It is with great excitement and privilege that I am able to welcome the Class of 2021 into Stage 6 at Knox Grammar School. The young men of Year 11 have conducted themselves with maturity and grace as they have faced the emotional, social and academic challenges of Week 1, 2020.

The early stages of last week ushered in the start of the next generation of Knox men progressing into the Senior School with a Chapel Service allowing Mr James to officially welcome the group into the next stage of their Knox journey. Mr James and Mr Weeding emphasised the culture that is crucial to the success of the Weeks Senior Academy. It is very evident from these early stages of the boys’ tenure that they are embracing the cultural apprenticeship that this amazing learning space espouses.

Whilst 2020 is a start of new beginnings, it is also a time for honouring the Hollander Family. The young men of 2021 were respectful in their approach to the full-school service to pay our respects to the Hollander family. This was an extremely moving service with a heartfelt address made by Angus Rich in remembrance of Ben. Angus is to be commended for his courage and compassion in not just engaging the entire school, but also for his beautifully composed words that were authentic and heartfelt. There will be numerous events and activities throughout the early stages of Year 11 that may be quite difficult for a number of boys and we urge them to seek assistance from the support team in Stage 6: Mentors, Team Leaders and of course, the Wellbeing Centre.

Once again, on behalf of Mr Shaw and myself, we welcome you all to what promises to be a very action-packed 2020. Further to this, we would like to extend a special welcome  to the newest members of our stellar year group - Aaran Batth, Adrian lam, Tom Morrison and Samuel Chan who start their Knox journey in 2020. As the boys start to find their feet in the new environment of the WSA and Stage 6, it is important to maintain an open line of communication if you have any queries or questions. Please feel free to contact your son’s Mentor, Mr Shaw or myself over the coming weeks in order to make this transition into senior studies a wonderful and positive experience for all involved.

James Stubbs-Mills

Welcome back! 

It has been so fantastic to see all the boys return with such an enthusiasm for Year 11 and settle into their new spaces so well. I have been having great conversations about some wonderfully relaxed and exciting experiences from the boys over the holidays, including those returning from camps and exchanges taken at the end of the school year. Over the next few weeks there will be more detailed information of the 'Upcoming events' listed. 

Please may I start the year by reminding you to ensure all personal items are clearly labelled to ensure easy return to the rightful owner. School photos are scheduled for Tuesday 4 February. I would ask your son has the appropriate uniform, is clean shaven and has his hair cut to Knox standard. Should your son be absent that day there is a scheduled 'catch up' day on Thursday 13 February.

Year 11 students are welcome to (though not required to) attend the Sports Assembly held each Friday during Period 1. Boys are encouraged to utilise this time wisely and are welcome to study during this time, however must attend Period 2 classes on time. Student attendance will be monitored and any unacceptable attendance may have this privilege revoked.

It is wonderful to be back and please know you are most welcome to visit me in my new location in the WSA office space, where I will be based for the final years of school for the Class of 2021.

Debra Barnard Tel: 9119 0883

A number of boys couldn’t physically start their Year 11 studies at Knox this week due to travelling through regions identified as Coronavirus hotspots.  While this has presented a challenge to these boys, they have accepted the fact they can’t come to school with grace and dignity, and we thank them most sincerely for their cooperation.  They are to be commended for their positive approach in starting their studies remotely. The entire Knox community looks forward to welcoming these boys when they return soon.

In what has now become a tradition, the Class of 2021 were welcomed to their Stage 6 studies with a special service in the Chapel.  Following messages from Reverend Peter and the Headmaster, the boys walked across the tennis courts and into Seniors’ Hall of the Weeks Senior Academy (WSA).  They have settled in to the WSA well and have had their first taste of both learning and socialising in a special environment designed for senior students.

The following are some key Stage 6 staff we would like to introduce:

Mrs Fiona Billington – Senior Academy Administration Assistant

Mrs Linda Gomez – Director of Career Education and Development

Mr Sean Ranyard – Student Management Officer (Monday to Wednesday)

Mr Ian Bradford – Stage 6 Operations Coordinator

Mr Sam White  – Head of Student Leadership | Director of Student Development – Stage 6 

Mrs Robin Cherry – Student Administration Officer for Year 12

All the staff listed above have an office in the Senior Management Centre on the ground level of the WSA. Together with Mr Stubbs-Mills, Mr Shaw, Mrs Barnard and the Mentors, we are looking forward to sharing the Stage 6 journey with all families over the next seven terms prior to the boys sitting their HSC exams.

At the service on Wednesday, the boys were given an outline of how Evening Studies works.  The details are as follows:

• Weeks Senior Academy is open each evening Monday to Thursday until 9pm.
• Seniors’ Hall is for collaborative work while the library is for quiet individual study. Each location is supervised by a teacher. Mentoring by Old Boys is also provided most evenings.
• Dinner is available and must be ordered and paid for by the end of lunch at the Boater Café.
• The afternoon session runs from 3.30pm to 7pm and dinner is served from the Boater Café  at 5.50pm. Boys can bring their own dinner if they prefer and there are microwave ovens in the Seniors’ Hall.
• The evening session starts at 7pm.  Any student who is present at this time must sign in with the supervisor and can’t leave until 8.30pm.  The sign in procedure is a duty of care requirement so if a boy needs to go before 8:30pm he must have written permission from a parent or guardian. All boys are to depart by 9pm.
• On Friday, Seniors’ Hall is open to 7pm.  The library is not open and there is no dinner provision through Boater Café. 
• Seniors’ Hall is open on Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm.  The library is not open on Sunday.

