As I look ahead to next year this school will continue to evolve in order to stay at the forefront of education and more importantly, to ensure we offer contemporary, relevant and meaningful educational and cocurricular experiences for our students, as our founders so clearly set out to do. We will continue to nurture and inspire thinkers and enable future leaders capable of making a profound difference in our world. We will continue to be the school that strives to raise up all within its community; a school that thrives on encouragement, a positive sense of the future and deep-seated levels of trust.

So, on behalf of the School, I wish students and families a wonderful summer and festive season as we remain mindful of those less privileged, and as we prepare to say farewell to a unique and challenging year, I ask the Lord to bless us with quietness of mind and to teach us to be patient and always to be kind.

I look forward to an exciting 2021 together.

Recordings of each online career event can be found here as part of the new Careers Showcase on Vimeo.

The Knox Careers Hub is an online careers resource for students and parents. This online resource was developed to assist students’ capability to plan and make informed decisions with regards to post-school options and to enable effective participation in working life. Notifications and messages posted on the Careers Hub are an important mode of communication to reach out to the Knox community and to ensure students are informed of the various study and careers choices available to them.

Dhruv has also shown great leadership in mentoring younger students in debating, taking time before debates to give younger boys advice, and after debates to provide condolences and congratulations. We congratulate Dhruv on his selection to the NSW Debating Team and wish him the best of luck competing at the National Schools Debating Championship.

International Debating Championships Year 9 through to Grand Final
Our debaters have spent this term competing in the junior division of the International Debating Championships, competing against international schools such Leaders Academy in Seoul, South Korea; Cambridge International School, England; Nanyang Girls High School, China; and local schools such as St Aloysius' College and Cranbrook School.

A special congratulations must go to our Year 9 team who have made it to the Grand Final round of the competition: Angus Wines, Conor Miliken, Tom Kidston, Jacob Johnstone and James Handley. They have been undefeated with four wins and will be competing against Leaders Academy in the Grand Final.

This continues our Year 9 team’s incredible trend of success this year. They were also undefeated throughout the five rounds of CAS making them the top Year 9 team of the competition. The Year 9 debaters have worked hard this year and their results are a testament to their continued efforts in training, KDC and Friday night debating. We look forward to seeing them represent Knox in the final against Leaders Academy.

The band contest took place with eight bands competing. Congratulations to Knox Grammar School Competition Band #2, winning the MSR and Medley in the Novice Juvenile B Grade and placing first in the Grade 4B Medley and second in the MSR. Knox Grammar School Competition Band #1, placed second in both the Novice Juvenile A Grade and the Grade 4 Band Contests. The Prep Pipe Band also played well in the Grade 4 Selection of Marches impressing the audience by being the youngest band of the day.

The Drum Major’s Solo competition was held at the same time. Cameron Gee and William Denton represented Knox. William Denton placed first.

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

Wanted - items for Christmas hampers and gifts for families and children in need
It's not too late to send in your donations! For the last 13 years we have supported the following:

• Wesley Mission and Parramatta Mission through the Uniting Church Family projects will be supporting families at Christmas with basic food supplies and Christmas fare. 
• STARTTS helps children who would otherwise receive no Christmas gifts without our support. Christmas gifts to the value of $10 or more would be most appreciated. Please wrap and indicate the appropriate age and gender of your gift.

Thank you to our Knox community for your continued support of families who find Christmas a particularly difficult time. Please send in all your generous donations to the SAOs or to my office in Room 15.

All boys are encouraged to come along to the Social Justice club which meets at 1pm each Friday in the KCC Auditorium. There are many opportunities to volunteer. For more information, please email Mrs Clarke.

At the end of this year, we farewell a number of staff, who are moving on to new opportunities. From K-2, we farewell Miss Darcy Gilroy and Mrs Kate Jackson; and from Years 3 to 6, we farewell Mr Angus Robson and Mrs Cathy Swanson. From our Specialist Team, we farewell Mrs Natalie Woodyatt and Mrs Sally Key. Of course, you are already aware of Mrs Dewar’s impending retirement, and Mrs Gray’s move to St Catherine’s School. We wish all of our departing staff members every success as they move into new and exciting opportunities, and thank them, most sincerely for their contribution to the School and the outstanding work they have each done with your sons.

