Week 4 marks the end of the chapter for many of our boys in the narrative that was their online learning experience. The Class of 2021 and the team charged with their guidance received the exciting news that as of Monday, face-to-face learning will be available for our boys Monday-Friday. The development is enormously welcomed by all, and while it means we are one step closer to normality, our boys are reminded that many of the protective practices that were put in place as a result of the increased prevalence of COVID-19 must remain for the foreseeable future, to ensure the health and wellbeing for our Knox Community. Diligence with regard to social distancing and sanitary practices are paramount, and we have reminded the boys that shortcuts can often lead to great delays. Boys must also ensure that they have their temperature taken every morning before going to class, including if they are late to school for any reason.

With the full-time return to Knox next week, boys are reminded to check their timetable for room changes, as this may have taken place to support social distancing within the classroom. It is a great chance for boys to enjoy the amazing facilities of the JAPAC and the Academy of Global Competency.  

Two big things that have been sorely missed by the Class of 2021 have been the social learning environment on offer in the WSA, and the holistic health benefits that result from organised school sport. To this end we are pleased to see that the WSA will be available to Year 11 from Monday, operating from Mon - Thurs each week until 7.30pm (boys will need to register their attendance with Mrs Barnard). We are now seeing modified sporting commitments take place too, and boys are asked to monitor their respective sports’ Google Classroom for times and instructions. 

In other exciting news, we have welcomed our Year 11 Boarders back to their second home on Sunday afternoon. It has been an exemplary start from them, and the Stage 6 Boarding community is feeling much more complete as a result. 

As always, feel free to contact your son’s teachers, mentors or Team Leaders if you have any questions or concerns about your son’s progress. If you are unsure of who to contact, please use your son’s mentor as the first port of contact. 

Adam Shaw

It will be wonderful to have Year 11 students resume full-time face-to-face learning from Monday next week. The School requires notification for any student absences, late arrivals and early departures by 9am. Please use the online app or email me.

Until further notice Year 11 will continue to arrive to school from 7.45am via the tennis courts entry. On arrival they will use hand sanitiser, have their temperature checked and be scanned in with their ID. All students that arrive late must have their temperature checked and sign in with me before attending any lessons. 

Yesterday the Class of 2021 were sent an email to choose their Year 12 jersey for 2021. Once the design has been chosen (majority rules) there will be further detailed communication sent to you over the coming weeks. This is something exciting for the boys to look forward to as they begin to think about moving into Year 12 in Term 4 of this school year.

The 2020/2021 Senior Secondary Student Concession cards for students over the age of 16 travelling on public transport are now available. Please come and see me for your card or to replace an expired card.

Debra Barnard Tel: 9119 0883

We were both very excited with the news from the Headmaster this week that Year 11 will return to campus on a full-time basis as of Monday.

The boys have been very patient with the change in routines to accommodate the return plan, such as classes in rooms on the other side of the School and restrictions on where they can have recess and lunch. They have accepted the changes ever so graciously and we are truly appreciative of their cooperation. 

Next week we will expand the evening studies options to what was offered this week. Both Seniors’ Hall and the Senior Library will open 3.30pm to 7.30pm, Monday through to Thursday. Dinner will not be available. Due to physical distancing, we are restricted by how many places we can offer so anyone who wants to take advantage of this must register with Mrs Barnard by the end of lunch.

We encourage you to keep in mind the Stage 6 assessment procedures, especially the rule that attendance at school the day before an assessment task is required, and if absent, a medical certificate is required. This is also applicable to those who are still learning off-site and the requirement to log on and be engaged with every lesson. If you have any questions at all about the assessment procedures, please ask us.

Andrew Weeding and Greg Nunan

With the School returning by Wednesday of Week 5 for all year groups, the co-curricular program has made the following adjustments. Please download the PDF document here for all the information for students to continue to be involved in these important and beneficial programs.

For any questions or concerns regarding the co-curricular program offered in Term 2, please feel free to contact me via email.

Chuck Ardron

Monday 25 May 

• Year 11 resume full-time face to face learning on campus

Wednesday 27 May 

• All students resume full-time face to face learning on campus

On Wednesday May 20, three Year 11 boys Dom Cutrone, Harry Gosper and Jordan Fowler performed in an internationally ground breaking Knox Grammar School initiative; a digital theatre link up with King’s High School for Girls which is situated in Warwick in Warwickshire, England.

The students performed Shakespearean duologues; Dom, ('The Taming of the Shrew'), Harry ('Romeo and Juliet') and Jordan ('Macbeth') with their 'partners' live and without having met before the performances.

Whilst the Knox boys performed from the JAPAC Drama Theatre, the girls who are still in total lock down in the UK, performed from their homes.

Despite being in time zones (the boys at 5.30pm and the girls at 8.30am) and half way around the word from each other, the dramatic power and intimacy created between  each of these performers was extraordinary. All involved in the experience described it as 'brilliant'.

The exciting and innovative performance project will continue to develop with more performance events via digital projection planned with schools not only in England bust also in other countries such as the USA and India.

Michael Griffiths

Each year at Knox our Reconciliation Week Assembly is a special event in our calendar. This year’s theme is ‘In this together’. The ceremony will be held on Wednesday 27 May at 10.30am.

Our guest speaker this year is Uncle John Francis Kinsela OAM. John is a decorated soldier, ex-Olympian and Aboriginal elder. John is the uncle of Bill Humes (Year 8 boarder). A few of John’s amazing life experiences can be found here.

Optimal parenting webinar
We are pleased to share the slides and video from this week’s parenting seminar.

David Schofield