We made it! It is now time to reflect on what has been a far from orthodox term, and focus on the success and growth from the challenges that were faced by all at some stage over the course of Term 2, 2020. It seems an age since the shift to remote learning, the multi-faced view of a Zoom classroom and the gradual, temperature checked transition back to modified classrooms and face-to-face teaching.

The Class of 2021 is to be commended for their mature and accepting attitudes towards the ever-changing conditions that they have encountered during this term. This was reinforced as part of our Year Meeting this week with the concept of resilience in the face of change, and the strength of character to adjust and adapt your approach to achieving your goals in the face of a changing landscape.

As we embark on a well-earned break it is important that Year 11 use this time wisely. Whilst the continuation and consolidation of course work is an expectation, a balanced approach is a must. We encourage all the boys to engage with friends, family and physical activity during this time to recharge the spirt and strengthen social bonds and connections to assist in the internal recharging process.

The Year 11 team would like to thank you all for your on-going support thus far and we wish you a safe, enjoyable and relaxing mid-year break. We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2021 returning rested, reset, a little taller, and ready to rumble for the start of their final term of Year 11.

James Stubbs- MIlls

The final week of Term 2 is now done and dusted. A reminder that the Seniors’ Hall will be open over the three-week term break from 8am-4pm. The Academic Coaches will also be available throughout this time from 10am-1pm. The Senior Library and Boater Cafe will be closed.

Thank you to the wonderful young men of Year 11 for their understanding and continuing to adapt to all the changes throughout this term. Though it has been a busy and challenging time, we got through it together. From the cancellation of the Year 11 Formal to not being able to fully utilise the Seniors' Hall for the first half of the year; all I can say is thank you for your resilience and we look forward to Term 3.

On return to school for Term 3, with the exception of boys who are still overseas, all students should be at school unless they are unwell. Teaching and learning will remain face-to-face and all assessment tasks will be conducted on-site. Please note that lesson materials and resources will be provided to the students who are overseas.

The Yearly Examination Schedule can be accessed here. Please click here for the Term 3 Assessment Chart as well as the Study Break Planner. These are also available on the Year 11 portal page under the Academic tab.

During the final Year Meeting this week, Dom Goddard interviewed Oliver Weeding (Y12) and Will Choi (Y12) from the Academic Portfolio Team about techniques for studying in the term break. This was followed by Jake Buchanan who talked to the cohort and shared a video about the upcoming Knox Leadership Conference (see full details in Mr White's section following). As a cohort, we also acknowledged Grant McAsey on passing his Aviation exam and his first solo flight as well as recognising Nick Weickart, our champion for the Environmental and Sustainability initiative, for always leading by example. Well done, gentlemen!

Please note the Uniform shop closes for the holidays today and will re-open as follows:
• Thursday 16 July from 9.30am - 5pm (closed 12.30pm - 1pm)
• Friday 17 July from 9.30am - 5pm (closed 12.30pm - 1pm)
• Monday 20 July from 8am - 5pm

Please ensure your son has his winter sport uniform ahead of Term 3. All items are available online through Flexischools or in-store. Over the course of the boys' return to on-site learning, I have noticed many have outgrown their clothes - especially the length of their pants. As we still have a full year of school remaining, I would ask you use this term break to check that your son's uniform fits well and make any adjustments in readiness for Term 3.

Boys and families - have a wonderful break! Rest, relax and be prepared to return to your final term as Year 11 students. On a side note, don't forget that the word stressed spelled backwards is desserts! A reminder Term 3 commences on Monday 20 July.

 

Debra Barnard

The Academy Portfolio Leadership Team will be running the Knox Leadership Conference for 2020 on Sunday 19 July, the last day of the upcoming holiday break, from 1pm - 4pm. The event will take place in the Wenkart Theatre and all current Prefects, PLT reps and Peer Support Leaders will be in attendance.

We are delighted to be able to announce that we will be live streaming the event to all those other students in the Senior School, and also to student leaders from other local schools, that would like to watch the Conference and learn from the quite brilliant and diverse leaders that we have engaged for the day. Please register via the JotForm link in this invitation. The live stream details will be sent out a few days prior to the event.

We have Chairman of the Knox Council and CEO of Goldman Sachs Australia and New Zealand, Mr Simon Rothery; media personality and former star Australian cricketer, Mr Michael Slater; prominent journalist and author, Mr David Leser and former recipient of The Queen’s Young Leader and NSW Young Volunteer of the Year Awards, Ms Emily Milton Smith presenting on the day. Our speakers cover Business, Sport, the Arts and Social Justice and will be able to provide incredible insight on their experiences as leaders. 

Please contact me if you have any questions about the Conference and I hope that as many Knox students and families as possible can tune in and enjoy and learn from these exceptional leaders. 

Sam White

Friday 26 June 

• Term 2 concludes 

Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July  

• Seniors'  Hall open for studies 8am - 4pm. Academic Tutors available from 10am to 1pm daily.

Monday 6 July to to Friday 10 July  

•Seniors'  Hall open for studies 8am - 4pm. Academic Tutors available from 10am to 1pm daily.

Monday 13 July to Friday 17 July  

• Seniors'  Hall open for studies 8am - 4pm. Academic Tutors available from 10am to 1pm daily.

Sunday 19 July 

• Knox Leadership Conference. Wenkart Theatre. 1pm - 4pm by invitation.

Monday 20 July 

• Term 3 commences 

Friday 31 July 

• Deadline to submit Y12 2021 Jersey Order Form

Traditionally, in the winter months Knox does a food drive of the daily staples for families who are struggling and living in very challenging conditions. This has now commenced and will continue until the end of Week 3 Term 3. You are also welcome to drop your donations off when your son comes in during the term break to visit the Seniors' Hall to study. Note - no glass items please.

Thank you in advance for your generosity. Following are some suggestions for non-perishable donations that may be brought in to the WSA office or taken to Mrs Clarke's office:
• long life milk
• cereal
• coffee
• tea
• tinned meats/vegetables/fruit and soup
• cup of soup
• dried fruits.

School holiday sports training for Senior School
Following on from the Headmaster's announcements last week that CAS winter sport will start in Term 3, please note the training schedule for the coming holidays can now be found on the Knox app. We are mindful it is holiday time and a valuable time with family, however if your boy(s) are available we would love to give them the opportunity to best prepare for the winter season.

As always, if there are any questions regarding the schedule, please do not hesitate to email the Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy or directly with your son’s chosen sport.

The Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy will also have more information prior to the holidays regarding exactly how a day at each facility will look for players, staff and spectators on game day. This is being put together following government guidelines and the School policy regarding providing a COVID-19 safe environment for all.

Martin Haywood

Some students from Year 11 1st XVIII AFL team visited Knox Prep last Friday for a special training session with the boys. The students, both young and old, really enjoyed the interaction!