Together with Bravehearts (Knox’s child protection education and training partner) we are again inviting parents to participate in an online child protection course. Knox has been working closely with Bravehearts to co-design education and training programs for staff, students and parents over many years. The parent online course has been written to provide increased awareness and understanding of child protection issues and strategies, with the intent of promoting the safety of young people. If you would like to register for the course  please complete this online form.

In addition to the online course Bravehearts provides information and resources to parents and caregivers. These resources offer practical suggestions for: Keeping your child safe online; facts about sexual assault and exploitation; FAQs; and resources for parents to  teach their child about personal safety. To access these resources please click on this link. 

Phil O’Regan 

 This week in Year Meeting one of our newest Year 9 Mentors, Ms Jyssica Kingsland, delivered the first in a series of short guest presentations on inspirational leaders who have demonstrated the core tenants of what it is to be a 'Virile Agitur Man': Great Strength. Under Control. Used for Good. When we sought volunteers from amongst the Mentors to share personal reflections on leaders that inspire them personally, Ms Kingsland was quick to volunteer to share the story of civil rights activist Rosa Parks and her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955. 

Ms Kingsland cleverly aligned carefully selected quotes with our school values. Two quotes stuck with me in particular. Parks said: 'You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right'. Daily, we have discussions with our boys about having the courage to stand up for what is right. This thought was timely as, in this Year Meeting, we also recognised Year 9 student Winston Xu, about whom the School received some positive feedback from Sydney Trains for stepping in to assist a stranger on the train by helping to translate a conversation with Transport Officers.

The other quote was this: 'Each person must live their life as a model for others'. It is interesting that while we, as humans, are biologically wired to seek rewards, and although we train our children from a young age to motivate themselves extrinsically – chores earn you pocket money, star charts earn you gifts, training earns you trophies – we simultaneously expect children to develop a sense of justice and integrity, where they do what is right simply because that is the right thing to do. Mr Milligan and I sincerely hope that through the 'Virile Agitur Man' vision for this year, we can provide parents and carers the opportunity to continue conversations with boys about the great potential they have to do good in this world, and to help them realise that the reward may indeed be in the act of giving, not receiving. 

Alec Openshaw

On Thursday 20 February the Social Justice club presented at the whole school assembly and they spoke about the Cultural Diversity at Knox and how we celebrate Reconciliation Week, Diwali, Lunar New Year and other cultural events at the School.

Congratulations to Sean Williams who participated in the Regional Athletics Championships last week and came first in the Under 14 3000m event and  second in both the 1500m and 800m Under 14 events.

Congratulations to Leo Phijidvijan who participated in the CIS tennis trials this week representing the School.

Winter Sports Choice

Thank you to all the students that have sent in their Winter Sports Choice. We still have some students who have not done so. Please search for an email from forms@edsmart.com. If the email has not been received please contact the Sports office. All forms are due to be submitted by Friday 21 February.

Clean Up Australia Day Sunday 1 March

There is an opportunity for families to clean up our environment – register here to join a Clean-up event. The boarders will be cleaning up at Wahroonga Park. There are many other opportunities near you and further information may be found here.

Knox’s World’s Greatest Shave Tuesday 10 March

Last year Knox raised $20k for the World's Greatest Shave event and this year we are aiming for $25k. We have a Knox Grammar School Team, please encourage your son to participate by signing in via this link. The Social Justice Prefects & speakers from the World’s Greatest Shave will present at Year Assembly over the coming weeks.

On Tuesday 10 March the Knox Grammar Team top fundraisers will have their head ‘shaved’. Students must remember that haircuts are to be in line with the School’s regulation!

Finally, wishing good luck to Joel Belton and Jai Li who will be representing the school in the ACT Team Racing Championship 2020 this weekend in sailing.

Crystel Hodgson, Tel: 9119 0881

Friday 21 February

Winter Sports choice due

Thursday 27 February

Doing da Vinci day

Tuesday 3 March

International Women's Day breakfast

Tuesday 10 March

World's Greatest Shave

Thursday 12 March

CAS - Swim and Dive Championships

Sunday 15 March

Kuringgai Chase Fun Run 2020

Thursday 2 April - Thursday 9 April

AFX camp

Thursday 9 April

Term 1 concludes

Friday 10 April

Good Friday

Sunday 12 April

Easter

Monday 27 April

Term 2 commences 

It is with pleasure that we invite you and/or your son or any family member to participate in the 2020 KURINGGAI CHASE FUN RUN to show support for athletes taking part and, raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Australia, Sydney Upper North Shore Region.

