As we have seen in recent weeks, there is no doubt that our society needs men of character and courage as we work together to address misogyny and gender disparity in Australia.

We are committed to shaping the values of our students through structured, age-appropriate educational programs from Prep through to the Senior School.

In the Prep School, the boys are challenged to live out our School values through the lens of Knox Total Fitness, involving class-based programs, and reinforced with supporting messages in assemblies and chapel services. These programs are complemented by parent seminars on topics such as digital citizenship, cyber safety and building resilience in our young men.

In the Senior School, our boys take part in a values-based educational program based on Knox Total Fitness, our integrated Positive Education program which aims to support and improve the social-emotional, physical, spiritual and academic fitness of every boy. This program takes place during mentor lessons, year group time, whole of school assembly and chapel, and includes special guest speakers.

These programs are specifically designed for our context as a boys’ school, with a focus on issues which relate to young men and our values. This includes education on positive relationships and consent, which is also covered in detail in the PDHPE curriculum.

These in-school programs are complemented by a series of parent seminars and events to provide a bridge between what is being taught at school and what is been taught in the home.

Throughout this year, we will be running a series of ‘Positive Parenting’ events for Senior School parents on topics including positive relationships and consent, alcohol and partying and mental health.

These programs have been carefully planned by our academy and psychology teams to be targeted at each year level based on the social and developmental age of the boys. They will mirror the concepts we are talking about with the boys in school.

For example, in Terms 2 and 3 we will be running seminars for parents of students in Years 5 to 8 on topics including positive relationships and consent, study skills in the home and managing technology use. We are opening these seminars up to Knox Prep parents who may have an interest in these topics.

In Years 9 and 10, our seminars will cover respectful relationships, Knox Total Fitness and subject selection/careers.

In Years 11 and 12, our seminars will further explore positive relationships, masculinity and emotional literacy.

Look out for further information about these events in our newsletters. If there are topics that are of particular interest for future seminars, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your academy team to share your ideas.

Thank you again for your support of the School and our mission. Together, we are a great team in parenting and shaping young men.

Scott James

On a less positive note, the boys were reminded of the importance of respecting the wonderful facilities that they have access to every day, and to call out their peers should they make a poor choice. The message was directed at a very small group of Stage 6 boys, and we are looking for an improvement from this group.

In the spiritual domain, Year 12 had their first Chapel service in the School Chapel since COVID-19 restrictions came into play last year. It was a rousing service, and 'Lord of the Dance' could be heard echoing throughout the upper North Shore at 10.30am on Wednesday morning, as it was sung with gusto. It was a special service, and the behaviour and engagement from Year 12 was outstanding.

In the midst of assessments, and at the end of a busy term, it is an appropriate time for a pastoral check-in with our boys. With this in mind, Year 12 took part in an MMG Survey with the aim of identifying any potential wellbeing issues, or opportunities for boys to be contacted and reminded of support structures within the School.

Next week sees the last of the assessment tasks, with Economics, Legal Studies and Visual Arts in the wings. The focus for many boys will then shift to the impending AFX Camp and Senior Academy Expedition, which will be a wonderful way to round out a huge term.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend, and be sure to contact your son’s mentor or Team Leaders should you have any questions or concerns.

Adam Shaw

Wednesday evening we attended the first Boarders' Chapel and Dinner in over a year. It was so nice to spend some out of class time with these young men as things feel like they are returning to some resemblance of normality, with the night made even more special by returning to our beautiful Chapel. Congratulations to Josh Cao, recipient of the SBC House Manager's Award, Lee Li recipient of the KBC House Manager's Award and to Eason Ye and Rex Xiao, both recipients of the Y12 ConneXions Award.

Yesterday at lunchtime in front of a supportive crowd the hair clippers were buzzing. The coloured hair spraying created a rainbow of colours, all united to raise money for The World's Greatest Shave. Led by Headmaster Scott James and Knox WGS Team leader Charlie Herdman, students and staff joined together and raised in excess of $46,000 and the counts continues.

