Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.
Vivian Greene.

As I write this final newsletter for the term, I am overlooking the wonderfully green backyard of the Raymond house in online teaching and learning mode. As we wrote last week, our year group have been simply outstanding in adapting and accepting their new online learning in their studies. The year group have been busy taking on challenges provided by the Team leaders, Wellbeing team and Senior Prefects. It has been wonderful to see our PLT leaders involved in recording clips for the boys to increase engagement and connection.

We would like to publicly express our thanks to our Year 10 mentor team who have been in constant contact with our students and connecting in Zoom meetings with the boys throughout the past few weeks. This time during the week provides a welcome opportunity to de-brief, catch-up and connect with a trusted and known colleague who knows each of our students very well. 

Ms Cowell and I would also like to say a very special thank you to Ms Smith who has been assisting all of us throughout the term. She is the absolute engine-room of Year 10 and we are so grateful for all she does and for always doing it with a smile and a kind word.

In the lead-up to the break, we will be encouraging our boys to switch off, turn off the laptop and relax with a board game or utilise one of the many workouts the Sport department have sent out during period 7 sport. Our message this week during Year Meeting also reminded the students of the many resources that they have access to over the break. ReachOut has recently added resources to their site which distribute excellent ways to enjoy their time at home. Click here to view.

Have a Happy Easter and a relaxing holiday break, finding new hobbies and spending valuable time with family.

Margie Raymond

As we come to a close on Term 1 2020, I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday. Yes, this social distancing is a new way of life for now; however, thank goodness for technology. We can still pick up the phone to check in with a loved one.

For all you Rugby fans out there, click here to view the Rugby backyard challenge. Don't forget to vote for our Year 10 submissions by Peter Scholes and Luke Stenning.

To our Team Leader, Ms Vicky Cowell, showing us her great cricket skills. To view Ms Cowell's weekly challenge, please click here. Can you beat her? Go Ma'am! She got 98 bounces in 30 seconds - can you get 99? You know you want to!

I have enjoyed putting together some great photos of when some of the Year 10 cohort were in Year 7 - yep, back in 2017. My have they grown and already accomplished so much in their Senior school life at Knox. I haven't been able to fit you all and I hope you'll understand. See the photo gallery below and enjoy taking a look back in time.

The new norm, brothers Tom Coughlin and James Coughlin (Year 11) look like they have it sorted with their online learning. The boys' Mum, Melanie, sent this photo saying: 'they have coped really well with adjusting to online learning which is a credit to all Knox teaching staff and the incredible IT team'. So lovely to see them along with the rest of Year 10, so dedicated to their studies. Well done!

So what's going to be your 21 day challenge? Mine is getting back in the groove with jogging again. 

Happy Easter and happy holidays to all of you. 

Rebecca Smith: 9119 0882

Friday 3 April

Term 1 concludes

Sunday 5 April

End of day light saving

Tuesday 28 April

Term 2 commences