On Thursday, your son’s End of Semester Two Report will be available for you to download via the Parent Lounge. Please do read the Report with your son, congratulate him on not just his achievement, but his effort throughout the semester, and the year in general. Your sons have worked mighty hard this year and can be well proud of all they have accomplished, both in the classroom, on the sporting fields, and in the Music studios. May I also take this opportunity to thank the teaching staff for their work in writing these reports? It is no small task to create such detailed and thoughtful reflections of your son’s year at School, and their efforts are equally appreciated.

This week we have celebrated our end of year Christmas Chapel Service. The boys are viewing it today, and we are keen to share this very special Chapel event with you. Please do view the service at this link.

As the year draws to a close, may I offer my sincere thanks, on behalf of the Prep Staff, to all of our dedicated and supportive parents who have joined so closely with us, albeit from a distance for much of the year, to ensure that your sons’ year at School was robust, engaging and collaborative. We have enjoyed working closely with you, and look forward to our close connection continuing well into the future.

To our Year 6 families, we look forward to celebrating your sons’ contribution to the Prep School at both the Year 6 Farewell and Presentation Day events. We wish you all the best as your boys move into Senior School, and look forward to following their progress, anticipating that their contribution to the Senior School will be just as strong as that which they have dedicated their energies towards at Prep.

For those I will not see again before the year ends, I wish you a Merry Christmas, and a relaxing and well earned rest. We are already looking forward to 2021!

I would like you to congratulate you on your own super powers and how you model these to your son. Thank you for your super power of courage; trusting us with the education of your son. For working with us as a team to provide the best learning experiences which enable your son to thrive. Thank you for making time to connect with us, laugh with us and celebrate together as you strengthen your wisdom and faith.

Finally, the super powers of the K-2 Team. Their compassion and integrity demonstrate honesty, authenticity and a passion for education.

Thank you for the privilege of being part of this community for 11 years. For developing and strengthening my super powers and helping me make a small difference to your son’s education.

Enjoy your Knox adventure and always aspire to great things.

A reminder that the final day for K-2 is Wednesday 2 December at 2.40pm.

The boys have experienced many exciting and, at times, challenging 'firsts' throughout the year, all the while flourishing and growing in resilience, independence and maturity. They have shown tremendous courage throughout this year and the Kindergarten teachers are very proud of their accomplishments.

We are grateful and thank the boys for the many special moments and experiences they have given us and wish them all the very best for Year 1. They are ready and rearing to go!

When we reflect on all that this year has thrown at us there have been so many positives to have come out of what has been. The boys have had so many new and exciting experiences, all of which have helped them to grow and become more resilient, problem solvers and independent learners. To say we are proud of our Year 1 boys is an understatement.

When reflecting with the boys some highlights for them have included: the Chinese Dancers in Term 1, learning from home online, having our pets join us with our online learning lessons, the Easter Hat Parade via Zoom, the swimming program at the Senior School, learning all about Ozobots, Book Week Parade, growing our micro-greens and using them in a recipe, creating a sustainable environment for Fantastic Mr Fox using Minecraft, Year 1 D.E.A.R time outside every Thursday and our Friday morning fitness runs.

The Year 1 teaching team have really enjoyed these and all the special moments we have shared with your sons. It has been a privilege to be a part of their Year 1 journey. We would also like to thank all our Year 1 parents - we have enjoyed working with you as part of a team in supporting your son in 2020. We wish all our families a happy and safe Christmas and New Year. We hope you are able to spend time with family and loved ones and find lots of time to relax as we get ready for an exciting 2021!

As this is the final Knoxonian for the year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the Year 2 families a safe, happy and healthy festive season. I would also like to thank you for your ongoing support of the Year 2 staff, enabling us to ensure that your sons' needs are met in what has been a challenging year. It has been our pleasure teaching your boys and we wish them every success as they move to Year 3. A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

During our unit on 'Interconnected Systems', Year 3 created river landscapes in collaborative groups. Although it was not possible for parents to come in and view the artwork, a video clip of the work can be found here.

In Week 8 we will celebrate the boys’ achievements at Presentation Day. Please check carefully through the communications from the School for information regarding this event. There are different iterations of how this will take place which are contingent on weather, so please be aware of the arrangements for Year 3.

As this is the final Knoxonian for the year, it is important to acknowledge the hard work, flexibility and good humour with which the students have approached this year. 2020 has been a year of so many challenges and the staff of Year 3 agree that the boys have shown so much growth, both academically and personally.