Last night I was fortunate enough to join a limited capacity audience consisting of parents and colleagues to watch the first performance of Disney's musical Beauty and the Beast in the Wenkart Theatre. It was such a treat to be able to watch the performance live and enjoy the amazing cast and crew.  As always the performance was a spectacular success that had us all tapping our toes and humming along to the songs. Congratulations to all involved.

Knox is once again asking for donations of pots of noodles and Easter eggs for the homeless and those in need over the Easter break. For some this may be the only thing they have for this special time of year. As always, Knox families have already given generously. Please bring your donations in until Thursday 1 April as as normal classes will run all the way through until the end of the last day of the term - Thursday 1 April - and that's no April Fool joke! Let's make our last Easter at Knox the best one yet.

Please note all students are expected to attend classes as normal every day until term ends on Thursday 1 April if not away due to either the AFX Camp or Senior Expedition.

Year 12 Colours Awards are now published. Please see here for the list of students. Please refer to the Uniform Shop section below for the full instructions for submitting blazers for embroidery this term.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that the Year 12 Wednesday BBQs on the terrace will recommence on Wednesday 21 April, Week 1 of Term 2. The BBQ will not be taking any cash or Flexischools payments - eftpos sales only. More details to come in the next weeks.

Debra Barnard

In Year Meeting next week we will provide the boys with advice on planning their break. As we have said in earlier terms, all term breaks should be considered a ‘study break’ which involves a good balance of study time and personal time. To help achieve this we have provided an A3 template that will be available in Mentor Group next Tuesday and on the portal. We reinforced the importance of ongoing and consistent revision and study, formulated around a study plan. We also reinforced the need to have a good balance and to keep exercising and maintaining a healthy diet and sleep regime. We will also mention that Seniors’ Hall will be open with access to Old Boy Coaches over the two-week period from 8am–4 pm. Coaches will attend from 10am–1 pm.

The Half Yearly Report published last Friday has been refreshed with marks from recent assessment tasks and co-curricular lists will be refreshed next Friday 26 March. We would like to encourage the boys to look over their individualised Half Yearly Reflection sheet that is aligned with their dispositions.

With many boys away in week 10B on AFX Camp and the Senior Academy Expedition, no new work will be covered in class, however, it will be a valuable time to be in the ‘Quadrant of Quality’ consolidating past work and completing revision under the guidance of their teachers.

Gregory Nunan and Beth Goddard

Flying Officer Alex Cross (OKG15) is an Air Force Logistics Officer, currently posted to Number 3 Control and Reporting Unit (3CRU) at RAAF Base Williamtown. He studied a Bachelor of Business in the Chief of the Defence Force Students Program whilst undertaking officer training at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). He graduated top of his class at ADFA, being awarded the Commander in Chiefs' Medal in 2018. His presentation will focus on his time at ADFA and his career since.

William Degotardi (OKG19) is an undergraduate student at UNSW Sydney. After completing a Gap Year in the Australian Army in 2020, he is now studying a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). Additionally, he is a member of the Australian Army Reserve. William's presentation will focus on pathways into the Australian Defence Force, as well as the benefits and experiences gained from undertaking the ADF Gap Year.

Sub-Lieutenant Simon Fenech (OKG12) is a Maritime Warfare Officer in the Royal Australian Navy. After leaving school, Simon studied a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts at Macquarie University, prior to joining the Royal Australian Navy in 2018. Sub-Lieutenant Fenech is currently posted to HMAS Choules, one of three amphibious ships within the Australian Fleet, as an Officer of the Watch. His presentation will focus on a direct entry pathway into Defence and his career since joining.

