Dear Parents

I would like to provide all parents with an update on our COVID-19 Student Attendance Guideline. Please read the policy document below.

Student Attendance Guideline for Parents 

A few key points:
• If your child is unwell, please don’t send them to School.
• If your child has been in any of the reported case location listed by NSW Health, please read and follow the guidelines from NSW Health. This list is changing daily and it is imperative you check this list regularly for the protection of our School community.
• We ask that parents take their child’s temperature each morning at home using a digital thermometer. If your child has a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees, please do not send them to School. Please follow the guidelines in the document above.

Thank you

Phil O'Regan

Many of our boys completed their Trial Drama Performances this week and what a treat it was to watch the performances. I had to continually remind myself that we were not watching professionals, but students. The topics were so varied, from chasing hounds in the English countryside, to Nazi Germany, to slightly odd lighthouse keepers and romantic butchers! As I watched these performances, I was acutely aware that you, as parents, were missing this incredible opportunity to watch your son perform and I can only hope that you are able to watch and support the Class of 2020 at a later date or through a video stream. They really are a very talented group of young men who have worked extremely hard with their passionate and talented teachers. I can’t wait to see the Music Performances on Monday night!

During Year Meeting this week, Charlie Slack-Smith interviewed our three Year 12 boys who remain in Hong Kong; Adam Wu, Jackson Ngo and Sean Kung. We loved seeing their faces on Zoom on the big screen in the Seniors' Hall. How difficult it must be working in isolation without the camaraderie of the Class of 2020. We miss them and wish they were here with us. To finish up we had some fun with a quiz organised by the boarders which was all about the boarders. We learned who lived the furthest away, who was the oldest, who had the largest farm and what Lucas Chamen was famous for in Condobolin! Cameron Mitchell won the Kahoot and it was a fun way to lift the spirits this week.

Past years have shown that these few weeks leading up to the Trial Examinations are particularly stressful for students. We need to remind them that this is just another set of assessments which normally feels harder than the HSC, not because the exams are set at a harder standard, but because they are not yet HSC ready. This is normal and expected.  In discussions with the boys, I have heard some are worried they will disappoint their parents, others think this is their last chance at redeeming their rank and yet others have realised that in the scheme of things, the results do not matter as much as some people make out. We continue to reiterate that there are multiple ways into courses and that if they do not get the results they strive for, it is not the end of the world. All we should be asking is that they try their best. Now is the time to nurture, encourage and love your son. They know what they must do to achieve their goals and do not need to feel any more pressure. We know the cohort has been travelling well and are very confident in their ability to rise to the challenge of the Trials and beyond.

2020 has been an extraordinary year and as such, Year 12 has been invited to take part in an anonymous and voluntary survey from an international team of researchers from Australia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands and Colombia. The aim of this survey is to gather thoughts from the Class of 2020 around the impact of this year of uncertainty and change on their education, emotions and thoughts around future pathways and feelings of security. It is a great opportunity to be part of world-wide research and I hope most boys will choose to be involved.

Enjoy the weekend and stay safe. 

Beth Goddard

A huge congratulations to Hugh Rose, as he came first in Australia in the IAAC (International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition) 2020 and was in the top 5% of all international participants. Well done Hugh; what an amazing achievement!

What a wonderful week it has been. I was fortunate enough to watch 39 of the Year 12 Drama students perform their HSC Drama Trial Performances. The boys were amazing and I was very proud of all their hard work and resilience. For many it was the first time they had performed on stage.

During lunch break on Wednesday, I had the privilege of seeing Doug Harrison, Rhys Owen, Calum Pincott, Xander Ryan, Ryan Thom and Derek Zhou preform their HSC Music piece in the Wenkart Theatre. Oskar Loofs and Andrew Peng were also among the boys that performed today. Wow! …what talented young men they all are.I look forward to the recital evening on Monday night and hopefully I will have photo's for next week’s newsletter.

Traditionally in the winter months, we do a food drive for daily staples destined for Sydney families who are struggling and living in very challenging conditions. The following non-perishable donations may be handed in to me: long life milk, cereal, coffee, tea, cans of meat, vegetables, fruit and/or soup, cup of soup, dried fruit. Note: no glass items, please. I would like to thank everyone that has already donated to this very worthwhile cause.

What an inspiration it is to see Alex (Richter) back at school. His beautiful smile and shear determination is inspiring. I have included a flyer for the upcoming fundraiser for Alex. I will be dusting off my 'active wear' and start pounding the pavement in preparation for a long walk; please join me. Please click here for more information.

Mrs Yager has produced an amazing video of our boys and their Year 12 Showcase, click here to view. 

Finally, I would like to congratulate all who competed at the Track and Field on Wednesday. A great achievement by Lucas van de Scheur - 17 years and Sam Nicholl - 18-19 years, as they are their Age group champions for 2020. Well done! Mitch Westhuizen our Track & Field Captain, smashed the previous 3000m record by an incredible 32 seconds (the previous record was also Mitch’s record). Not being enough for Mitch, he went on to also break the 1500 metre record by nearly 10 seconds. An incredible effort by our Captain! 

