Headmaster's Column
I feel very fortunate to be part of this community. Having a sense of belonging provides an awareness of feeling connected to others. In a school setting, 'belonging' gives students feelings of security, identity and community, which, in turn, supports their academic, physical, spiritual and social development.
Belonging is a fundamental human need, yet one in four students around the world do not feel connected to their school, and unfortunately the numbers are steadily rising. The impact of this can be huge – not just on a student’s academic achievements, but on their overall wellbeing as adolescents and later as adults.
With the rates of mental illness, disconnection, social isolation and loneliness among young people rising, fostering a sense of belonging at school may help provide a critical solution to a complex social problem. Research shows feeling like you belong at school is linked to higher levels of student emotional and physical wellbeing and better academic performance and achievement.
Team Leaders
This week saw the first time in over a year that the whole of school had gathered together for a Chapel service in the Great Hall - where we all were allowed to sing! Ah, the little pleasures! It was wonderful to hear the combined voices of the entire school as they sang one of the students’ favourites ‘Lord of the Dance’! I must say that some of our young men were taken aback by the booming sound of two thousand boys singing in unison, something I am sure they will grow to love in the coming six-year journey at Knox. The words in the sermon and prayers during the service reminded students and staff alike of the loving hope that the Easter message is all about.
Student Administration Officer
A date for the calendar: Thursday 17 June parents are invited to a Year 7 Parent Morning Tea. This will be held in the Great Hall Foyer from 8.30am to 10am. I will be sending out an invitation with an RSVP next term.
When the boys return to school on Tuesday 20 April, they are required to be dressed in full winter uniform. For Uniform Shop opening hours during the holidays, please see below or click here.
Director of Studies Junior Academy
NAPLAN practice test
On Monday we held the NAPLAN Online Practice Test for Year 7. This event allowed the boys to gain familiarity with the Great Hall test environment and examination procedures. The boys behaved well and were very patient as we waited for all students to be ready to start the test. In particular, a number of students did not bring a set of earphones with them and this created unnecessary delays to starting the test. Please be aware that for the NAPLAN tests in May we expect that all students will bring their own earphones and that we will need to bill the school accounts of any students who do not do this.
Sports News
Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy
OKGA Awards
Last week, a number of students were presented to the School as winners of the OKGA Summer Sports awards. The awards are recognition of effort, spirit, sportsmanship and commitment throughout the summer season – and simply not necessarily about the best player or the 'superstar' of the team. All boys are to be congratulated on such an important honour and I hope they will lead the way as we head into the winter season.
Snow Sports
Snow Sport Regional Interschools nominations are now open. The competition registration form and all other Snow Sports Information is accessible via the Knox app. Ensure that you are subscribed to Snow Sports. Regional Interschools run from 28 June to 2 July with students able represent Knox through the Interschools Competition Pathway.
Upcoming Assessments
Term 2:
Week 1
Tuesday 20 April
- PDHPE - Part B
Week 3:
Friday 7 May
- Technology - Submission 3
Year 7 2021 Assessment booklet
Upcoming Events
Week 10
Tuesday 30 March
- Year 7 House Athletics Day
Thursday 1 April
- Term 1 Concludes
Friday 2 April - Monday 5 April
- Easter
Monday 5 April
- Easter Monday
Term 2, Week 1
Tuesday 20 April
- Term 2 Commences
Week 2
Thursday 29 April
- dTpa Vaccination
Text for the Week
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalm 16:1
Community Notices
ANZAC Service and Parade
We are pleased to announce that the Knox ANZAC Service and Parade will go ahead on Sunday 2 May 2021 at 8.30am with some modifications and restrictions. All students in the Cadet Unit are expected to attend this event.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, we will be limiting spectators to two tickets per Year 11 and 12 Cadets, Pipes and Drums, Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Gallery Choir students only. We will continue to monitor government advice and recommendations, and should more tickets become available, we will update parents. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause and thank you for your understanding.
The service and parade will be live streamed here.
If you have any questions, please email events@knox.nsw.edu.au.
Knox Academy of Performing Arts
Woodwind Soiree #1 - Tuesday 23 March
Our first back with a live performance since 2019! Performers from across Years 7-12 included HSC, Music elective and music enthusiasts. This 60 minute event was held in the Francis Auditorium with piano accompanist, Ingrid Sakurovs.
It was a wonderful opportunity for students to share what they have been learning in their 1:1 lessons this term and what is in preparation for upcoming performance exams.
Knox Uniform Shop
Trading Hours
Monday to Friday: 12.30pm-5.30pm
Saturday (Terms 1 and 4 only): 9am-12noon
Term 1 Holiday Trading Hours
Thursday 1 April - Uniform Shop closes at 5.30pm
Friday 2 April through to Monday 5 April - Closed for Public Holiday
Tuesday 6 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Wednesday 7 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Thursday 15 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Friday 16 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Saturday 17 April - 9am-12noon
Monday 19 April - 9.30am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Tuesday 20 April (First day of Term 2) - 8am-5pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
For all enquiries, please contact via us by phone 9487 0191 or email.
You may also visit the Knox website here for more information.
Julie Blackburn, Knox Uniform Shop Manager
Professional Photo Galleries
The Photo Galleries on the Knox portal have been updated with the following event photos now available for families to view and purchase online:
• Senior Musical - 'Beauty and the Beast'
• 2021 summer sport - Knox Prep and Senior School
• CAS Swimming and Diving Championships
Please note that passwords for each gallery are case sensitive. If you have any issues logging into the Knox portal, please contact the Knox Helpdesk.
Eileen Aroyan, Publications Manager
McKenzie Library
Holiday Borrowings
A kindly reminder to borrow now for the holidays. Books or resources borrowed now will be due for return the first week of Term 2. This is your opportunity to borrow some great reading materials for the holidays!
Senior School Tuckshops - Volunteers Required
We are so excited to be able to welcome parent volunteers back on campus to assist in the Tuckshops from the start of Term 2, 2021. The return of volunteers is subject to continued stabilisation of local and state health requirements regarding COVID-19.
We greatly appreciate our volunteers and their contributions to our School community.
Helping out in the tuckshop is very rewarding experience and a great way to meet and socialise with new friends. If you are able to volunteer in one of the Senior School Tuckshops, please click on the following link here.
Photo Galleries
NAPLAN
NAPLAN practice on Monday.
Easter Eggs and Noodles
A big THANK YOU to all the families that have donated Easter Eggs and Noodles for the Wesley Mission - they will be greatly appreciated. You can still donate up to the last day of term.