Upcoming Event - save the date
• Knox Careers Night – Tuesday 25 May 2021, Great Hall, from 5.30pm to 8pm

Linda Gomez

Table Tennis
Whilst the majority of summer sport has concluded and we move into the winter season, we still have two sports yet to finish due to their success. Our Table Tennis squad just won the Independent Schools Cup with a huge win over Scots College. Well done team and congratulations to all coaches on such an enjoyable season.

Baseball
Our Baseball team are Grand Final bound this weekend after defeating Five Dock in the semi final last weekend. Knox relished the home ground advantage hitting 7 runs to the opposition's 3. The Grand Final will be one to watch as Knox tied against Concord St Pat's in their previous recent encounter. The competition’s two standout teams have their eyes on the prize to ultimately be crowned the Champions of the Ryde Hawks Baseball League. Good luck to the Knox Baseball team!

Congratulations
Euan Liney (Y12) represented Knox as part of the Knox Pymble SC at the 2021 Australian Open Water championships. Euan competed in both 7.5km, and 5km 16-18 year old men’s events. In challenging conditions, Euan claimed two medals, a Silver (7.5km), and Bronze (5km) medal in these events. Congratulations to Euan for winning his first and second national medals!

Branden Tse (Y9) was selected into the NSW state team to represent in the Youth National Archery Championship 2021 that were to be held in Tasmania in April, but sadly, the competition has been postponed. On 7 March Branden also participated in a qualifying ranking event in Canberra and he shot a State Record for round WA60/720 with a score of 645. The previous state record was 638. Well done, Branden!

Track and Field
The weekend saw a number of Knox athletes contest the prestigious NSW Junior Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. With numerous personal bests achieved throughout the meet, it was a most positive start to our 2021 campaign and a real testament to the commitment that boys are showing to their training. There were so many pleasing results over the last few days, the following are some stand outs:

• James Harden (Y9), after running a PB in the sprint hurdles, ran a new personal best in the 400m prelims only to better this again in the finals by over a second. A big congratulations to him for placing 2nd in pole vault.
• Sophie Harden competed well in the Under 15 Pole Vault and Under 15 2000m Steeplechase. In the Steeplechase Sophie came 4th in her age group.
• Tom Plasto (Y11) improved his personal best by over 1.5 seconds to run a very fast 52.51sec 400 metres.
• Dylan Hall (Y9) ran an absolutely blistering 11.26 seconds in the 100m as a 14 year old to come second by 0.02 seconds. Dylan also claimed the NSW State title for the 200m and Long jump winning both of these events over the weekend. Absolutely fantastic result for Dylan.
• Sean Williams (Y10) took out 2nd place in the 3000m with a blistering 9:31.25min shaving 27 seconds off his previous personal best. Sean also backed up to run the 1500m where he finished a very respectable 6th and earned a new personal best of 14 seconds.
• Maks Saravanja (Y7) took out 2nd place and the silver medal in high jump with a clearance of 1.55 metres.
• Chester Swaffer (Y8) not only achieved a new PB in the 400m, but finished 6th in the 800 metres - both very tough events to contest over the course of the weekend and a great result.
• Hamish Hart (Y11) achieved 3rd place in the 1500 metres - a great effort with a 7 second personal best.

Sydney Swans – AFL
You might recall the recent announcements of Braeden and Luke Parks being picked up in the draft. Braeden Campbell (OKG19) has now been selected to make his debut for the Sydney Swans this weekend. Good luck, Braeden.

Snow Sports
Snow Sport Regional Interschools nominations are now open. The competition registration form is accessible via the Knox app. Ensure that you are subscribed to Snow Sports. Regional Interschools run from 28 June to 2 July with students able represent Knox through the Interschools Competition Pathway. Unfortunately, the Recreation and Competition Camps that have been run in previous years is not able to proceed in 2021 but all Snow Sport competitors are encouraged to participate in the Regional Interschools.

Holiday action
Please be sure to check and get involved in any holiday camps offered here at Knox through the Term 1 break to stay fit and keep skills up. If you have any queries, please email Sport or your Director of Sport/Coach who will have more information.

