Headmaster's Column
We often say that education is a partnership between students, school and parents – it takes a village to raise a child. We are incredibly grateful for your support as we work together to raise young men of character.
Being a parent is often a stressful and challenging job. It is never easy and sometimes we need to have difficult and challenging conversations with our sons as we seek to make them better people.
As a school for boys, we have an essential role in developing well rounded young men with a strong moral compass. Indeed, surveys of our new parents consistently indicate that providing a balanced education with a focus on values is one of the main reasons parents choose to send their son to Knox.
Our school motto, 'Virile Agitur', is derived from St Paul's letter to the Corinthians. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love."
At its core, this motto is about doing the right thing; acting with conviction and purpose as we seek to live out our school’s values – Faith, Wisdom, Integrity, Compassion and Courage.
Team Leaders
During Mentor on Monday, the students were provided with the opportunity to reflect upon their own achievements and log activities that they had participated in for the four global competency domains. A huge thank you to Oliver Sved who created a wonderful video that the students were able to watch for greater awareness and appreciation for the process. By introducing this more formally in Mentor, many students were able start recording their activities for their Micro-Credential transcript. This was then followed by a discussion with Ms Gomez in Year Meeting, who discussed the opportunities available for the boys as they consider what they would like to do post-school. Year 12 is not only about the HSC and the ATAR but also about applications for Early Entry Programs, post-school cadetships and co-op scholarships offered by many universities. As many of these applications require evidence of activities which students participated in during Year 11 and 12, it aligned wonderfully with the Micro-Credential program and provided the boys with a clear objective moving forward.
Next week, there is a career event that some boys may find of interest - Careers in Defence on 22 March (online via Zoom). If any of the students are interested in this, please contact Mrs Gomez directly and she will be able to provide further information or see her report below.
Student Administration Officer
To the cast and crew of 'Beauty and the Beast' - congratulations! So wonderful to see and hear such talent. To the many boys from our cohort involved - just awesome! For those attending tonight or tomorrow evening, you definitely have a treat in store.
Are you getting excited for AFX Camp next week? For ease, I have included the packing list for AFX here. Enjoy the new surrounds of Lithgow.
Some exciting news regarding Travis Cox who attended the NSW SLS Lifesaving Championships held at Blacksmiths Beach last weekend. Travis as a representative of the Newport SLSC. James Simmonds (Y12) also competed for the same club. Travis won Gold in the Under 17 Patrol Competition (4 person team) and 4th Under 17 Champion Lifesaver. Travis has now qualified for National SLS (Aussies) to be conducted on the Sunshine Coast in April.
Senior Academy Team
The boys are to be commended on the way they are approaching the academic pursuits as they move towards their cultural and mastery apprenticeship. With just two weeks left of Term 1, our focus over the coming days turns to some well-earned rest, family time and of course a plan that will ensure some productive study time over the two week break. The boys will be given a A3 Study Planner next Monday in mentor time. In Year Meeting we outlined how they best use the planner to ensure they do not ‘down tools’ over the break and ensure they reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with feeling underprepared as they return to Term 2. The template will also be emailed to the boys and placed on the portal next week.
The importance of acting on feedback was addressed in Year Meeting. The boys continue to receive results of their first assessment tasks over coming days. Teachers will provide written and verbal feedback on how the boys can improve their responses moving forward. Some boys will feel they are progressing well while others will be disappointed despite working harder than in the past. We encourage boys to recognise the importance of a growth mindset. Please see the link for the presentation of ‘Austin’s Butterfly’ from Year Meeting.
Director of Career Education and Development
Careers in Defence (online seminar in conjunction with the OKGA)
When: Monday 22 March 2021, commencing at 6.30pm
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 March at www.knox.nsw.edu.au/dce
Contact: Linda Gomez, Director of Career Education & Development
Students and parents will hear from speakers working in various areas of defence.
Sports News
Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy
Sports Doctor on site each week
I am pleased to confirm Knox is taking the lead in terms of injury support and best practice towards head knocks and any potential concussion again this winter season. Knox will have a specialist Sports Doctor on the senior campus for the entire winter season, based on Knox 1 (First Aid room) every Saturday. Regardless of where your game may be played, what year group, any sport, age or division your son is playing, a Doctor will be on-site in First Aid room from 11am til 1pm every Saturday to assist with any serious injuries including any potential concussion.
Knox will also have plenty of physio support and First Aid at each Knox venue as well including the Knox Prep campus, Gillespie Field, Knox 1, Acron Oval and Curagul Field.
Please also be aware, each and every Monday starting in Term 2 and up to Week 3 of Term 3, we will have a Doctor available in the School Clinic for follow up of any serious injuries including head knocks from 7am til 9am. I would encourage all families to take up this offer of support for your son, if needed.
Knox Wellbeing Centre
Sleeping well for wellbeing
Getting enough sleep each day is vital for health and wellbeing. Sleeping well can benefit energy, concentration, and memory. It can also improve mood and ability to regulate emotions. Biological sleep patterns shift during adolescence, which means your son will likely need more sleep (typically 8-10 hours per night) and may have difficulty getting to sleep earlier in the evening.
