In an ever-changing world, the focus of education is turning towards a holistic approach where schools are considering the social, physical and spiritual development of a child just as equal as the intellectual. With the many benefits associated with learning in natural environments, a key component of Knox Total Fitness is outdoor education.

Outdoor experiences engage our students in practical and active learning in natural settings beyond the school classroom. The benefits of high-quality outdoor experiences quickly become apparent when young people are given the opportunity to take part in risk-assessed, but not risk-free activities. As Roald Dahl once said, “The more risks you allow children to take, the better they learn to take care of themselves.”

The School’s outdoor program extends students out of their comfort zones, creating just enough challenge to ramp up their focus, creativity and communication skills, which in turn will help them to respond to life stress when unexpected things happen. More often than not, the experiences of camps and outdoor education are felt immediately, and have the tendency to resonate with students for years. Through outdoor education, our students develop a real sense of self, learn how to be resilient and self-reliant, while also learning how to live with others. Through spending time in nature, students have the chance to strive, relax, learn and grow, all in a less formal setting than a classroom.

Despite the range of positives that a school camp can provide, there may be some level of stress for a student in taking that leap towards the school camp experience. If this is the case, let your son talk about their worries and fears and possibly share your own experiences at camp and how you overcame your own challenges. You may also consider reaching out to our Psychology team who can help your son replace unhelpful thoughts and how to use other practical strategies to minimise their anxiety.

Camps are some of the most exciting, life-building experiences that a young person can have. If required, I encourage families to work with the School in preparing and supporting your son to de-bunk any apparent fears or worries that may be preventing him from attending camps this term and reaping the immense developmental benefits that outdoor education has to offer.

Scott James

Some of the Year 11 leaders have left this week to support our Year 8 students on camp. It is a wonderful opportunity for the boys to demonstrate their leadership skills by taking on the responsibility to motivate and communicate with the younger students. The appreciation and positive attitudes to which they have taken on this support program has been beneficial for all the students to witness and engage with. As we continue to move through the year, we will continue to encourage students to consider what they would like to achieve as part of the leadership program that is available in Stage 6.

During our Year Meeting this week, we were fortunate to hear personal stories from three Year 12 students as part of the Student Wellbeing Initiative. The Academy Prefect, Kevin Park, discussed the Student Wellbeing Initiative to highlight some of the difficulties students faced as they embarked on their HSC journey. It is important to note that we have a wonderful Wellbeing Centre that is available for the students and if you do have any welfare concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your son’s mentor, the Senior Leadership Team or the Team Leaders.

Assessment time is about to commence with the first of our Year 11 Assessments due in Week 6. Now is the time for the boys to be planning their time and developing self-efficacy skills as they reach for their goals of achieving a personal best, as discussed during our mentor sessions. It is a great time to remind the students of the facilities and support structures that are available to ensure they have established a good work ethic early in the year. The assessment booklet with details for upcoming tasks is accessible here.

Congratulations to Nick Bigeni and Adam van Horen who have been selected to trial for the CIS Tennis Team. Also, congratulations to Luke Hedley and Charlie Anderson - Luke was selected to represent the CAS U16 Cricket Team and trial for CIS selection while Charlie was selected for the CAS Opens Cricket Team and will also trial for CIS selection. We wish them the best of luck as they participate in further competitions.

Sophie Cole

Congratulations to Luke Baker who has gone through to the next round of CIS diving after coming 3rd in the CAS invitational last Friday in the 17+ Age group - a great achievement!

A reminder that a catch up session for individual photos has been confirmed for Monday 15 February in the Great Hall foyer during lunch.

2022 Term dates have been confirmed and are now published on our website. 

With assessments commencing in Week 6, the Term 1 Assessment Gantt Chart can be accessed here. As you have now settled into the WSA, don't forget to utilise Evening Study, from 3.30pm-8.30pm, Monday-Thursday. The roster can be found here.

I would ask that if your son has his licence and would like to drive to school, please ensure the Student Drivers' form is completed and returned to me. Once approved students will be notified by email. A register will be kept for all students driving to school.

As per recent communications, please note my new email address: year11sao@knox.nsw.edu.au

Have a lovely weekend.

