With the return of Year 8 on campus this week it felt like forever since we saw them all! I watched from the sidelines, as the boys smiled from ear to ear, relishing the opportunity to catch up with their friends once again. The School is quite different from when they started back in January, but they have taken it in their stride and have adapted and thrived in the online environment. However, I know that the boys are eager to get back to their normal routine and structure. We look forward to welcoming the boys back to on campus learning on Wednesday of Week 5, alongside all the other Year Groups.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Year 8 Mentors who have continued to connect with their boys via Zoom. They have provided the links to all our Year Meetings, Chapel Services and Assemblies, which has encouraged rich and meaningful conversations with the boys. On behalf of the Junior Academy Team, I would like to say a big thank you.

Please get in touch with your son’s Mentor, Mr Manuel, or myself should you want to update us on any matter regarding your son. We are all travelling in unchartered waters and as such, we want our students to know that we are here to help them navigate their way back. 

Carly Robinson

This week's highlight certainly was the return of the boys to campus on Wednesday and Thursday. I'm not sure who was more excited, the boys or me. It truly was wonderful to watch as the boys came through the School Gates and back on to campus. There was much excitement as the boys reconnected with their friends and staff. 

A reminder that the Uniform Shop has resumed normal operating times from Monday to Friday, 12.30pm - 5pm. Please note that the shop is not open on Saturday mornings during Terms 2 and 3. 

Year 8 Parents' Morning Tea

The Year 8 Parents' Morning Tea that was scheduled for Thursday 4 June has now been cancelled.

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. 

I look forward to welcoming the CO2024 back on Wednesday 27 May as we return to face-to-face learning on campus.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Renee Willson

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.

You will have the opportunity to speak with your son’s teacher online later this term, commencing from Thursday 4 June. (Please note that Friday 5 June is now a school day). Further information will be provided to you by the end of next week about how to book an online interview with your son’s teachers.

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 8 

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

Wednesday 27 May

• Return to campus all students  

Monday 8 June

• Queen's Birthday - Public Holiday

Friday 26 June

• Term 2 concludes 

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.

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.

With Period 7 sport recommencing in the Senior School this week, the boys have relished the opportunity to reconnect with each other beyond the classroom. Sports activities have been modified to follow social distancing protocols and sports guidelines from the government. There has been a focus on fitness and rebuilding technical skills.

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

David Schofield