Have a wonderful weekend and I may see you tomorrow at sport.

Robin Cherry 9119 0884

Just a reminder that all the recent wellbeing resources produced by the Knox Psychologists can be found on the Knox Portal – Knox Wellbeing Centre – Wellbeing Blogs. Please click here to access.

Included here are information on Low Mood v. Normal Teenage Mood Swings, Managing Conflict at Home, Procrastination, Healthy Eating; and includes videos on: Internet/Devices Issues with Knox researcher in residence Dr Philp Tam, and The Optimal Parenting Webinar.

To make an appointment to speak to a Knox psychologist please contact us here.

Tuesday 4 August

• Battle of the Bands Final

Wednesday 5, Thursday 6 and Friday 7 August

• Year 12 Music Trial Performances

Thursday 6 August

• NAIDOC Assembly

Friday 7 August 

• MMG Education Survey -Details

Tuesday 11 August

• Photos - Winter Sports - AFL, Rugby, Football, Sailing, Squash, Tennis Volleyball, Debating & Mock Trial Teams, Reps, Captains of Sports (Summer & Winter)

Monday 17 August and Tuesday 18 August

• Year 12 Study Days

Wednesday 19 August to Wednesday 2 September

• Year 12 2020 Trials

If you are considering studying and working in the Business industry this will be an important event to learn more about the many possibilities on offer.

When: Monday 10 August 2020, 6pm-7pm
Where: Online via Zoom (a link will be sent to you after registration)
Who: Years 10, 11 and 12 students and their parents

Register now by clicking here or download the PDF for more information.

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Dear Year 12 Parents,

I’m writing to provide an update about our Year 12 farewell events which are due to take place later this term. 

I would like to congratulate the boys for their focus and commitment to their studies over the last few weeks. They continue to be outstanding role models for the younger boys with maturity and leadership through these times.

As you will be aware, the COVID-19 pandemic is 'on a knife’s edge' in Sydney and NSW, with on-going uncertainty regarding the weeks and months ahead. While we cannot predict the future, we are committed to ensuring our Year 12 boys receive a fitting farewell and have their achievements celebrated. If required, we may also look to hold events for Year 12 boys and parents in 2021, when restrictions allow.

Year 12 Formal

I know the boys have been greatly looking forward to the Year 12 Formal. However, due to current venue restrictions, the Year 12 Formal planned for Thursday 3 September has unfortunately been cancelled.

Valedictory Ceremony

This event will take place on Monday 21 September. Due to NSW Government limitations on capacity of events, it is extremely unlikely that parents will be able to attend. At this stage, we are planning to hold this event for students only, with the ceremony to be live streamed to YouTube for parents and extended family members to view. We will provide an update should restrictions ease between now and then that will allow us to invite parents to attend.

Year 12 Valedictory Dinner

It is important to note, this is a very large event with more than 1,000 people in attendance. Current NSW Government restrictions means that Miramare Gardens (and all other function centres) currently have their capacity limited to 150 people. It is highly unlikely we will be able to hold the dinner with parents on Monday 21 September but are hopeful, with some additional time, that this event can proceed on Tuesday 17 November.

It’s important for the boys to have an opportunity to come together to celebrate their graduation. If restrictions allow, we are looking at holding an alternate event for the boys only on-campus on the evening of Monday 21 September. Further information will be provided in the weeks ahead.

Year 12 farewell events

At this stage, the following student-only events will proceed - Back to the Prep (Wednesday 16 September), Final Chapel Service (Wednesday 16 September), Year 12 Final Assembly (Thursday 17 September) and Carnival Day (Friday 18 September); format may be modified.

The CAS Track and Field Carnival on Thursday 17 September will go ahead at this stage (modified format, no spectators).

Unfortunately the Parent Breakfast with the Boys to be held on Friday 18 September has been cancelled due to venue capacity limits.

Boarders’ Chapel and Dinner

An event to farewell Year 12 Boarders will be held on Friday 18 September. At this stage, this event will proceed for Year 12 Boarders and their parents only (if restrictions allow).

Farewell event for Cadets and Pipes and Drums

A ‘Passing Out’ event for Year 12 Cadets and members of the Knox Pipes and Drums will be held on the morning of Monday 21 September. This event will farewell the members of the Cadet Unit and the band and thank them for their achievements. At this stage, it is unlikely parents will be able to attend this event.

Further updates and support

The government advice and restrictions regarding COVID-19 continues to change daily.

It is important to note that parent and student attendance at School events is subject to the COVID-19 protocols. This means that students may be unable to attend events if they are unwell or if they have been to a location or venue listed by NSW Health.

While this group of boys is incredibly resilient, we are continuing to encourage the boys to reach out to each other and ‘check in’ on their mates.

As always, the Knox Psychology Team is able to support any boys or family who need extra wellbeing support through this challenging time. Please don’t hesitate to call 9119 0828 or email.

Thank you for your on-going support of the boys and the School.

Kind regards,

Scott James