The young men in the Middle Academy have started the 2020 academic year in fine fashion. It is a very exciting time as we prepare to take occupancy of the new Middle Academy building. Yesterday our Years 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to walk through the building for the first time. There was much excitement and chatter as the boys got their first look at the spaces they will be able to occupy as of next week. From Monday, Middle Academy students will be able to use the lower level before and after school (8am - 5pm) for independent and collaborative work. The learning spaces on both levels will be used by classes during the day and have been designed to support our focus on the global competencies of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity, character and citizenship. Many of the features, particularly those relating to sustainability, were inspired by student voice and we thank those students who participated in the design think tanks last year and helped to create this amazing space for the young men of the Middle Academy.

This morning Mr James spoke to students about how it is a privilege for them to use these spaces to socialise with their friends during recess and lunch and the importance of taking ownership in a positive and proactive manner to ensure the integrity of these spaces is preserved.

The canteen facility in the Middle Academy building will be operational from Wednesday. Until this time Year 10 students can purchase food at the Boater Café and Year 9 students can purchase food in the JAPAC canteen.

I look forward to working with the young men of the Middle Academy this year and encourage each and every one of them to strive to achieve his personal best in 2020.

Elizabeth Ruff

Welcome back to the Class of 2022!

It was wonderful to greet the boys as they walked into the new locker room facility on Wednesday morning. The room was full of the usual Day 1 chat: holiday stories, adventures, injuries as well as delving into discussions over new teachers and the upcoming academic year. The sense of camaraderie and community amongst the boys was again clear to see and I was encouraged by the boys' maturity in engaging in meaningful conversations with staff about their Christmas break. As well as that, this year we have welcomed new boys and their families into the Class of 2022. The cohort have done a wonderful job of supporting the new students in finding classes and helping them navigate through the Knox world and I hope that you and your families feel very welcome.

Year 10 is an exciting year full of many opportunities to explore before the boys commence their senior studies. I will be encouraging all of the boys to engage with the theme of the year: Community. For me this means many things. It means joining co-curricular clubs, being a part of the Tartan Army and cheering on the Knox teams, volunteering to help at events and supporting school wide initiatives. As well as that, it means encouraging our peers, supporting our fellow Knox men and being leaders in the school. As the Year 10 cohort we have a great responsibility to set the tone for the year groups in Years 7-10 and I am looking forward to seeing the boys rise to the occasion.

Next week on Tuesday the boys are undergoing Careers Testing. Information on the day was sent out by Linda Gomez and if you have any queries please contact her.

Finally, we would like to remind all parents that their sons need to have their hair cut appropriately, as per the school diary guidelines for individual photos next week.

If you have any concerns or queries, please contact either your son's mentor or ourselves!

Have a lovely weekend- stay cool!!

Vicky Cowell

Year 10 - what a busy first week back. On Tuesday, we welcomed 27 new Year 10s to Knox. Please make them feel welcome as they settle into their new school routines.

The Peer Support Leaders did a fine job on Tuesday welcoming our new Year 7s. The support, words of encouragement and guidance was appreciated by all staff in the Junior Academy team and our Year 7 students who will finish Year 12 in 2024.

On Wednesday morning we held a very moving service for the Hollander boys who tragically passed away late last year in New Zealand. Yes, an emotional service for all however heart-warming for the boys and Knox staff to come together showing strength and love during difficult times.

Individual student photos are scheduled for Tuesday 4 February, period 6 in the Great Hall foyer. Please ensure your son's hair is to Knox standards and looking sharp for photo day. Blazer and full summer uniform is required as well. Catch up photos scheduled for Thursday 13 February.

It’s that time of year for Doing da Vinci day – Thursday 27 February. Please click here to register. 

Rebecca Smith: 9119 0882

Access to our Week 1-2 teaching and learning programs whilst on approved leave:

We thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we navigate student absences in Weeks 1-2; Knox is committed to ensuring students feel connected to the school and the academic programs whilst on approved leave. If your son is on approved leave, he should have received emails from Heads of Department and/or classroom teachers with personalised instructions about how to access the learning materials – this includes home learning and in-class tasks that must be completed. Please check the spam folder of your son’s school email first then contact your son’s classroom teacher at your earliest convenience if your son has not received an email correspondence. Feel free to contact me on Monday if your son is still awaiting instructions on how to access the teaching and learning programs.

Jake Plaskett

Tuesday 4 February

Individual photos

Friday 14 February

Knox at Home 2020

Thursday 27 February

Doing da Vinci day

Friday 28 February

Elevate

Monday 2 March

Battle of the Bands - heats

Thursday 2 April

AFX commences

Saturday 4 April

Year 10 expedition

Thursday 9 April

Term 1 concludes

Monday 27 April

Term 2 commences

2021 Scholarships
Applications for our 2021 scholarships are now open. Applications close 7 February 2020, with scholarship examinations to be held in Sydney (21 February 2020) and Dubbo (24 February 2020).

