Jackson and Knox Grammar School

Going into this experience, my biggest fears lied with Jackson's transition into the new environment.  In addition to leaving all of his friends, he was going to go to an all boys school, wear a uniform, and play sports that he's never even seen.

The school that we chose for Jackson is Knox Grammar.  There are about 1500 boys at the senior school, where boys from grades 7-12.   The school motto is Virile Agitur, which translates to "Act Like a Man".  The school is all about giving the boys opportunities to do all kinds of things, in order to find the things that they can really be passionate about.  The school itself is beautiful, and is surrounded by an old campus that includes a chapel, a large oval (field) multiple classroom buildings.  Random tidbit: There is no cafeteria for the boys to sit and eat in.  There is a canteen where they can buy food, but they then go outside and eat.

The class schedule is different each day.  Even on days when the boys go to the same classes, they don't attend them at the same time.  (It would take me forever to get my schedule down!).  The classes are fairly similar to what Jackson took at home, with the exception of history and languages.  There are no Spanish classes here, so Jackson is taking French.  The boys also attend chapel and Christian studies.

 Knox is on a house system.  Each boy is assigned to a house for social activities, and Jackson is in the Adamson house.  When Jeff and I were visiting, there was a house basketball tournament going on during lunch.  There are house meetings every week as well, to cover school news, updates, etc.

Each boy is required to play a sport for both winter and summer.  Rugby is popular here, as are basketball and soccer.  Jackson selected fitness for his first go.  He stays after school on Wednesdays for extra practice, and there are Saturday morning classes as well that he must attend.

Traditions:  Love this!

The boys are required to tip their hat as they pass the gates into the school.

Adults at school must always be addressed by Sir or Mam each time they are spoken to (so when a boy asks a question in class, they must use this)

If an adult other than the teacher comes into the classroom, the boys are to stand.

The hat and blazer must be worn when travelling from home to Knox or vice versa.  Once on campus, the boys may remove them.

The boys may not have hair that touches their ears or collars.  No hair gels allowed (seriously, this was in the guide!!)

First day:  You can see the excitement bubbling over (LOL)

Jackson was teamed up with another year 9 boy, Seban, who was to help Jackson acclimate to Knox. They have become fast friends and Seban has introduced Jackson to his group of friends as well.

One of the students introduced himself to Jackson, and asked "Are you a Crip or a Blood?", to which Jackson replied "Neither".  The boy said "Oh.  I thought everyone was in a gang there".  What they think of us Americans!!

Last week, I walked in to find Jackson doing homework at about 4pm one day. Shocking!  He tells me that the teachers here don't make kids feel bad for asking questions, and that they genuinely seem interested in the kids education (this is making me wonder what was going on at West Millbrook???).  He has several teachers that he thinks are super funny, and a hot English teacher (his words).

So far, he seems to be enjoying Knox, and I am so thankful for this.