As we begin 2020, the bushfire crisis, the debilitating drought and the world health crisis, amongst wider world events have caused understandable concern and uncertainty, however, as the Headmaster reminded us yesterday, now is the time where unity and community is so very important. The strength the Knox community displays in times of trial is quite unique and reflects the character of our parent body, the staff, the wider community and the boys. Those students who have been unable to commence the school year are being well supported and we look forward to them being back with us soon. As always, it has been great to catch up with the boys these past few days with most looking recharged and ready to give of their best for these last three terms.

Teachers have indicated that the Year 12s are tracking well and we are excited by the potential the boys have academically as well as the impact they will have as leaders in all areas of school life this year. Our hope is that the Class of 2020 continue to strive for their personal best whilst keeping the HSC in perspective. Spending time with family and friends, supporting one another, being kind and generous with what they have and looking after themselves is just as important as putting time into studying.

The collaboration between students that develops throughout the senior years is fundamental to the boys thriving academically, socially and emotionally. If your son has not yet taken advantage of the infrastructure and resources provided in the Senior Centre, it would be well worth him to do so. Seeking help can be difficult for some boys, but getting help early, whether it be with understanding content, organisation, study tips or positive thinking habits will help decrease the stress that is often associated with the HSC year.

As we begin the year, I would ask that the dress and hair standards are maintained throughout the next three terms. Being well dressed and groomed help to increase positive self-worth and a positive attitude to school. There are just a few boys who need a trip to the barber this weekend!

It is with some nostalgia that this first newsletter of 2020 is written. It will be a fast paced three terms that is also often the most enjoyable year at school. The only regret most boys have is not taking advantage of the many opportunities provided at Knox. Many fond memories are made outside of the classroom, at school events and through co-curricular activities. It is not too late to get involved!

It is time for the Class of 2020 to leave their own, unique legacy and it is with excitement that we look forward to the rest of their last year at school.

Have a lovely weekend. 

Beth Goddard

Robin Cherry 9119 0884

A number of boys couldn’t physically start their studies at Knox this week due to travelling through regions identified as Coronavirus hotspots.  While this has presented a challenge to those involved, they have accepted the fact they can’t come to school with grace and dignity, and we thank them most sincerely for their cooperation.  They are to be commended for their positive approach in starting their studies remotely. The entire Knox community looks forward to welcoming these boys when they return soon.

This time last year at the Welcome to Year 11 Evening, we highlighted the philosophy of the WSA and how it is underpinned by Social Cognitive Learning Theory.  Last year the Class of 2020 served a cultural apprenticeship under the very successful Class of 2019.  With the arrival of the new Year 11 boys this week, Year 12 now have their opportunity to demonstrate behaviours and attitudes that the Class of 2021 can learn from and build on. We know they will be outstanding role models and will leave a legacy that builds on the terrific foundations that have been established by previous year groups.

We were very proud of the results achieved by the Class of 2019. Under the leadership of two leavers from last year, Charlie Sargent and Trent Muskins, a number of subject seminars have been arranged over the next two weeks.  Students who achieved success in the HSC last year will offer seminars in mentor time to share their thoughts, tips and strategies.  This program has run over the last three years and the feedback has always been very positive. In advance, we thank the boys from the Class of 2019 for offering their time prior to starting University. We encourage all boys to make the most of this opportunity in mentor time throughout Weeks 2 and 3.

Andrew Weeding & Greg Nunan

Knox Grammar School provides its students with a unique opportunity to develop holistically as young men of character and compassion. The Knox Education Model combines the Knox Total Fitness pillars – Academic Fitness, Social/Emotional Fitness, Spiritual Fitness and Physical Fitness, with the values of the School – Wisdom, Faith, Integrity, Courage and Compassion and our key elements of Student Excellence – Global competency, Deep learning, Growth Mindset, Altruism and Agency and agility. Some of the objectives of this model are to equip students with the skills and dispositions required to thrive in and out of the classroom, to help students to discover a sense of purpose and engage in deep learning, to develop positive and meaningful relationships, to embrace the pursuit of a flexible and adaptive mindset for an ever changing future and to improve their wellbeing and that of the wider Knox community.

Knox aims to achieve this pursuit through its breadth of co-curricular and service related activities, its collaborative culture and community, its values and protocols and through its physical environment, with the Weeks Senior Academy being the best example. As of Term 4 last year, the Senior School introduced a Director of Student Development in each of its three Academies, to work alongside the respective Head of Academy and Director of Studies. Together with overseeing the Knox Total Fitness Program and facilitating student leadership, service learning, student tracking and outdoor education in each Academy, the Directors of Student Development are tasked with ensuring that all students in their Stage are making the most of the many opportunities on offer to develop and grow.

Having just finished as the Team Leader for the Class of 2019, I am well aware of the stresses and commitments that the boys in Years 11 and 12 face. I will be working with the Senior Academy team to promote, tailor and provide opportunities that will help to prepare our students for a happy and successful life after school.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any feedback, questions, suggestions or concerns. I look forward to working with the boys to ensure that their final two years at Knox are their most fulfilling and rewarding; being afforded every chance possible to flourish and develop.

