As Semester 1 draws to a close, the school grounds remain a hive of activity. The easing of restrictions has allowed the students to become more active during break times, with the boys often seen playing Handball or Basketball with their mates. It has been pleasing to see the boys embrace a lack of technology during break times. We encourage the boys to look out for one another and ensure they are creating an inclusive environment within our community. Despite the term coming to an end, the expectation remains that all students will continue to wear their uniform with pride, be punctual to every lesson with the correct materials and take a moment to think before acting. Let’s finish the term strong!

With Term 2 reports on their way next week and assessment results beginning to be handed back to the students, we have emphasised the importance of self-reflection this week. In particular:

• Are you happy with your results?
• Did you put enough effort into the task?
• Do you know what you need to work on moving forward?
• Have you spoken to your classroom teacher to clarify your understanding of feedback?

While some students may be disappointed in their results, we encourage them to focus on the areas they can strengthen moving forward based on their teacher's feedback. After all, school is about learning and improving.

We have been pleased with how well students have been reaching out to staff members for support, when in need. This is an attribute that will no doubt hold them in good stead as they progress through their Senior School years but also beyond the gates of Knox. Parents, please remember that should you have any concerns or questions, you can always contact your son’s mentor or Clare and myself as the Team Leaders.

Lenore Kennedy

I can't believe it is already the end of Week 8 and there is only one week to go before the boys get a well-deserved break. I have been very impressed by how the boys have navigated these last few weeks returning to campus with limited access to their lockers. The locker space has now re-opened and the boys are no longer required to carry their bags to class. With full access to this facility, the boys are reminded that they are now required to wear their Boaters to and from school. 

I have had numerous confiscated mobile phones handed to me by staff this week. Please remind your son that his phone should be kept in his locker throughout the day and can be checked at recess and lunch in the locker space, if necessary. There is also a lot of lost property in my office. Boys who have their name labelled on these items have been emailed to alert them; however, many have yet to come to collect their belongings. I would really like to get these items returned to their owners by the end of the term otherwise any unnamed items will be donated back to the Uniform Shop.

I wish you all a lovely weekend.

Bec Mitchelson Ph: 91190885

Your son’s semester report and the accompanying ‘Realising Potential’ document will be made available on the Knox portal later next week. Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received about the Term 1 reports, we are confident that the time and energy that teaching staff invest into observing, assessing, tracking and reporting of the Knox Learner Protocols is appreciated. The reimagined reports are allowing teachers to communicate more about your son’s mindset, behaviours, perseverance and social skills and we appreciate how the boys are rising to meet the Knox standards.

It has only been a few weeks since the release of the Term 1 reports so we encourage you to interpret your son’s learner protocol scores in the Semester report with that in mind. It may be that your son’s protocols scores have remained largely the same, or it may be that the results have improved or decreased – in all cases, please use the yellow, green and blue indicators to engage in a conversation with your son about how he  might improve into the future.

Please note that the blue indicators are quite rare and require students to demonstrate the protocol consistently and exceptionally. Ultimately, a blue indicator means that the teacher believes that there is no room for improvement against that given protocol (for the given reporting period). Because the margin for receiving a blue is so narrow, we must appreciate and respect when a teacher communicates a green indicator for the reporting period because the teacher is indicating what protocol(s) your son needs to demonstrate more of – this helps us encourage a fantastic student to become outstanding. 

Should you have any more questions about the Knox Learner Protocols, or the reimagined academic reports, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Upcoming Assessment Tasks – Year 7

Janelle Charlton 

With most co-curricular activities now concluded for Term 2 (clubs to continue in Week 9), please be advised that the Term 3 co-curricular program will be published in the Week 9 newsletters.

Chuck Ardron

Friday 26 June

Term 2 concludes 

Monday 20 July 

Term 3 commences

Friday 25 September

Term 3 concludes

2020 Applications
We would like to invite students who have competed at the state/national level to apply to join the PEAK program for the 2020 intake. We understand that COVID-19 may have impacted some state/national championships, so PEAK eligibility criteria has been extended to include the last 12 months, or the last state/national championship event that was run.

What is PEAK?
PEAK is in its second year of operation and is designed to support high-performing student-athletes who aspire to have a career in elite sport. We aim to develop healthy, resilient and capable students by supporting the holistic well being of each individual, whilst assisting them to achieve their academic and sporting potential.

The PEAK program includes:
• One on one mentoring with Knox high performance coaches, including the development of an Individual Performance Plan (IPP)
• Keynote speakers focusing on the Knox Total Fitness pillars, including:

• Academic Fitness – covering themes such as time management, goal-setting and habits for academic success
• Physical Fitness – covering effective nutritional practices for athletes, sleep for recovery and effective rehab/prehab
• Spiritual Fitness (Personal Development) – covering communication, mental preparation and leadership
• Social/Emotional Fitness – covering resilience, performing under pressure and respect and responsibility

• Small group workshops to further enhance each student-athlete’s skills and learning capabilities

Please visit the Knox website for more information about the PEAK program.

To apply, please complete the application form. Applications close Friday 26 June (last day of Term 2). Successful applicants will be notified before school resumes for Term 3. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.

Kieran Donohue

School holiday sports training for Senior School
Following on from the Headmaster's announcements last week that CAS Winter Sport will start in Term 3, please note the training schedule for the coming holidays can now be found on the Knox app. We are mindful it is holiday time and a valuable time with family, however if your boy(s) are available we would love to give them the opportunity to best prepare for the winter season.

As always, if there are any questions regarding the schedule, please do not hesitate to email the Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy or directly with your son’s chosen sport.

The Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy will also have more information prior to the holidays regarding exactly how a day at each facility will look for players, staff and spectators on game day. This is being put together following government guidelines and the School policy regarding providing a COVID-19 safe environment for all.

Martin Haywood