It is hard to believe that we are about to embark on the Mid-Year Holiday break. It has certainly been a memorable semester of learning for boys, parents and teachers! We have travelled through a very unpredictable time, having weathered COVID-19 restrictions.

On Tuesday afternoon , the Term 2 reports went live via the Parent Lounge and Student Café. These reports will detail each boy’s achievements and his approach to learning across all subject areas.  In reading many of the reports, I am amazed by the boy’s. Next term, we look forward to welcoming the boys back to a more normal routine. Our co-curricular programs, sport, and other after-school activities will return in Semester 2.

Whilst we have met the many challenges and celebrated achievements this term both as individuals and as a School , I have missed the traditional buzz associated with Term 2 such as Gala Day, Winter Sport and our Parent Morning Tea.

I hope all families enjoy a well-deserved break, and have an enjoyable vacation.

Julien Manuel

Two of the key values of Knox Grammar School are compassion and courage. Knox is developing a project to thank COVID-19 front line workers and send letters to those isolated in local Aged Care Facilities.

There will be a series of committees with students from Stage 4 and Stage 5 and Year 11 formed to coordinate Operation Gratitude. This is an opportunity for all students to participate in the Project and develop leadership and organisation skills. Please email Helen Clarke if your son wishes to participate as a leader of one of the leaders of the groups to coordinate this activity.  Boys are then referred to the Social Justice Leaders who will work with the boys on completing this important project. We aim to commence Week 1 of Term 3 and complete this by Week 3.               

Food Drive
Traditionally in the winter months, we do a food drive of daily staples for Sydney families who are struggling and living in very challenging conditions. This will continue from now and into Week 3 of Term 3. The following non-perishable donations may be handed in to the SAOs or Mrs Clarke's office: long-life milk, cereal, coffee, tea, cans of meat, vegetables, fruit and/or soup, cup of soup, dried fruit. Note: no glass items, please.

As this is my final newsletter for the term, I have to say I've thoroughly enjoyed Term 2 with the boys. They have continued to involve themselves in numerous activities, in and out of the classroom. It certainly has been an extremely busy term with lots of change which they have all adapted to admirably. Their enthusiasm, good manners and endless banter has been an absolute joy. I hope that you have a wonderful holiday break and look forward to seeing you all back in Term 3.

Happy Holidays! 

Renee Willson

The Academy Portfolio Leadership Team will be running the Knox Leadership Conference for 2020 on Sunday 19 July, the last day of the upcoming holiday break, from 1-4pm. The event will take place in the Wenkart Theatre and all current Prefects, PLT reps and Peer Support Leaders will be in attendance.

We are delighted to be able to announce that we will be livestreaming the event to all those other students in the Senior School, and also to student leaders from other local schools, that would like to watch the Conference and learn from the quite brilliant and diverse leaders that we have engaged for the day. Please click here to register. The livestream details will be sent out a few days prior to the event. 

We have the Chairman of the Knox Council and CEO of Goldman Sachs Australia and New Zealand, Mr Simon Rothery; media personality and former star Australian cricketer, Mr Michael Slater; prominent journalist and author, Mr David Leser and former recipient of The Queen’s Young Leader and NSW Young Volunteer of the Year Awards, Ms Emily Milton Smith presenting on the day. Our speakers cover Business, Sport, the Arts and Social Justice and will be able to provide incredible insight on their experiences as leaders. 

Please contact me if you have any questions about the Conference and I hope that as many Knox students and families as possible can tune in and enjoy and learn from these exceptional leaders.

Sam White

Monday 20 July

• Term 3 commences

Monday 3 August

• Subject Selection Information Evening - details to follow

School holidays - Hours of operation
Thursday 16 July from 9.30am - 5pm (closed 12.30pm - 1pm)

Friday 17 July from 9.30am - 5pm (closed 12.30pm - 1pm)

Monday 20 July from 8am - 5pm

Please ensure your son has his winter sport uniform ahead of Term 3. All items are available online through Flexischools or in-store.

Each term, Knox holds a Handwriting Course designed to help improve the speed, accuracy and neatness of students’ handwriting, reducing tension and fatigue when writing for long periods of time. In 2020 the classes will be held by Ms Lisa Norton, an occupational therapist, who specialises in the development of skills necessary for handwriting and the remediation of handwriting difficulties.

We are now filling places for our Term 3, 2020 course.

Our course will run on either a Tuesday or Wednesday or both mornings, starting at 7.30am, once minimum numbers are confirmed.

A minimum of seven students, and a maximum of ten, ensures individual attention. The course costs $300 for seven sessions of 45 minutes.

The Introductory seven week course includes a tub of theraputty, that is designed to improve hand muscle strength and fine motor skills. 

Availability of places is dependent upon a first come first served basis. All students who miss out on a place in Term 3 will be placed on a waiting list.

Should you be interested in pursuing this option for your son, please contact Rebecca Papageorgiou in the Learning Enhancement Department ASAP.

Ms Rebecca Papageorgiou

Get excited Year 8! Knox is hosting a Global Leadership Summit early next term. There will be a number of guest speakers and is an event not to be missed. So be prepared for a memorable experience that we can all learn something valuable from!

Teddy Harricks, Harrison Cluff, Harrison Robb, Henry Shepherd, Joshua Whitelaw and Zoltan Reed

Our Year 8 Boarders have been using the Roach Junior Academy Lounge to complete their evening Prep (homework), followed by free time and games outside.

Boys in Mr Norman's Year 8 Design and Technology class visited the Agriculture Plot last week to plant seeds. The seedlings will be planted into timber planter boxes which the boys are making.