John Stephen Akhwari was a marathon runner who represented Tanzania in the Marathon in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. He didn't win a medal. In fact, he came nowhere near. But, in defeat and in pain, he came to represent something much more profound and enduring than many sportsmen achieve in illustrious careers.

Akhwari was never likely to win the marathon, but his chances were wrecked when, perhaps because of the effects of the high altitude, he succumbed to cramps that slowed his progress. If that was painful, then worse was to come after he was involved in a melee of athletes jockeying for position.

Akhwari fell to the ground, gashing his knee and also causing a dislocation. He also smashed his shoulder against the pavement. Most observers, seeing his injuries, assumed he would pull out and go to hospital. Instead, he received medical attention and returned to the road to continue his race.

His pace, of course, was now much lower, but his resolve to complete the event remained intact. Eighteen of the 75 starters had pulled out; he did not wish to add to that number.

And so, more than an hour after the winner, Akhwari crossed the line in last place, cheered home by a few thousand spectators who had remained in the stadium after the sun went down. By the time he reached the stadium, he was limping and the bandage around his leg was flapping in the breeze.

He was asked why he'd carried on, and his response has gone down in sporting history. “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race,” he said. “They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.”

This is a pertinent message for the young men of the Junior Academy. I am certain that you as parents did not send your son to Knox so that he could start his high school career well, but rather so that he could finish well. The habits, values, character and resilience our boys are developing in the early stages of their high school education are foundational for success in the later stages. I encourage us all to think with the ‘marathon’ mindset:

1) It’s not a sprint so sustained effort and good academic rhythm long term are very important

2) Like John Akhwari experienced, there may be setbacks and disappointments, but getting back up and carrying on running is what actually matters; and finally

3) Ask for help

We have many quality teachers, Mentors, wellbeing and support staff who have the skills and expertise to help your son in his ‘marathon’, who are always striving to ensure he is running at his personal best capacity.

 Craig Milligan

Last week’s Year 8 Camp was highly successful. Throughout the week I was able to visit most groups and it was clear that they were all having a ball! Although there were activities that some boys found physically or mentally challenging, it was great to see boys in each group encouraging and pushing each other to do their very best. For example, there were boys who at Year 7 Camp last year had never ridden a bike before but were confidently navigating the Mountain Biking trails during this camp. There were other boys who, who were not confident swimmers, but dove head first into water activities, including snorkelling and surfing.

It was a good chance for the boys to get away from technology for a week. Funnily enough, they did survive! In fact, there were times where, due to the lack of technology, the boys used some creativity to keep themselves entertained during down time. One group of boys designed a game where two boys faced off in a contest involving tent pegs and a test of hamstring flexibility. The boys were gracious enough to give Mr Openshaw and myself a turn and although I was not fantastic at the tent peg component of the game, I did have the upper hand when it came to flexibility.

The feedback from the Land’s Edge staff and wider community has been overwhelmingly positive. They were impressed with the early bed times, the polite behaviour and general positive attitude. One member of the public said ‘they were lovely boys, making my time at Depot Beach wonderful and peaceful!’ In my books, if 90 boys staying in a single camp location could conduct themselves in a manner that allowed this member of the public to have a peaceful time, then the boys have done us proud.

As the boys enter the back end of Term 3, I encourage them to reset and get organised with upcoming assessments. Boys should speak to their classroom teachers if unsure about task requirements, or their Mentors if they feel they need some help with organisation.

Clare Yuan

This week started well with the return of the boys from camp and listening to their adventures and how they conquered all the challenges set out for them. Whilst last week was quiet without the boys, I still enjoyed keeping track of all the new activities they were experiencing via the Tripcast photo blog.

The Year 8 Parent Supper will take place on Saturday 14 September at Avondale Golf Club. Just a reminder to RSVP by Friday 8 September via the payment portal. If you have any enquiries, please contact Liz Stapleton.

On Thursday 19 September, the CAS Track and Field Championships will be taking place at Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush. All Year 8 students are invited to attend the event and would have received an email sent by Mr Martin Haywood earlier this week. If you would like your son to attend, please complete the permission note by Monday 16 September on Parent Lounge. 

Last Friday, debaters Angus Wines, Conor Milliken, Tom Kidston, Jacob Johnstone, James Handley and Judah Limantono went straight from camp to represent the School at the last round of the CAS Debating season and came back victorious. Well done, boys!

Finally, I congratulate Sean Williams who competed  in the National Cross Country Championships last weekend in Dapto. The best of the best from around Australia and New Zealand turned up to race and in the 13 years event, Sean finished 67th overall in a time of 10.55mins for the 3km event. Brilliant effort,  Sean!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Crystel Hodgson, Tel: 9119 0881

Friday 6 September Legacy Badge Day

Saturday 7 September  Global Café - Roach Junior Academy Lounge - 9am - 12noon

Sunday 8 September  Knox Highland Gathering - Knox 1 Oval, Senior School - 9am -5pm 

Thursday 12 September RUOK? Day

Saturday 14 September Year 8 Parents' Supper - Avondale Golf Club - 7pm - 11.30pm

Friday 20 September Knox - Code Barrel App 'Big Idea' Competition - Entries close

The wider community are warmly invited to the Knox Highland Gathering, a day of traditional Scottish Pipe Band music.  Entry is free.

When: Sunday 8 September 2019, 9am-5pm

Where: Knox 1 Oval, Senior School

Please click here for more details.

Date: Saturday 14 September 2019

Time: 7pm - 11.30pm

Venue: Avondale Golf Club, Avon Road, Pymble

Further information about the event may be found here.

Term 4 will be the changeover from winter to summer uniform. Please check that your son’s uniform still fits him and if you require new items, these are all available at the Uniform Shop or can be ordered via Flexischools. This also applies to summer sport uniform. Appointments are not required.

A courtesy reminder to book an appointment for your son’s cadet uniform fitting. These appointments will only be available until the end of Term 3. Please login to the PTO booking system to make an appointment. All login details were emailed at the start of the term and if you have any difficulties, please contact Julie Blackburn.

Congratulations to Luyi Jiang and Angus Fraser who have won the $20 vouchers for Novella Bookstore Shop in Wahroonga after going in the draw for being excellent readers.

Jeremy Pan-Cassin received an Excellent Reader certificate as he had read 20 books from the McKenzie Library. Well done, Jeremy.

Students in Year 8 created three-dimensional native bird sculptures exploring the tradition of watercolour painting. They gained knowledge of brushwork technique and skills in digital photography to develop an image of a native bird applying the formal elements of line, texture and colour. Students were able to work independently applying a combination with traditional artmaking practices to imagine and realise the bird form in its three-dimensional form.

Congratulations to Josh Castles, Zavier Lim, Mikey Salerno and Will Stanley who attended the State Titles last weekend and came back with amazing results, making it to the Nationals in Mt Buller next week. Well done boys on such an amazing performance!