YEAR 8 WEEK 5 TERM 1 2021

Year 8 Week 5 Term 1 2021

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Knox Certificate of Global Competency
In the most recent ‘Looking to the Future’ report, a review of senior secondary pathways into work, further education and training made a recommendation; students should have an Education Passport. This passport will recognise the attributes students have acquired through study in the classroom as well as from work experience, volunteering and personal achievement.

This is possible at Knox through the introduction of micro-credentials acknowledged through the Knox Certificate of Global Competency (KCGC). The micro-credentials will recognise proficiency in a designated area, taking actions that benefit others, and the community, being an active and responsible citizen or being committed to extending skills and learning. Micro-credentialing returns the ownership to the students and allows them to map their own pathway through areas of interest to them and have them recognised in a transferrable way. Our students will be fully engaged in the curation and demonstration of their skills, both within school and outside of it.

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Stage 4 - Junior Academy

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We speak with the boys often about the importance of treating others with respect. Respect is something we value highly across all areas of the School. As adults we need to ensure we are exemplary role models for our young men by always treating each other with respect in all communication, whether by phone or via email. Equally this same message applies to any relationship that a boy finds himself in outside of school, whether it be casual friendships or interactions with members of the public. I have reinforced to the boys how harmful poorly chosen comments can be to the wellbeing of others and how what they say and how they say it will often lay the foundation for respect being earned or lost. I encouraged them to pause before speaking and THINK if what they are about to say is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind.

The boys are at an age where they will not always get things right and respect will not always be earned. Our role is to continue to encourage them on their journey, promote respectful behaviour and, if appropriate, redirect their moral compass.

Wayne Inwood


This week at Year Meeting, we recognised the boys who went above and beyond during Year 8 Camp. One boy from each camp group was selected as a result of their impeccable and proactive behaviour, mateship, and positive attitude. I know from speaking to Knox staff that it was hard to bring it down to just one boy from each group as there were so many boys who gave this experience their all. Although we could not formally recognise every single boy, Ms Kennedy and I saw on numerous occasions, boys who demonstrated their true character throughout the week and when we did, we pulled them aside for a quiet conversation to let them know how impressive they were. There are so many amazing young men in the Class of 2025 and each one contributes to the culture of our School.

We have also taken the opportunity to remind the boys about their presence in the public arena so they can ensure they are representing Knox to the best of their ability. We know from working with boys on a daily basis that their behaviour can become vociferous, particularly when in a group setting so a higher level of awareness, consideration and care is paramount when wearing the Knox uniform, whether it be under the watchful eye of staff, or out in public.

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We have reached the half way mark of the term. The boys will be aware that they have assessments or in-class tasks during most weeks for the remainder of the term. Geography and Visual Arts both have tasks due in Week 6.

A reminder that mobile phones are to be locked in lockers throughout the school day and are not to be used/carried around the campus under any circumstances. If students are found with them during school hours, they will be confiscated and handed to me for the remainder of the day. If you have not done so yet, please take the time to read through the current COVID-19 Policies sent out by the School in last week's newsletter, as they outline the requirements on what is needed if your child is ill due to cold/flu symptoms. Please remind your boys that Student Assemblies on Friday mornings have now recommenced. School start time is 8.25am every day. Please ensure your son is at school by 8.15am daily to allow for temp checks/scanning.

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Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

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It was great to get some better weather and see our boys enjoy a fairly uninterrupted weekend of sport with many teams playing against Trinity Grammar School.

A number of our Squash players have entered an elite competition to push themselves harder and test themselves against some of the best players in the state. On Saturday their results were outstanding – full credit to the boys and staff for the commitment. Please check the Knox app for full details of their weekend results.

The First Basketballers had a huge match against 2nd placed Trinity Grammar at Trinity on Saturday and fell just short by four points (62-66) in a thriller and now sit in equal first place with two games remaining. The boys were incredibly brave, coming from as far back at 18 points to hit the lead with just a few minutes remaining. We could not be more proud of this group of young men and how they conducted themselves on Saturday.

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ADHD Support
Attention - Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 1 in 20 children in Australia and is more commonly diagnosed in boys. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating on tasks (that are typically not intrinsically interesting); being easily distracted, and (in the hyperactive type) hyperactivity and impulsivity. Evidence shows that the most effective approach for supporting children with ADHD is a combined approach, that includes medical treatment, as well as behavioural and environmental support, both at School and at home.

ADHD Support Australia is a local organisation providing support to parents of children with an ADHD diagnosis, as well as adults with ADHD. ADHD Support Australia are advertising an online lecture that they are hosting on 11 March, from Dr Russell Barkley, an internationally recognised expert in the field of ADHD education and treatment. He has devoted his entire career to research and education in the field, and is arguably the most well-known authority on ADHD. This lecture is targeted at parents wanting help to support their child with an ADHD diagnosis, and is a great opportunity to hear Dr Barkley speak before he retires.

Details, including how to book, are here

Musical Performance - 'Beauty and the Beast'

Thursday 18 March to Saturday 20 March

Term 1 concludes

Thursday 1 April

Good Friday 

Friday 2 April

Easter Monday 

Monday 5 April

Term 2 commences

Tuesday 20 April 


Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2

2021 Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection


Each year, all Australian schools are required to report specific school-based data to the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills & Employment (DESE).

