As you would appreciate, we are continually updating and considering our practices in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We take into account both the NSW Government guidelines and NSW Health orders, to ensure our practices support the wellbeing of our students and staff across all Knox campuses.

Our students and staff have responded exceptionally well to our updated practices in regard to entry onto campus health screening measures, hygiene and distancing practices and ongoing education on behaviours in support of the wellbeing of our immediate and wider community.

Following recent updated guidelines in regard to schools we now request that if your son has been absent due to a flu-like illness, or develops flu-like symptoms whilst at school, he should not to return to school until he has a negative COVID-19 test and is symptom free. The School also requires a copy of your son’s negative COVID-19 test result prior to returning to campus.

Phil O'Regan

RUOK? Day is a day dedicated to inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them by asking the simple question, “are you ok?”. In Australia this year RUOK? Day is on Thursday 10 September. The purpose of this day is to highlight the ever present need for everyone to take the time and effort to look after your mental health. Sam Clarke (OKG15) and a RUOK? ambassador will address the boys on this topic during Week 8B School Assembly next Thursday. To further promote this event, we are inviting boys and staff to wear a silly tie and/or socks for the day. During lunchtime on Thursday the Middle Academy staff and the Wellbeing Centre staff will be leading the boys in a range of fun-based activities. We also invite the boys to donate on arrival at school a gold coin with all proceeds going to this worthwhile cause. 

Elizabeth Ruff

Establishing sincere relationships and being sociable are among the fundamental development tasks in early adulthood. Connectedness is a significant determinant of flourishing. Bahtiya Eraslan-Capan.

It has been wonderful this week to see the boys engage with each other positively and show support for their peers around the grounds. One of my highlights of the week was listening to two boys chatting as they walked into the locker room. They were talking about a Maths class they had just come from and one boy said to the other, “I didn’t understand any of what we just did” to which the other boy replied, “I can explain it to you, don’t worry - do you want me to stay after school and help you?” These two boys then went separate ways for lunch, but I spotted them after school working together on their Maths. How good is that? It is these moments I am looking to highlight with our new 'Mate of the Week' initiative in Year Meeting.

Over the next few weeks, connectedness is going to be a big focus for our cohort. During mentor, boys are going to take part in activities with their mentors and their peers that are designed to build a sense of unity and connectivity. The study of positive psychology acknowledges that flourishing is a key part of a person’s wellbeing. Feeling connected will often lead to a boy flourishing. As such, we have designed a series of activities that will allow the boys to have fun, bond and work together in their mentor groups to build a sense of connectivity with their mentors and fellow mentees. I am really excited about the activities and very much looking forward to joining in with various group as they engage in frisbee challenges, handball, origami, board games, charity workshops, mindfulness, wellbeing sessions and iHub experiences.

We will also be looking to drive a sense of connectivity through our Year Meetings and this week we looked at ways to support the Richter family fundraising for 'Ride with Richter'. You can enter a challenge to either ride, run, row, walk (or anything else!) from 29 August-20 September. The idea is to commit to a goal and register to fundraise! Click here to register. The Middle Academy team are trying to burn as many calories as possible by recording our workouts to beat the other teams registered! I encourage the entire 2022 community to register for the event or even just purchase a cap to support the Richter family and show a sense of connectivity. 

Finally, as we start the countdown towards the holidays it’s important to keep the boys focused on their personal standards of behaviour in the classroom and around the school grounds. Please remind your sons about ensuring they finish well and stay focused on the assessments tasks that we have coming up in the next few weeks.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone - thanks for reading!

Vicky Cowell

It's not too late to register for the Ride with Richter fitness challenge. Click here to register. Whilst you're there - purchase a cap. They are great quality caps and most comfortable. I've signed up for the 115 km walk/run in three weeks. Nearly a week in and I'm at 38 kms so far. I'd better get my joggers on and smash some kilometres this weekend whilst watching out for those pesky magpies. Giddy up, spring is here. Yay!

Cadets

The Cadet continuation/discharge forms are being released today via Edsmart. Please have the discussion with your son regarding continuing the yearly commitment or to finish your child's journey in Cadets. The form is to be completed by Friday 11 September.

Collection of boots

We are supporting a community in the outback who have no access to any sporting equipment. They are particularly keen to receive Football or Rugby boots as most cannot play as they have no boots. Donations may be dropped to my office or to Mrs Clarke’s Office (Room 15). Any clean Football socks would also be appreciated.

Seeking food hampers or gift cards for groceries

We are continuing to welcome donations of non-perishable food for three families in the broader Ku-ring-gai community who need our support. Goods which would be helpful to donate include: longlife milk, cereals, coffee/tea, pancake mixes, dried or tinned fruit, tinned meat, spreads, laundry detergent, cordial toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, Vegemite. No nut items please. Donations may be left in my office or Mrs Clarke's office (Room 15).

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.

Happy Father's Day.

Rebecca Smith 

Saturday 29 August - Sunday 20 September

Ride with Richter fitness challenge

Saturday 5 September

'Nitro Challenge'

Sunday 6 September

Father's Day

Thursday 10 September

RUOK? Day

Saturday 12 September

'Nitro Challenge'

Wednesday 16 September

OKGA Careers event

Friday 25 September

Term 3 concludes

These are the most popular series to read from the library. All are available for you to borrow.

'Cherub' is a series of teenage spy novels written by English author Robert Muchamore.

Amulet is an American graphic novel series illustrated and written by Kazu Kibuishi.

Ranger’s Apprentice is a series written by Australian author John Flanagan. 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a series of fiction books written by the American author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney.

Skulduggery Pleasant is a series of fantasy novels written by Irish author Derek Landy.

Need a good laugh? Some movie suggestions for you to watch on Clickview.

'Shrek' Rated PG

A mean Lord exiles fairy tale creatures to the swamp of a grumpy ogre, who must go on a quest and rescue a princess for the lord in order to get his land back.

'Grandpa’s Great Escape' Rated PG

Jack (Kit Connor) decides to help his Grandpa (Sir Tom Courtenay), a World War II flying ace, who now suffers from Alzheimer's disease, escape from an old folks' home run by Miss Dandy (Jennifer Saunders), who has ulterior motives.

Sally Thomson

OKGA Careers event - Shaping your career: LinkedIn and recruitment strategies
When: Wednesday 16 September, 6pm-7pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
Registrations: Will open next week

Mark Truskett (OKG08) and Rhys Gill (OKG08) will speak about the do’s and don’ts of social media, as well as strategies used to stand out to recruitment professionals and employers, including using LinkedIn to showcase your skills and experience. They will offer insights into current recruitment practices, and the importance of creating a positive social footprint.

For more information, please contact Linda Gomez.