Week 3 was a week full of challenges for the young men in the Class of 2021. Our focus in Year Meeting this week was one of dealing with grief and promoting healing. Boys were reminded of the various avenues of support available at the School, and it is wonderful to see these supports being accessed. Mr Schofield spoke to the boys with some beautiful words, and it was clear that the message was well received by Year 11.

Additionally, it was a big week of assessment tasks with Maths and Physics in particular being at the forefront of our boys’ minds. The WSA was full of collaboration in the lead-up, and feedback regarding the tasks was positive. 

On a much more positive note, we were able to celebrate some successes of our boys, and it was great to see them at their best. Tyler Krenkels and Tom Goddard recently spoke to some junior year groups about the perils of vaping, and were presented with a gift from Mr O’Regan for their efforts. These peer-delivered messages are so effective, and these boys are proving to be wonderful role models. Our Year Meeting also gave us the opportunity to recognise a number of boys in achieving their Duke of Edinburgh awards. Congratulations to these young men.

In another timely endeavour, Monday evening saw another installment of the 'Tomorrow Man' program. Two groups of Year 11 boys were involved in the workshops designed to redefine what it means to be an Aussie bloke, and how to have the tools necessary for a healthy life in 2020 and beyond. 

Wishing everyone 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.

Adam Shaw

First and foremost, I must start with a HUGE congratulations to 'Scapegoat' for placing first at Tuesday's final of the Battle of the Bands. The music was very 70s and 80s appropriate and can I say - 'electrifying' with the majority of the band made up of Year 11 students with one from Year 12.

This week has been an emotionally challenging one for many in our cohort. It has been heartwarming to see the support the boys offer without thought or provocation to their peers. I feel very blessed to be part of such a wonderful year group.

At the Year Meeting this week the cohort was addressed by Mr O'Regan with him reinforcing it has been noted and very much appreciated how the Year 11 students have been so accommodating, supportive, uncomplaining and kind towards the Year 12 students all throughout this year. 

Rev Tim invites you to read their Weeks 1-3 CRU newsletter, put together by Jimmy Wang, which is available to view by clicking here. 

As the Yearly Exams approach, I would like to confirm that Year 11 students are only expected to attend school to sit their exams and normal classes will not be running during exam time. The cohort has Monday 31 August as a designated study day and boys are not required to attend school on this day. Exams run from Tuesday 1 September to Monday 14 September inclusive. Normal classes and school times resume Tuesday 15 September. Students are expected to be in full school uniform as usual when attending exams or on campus. 

Can I please remind parents that students are permitted to arrive later on Fridays as they do not attend the sports assembly, however, they are expected to be in class at 9am. There has been an increasingly large amount arriving on the bell or well after. Should your son repeatedly arrive late on a Friday he will have this late arrival privilege revoked. There has also been an increase of boys arriving unshaven and with damaged boaters. I would ask you please address this with your son in readiness for school on Monday. 

To finish off on a wonderfully upbeat note, at yesterday's assembly Kyh Samuelsson was awarded 'The National Boarding Award of an Indigenous Students' contribution to Boarding' - well done, Kyh!

Debra Barnard

Monday 10 August 

• OKGA Business Industry Careers Evening. Register here.

Tuesday 11 August

• Photos - Winter Sports, 10.10am - 11.05am, Knox 1

1st  XVIII AFL 

1st & 2nd XI Football

1st & 2nd Squash

1st & 2nd XV Rugby

1st & 2nd Tennis

1st Volleyball

Rep Photos- State & National Teams

Captains of Sports (Summer & Winter)

Debating

Mock trial team

Students should wear their representative track suit or attire for ALL representative teams.

If wet weather, please meet in the Great Hall Foyer and students will be advised of new venue. Students should wear their playing uniform plus appropriate shoes for their sport and must bring Student ID.  

Monday 31 August

• Year 11 Study Day

Tuesday 1 September to Monday 14 September 

• Yearly Exams. Exam timetable can also be accessed on the Portal

Friday 25 September 

• Term 3 Concludes

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.

Well done to our fantastically talented musicians for placing first in the final of the Battle of the Bands on Tuesday - they were amazing though the clothing may have been a little retro!

'Scapegoat' band members consist of Asha Nayer (guitar), Finn Carolan (drums), Oli Gordon (guitar), Bill Parker, (keyboard), Nick Grattan (drums) and were fronted on vocals by singer Zac Zibaee (Y12). The band performed two songs, one of which was an original piece, that wowed the crowd. 

On Tuesday the School unveiled our Acknowledgment Plaque. Included in the photos are the Smoking Ceremony performed by Uncle Laurie Bimson, Headmaster Scott James with David Stenning (OKGA15), School Captain Nicholas Reynolds, Vice Captains James Constable and Luke Schofield, Head Prefect Boarding Jeremy Dunn and our Year 11 representative Kyh Samuelsson.

Please enjoy the photos from the Jersey Presentation today to the wide variety of sports being represented in this weeks Indigenous Round of Sport as part of NAIDOC week.