Year Meeting this week covered a variety of topics. With CAS Swimming and Diving next Thursday. The Prefects spoke about school spirit and the importance of supporting one another. It would be great to see as many Year 7 students attend either as competitors or supporting their peers. Appropriate technology use was also discussed as we have witnessed an increase in mobile phone and laptop use around the campus. On arrival to school, students are to place their mobile in the locker where it is to remain until 3.15pm. Laptops are to be used in study areas such as the JAPAC Lounge before and after school, Library and in the classroom only. Recess and Lunch breaks are a good opportunity for students to build meaningful relationships with their peers. We ask that students take responsibility for ensuring their names are clearly labeled on all items they bring to school so that if something gets misplaced, it can be returned to the rightful owner.

As we are approaching Assessment Task due dates, it is important that students are using their school diary to keep organised and on top of work. Assessment Task notifications can be found on Parent Lounge and Student Cafe. 

With camp on the horizon, it presents a good time to have conversations around personal hygiene. The boys will be sharing a tent with two other students over the five days so it is imperative that boys take care of themselves through regular handwashing, showers, brushing teeth and the use of deodorant. Roll on deodorant is preferred both at camp and at school as it not only ensures effective skin coverage but also prevents airway irritation to the individual and those nearby. Clare, myself and the Mentor Team are really looking forward to seeing students challenge themselves at camp and enjoy a technology free week.

Our challenge for the cohort is for students to view challenges and obstacles that they face as opportunities for growth and development. As US Basketballer, Michael Jordan said “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it or work around it”. 

Lenore Kennedy

This term is ticking by so quickly, Camp and Easter will be here before we know it. All boys behaved well during the vaccination process this week, and with that completed the excitement of camp is ramping up among the boys. I have attended the two previous Year 7 camps and have been amazed with the activities and adventures the students are involved in. I am sure the boys will have an exciting and wonderful time.

With the assessment period starting this week, the boys are studying hard and I wish them all the best.  

 Bec Mitchelson, Tel: 9119 0885

Parent/Student/Teacher Evening

I trust that you have made appointments as desired for this event next Monday 9 March from 3.30pm-9pm. Should it eventuate that you are unable to attend booked interviews, could you please let the relevant teachers know? Boys should accompany you to the interviews, where possible, dressed in school uniform (no boater).

Assessment tasks and Illness/Misadventure Appeals (IMA)

As the boys begin to complete their first assessment tasks of the year, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight our assessment policy and Illness Misadventure Appeal process. Our policy is informed by best practice and the NESA requirements in Stage 6 (which requires medical documentation completed by the practitioner to approve on the basis of illness); we are committed to ensuring an equitable assessment experience and the IMA application policy, among many others, supports the academies to make special considerations to help your son achieve his academic personal best, wherever appropriate. An abbreviated explanation of the Stages 4 and 5 IMA policy and procedure as it pertains to both hand-in and in-class assessment tasks can be found below:

If illness or misadventure prevents your son from attending or submitting an assessment task, an Illness/Misadventure Appeal (IMA) application together with relevant documentation (such as a medical certificate or an explanatory note from the parent/guardian) must be submitted to the SAO within one week of the assessment task date, to avoid a task penalty. 

 As per our Assessment Policy:

·         Late completion of an in-class assessment task without an approved IMA or leave form may attract a 10% reduction of marks.

·         Late submission of a hand-in assessment task without an approved IMA may attract a 10% reduction of marks per day for two days. If the task is submitted more than two days late, the mark reduction will be determined by the Head of Department and Director of Studies on a case by case basis.

Please refer to the Assessment Policies and Procedures booklet that has been made available on the Knox portal for more in-depth explanations.

Janelle Charlton

$5 Donation Flash Uniform Shop SALE

The Uniform Shop will be holding a flash sale commencing 16 March for one week only. This will include most second hand uniform items that have been donated by parents or have been in 2nd hand for over two years.

If you have any items of uniform you would like to donate please ensure they are clean and in good condition. They may be dropped off to the Uniform Shop at 10 Borambil Street from 12 March.

Due to hygiene reasons we cannot accept socks, bags or hats.

All proceeds of items sold will be donated to the Rural Relief Program nominated by Mrs Helen Clarke. This program offers financial assistance to families that live in rural communities that have been impacted by drought and bushfires. 

Date: Tuesday 10 March

Venue: Knox 1

Time: 10.10am

·        If wet weather, please meet in the Great Hall Foyer and students will be advised of new venue.

·        Students may use the Knox 1 change rooms. They will be open.

