In the first newsletter of this term I communicated that the year ahead offers our boys many challenges, opportunities and probably life-altering experiences. Little did I know at that point how much of a challenge we would all be presented with. Transition to Senior School for any student is challenging and different. Now presented with an online learning platform the boys are experiencing quite a different form of learning. What has been wonderful to note is the ability of our Year 7 boys, with the support, direction and encouragement of their teachers, Mentors, Team Leaders and parents, to adapt quickly and with purpose to this different world of learning. I am certain the ‘Introduction Week Program’ and in-class contact in the first six weeks of this term has significantly enhanced our boys in their online agility. This stated, we can all be so very proud of the manner in which the boys are now connected to their teachers, Mentor and peers. The challenge ahead is to hold, and I believe, deepen the quality of online learning throughout Term 2.

Parental support, monitoring and the regulation of online learning is so important during this time. Bearing this in mind I strongly recommend all parents consider the many technology tips provided in this week’s newsletter by Craig Whalland, the Head of Knox IT. I pray that the Easter period will give us all time to slow down, reflect on current circumstance and then approach Term 2 with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

Wayne Inwood

Just like that, the Class of 2025 have completed their first term of Senior School. We are tremendously proud of how the group have handled all the challenges the School has requested of them. It has been wonderful to see the boys engage in their online learning activities over the last few weeks. 

During this holiday period, we encourage the boys to take a step back and reflect on Term 1. It is important for them to look at what they have achieved and set some goals (both academic and personal) for the remainder of the year. Whilst the online learning environment poses some challenges, there are plenty of ways students can engage with co-curricular activities and their peers. Students, we would love to hear what you are doing to stay connected to your peers during online learning. If you have ideas about how we can assist with these connections, please let us know.

It is equally important that during these holidays, students take a break from their academic routines and enjoy screen free time. Hopefully this will mean that you have the chance as a family to build memories, even at this tricky time. We look forward to hearing all the exciting things that were done over the holiday break. Stay safe!

Lenore Kennedy

It has been wonderful to observe the way that boys and family members have adapted to Senior School life in Term 1. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them during this term. We can all be very proud of the way we, as members of the Knox Community, have pulled together to navigate the challenges of Term 1.

Jump in boys and take up the 21 Day Challenge. Feel free to send through any pictures you would like to share of your time studying at home.

I wish you all a healthy, safe and relaxing Easter break.

Bec Mitchelson  Ph:91190885

Thank you so much for your support of our transition to online learning over the past two weeks. It has been a steep learning curve for us all and the resilience of our amazing teachers, boys and parents in adapting to this new teaching and learning environment has been inspirational. The boys now have three weeks of holidays in which to recharge and to perhaps discover a new home hobby! Teachers will be working next week to further upskill and refine online learning pedagogy as well as to plan for Term 2. There will be some modifications required to some of the assessment tasks scheduled for Term 2; please encourage your son to read Student Café notifications carefully. Best wishes to you and your family for Easter.

Upcoming Assessment Tasks

Term 2 Week 2            Music (performance) – due Friday 8 May 

Term 2 Week 2 -        Technology – due Friday 8 May

Online access to the Stage 4 Study Skills Evening

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, you are able to access online videos of the study skills evening until Monday 13 April 2020. The videos outline tips and techniques from the study skills expert, Dr Prue Salter. There is also a section included with tips for managing remote home learning. Ideally it is best that you watch these videos together with your son.

Please take advantage of this valuable opportunity before access ends on Monday 13 April. 

The link to access the evening is:

https://www.studyskillshandbook.com.au/inside/vimeo/knox7.php 

username: knox

password: 7success

Janelle Charlton

Friday 3 April

Term 1 concludes

Saturday 4 April

21 Day Challenge begins

Tuesday 28 April

Term 2 commences

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is now closed until further notice. If parents wish to order items online, this can be done here. There will be an option to collect the orders. The dates for this will be advised on the Knox app in the next few days depending on the volume of orders.