Celebrating International Men's Day at The Junior School Assembly
On Monday, our Junior School gathered for a special Assembly to celebrate International Men’s Day, recognising positive role models and the importance of character, care and resilience in our community.
We were joined by two special guests, Michael and Adi, both proud Knox dads, who spoke to our students about two powerful themes: Opportunity and Grit. Michael shared a story from his childhood growing up on a farm in South Africa. Every morning, he would wake up at 4.00 am to milk the cows. He told the students how, even on the coldest mornings, he found ways to see opportunity in every challenge, even if it meant stepping in cow poo to keep his feet warm.
His message was simple and inspiring: Be open to opportunities, keep talking, never give up, build resilience and always strive to be the best version of yourself.
Adi spoke about grit and what it means to persevere even when things are tough. He shared two remarkable stories of determination.
The first was Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack at age 13. Despite this life-changing event, Bethany worked tirelessly to return to surfing and went on to become a champion. Her story reminds us that with hard work and a positive mindset, we can achieve anything.
The second story was about Rudy Ruettiger, who dreamed of playing football for his favourite team. Although he wasn’t the fastest or strongest, Rudy refused to give up. Through persistence and belief in himself, he finally achieved his lifelong dream.
Adi explained that grit is about having a strong heart and mind that says, “I won’t quit.” It’s the ability to keep going despite challenges and to give your best every single time. He reminded students that grit is often more important than talent because it helps us grow stronger, smarter and more confident.
“You don’t have to be the best,” he said, “but you do need to give your best.”
After the talks, our students showcased their energy in a Jump Rope for Heart skip-off on stage, impressing everyone with their skills and teamwork. It was a morning filled with stories, laughter and inspiration, reminding students that opportunity and grit often start with a simple decision to keep going in the face of hardships.
