Welcome back to Term 4 and I hope you managed to have a restful break. The warmer weather and prospect of borders re-opening has most certainly given us something to lift our spirits. I took my kids up to Dubbo for a few days where we visited the zoo and the jail, which were very interesting. I did, however, find my biggest inspiration from a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service experience. An absolute must if you are in the area! What struck me most was the tangible way this organisation uses their great strength for good, putting into action their mission and helping real people in need. Pilots, doctors, nurses, IT and administration personnel serving the rural and remote communities of our state and making a huge impact. So, whilst our Virile Agitur man campaign may not be on the scale of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, it encouraged me to see that our boys are involving themselves in something that can continue on well after their time at school. Keep going boys – you’re doing an amazing job!

Congratulations to the boys who have been elected into leadership positions for the upcoming year – Mentor Representatives as well as Peer Support Leaders. Please see the list and photos below. I know these boys will lead with courage, faith, wisdom, integrity and compassion. For those boys who were not fortunate in receiving a leadership appointment, we have encouraged them to sign up for the Portfolio Leadership training, which is an opt-in training program available to all willing students. The deadline for this application has been extended to today, Friday 16 October at 5pm, so as to allow a few more students to apply. The Directors of Student Development and the Senior Prefects will be running this training throughout next year and I look forward to seeing many of our Year 9 boys involved.

As we start a new term with boys in summer uniform, a reminder that our standards of appearance remain high and Mr Mulray (Stage 5 Student Management Officer) is diligently ensuring all boys have the appropriate haircut, their shirts tucked in and their socks pulled up. If you could support us in managing your son’s appearance and dress before he leaves home, that would be much appreciated.

I would like to wish the Year 12s all the best for their upcoming HSC examinations, which begin next week, and similarly to each boy in Year 9 as we power to the finish line of this year, with a few more assessments, yearly exams and summer sport and co-curricular activities before we can enjoy a well-deserved long summer holiday.

Craig Milligan

Bienvenue to our short eight week term which is shaping up to being a very busy one for all students. It was great seeing everyone back and hearing about all the great destinations they visited within our state. All students seem refreshed and look ready to tackle what is ahead.

So as to keep up with the great work that has been done so far, I just wanted to remind you that our Yearly Examinations will be taking place in Week 5 and Week 6 this term. Further information about the timetable for the examinations will be provided in the coming weeks but I strongly encourage all students to already make sure that they have started their revisions. A copy of the Term 4 Assessment Schedule may be found here for your information.

Wishing a warm welcome to Jacky Fan, Bill Lu and Brock Parmenter and their families who have joined our cohort this term. Thank you to Oliver Moore, Justin Hwang, Josh Harty, Alex Koshy and Michael Walsh who have all helped Jacky, Bill and Brock settle into their new environment on their first week at Knox. Boys, I hope you enjoy your time at Knox and look forward to watching you make the most of everything that is on offer at our school.

Cadets 

As of this term students who have elected to participate in Cadets are required to wear their Cadet uniform to school every Friday. Please note that Cadets session run from 3.30pm to 5.15pm every Friday. If your son is not able to attend the session then a Leave Form is to be submitted via the Knox app. Further information on how to do so may be found here.

Finally, please remember that I am always available to assist you should the need arise in regards to school matters.

Crystel Hodgson, Tel: 9119 0881

Saturday 17 October

Summer sports trials vs Cranbrook

Thursday 23 October

Co-Curricular Art Clubs commence 

Tuesday 10 - Friday 20 November

Yearly Examinations (further information to follow in coming weeks)

Wednesday 11 November

OKGA Remembrance Service

Thursday 3 December

Term 4 concludes

A few important announcements were made over the break by the NSW Government and then followed up by the Associated Schools of NSW (CAS) regarding Term 4 and sport. I can confirm the following for sport this Saturday.

Each school will have a different policy with regards to the number of spectators, so it will be important to carefully read the information below.

