Knox Certificate of Global Competency
In the most recent ‘Looking to the Future’ report, a review of senior secondary pathways into work, further education and training made a recommendation; students should have an Education Passport. This passport will recognise the attributes students have acquired through study in the classroom as well as from work experience, volunteering and personal achievement.

This is possible at Knox through the introduction of micro-credentials acknowledged through the Knox Certificate of Global Competency (KCGC). The micro-credentials will recognise proficiency in a designated area, taking actions that benefit others, and the community, being an active and responsible citizen or being committed to extending skills and learning. Micro-credentialing returns the ownership to the students and allows them to map their own pathway through areas of interest to them and have them recognised in a transferrable way. Our students will be fully engaged in the curation and demonstration of their skills, both within school and outside of it.

Last week in Chapel, our Social Justice Captains, Freddie O’Hara and Jack Gibbons, spoke about how the addition of zest into just about any situation can add energy, excitement, and a burst of flavour. They cleverly used a cooking analogy and even brought along their own lemon and zester to make their point. It struck me at the time, that zest is an ingredient, not only in cooking, but in life, that can change the mundane or pedestrian, into something powerful, energy filled and memorable. The boys so enthusiastically encouraged our boys to add zest into their studies, their sporting pursuits and other parts of their lives that need a bit of a power boost. Well done Freddie and Jack – a brilliant message not only for the boys, but all members of our community.

Our debaters certainly infused zest into their Friday night competition last week, with our Year 6 team victorious over the Sydney Grammar School team, on the topic, that the age for social media access should be lowered to 10. Despite their valiant efforts, our Year 5 team were defeated, but they should be well pleased with their efforts and have no doubt taken away some valuable feedback in readiness for this week’s debate. Whilst it is encouraging to know that our boys argued so successfully that the age for social media should not be reduced to 10, we are still seeing significant social media usage in Years 5 and 6 most particularly, but also in our younger year groups. To quote our Director of Students, Mr Voysey, no parent ever, has said how happy they are with their decision to allow their primary school son to have social media accounts! The implications are far reaching, and often have a negative impact on boys’ wellbeing. We will run our annual parent information session on cybersafety in Term 2, but in the meantime, we are always happy to discuss this with you individually.

A Mile in My Shoes
I spoke earlier this year about the initiative we will run in Terms 2 and 3, titled A Mile in My Shoes. Based on a similar installation at the National Maritime Museum, and initiated by the Empathy Museum in London,  our hope is to foster empathy through seeking to understand the life, history and challenges that members of our community have faced and overcome, through personal stories, told by either the person themselves, or through their children or grandchildren.

Brene Brown recommends 4 strategies to practise empathy:

1.    Perspective taking – take time to consider the perspectives of others and why they take that perspective.

2.    Avoid judgement of difference, don’t jump to conclusions – just listen!

3.    Recognise the emotion the other person is experiencing.

4.    Communicate that you understand their emption and try to put yourself into their shoes by thinking about a time you may have experienced events that led to similar feelings.

We will provide more information next week, in terms of the process to submit a story to our installation, and we add a sample story to the Magpie, as our first Magpie Vlog. In the meantime, keep thinking about the story you might decide to tell; perhaps discuss it with the family over dinner; and start to construct the vital elements, not only of the events in that person’s story, but the emotions that coexist with these events.

Sue Floro

Parent Action Required:
Parent Permission to Leave School Campus 2021<

During the course of the year, there are numerous compulsory activities that require students to travel off campus. Attending the Aquatics Program and end of term Chapel services at the Senior School, House Sport Gala Days at Gillespie Fields and inter-school exchanges with Wahroonga Preparatory School and St Lucy’s are just some examples. In an effort to reduce the administrative burden on parents, we are asking you to give a generic permission for the School to take your son off campus for all compulsory, school-related activities that are in close proximity to the Knox Prep campus during the course of the school day, throughout 2021.  It would be greatly appreciated if you could please give this permission via the Parent Portal no later than Monday 8 March 2021.

Ride With Richter
We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the Ride With Richter fundraiser, with over 200 boys registering to have a go in the scooter and bike races. There will be designated areas on the fields for the boys to place their scooters and bikes when they arrive on Friday. If your son is participating, please remind him to bring his helmet and attach something to his scooter/bike so it is easy for him to identify. Finally, all students are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation, which will go towards purchasing vital equipment for Alex Richter’s ongoing rehabilitation.

A big thank you to all the parents who attended our Initialit Parent Information Session last Wednesday morning. It was wonderful to have so many parents attend and gain crucial information about how your boys are learning to read during their early years in the Prep. If you are a Kindergarten parent or a new Year 1 parent and did not get the opportunity to view this session, I will include a link to the audio presentation in next week's Magpie.

