PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
WINTER CONCERT
Congratulations to the Head of Music, Ms Megan Papworth and the Music Faculty for their wonderful celebration of music held at the Robert Blackwood Hall last week.
It was indeed a spectacular event that showcased the musical talents of our students. Concerts like these allow students’ talent to be recognised and celebrated! It also allows our exceptional music program to be shared.
It is about participation and excellence and provides a benchmark for schools and students in Victoria.
Thank you to the music staff for the difference they make. I also thank our guests who were in attendance including parents, grandparents and friends, as always.
GOOGLE ROADSHOW
On Tuesday 29 August we were fortunate to host Google's Education Roadshow at McKinnon. Over 60 Principal's and IT Directors from around the State assembled for a day of exploring Google's platform for schools. Central to the day was an exploration of McKinnon's journey and the significant impact of our technology program.
Attendees were treated to a quick tour of our Year 7 Centre and were very impressed with the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. Overall the day was very positive with schools excited by the possibilities of what our school has accomplished with Google.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Angela Chen (Year 12) was awarded the John Marsden National Writing Prize at the Melbourne Writers Festival on Thursday 31 August 2017.
Congratulations Angela on this very prestigious award and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
THISTLELONIAN REUNION – CLASS OF 1967
The Class of 1967 came back to school for a celebratory afternoon tea on Sunday 20 August in recognition of the 50 years since their Graduation.
Thank you to Mr Geoff Woolnough, Mrs Jenny Cooke and Melanie Lynch who do a marvellous job of organising these wonderful events for the Thistlelonians.
I would also like to thank Mr Michael Kan, Mr Richard Long, Callum Lloyd, Andrew Krause, Raelene Evans and Tania Burnell who all assisted on the day to make it so successful and memorable for all attendees.
Music was provided by Mr Martin West and students Callum Charles (Year 12), Jessica Park (Year 12), James Hardy (Year 11) and Sean Malton (Year 9) who performed in the Saxophone Quartet. Thank you!
As for the Class of 1967 itself, I have received a lovely email thanking us for giving people the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and the school itself. The following is a small snippet from a 1967 McKinnon Graduate:
"I would like to offer my gratitude and many thanks for the 50th Anniversary Reunion Class of 1967 event held last Sunday, 20 August 2017.
I want you to know that the warmth, friendliness, effort and attention to detail involved in this event have not gone unnoticed or underappreciated. The greetings, music, photos, tour and small ceremony — along with the cakes, sandwiches and other treats, the uniforms, and outstanding gift - all combined to create one of those God-given special memories which remain and shine long afterward. I have the sense of completing a full circle after fifty years and more, yet it seems like only seconds have passed.
McKinnon (High School for me) has changed much in buildings since 1967 - impressively so - and the student population more than doubled. Yet the same hopes and dreams will live in each new class and the dedication of the staff still endure. May the future be made bright."
- Peter Waters Class of 1967