We look forward to meeting everyone at the Year 11 Information Evening on Tuesday February 11 (week 3A).

Andrew Weeding and Greg Nunan

Knox Grammar School provides its students with a unique opportunity to develop holistically as young men of character and compassion. The Knox Education Model combines the Knox Total Fitness pillars – Academic Fitness, Social/Emotional Fitness, Spiritual Fitness and Physical Fitness, with the values of the School – Wisdom, Faith, Integrity, Courage and Compassion and our key elements of Student Excellence – Global competency, Deep learning, Growth Mindset, Altruism and Agency and agility. Some of the objectives of this model are to equip students with the skills and dispositions required to thrive in and out of the classroom, to help students to discover a sense of purpose and engage in deep learning, to develop positive and meaningful relationships, to embrace the pursuit of a flexible and adaptive mindset for an ever changing future and to improve their wellbeing and that of the wider Knox community.

Knox aims to achieve this pursuit through its breadth of co-curricular and service related activities, its collaborative culture and community, its values and protocols and through its physical environment, with the Weeks Senior Academy being the best example. As of Term 4 last year, the Senior School introduced a Director of Student Development in each of its three Academies, to work alongside the respective Head of Academy and Director of Studies. Together with overseeing the Knox Total Fitness Program and facilitating student leadership, service learning, student tracking and outdoor education in each Academy, the Directors of Student Development are tasked with ensuring that all students in their Stage are making the most of the many opportunities on offer to develop and grow.

Having just finished as the Team Leader for the Class of 2019, I am well aware of the stresses and commitments that the boys in Years 11 and 12 face. I will be working with the Senior Academy team to promote, tailor and provide opportunities that will help to prepare our students for a happy and successful life after school.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any feedback, questions, suggestions or concerns. I look forward to working with the boys to ensure that their final two years at Knox are their most fulfilling and rewarding; being afforded every chance possible to flourish and develop.

Sam White

Tuesday 4 February 

• Y11 Student photos. WSA

Tuesday 11 February 

• Parent information evening. Wenkart Theatre JAPAC.

Thursday 13 February 

• Student photos (Catch up)

Friday 14 February 

• Knox at Home. WSA. 

 Wednesday 4 March 

• Geography excursion

Thursday 2 to Thursday 9 April  

• AFX Cadet Camp

Thursday 9 April  

• Term 1 concludes

Senior School Tuckshops - Volunteers Urgently Required for 2020

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:                https://signup.com/go/TDxCBuJ  

Term 2:                https://signup.com/go/nsosvqa  

Term 3:                https://signup.com/go/NNEATps

Term 4:                https://signup.com/go/OYyUGPj

If you have any questions about volunteering in the tuckshops, please contact Caron Suleyman Tuckshop Convenor.

Thank you.

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

The following are accounts from students who travelled on exchange during the Term 4 2019.

My time in Germany is one in which I will never forget. I started with a few nerves and a rough trip over but this soon turned around as I became immersed in German life. The day after I arrived was a school day. This was quite daunting as it was like starting a new school with the added challenge of only sort of understanding what people were saying. I was quite happy to find out that school finished at 1:30 and I could go home for lunch. Whilst I was in Germany I visited a few places. I went to Berlin on a tour with the state European handball team for a national tournament, which my exchange partner was a part of. This was hugely memorable as I got to experience Berlin as well as watch what is now one of my favourite sports - handball. I also visited Austria and went skiing. This was amazing and the snow was perfect. Perhaps my favourite part of my time abroad was New Year's Eve. Seeing the fireworks erupting from the villages all over the valley was amazing and something which I will definitely never forget. Overall exchange was a great experience which I would recommend to everyone.

Rhett Masters

For five and a half weeks over the summer holidays, the three of us had an incredible time in France to experience the culture and learn more of the French language during our exchange. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our caring host families. We spent three weeks in school, where we were surrounded by native French speakers our age and were immersed in a completely different culture and environment compared to Knox. Our highlight in school was no doubt the French class we were part of with the younger sixth-grade kids. The boys and girls were very curious about what our life in Australia was like, and we would respond back in French to the best of our ability. 

Our enjoyment of France was not only confined to school, but we were also able to visit attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, the Louvre, and the Versailles Palace. The two-week Christmas and New Year’s break from school also allowed us to explore France beyond Paris and Versailles. Lachie was also fortunate to surf and do water sports as he visited the western regions of France, such as Brittany, Normandy and Vendée, all sporting beaches with lovely scenery. Felix was able to go to Strasbourg, a town known throughout Europe for its huge Christmas markets only minutes away from Germany. Angus was also fortunate enough to go skiing in the Alps for a couple of days. Overall, our trip to France was extremely memorable, and we all found it a great opportunity to not only enhance our French skills but to be immersed in different cultures.

Angus Matthews, Felix Han and Lachlan Li