys and girls. A collection box is located at the 3-6 office in Ewan House.

When donating, a gold coin donation would be greatly appreciated to help fund shipping.

By James O'Brien, Year 6 student

• Tuckshop Convenor - We are looking for someone to coordinate the tuckshop roster for next year. The process will be streamlined and less time consuming as the roster will be setup on signup.com. If you are interested, please contact Robyn Lollback.
• Library Bookcovering - organising dates with the Library staff for parents to come in and help cover books. Contact Alexandra Clarke.
• Trivia Night Convenor - organise this fun event for parents, held at the Prep school. Contact Shoaleh.  
• Mother and Fathers Day Stall Convenor - order gifts and then organise a group of volunteers to help out on the day when the boys purchase gifts. Contact Jacqui. 

There were many more outstanding performances on a sensational day of Knox sport. Our young 1st XI Cricket team continues to pile on runs with two more centuries on Saturday - this time at Queens Park against Waverley College.



Dom Goddard (Y10) scored his second century of the season whilst youngster Trystan Kennedy (Y9) scored his maiden century for the 1st XI. Both boys put on a 2nd wicket partnership of 183 - great effort for such young boys. Exciting times!

Our Basketballers took on an unbeaten Waverley team on Saturday, and won with an incredible defensive performance, 89-58. The entire Basketball program had an amazing day against Waverley and enjoying much success so far this season.

The Tennis squads played Waverley and also enjoyed a lot of success with a huge win in the Firsts 8-0 whilst the Squash was also outstanding.

Knox also hosted a Mountain Biking Invitational at the Wylde Mountain Bike trail. The day was a huge success and a comprehensive report can be found on the school app this week.

I commented last week as to how the boys would bounce back after a tough day against Trinity - and full credit to the boys and the coaching team across all sports. All Knox boys on Saturday were simply outstanding as was the spirit and sportsmanship. Well done everyone.

Congratulations to:
• Xavier Bryce (Y8) who has been selected to compete in team NSW Surfing at the Australian Junior Titles in Western Australia at the end of November. Good Luck, Xavier.

• Josh Darley (Y9) who competed last week in the 2019 Full Contact Kyokushin Karate competition, 13-15 year advanced male up to 70kg division, and won first place. Having started Karate eight years ago, Josh is currently the youngest second dan black belt in Australia. Well done, Josh.

Performance of the week
Young Cricketer Tim Plunkett (Y7) bowled one of the great spells on Saturday + capturing 5 wickets for 4 runs as the 8b team bowled Waverley out for 22. Well done, Tim.

Prep Sports News
Last week four of our Prep boys represented NSWCIS at the NSW State Primary Schools Track & Field Carnival held at SOPAC.

Owen Dixon (Y4) competed in the Junior 1500m, running a great race against a very strong field of athletes. Chester Swaffer (Y6) qualified through to the finals of the 12/13yrs 800m and finished 8th with a personal best time of 2:19.87. Oliver Dawson (Y6) reached the semi-finals of the 12yrs 200m and finished in 5th place in a very fast race. Maks Saravanja (Y4) won the 11yrs high jump with an amazing jump of 1.59m (an 8 cm personal best) to be crowned State Champion!

Congratulations to all boys on an amazing effort at the State Championships.


Maks pictured with Brandon Starc (Australian Olympic High Jumper)

Have a great week everyone. Go the Black and Blue!