Sam White

Wednesday 5 February 

• Y12 Student photos. WSA

 Thursday 13 February 

• Student photos (Catch up)

Monday 23 March 

• 10.30am -Parent Morning Tea - GH Foyer

• Parent Teacher Evening - GH - Times to be advised

 Friday 14 February 

• Knox at Home. WSA.

 Thursday 2 to Thursday 9 April  

• AFX Cadet Camp

Thursday 9 April  

• Term 1 concludes

Following is an introduction to the Oratory Programs offered as an extra-curricular activity for students at Knox across Years 7-12.

Debating

Debating is the largest oratory program run at Knox, with over 150+ students enrolled each year across Years 7-12. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn both public speaking skills, as well as skills in persuasion and rhetoric.

What is a classic week in debating?

1)      Training. Training is the cornerstone of our debating program, and it is run once a week for each year group. Knox Oratory recommends training to all boys who wish to be involved in debating, as it is where they will develop their foundation skills, and learn how to improve week-by-week. Our coaching staff at Knox  is world-class, with all of our coaches having competed at the Australian Intervarsity Debating Championships, and many having come away as Australian and/or World Champions. Indeed Knox Oratory are lucky to have the 2019 World Champion and a 2020 World Grand-Finalist working at Knox as senior coaches. The times for training are listed on the Knox Debating Board (see below).

2)      Knox Debating Cup (KDC). The KDC is the School’s internal friendly debating tournament, and it is run from 6pm-8pm on Wednesday evenings. Boys are able to join teams with their friends, experience competitive debating in a low-stakes, friendly environment, and receive feedback from their coaches after debates. Boys of all skill levels are welcome. Boys who are just starting out in debating get the opportunity to develop their competitive debating skills, and experienced debaters get to compete for the various prizes to be won at the end of each term. Knox Oratory recommends the KDC to all students who wish to practice competitive debating.

3)      Friday Evening Debating. On Fridays in Terms 1, 2 and 3, Knox participates in a variety of interschools debating competitions, including ISDA, FED and CAS. Boys who are experienced in competitive debating will have the opportunity to trial for these teams, and those selected will represent Knox at these tournaments.

Sounds great, where can I find more information? 

1)      The Knox Debating Board. This is the place where Knox Oratory indicates whether each of these programs are on week-to-week, as well as the draw, team lists and results for the Friday Evening Debating competitions. Bookmark this!

2)      Knox App. Knox Oratory recommends both parents and students download the Knox App and turn on notifications for ‘Debating’. There is also a page with information on our various Oratory programs if you want to learn more about any of our offerings. 

3)      Emails. If you sign up for any of our debating programs, you will be added to a mailing list to receive emails. If you have not been receiving emails after signing up for any of our programs (you should get an email at least once per week), please let us know and we will add you to the list. 

How do I sign-up? 

Each term, boys must register for each our of programs, even if they have done so in previous terms. Here are the links for Term 1, 2020. Parents, please discuss these forms with your sons before completing them.

1)      Training

2)      Knox Debating Cup

3)      Friday Evening Debating: Boys should speak to their coaches during training sessions.

What else do I need to know?

1)      Attendance. If boys register for one of our programs, they will be added to a roll and expected to attend week-by-week. If for any reason a student is unable to attend a session, we ask that parents please complete an absentee form so we know not to worry.

Mooting and Mock Trial

Mock Trial is a form of organised argument that aims to emulate the drama and tension of a courtroom trial. Participants are either the Prosecution or the Defence, and fill a variety of roles including Barrister, Solicitor and Witness. All trials are based on extremely detailed summaries of cases provided by the Law Council of NSW. Speakers are rewarded for quick thinking, deep knowledge of the law, and aptitude as a public speaker.

Mooting is a simulation of the appeal process. The facts of the case have already been determined, but one party is appealing to have the original decision overturned in their favour. There are only three team members: Senior Counsel, Junior Counsel and Solicitor. The team prepares intensely for the trial, which is held in Term 2 at Bond University on the Gold Coast.

New in 2020: Mooting is open to all students across Years 7-12. Registration will open later in the year, so stay tuned.

Further detail on these programs can be found in the Oratory Handbook, available on the Knox Debating Board by clicking 'View Handbook'.

Looking forward to a fantastic year in debating and public speaking!

Senior School Tuckshops - Volunteers Urgently Required for 2020

The Senior School Tuckshops have a number of vacant spots which we are desperate to fill. If you are a new parent or an existing parent, helping out in the tuckshop is very rewarding experience and a great way to meet and socialise with new friends.  

To volunteer, please click on the following links:

Term 1             

Term 2               

Term 3            

Term 4           

If you have any questions about volunteering in the tuckshops, please contact Caron Suleyman Tuckshop Convenor.

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