PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

OPEN NIGHT 

Due to COVID restrictions we could not hold our annual Open Night.  Accommodating all our prospective parents and students (over 2000 visitors at one time) was very difficult. Our strategy this year was to host more tours. They were fully booked and very successfully run by Peter Quinn, Jenny de Kretser, Theresa Ford and the Year 8 & 9 student leaders.

It is always wonderful to see students lead in this important way, answering questions and sharing their experiences of their school. They were indeed wonderful ambassadors.

PARENT TEACHER STUDENT CONFERENCES 

These were held remotely at the request of so many parents. They were again very successful and the feedback has been impressive. One of the best things about McKinnon is the strong partnership that exists between parents and staff at the school. This indeed brings about better outcomes for students. The students were very responsible and it was terrific that parents could join despite some being in different cities. COVID restrictions have indeed allowed us the opportunity to do things differently.

SBS FILMING 

A documentary is being produced and will be shown on SBS about anxiety in Australia. They filmed at the school about the benefits of mindfulness and Celia Pacquola, a famous Australian comedienne, actually interviewed staff and students.

Mindfulness has indeed been a terrific initiative in the school and the benefits for those who practice regularly are significant.

YEAR 12 THEATRE PERFORMANCE

On Friday 7 May I was privileged to attend the Opening Night of the play ‘Masquerade’ performed by the Year 12 Theatre Studies students. 

The play took place over two nights and it was a great success. I am always so heartened to see students performing at their very best and I would like to acknowledge Ms Lucy Angell for her efforts and support.

CONCUSSION

Conversations about concussion are taking place and I think as a school we must be aware if a child is concussed at a weekend or evening sporting event.

Concussion may impact on a child’s ability to learn at school. It is important that medical clearance is given if a child is seriously concussed and that they have a break from sport for at least 12 days.

I ask parents to inform the school if concussion takes place out of school. Contact the school nurse and then teachers will be messaged.

We are all learning a lot about the long term impact of concussion on brain development and health impacts.

RUN CROSS COUNTRY

On Friday 7 May we held our annual cross country event and it was absolutely glorious. The weather was picture perfect, everyone came in their footy colours and put much effort into running around the track and funds were raised for the Monash Children's Hospital.

I congratulate Alice Briedahl and James Bridges for organising such a terrific carnival. 

EXAMS

The exam timetable for Years 9, 10 & 11 students will be distributed soon. These exams are an important part of our Teaching and Learning program. I know everyone will work hard to achieve their best.

Exams will take place in the Hall. 

Year 11 exams

Will be held from Wednesday 2 - Friday 11 June

Year 10 exams

Will be held from Tuesday 8 - Friday 11 June

Year 9 exams

Will be held from Tuesday 15 - Thursday 17 June

Correction Day

Friday 18 June

Mr Long will publish the timetable next week. Integrity and trust are vital during these examinations as they have been when other Learning and Assessments have been undertaken.

YEAR 9 CAREERS

This is the second year of a new State Government initiative for all Year 9 State school students.

The program involves students completing a special careers testing tool, the Morrisby test. This has been used by many private schools for many years.

The Morrisby test was completed at the end of Term 1. Students will be interviewed by outside Morrisby trained careers counsellors from Monday 17 May. 

The feedback in past years from students was very positive and they will be able to re-use the test for many years.

We will also use the results of the test when students attend careers counselling later in the year.

It has been an excellent program and very beneficial to the students and I would like to acknowledge Mr Eddie Mest for organising this great initiative.

TRAFFIC – SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS

I would like to remind all parents to be careful when driving along McKinnon Road. It is very congested and at times dangerous, particularly when it is wet! Please be patient! Please be aware of street signs and adhere to road rules. Parents are being booked daily by parking officers from Glen Eira Council.

The school car park must also not be accessed by parents during school hours.  

The speed limit is always 40km per hour along McKinnon Road and U-turns are not allowed. We have many students riding bikes so please be careful parking and opening doors.