One crucial piece of information which was included in this presentation is to ensure you don’t compare your son’s reading or learning with other students. Each student is unique and individual, and will progress at his own rate. The teachers will always ensure that your son is reading at the level which is appropriate for him. This means that your son will bring home readers that he can read independently. When reading with your son, it is important that you ask questions related to the text, as this ensures your son is not just reading the text but is also understanding and comprehending what the text is about and identifying deeper meaning.

Last week in assembly our Social Justice Vice Captain Freddie O'Hara, spoke to the boys about ZEST, the character strength that we are focusing on for the next two weeks. Freddie spoke about the need for zest in our everyday lives and spoke to the boys about ways in which they can show zest in the classroom, at home or in the playground. We encourage the boys to think about ways they can bring zest and enthusiasm to all aspects of their lives. Freddie gave the boys some great examples of how they can bring more energy to the classroom, to answer more questions or to encourage others. The staff will be looking closely at this and are keen to acknowledge the boys displaying zest, with a Courage sticker.

Just a quick reminder that if you would like your son to participate in the Ride with Richtor day please let me know via email (flanaganl@knox.nsw.edu.au) and I will add your son to the list, more information on this can be found in the Prep Magpie from Mr Quach.

Liam Flanagan, Director of Early Learning K-2

It has been wonderful to visit classrooms and see students developing friendships in their 2021 classes. When you walk into each Kindergarten classroom, positive, respectful and collaborative relationships are evident, and are of great importance to student wellbeing.

Positive relationships foster connectedness and belonging and are essential for wellbeing for learning. They are characterised by constructive interactions that provide genuine support. They are important because they help to build social and emotional skills, and in turn, nurture other positive, caring and respectful relationships.

We have been working extremely hard on social skills in Kindergarten. Here are five important social competencies you can foster in your child.

1. How to play well with others
Play is a powerful tool for development in the early years. By playing with others, children learn to negotiate, problem solve, take turns, share and experiment. You can help your child build these skills by making time for free play with other children their own age.

2. How to problem solve
Our boys are learning how to problem solve for themselves. It’s hard as adults not to swoop in and resolve their conflicts. How can we encourage our boys to resolve conflict independently?
Teaching a child to be a problem solver also means that we teach them how to make mistakes and learn from them.

Last week all of Year 1 were lucky enough to participate in an incursion as part of our Stories of the World and Its People Knoxigations unit, with our big idea being ‘Celebrations connect communities’. The boys witnessed a traditional Chinese New Year Lion Dance. There was lots of movement, colour and music which made this an authentic experience for our boys. We learnt that the dance is to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity for the year ahead. A great time was had by all!

As we progress through our first Knoxigations unit, it has been rewarding to observe the boys’ burgeoning interest to deconstruct the big idea, ‘Commemorating significant events connects us to our past.’ The enthusiasm to research family histories and inform peers and teachers alike of accomplishments by present and past members have instilled a sense of pride in our boys. Equally, it has allowed them to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the challenges soldiers and their families encountered throughout these difficult times.

As the boys have completed their first rotation of homework, we wanted to thank you for your support. Each boy is required to complete a maximum of 30 minutes per night as well as 15 minutes of reading (5 minutes reading aloud to a parent).  We are aware of the various commitments boys attend after school, such as music tuition, swimming and sports training, gymnastics etc., so we feel it is important that the boys spread out tasks over the two weeks; this is also an important step in developing his organisation skills.  If there are any weeks that your son is unable to complete his homework, please sign his diary to let us know. Similarly, if the work is too difficult, please let your son’s teacher know so that we can modify tasks for him.

The unwavering efforts and ‘have a go’ attitude of the boys towards their co-curricular and co-curricular activities has been most pleasing. Research indicates that good quality sleep helps children to concentrate, remain focused on the set work and ultimately be a successful learner. In Year 3, receiving 10-11 hours of sleep per night is recommended to ensure they are able to positively engage in their learning.

Last week, Year 4 went to camp at Rathane, in the Royal National Park. Despite the challenging weather, we were very fortunate to have three action packed days in the bushy surrounds along the Port Hacking River.

Our time away provided an excellent opportunity to regroup after a busy start to the year. It gave the boys time to develop friendships and teamwork skills with their peers, and it promoted the ideals of having a go, being courageous and challenging oneself; all expectations within our Year 4 cohort. We were very excited to recognise many of the boys’ wonderful achievements using our School’s commendation policy. The challenge is now set for the boys, to continue to look for opportunities that extend them from their comfort zone.  

The Renaissance Years
Our personalised learning program, ‘The Renaissance Years’ is an expansion of the School’s commitment to providing quality learning experiences based on each student’s next steps in learning. It complements our personalised approach to the instruction of Mathematics and Reading by providing additional opportunities in the subject areas of Science, Music, PE and Japanese.

