In an ever-changing world, the focus of education is turning towards a holistic approach where schools are considering the social, physical and spiritual development of a child just as equal as the intellectual. With the many benefits associated with learning in natural environments, a key component of Knox Total Fitness is outdoor education.

Outdoor experiences engage our students in practical and active learning in natural settings beyond the school classroom. The benefits of high-quality outdoor experiences quickly become apparent when young people are given the opportunity to take part in risk-assessed, but not risk-free activities. As Roald Dahl once said, “The more risks you allow children to take, the better they learn to take care of themselves.”

The School’s outdoor program extends students out of their comfort zones, creating just enough challenge to ramp up their focus, creativity and communication skills, which in turn will help them to respond to life stress when unexpected things happen. More often than not, the experiences of camps and outdoor education are felt immediately, and have the tendency to resonate with students for years. Through outdoor education, our students develop a real sense of self, learn how to be resilient and self-reliant, while also learning how to live with others. Through spending time in nature, students have the chance to strive, relax, learn and grow, all in a less formal setting than a classroom.

Despite the range of positives that a school camp can provide, there may be some level of stress for a student in taking that leap towards the school camp experience. If this is the case, let your son talk about their worries and fears and possibly share your own experiences at camp and how you overcame your own challenges. You may also consider reaching out to our Psychology team who can help your son replace unhelpful thoughts and how to use other practical strategies to minimise their anxiety.

Camps are some of the most exciting, life-building experiences that a young person can have. If required, I encourage families to work with the School in preparing and supporting your son to de-bunk any apparent fears or worries that may be preventing him from attending camps this term and reaping the immense developmental benefits that outdoor education has to offer.

Scott James

As another successful week comes to a close, I would like to thank the boys for the extremely positive way in which they have applied themselves as part of the Middle Academy. In speaking with many boys and staff, the overwhelming feedback indicates that our boys are on track for a huge 2021. Obviously this has a lot to do with how well the teachers have welcomed and planned for student learning but I would also like to express my gratitude to all families for how you organise your sons for each day at Knox. Through this teamwork, that no doubt involves plenty of positivity and encouragement at home, the boys have responded in the most amazing way.

Year 9 has introduced the boys to increased autonomy and accountability for their own learning through the choice of electives in the various learning areas around the School. I have been hearing some amazing stories about visits to the Ag Plot for the boys studying Agriculture, the Elective Geography class is busy studying Oceanography in preparation for their excursion to the Australian Shark and Ray Centre where they will have the opportunity to snorkel with marine life found in Australian waters including Eagle Rays and Leopard Sharks. Not to be outdone, the boys studying Industrial Technology have begun their first project of a cutting board for the kitchen at home, whilst boys in Drama have begun to prepare for their first assessment task involving a 'live' performance. As you can see, the list of opportunities available are incredible and I look forward to sharing more news about elective areas of study in future newsletters.

As the boys settle into their studies for 2021, please note that the boys are now able to download the Year 9 Assessment Booklet on the Knox portal. This booklet outlines the nature and time of each task in every subject and will help with early preparation and planning. Director of Studies in the Middle Academy, Mr Milligan, has spoken to the boys at Year Meeting and I encourage all families to download this booklet this weekend.

Last Friday evening, I was lucky to be able to see some of our swimmers in action at the CAS Invitational at Homebush. These boys have been busy training over the break and their performances on the night reflected all the hard work they have put in as they seemed to glide effortlessly through the water. The CAS Swimming and Diving Championships are fast approaching and, on behalf of the year group, I would like to wish these boys every success in the coming weeks.

Whilst on the topic of sport, I would like to congratulate Nathan Gladman on his selection in the NSW Water Polo Squad for 2021. Nathan is training hard for the National Championships which are scheduled to be held later this year and we wish him every success.

In closing, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Robinson or me if you have any concerns or questions and we will do our best to help out.

Julien Manuel

As Week 3 comes to an end, I am sure you are all looking forward to the weekend.