I would also like to thank all parents and guardians for their continued support of the boys and staff in every aspect of their school life throughout the year.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge the amazing teachers who have taught your sons this year, particularly the Year 3 team; Mrs Bruce, Mrs Daher, Mrs Hodder, Mr Robson, Mrs Prentice and, of course, Mr Stephenson. The boys have benefitted greatly from the dedication and time each member of staff has put into their education so that they flourish. As well as being a professional and dedicated team, each of these colleagues arrive with a smile and an unfailing willingness to model what it is to be life-long learners.

The Year 3 team would like to sincerely wish all students, parents and extended family a peaceful and fulfilling Christmas and New Year break. We very much look forward to seeing all boys safely return to school in 2021 as Year 4 students!

Happy Holidays!
The Year 4 team wish to extend their sincere thanks for the ongoing support that has existed this year between you and the School. We are incredibly proud of the journey your son has embarked on, knowing full well that a positive, flexible and resilient mindset has often had to be at the centre. As a result, we have witnessed growth in the boys’ depth of thinking, their organisational practices and their ability to problem solve to further encourage independence. We are excited to see where these valuable skills and attributes take them in their future schooling. Mrs Benson, Mrs Bruce, Mr Hitchiner, Mrs Morelli, Mrs Prentice and I wish you all a happy and safe Christmas. We look forward to seeing all the boys with their boaters on next year!

How time has flown! This year has gone far too quickly. I have been recently reflecting on this year and all that we have done:

• Father/Son camp where many boys camped in a tent for the very first time
• Every Year 5 student completing the Premier's Reading Challenge
• Online learning – learning at home
• Australian Poetry Recital
• Knox Silent Film Festival films – where we challenged our boys to create a film with close links to one of Knox Core Values
• Scope IT coding
• Aquatics program
• Knox Prep Gala days
• Year 5 Inspired Leadership Course

We have had Year 5 boys represent the Prep School in writing competitions, Maths Olympiad competition, debating and chess. Representative sport was limited this year due to COVID-19 but our boys enjoyed doing what they could and gave it their best!

In the classroom your sons have demonstrated curiosity and a thirst for learning, through our Knoxigations units of inquiry where they are now learning to think deeply and have become students of agency where they are able to look at events from a number of perspectives and look for solutions to change.

The team has been really impressed and pleased with the manner in which our boys are taking on board the responsibility and idea that they will become the leaders of the school next year.

Just a reminder that all elected leadership positions will not be announced until Presentation Day.

The Year 5 team would like to send you all warm wishes for a very Happy Christmas. It has a been a pleasure to teach your sons this year.

WLF: Compassion In Action
In WLF Year 5 2020, we started a project called Compassion In Action. Compassion In Action is a way that we give back to our local community and show care for others in less fortunate circumstances. We would normally go outside of school and run the project in person, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic we came up with the idea to create activity packs for children in hospitals. The activity packs included all sorts of fun things like drawings, riddles, and stories to entertain and distract the sick kids. We really enjoyed making them and it was a fun experience. Overall it gave me a feeling of warmth being able to give back and help others by doing Compassion In Action.

By Jack Gibbons, Year 5

On Friday this week the boys will have a visit from the Hon Tony Smith MP and the Hon Paul Fletcher MP. During this year the boys had the opportunity to learn all about the Federal system of government in Australia as well as learning about the different systems of government from around the globe. This will be a wonderful experience for the boys and something I know they are very much looking forward to.

As this is the final Knoxonian for the year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the Year 6 families a happy and safe festive season. I would also like to thank you for your ongoing support of the Year 6 staff. This year group will be very much missed as they move into the Senior School and we look forward to hearing of their progress as they move through the senior years. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Online eBook databases
Boys at the Prep have access to two online eBook databases: Sora and World Book Online eBooks.



Sora is an online eBook database available for our students in Years 3-6. Access is available via our Library homepage. Alternatively, install the Sora app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on to your device. Select our school and sign in. All boys in Years 3-6 have been shown how to use this database. Students can borrow three books with a loan period of two weeks. Books can be returned back to the database before the two-week period, or it can be renewed if the student is still reading it. Students also have the option to place books on hold if they are on loan.

World Book Online eBooks
All students in K-6 have access to eBooks via World Book Online. For students in Years 3-6, access is available via our Library Home Page. For students in K-2: log in ID: knox Password: grammar.

Annual Library Stocktakes
The K-2 Literacy Centre and the 3-6 Library will be closed for our annual stocktake from Week 7. All items on loan must be returned to the respective library.