Wet weather
Whilst we do absolutely everything we possibly can to get our boys a game or training run each week, this coming weekend looks particularly bad with weather and, whilst we want our boys to continue the trial process, we also need to look after our fields in preparation for Term 2 and beyond. Alerts will be sent via the Knox app of any cancellations.

I hope your son has enjoyed the transition into the winter program and is looking forward to an exciting Term 2 of sport wearing the Black and Blue!

Martin Haywood

Here are some general tips for sleeping well:

• Schedule regular sleep and wake times. The body’s internal clock and the hormones that help control sleepiness and wakefulness work best when sleeping patterns are consistent. Try to keep similar sleep/wake times even during weekends, if possible.
• Strengthen the association between bed and sleep by avoiding using the bed as a place to watch TV, eat, read, work on a laptop, or anything other than sleep.
• Regular exercise and a healthy balanced diet can also help your son sleep well, but timing is important. Strenuous exercise or heavy meals too close to bed time can interrupt sleep, but an empty stomach can also be distracting. A light snack closer to bed time could help.
• Wind down away from technology an hour before sleep. Blue screen light and bright lights may reduce the level of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin that is produced at night. Try developing a routine that prepares the body and mind for sleep, such as listening to quiet music, light stretching, taking a shower/bath or meditation.

Stress and worries can make it difficult to ‘switch off’ at night. If this is a problem for your son, try setting aside a ‘worry time’ during the evening (not too close to bed time). Choose a particular time, place, and length of time for worrying each day. He can use this dedicated time to think, make plans and consider possible solutions. Writing worries down can often help to declutter the mind. Ensure that any worries outside of this time are postponed until the next ‘worry time’. For professional support, contact your GP. Your son can also contact the Knox Wellbeing Centre during school hours to speak with a school psychologist.

Gemma Mestroni, Intern

CrossTrain - Monday 5 July to Friday 9 July 2021
Camp for Years 7-12 students

Run in the winter school holidays, CrossTrain is a camp for Christian students in senior school. This life changing camp will help students learn how to prioritise living for Jesus and serving Him at school. They will return enthused for ministry in school and equipped to serve their CRU group.

Students can find out more and register here.

Amy Keir, English Teacher

The 1980s was a distinctive and iconic era in popular music. Unsurprisingly there was a sense of nostalgia for those listening to our boys perform, with the unmistakeable melodies travelling across the school grounds. Some of the material covered in this year’s heats included: 'Take On Me' by a-ha, 'Don’t Change' by INXS, 'You Give Love a Bad Name' by Bon Jovi, 'Money For Nothing' by Dire Straits and 'Message In A Bottle' by The Police - just to name a few.

I am so pleased to see the standard of performances getting stronger each year. This was the strongest BOBs Heats to date and it was certainly a tough call for our panel of guest judges to pick five groups to progress through to the Finals (to be held in Term 2). It is hard to avoid some disappointment for participating students in this scenario, but all bands should be very proud of themselves for having the courage to step up to the stage and put on such entertaining performances for us all.

The five bands chosen to progress through to the 2021 Knox BOBs Finals are:


Dreamville (Y12): Sam Luo - Vox, Leo Cui - Guit, Gavin Lee - Keys, Tom McCann - Guit, Tom Goddard - Drums, Will Baily - Bass, Dom Rodriguez Russel - Sax/Vox.


Scapegoat (Y12): Aria Nayer - Vox, Asha Nayer - Guitar, Nick Grattan - Guitar 2, Oli Gordon - Bass, Bill Parker - Keys, Finn Carolan - Drums.


Broken Fork (Y11): Matt Ifield - Vox, Flynn MacGregor - Guit, Josh Darley - Bass, James Phipson - Keys, Alex Benson - Drums.


The Curls (Y10): Horatio Ctercteko - Vox, Achille Fong - Vox/Guit, Kyle Halfpenny - Guit, Angus Cook - Drums, Alec Germanos - Bass/Vox, Ethan Huang - Keys.


