Dear Parents

I would like to provide all parents with an update on our COVID-19 Student Attendance Guideline. Please read the policy document below.

Student Attendance Guideline for Parents 

A few key points:

• If your child is unwell, please don’t send them to School.
• If your child has been in any of the reported case locations listed by NSW Health, please read and follow the guidelines from NSW Health. This list is changing daily and it is imperative you check this list regularly for the protection of our School community.
• We ask that parents take their child’s temperature each morning at home using a digital thermometer. If your child has a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees, please do not send them to School. Please follow the guidelines in the document above.

Phil O'Regan

The Class of 2021 are back to business as usual and are in full swing as Week 2 comes to a close. The boys were active across the School this week through Drama, Track and Field, Musical performances, Leadership Training and further study skills development. 

There was a heavy focus on leadership this week with many of our current student leaders taking part in a Leadership Training Day to build upon their skills, and this bodes well for the next generation of Knox Prefects. In addition, the voting stage of the leadership selection process went live this week with staff, mentors, peers and the School Executive getting a chance to cast their vote and be involved in this exciting process.

Mrs Gomez spoke to the Year Group about University Early Entry opportunities, which hopefully has inspired a few of the cohort to start exploring their options for the future well before they enter the Great Hall for the HSC Examinations next year. 

After a week of rather inclement weather, one hopes that the sun breaks through the clouds and the multitude of sporting fixtures for this weekend go ahead unimpeded. Good luck to all involved with the mighty Black and Blue. Have a great weekend, and be sure to contact your son’s teachers, mentors or Team Leaders if you have any questions or concerns about your son’s progress.

James Stubbs-Mills

All students will be expected to wear their summer uniform on the first day of Term 4. Please be aware that due to social distancing measures, we only have two changing rooms available at the Uniform Shop. To avoid long waiting times, we would advise checking your son's summer uniform now and, if you require new uniform, please order early. Alternatively if you know their new size, orders can be placed online through Flexischools. Students in the Senior School are permitted to collect orders at lunchtime or after school. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. The Uniform Shop opening times are Monday through to Friday 12.30pm-5pm.

I also ask that you to check your son's boater as many boys have been arriving with boaters clearly damaged and not acceptable to wear. Again, please label all belongings so we can reunite lost items with their owners.

Yesterday I managed to pay a visit to Mr Parker's Industrial Tech class (see photos below) and the boys were busy working on their projects. It never ceases to amaze me the talent that is here with our students and the imaginations they have. The subject, Industrial Technology – Timber Products and Furniture Industries, has the boys making either a hall table or coffee table.

The weather certainly turned it on for Wednesday's Track and Field event. Knox had a record turn out with just on 420 boys contesting the championships, and I am told it was wonderful to see so many boys partaking in our School Carnival. While it is a shame that parent spectators are not able to cheer on the boys due to the current restrictions, we anticipate more competitions in the future that will cater for crowd support. Special mention to Ewan Burns who took out the 400 metres record by almost a full second - what a fantastic way to conclude the track events for the day!

Next Tuesday will be the finals of the Battle of the Bands. I would encourage all Year 11 students to go along and show their support at the lunchtime battle in support of the Year 11 band, Scapegoat.

Finally, a reminder that the Year 11 Interim reports will be available online later this afternoon.

Debra Barnard

Just a reminder that all the recent wellbeing resources produced by the Knox Psychologists can be found on the Knox Portal – Knox Wellbeing Centre – Wellbeing Blogs. Please click here to access.

Included here are information on Low Mood v. Normal Teenage Mood Swings, Managing Conflict at Home, Procrastination, Healthy Eating; and includes videos on: Internet/Devices Issues with Knox researcher in residence Dr Philp Tam, and The Optimal Parenting Webinar.

To make an appointment to speak to a Knox psychologist please contact us here.

Monday 3 August 

• NAIDOC Week

Tuesday 4 August 

• Battle of the Bands Finals

Monday 31 August

• Year 11 Study Day

Tuesday 1 September to Monday 14 September 

• Year 11 Yearly Exams

Information regarding summer sport choices have been emailed to all boys in Years 7-11. Choices should be carefully considered and made as soon as possible. Submissions must be made by 14 August at the latest.

If you have any questions, please contact us here.

Martin Haywood, Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

Two of the key values of Knox Grammar School are compassion and courage. 
We are developing a project to thank COVID-19 front line workers and send letters to those isolated in local Aged Care Facilities.

There will be a series of committees of students from Stage 4 and Stage 5 and Year 11 formed to coordinate Operation Gratitude. This is an opportunity for all students to participate in the project and develop leadership and organisation skills. This initiative commenced last week and will finish by the end of next week (Week 3). 

Please see Year 11 students Seb Henriksen and Ben Rothery who are coordinating this important event or email Mrs Clarke for more information.

Seb Henriksen                          Ben Rothery

Helen Clarke

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.