The placement of students in classes is data-informed and subject to change as each student’s learning acquisition changes. We are really excited to offer this program and to focus on your son’s successes throughout the year. To this effect, we strongly discourage comparisons between students and between classes. Celebrating your son’s personal achievements and milestones is significantly more beneficial to his overall wellbeing.

More information about what your son will be learning in each subject is attached in the Tinkering Towards Tomorrow Overview and assessment schedule. In some subjects there are multiple classes within the same band working through the same content and skills. In order to differentiate between these classes, a colour has been attached i.e. Science Darwin Black and Science Darwin Blue. There is no difference between the content or skills covered in these Darwin classes.

Year 6 Mantra – ‘Step It Up’
A few weeks ago, the boys were introduced to the goal we will be collectively working towards this year. I also spoke about this in the introductory video as part of the recent Parent Information Evening. The theme for the boys as individuals and as a cohort this year is ‘It’s time to step it up’. This goal encompasses all areas of their learning, personal development and conduct. Some areas we will focus on will include taking responsibility for their learning and ownership of their actions, as well as the example they set for the younger students as the leaders of Knox Prep.

For a few weeks now, 6C has been leading our morning meeting at the start of each day. This requires one boy to lead the cohort in prayer and to share the daily announcements students need to be aware of. As part of this, individual students have started to share with their peers one way that they have recently ‘Stepped It Up’. This is providing the students with an opportunity to engage in reflection as well as demonstrate courage to share this with their peers. It has been heartening to hear the varied ways in which the boys have ‘Stepped it up’.

Over the next couple of weeks, the Year 6 Team will focus on encouraging the boys to ‘Step it up’ to ensure that they meet their commitments. Two specific areas will focus on will be:

-          to have what they need at school each day

-          to ensure they have completed assigned tasks by the due date.

We encourage you to have conversations with your boys at home about this mantra and the ways they can specifically focus on these in the coming weeks.

This section of the newsletter contains recent correspondence to parents requiring action:

Parent Permission to Leave School Campus 2021

COVID-19 Student Attendance Guidelines for Parents

COVID-19 Entry Policy

Year 3 Camp Parent Letter

House Swimming Carnival
The age champions and place winners of the House Swimming Carnival were absent from last week’s Magpie. Please congratulate the following boys for their wonderful effort last in Week 4.

8/9 Years Champion
1st – Henry Liu
2nd – Aaron Huo
3rd – Freddie Sandham

10 Years Champion
1st – Adam Dunn
2nd – William Scodellaro
rd – Schubert

11 Years Champion
1st – Philip Kim
2nd – Jasper Zhou
3rd – Cayden Tang

12/13 Years Champion
1st – Finn Morton
2nd – Christopher Montana
3rd – Lukas Dunn

Sport Captains
Our Prep Summer Sport Captains have been announced to all boys. I am pleased to inform you that the Summer Sport Captains for 2021 are:

Will Cassar - Basketball
Dominic Hayes - Cricket
Finn Morton – Swimming
Cooper Rundell - Tennis
Jacob Mannering - Touch Football
Rory Keegan Ward - Water Polo

Congratulations boys and we look forward to watching you lead these sports using the 5 core values of Knox.

Knox Invitation Swimming Carnival
On Friday last week, our Prep Swim Team took to the pool against Kings, Grammar St Ives, Mosman Prep, Barker, Wahroonga Prep School and St Aloysius. Congratulations to all the 35 Prep boys who participated in this event, which for some, was their first competitive interschool swimming meet. This event was a great lead up to the IPSHA Swimming Championships which takes place on Tuesday this week. I look forward to sharing with you some great results from this event next week.

Musical Quote of the week
Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.
Sarah Dessen

The Cognitive effects of Music in our Children
Over the years there have been many studies done on the effects of music and how it affects the learning processes in young children. We all like to pump up the tunes when driving in the car or when doing that workout at the gym; however, studies have shown that music definitely has a special power when it comes to training brain development and cognitive skills in young children. Studies have shown that in young people, music has a vital role in not only their mental growth but also their physical growth. Music has been proven to affect and improve fine motor skills, memory skills, auditory processing abilities; and it helps to balance the brain’s electrical activity and emotions. Learning an instrument and being in the Prep School Instrumental Program is not only a lot of fun but involves teamwork, dedication to a chosen instrument and is very beneficial to your son’s social and auditory skills. If you would like your son to learn an instrument or join one of our ensembles please email Mrs Morris.

Choir is back!
We are thrilled to announce that Choir Rehearsals are beginning again this week (Week 6).
Due to the easing of restrictions, we are able to rehearse in larger groups; however, we will be splitting some of the choirs up into fortnightly rehearsals.

We are looking forward to hearing all of the lovely voices echoing through the music building!