Rebecca Smith

Year 11 appear to have settled in well to the Senior Academy and are starting to utilise the resources that are available. A reminder that subject choices need to be finalised by the end of Week 5, so please ensure all forms are filled in and submitted by then. It is important boys ask questions and make an informed decision on whether they move subject. The sooner they make the decision to change the better as it will reduce any issues around timetabling and teacher placement.

All boys and parents were sent the Year 11 Assessment Policy and Guideline booklet this week. This contains very important information regarding the procedures for Stage 6 assessment tasks. Please take time to read this, particularly the requirements if a student needs to submit an Illness or Misadventure Form. This document is subject to change so please use the portal to access the most up to date version.

An assessment Gantt chart was also emailed out and this can be downloaded in Excel format so the boys can personalise the chart for their assessments which will help them plan out their preparation for these tasks. In Year Meeting, the boys were shown the Gantt chart and how that can be linked to a study timetable to ensure the boys are maintaining balance in their life whilst ensuring all work and study requirements are completed in a timely manner. If they need help developing a Study Planner, please encourage them to speak to their mentor who will help them develop a planner that will work for them.

The key tip for this week was around organisation. Establishing good habits in Year 11 will help the boys maintain a healthy balance between study, exercise, rest and time with family and friends.

We look forward to continuing to get to know the boys and working with them over the next seven terms.

Greg Nunan and Beth Goddard

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

Last Saturday, Knox hosted an Independent Schools' Mountain Biking Carnival at Terrey Hills. As many as 200 riders participated in one of the fastest growing sports at the School at the moment. Some great results and effort was put in by our team as well as the huge amount of preparation that went in to hosting such a huge carnival. Well done to all staff and participants.

Knox also hosted local friends Barker College in the majority of fixtures in the Senior School and fortunately, the weather held off for long enough to see many boys wear the Black and Blue for the first time. The spirit among both schools was great to watch. I know the boys had a great day. Congratulations to our new Year 7s who were fantastic. We are all extremely proud of the efforts and sportsmanship shown by them in Round 1.

This week, all boys and families were sent an email and link to the Winter Sport Choices for 2021. Please take some time to read and consider carefully before your son commits to a winter sport. For logistical and other reasons, we do not allow changes once the winter trial period has begun. We need all choices completed by next Friday 19 February, please.

Congratulations to all the boys selected to compete at the Knox Swim Championships next Wednesday. Just to make finals is a huge effort. The standard of Swimming is exceptional at Knox and just rises each and every year with many more records expected to go on the night.

Congratulations to Tom Morrison (Y12) who was recently selected into the NSW Rugby 7s Under 17 team – and to top off Tom’s selection, he has been asked to captain the State Team. Well done and good luck, Tom.

COVID-19 Policy
Could I remind all parents of our current COVID-19 policy regarding the number of spectators allowed on-site on a Saturday. Siblings may not come along and only one parent may watch our sports played indoors (Lawson Centre area and Great Hall area). Unfortunately, we had to remove a number of people last Saturday and it is not ideal.

Regarding sport this weekend and how it will look regarding COVID-19 restrictions, please note the details below. Any late variations will be sent via the School app.

Process for Sports fixtures – Saturday 13 February
1. Check the team list to see your son’s team – see the Knox app (download instructions)
2. Check the sports draw to see where and when your son’s team is playing – check the Knox app
3. Is he playing at a Knox Grammar School venue? If yes:

• 2 spectator parents/guardians per player at our outdoor venues
• 1 spectator parent guardian per player at our indoor venues
• Service NSW QR code registration will be in place across all facilities at entry points, with standard health checks and questions.
• Players in all teams should turn up ready to play – no change rooms will be available.
• Canteens will be closed. Players should bring their own labelled water bottles and snacks if required.
• Players should leave immediately after completion of their fixture.
• Teams due to play in Great Hall, MacNeil and Lawson court will need to wait on Boulevard until they may enter the facility. This will depend on finish time of previous fixture.
• Water Polo players will need to wait in JAPAC rec area for clearance to enter the pool area.
• Standard 1.5m social distancing for all spectators.

