It is important to note that ‘respect’ does not mean that we have to agree with someone else’s point of view. This is certainly not the case, in fact rather the opposite. If we are genuinely treating someone with respect, we should be honest in our relationships with them and, if they say something with which we disagree, then we should ensure that we express that – in a respectful way, of course.

From time to time issues arise in society which captivate the attention of our young people and on which they form strong views. In itself, this is good. We want our young people to be socially engaged, to be thinkers and to contribute to the good of society. It is best that they do this in a spirit of humility, knowing that we can all learn from others.

In a democratic society, ideas will be contested and universal agreement is rare. This insight is particularly important for young people, who bring to their opinions the passion, exuberance and idealism of youth.

What's slightly sad, in our modern world, is how surprised people are to see this in practice. That's because we live in a world where people say and do obscenely disrespectful things to one another on social media and in real life. Just look at your Facebook feed and read what people on either side of the political spectrum say about the other side.

Adults have an important role in talking with children about respect and encouraging young people to be respectful in relationships. That is why it is very important to teach children from an early age the value of it. The best way to teach respect is to become a role model for our children.

Our course will run on either a Tuesday or Wednesday or both mornings, starting at 7.30am, once minimum numbers are confirmed.

A minimum of seven students, and a maximum of ten, ensures individual attention. The course costs $300 for seven sessions of 45 minutes.

The Introductory seven week course includes a tub of theraputty, that is designed to improve hand muscle strength and fine motor skills.

Availability of places is dependent upon a first come first served basis. All students who miss out on a place in Term 3 will be placed on a waiting list.

Should you be interested in pursuing this option for your son, please contact Rebecca Papageorgiou in the Learning Enhancement Department ASAP.

Current Australian guidelines recommend that children of high school age should spend no more than two hours per day using screens (not including time spent on technology for school learning). However, as researcher, speaker and author in the area of digital wellbeing Kristy Goodwin suggests, it is more important to consider “what they’re doing with a screen, when they’re using screens, how they’re using screens, where they’re using screens and with whom they’re spending time online. Focusing exclusively only on how much isn’t the answer”.

Having conversations with your teenager discussing these questions is just as important as simply imposing time limits and will help you create a schedule of screen time use that works for your family. For more information to help guide these conversations, click here.

CommonSense Media recommends that if you're concerned about heavy media use, consider creating a schedule that works for your family. This can include weekly screen-time limits, limits on the kinds of screens kids can use, and guidelines on the types of activities they can do or programs they can watch.

If you have any specific concerns about screen time use and your son, please feel free to email the Knox Wellbeing Centre.

In the coming weeks, look out for a planned interview between David Schofield, Head of the Wellbeing Team, and psychiatrist Dr Philip Tam, for more information on screen use and teenagers.

Operation Gratitude
We are developing a project to thank COVID-19 front line workers and send postcards to those isolated in local aged care facilities. There will be a series of committee of students from Stage 4 and Stage 5 and Year 11 formed to coordinate Operation Gratitude. This is an opportunity for all students to participate in the Project and develop leadership and organisation skills. Please contact Mrs Clarke if your son wishes to participate.
   
Growing Traditional Native Bush Food - Student Volunteers Wanted
An area near the Borambil Gates has been developed into a traditional bush food garden.

Volunteers note:
• A roster will be developed
• Guidance from the Agriculture Department
• Instructions given for the use of tools and the project
• Social distancing for all Knox students who participate
• Working with schools in Walgett, Hawaii, Liberia and Kenya - all via Zoom and One Planet Education

Please email Mrs Clarke if you are interested. 

The Knox Social Justice (SJ) Club
The Club is meeting as a group again each Friday at lunchtime in the WSA Auditorium. Updates are still available in the e-Club platfrom. Please email Mrs Clarke for more information on how to join or volunteer.

Congratulations to these talented writers.