Any items that are 100 days overdue will be charged to your son’s account. The 3-6 boys are able to access our Library Database System, Infiniti, from home, to check their loan records. Students will need to log in using their Knox email and password.

Instrument hire
If your son has been hiring a school instrument, all Band instruments (not string instruments) are to be returned to the Prep Music Office straight after the End of Year Band Concert next Tuesday evening. If your son is hiring a school instrument and is in the Performance Ensemble, his instrument needs to be given to Mrs Morris at the conclusion of Presentation Day. If you have any questions in regards to your son’s instrument, please email Mrs Morris.

Ensemble rehearsal days/times for 2021
All Band rehearsals will commence in Week 2 in 2021 except for the Junior Band, who will have their first rehearsal on Friday 29 January. If your son is hiring an instrument from school, he will be given his hire instrument at the start of this rehearsal. All other students in Junior Band will need to organise to hire/purchase an instrument before this rehearsal.

• JUNIOR BAND – Friday morning 7am-8.15am (first rehearsal will be on Friday 29 January)
• INTERMEDIATE BAND – Tuesday morning 7.10am, Wednesday lunchtime in Ensemble Room 2 (first rehearsal will be on Tuesday 2 February, 7.15am)
• SENIOR BAND – Wednesday Morning 7am, Tuesday lunchtime in Ensemble Room 1. (first rehearsal will be on Tuesday 2 February, lunchtime)
• PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE – Tuesday morning 7am, Wednesday lunchtime in Ensemble Room 1. (first rehearsal will be on Tuesday 2 February, 7.15am)
• JAZZ BAND – Thursday lunchtime in Ensemble Room 1. (first rehearsal will be on Thursday 4 February, lunchtime)

• CONCERT STRINGS – Monday morning 7.15am in Ensemble Room 2. (Week 2 first rehearsal).
• STRING ENSEMBLE – Wednesday morning in Ensemble Room 2. 7.15am (Week 2 first rehearsal).
• PREP ORCHESTRA – Friday morning in Ensemble Room 2. 7.15am (Week 2 first rehearsal).

• LITTLE LADS – Friday morning in the Music room 1 7.45am (Week 2 first rehearsal).
• KNOXAPELLA – Thursday morning in the Music room 1 7.30am (Week 2 first rehearsal).
• 5-6 VOCAL ENSEMBLE - Thursday morning in the Music room 2 7.30am (Week 2 first rehearsal).
• GALLERY CHOIR – Tuesday afternoon 3.15pm-4.30pm in the Music room (Week 2 first rehearsal).

Enrolments for 2021
If your son would like to learn an instrument or is already learning an instrument and will continue next year, please fill out the 2021 Private instrumental Lessons form here.

There is also a new link for 2021 Ensembles. With the end of term fast approaching, it is with great excitement that I inform all parents on the movement for bands next year and attach all information for anyone who would like to join band next year. Following is the link to the information booklet that has all of the information in regards to band next year. If your son would like to join one of our ensembles (including strings and choir) please fill out the online link here.

All boys who are already in the Band Program automatically move up in to the next band, so there is no need to fill out the Ensembles Form. So boys in the Intermediate Band will automatically move into the Senior Band, boys in the Junior Band will automatically move into the Intermediate Band and boys in the Senior Band will automatically move into the Performance Ensemble.

Please don’t hesitate to email Mrs Morris if you have any questions about learning an instrument at school or joining one of our Ensembles!

We also enjoyed some great results in the Trinity Grammar pool on Friday night in Diving. Knox enjoyed some tough competition across all age groups but our small team prevailed. Luke Baker came First in the Senior Springboard with our Junior divers Kade Stamford and Hayden Armstrong coming a very respectable 8th and 11th. Wahroonga Prep student Lara Manuel came first in the Junior springboard. A solid performance all round as the team start to build and prepare for CAS in March.



I'm pleased to announce our first CAS premiership for the summer with the Water Polo Firsts remaining undefeated in the CAS season. The squad now turn to the GPS in Term 1 to defend the combined CAS/GPS title also.



Well done, boys.

Congratulations to all boys at Whale Beach on Saturday for passing their SRC and Bronze medallion. We are proud to announce 100% success rate and the boys are now ready to patrol our beaches this summer. Our staff worked hard to get those boys prepared and all are extremely proud of their achievements. Conditions were tough, and our boys were brave. Well done to all involved.

