SCHOOL INFORMATION
GENERAL OFFICE
Office hours are: 8:15am - 4:30pm
Telephone: 8520 9000
Parents should always make contact with the General Office first when visiting the school or trying to make contact with their children.
Appointments with teachers must be made via telephone or email them directly.
ABSENCES
Student absences should be reported to the school before 9:00am. Please email the Attendance Officer Alison Pollock alisonp@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au) or telephone 8520 9050 on the day of the absence by 9:00am.
A note on the day of return to the General Office is required for absences where no parent contact has been possible. Proformas for absence explanations can be downloaded from our website (www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au).
LATE ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL
In order to minimise disruption to class and maximise learning opportunities for our students, we would like to remind you of the school policy regarding late arrival to school. Students are expected to be at school at 8:30am. A locker bell rings at 8:35am and class begins punctually at 8:50am. If your child is late for any reason, please notify the school by phone 8520 9050, email alisonp@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au or by writing a note in the student's diary explaining the reason.
If no explanation has been received:
- students in Years 7 - 10 are withdrawn from class and given an after school detention for the following day;
- students in Years 11 and 12 are given a pass to class and an after school detention for the following day.
We appreciate your support in this. If you have any questions please call Alison on 8520 9050.
UNIFORM SHOP
Phone/Fax No: 9578 2151
NORMAL SHOP TRADING HOURS
Tuesdays 8:15am - 12 noon
Fridays 12:30pm - 4:00pm
1st Saturday every month 9:30am - 12 noon
Cheques must be payable to Fashion Clubwear.
LOST PROPERTY
Please ensure all school clothes, books and personal property are clearly labelled with the student’s name. Many items are not returned to their rightful owners because they are not labelled correctly or clearly.
USBs should include a folder with the student’s name and form to assist in returning it to the correct person. If you have lost anything see Mrs Plate in the Sick Bay during recess, lunch or end of day.
THE HEAVY SCHOOL BAG
I have previously included an item in the newsletter about the cost to health that the heavy school bag can cause. As a result of seeing many students struggling with their bags (either on the way to school or on the way home), I felt it was time to, once again, pass on my tips for a lighter load.
Some tips for reducing the load:
- Students are advised to use their locker to store books and to only carry home those needed for homework. As many of the textbooks have an eBook version there is no need to carry all textbooks home. Families should check which ones can be accessed via the publisher’s website and place these books on either their home computer. This will significantly lighten the load;
- Students should regularly clean out the school bag. It is not surprising that a lot of ‘stuff’ accumulates in the bottom of the bag adding unnecessary weight;
- Make sure the weight of the bag is distributed evenly. Check the length of the strap on the backpack and make sure the bag is carried correctly and not just slung over the shoulder;
- Students should use their diary to plan for upcoming assignments and homework tasks. As some subjects are not timetabled daily this may mean that they can carry things home gradually and not all on the same night.
As a result of carrying very heavy school bags and/or carrying them incorrectly students may experience:
- Fatigue;
- Muscle strain;
- Back pain;
- Rounding of the shoulders.
The prevention of back pain and other musculoskeletal injuries is important for students’ current well being and their long-term health. Posture and improving core strength through exercise, can significantly improve back health.
Susan Wilken
Community Health and Health Learning Area Manager