The scholarships available for entry to Knox in 2021 are:

• Academic 2021 Scholarships
• Music
• All-Rounder 2021 Scholarships
• Sons of Old Boys
• Boarders (from Regional areas)

Following is an introduction to the Oratory Programs offered as an extra-curricular activity for students at Knox across Years 7-12.

Debating

Debating is the largest oratory program run at Knox, with over 150+ students enrolled each year across Years 7-12. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn both public speaking skills, as well as skills in persuasion and rhetoric.

What is a classic week in debating?

1)      Training. Training is the cornerstone of our debating program, and it is run once a week for each year group. Knox Oratory recommends training to all boys who wish to be involved in debating, as it is where they will develop their foundation skills, and learn how to improve week-by-week. Our coaching staff at Knox  is world-class, with all of our coaches having competed at the Australian Intervarsity Debating Championships, and many having come away as Australian and/or World Champions. Indeed Knox Oratory are lucky to have the 2019 World Champion and a 2020 World Grand-Finalist working at Knox as senior coaches. The times for training are listed on the Knox Debating Board (see below).

2)      Knox Debating Cup (KDC). The KDC is the School’s internal friendly debating tournament, and it is run from 6pm-8pm on Wednesday evenings. Boys are able to join teams with their friends, experience competitive debating in a low-stakes, friendly environment, and receive feedback from their coaches after debates. Boys of all skill levels are welcome. Boys who are just starting out in debating get the opportunity to develop their competitive debating skills, and experienced debaters get to compete for the various prizes to be won at the end of each term. Knox Oratory recommends the KDC to all students who wish to practice competitive debating.

3)      Friday Evening Debating. On Fridays in Terms 1, 2 and 3, Knox participates in a variety of interschools debating competitions, including ISDA, FED and CAS. Boys who are experienced in competitive debating will have the opportunity to trial for these teams, and those selected will represent Knox at these tournaments.

Sounds great, where can I find more information? 

1)      The Knox Debating Board. This is the place where Knox Oratory indicates whether each of these programs are on week-to-week, as well as the draw, team lists and results for the Friday Evening Debating competitions. Bookmark this!

2)      Knox App. Knox Oratory recommends both parents and students download the Knox App and turn on notifications for ‘Debating’. There is also a page with information on our various Oratory programs if you want to learn more about any of our offerings. 

3)      Emails. If you sign up for any of our debating programs, you will be added to a mailing list to receive emails. If you have not been receiving emails after signing up for any of our programs (you should get an email at least once per week), please let us know and we will add you to the list. 

How do I sign-up? 

Each term, boys must register for each our of programs, even if they have done so in previous terms. Here are the links for Term 1, 2020. Parents, please discuss these forms with your sons before completing them.

1)      Training

2)      Knox Debating Cup

3)      Friday Evening Debating: Boys should speak to their coaches during training sessions.

What else do I need to know?

1)      Attendance. If boys register for one of our programs, they will be added to a roll and expected to attend week-by-week. If for any reason a student is unable to attend a session, we ask that parents please complete an absentee form so we know not to worry.

Mooting and Mock Trial

Mock Trial is a form of organised argument that aims to emulate the drama and tension of a courtroom trial. Participants are either the Prosecution or the Defence, and fill a variety of roles including Barrister, Solicitor and Witness. All trials are based on extremely detailed summaries of cases provided by the Law Council of NSW. Speakers are rewarded for quick thinking, deep knowledge of the law, and aptitude as a public speaker.

Mooting is a simulation of the appeal process. The facts of the case have already been determined, but one party is appealing to have the original decision overturned in their favour. There are only three team members: Senior Counsel, Junior Counsel and Solicitor. The team prepares intensely for the trial, which is held in Term 2 at Bond University on the Gold Coast.

New in 2020: Mooting is open to all students across Years 7-12. Registration will open later in the year, so stay tuned.

Further detail on these programs can be found in the Oratory Handbook, available on the Knox Debating Board by clicking 'View Handbook'.

Looking forward to a fantastic year in debating and public speaking!

Dan Schofield

Coordinator of Oratory Programs

The Senior School Tuckshops have a number of vacant spots which we are desperate to fill. If you are a new parent or an existing parent, helping out in the tuckshop is very rewarding experience and a great way to meet and socialise with new friends.  

To volunteer, please click on the following links:

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

If you have any questions about volunteering in the tuckshops, please contact Caron Suleyman, Tuckshop Convenor at tuckshop@knox.nsw.edu.au