The Unknown (Y9): Kailoh Ramcharan - Vox, Lucas Joergensen - Guit, Ethan Bawtree - Bass, Harry Liubinskas - Drums.

Thank you to our guest judges: Mr Chris Costaganna, Ms Bree Anderson, Ms Kenia Ramirez, Mr Alec Openshaw and Mr Andrew McLachlan. Thank you to James Brice and the KAPA Department, and the Music Department for their ongoing support and mentorship with these boys. Thanks to Bob Wheatley for the sound production, Warren Fisher and the Tech Crew boys, to Chuck Ardron for his assistance in coordinating the event and to Scott James, Phil O’Regan and all of the staff who continue to support the boys and this event.

Finally, a big thank you and congratulations to all participating bands and best of luck to the five bands that are progressing through to the Finals!

Rob Ewan, Coordinator of Contemporary Music Studies

Each student submitting a blazer must do the following:

• Insert the form in the top pocket of the blazer when handed in.
• All badges and personal possessions to be removed from the blazer pockets.
• The blazer must be clearly named with a laundry marker so it can be identified.
• For Colours from previous years that have been not added, the student must supply with evidence of the award either by sight by a Uniform Shop staff member or provide copies of the certificate.

Any blazer received without the completed paperwork will not be embroidered.

For students going on the Cadet Camp, students attending AFX Advance Party will be required to hand in blazers to Mrs Blackburn in the WSA on Monday 22 March. All other Year 12 Colour awarded students will be required to hand in their blazers by Wednesday 24 March, 5pm.

Year 12 students remaining at school will be allowed to wear their Year 12 jersey in lieu of their blazer for the remainder of Term 1.

The blazers will be available for collection from 8am on Tuesday 20 April from the Uniform Shop. If they are ready earlier, there will be a notification on the Knox app and the Uniform Shop Facebook page.

If this deadline is missed, the next opportunity to receive colours is Term 3.

Trading Hours
Monday to Friday: 12.30pm-5.30pm
Saturday (Terms 1 and 4 only): 9am-12noon

Term 1 Holiday Trading Hours
Thursday 1 April - Uniform Shop closes at 5.30pm
Friday 2 April through to Monday 5 April - Closed for Public Holiday
Tuesday 6 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Wednesday 7 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Thursday 15 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Friday 16 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Saturday 17 April - 9am-12noon
Monday 19 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Tuesday 20 April (First day of Term 2) - 8am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm) 

For all enquiries, please contact via us by phone 9487 0191 or email. You may also visit the Knox website here for more information.

Julie Blackburn, Knox Uniform Shop Manager

Tuckshop volunteers will be required to adhere to the following COVID-19 requirements:

• Do not attend if unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms
• Sign in at main reception, 2 Borambil Street, prior to meeting a Sodexo Supervisor in the Middle Academy Canteen
• Gloves, hair net and apron to be worn - provided by Sodexo
• Face mask to be worn – please bring your own
• Practise good hygiene (hand sanitisation etc.)
• Maintain a physical distance of 1.5m from other adults
• Comply with food safety requirements as instructed by Sodexo

All volunteers are also asked to please read and comply with the Knox Volunteer Code of Conduct.

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

Second Chance Appeal 
Week 9 is the week to donate good quality clothing for the Second Chance Appeal; an initiative of Parramatta Mission and the Thread Harvest. Your clothing will be recycled to support the many projects for people in need in the Parramatta areas. Please deliver any good quality clothes to Room 15 (Mrs Clarke’s Office) or the SAOs.

Easter eggs and noodle donations
Each year, we collect Easter eggs and pots of noodles for the homeless in the city. This gives them a hot meal and a little bit of care at Easter time. Please leave your donations with the SAOs or Mrs Clarke. 

Helen Clarke, Head of Diversity Justice and Stewardship