Together with Bravehearts (Knox’s child protection education and training partner) we are again inviting parents to participate in an online child protection course. Knox has been working closely with Bravehearts to co-design education and training programs for staff, students and parents over many years. The parent online course has been written to provide increased awareness and understanding of child protection issues and strategies, with the intent of promoting the safety of young people. If you would like to register for the course please complete this online form.

In addition to the online course, Bravehearts provides information and resources to parents and caregivers. These resources offer practical suggestions for: Keeping your child safe online; facts about sexual assault and exploitation; FAQs; and resources for parents to teach their child about personal safety. To access these resources please click on this link.

Phil O'Regan

We are already at the end of Week 4, and the start to the term is now becoming a distant memory as the Year 11 cohort is getting on with the job and looking toward the next few weeks. 

This week saw a number of extra-curricular opportunities present themselves to the class of 2021, including the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Mental Health Youth Forum, Gotcha 4 Life Fun Run and the Year 11 Formal Committee. The boys were asked to submit an expression of interest for these opportunities, and the interest has been immense. This is a testament to the group, and those successful applicants will be notified shortly. Boys were also reminded about their winter sport choices, which should be finalised by today. They have been sent an email from the KSA with some clear instructions about how to nominate for a sport.

Our Year Meeting was a particularly full and informative one, with Mr White and Mr Waterhouse speaking to the cohort about the 2020 Student Leadership Camp taking place in Week 11 this term. There has already been some strong interest in this program, and it will be open to all boys who are not involved in Cadets. Mr Schofield followed on from his presentation at the Year 11 information evening, presenting the boys with the first of a series of Total Fitness Ideas. He spoke about the importance of having a positive inner voice, and that an effective method may be in the guise of a ‘coach’ or ‘good father’. He also reiterated the contact details for well-being support at the school, and encouraged the boys to email him with any questions at any stage throughout Stage 6. 

The WSA has been a hive of activity during the evening study sessions, and Year 11 are to be commended for their preparation during this early period, in the lead up to their assessments later in the term. Moving forward, please feel free to contact your son’s Mentor, Mr Stubbs-Mills or myself as the year progresses should you have any questions or concerns.

Adam Shaw

Here we are at the end of Week 4, how quickly are the weeks passing by! 

On Sunday last weekend I did a 'pop in' on the students as they ran through the lines for the upcoming production of Oscar Wilde's famous play 'The Importance of Being Earnest'. It was really enjoyable watching Mr Griffiths and the students and it was fun to be able to just spend some time with the boys from out behind my desk. Without giving too much away, the show looks to offer up some great performances and a few laughs as well. 

I would like to wish Jack Hildebrand, Ethan Jones and Tom O'Sullivan all the best as they participate with the Knox sailing team at the 2020 ACT State Championships in Canberra this weekend. I would also like to wish Gabe Carmody (left handed driver) and Tyler Krenkels (right handed driver) good luck as they complete in the Knox team at the CIS U17 Water Polo trials on Monday 24 February.  Congratulations to Joe Hansom and Josh Collett for being recognised with awards by the CIS for their sporting achievements in 2019.

Next week, Week 5 of Term 1, is the final week without assessment tasks. As such I would like to remind you that if your son is absent due to illness or misadventure the day prior to an assessment task the School requires a medical certificate. If absent on the day of the assessment task an IMA form (Stage 6) must be completed which includes a section of the form to be completed by the medical practitioner. Please endeavour to make any appointments out of school hours wherever possible. 

Finally, don't forget to buy your ticket for the International Women's Day breakfast. Hope to see you there.

Debra Barnard Tel: 9119 0883

The Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is pleased to announce the applications for voyages on STS Young Endeavour in 2020 are now open.

Since 1988, more than 14,000 young Australians aged 16 to 23 have joined the national sail training ship 'Young Endeavour' on a life-changing voyage. The internationally recognised youth development program builds self-awareness, develops leadership and communication skills, and fosters a sense of community responsibility in participants.

On board, 24 young people from across Australia form a youth crew. Over eleven days they learn all the skills required to sail a square-rigged tall ship including keeping watch, handling lines on deck, taking the helm, navigating using the ship’s charts, cooking in the galley and climbing the 30-metre mast to set and furl the sails. No sailing experience required. The program is delivered by a professional Royal Australian Navy crew who ensure the highest standards of safety and encourage the youth to pursue personal and team goals and challenges.

If you are interested applications can be made here. Voyage fees and conditions will apply to successful applicants. Potential applicants should apply now for the best chance of being selected for a voyage.

Stephen Moss - Executive Director Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

On Friday 28 February Dr Greg Roger of Vestech will be coming to Knox to speak to Year 11 and Year 12 students. Dr Roger has worked for many years as a knee replacement surgeon and then began developing his own implants for joint replacement. Dr Roger will speak about two of his new innovations used in spinal surgery.