Yrs. 5/6 Vocal Ensemble:       Thursday mornings 7.30am Music Room 2

Knoxapella Yrs. 3/4:               Thursday mornings 7.30am Music Room 1

                                                Year 3 – Week 6, Week 8, Week 10

                                                Year 4 – Week 7, Week 9

Little Lads Yrs. 1/2:                Friday mornings 7.45am Music Room 1

                                                Year 2 – Week 6, Week 8, Week 10

                                                Year 1 – Week 7, Week 9

We hope to be able to use this section of the newsletter to provide local mental health and parenting related content that is relevant to prep-aged children. If there are specific topics that parents would like more information on, please get in touch.

Rebecca Lazarus (School Psychologist Grades 4-6) 

Hayley Wilton (School Psychologist Grades K-3) 

ADHD SUPPORT
Attention - Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 1 in 20 children in Australia and is more commonly diagnosed in boys. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating on tasks (that are typically not intrinsically interesting); being easily distracted, and (in the hyperactive type) hyperactivity and impulsivity. Evidence shows that the most effective approach for supporting children with ADHD is a combined approach, that includes medical treatment, as well as behavioural and environmental support, both at school and at home.

ADHD Support Australia is a local organisation providing support to parents of children with an ADHD diagnosis, as well as adults with ADHD. ADHD Support Australia are advertising an online lecture that they are hosting on 11th March, from Dr Russell Barkley, an internationally recognised expert in the field of ADHD education and treatment. He has devoted his entire career to research and education in the field, and is arguably the most well -known authority on ADHD. This lecture is targeted at parents wanting help to support their child with an ADHD diagnosis, and is a great opportunity to hear Dr Barkley speak before he retires.

For more details, including how to book, please click here.

Rebecca Lazarus and Hayley Wilton

As your yearbook convenors, we are really excited to be able to collaborate on this project and aim to deliver a memorable keepsake of your son's final year at Knox Prep by the end of this year.

In the following weeks, you will receive further information regarding the yearbook, this will include a link to a Knox Dropbox where you will be asked to submit photos of your son for his biography.  Each boy will have a half page section in the Yearbook (with 3-5 photos). Your help in supplying photos and meeting deadlines is essential.

Please be sure to read the weekly Prep Magpie Newsletter as all future information/updates will be found here.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate in contacting either of us.

Christina Matta and Suzannah Gibbons, Year 6 Yearbook Convenors 2021

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Matthew 5: 7 & 8

Each year, all Australian schools are required to report specific school-based data to the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills & Employment (DESE).

The Address Collection data is used to:

·         calculate Australian Government recurrent funding to non-government schools, specifically the capacity to contribute score (CTC score),

·         inform school education policy, particularly non-government school funding.

The Address Collection data (collected under sections 52 (1), 52(3)(c), 52(4) and 58B of the Australian Education Regulation 2013), will source the following data from Knox Grammar, relevant to each campus:

·         Student residential address (excluding student names),

·         Whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level),

·         Whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status),

·         Names and residential addresses of students’ parent(s) and/or guardian(s).

The school reporting requirement specifically requires reporting of a physical residential address, not a PO Box or the mailing equivalent.

If your family has recently changed its residential address, and you have not yet provided these details to the school, we seek your cooperation to update your family details via the Knox Parent Lounge, Parent Details Update function – by Friday 5 March.

The DESE has provided a 'Collection Notice for Parents' for your reading & reference, please click here to view.

A Knox Drama and Theatre Production
Disney's Beauty and the Beast

18-20 March 2021
7pm in the Wenkart Theatre

Box Office now open! All tickets $30 (+ booking fee). Click here to book your seats.

Masks mandatory for all audience members. There is a limit of four seats per booking with seating gaps automatically assigned between groups to adhere to distancing requirements.

Please note that the Box Office reserves the right to relocate your tickets, if required, and will advise accordingly. 

For ticket enquiries, please email here.

We would love assistance to cover the Prep School library books. If a parent/carer from Year 3 to Year 6 can spare some time to help the School cover library books at home, we would love to hear from you! Books can be sent home with your son on a Wednesday if being picked up by car. Please click here to sign up to volunteer. Please contact Jo Fernandes if you have any questions.

Trading Hours
Monday to Friday: 12.30pm-5.30pm
Saturday (Terms 1 and 4 only): 9am-12noon

Phone (02) 9487 0191 or visit the Knox website here for more information.

Julie Blackburn, Knox Uniform Shop Manager

Our informal prayer meeting for Term 1 will be held at 10am on Friday 19 March, at the home of Prue Feather. Morning Tea will be included.

There will also be an evening meeting at 8pm on Wednesday 10 March, at the home of Fiona van Horen.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend so that we comply with the gathering limits prescribed by the government’s Public Health Orders in place at the time.

A warm welcome is extended to anyone from our Knox community who would like to attend.

Any enquires to Prue Feather.