As we approach the end of what has been a unique Term 1, we can take solace in one of the final bastions of normality within these uncertain and ever changing times, and that is the newsletter. The conduct and approach of the Class of 2021 in this new digital platform of schooling as we know it now, has been nothing short of outstanding and for this they are to be commended. Whilst of course there will be bumps in the road and teething issues at both ends of the delivery of content and the receiving of information, the boys have been steadfast in their attempts to best engage in this process.

It is our quest as the Year 11 team to remain connected to the year group, mentor groups and individuals as well as be a consistent line of positivity and guidance in this space. Through the ongoing sessions on both Mondays and Thursdays, the opportunity for video messages, live interactions via Google Meet or Zoom has afforded many opportunities to enhance a sense of connection and togetherness.

As social distancing is enforced throughout the wider community, the uplifting and supportive messages from the Prefect Body, Team Leaders and Wellbeing team are engaging meaningful discussion. We have seen messages of support in the live-streamed classes as we connect as a community. In the Year 11 team, we feel that this provides the students all the support they need to best navigate these coming weeks.

Finally, we encourage the boys to ensure that they are still striving to find a balance within the home learning environment, whether through music, home based workout sessions, walking or immersing themselves in the true escapism that comes from a novel, in order to remove themselves from the seated, screen-based position that comprises a large section of their day.

Please feel free to contact your son’s Mentor or Team Leaders if you have any questions or concerns during this time. We are here, as always, to provide support, guidance and empowerment.

James Stubbs-Mills

It certainly has been a very steep learning curve for us all this week. I can only echo the sentiments of Mr Stubbs-Mills in highly commending the boys of the Class of 2021 for their interactions with me over the course of this week and their attitude to learning online. The atmosphere and feel of the School is very different indeed, and I am missing the busy day to day humdrum, the haunting music of the bagpipes and the sound of sports buzzing in the background. The boys are certainly the heartbeat of the School.

Sadly, I would like to advise the Year 11 Parents’ Morning Tea that was scheduled for Monday 4 May has now been cancelled. We will communicate to you the new date if and when the event is rescheduled.

A reminder to please contact the School and apply for leave for any and all appointments as usual so that we can manage attendance correctly. 

Once again, thank you to both the students and parents who have emailed me this week to check in and keep in touch. The photos that have been sent through of the boys conducting their remote learning from town, country and overseas has certainly brightened my day!

Debra Barnard Tel: 9119 0883

The office of the Weeks Senior Academy doesn’t contain the buzz of students that we know and love. We are, however, comforted knowing that the Class of 2021 are working well in their new online environment and we congratulate them on the way they are adapting.

Despite the disruptions, we must forge ahead knowing that Year 11 is only a three term year. Learning must continue, so too must the assessment program. In a statement made by NESA this week, we are able to make adjustments to the assessment program to cater for the changing academic environment. Even though the information provided by NESA is specific for Year 12, we will apply the same guidelines to Year 11. A strong statement in the press release is NESA’s advice to students - 'keep learning, do your assessments, make progress on your major projects'.

With greater clarity now from NESA, we are currently reviewing the Year 11 program. In summary:
•   Assessments will go ahead next term and it is anticipated that the Yearly Exams will proceed as normal, starting in Week 7 of Term 3.
•   There will need to be changes to what was originally published in the Assessment Schedule.
•   Heads of Department are working on these changes and a new schedule will be published by the end of this term. Any changes will be made to ensure equity for all students at Knox.

All students should continue their school work in the same positive way as what has been demonstrated this week. In a video message we gave the boys yesterday, we reinforced the importance of making the most of every online class and then following it up with a normal homework routine, albeit without the availability of Seniors’ Hall. We do understand, however, that many boys in Stage 6 are continuing their evening homework in a collaborative way, such as using break out rooms on Zoom. We are encouraged that Social Learning Theory is still thriving in an online environment.

Andrew Weeding and Greg Nunan

Last week Year 11 were emailed instructions on how to register for the Knox Careers Hub. Moving to remote learning means that communication from me about courses, careers and university pathways will be mostly via this source, hence the importance for every student to register. Parents are most welcome to register to the Knox Careers Hub as well. Click here to create a membership. The Careers Hub is also accessible via the Knox Portal.

To register:
• Fill in the details (your name and email address).

• Enter the school code -  KNOX20

• Create a password

• Complete the remainder of the form to create a profile/account.

Once students have registered, they will have full access to the Knox Careers Hub with all newsletters, guides, and career information available. There is also a message board where I post important messages for specific year groups. There are a number of messages already posted in this site relevant for Year 11. I will limit the number of emails I send out so I encourage students to keep checking the messages I post in the Careers Hub for updates.

Career seminars and lunchtime presentations

There are changes to the career seminars and events posted in previous newsletters. I am working closely with external organisations to reorganise these career events and deliver them using Zoom. Once organised, they will be added to the school calendar and students will then be sent a meeting invite from me to join the Zoom meeting for that career event. Students are most welcome to join any meeting invite for a career seminar they wish to listen to.

Career meetings and appointments

I am available to provide students with career guidance, advice, and support via email as well as through video conferencing. To organise a Zoom meeting/appointment with me, please email me your preferred day and time and I will send a Zoom meeting invite.

I look forward to working with you in this new learning environment.

Linda Gomez

Saturday 28 March 

• Earth Hour 2020

Friday 3 April

• Term 1 concludes

Friday 10 April

• Easter weekend

Our students have made an excellent transition to the online learning environment. This opportunity to adapt and embrace these new challenges is a great exercise in building resilience for our young men, and it is likely that most of the them will manage this time well. The Wellbeing team is committed to providing a series of information videos and written material for both  boys and parents, to provide extra support during this time. The following are the videos that have been sent to students this week:

Getting remote counselling

Mindset video

If there are boys that would like extra support, we are able to offer scheduled counselling sessions via Google Hangout. These can be arranged by phoning 9119 0828 or emailing the team here. 

David Schofield