Updating Contact Details and Medical Records
Please take the time this weekend to review your contact details (address, email address, contact phone numbers) on Parent Lounge and if they have changed then please follow the instructions below to update it:

To update your address details choose 'Update Address Details' from the Parent Details drop-down. Choose 'Update Address' from the top right of the screen. Update your details and then select 'Submit Changes'. In addition if there has been a change in your son's medical details, please update the details by choosing 'Medical Details' from the 'Student Details' drop-down menu and you will be able to either 'Update' or add 'New' depending on which section you are updating. It is important for the School to have accurate contacts for parents and/or guardians in case of emergencies. Should you encounter any difficulties making these changes please contact the IT Helpdesk Team.

Mobile Phone Policy
A reminder that students are expected to have their mobile devices in their locker throughout the course of the day. Students are allowed to access their phones at their locker during recess and lunch. Should you have an urgent message to pass on to your son you can contact me on 9119 0886 or via email.

School Photos 
For those students who were absent on Tuesday last week, please note that a catch up photo session is scheduled for Monday 15 February, 12.50pm - 1.30pm, in the Great Hall Foyer. Students are to wear their full summer school uniform with their blazer on to have their photos taken.

Ceramics – Hand Building and Photography and Digital Media
Please click here for further information and how to register.

Cadet Camp
Further information regarding the ordering of items for the Cadet Camp may be found here.

Year 9 SAO email
I would just like to remind you that should you wish to contact me, please email me on the Year 9 SAO email address year9sao@knox.nsw.edu.au

Have a great weekend everyone.

Renee Willson

Welcome back to 2021 and I would like to take this opportunity to share some insight into my new role as Director of Studies Stage 5 (DoS). As part of the broader teaching and learning team across the School, the DoS will lead and develop the educational philosophy and pedagogical framework in the Knox Academy of Global Competency (Middle Academy) to deliver innovative curriculum that fosters creativity and curiosity in students across all aspects of their learning experience while ensuring compliance with NESA and other regulatory requirements.

I will be in regular contact with you through this forum to update you on any upcoming events of an academic nature. To this end, a few important current events for you to be aware of:

1.Year 9 Assessment Booklet – this is available on the Knox portal for students to access. This contains all the relevant information regarding Assessment Tasks for each subject and other general Assessment Policies and Guidelines. Please take a moment to download this and read through it together with your son.

Your son will be working closely with his Mentor and Team Leaders to ensure this Assessment Data is captured in their diaries and alongside their subject teacher, planned for accordingly.

2. Elective Subject Change Deadline – we do allow students in Year 9 to change their electives if they so wish. However, the absolute deadline for these changes is the end of Week 7, Friday 12 March, 3.15pm.

At Knox, our electives are run as two year courses. It is only in very exceptional circumstances that we can allow students to change electives after this date. According to NESA guidelines, students have to complete 200 hours of Elective Subjects and the Head of Department has to sign off that each student has fulfilled the necessary requirements of the course. Unless there is an exceptional or specific reason that would prevent a student from continuing to study an elective, he will need to continue with his Year 9 Elective choices in Year 10.

If your son does wish to change an elective, he will need to come and discuss with me in this regard (contact details below). My office is located in AGC109D.

3. Afternoons in the Academy of Global Competency (AoGC) – below is the schedule of staff available in the AoGC who can assist students with homework, planning, organisation and study strategies.

Monday
Mr Mulligan – English
Ms Coughlin – Maths
Mr Neville – PDHPE

Tuesday
Ms Aldridge – English
Mr Charlier – Maths
Ms Khun – Science

Wednesday
Ms Keegan Ward – Maths
Ms Rodrigues – Maths
Ms Shurville – Commerce
Ms Thompson – Science

Thursday
Ms Porter – English
Ms Heverin – Maths
Ms Choucair – Commerce

I would like to wish each of your sons all of the best for the upcoming academic year and look forward to working alongside them in reaching their full academic potential during their time in Stage 5.

