As you would appreciate, we are continually updating and considering our practices in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We take into account both the NSW Government guidelines and NSW Health orders, to ensure our practices support the wellbeing of our students and staff across all Knox campuses.

Our students and staff have responded exceptionally well to our updated practices in regard to entry onto campus health screening measures, hygiene and distancing practices and ongoing education on behaviours in support of the wellbeing of our immediate and wider community.

Following recent updated guidelines in regard to schools we now request that if your son has been absent due to a flu-like illness, or develops flu-like symptoms whilst at school, he should not to return to school until he has a negative COVID-19 test and is symptom free. The School also requires a copy of your son’s negative COVID-19 test result prior to returning to campus.

Phil O'Regan

RUOK? Day is a day dedicated to inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them by asking the simple question, 'are you ok?'. In Australia this year RUOK? Day is on Thursday 10 September. The purpose of this day is to highlight the ever present need for everyone to take the time and effort to look after your mental health. Sam Clarke (OKGA15) and a RUOK? ambassador will address the boys on this topic during School Assembly next Thursday. To further promote this event, we are inviting boys and staff to wear a silly tie and/or socks for the day. During lunchtime on Thursday the Junior Academy and Wellbeing Centre staff will be leading the boys in a range of fun-based activities. We also invite the boys to donate, on arrival at school, a gold coin with all proceeds going to this worthwhile cause. 

Wayne Inwood

The arrival of spring has coincided with a renewed sense of energy and excitement in the air. Spring is the symbol of life. It brings richness and vitality everywhere. The air and the earth is filled with new life, providing us with new hopes and aspirations and after the cold winter months, the boys are buzzing and ready to launch into the next few weeks of Term 3. 

I had the privilege of watching some the boys race their CO2 dragsters in their Tech classes over the past week and was amazed by some of the designs and performance of these vehicles that they made from scratch. The speed with which some of dragsters covered the 20m track was absolutely mind blowing and I strongly believe that we have quite a few future engineers amongst our cohort.

As part of our commitment to helping guide the boys on their journey, this week we were joined by our local Police Liaison Officer, Senior Constable Hart, who spoke to the boys about a wide range of topics and scenarios they may face as they develop a greater sense of independence from their parents. The message centred on the importance of making smart and sensible choices when out with your mates as well as ways to help safeguard your own safety and those you are with. The boys listened to the advice given respectfully and our mentors will be following up with the boys on the points raised over the next few weeks.

Recently, many parents have contacted the School looking for strategies to help encourage their sons to make good decisions and limit time periods whilst using technology at home. Whilst we acknowledge that socialising in the virtual world is becoming more and more common, getting outside and staying physically active should remain the priority. To help the boys managed their 'digital diet', we strongly believe that parents should sit down and discuss clear boundaries with their sons. These may include:

• Homework being completed in a common area at home.
• No technology, including phones in bedrooms after bedtime.
• Designated times when technology can and can’t be used.
• Clear boundaries and consequences for use and misuse of technology.

The School has also been working with Dr Philip Tam to produce a series of information videos for parents to help guide boys through this time. These can be accessed by clicking here. 

As always please do not hesitate to contact the Team Leaders if you have questions or queries.

Julien Manuel

With the weather much improved this week the boys have taken the opportunity to be out and about during recess and lunch on Knox 1 and in the JAPAC recreation area. It has been wonderful to hear the laughter and cheering as the boys have made the most of being outdoors. 

Mobile Phones

Whilst we are permitting the boys to have their phones with them during the day (specifically, those who have installed the COVIDSafe app) they should not be accessing these during class or break periods. Boys have been instructed they can send and check messages from parents at their lockers, outside of this, the phones are to remain out of use. Those who are accessing their phones will be directed to me and I will hold their mobiles for the day. 

Student Leave Applications

This form is required for three or more school days of leave or less than three days of leave if an Assessment Task will be missed during the leave period. This application must be completed in full and the completed three pages submitted to me no less than a minimum of two weeks prior to departure.

Medical Certificates

Students with negative COVID-19 test results are still required to supply a medical certificate in addition to their negative results, to cover their absence if away from school for three days or more.

Has your son outgrown his Football or Rugby boots?
We are supporting a community in the outback who have no access to any sporting equipment. They are particularly keen to receive Football or Rugby boots as most cannot play as they have no boots. Donations may be dropped to me or to Mrs Clarke’s Office (Room 15). Any clean Football socks would also be appreciated.

Seeking food hampers or gift cards for groceries
We have three families in the broader Ku-ring-gai community who need our support. Goods which would be helpful to donate include: longlife milk, cereals, coffee/tea, pancake mixes, dried or tinned fruit, tinned meat, spreads, laundry detergent, cordial, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, Vegemite. No nut items please. Donations may be left with me or Mrs Clarke.