4. Is your son playing away? Which school is he playing against?

St Aloysius' College
• Willoughby Leisure Centre - NO SPECTATORS
• Other Indoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player
• Outdoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Barker College
• Indoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player
• Outdoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Cranbrook School
• Indoor venues - 1 spectator parent/guardians per player
• Outdoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Trinity Grammar School
• Indoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player
• Outdoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

St Ignatius College (Riverview)
• Indoor venues – 1 spectator parent/guardians per player
• Outdoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Shore Pool (fixture vs St Joseph's)
• 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Drummoyne Pool (Newington)
• 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Please ensure you follow social distancing guidelines at all times and leave immediately after your son’s game. As always, any sports cancellations due to wet weather will be announced via the Knox app (make sure you have subscribed to alerts for your son’s summer sport).

If you have any questions, please email Sport.

Thank you and best wishes to all our students this weekend. 

Martin Haywood

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

Sunday 14 February

Valentine's Day

Monday 15 February

Individual catch up photos

Monday 22 February

Careers in Medicine, commencing at 6pm

Friday 5 March

Battle of the Bands - heats commence

Sunday 7 March

Clean up Australia Day

Thursday 11 March

CAS Swim and Dive Championships

Thursday 18-Saturday 20 March  

Musical - 'Beauty and the Beast'

Thursday 25 March

AFX Camp commences

Thursday 1 April

AFX Camp concludes

Term 1 concludes

Friday 2 April

Good Friday

Tuesday 20 April

Term 2 commences

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Each term, Knox holds a Handwriting Course designed to help improve the speed, accuracy and neatness of students’ handwriting, reducing tension and fatigue when writing for long periods of time. In 2020 the classes will be held by Ms Lisa Norton, an occupational therapist, who specialises in the development of skills necessary for handwriting and the remediation of handwriting difficulties.

We have a few places remaining for our Term 1, 2021 course which begins next week, Week 4. Our course will run on either a Tuesday or Wednesday or both mornings, starting at 7.30am, once minimum numbers are confirmed.

A minimum of seven students, and a maximum of ten, ensures individual attention. The course costs $300 for seven sessions of 45 minutes. The Introductory seven-week course includes a tub of theraputty, that is designed to improve hand muscle strength and fine motor skills.

We will also be taking an ‘Expression of Interest’ for a five-week refresher course to run the second half of Term 1 for anyone who has completed the seven-week course previously.

Availability of places is dependent upon a first come first served basis. All students who miss out on a place in Term 1 will be placed on the waiting list for Term 2, 2021.

Should you be interested in pursuing this option for your son, please contact Rebecca Papageorgiou in the Learning Enhancement Department ASAP.

Winter Uniform
We would like to remind all parents that Term 2 changes over into winter uniform. For further information on what the uniform item changes are, please refer to the Uniform Policy and Regulations. We strongly recommend purchasing the winter uniform earlier than later and not wait until the last week of the school holidays as we cannot guarantee all sizes will be available.

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

Knox Symphony Orchestra (KSO) Rehearsal Workshop Day 
On behalf of KAPA, we offer our collective congratulations following our brilliant Rehearsal Day on Sunday to our 2021 KSO Ensemble.

Our KSO members demonstrated commitment, tremendous enthusiasm, and high calibre musicianship throughout the entire day.

With 67 musicians in attendance, encompassing students from Years 7-12, we could have not asked for a better start to the year. Just listen to how great they all sounded by clicking on the following link: KSO.

What a magnificent start towards our Orchestral Night at the Proms Concert, Meet the Symphony Orchestra incursion and 2021 Sydney Eisteddfod performances - congratulations boys!

James Brice, Head of KAPA

KPA Name Badges - last chance to order
The KPA organises name badges for parents at the start of each school year for use at the various school functions you will attend throughout your son's time at Knox. They come with the Knox crest and your name, with a simple magnet on the back for attaching. They are a much better alternative to the sticky labels that always peel off! The cost of $16 includes postage.

Orders close Friday 19 February 2021. This is the only opportunity to order name badges for 2021, so please put your order in now to avoid disappointment.

Please click here to order and pay for a name badge. Be sure to put down your name as you would like it to appear on the badge (first and last name only).

Our informal prayer meeting for Term 1 will be held at 10am on Friday 19 March, at the home of Prue Feather. Morning Tea will be included.

There will also be an evening meeting at 8pm on Wednesday 10 March, at the home of Fiona van Horen.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend so that we comply with the gathering limits prescribed by the government’s Public Health Orders in place at the time.

A warm welcome is extended to anyone from our Knox community who would like to attend.

Any enquires to Prue Feather.