We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. And so the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it carries great power! Just think of how a small flame can set a huge forest ablaze. James 3:3-5

We all know the power of the tongue and the impact it can have – for good or for bad. I spoke to our Year 9 students on Monday in Year Meeting about some of things they can be doing to use their tongues to encourage and uplift the people to whom they speak. Whether it be our Virile Agitur Man Respecting Women interviews, checking in with mates, Operation Gratitude, or making a commitment to be an 'upstander' – the power of a positive comment is hard to measure.

Unfortunately, there are occasions where we may use our tongue to put others down or use language which is unhelpful. From unwelcome nicknames, teasing/banter about academic or sporting performance, through to swearing – boys need to pause and think about the potential for harm that a comment may carry. If it’s not going to make someone feel better about themselves, then it’s probably not worth saying.

On a more positive note, we are speeding along with our Virile Agitur Man Respecting Women campaign and Mentor Groups have been enthusiastically discussing the feedback they’ve received from their interviews. Next week, boys will begin to shape these responses into statements which will ultimately form our manifesto. I hope this process has overflowed into your conversations at home, and that our boys are taking cognisance of the power of their conversations to produce a positive impact.

Craig Milligan

As we head into the second half of the term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students that have been making it to school on time and going through the daily check in process. As of this week, parents of those students who are late to school have been receiving an email from me. Please remember to send me an email or lodge an Absentee Notification if your son will be late to school. From time to time I will call you to double check that you are aware of the late arrival.

Knox student ID and StoCard app

Students should have their Knox student ID card with them in the morning to scan in after having their temperature checked. Sometimes they may forget their card or have it in their locker or another bag. A StoCard app for their phone can be used to create a Knox student barcode on their phone. Click here for instructions. Note: All students are required to have an official Knox student ID card for purchases at the canteen as they are not allowed to use their phones.

Absences from school

All absences of three days or more require a medical certificate to be provided to the School. This can either be emailed to me and/or your son can bring it in when they return to school. It is important to remember that when lodging your son's absence in Parent Lounge you will need to include the nature of his medical condition in the comment section if you have selected Illness/Medical. Should your son be suffering from any of the symptoms of COVID-19, please follow the government advice regarding getting tested and keep your son at home.

Food Drive

Thank you for all the donations that we have received so far for the Food Drive. We have again this week had a table full of non-perishable food that has been collected for Ku-ring-gai Neighbourhood Centre, to support local families in need. Please feel free to donate long-life milk, cereal, coffee, tea, cans of meat, vegetables, fruit and/or soup, cup of soup and dried fruit. No glass items, please. Items can be dropped off at my office and/or Mrs Clarke's office (Room 15).

A reminder that our campuses are currently closed to parents and therefore it would be greatly appreciated if your sons bring in any items for the Food Drive.

Finally, I would like to congratulate Thomas Nguyen who has won a Gold medal for the U14 and a Bronze medal for the U17 Fencing State Championship  held at the NSW Fencing Centre last weekend. Well done, Thomas!

Mr Angelo Santangelo (Fencing coach) and Thomas Nguyen 

Have a lovely weekend.

Crystel Hodgson, Tel: 9119 0881

For information regarding all offered co-curriculars for week 6 please click here or contact the staff member in charge. Also please note that changes may occur at short notice due to Government and Health Department requirements.

Chuck Ardron

Saturday 29 August

Ride with Richter Fitness Challenge begins

Sunday 20 September

Ride with Richter Fitness Challenge concludes

Friday 25 September

Term 3 Concludes

Some new and exciting releases are now available from the library to boost your wide reading. New titles from award winning authors include:

M.T. Anderson

'Thirsty'

Sarah Moore Fitzgerald

'A strange Kind of Brave'

Ashley Elston

'The Lying Woods'

A reminder that the library is open from 8am to 4pm for study, homework help and borrowing.

Sally Thomson

Last weekend our Black and Blue boys won all their games against the opposition with some fantastic scores. Well done gents!