Please come to the WSA Lecture Theatre from 8am to 8.50am. This is a complementary talk open to any Year 11 and 12 student who would like to attend,  specifically recommended for those studying Biology, Extension Science or Engineering.

Students must finish eating prior to entering the WSA Lecture Theatre as no food is permitted.

Should you have any further queries please email me.

Melinda Valent

A wonderful day of school sport and school spirit on Saturday. In Basketball v Trinity Grammar School, the 1sts won 67-65 (photo below) and the 2nds won 53-24, with a huge group of supporters from the Knox 'Tartan Army'.

On Friday night three Senior School boys received CIS awards for their performances in 2019. Joseph Hamson (Swimming), Joshua Collett (Swimming) and William Hopkins from Y10 (AFL) all received awards and recognition from CIS, up against so many talented athletes in the Independent School system - this is an outstanding effort.

Friday 21 to Sunday 23 February 

• ACT Sailing Event

Monday 24 February 

• Photography Incursion

• The CIS U17 Water Polo trials

Thursday 27 February 

• Ind Tech Activity - Fantastic Furniture

Friday 28 February 

• Dr Greg Roger - WSA Lecture Theatre 

• D&T Incursion

Monday 2 March 

• Battle of the Bands - heats

Tuesday 3 March 

• International Women's Day Breakfast. 7am - 8.15am. Tickets are now on sale via the portal.

Wednesday 4 March 

• Geography excursion. Penrith water Treatment

Tuesday 10 March 

• World's Greatest Shave. KCC Auditorium.

Thursday 12 March 

• CAS Swim and Dive Championships. SOPAC 

Saturday 4 to Wednesday 8 April 

• Years 11 and 12 Senior Academy Leadership Camp

Thursday 9 April

• Term 1 concludes

Sallianne McClelland, a local champion of the Hornsby Women’s Shelter and other community groups is our guest at the Knox International Women’s Day Breakfast on 3 March.  Parents from the Prep, WPS and Senior School are invited to attend this annual event with your son or daughter.

• The Great Hall Foyer 7am to 8.15am
• $20 per person with a light breakfast included

Tickets are on sale now via the Knox portal. Select from the drop down options in 'other activities' the Women's International Breakfast option.

This iconic event, the World's Greatest Shave is one of Australia's biggest fundraisers. It's an annual event where family, friends, businesses and individuals come together to raise money by getting sponsored to be brave and shave their head. The money from sponsors will go towards research, which is needed to find better treatments and cures for leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.

Your sponsorship will also support families when they need it most, providing leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma patients with a free home-away-from-home near hospital during their treatment.It will also mean we can transport them to appointments and provide as much practical assistance and emotional support as we can, all free of charge.

Join the Knox team - sign up today. If your not brave enough to shave please sponsor someone and donate generously for those that are!

It is with pleasure that we invite you and/or your son or any family member to participate in the 2020 KURINGGAI CHASE FUN RUN to show support for athletes taking part and, raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Australia, Sydney Upper North Shore Region.

The Run is being held on Sunday 15 March at Claude Cameron Reserve, Wahroonga starting at 8am and finishing by 11am. Students are expected to make their own way to, and from, the venue.

The participation in the Fun Run is a great opportunity for our boys to help a person with a disability and is an important part of the School’s social justice program. As such, the value to both the boys and the Special Olympic Athletes is invaluable. There is no cost involved and this is an opportunity for students and families who are looking to give back to their local community, students to participate in the School’s Social Justice Program and help to support others. Participation and the invitation is extended to all where you and your son/s will be welcomed as will your extended family and friends.

Students do not need to pay a fee or fund raise. On the day Knox boys act in a supporting role to ‘buddy up’ with a Special Olympics Athlete and support their effort to complete the 5km walk or 10km run.

Students who do attend are required to wear good running shoes and PE uniform and students should be aware that this is considered an official school function. As such, school rules and expectations apply.

If your son would like to participate, simply reply to us by accepting the invitation in the Parent Lounge. There is no need to return a permission slip. If you or anyone you know would also like to participate, please register by visiting the website listed below.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the Run’s website or, by contacting the staff members below who are organising the event for the school.

We look forward to seeing you at the event for what promises to be an incredible day for our local community.

Aaron Nolan (Language Department) and John Diamond (History Department)

On Monday some of the Year 11 Investigating Science students had the pleasure of hearing Luke Farr speak to them using Zoom link up, about the way Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples use observation to develop an understanding of Country and Place in order to create innovative ways of managing the natural environment, including fire stick farming and knowledge about plants for medicinal purposes.