·        Wear their full school uniform.

·        Students must bring Student ID.

Any questions, please see Mr Butler in the Lawson Centre.  Boys must not be late or risk missing their team photo. 

CAS Swim and Dive Championships Supporter Approval 

Please find attached a letter regarding students who wish to attend the CAS Swim and Dive Championships as supporters on Thursday 12 March. 

If you would like you son/s to attend please go to the Parent Lounge, select the event, confirm his medical details and click on the accept button.

Please click here for directions if required.

This event is always one of the best on the CAS calendar and the school looks forward to another exciting evening in 2020.

Martin Haywood - Head of Knox Sport and Aquatic Academy

Monday 9 March

Year 7 Parent/Student/Teacher Night

Cape York Information Session

Thursday 12 March

CAS Swim & Dive Championship

Sunday 15 March

Kuringgai Chase Fun Run

Monday 16 March and Tuesday 17 March

Year 7 Zoo Excursion

Monday 23 - Friday 27 March

Year 7 Camp

Thursday 9 April

Term 1 concludes

Tuesday 28 April

Term 2 commences

The Science Department is organising participation in the Big Science Competition this year. An email was sent to all parents and students at the start of the week with relevant information attached. 

The Big Science Competition is mandatory for all Years 7 - 10 da Vinci Science students. Any student who is in a Years 7 - 10 Core class and wishes to participate in this competition is required to self-nominate.

All parents must accept their son’s participation in this competition through Parent Lounge via the Knox Portal by Friday 31 March.

Kuringgai Chase Fun Run - Sunday 15 March 2020

An event open to all students who would like to show support for athletes taking part and help raise awareness for Special Olympics Australia, Sydney Upper North Shore Region. 

Bushfire and Drought Relief
We are supporting those impacted by fire and our drought impacted regional neighbours via the Facebook page ‘Mobilising for Mogo’ initiative. See the list of specific items to donate here and please drop these donations to Room 15. 

Breaking a World Record and helping community projects
The Rotary Club of Wahroonga is attempting to set a World Record of connected socks on 25 October this year at St Ives Showground. Start collecting your odd socks - remember, socks need to be accompanied by the donations otherwise they can’t be included!

The Knox Social Justice Club - all invited to participate
There are opportunities for service at community events both within the School and in the wider community and immersions to overseas and regional areas. Everyone across Years 7-12 is invited to participate and bring a friend. 

Parents for Justice (Just Parents)
If you would like to join up and offer support, please contact Mrs Clarke.

Knox’s World’s Greatest Shave Tuesday 10 March

Sign up!

Support the Knox Team!

Our annual participation in the Worlds Greatest Shave is on again. Join the Knox Team!  Encourage your son to participate and register on the following link: https://worldsgreatestshave.com/take-part . 

The Social Justice Prefects and speakers from the World’s Greatest Shave will present at Year Assembly over the coming weeks. Last year we raised $20K- in 2020 we are aiming for $25K! 

On 10 March the Knox Teams top fundraisers will have their head ‘shaved’ during the lunch period.

Boys must remember that cuts are to be in line with the School’s regulation cut!

Year 7 Zoo excursion 2020

As part of the Year 7 Science studies this year, we have arranged for Year 7 to visit Taronga Park Zoo over two days. Group A will attend on Monday 16 March and Group B on Tuesday 17 March.

Please click here to view the email that was sent out previously with all relevant information.  

A reminder to please complete the Electronic Excursion Acceptance form through the Parent Lounge via the Knox Portal by Friday 13 March.

Melba Studios have informed the School that school photos are ready to order. Please log on to the website on Monday 9 March to place your order.

To download your son's portrait and year photo, please login to the Melba Studios website:

www.melbastudios.com.au

select: school orders

password: KNOX

You will need your son’s student ID number which is located on his student ID card. This is privacy protected so only you can view your son’s portrait. 

Your son’s high res image will be sent to you via wetransfer, and you can also order additional discounted printed copies.

Your school account will be charged $20 for the student ID card and the electronic year photo and portrait for your record of his time at school. 

A Year 7 cultural experience. Please click on the link below for more information. Contact Ms Helen Clarke for more information.

Red Earth Cape York Opportunity - Year 7

Explore the  Indigenous Homelands of Cape York  Peninsula, Far North Queensland. 

If you are interested in more information please click on this link to register your interest. The information session for Year 7 Parents and boys is Monday 9 March 5pm-6pm in the JAPAC Lounge.

Photos of Year 7 and Year 10 Boarders at Boys 2 Men Camp, Broken Bay.