Process for Sports fixtures – Saturday 17 October
1. Check the team list to see your son’s team - see the Knox app (download instructions)
2. Check the sports draw to see where and when your son’s team is playing - check the Knox app
3. Is he playing at a Knox Grammar School venue? If yes:

• Two spectator parents/guardians per player at our outdoor venues.
• One spectator parent/guardian per player at our indoor venues.
• QR code registration will be in place across all facilities at entry points, with standard health checks and questions.
• Players in all teams should turn up ready to play - no change rooms will be available.
• Canteens will be closed. Players should bring their own labelled water bottles and snacks if required.
• Players should leave immediately after completion of their fixture.
• Teams due to play in Great Hall and Lawson or on MacNeil courts will need to wait on Boulevard until they may enter the facility. This will depend on finish time of previous fixture.
• Water Polo players will also need to wait in JAPAC rec area for clearance to enter the pool area.
• Standard 1.5m social distancing for all spectators.

4. Is your son playing away? Which School is he playing against?

Cranbrook School
• Two spectator parents/guardians per player for all outdoor sports.
• One spectator parent/guardian per player for all indoor sports.
• Cranbrook COVID-19 Sports Protocols

Please ensure you follow social distancing guidelines at all times and leave immediately after your son’s game. As always, any sports cancellations due to wet weather will be announced via the Knox app (make sure you have subscribed to alerts for your son’s summer sport).

If you have any questions, please email Sport here.

Thank you and best wishes to all our students this weekend.

Martin Haywood, Head of Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy

For many years the School has offered a ‘fees in advance’ program to enable increased flexibility of such payments. The program is attractive for many reasons, enabling parents to make lump sum payments for years ahead which attract discounts to the scheduled fees. To qualify, upfront full year payments must be made for a minimum of one year and the payments must be made by 13 November in the year before your payment program begins. Payments will only be accepted by direct funds transfer or cheque (credit card or BPAY payments are not permitted for this program).

Details of the Fees in Advance Program can be found here on the Knox website. Alternatively, you might like to discuss this in confidence with Betty Fowler from the School’s Accounts Department on 9487 0442.

Welcome back to a new term. New releases and additions to the library include the following:

'The World’s Worst Parents' by David Walliams

'Where I End and You Begin' by Preston Norton

'Neighborhood Girls' by Jessie Ann Foley

'To Sleep in a Sea of Stars' by Christopher Paolini

'Midnight Sun' by Stephanie Meyer

Book Club

A kindly reminder, Book Club is held in the Senior study area of the library every Thursday at Lunchtime.  All are welcome.

Curious Creatures, Wild Minds photo competition

Task: Create a digital photograph using the theme 'Curious Creatures, Wild Minds!' Your work may be a format that can be shared via photo; 3D sculpture, model, diorama, watercolour, pencil, oils, pastels, paint, JPEG or Powerpoint slide. You will need to scan/photograph and email your graphic as a JPEG. 

By entering this competition, entrants accept the Terms & Conditions stated here:

1. All entries must be your own work and clearly show your name, age and year group (if relevant) on the back of your work. 

2. Entries must be emailed or direct messaged by 4pm on Friday 23 October 2020. 

3. Please do not post or hand in your submission to the library. 

4. You may scan or photograph your entry to submit it. 

5. Winners will be announced on Friday 30 October 2020. Winners will be contacted about their book voucher prize.

6. Please note that all entries will be displayed at McKenzie Library and on our website for a period of three weeks from the submission date. 

7. Entering this competition gives permission to McKenzie Library to display your entry in the library during Book Week 2020.

Some ideas: There are many amazing creatures and animals on Earth. These include: striated frogfish, chameleon, dugong, lemur, vampire bat ... the list goes on.

Book Week 2020 'Wild!' McKenzie Library Writing Competition

Task: Write a 1000 word piece using the theme 'Wild!' Your work may be a short story, a poem, an essay or a graphic novel or comic. You will need to scan/photograph and email your story.

By entering this competition, entrants accept the Terms & Conditions stated below:

1. All entries must be your own work and clearly show your name, age and year group (if relevant) on the back of your work. 

2. Entries must be emailed or direct messaged by 4pm Friday 23 October 2020. 

3. Please do not hand in your submission to the library.

4. You may scan or photograph your entry to submit it. 

5. Winners will be announced on Friday 30 of October 2020. Winners will be contacted about their book voucher prize.

6. Please note that all entries may be displayed at McKenzie Library and on our website for a period of three weeks from the submission date. 

7. Entering this competition gives permission to McKenzie Library to display your entry in the library during Book Week 2020.

Sally Thomson 

Congratulations to the newly elected Mentor Representatives.

Congratulations to the following elected Peer Support Leaders who will be assisting with the Year 7 group starting in 2021.