Junior Primary Prose
• Winner - Rohan Flemming ‘Watch Out’
• Highly Commended – Romeo Zhang ‘Water Monster Attack’
• Highly Commended - Adam Denney ‘Isaac and the Snowy Mountain’
• Commended – Jake Upson ‘Basketball Dreams’
• Commended - Marcus Lin ‘The Fat Hero’

Primary Poetry
• Winner – Jake Upson ‘The ANZAC’
• Highly Commended – Jake Upson ‘Blue’
• Highly Commended – Rohan Flemming ‘Black’
• Highly Commended - Ehan Ali ‘Blue’
• Highly Commended - Ehan Ali ‘By the Beach’
• Commended – Jayden Qin ‘In the Dark of Night’
• Commended – Felix Zeng ‘Knox Values’

Writing has been a strong focus over the past weeks, since the boys have returned to campus. Some examples of the Year 5 boys’ writing can be found in Mrs Paterson’s section of this edition. I recommend these texts to you.

Sport in Term 3
We are now in a position to advise that we will participate in a six round IPSHA winter sport competition, beginning in Week 1 of Term 3. The Athletics season will run concurrently, with two invitational meets now scheduled as mid-week competitions. This allows our boys a greater opportunity to have more games than was previously mooted, whilst also enabling our track and field athletes to have their season. Further details with regard to venues, conditions of play, and spectator rules will be sent closer to the start of the competition.

The Kindergarten boys learn about important social skills needed for their emotional and social development, as well as their learning. They look at how to greet others, take turns when speaking with others and playing together, how to ask for help, along with recognising their feelings and other's feelings.

The program provides opportunities for these valuable social experiences and to practise these skills in a safe environment. Whilst we had to have a break during off-site learning, it has been great to get back and re-establish these skills and apply them in the classroom and playground.

These skills are essential for healthy relationships and help the boys to become effective communicators, developing a greater understanding of themselves, others and the world around them.

In Year 1 we love reading. We are constantly exposing our boys to a variety of types of texts and literature to teach the skills of reading and to foster an enjoyment and love of reading. One way of doing this is by being a good reading role model for the boys. As teachers and parents, it is so important to model good reading behaviours, show an interest in what your son is reading, make reading a priority each day and discuss and talk about the book you and your son has read.

Much loved Australian Author Mem Fox writes, 'I beg you all to read superb books aloud to your children! Begin on the day they are born.'

She goes on to suggest the following - when making that special time to sit and just enjoy reading with your child remember the following:
• read aloud with animation. Listen to your own voice and don't be dull, or flat, or boring. Have fun and laugh a lot.
• Read with joy and enjoyment: real enjoyment for yourself and great joy for the listeners.
• Read the stories that the kids love, over and over and over again, and always read in the same 'tune' for each book: i.e. with the same intonations on each page, each time.
• Let children hear lots of language by talking to them constantly about the pictures, or anything else connected to the book; or sing any old song that you can remember; or say nursery rhymes in a bouncy way; or be noisy together doing clapping games.
• Look for rhyme, rhythm or repetition in books for young children, and make sure the books are really short.
• Play games with the things that you and the child can see on the page, such as letting kids finish rhymes, and finding the letters that start the child's name and yours, remembering that it's never work, it's always a fabulous game.
• Never ever teach reading, or get tense around books.
• Read aloud every day because you just love being with your child, not because it's the right thing to do. This is as important for fathers as it is for mothers!

Have a lovely week and enjoy reading together!

Students thoroughly enjoyed their Tinkercad Masterclass with Mr Fabian and Mr Fairhurst and are so excited to begin designing a sustainable solution to an issue within our community!

With only two weeks left until the end of term, the Year 2 teachers would again like to stress the importance of continuing to read each afternoon/evening with your son. Reading for fluency, vocabulary and comprehension are all vital areas of learning where students need to continually develop their skills. Boys can sign in to the PMe Collection app at home to access virtual levelled readers (passwords in student diaries). Alternatively, students can continue using the home readers at school as these are being sanitised each afternoon. We would like to thank you in advance for your support in helping your son to achieve his personal best.