Saturday saw the return to one of the larger meets on the Track and Field calendar, with the Sydney Uni Interclub being contested at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre. With the opportunity to compete being significantly limited in 2020, the Interclub was a great chance for boys to see their current performance following such a long drought. Knox certainly did not disappoint with some great results posted over the course of the day. A definite stand out was Maks Saravanja (Y6) who jumped a fantastic 1.63m high jump as a 12 year old competitor. This result has earnt Maks an automatic qualifier into the National Juniors in April next year. Well done to Maks - a fantastic jump. Dylan Hall’s run over 100m was also a highlight running a lightning time of 11.61, this was also a National qualifier for Dylan. Not happy with his start, Max Mandera also ran a respectable 11.46 seconds for the same event. Later in the day, three of our boys contested the NSW State 3000m Championships, this event attracts some of the best talent from within NSW and the ACT. Blistering times from Sam Rockliff of 8:37.42 and Hamish Hart 8:44.73, with former Captain Mitch Westhuizen running an awesome time of 8:34.34. A fantastic result with all boys posting a personal best time, along with qualifiers to compete at Australian Juniors next April. Huge achievement in one of the first meets this year. Well done also to a number of our coaches who also had a great result in their respective disciplines. Great to see that some of our coaching staff are still able to apply their trade so well!

We look forward to seeing as many boys as possible supporting Knox at NSW All Schools in two weeks' time!

Congratulations to Euan Liney has qualified for Nationals in Open Water Swimming to be held in December. Good Luck, Euan!

Pathways for Elite Athletes at Knox (PEAK) Snapshot - Performance Mindset Activitives
Following on from last week’s article on Purpose, Connection and Performance Mindset from a presentation by Ben Crowe to PEAK students, two activities have been listed below to embed these key mindsets that we would like to share with everyone.

Ben suggested putting together a 'courage mantra' - something during performance that you can say to yourself to enable you to 'go tall' and perform under pressure. Words simply verbalise thoughts, so mantras can be incredibly powerful. This activity involves reflecting on and writing down an answer to the following questions:

• How do I show up when I am afraid or nervous?
• When do I go small rather than tall (i.e. perform below my abilities instead of above my abilities)?
• What can I say to myself in real time that will enable me to stand my ground and go tall rather than small?
Based on your answer to these questions, put together a short mantra to remind yourself to 'go tall' when you are under stress, in the leadup to key events, such as sporting fixtures, key examinations or public speaking.

Examples include:

• 'I am a warrior, not a worrier'
• 'I am imperfect, but I am worthy'
• 'I am enough'
• 'I’ve got this'
• 'Do what I know' - Cathy Freeman
• 'Relax, I can handle this' - Taylor Swift

Further to this, Ben utilised the following shorthand to focus on the right things when performing – C x U = Results, which stands for Controllables (the best version of me) x Uncontrollables (the things outside of our control that distract us) = Results.

In order to determine your controllables vs uncontrollables, Ben suggested the following activity:

1. On a piece of paper, draw two circles - a smaller circle inside a larger circle – label the large circle 'the uncontrollables' and the smaller circle 'the controllables' 
2. In the larger circle, make a list of all of the things in your performance that you cannot control and in the smaller circle, making a list of all of the things that you can control
3. Hint: generally the two things that you can control are:
• Your training (or preparation or study)
• Your mindset

Once we have our list of controllables and uncontrollables, we must and accept all of the uncontrollables and then park them and focus our energy, attention and our preparation on all of the controllables.

If you have any questions about PEAK or believe you are eligible for the PEAK program and would like to apply for the 2021 intake, please click here or email Mr Donohue.

Prep News
Saturday saw Prep summer sport wrap up for the season with some amazing achievements across all sports. The boys were impressive with their display of great sportsmanship, teamwork and respect for their coaches and officials. Their skill development and game sense has taken their participation and enthusiasm to another level. Seeing the smiles on their faces when ‘the plan’ comes together with a basket, try or point is scored was wonderful to watch.


Another great year of sport! Well done, boys.

At the end of this year, we say goodbye to Mrs Dewar and wish her a most enjoyable retirement. Sharon has given our boys so much fun and enjoyment in the Prep School as Sport Coordinator for many years. Thank you, Sharon, and best wishes from all boys, families and staff in the KSAA.

Finally, I hope everyone enjoys a safe and enjoyable Christmas break. The Sports Department have enjoyed immensely working with your wonderful boys - I hope everyone now finds some time to relax. Merry Christmas from all in the Sports Academy.

Go the mighty Black and Blue!