On Tuesday 11 February 2025, more than 200 members of our Junior School and Early Learning community gathered for our highly anticipated Junior School Welcome and Information Evening. The evening marked a warm and exciting beginning to the school year, filled with connection, reflection and inspiration for the journey ahead.
The evening kicked off with an inspiring address from our Principal and Chief Executive, Nikki Kirkup, who shared her vision for The Knox School. She emphasised the importance of preparing students for an unpredictable future, one that requires skills beyond the traditional classroom model:
“Most schools follow a familiar script. They do things the ‘ordinary’ way, the traditional way, because that’s how it’s always been done. But faced with an unpredictable future, the last thing we need is a predictable education.
At The Knox School, we offer our students the opposite of ordinary: an intentionally untraditional, unpredictable, extraordinary learning environment. One that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and character they need to go on and lead extraordinary lives.”
Her words highlighted the core of our educational philosophy; empowering and equipping students with the knowledge, skills and character needed to live extraordinary lives.
Our Head of Junior School, Simon Cowell, echoed this sentiment and shared some insights into the exciting improvements planned across our campus environment, including the recent Prep to Year 2 playground upgrade. From enhancing learning spaces to incorporating innovative resources, Simon spoke about our continuous commitment to creating an environment where students can thrive.
He also expressed his gratitude for the incredible support from parents during our recent Learner Profile Days, which are crucial to understanding each child’s unique strengths and needs:
“Thank you to all parents for supporting our Learner Profile Days. The impact on the start of the year for our students is truly measurable. Your contributions help us create a supportive environment where every student can thrive from day one. We’re so grateful for your involvement in making this possible!”
After the speeches, parents had the opportunity to step into their children’s classrooms, where they were humorously assigned “homework” by their children’s teachers. This hands-on experience allowed families to feel a deeper connection to their child’s day-to-day activities and learning environment.
As the evening came to a close, the buzz of excitement and anticipation for the year ahead was palpable. It was a wonderful start to what promises to be an extraordinary year at TKS! We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our parent community and look forward to all the amazing experiences and achievements that await us.
