From the Headmaster - Shaping young men and women

At the height of the Great Depression, for example, he addressed the School with the following words: “For myself, I maintain what has been called an outlook of reasonable optimism. To say that we might not emerge from this great economic collapse is to underestimate the courage of youth.”

As we navigated through uncertain times in 2020, our students have shown that the worst health crisis in memory is no match for an optimistic and proud generation of young people. They have had to be flexible, creative and, at times, patient. To put it simply, our students have been tested and they have not faltered in 2020.

Knox Founding Headmaster Neil MacNeil (centre) with students and staff, Autumn Term 1924

The courage of our youth gives me confidence that young people can manifest the best in humanity - and that is a light that will shine for generations to come.

As we approach the end of this challenging and completely unexpected school year, students, families and teachers have had to navigate uncharted waters.

I encourage students to take time to reflect on just how far they have come in their individual journeys; how many skills they now have and just how well prepared they are for their years ahead.

The one constant in times of uncertainty is family. I acknowledge the role that you as parents have played in nurturing your sons and daughters, giving them a moral code and the strength to reframe setbacks and move forward. By providing a supportive and loving environment, your children were well-equipped to face up to ever increasing challenges. I would sincerely like to thank all parents for their on-going support this year as the School responded to an unprecedented situation.

To my colleagues who were propelled into a rapid transition to remote learning which affected almost every facet of a traditional school-based education, I offer my sincere appreciation. Due to circumstances, teachers were called upon to impart far more than the curriculum - they were instrumental in teaching life-lessons. 2020 has demonstrated that Knox teachers shape young men and women into people of substance and significance.

This responsibility represents a high calling. Great teachers know and live this. A profound education is always the sum of many parts and I would like to commend the teachers who serve and who have served Knox Grammar School and our students.

While the pandemic has been a challenging time, I have been heartened by the positive community spirit that has still managed to shine through in 2020. Knox recognises that every child is the product of a set of experiences and that the people involved in shaping those experiences, both at home and at school, have a huge amount of responsibility.

This is a place of learning, our most human endeavour. We do it best together, cooperatively.

Although this year is just drawing to a close there is a real sense of anticipation about 2021... and our world is filled with promise.

While the pandemic has been a challenging time, I have been heartened by the positive community spirit that has still managed to shine through in 2020.

This is a place of learning, our most human endeavour. We do it best together, cooperatively.

Although this year is just drawing to a close there is a real sense of anticipation about 2021... and our world is filled with promise.

Scott James, Headmaster

This article was published in The Thistle, December 2020.