Parents are reminded to check your contact details in Parent Lounge and update where necessary.

Father’s Day is celebrated by families all around the world - and this year will be no exception. While it’s certainly going to look different due to social distancing measures, there are a number of boys who have shared their plans with me. There certainly are going to be some unforgettable memories made on Sunday. I would like to take this opportunity to send a special message to all our fathers, stepfathers and grandfathers - Happy Father's Day for Sunday, enjoy because on Monday, it’s back to the rest of us!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. 

Renee Willson

Upcoming Assessment tasks

Dates subject to change if required. View published assessment task notifications for specific task details.

Janelle Charlton

Last week, Dan Parker (Student Management Officer) had a great article in the newsletter regarding the development of the Year 8 cohort and suggestions for ideas around boundary setting with your son. This week, we want to support that article with advice on what that looks like from the parenting side of things. The first thing to realise is that by you setting boundaries, this is an important step towards helping your son develop independence, stay safe and to make smart choices.

The website Reach Out is an excellent resource for parents on how to support boundaries with teenagers. Some of the topics they highlight include; the importance of boundaries, what are the most important boundaries for your family, when to have a discussion around boundaries, how to set boundaries, evolving boundaries and consequences.

The section that resonates the most at this developmental age is the importance of boundaries. However, when we start to have boundary setting conversations with teenagers there is resistance as they commonly think we are stopping them from growing up, from demonstrating their knowledge and decreasing their freedom. By setting and agreeing on boundaries together, you create a ‘contract’ of expected behaviour that can help avoid conflict. While boundaries help parents to feel more in control of their teenager’s behaviour you are also helping them by:

• letting them know that you care about them, and you are concerned about what they’re doing even when you’re not together.
• making them feel safe and supported.
• helping them make informed and sound decisions.
• providing them a framework within which they have autonomy.

We all want to develop strong independent men with the skillset to self-regulate their behaviour and make smart decisions for themselves and their friends. We model, encourage and converse with them throughout their teenage journey. Remember, as a family unit it’s important that there is consensus amongst you so that you are giving clear and firm boundaries, not mixed messages.

Andrea Wiffen

Friday 25 September

Term 3 concludes

I’m pleased to share ‘Harry’s story’ on the School's vimeo account which may be accessed here.

The video tells the story of Year 8 Boarder, Harry Cluff. It was shot at his family property in Dunedoo and on campus. A shorter version is also being shown on TV in rural NSW over the next couple of weeks.

Year 8 are scheduled to begin Cadet training in full uniform with the Cadet Unit in Week 1 of Term 4. In light of the current health situation however, this is still to be confirmed but it has been decided we will go ahead and size all Year 8 students who want to purchase the uniform. This will be recorded at the Uniform Shop but no payments will be taken. For further details, please click here.

Below is a photo of Ms Hodgins' Year 8 Technology class. The unit was Agriculture. Each student produced a planter box with an individual logo, along with the planting and propagation of a variety of herbs.

This unit focuses on the investigation of managed environments such as garden beds. Students learn about the processes involved in food production when developing garden beds for growing herbs and/or vegetables. They investigate the innovative and sustainable supply of agriculturally produced raw materials. Students develop knowledge and understanding about managed systems that produce herbs and/or vegetables through designing and producing solutions. Students are provided with opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding about Work Health and Safety requirements in the School farm or Agriculture plot.

Tara Hodgins

These are the most popular series to read from the library. All are available for you to borrow.

'Cherub' is a series of teenage spy novels written by English author Robert Muchamore.

'Amulet' is an American graphic novel series illustrated and written by Kazu Kibuishi.

'Ranger’s Apprentice' is a series written by Australian author John Flanagan. 

'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' is a series of fiction books written by the American author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney.

'Skulduggery Pleasant' is a series of fantasy novels written by Irish author Derek Landy.

Need a good laugh? Some movie suggestions for you to watch on Clickview include:

'Shrek' Rated PG

A mean Lord exiles fairytale creatures to the swamp of a grumpy ogre, who must go on a quest and rescue a princess for the lord in order to get his land back

'Grandpa’s Great Escape' Rated PG.

Jack (Kit Connor) decides to help his Grandpa (Sir Tom Courtenay), a World War II flying ace, who now suffers from Alzheimer's disease, escape from an old folks' home run by Miss Dandy (Jennifer Saunders), who has ulterior motives.

Book club is open to all students and takes place in the Study room every lunchtime on Thursday. You are welcome to bring your lunch and share your latest read with like minded students. The Library Committee operates on Wednesday at lunchtime in the study room and welcomes all students interested in the overall library. 

Jersey Day is all about promoting awareness of the Organ and Tissue Authority and the Donate Life network. Year 8 boys were asked to wear their favourite sporting jersey to school today and encourage to begin the conversation with friends and family about organ donation.