Craig Milligan, T: 02 9487 0166

Last Saturday, Knox hosted an Independent Schools' Mountain Biking Carnival at Terrey Hills. As many as 200 riders participated in one of the fastest growing sports at the School at the moment. Some great results and effort was put in by our team as well as the huge amount of preparation that went in to hosting such a huge carnival. Well done to all staff and participants.

Knox also hosted local friends Barker College in the majority of fixtures in the Senior School and fortunately, the weather held off for long enough to see many boys wear the Black and Blue for the first time. The spirit among both schools was great to watch. I know the boys had a great day. Congratulations to our new Year 7s who were fantastic. We are all extremely proud of the efforts and sportsmanship shown by them in Round 1.

This week, all boys and families were sent an email and link to the Winter Sport Choices for 2021. Please take some time to read and consider carefully before your son commits to a winter sport. For logistical and other reasons, we do not allow changes once the winter trial period has begun. We need all choices completed by next Friday 19 February, please.

Congratulations to all the boys selected to compete at the Knox Swim Championships next Wednesday. Just to make finals is a huge effort. The standard of Swimming is exceptional at Knox and just rises each and every year with many more records expected to go on the night.

Congratulations to Tom Morrison (Y12) who was recently selected into the NSW Rugby 7s Under 17 team – and to top off Tom’s selection, he has been asked to captain the State Team. Well done and good luck, Tom.

COVID-19 Policy
Could I remind all parents of our current COVID-19 policy regarding the number of spectators allowed on-site on a Saturday. Siblings may not come along and only one parent may watch our sports played indoors (Lawson Centre area and Great Hall area). Unfortunately, we had to remove a number of people last Saturday and it is not ideal.

Regarding sport this weekend and how it will look regarding COVID-19 restrictions, please note the details below. Any late variations will be sent via the School app.

Process for Sports fixtures – Saturday 13 February
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:

• 2 spectator parents/guardians per player at our outdoor venues
• 1 spectator parent guardian per player at our indoor venues
• Service NSW 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, MacNeil and Lawson court 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 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?

St Aloysius' College
• Willoughby Leisure Centre - NO SPECTATORS
• Other Indoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player
• Outdoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Barker College
• Indoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player
• Outdoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Cranbrook School
• Indoor venues - 1 spectator parent/guardians per player
• Outdoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Trinity Grammar School
• Indoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player
• Outdoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

St Ignatius College (Riverview)
• Indoor venues – 1 spectator parent/guardians per player
• Outdoor venues - 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Shore Pool (fixture vs St Joseph's)
• 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

Drummoyne Pool (Newington)
• 2 spectator parent/guardians per player

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.

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

Martin Haywood

When: Wednesday 24 February 2021, 7.45am-8.15am
Where: Online seminar, register at www.knox.nsw.edu.au/GC-seminar
Who: All Senior School parents

With the launch of a new Knox Certificate of Global Competency for Senior School students in 2021, Knox parents are warmly invited to an online seminar. Speakers will include Margie Raymond (Coordinator of the Knox Certificate of Global Competency), Karen Yager (Deputy Headmaster of Student and Teacher Excellence K-12), Elizabeth Ruff (Head of Middle Academy), David Caspari (Deputy Chairman of School Council), students and parents. The seminar will cover topics including why global competency is important and how the Knox Certificate of Global Competency will be delivered for students.

Please register your interest by Monday 22 February. All enquiries to Margie Raymond.

Knox Certificate of Global Competency seminar flyer

Monday 15 February

Catch up individual school photos, 12.50pm - 1.30pm,  Great Hall Foyer

Friday 19 February

Scholarship Application closes for 2022 school year

Sunday 7 March

Clean up Australia Day

Thursday 18 March to Saturday 20 March

Musical Performance - 'Beauty and the Beast'

Thursday 25 March to Thursday 1 April

Cadets AFX Camp

Thursday 1 April

Term 1 concludes

Friday 2 April

Good Friday

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Expressions of interest to participate in Business and Finance Club are now open. This will be a lunchtime club conducted by Year 11 students. Please send your enquiries to me and I will pass them on to Y11 student, Riki Choi.

Alternatively, students may express their interest on this Google Form.

