YEAR 10 WEEK 4 TERM 1 2021

Year 10 Week 4 Term 1 2021

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Pursuing personal best by setting high expectations
There is no doubt that effective teachers promote excellence in student achievement by setting aspiring goals and enabling young people to achieve their personal best. Effective teachers also understand the difference between high expectations and high pressure, and can encourage and support their students in achieving individual learning excellence without overloading them with pressure.

It is important to understand that there is a difference between high expectations and high pressure. High expectations is helping a young person reach their potential ... to be their best; high pressure is expecting a young person to be the best.

Undoubtedly, it is a fine line. It’s obviously important to have expectations, because if you have no expectations then people don’t strive for things. High expectations can have a significant impact on a young person’s attitude and self-worth, as well as a likely increase in their motivation levels and self-confidence.

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COVID-19 Protocols
As you will be aware, the School has established a set of strict protocols to help us manage and stop the spread of COVID-19. We ask that all parents please carefully read these protocols – please see below. Importantly, please do not send your child to School if they are unwell. If you have any questions, please contact your Student Administration Officer. We greatly appreciate your support of the School and our collective efforts to control COVID-19.

COVID-19 Entry Policy 2021
COVID-19 Student Attendance Guideline for Parents 2021

Phil O’Regan


This has been an exciting week for the Class of 2023, with new laptop rollout completed, excursions occurring and Minimum Standards testing. The behaviour of the boys during the testing in the Great Hall over the last two weeks has been exemplary. The positive attitude of the boys has been acknowledged by various staff across the School - keep up the great work Year 10!

In Chapel this week we continued to look at the theme of Happiness, and what that really is. For many people, choosing to be happy and positive can be hard when things aren’t going your way. Adopting a 'glass half full' approach can help us to frame our thoughts in a more positive way, allowing us to be more optimistic about both things that we can and cannot control. I encourage boys to think about this further.

During Year Meeting the boys were also spoken to by the Business and Finance Club and the Wellbeing Group, both run by students and staff. Students are able to join these groups and for further details please contact either Mr Openshaw or me. Finally, Mr Openshaw talked about the after school support sessions offered in the Academy of Global Competency every Monday to Thursday afternoon. Teachers are available for subject/assessment support, organisation or homework help. We encourage the boys to take up this opportunity to build and develop their skills and utilise the expertise of their teachers. For further information please contact Mr Milligan.

Have a fantastic weekend and please don’t hesitate to contact Ms Hodgson, Mr Openshaw or me if you have any questions or concerns.

Caroline Haselden

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This week has been another busy one for our cohort and the boys have navigated through it beautifully. By now, the majority of students would have received their Student ID cards. If your son does not have his yet please ask him to come and see me.

Career Interviews
A reminder that the career interviews commence on Monday 22 February and each student has now been allocated a day and time. Students are to check their email to find information from Mrs Gomez which outlines the interview details as well as important details. Parents are welcome to join the online Zoom meeting from their home/work location (off-site). Students can simply forward the Zoom meeting link to their parents.

Cadet Camp Order form
At the end of Term 1, students will be going on Cadet Camp. The Uniform Shop has some items available for purchase for Camp. Further information regarding the ordering of items for the Cadet Camp may be found here.

Saturday sport absences
Just a reminder that if your son is absent from sport on Saturday, please ensure the Sport Absence Form (via the Knox app) is completed. Please do not email absences as they can be missed and the Directors of Sport not notified. Thank you for your support.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

At this week's Year Meeting the following students received their Bronze Award for the Duke of Edinburgh program: Niall Yeowell, Nicholas Hocker, Jake Lee and Jeremi Lee. Well done gents on your achievement!



Finally, congratulations to Leo Phijidvijan who participated in the CIS Tennis Trials this week representing the School and to Kai Lilienthal who set a new 16 years 50m butterfly record at the Knox Swimming Championships.

Crystel Hodgson

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As the term begins to gain momentum, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Director of Student Development, Stage 5. My role in the Middle Academy is to work with boys outside of the classroom to engage in our community as they continue to develop into global citizens. Through outdoor education, service learning, exchanges, development of the Total Fitness Mentor Program and student mentoring, I hope to be able to ensure all boys get the most out of their time in the Middle Academy.

This semester, boys in the Middle Academy will be engaged in outdoor education through AFX and the Year 10 Challenge Camp, connecting with our wider community through the Service Learning program and volunteer opportunities, and our Total Fitness program in classes and Mentor.