The Run is being held on Sunday 15 March at Claude Cameron Reserve, Wahroonga starting at 8am and finishing by 11am. Students are expected to make their own way to, and from, the venue.

The participation in the Fun Run is a great opportunity for our boys to help a person with a disability and is an important part of the School’s Social Justice program. As such, the value to both the boys and the Special Olympic Athletes is invaluable. There is no cost involved and this is an opportunity for students and families who are looking to give back to their local community, participate in the School’s Social Justice Program and help to support others. Participation and the invitation is extended to all where you and your son/s will be welcomed as will your extended family and friends.

Students do not need to pay a fee or fund raise. On the day Knox boys act in a supporting role to ‘buddy up’ with a Special Olympics Athlete and support their effort to complete the 5km walk or 10km run.

Students who do attend are required to wear good running shoes and PE uniform and students should be aware that this is considered an official school function. As such, school rules and expectations apply.

If your son would like to participate, simply reply to us by accepting the invitation in the Parent Lounge. There is no need to return a permission slip. If you or anyone you know would also like to participate, please register by visiting the website listed below.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the Run’s website or, by contacting the staff members below who are organising the event for the School.

We look forward to seeing you at the event for what promises to be an incredible day for our local community.

Aaron Nolan andJohn Diamond 

Our guest speaker will be Sallianne McClelland, who is the Development Director Women's Community Shelters and founder of ‘Mobilising for Mogo’. This would be a great opportunity to participate in this annual event with your son.

Venue: the Great Hall Foyer from 7am-8.15am

Cost: $20 per person and a light breakfast is included. Payments can me made via the Knox Payment Portal. Go to the Knox Payment Portal and click on ‘other activities’ and scroll down to the International Women’s Day Breakfast.

The Science Department is organising participation in the Big Science Competition this year. An email was sent to all parents and students at the start of the week with relevant information attached.
The Big Science Competition is mandatory for all Years 7-10 da Vinci Science students. Any students who are in a Year 7-10 Core class and wish to participate in this competition are required to self-nominate.

All parents must accept their son’s participation in this competition on Parent Lounge which can be located via the School Portal by Tuesday 31 March.

Ingrid Tuktens

The Senior School Tuckshops have a number of vacant spots which we are desperate to fill. If you are a new parent or an existing parent, helping out in the tuckshop is very rewarding experience and a great way to meet and socialise with new friends.  

To volunteer, please click on the following links:

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

If you have any questions about volunteering in the tuckshops, please contact Caron Suleyman, Tuckshop Convenor at tuckshop@knox.nsw.edu.au

Young Endeavour Youth Scheme is pleased to announce that applications for voyages in STS Young Endeavour in 2020 are now being taken. Since 1988, more than 14, 000 young Australians aged 16-23 have joined national sail training ship young Endeavour on a life changing voyage. Our internationally recognised youth development program builds self-awareness, develops leadership and communication skills, and fosters a sense of community responsibility in participants. On board, 24 youth from across Australia form a youth crew. Over 11 days they learn all the skills required to sail a square-rigged tall ship including keeping watch, handling lines on deck, taking the helm, navigating using the ship’s charts, cooking in the galley and climbing the 30-metre mast to set and furl the sails. No sailing experience required. The program is delivered by a professional Royal Australian Navy crew who ensure the highest standards of safety and encourage the youth to pursue personal and team goals and challenges. Applications are taken at www.youngendeavour.gov.au. Voyage fees and conditions will apply to successful applicants. Potential applicants should apply now for the best chance of being drawn for a voyage.

Stephen Moss - Executive Director Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

At the end of Term 1, students will be going on Cadet Camp. The Uniform Shop has some items available for purchase for Camp. Please complete this order form and email or hand it in at the Uniform Shop by Friday 28 February.

The orders will be available for collection from the Uniform Shop at the end of February. If an order is not placed, we cannot guarantee we will have all items in stock.

Alternatively, all items will be available to order from Flexischools and collection for these items will be as per the dates given on the order.

Julie Blackburn 

Last week our Year 9 boarders together with the rest of the Boarding community celebrated the Lunar New Year. The boys enjoyed a celebration banquet in the Boarders' Dining Room followed by a traditional lion dance performance and lesson in the Great Hall. 

Our the past few weeks our PDHPE students have been taking part in fitness testing to evaluate and record their overall fitness. The boys’ strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, upper body and lower body strength, speed, power are all being tested and recorded. This data will be used by the boys to set their own personal fitness goals on areas where they’d like to improve throughout this year. The results are also used by the Knox Sports and Aquatic Academy to help identify and match boys to sports that suit their talents and strengths.This week the boys were testing their heart rates by doing laps.