School Houses
In 1926 the first Knox Houses were created, School House for the boarders and North House and South House for the day boys. Day boys who lived to the south of the School belonged to South House and those to the north to North House. By 1947 there were four Houses and by 1977 there were 12 houses with each boy calling one his own. Each House is named after an historical figure at Knox.
1955
Adamson
Established in 1955. It is named after John Adamson, member of School Council 1939-1952 and Chairman 1945-1952. He devoted extensive time to the School. Colour – dark green.
Dark Green
1955
Angus
Originally established in 1955 and then re-established in 1977. It is named after Reverend Dr Samuel Angus, a long serving member of the School Council 1926 -1943. Colour – brown.
Brown
1977
Bryden
Established in 1977. It was named after Dr William Bryden, the second Headmaster of the School during the war years 1939-1953. Student numbers rose steadily during his time. Colour – grey.
Grey
1947
Gillespie
Established in 1947. It is named after Sir Robert Gillespie, one of the School’s founders and generous benefactors. Sir Gillespie was the first School Council Chairman from 1923-1945. His bequests include MacNeil House and the original Preparatory School classroom block. His extended family were also benefactors with a strong involvement in the School. Colour – maroon.
Maroon
1953
MacNeil
In 1953, the name of School House was changed to MacNeil. It is named after the School’s first Headmaster Neil Harcourt MacNeil 1924–1939. He guided the school through its beginnings and the Depression and he set a strong tone and standards which are still followed today. Colour – black.
Black
1953
McIlrath
In 1953, the name of South House was changed to McIlrath. It is named after William McIlrath, one of the original and generous benefactors of the School and member of School Council 1923-1955. A bequest by his wife, in his name, was used to build the chapel. Colour – dark blue.
Dark Blue
1970
McKenzie
Established in 1970. It is named after Dr T Ross McKenzie, the fourth Headmaster of the School 1956-1969. He was part of a time of great consolidation and success for the School, particularly in academic and cultural achievements. Colour – orange.
Orange
1977
Montgomery
Established in 1977. It is named after J Ross Montgomery, a generous benefactor and member of the School Council 1953-1969. His generosity provided the Montgomery Building, Gilmore House, and numerous smaller benefactions including the bronze chapel doors. Colour – lime green.
Lime Green
1970
Murdoch
Established in 1970. It is named after Alan May Murdoch member of the School Council 1938-1970 and Chairman 1955-1970. He worked closely with Headmaster McKenzie to ensure the smooth running of the School. Colour – red.
Red
1953
Reid
In 1953, the name of North House was changed to Reid. It is named after Andrew Reid, one of the original and generous benefactors of the School. His numerous benefactions included the original Reid building, which contained a carpentry and metal workshop, art room, lecture theatre, armoury and storeroom. Colour – yellow.
Yellow
1977
Sinclair
Established in 1977. It is named after George M Sinclair, a member of School Council from 1944-1969 and Chairman from 1952-1955. He provided strong leadership to the council during his chairmanship. Colour – purple.
Purple
1955
Turnbull
Established in 1955. It is named after Alex E Turnbull, a foundation member of the School Council 1923-1947. He was devoted to the interests of the School and entrusted with checking the accounts for submission to the Council for payment. Colour – light blue.
Light Blue