As we conclude a term unlike any other, I would like to commend the young men of the Middle Academy for the agility they demonstrated in adapting to the continually changing landscape of their learning environment. From starting the term online, moving to some days at school and some days off-site, then returning to school five days a week while adapting to new processes when arriving at school, regular hand sanitisation, changing locations of classrooms and restrictions on sporting and co-curricular pursuits, the boys have been supportive of each other and coped well with the changes. I have appreciated the cheerful greetings and smiles from so many boys as they went through the health screening process each morning. I am sure they are all ready for some rest and relaxation in the coming weeks.

Term 3 will resume on Monday 20 July. All students should be wearing full winter uniform, including their boater and blazer. If students have PDHPE or PASS practical lessons they should change into their PE uniform after they arrive at school. There will be updates to the timetable for the start of Term 3. Students should check their timetable on Student Café the weekend prior to school resuming and pay particular attention to the location of the classrooms for each of their lessons.

In Term 3 the Academy of Global Competency building will be open after school until 5.15 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. At the beginning of next term, students will be advised about the staff who will be available each afternoon to assist them with their studies.

I look forward to seeing the boys return rested, happy and healthy at the beginning of next term.

Elizabeth Ruff

'Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.' Bernard Williams

Much can be said in reflection of the term we have had but surely the most remarkable feature of this term has been the resilient spirit shown by each person in our community. From students adapting to home learning, teachers teaching online, parents attempting to work from home and manage their children, and each person developing better hygiene and social-distancing practices. Much of what we took for granted was rattled and life as we know it was radically and swiftly changed. Many families faced setbacks and still do, so our thoughts and prayers are with you all. But we’ve come out the other side stronger, wiser, more appreciative, more respectful and more aware of the good things we have and the wonderful community of which we are a part.

You would have recently received your son’s Semester 1 report, which outlines both his academic performance as well as the Learner Protocols for each subject. We encourage you to have a rich discussion with your son about each of these elements, taking into consideration the challenging term we have had, and help him to set some practical, realistic and achievable goals for Term 3.

During the course of the term, as part of Virile Agitur Man campaign, Year 9 have taken on the challenge of engaging in some rigorous climate change debate. Each Mentor Group was tasked with the creation of a Climate Challenge, which was put to the rest of the year group. Hopefully you’ve seen the fruits of some of these challenges at home as boys have taken the opportunity to reflect on their individual impact on the environment and the steps they can take to improve the world in which we live. We had a wonderful array of challenges from ride your bike whenever you can, to giving clothes to charity, to switching off lights whenever you’re not in, and even saving electricity by having cold showers (brrr!). These are just small ways in which boys can have a big impact and realise how they can utilise their great strength for good.

On that note, I have been so impressed by the massive number of 'Good Hours' our Year 9 boys have recorded this semester. Whilst the Climate Change Challenge was a corporate effort to be an active citizen, 'Good Hours' represent a space for boys to express their individuality by finding things to do where they can use their talents and strengths for the good of others. Thus far, we have accumulated almost 2,700 hours as a cohort. What a fantastic effort and well done to each boy for getting involved. The holidays present an extended opportunity for boys to build up some 'Good Hours'. Examples could include, but are not limited to: help update gran’s computer; mow the lawn; beach clean-up; help a friend with homework; take a neighbour’s dog for a walk while they’re away, bushfire help; koala sanctuary; busk at retirement home; cook a meal for someone; referee a kids’ Football game and many, many more. Whilst rest and relaxation are an important part of this holiday’s agenda, I think our boys can go one step further and look to take advantage of the many opportunities out there, where they can help others.

Finally, I want to extend my thanks to each member of the Year 9 team who have made this tumultuous term that much easier for each student through their continued dedication, time and effort. Have a fantastic holiday break and we look forward to seeing you in the second semester.

Craig Milligan

What a term it’s been for students, parents and staff alike and we’ve all made it through. I am proud of how the cohort tackled all the challenges that have been thrown at them and how well the boys adapted to the constant changes this term. I am sure, just like me, you are all very much looking forward to these holidays where you can rest for the next three weeks. Despite the current times putting a damper on overseas or even interstate travel plans, I am sure you have amazing activities planned for these holidays.

If you haven’t already done so please take the time to read this letter from our Deputy Headmasters regarding Term 3.

Upcoming Assessments Term 3
As Term 3 will be here before we know it, I thought I’d share the Assessment Task Schedule for the term, just in case you have some time to plan. A more detailed outlook of all upcoming assessments may be found here.

Food Drive
Traditionally in the winter months, Knox 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 me or Mrs Clarke's office and please note, no glass items:

• Long-life milk
• Cereal
• Coffee
• Tea
• Cans of meat
• Cans of vegetables
• Cans of fruit and/or soup
• Cup of soup
• Dried fruit

Term 3 Start Date
Just a reminder that the first day of term is Monday 20 July.

Wishing you all a fabulous holiday and I look forward to hearing all about it when we return for Term 3. Don’t forget to rest, relax, recharge and read.

Crystel Hodgson, Tel: 9119 0881

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

Friday 26 June

Term 2 concludes

Sunday 19 July 

Knox Leadership Conference. RSVP here.

Monday 20 July

Term 3 commences

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.

Two of the Knox school values are compassion and courage.

As mentioned above in the Team Leaders' section, our cohort have been busy working on climate change this term. Please see below to view the work produced. Double click on the pictures to view the bigger version. Well done, gents!