The Address Collection data is used to:
• calculate Australian Government recurrent funding to non-government schools, specifically the capacity to contribute score (CTC score)
• inform school education policy, particularly non-government school funding

The Address Collection data (collected under sections 52 (1), 52(3)(c), 52(4) and 58B of the Australian Education Regulation 2013), will source the following data from Knox Grammar, relevant to each campus:
• Student residential address (excluding student names)
• Whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
• Whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status)
• Names and residential addresses of students’ parent(s) and/or guardian(s)

The school reporting requirement specifically requires reporting of a physical residential address, not a PO Box or the mailing equivalent.

If your family has recently changed its residential address, and you have not yet provided these details to the School, we seek your cooperation to update your family details via the Knox Parent Lounge, Parent Details Update function – by Friday 5 March.

The DESE has provided a 'Collection Notice for Parents' for your reading and reference. Please click here to view.

Damian Ferguson, Chief Financial Officer

Beauty and the Beast


A Knox Drama and Theatre Production
Disney's Beauty and the Beast

18-20 March 2021
7pm in the Wenkart Theatre

Box Office now open! All tickets $30 (+ booking fee). Click here to book your seats.

Masks mandatory for all audience members. There is a limit of four seats per booking with seating gaps automatically assigned between groups to adhere to distancing requirements.

Please note that the Box Office reserves the right to relocate your tickets, if required, and will advise accordingly. 

For ticket enquiries, please email here.

Future Problem Solving Club


Be a part of the award-winning Future Problem Solving Club!
Future Problem Solving (FPS) develops skills where you will learn to apply critical thinking to significant issues from a diverse range of community and global topics. These include business/economics, science/technology and social/political concerns. You will become equipped with the skills and vision to design and promote positive outcomes for a global society.

FPS teams of four are fortunate to be coached by experienced FPS mentors, our Old Knox Boys, who are previous global winners at the FPS International Competitions. Teams are further supported by teachers from specialist subjects to help them to discover innovative new ways to solve problems.

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Knox Uniform Shop


Trading Hours
Monday to Friday: 12.30pm-5.30pm
Saturday (Terms 1 and 4 only): 9am-12noon

Phone (02) 9487 0191 or visit the Knox website here for more information.

Julie Blackburn, Knox Uniform Shop Manager

Knox Prayer Meetings


Our informal prayer meeting for Term 1 will be held at 10am on Friday 19 March, at the home of Prue Feather. Morning Tea will be included.

There will also be an evening meeting at 8pm on Wednesday 10 March, at the home of Fiona van Horen.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend so that we comply with the gathering limits prescribed by the government’s Public Health Orders in place at the time.

A warm welcome is extended to anyone from our Knox community who would like to attend.

Any enquires to Prue Feather.

School Photos


Year 8 orders open Tuesday 2 March
To download your son's portrait and year photo, please click here and select: school orders. The password is: KNOX (this password is case sensitive, so please enter it as you see it)

You will need to know your son's student ID number which is located on his student ID card. This is privacy protected so only you can see your son's portrait. At this time, not only can you have his hi-res image sent to you via We Transfer, you can also order discounted printed copies if you would like for family.

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

Social Justice


World's Greatest Shave
We’re taking part in the World's Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation. We have superheros amongst us who are planning to shave, cut or colour their hair to support families facing blood cancer.

Every day another 47 Australians are diagnosed with a blood cancer. That’s one Aussie every 31 minutes. Although research is improving survival, sadly an Australian loses their life to blood cancer every two hours.



Please click here to join and sponsor the Knox Grammar WGS Team. Let's do this!

Charlie Herdman (Y12), Team Captain

The Knox Social Justice Club
The Knox Social Justice Club meets as a group each Friday at 1pm lunchtime, in the Knox Cultural Centre Auditorium and adjacent classrooms. Boys from all year groups are welcome to come along. Bring your lunch and a passion for advocating and action for change in the world. All enquiries to Helen Clarke.

Helen Clarke, Head of Diversity Justice and Stewardship

McKenzie Library




The Library Committee visits the JAPAC
Last Friday, the Library Committee visited the JAPAC at lunchtime and shared with Years 7 and 8 new resources, directing and helping all students with the selection of books. This will be a regular occurrence every Friday of Week B. Years 7 and 8 can borrow, return or extend loans at this time.

The Library committee works together collegially to promote the library to staff and students. If you would like to be part of a fun team, come along to join the Committee. The Committee meets every Friday Week A at the start of lunch in the study room. You are welcome to bring your lunch and share your ideas.

New Releases
'The Land of Stories' by Chris Colfer Books 4,5 and 6.
'Growing Up Disabled in Australia' edited by Carly Findlay
'Alex Rider Nightshade' by Anthony Horowitz.
'The Cousins' by Karen M. McManus.



Enjoy your reading!

Sally Thomson

Week 6 Term 1 2021 Menu

Year Meeting Awards


Well done to the boys pictured below for their awards received at Year Meeting this week.

Austin Partington, Jack Jenkins, and Gary Gu received an award for Improvement in Effort in Upholding the Knox Learner Protocols during 2020.

The second group of awards handed out were for 'Champ of Camp'. These awards were received by the following boys: Gabriel Cheng, Cameron Chu, Harry Whiteman, Tim Quin, George Roper, Justin Yan, Kamran Fonseka, Daniel Rigby, Ethan Phillips, Arjun Singh, Hayden Bickerton, Hugh Patton, Scott Woollaston, Lachlan Kowal, Chester Swaffer, Jack Gaupset, Arjun Vishnu, James Pfeiffer and Balfour Andrew.

A number of students were not available during Year Meeting this week, but also received a 'Champ of Camp' Award; Jackson McLeod, Ryan Zhao, Chris Xenofontos, Tom Candrick and Tristan Clarke-Bruce.

A huge congratulations to all these boys.