Next week all Year 3 students will be taking part in an online incursion run by CERES Environmental Education Centre. This incursion relates to our current Knoxigations unit of inquiry, ‘Energy Innovations Sustain Our Future’. By taking part in this valuable learning experience, students will be given the opportunity to deepen their own knowledge and understanding of key concepts related to our inquiry, as well as exploring the impact that our everyday actions can have on conserving energy for the future. All parents have been sent an incursion letter providing further details on the upcoming event and are reminded to please accept permission for their son to attend via the Parent Lounge.

Date for the diary:
• Friday 26 June - Term 2 concludes

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

Our Thriving Communities
The boys enjoyed the opportunity to design a thriving community using LEGO. This assessment for learning was used to gauge the boys’ understanding of the terms ‘sustainable’ and ‘community’. We can’t wait to see how their designs develop as our Knoxigations unit of inquiry continues.

Recycling Wool
Mrs LeCouteur, Year 4 Art Teacher, is eager to construct sculptures using wool in Art. She also would like the boys to appreciate sustainability in art by reusing unwanted wool, which may be lying around at home. If you have spare wool at home, your son may bring it to school to use during Art.

Ethan Ma
The virus peaks. We stay home. We are isolated. The sun has no place here. The clouds are here. There is no light. We are in darkness. The fire of friendship burns out. The light of salvation is all but gone. The men of power have done but nothing. The men of weak have given up all. The men of solidarity are not to be found. There is no saviour. We are alone in this dark world. The light at the end of the tunnel is not to be seen. And the body count rises higher.

It was small at first. But it grows. China tries to contain it. But the virus is too quick. Continents are overrun. The men of war lay down their guns. As they see a new threat. Larger than military gain. Larger than corruption. All flee. But they are not quick enough. The virus finds all. The hoarders hoard. But they have no compassion. The shops are all gone. Empty. The poor are poorer. But the rich are no richer. The hoarders have paid their price. They have nothing left.

We use flour. The bread we bake is for us only. We are sealed off. The world sees no contact. Meeting is impossible. The homeless are given a home. But only for this crisis. Men of power have only begun to notice. The men of weak have nothing to give. They are on their knees. Yet, all men of power are like parasites, leeching off the weak. They only take. They never give. The pandemic worsens. Jobs are gone. Economies collapse. Stocks crash. Business is all but history.

But not all hope is lost. The weight is lifting. The virus is weakening. But much is still to be done. Many are still sick. The men of power are weak. Weak in mind. Weak in strength. They are puppets of their ministers. No better than a puppet at a toy fair. No better than a citizen. They lust for power. But they will not do what they promise. They infringe the very rules they set forth. They are still none the wiser. This battle is not over. There is much hardship to endure. But the light at the end of the tunnel is now visible. We are nearing the end. The sun is now here. The clouds are lightening up. Life is returning to normal. We will prevail.

Jeremy Owen
Dear Grandma,
I’ve really missed you. Sorry we couldn’t visit you on your birthday. Dad says we might accidentally make you sick and can’t risk it. He says you and grandpa must stay home all the time now. I bet Grandpa hates being told he can’t leave the house. Our lives are certainly different compared to last year. Many people are walking around wearing masks, like out of a science fiction movie. It feels strange not being able to see people's faces. We are washing our hands constantly.

I once imagined what it would be like with no school. Free time, all the time. So, when Mum told me school was closing down, it felt like a dream! Or, so I thought. I didn’t really understand what it all meant at first, just that we were heading into mysterious, unknown times. However, now I realise the seriousness of it all. Listening to the news and adults everywhere talking about it, made me think, this isn’t exciting, it’s frightening. What if someone I know gets sick or even dies from this virus? Then it made me think about you and Grandpa.