Glenn Walker, Head of Finance and Legal

Cadet Leave Form Instructions

To access the Cadet Leaver Form in the Knox app, please go to CONTACTS> SCHOOL CONTACTS> CADETS

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 have a few places remaining for our Term 1, 2021 course which begins next week, Week 4. 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.

We will also be taking an ‘Expression of Interest’ for a five-week refresher course to run the second half of Term 1 for anyone who has completed the seven-week course previously.

Availability of places is dependent upon a first come first served basis. All students who miss out on a place in Term 1 will be placed on the waiting list for Term 2, 2021.

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

Knox Symphony Orchestra (KSO) Rehearsal Workshop Day 
On behalf of KAPA, we offer our collective congratulations following our brilliant Rehearsal Day on Sunday to our 2021 KSO Ensemble.

Our KSO members demonstrated commitment, tremendous enthusiasm, and high calibre musicianship throughout the entire day.

With 67 musicians in attendance, encompassing students from Years 7-12, we could have not asked for a better start to the year. Just listen to how great they all sounded by clicking on the following link: KSO.

What a magnificent start towards our Orchestral Night at the Proms Concert, Meet the Symphony Orchestra incursion and 2021 Sydney Eisteddfod performances - congratulations boys!

James Brice, Head of KAPA

KPA Name Badges - last chance to order
The KPA organises name badges for parents at the start of each school year for use at the various school functions you will attend throughout your son's time at Knox. They come with the Knox crest and your name, with a simple magnet on the back for attaching. They are a much better alternative to the sticky labels that always peel off! The cost of $16 includes postage.

Orders close Friday 19 February 2021. This is the only opportunity to order name badges for 2021, so please put your order in now to avoid disappointment.

Please click here to order and pay for a name badge. Be sure to put down your name as you would like it to appear on the badge (first and last name only).

Our informal prayer meeting for Term 1 will be held at 10am on Friday 19 March, at the home of Prue Feather. Morning Tea will be included.

There will also be an evening meeting at 8pm on Wednesday 10 March, at the home of Fiona van Horen.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend so that we comply with the gathering limits prescribed by the government’s Public Health Orders in place at the time.

A warm welcome is extended to anyone from our Knox community who would like to attend.

Any enquires to Prue Feather.

Winter Uniform
We would like to remind all parents that Term 2 changes over into winter uniform. For further information on what the uniform item changes are, please refer to the Uniform Policy and Regulations. We strongly recommend purchasing the winter uniform earlier than later and not wait until the last week of the school holidays as we cannot guarantee all sizes will be available.

Special orders
For any students who have special requirements regarding winter uniform items, it is strongly recommended that these are discussed with the Uniform Shop Staff as soon as possible. Occasionally, we have students who have allergies/sensitivity to wool and in these instances, time permitting, we can get winter trousers lined and jumpers made in a cotton/nylon blend. These special orders require some notice: four weeks for the trousers and up to eight weeks for knitwear.

Other instances include if your son is not of a standard size. For example, very tall but slim and may require extra length or he may be of a more solid frame like a Rugby player and the standard sizes may be disproportional.

Please visit the Uniform Shop during trading hours (see below) or contact via us by phone 9487 0191 or email.

Trading Hours
Monday to Friday: 12.30pm-5.30pm
Saturday (Terms 1 and 4 only): 9am-12noon

Phone (02) 9487 0191 or visit the Knox website here for more information.

Julie Blackburn, Knox Uniform Shop Manager

The Year 9 Commerce students are currently looking at Consumer and Financial Decisions. Each class has been able to visit the igloo in the iHub to take a 360° e-tour of the Macquarie Centre in order to analyse the reasoning behind the layout of the shopping centre and how that influences our decisions and actions as consumers. They will further investigate information provided by Mr Keith Gliddon (Senior Leasing Executive) who has provided us with an insight into the retail industry detailing the role of ‘Anchors, Majors & Minors’ in the retail world as well as the role that technology is playing in aiming to target us as consumers.

Ronelle Shurville

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