It was wonderful to see the boys back on campus this week. They have returned to an environment that has been altered to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those on campus and we are proud of the way the boys have embraced this change. Not only did they enjoy spending time with their mates, but also having face-to-face lesson time with their teachers. We hope that our students have a greater appreciation of the little things in life that we sometimes take for granted.  

The boys were looking very dapper in their winter uniforms,  after such a long absence from being on campus.

As we embrace the new ‘normal’, it is essential that the boys continue to meet the School's expectations in terms of their learning. It is expected that students complete all necessary classwork, with any remaining work being completed for homework.  Academic help is always available and we recommend that students' first point of call is to contact their class teacher for assistance. In the event of student wellbeing concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your son's Mentor so we can assist and support your son.

As Term 1 reports are now available online, we encourage the boys to reflect on the term and use the feedback they received to set themselves goals for the remainder of the year. We understand the increase in academic demands between primary and high school, and it is pleasing to see so many of the boys making use of the many study support strategies available or seeking assistance from a staff member. A reminder that whilst there is no access to the locker area, boys need to consolidate what they carry in their bag each day. It is important that they arrive at each of their lessons well prepared and with the necessary materials. 

Lenore Kennedy

The boys are back in town! It was so exciting to have the boys return to campus this week. Many of them seemed overjoyed to be returning and to see their mates in person again. I was certainly pleased to have them back popping into my office for assistance or just to say hello. From speaking to many of them, it was reassuring to hear they are looking forward to their face-to-face lessons returning full-time from Wednesday 27 May.  

Have a lovely weekend and I look forward to seeing you all back next week. 

Bec Mitchelson  Ph:91190885

I trust that you have viewed your son’s Term 1 report which is available via Parent Lounge and found the Mediative questions document useful in your conversations with your son to support him to reflect on his learning and consider how he might improve.

In Stage Assembly this week the boys viewed a video explaining how to interpret the reports. We are also collating a Frequently Asked Questions document which arose from the three online parent sessions that we held this week. We are still working on this document and will not be able to get you the full FAQ until early next week; however, in the interim, the following two questions were raised in all three sessions so we wanted to provide you with these answers as soon as possible. 

Q: How is the cumulative grade determined?

The cumulative grade is based on the weighted assessment results only. Weighted assessment tasks are listed in the Assessment-related policies and procedures handbook which has been uploaded to the Parent Portal.

Q: What are the mark cut-offs for each letter grade? Are they consistent across all subjects?

The grade cut-offs (A-E) are individually determined by the Heads of Department for their respective subjects, informed by the NESA grade descriptors.

A reminder that we are running an extensive number of Academic Support Sessions after school this term. Please encourage your son to attend some of these online sessions to gain help with a particular subject.

Upcoming assessment tasks for Year 7

Janelle Charlton

With the School returning by Wednesday of Week 5 for all year groups, the co-curricular program has made the following adjustments. Please download the PDF document here for all the information for students to continue to be involved in these important and beneficial programs.

For any questions or concerns regarding the co-curricular program offered in Term 2, please feel free to contact me via email.

Chuck Ardron

Tuesday 26 May

Year 7 Students return to campus

Wednesday 27 May

Year 7 - 10 return for face to face lessons

Monday 8 June

Queen's Birthday - Public Holiday

Friday 26 June

Term 2 concludes 

We warmly invite you to watch a video of the Knox ANZAC Memorial Service 2020.

This video features an address by Dr Brendan Nelson AO, readings by members of the Cadet Unit, musical items and a performance of ‘Amazing Grace’ which has been compiled using recordings of pipers from the Knox Grammar School Pipes and Drums playing at their homes.

Reconciliation Week: 27 May- 3 June
Each year at Knox our Reconciliation Week Assembly is a special event in our calendar. This year’s theme is ‘In this together’. The ceremony will be held on Wednesday 27 May at 10.30am.

Our guest speaker this year is Uncle John Francis Kinsela OAM. John is a decorated soldier, ex-Olympian and Aboriginal elder.  John is the uncle of Bill Humes (Year 8 boarder). A few of John’s amazing life experiences can be found here.

Growing Traditional Native Bush Food - Student Volunteers Wanted 

We have been allocated an area near the Borambil Gates to develop a traditional bush food garden. We will be working in conjunction with Head of Agriculture Mr Ian Fawbert and Knox parent Mr Luke Farr; who will provide support, insight and an intensive understanding of growing traditional native foods which sustained Aboriginal people in this harsh continent for 65,000 years. Mrs Clarke is calling for volunteers and we would tend the garden possibly one morning and one afternoon per week. Please ask your son to email Mrs Clarke if he is interested. The produce will also be shared with a local community elder.

Helen Clarke

It has been great to see more boys back on campus this week. This place sure feels alive again and many boys have already immersed themselves in some fitness and activities in Period 7.

Following the Headmaster’s recent correspondence regarding Week 5, please note the recently revised Weeks 4 and 5 training schedule still applies and the Sports Department will release Week 6 plans as soon as possible. The training schedule can be found on the School app.    

All of our sessions are being run in accordance with level A restrictions and we will continue to be guided by announcements from the government and the Association of Independent Schools.

Martin Haywood

Please note the commencement dates for Terms 3 and 4 have been brought forward slightly to add additional teaching days to help cover those which were lost at the end of Term 1.

• Term 3 start date – Monday 20 July 2020
• Term 4 start date – Monday 12 October 2020

Full term dates for 2020 and 2021 can be found here.

Optimal parenting webinar
We are pleased to share the slides and video from this week’s parenting seminar.

David Schofield