Upcoming Events
Friday 19-Saturday 20 March
Musical - 'Beauty and the Beast'
Thursday 25 March
AFX Camp commences
Saturday 27 March
Earth Hour - 8.30pm-9.30pm
Saturday 27 - Wednesday 31 March
Senior Academy Expedition
Thursday 1 April
AFX Camp concludes
Term 1 concludes
Friday 2 April
Good Friday
Tuesday 20 April
Term 2 commences
Sunday 2 May
Knox ANZAC Service and Parade, 8.30am
Text for the Week
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 28:7
Community Notices
ANZAC Service and Parade
We are pleased to announce that the Knox ANZAC Service and Parade will go ahead on Sunday 2 May 2021 at 8.30am with some modifications and restrictions. All students in the Cadet Unit are expected to attend this event.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, we will be limiting spectators to two tickets per Year 11 and 12 Cadets only. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause and thank you for your understanding.
The service and parade will be live streamed to the internet.
Invites for Year 11 and 12 Cadets will be sent via email during the last week of Term 1.
If you have any questions, please email events@knox.nsw.edu.au.
Knox Academy of Performing Arts
Battle of the Bands 2021 – The Heats
Paying homage to the music of the 1980s was part of the score for this year’s Knox Battle of the Bands (BOBs) Heats. Despite the absence of spandex, eye shadow, blonde perms and shoulder pads, I think our boys did a mighty fine job!
This year we saw the biggest BOBs Heats to date, with 15 bands performing over four days. Each band took to the steps of the Great Hall to perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd of students and teachers that all gathered around to enjoy their lunch and offer plenty of vocal support.
The standard of performances was strong across all year groups, with some notable performances from our Year 8 bands, who were gracing the BOBs stage for the first time. We had a couple of surprise Year 12 performances which proved to be crowd pleasers and a big representation from our Year 10s, with six bands from this year group participating!
Knox Uniform Shop
Trading Hours
Monday to Friday: 12.30pm-5.30pm
Saturday (Terms 1 and 4 only): 9am-12noon
Term 1 Holiday Trading Hours
Thursday 1 April - Uniform Shop closes at 5.30pm
Friday 2 April through to Monday 5 April - Closed for Public Holiday
Tuesday 6 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Wednesday 7 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Thursday 15 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Friday 16 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Saturday 17 April - 9am-12noon
Monday 19 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Tuesday 20 April (First day of Term 2) - 8am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
For all enquiries, please contact via us by phone 9487 0191 or email.
You may also visit the Knox website here for more information.
Julie Blackburn, Knox Uniform Shop Manager
Old Knox Grammarians' Association
Knox Community: 'Penguin Bloom' Private Screening
An Old Knox Grammarians’ Association (OKGA) Event
Sunday 18 April
3pm for 3.30pm at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace
To support Old Boys and their families who are doing it tough, the Old Knox Grammarians’ Association, in collaboration with Cam Bloom (OKG89), presents a private screening of the film, 'Penguin Bloom'.
To reserve your seats, please click on the session time of 3.30pm on the Orpheum website.
For any event enquiries, please email the OKGA.
Senior School Tuckshops - Volunteers Required
We are so excited to be able to welcome parent volunteers back on campus to assist in the Tuckshops from the start of Term 2, 2021. The return of volunteers is subject to continued stabilisation of local and state health requirements regarding COVID-19.
We greatly appreciate our volunteers and their contributions to our School community.
Helping out in the tuckshop is very rewarding experience and a great way to meet and socialise with new friends. If you are able to volunteer in one of the Senior School Tuckshops, please click on the following link here.
Photo Galleries
1st XI Vs Knox United
With the start of the CAS winter sports season just a few weeks away, our 1st XI Football team played a friendly match against Knox United on Wednesday afternoon at Curagul. The score was 5-1 to the 1st XI.
Beauty and the Beast
Some highlights from 'Beauty and the Beast'. Congratulations to the cast and crew on their three sold out shows!
CAS Basketball
Congratulations to the following boys who have made the CAS representative teams and are playing games this week and next week against ISA, AICES and GPS.
1sts: Keanu Goehring, Matt Pain, Henri Day, Mitch Smith and Liam Puncher.
2nds: James Steel, Tyler Arndt and Rourke Voyzey.
CAS Tennis vs GPS
Congratulations to Nick Bigeni, Adam van Horen and Leo Phijidvijan who played at Trinity Tennis Centre on Wednesday representing Knox in the CAS team vs GPS. Although CAS did not defeat GPS, the boys did well and the scores were close!
World's Greatest Shave
Well done team Knox for raising over $46,000 so far for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Year Meeting
Tuesday's Year Meetings in the WSA.
Peer led Economics study session
Led by the Academic Portfolio in the Senior Centre.