Spending so much time at home has definitely had great moments. No more rushing about everywhere after school and on weekends. Ruby, Danny and I have never spent so much time playing together. We’re lucky to have our beautiful, big backyard with huge trees to climb, and leafy corners to explore. I finally taught Danny to climb right to the top of that old Oak tree with me. We’re very fortunate, which I didn’t realise until now. We all love riding our bikes, and our skateboards and rollerblades have never had so much use! Spending so much time in the fresh air makes me free, even though I’m not allowed to go anywhere. We’ve enjoyed so many laughs and had a few fights. There has been lots of hide and seek, backyard cricket and endless games of Monopoly. I’ve completed many puzzles, and have discovered that I’m actually pretty good at Chess. I would love to go to the movies, or watch the French Open Tennis on TV, but like everything else, they have been shut down too.

Home schooling has come with many challenges, as well as new learning experiences. Problems with internet connection have frustrated me beyond belief. However, I’ve become quite the independent learner which has been very rewarding. I’ll be able to teach you all the trick I’ve learnt, troubleshooting technical problems. We have used the Zoom App for school, which means I can see my teacher and classmates when doing my school work. Zoom has also been a great way to see and talk to my other friends without leaving home.

We are told constantly that we are all going through this together, which is true. Though sometimes, it feels that we aren’t together at all. When Danny and I venture out for a bike ride or a walk, people cross the road to avoid us. There is no eye contact or friendly ‘hello’ like usual. That doesn’t feel like we’re in this together. It seems like everyone is suspicious of each other, watching each other, scared of each other. I think it’s changed the way our community is supposed to feel. I hope it doesn’t feel like this forever, even though I understand that everyone wants to stay protected. Even the park looks miserable and lonely. No one sitting down under the trees on lush, green grass having picnics. No laughter of little kids, being pushed on swings by their mums. No one is riding their bikes and ringing their bells. Not even dog walkers, chatting happily to each other. The trees are almost drooping in sadness from the quiet. It’s a bit eerie.

I miss school. I miss the noise, routine, structure and the sound of my friends laughing and having fun. I miss my classroom, teachers, Basketball and Soccer. I can’t wait to hear sounds of bells ringing, whistles blowing, and the familiar thump of school bags being slung to the ground. I can’t wait to go back to school, to feel like things are going back to normal. I want to feel safe again. I want everyone to stop talking about the virus. We need life to be normal again, so you and Grandpa can enjoy your walks in the park, and go to the shops without being worried.

I hope the restrictions will be lifted soon, so we can visit you and Grandpa. Please stay safe and healthy.

Bruce Ru
It was March 19th, but it was nothing similar to any March 19th in the past two hundred fifty years of Australian history. It was March 19th of 2020.

I woke up in the morning and had my breakfast like I normally do. Then, as I joined a Google Meet to my home class, I began to think about how it all happened.

I just moved to Australia from China and joined this new school. I was very excited at first about the transition. However, on January 23rd, a huge wall was built up blocking our way. News of a Novel Coronavirus spread out from Wuhan, China. The creepy illness, which was said to have been caused by the consumption of wild animals, caught more and more attention around the world. Has SARS come back? People were wondering, even though Australians were not affected then.

Living in the outskirts of Sydney, I thought I was safe in Australia. However, cases in China were slowly rising from hundreds to thousands and even my hometown, Hangzhou, suffered an outbreak. The Novel Coronavirus was no laughing matter.

Meanwhile, Australia had its first cases of this mysterious virus, but the people were still not alarmed. We were in denial as many believed toast the summer was a good combat to the dreaded virus. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Then, around Mid March, when countries were struck one by one by COVID-19, which was the virus’ new name. Panic started spreading out on our promising land of Australia. Soon, change really came. In our family, we were talking of cancelling activities and distancing. It was the first time the virus has directly affected our schedule. It was also then that my school started to take safety measures. We are told to take home our iPads and have classes via Google Meet.

So it was March 19th, my first day doing school online. From then on, I scarcely went out of our house, and the ABC News’ 'Stay at home' warnings echoed in my ears. We now became part of the 'team', trying to control the virus. The days were dark. They reminded me of the Black Death and the Spanish Flu. When was the virus going to end? When would things get back to normal? Is such a disaster unavoidable in human history? These questions stormed my head.