As a passionate educator and firm believer in experiential education, I will look forward to working with all of the boys in the Middle Academy in 2021.

Tom Waterhouse

Year 10 Camp Leave

AFX Camp

Students who wish to apply for an exemption from the Cadet AFX Camp for Year 10 are required to apply for school leave using the form here. They are also required to apply for leave from Cadets using the Cadet Leave form on the Knox App. Cadet leave will not be approved until the school leave process has been followed and school leave approved.

Year 10 Challenge Camp Leave

Students who wish to apply for an exemption from the Year 10 Challenge Camp are required to apply for school leave using the form here. They will also need to complete a Year 10 Camp Exemption form which may be found here. Mr Waterhouse will be providing information about the Year 10 Challenge Camp in Week 7.

Chuck Ardron

 

 

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Careers in Medicine (online seminar in conjunction with the OKGA)
When: Monday 22 February 2021, commencing at 6pm
Where: Online via Zoom (a link will be sent to you after registration)
Who: Years 10, 11 and 12 students and their parents
Registration: By 12noon, Monday 22 February at https://knoxgrammar.com/mce
Contact: Linda Gomez, Director of Career Education & Development

Students and parents will hear from the following speakers working in the field of medicine: Dr Marco Raftopulos (OKG02, Dan Schofield (OKG15) and Thomas Lee (OKG18). For more information, click here for the flyer.

Upcoming Event - save the date
• Knox Careers Night – Tuesday 25 May 2021, Great Hall, from 5.30pm to 8pm

Linda Gomez

Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

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As we continue to battle mother nature and all it throws at us in Term 1, I cannot help but feel for the boys wanting to get out and run around wearing the Black & Blue – particularly those playing outdoor sports such as Cricket and Tennis. Please understand we are doing as much as we can with our opposition schools to get our boys a fixture, whilst also weighing up the inconvenience of travel when there is no chance of action. Please stay tuned into the Knox app and we will continue to keep families up to date with any changes to the fixtures.

Last week our First and Second Basketball teams played their last home game for the season which included a Friday night experience in the Great Hall against St Aloysius’ College. It was a great event and was well supported by our Tartan Army who are just busting to open their lungs out and start singing. Fingers crossed we can let them loose at the upcoming CAS Swimming and Diving Championships. First and Second Tennis teams also enjoyed a Friday night match and continue to press for the CAS Championship. They are currently in second place and closing in on a Championship.

Unfortunately our Surf Life Saving squad did not get a chance to compete in the Schools Carnival hosted by Knox at Whale Beach on Saturday due to weather. There was much disappointment but they will remain positive and hope for a big finish at the Shore carnival next week.

Well done to all students who were selected to swim in the Knox Swimming Championships this week. Just to be selected into finals is an amazing achievement, given we are the #1 Schoolboy Swim Team in Australia. It was a great night and there were again some incredible performances including nine new Knox Swim records, a number of boys achieving times that qualify for National titles and numerous personal bests . All of their hard work is paying off! The look on the boys' faces as they look back at the clock is a real thrill for coaching staff. The boys now eagerly await news of Knox selections to go and try and defend the CXAS Championship in March. Well done, boys - good luck for the next few weeks.

Winter sport choices
All families were sent an email last week from the Sports Department asking boys to choose their Winter sport for the upcoming season. Please help us and help your son choose carefully and ASAP. We have to start nominating teams into competitions, book fields and organise coaches. Cut off is Friday 19 February. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Sport.

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Parenting Help
A reminder that each year group in the Senior School is connected to one of our school psychologists who is available to you for support and advice. While no one knows your sons better than you; we have the advantage of experience. Over the years our psychologists have seen many students who are often working through similar issues and so are well placed to offer support and guidance to both teachers and parents on a range of topics. As a parent you may like to take advantage of this by making an appointment with your son’s year group’s psychologist to discuss any wellbeing/parenting matters, such as:

• Detecting adolescent issues, like anxiety and depression
• Motivation and procrastination
• Promoting growth into manhood, independence and responsibility-taking
• Managing screen and technology use
• Discipline that promotes maturation and wellbeing
• Promoting identity formation
• Preparing your son for camp

We would love to help. To make an appointment (phone or in person) with your son’s year group psychologist please email or call 9119 0828.

