This week in our Year Meeting, we posed the following quote to the boys: “Be less curious about people, and more curious about ideas”. This quote, by Marie Curie, was perfectly timed as we had two of our Year 7 boys present to the cohort about an initiative they designed with the Social Justice Club. This idea involved the boys writing letters of gratitude to our front line workers. They met with older boys and staff to workshop their idea, designed the poster, placed these all around the campus and advertised it to Year Groups. This is the positive impact we want to see our Year 7's make on the culture of our Year Group and wider Knox community. We encouraged our cohort to think on the ways they could create a positive influence as the Class of 2025. This quote has hopefully encouraged the boys to look and think more outwardly.  

It has been a pleasure to see the boys focus on their academic goals for this term. During Mentor this week, boys have been reflecting on their time management skills, both in the short and long term. They have mapped out their upcoming assessments for the term and discussed ways in which to balance their homework commitments, extra-curricular interests and downtime. Boys are using the JAPAC lounge regularly after school, and engaging with the teachers on duty in a polite and respectful manner. It has been a delight to see the boys increasingly take charge of their own learning and be proactive in seeking help to ensure their education moves forward in a positive fashion.

As always, the Knox campus is buzzing with activity, and even in these challenging times, the boys are showing their resilience by doing their best in every facet of the School. I have had numerous conversations over the last few weeks where boys have shared stories about something new they have tried at the School. Whether that be the Track and Field event last week, or a new co-curricular ensemble, the boys are making their stamp on the School and taking up as many opportunities to get involved as possible. Knox has such a large offering of different co-curricular activities that it would be hard not to find something they could be passionate about. The beauty of being in Year 7 is that you have the time to discover these new areas of interest. They are also a great way to continue building their connection to the School and finding new social circles, so I encourage all boys to try something new this semester. If they are unsure what is on offer, please touch base with your son’s Mentor. Details can also be found via the Year 7 Knox Portal Co-Curricular Activities.

Clare Yuan

This week the boys joined in NAIDOC Week celebrations with some attending a traditional Smoking Ceremony while all students finished the week with a special NAIDOC themed School Assembly. Many of our students also attended the Battle of the Bands Final in the Wenkart Theatre, which was taken out by Year 11 band, Scapegoat. This is a great activity that the students can look forward to being involved with next year. 

Due to the ongoing and everchanging COVID-19 concerns, I ask that when you submit a parent notification through Parent Lounge regarding your son's absence due to illness, that you clearly specify the reason for the illness. The School asks that any student who is unwell stay at home. If your son is displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, runny nose, cough etc) the School requires that a COVID-19 test is completed, and your son must remain at home until a negative result is received and/or clearance is given by a treating General Practitioner.

Our Social Justice Leadership Team are currently running a number of projects outlined below.

Operation Gratitude
Year 11 students, Ben Rothery and Seb Henriksen, are coordinating this important initiative to thank COVID-19 front line workers and send letters to those isolated in local Aged Care Facilities. Click here to view the poster for this initiative designed by our Year 7 students, Saxon McDonnell and Lachlan Lollback. 

School shoes for the Philippines
Later in the term, we will be seeking donations of school shoes. These shoes are life-changing to many poor children and importantly, allow many to attend school. More information to follow.

Have a great weekend.

Bec Mitchelson Ph: 91190885

Please note: there are no assessments planned for Weeks 4 and 5 for Year 7.

Janelle Charlton

The year of 2020 will be one we remember for a variety of reasons. Personally, I think it’s great the amount of quality family time that has occurred because of social restrictions. It’s not often that family, school, work, sport and social agendas align. Professionally, I have reservations on the digital habits the students have developed this year. The amount of online learning and screen time our students have clocked up this year is concerning and I believe as a combined teacher and parent team we need to be aware of their online behaviour. Some of us are of the age where if we needed knowledge or information we asked our parents or teachers. Today, search engines are progressively taking up that position. Research shows that during their mid teenage years, students start to move away from the beliefs of their parents and start taking on the values and beliefs of their friends and other influencers. Are we comfortable with our students getting their values and beliefs from online sources?

It is also timely to check in with the boys about who they are talking to online. They need to be aware and equip themselves with the same 'stranger danger' knowledge they were taught early in life and use that in an online setting as well. As an example, Discord app is currently used by many students. If you read the advertisement it’s 'Your place to talk', from what I hear most of our students talk about gaming or swapping extensions for gaming. The concerning point is the boys can be talking to complete strangers on that app who can also call them through the app. At school this app is blocked on the boys' computers; however, they can access it on their phones or when at home. We encourage you to have the conversation, if you haven’t already with your sons about what they are using online and who they are talking to. 

Andrea Wiffen

Friday 25 September

Term 3 concludes

Information regarding summer sport choices have been emailed to all boys in Years 7-11. Choices should be carefully considered and made as soon as possible. Submissions must be made by 14 August at the latest.

If you have any questions, please contact us here.

Martin Haywood, Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

All students will be expected to wear their summer uniform on the first day of Term 4.

Please be aware that due to social distancing measures, we only have two changing rooms available at the Uniform Shop and we are also in the process of sizing Year 8 Cadets. To avoid long waiting times, we would advise checking your son’s summer uniform now and, if you require new uniform, please order early. Alternatively if you know their new size, orders can be placed on Flexischools. Students in the Senior School are permitted to collect orders at lunchtime or after school.

COMING SOON- Washable reusable Face Mask in French Navy made from 3 layer cotton with filter pocket. Sizing: standard & Large, price $12.50, Model wearing standard. Available for pre-order, delivery expected week commencing 17th August. Please call Uniform Shop 9487 0191 or order via Flexischools.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Uniform Shop opening times: Monday through to Friday 12.30pm - 5pm.

Between April through to June, 48 members of our Knox Year 7 Wind Band have kept the beat going throughout the COVID-19 mandatory isolation period, approaching rehearsals through interactive virtual platforms. After weeks of recording, producing, editing and mastering our recorded footage, I am absolutely delighted to share this final ‘highly professional’ AV presentation of our Knox Year 7 Wind Band perform ‘Darklands March’ by Randall Standridge - Isolation Project from Term 2.   

The recording may be viewed here. 

I imagine that you will watch this many times as the final product is EXTRAORDINARY!

James Brice, Head of Co-Curricular Performing Arts

What a great start we had to NAIDOC Week with a traditional Smoking Ceremony and the subsequent unveiling of the acknowledgement plaque that features the Guringai language on it.