Staying at home, it was never the same. Not only was my school life significantly influenced, the wall had also separated my family. My parents and I live in Sydney, but my grandparents all live in China. I felt sorry for my maternal grandparents when they could not come to Australia but only work as beekeepers. I felt sorry for my paternal grandparents because they had little space to move around in their apartment. I could not understand that since they are old and had worked so hard when they were young, why they couldn’t have some happy times now. My uncle is totally on the other side of the globe. He is managing a coltan mine in Sierra León, West Africa. He cannot leave there until July.

During the fight, I felt totally different things. I felt happy when I could meet everyone the same online. I felt lonely when I could not see people face to face. I felt hopeful when cases are controlled, and I felt upset when cases rise. I also felt sorry for others. I felt sorry for people who were diagnosed with the virus. I felt sorry for the people who lost their jobs. I also felt sorry for people without company.

Then, around April, we saw the turning point in Australia. Daily cases slipped from hundreds to tens.The light of hope began to shine before us. We were slowly being free from COVID-19’s clutches. Shops and hotels started reopening, and people started to breathe fresh air again. School has already begun. The virus was nearly eradicated in the land of Kangaroos.

However, COVID-19 is still far from over. Countries like the United States, Brazil, Russia, and various European countries are still fighting and will be fighting. Everybody has to do their own part. Human race will definitely defeat the virus. Our team of seven billion people is much, much stronger than we think it is. The March 19th of 2021 would be another different day!

The boys have done an amazing job completing their automated systems coding task over the past few weeks. Students are focusing on using their Micro:bits to design and implement systems that could be used in your household. The systems they have created include automatic lights, plant water sensors and smoke detector systems. They have done an incredible job designing and creating these systems and have made an incredible number of connections as to how these systems could be useful in their own household.

Next week, the boys will be partaking in a virtual Canberra Tour. Throughout the week ,the boys will design a virtual tour based on a specific destination which we would normally visit during our excursion time in Canberra. Whilst we are disappointed the boys won’t be able to attend the Canberra excursion this year, we hope that this will provide some detailed information about the iconic locations that they would have visited.

In brief:
• Saturday 18 July (last weekend of school holidays)
Fixtures against Trinity for 1sts and 2nds Teams only

• Saturday 25 July
Fixtures for all year groups

• Saturday 1 August
Fixtures for all year groups

• Saturday 8 August
Fixtures for all year groups

• Saturday 15 August
Fixtures for all year groups (last week for Years 11-12)

• Saturday 22 August
Fixtures for Years 7-10 only (last week v Trinity)

The winter sport season will be followed by the Track and Field season as usual.

While we understand some students may be away, a holiday training and trial plan can be found on the Knox app.

We are just as excited to announce our Prep boys will also enjoy an experience as we commit to six weeks of winter sport with IPSHA from Term 3. This is fantastic news and the boys will now continue to best prepare for the start of their season.

Please understand, Saturdays may not look like they have previously and details will be provided regarding what exactly to expect on a Saturday. Some of the changes we expect could be, but not limited to, limits to the number of spectators allowed at our venues (and away venues), protocols around change rooms, drink bottles, BBQs, functions and so much more. Details will be forthcoming and prior to term break.

It is also a pleasure to advise the Weights Room is open and boys have started to show up and work hard. For information regarding times and availability, boys are encouraged to drop into the weights area and ask our Strength and Conditioning Team.

With all of this excitement must come some caution and responsibility by all involved. It is imperative to note that while this is an exciting and much anticipated, the return to contact training and full competition needs to continue to be approached in a safe and carefully staged manner. We will continue to adhere to government policy and communicate as appropriate.

If you are interested in more exciting news from the Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy, please visit the Knox Remote Learning Hub here. As always, please do not hesitate to email any queries you may have.

Finally, a reminder that the athletic fun and fitness sessions continue again this Saturday at Gillespie from 8am. Everyone welcome.

Have a great week everyone!