Katelyn Tasker

Certificate of Global Competency


When: Wednesday 24 February 2021, 7.45am-8.15am
Where: Online seminar, register at www.knox.nsw.edu.au/GC-seminar
Who: All Senior School parents

With the launch of a new Knox Certificate of Global Competency for Senior School students in 2021, Knox parents are warmly invited to an online seminar. Speakers will include Margie Raymond (Coordinator of the Knox Certificate of Global Competency), Karen Yager (Deputy Headmaster of Student and Teacher Excellence K-12), Elizabeth Ruff (Head of Middle Academy), David Caspari (Deputy Chairman of School Council), students and parents. The seminar will cover topics including why global competency is important and how the Knox Certificate of Global Competency will be delivered for students.

Please register your interest by Monday 22 February. All enquiries to Margie Raymond.

Knox Certificate of Global Competency seminar flyer

 

Monday 22 February

Careers in Medicine (via Zoom)

Wednesday 24 February

Knox Certificate of Global Competency Online Seminar - 7.45am to 8.15am

Thursday 25 February

Maggie Dent Webinar - Teen boy communication that really works

Friday 26 February

Elevate Incursion (Study skills)

Thursday 18 March to Saturday 20 March

Musical Performance - 'Beauty and the Beast'

Tuesday 23 March

Maggie Dent Webinar - 'Unsticking' an unmotivated teen boy

Thursday 25 March to Thursday 1 April

Cadets AFX Camp

Saturday 27 March to Wednesday 31 March

Year 10 Challenge Camp

Thursday 1 April

Term 1 concludes

Tuesday 20 April

Term 2 commences

Thursday 22 April

Maggie Dent Webinar - Helping teen boys manage anger and failure

Tuesday 25 May

Knox Careers Night

 

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4: 2

Beauty and the Beast


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

18-20 March 2021
7pm in the Wenkart Theatre

All tickets $30. Online bookings will be available soon. Save the date!

Limited seating due to current health restrictions with masks mandatory for all audience members.

For all enquiries, please email Michael Griffiths.

Save the date - Knox Gala Day 2021


In light of current restrictions, the School has decided to postpone Knox Gala Day from Term 2 to Saturday 31 July, Term 3. We are hopeful that this new date will give this much loved community event the best chance to proceed. This date will be the last game of the winter sports season and a home game against Barker College. Please save the date. If you have any questions, please email Megan Bailey.

Knox Uniform Shop


Winter Uniform
Term 2 changes over into winter uniform. Parents are encouraged to refer to the Uniform Policy and Regulations and we strongly recommend purchasing the winter uniform in the coming weeks as we cannot guarantee all sizes will be available at the end of term.

Special orders
For any students who have special requirements regarding winter uniform items, it is strongly recommended that these are discussed with the Uniform Shop Staff as soon as possible. Occasionally, we have students who have allergies/sensitivity to wool and in these instances, time permitting, we can get winter trousers lined and jumpers made in a cotton/nylon blend. These special orders require some notice: four weeks for the trousers and up to eight weeks for knitwear.

Other instances include if your son is not of a standard size. For example, very tall but slim and may require extra length or he may be of a more solid frame like a Rugby player and the standard sizes may be disproportional.

Please visit the Uniform Shop during trading hours (see below) or contact via us by phone 9487 0191 or email.

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

McKenzie Library




We are enjoying seeing many students share their adventures with reading from the extensive collection available in the library. All Years 7-10 boys are welcome to join Book Club and continue their journey with literature and make new friends.

Place: the study room in McKenzie Library
Time: Lunch time
Day: Thursday

Some new additions to the collection include:



'The Good Son' - a story from the First World War, told in miniature by Pierre-Jacques Ober, Jules Ober (illustrations), Felicity Coonan (illustrations).
'You Shouldn’t Have Joined...' - a memoir by General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
'Hawk' by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet.
'The Left- Handed Booksellers of London' by Garth Nix.

Enjoy your reading!

Sally Thomson

Week 5 Term 1 2021 Menu

 

Chinese New Year in the Boarding House


Last week, the boarders celebrated Chinese New Year within the Boarding Community and the event was attended by Mr and Mrs James. Students enjoyed the opportunity to attend a Calligraphy Writing course hosted by Rex Xiao from Year 12. Rex has been learning this art since he was four years old and has now mastered it.

Religion and Ethics Excursion


Some Year 10 students attended an excursion to the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Great Synagogue which complemented what they have been learning about the Holocaust in History and about Judaism in Religion and Ethics.