Year 12 Week 2 Term 1 2020

A caring and supportive environment

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Last year we introduced the Student Values and Learner Protocols agreement to students. Our intent was to give words to the values, behaviours and characteristics which contribute so effectively to establishing and fostering our positive school environment. A team of students and teachers from across the Senior School reviewed contemporary research and practice in education, that positively influences our learning and social environment. The team feels the selected traits will set a positive standard for meaningful and respectful communication, relationships and engagement between members of the Knox community.

In the coming weeks your son will bring a copy of the agreement home, to discuss with you and sign. We believe through a shared understanding and commitment to these values, behaviours and traits, our students will benefit individually and contribute positively to the climate and culture of both the classroom and playground.

Each of your son’s teachers will observe and evaluate his demonstration of the protocols, with progress in each standard for each subject, which will be shared with you on a termly basis. Further details will be provided towards the end of Term 1.

Mentors will oversee progression in the standards, and through reflective conversations with your son, consider areas of strength and opportunities for further development.

Phil O’Regan

Year 12 spent time this week working through academic sessions with boys from the Class of 2019. It was great to witness how focused the boys were on learning tried and tested methods from their peers that they can add to their own repertoires. During our Academy Assembly, Stage 6 Academic Prefects Daniel Lum and Will Choi interviewed Jason Whiffin and Viruna Tennakoon on their experiences during the Higher School Certificate; both of whom achieved exceptional improvements from their Year 11 KAI to final ATAR. Their messages were consistent, namely that effort and acting on teacher feedback was key but also that small adjustments such as removing technology during study is beneficial. Both boys also reflected on obstacles and set-backs during the year and how they used these as extra motivation; definitely worthwhile advice.

Year 12 could be likened to being a Formula One driver who is travelling so fast and is so focused that it can be difficult to gather perspective of what is happening around them. Assessments, sport, music, drama, cadets, technology, social lives and study are just a few examples of the things that students need to juggle. In discussion with several boys, including Aleksy Ginovic, Max Hurst, Josh Tait, Henry Hill, Max Couvret, Alex Campbell and Dan Plastourgos, we have developed the concept of BEAM as our collective aspirations for the Class of 2020. The concept includes the aims for each boy to:

- Be inclusive and build connections.

- Enjoy school each day.

- Attain personal and collective goals.

- Maintain perspective when faced with challenges.

It is hoped that this simple message is one which the boys consider during the year. At the core of the message is a relational perspective, which ensures people are engaged, grounded and kind to themselves and others, which is vital for personal and collective development.

Stay dry this weekend!

Duncan Stedman

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The Valedictory BBQ started again this week. The BBQ will be on every Wednesday at lunchtime to raise money to support the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner 2020. If you would like to volunteer a lunch time, please click here as there are still a few spots available.

I would like to thank all the boys for being so kind and helpful to the new Year 7 students. I have seen and received lovely feedback over the last couple of weeks.

From Week 3, Afterschool Mathematics Help will run on Tuesdays with Mr Charlier in room MO306 and on Wednesdays with Ms Keagan-Ward in the Academy of Global Competency. The sessions operate on a drop-in basis for any length of time between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, where students from all stages can ask for help with mathematics exercises and problems that they have typically been set in class.

Mr Weeding spoken to the year group on Thursday about the arrangements for Study Periods. This form needs to be completed by a Parent/Guardian, then handed back to me to be approved by Mr Weeding. All approvals will be subject to the student's attendance record.

For Terms 1 and 4, the opening hours for the Knox Uniform Shop are Monday through Friday 12.30pm -5.30pm and Saturday 9am-noon.

In light of the research behind Social Cognitive Learning Theory (reference below) and the importance of collaboration, accessing the experience of peers and role modelling, the Class of 2019 delivered the ‘Strategies for Success’ seminars. Thirty-eight boys from the Class of 2019 came in for the first two of three mentor sessions and ran seminars on how they prepared for the HSC. The boys outlined their HSC top tips with an emphasis on how they tackled the pressures of the HSC. A wide range of subjects were offered where the boys opted to attend and get involved in modelling on how to tackle questions, design answers and provided some insights into how to approach their chosen subjects as they move into the final three terms of Year 12.

On behalf of the boys, I would like to thank Trent Muskens and Charlie Sargent from the Class of 2019, for coordinating the seminars. The response from the boys was very positive and we can be sure the information has been absorbed and will be carried forward and used throughout the year.

Reference: Teach Thought Bandura, A. (1977) Social Learning Theory. New York: General Learning Press.

Have a lovely weekend

Robin Cherry 9119 0884

Co Curricular at Knox

Please click on the link below for more information about Co Curricular at Knox

2020 All Schools Individual Triathlon

2020 All Schools individual triathlon will be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith on Wednesday 26 February. Boys will get the bus out to the Regatta Centre from Knox and we will also look after the transport of your bicycle.

Race distances are as follows:

Juniors 12, 13, 14 years 400 m SWIM 10 Km CYCLE 3 Km RUN

Intermediates 15, 16 years 600 m SWIM 15 Km CYCLE 4 Km RUN

Seniors 17, 18, 19 years 750 m SWIM 20 Km CYCLE 5 Km RUN

The cost of $30 per person will be added to school fees.

If you have any questions, would like to enter or would like to participate in the Triathlon training sessions we run here at school, please contact Mr Hart.

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

Knox at Home 2020

Tuckshop Volunteers needed

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:

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

Computer Club

Computer Club is up and running again in 2020. The club runs in the iHub every Wednesday from 3.30pm – 5.30pm and operates as a drop-in space, so no long-term commitment or sign up is required. The club has a focus on computer programming. Students can use this space to work on technology related homework or extend their knowledge on computer programming or work on software-based projects. Students are also encouraged to participate in a number of computer-related competitions throughout the year, including NCSS Challenge.

David McGowan