This week I have had so many interactions with boys that have reminded me just how talented, courageous, kind and funny this cohort is. From watching the Year 10 band 'Contagious' compete in the Battle of the Bands to three young men standing up in front of the Year Meeting to lead NAIDOC Week celebrations, to boys playing their first game of Rugby on the weekend and scoring a try. Or just simply the boys being kind and asking the question, “how are you going today Ma’am?”. I am really proud of the journey these boys have been on and can’t wait to see their growth in the next few years.

During Mentor this week and next, the boys are exploring the Learner Dispositions that feature on the new Knox report. During these lessons, the boys are asking questions, learning and processing what the dispositions reflect and how to best display them in the classroom. Soon the boys will be recording videos to share with the incoming 2021 Year 7 cohort to show what the dispositions look like in practice - a first step as we start to become senior leaders in the School. I would invite you to have a conversation with your son about the dispositions and use the mediative questions that were attached to his report to guide his goal setting and focus for the term.

This week we have also celebrated NAIDOC Week; a celebration of aboriginal culture and history and as a year group we were incredibly fortunate to have three boys stand up and share some information about their history and culture during Year Meeting. Standing up in front of your peers and sharing parts of your story takes a tremendous amount of courage and I thank Charlie Anderson, Jarrah McLeod and Tom Horseman who all spoke so brilliantly on Tuesday. I know that the rest of the cohort felt honoured to learn more and this formed a perfect start to the week of acknowledgement.

Finally, Operation Gratitude was launched in Year Meeting this week. An initiative started by the Social Justice Club, our boys will be given an opportunity to write a thank you card to front line workers for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The boys will be doing this during Mentor in the next few weeks and we will be encouraging the boys to reflect on the importance of those who selflessly served during the lock down and continue to protect community health and safety.

As always, if you have any concerns about your son or his progress feel free to contact his teacher, mentor, or us as Team Leaders. 

Enjoy the weekend! 

Vicky Cowell

Congratulations to the Year 11 Band 'Scapegoat' who won the Battle of the Bands final on Wednesday. A big shout out to the Year 10 band 'Contagious' made up of Josh Darley, Alex Benson, James Phipson, Seb Cook and Flynn MacGregor. Thanks Seb Henriksen (Y11) for stepping in for Will Cusack (Y8) who is unfortunately injured.  

Ride with Richter - Ride, Run, Row or Walk fitness challenge. We all want to start or continue and enjoy fitness - correct? The fitness challenge commences 29 August and concludes on 20 September. What are you and your family going to sign up for? Me? I will walk/run! Click here for more information on how to get involved to help support the beautiful Richter family and get fit along the way. You know you want to!

Rev Tim invites you to read their Weeks 1-3 CRU newsletter, put together by Jimmy Wang (Y11), which is available to view by clicking here. 

Uniform Shop

The Headmaster has approved face masks to sell through the Uniform Shop. Washable, reusable face masks in French Navy made from three layer cotton with filter pocket. Sizing: standard and large, price $12.50. Available for pre-order, delivery expected week commencing 17 August. Please call the Uniform Shop on 9487 0191 or order via Flexischools.

Absence Notification

When lodging your son's absence in Parent Lounge please remember to include the nature of his medical condition in the comment section if you have selected Illness/Medical. Should your son be suffering from any of the symptoms of COVID-19, please follow the government advice regarding getting tested and keep your son at home.

Keep warm.

Rebecca Smith

Monday 10 August

OKGA Business Industry Careers evening, 6-7pm

Saturday 29 August - Sunday 20 September

Ride with Richter fitness challenge

Friday 25 September

Term 3 concludes

If you are considering studying and working in the Business industry this will be an important event to learn more about the many possibilities on offer.

When: Monday 10 August 2020, 6pm-7pm
Where: Online via Zoom (a link will be sent to you after registration)
Who: Years 10, 11 and 12 students and their parents

Register now by clicking here or download the PDF for more information.

Thank you Jarrah McLeod, Charlie Anderson and Thomas Horseman who were so articulate during their outstanding presentation at Year Meeting on Wednesday. They spoke about what NAIDOC Week means to their families, community and themselves.