As we head into the final week of Term 2, it is timely to ask the boys to begin clearing out their lockers, removing any perishable items and ensuring they bring home any textbooks or notebooks that they might need over the winter break. I hope this upcoming holiday gives the boys time to switch off and spend some time with friends, family and pets. A break from technology is most definitely needed! Mr Manuel and I have been so impressed with how well the students have adapted to the changes on campus and in the classroom. As we look forward to Term 3, the boys have the opportunity to set new goals in the classroom, on the sports field and in all areas of School.

Next week the Year 8's will receive their second set of learning protocols. This is a great opportunity to sit with your son and see where his strengths are and what he can work towards in Semester 2. If there are areas he is unhappy with, using a growth mindset to improve and learn from feedback, will build steps towards improvement. There is real value in working hard and committing yourself to a task, lesson, or piece of work. Confucius said, 'When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.' Should your son need to adjust his goals or try different ways of getting there, he should be safe in the knowledge knowing that he has the help of the Year 8 Team to help him along the way.

It has been wonderful meeting so many of you over the past few weeks during Parent Teacher Interviews. Both Mr Manuel and I are so grateful to not only work with such a fantastic Year Group, but also to have parents who are always keen to work alongside us and help us meet the wellbeing needs of their boys.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if we can be of assistance with any matter relating to Year 8. 

Carly Robinson

As we approach the final week of term, a few reminders for the boys:

• As boys enter the School grounds each morning all students in Years 7 to 10 are to walk through the Boarders' Walk corridor (right next to The Great Hall) to undergo temperature and ID scanning.
• Locker access will be available from 7.30am until 5.30pm, each day. Students no longer need to be carrying their school bag to class.
• Boys are now required to wear their Boater to and from school each day.
• Mobile phones should be stored in lockers unless they are kept in the blazer pocket for the COVID-19 app. If this is the case, please note that boys  accessing/using their phone during the day other than for an emergency contact, will have it confiscated by supervising staff.
• The Junior Academy Lounge is open before school from 7.45am until 8.15am and from 3.15pm until 5pm, Monday to Friday. Laptop use is permitted during these times only and on the Woodville side of the Lounge and only if it is for the purpose of school work.
• The Junior Academy Canteen is open before school and can only be accessed after boys have completed their temperature check and ID scan via the Boarder’s Walk.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to view the Centenary Mural. It is absolutely magnificent and I encourage the boys to take the time to do the same. Knox Archivist, Ms Julie Mason, led the Centenary Mural project and over the past nine weeks, artist Hugues Sineux was busy in the walkway making his work come to life. A video of what has come to fruition from all this hard work may be found here. I am sure our boys will enjoy Mr Sineux's artwork which celebrates our School's heritage and culture in the Breezeway.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Renee Willson

Your son’s semester report and the accompanying ‘Realising Potential’ document will be made available on the Knox portal later next week. Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received about the Term 1 reports, we are confident that the time and energy that teaching staff invest into observing, assessing, tracking and reporting of the Knox Learner Protocols is appreciated. The reimagined reports are allowing teachers to communicate more about your son’s mindset, behaviours, perseverance and social skills and we appreciate how the boys are rising to meet the Knox standards.

It has only been a few weeks since the release of the Term 1 reports so we encourage you to interpret your son’s learner protocol scores in the Semester report with that in mind. It may be that your son’s protocols scores have remained largely the same, or it may be that the results have improved or decreased – in all cases, please use the yellow, green and blue indicators to engage in a conversation with your son about how he  might improve into the future.

Please note that the blue indicators are quite rare and require students to demonstrate the protocol consistently and exceptionally. Ultimately, a blue indicator means that the teacher believes that there is no room for improvement against that given protocol (for the given reporting period). Because the margin for receiving a blue is so narrow, we must appreciate and respect when a teacher communicates a green indicator for the reporting period because the teacher is indicating what protocol(s) your son needs to demonstrate more of – this helps us encourage a fantastic student to become outstanding.

Should you have any more questions about the Knox Learner Protocols, or the reimagined academic reports, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Upcoming Assessment Tasks – Year 8 

Janelle Charlton

With most co-curricular activities now concluded for Term 2 (clubs to continue in Week 9), please be advised that the Term 3 co-curricular program will be published in the Week 9 newsletters.

Chuck Ardron

Friday 26 June

• Term 2 concludes 

Monday 20 July

• Term 3 commences

Monday 3 August

• Subject Selection Information Evening - details to follow

2020 Applications
We would like to invite students who have competed at the state/national level to apply to join the PEAK program for the 2020 intake. We understand that COVID-19 may have impacted some state/national championships, so PEAK eligibility criteria has been extended to include the last 12 months, or the last state/national championship event that was run.

What is PEAK?
PEAK is in its second year of operation and is designed to support high-performing student-athletes who aspire to have a career in elite sport. We aim to develop healthy, resilient and capable students by supporting the holistic well being of each individual, whilst assisting them to achieve their academic and sporting potential.

The PEAK program includes:
• One on one mentoring with Knox high performance coaches, including the development of an Individual Performance Plan (IPP)
• Keynote speakers focusing on the Knox Total Fitness pillars, including:

• Academic Fitness – covering themes such as time management, goal-setting and habits for academic success
• Physical Fitness – covering effective nutritional practices for athletes, sleep for recovery and effective rehab/prehab
• Spiritual Fitness (Personal Development) – covering communication, mental preparation and leadership
• Social/Emotional Fitness – covering resilience, performing under pressure and respect and responsibility

• Small group workshops to further enhance each student-athlete’s skills and learning capabilities

Please visit the Knox website for more information about the PEAK program.

To apply, please complete the application form. Applications close Friday 26 June (last day of Term 2). Successful applicants will be notified before school resumes for Term 3. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.

Kieran Donohue

An area near the Borambil Gates has been developed into a traditional bush food garden.

Volunteers note:
• A roster will be developed
• Guidance from the Agriculture Department
• Instructions given for the use of tools and the project
• Social distancing for all Knox students who participate
• Working with schools in Walgett, Hawaii, Liberia and Kenya - all via Zoom and One Planet Education

Please email Mrs Clarke if you are interested. 

Two of the Knox school values are compassion and courage.

School holiday sports training for Senior School
Following on from the Headmaster's announcements last week that CAS Winter Sport will start in Term 3, please note the training schedule for the coming holidays can now be found on the Knox app. We are mindful it is holiday time and a valuable time with family, however if your boy(s) are available we would love to give them the opportunity to best prepare for the winter season.

As always, if there are any questions regarding the schedule, please do not hesitate to email the Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy or directly with your son’s chosen sport.

The Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy will also have more information prior to the holidays regarding exactly how a day at each facility will look for players, staff and spectators on game day. This is being put together following government guidelines and the School policy regarding providing a COVID-19 safe environment for all.

Martin Haywood