PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

The past two weeks have been an exciting and busy time for McKinnon’s music students, with a series of performances showcasing the breadth and quality of our program.  

Year 11 Music Night featured solo, ensemble, and group performances, giving students valuable experience and confidence in preparing for live performance. Percussion Night highlighted an impressive range of musical talents across both tuned and percussion instruments, while the Big Band Bash brought energy and flair through our contemporary ensembles and jazz groups. 

Piano by Candlelight offered a special opportunity for select students who auditioned to perform in a beautifully intimate concert setting. Tonight’s Woodwind concert will be a celebration of our students performing in small groups demonstrating their harmonious instruments.

Across all these events, students demonstrated high standards of musicianship, teamwork, and commitment. Congratulations and thank you to all staff, students, and families who supported these memorable performances.

WISDOM AND SERVICE COMMUNITY PROJECT 

On the afternoon of Thursday 23 October, we hosted our Year 9 Wisdom & Service Open Night at East Campus. Parents and guests were invited to explore our students' presentations as they shared their ideas and actions for improving the community.  

I had the opportunity to listen to a range of presentations which were very impressive projects, focusing on supporting our community and responding to particular needs. 

I wish to acknowledge the presentations delivered by Samuel Hicks, Daniel Chen, Arnav Chitnis, Sacha Rose, Martin Curnow, Alice Leung, Kira Barnes, Mia Kinross, Patrick Rule, Alexa Rhode and Sophia Rink.  I also wish to thank Jonah Rey, Zhenni Ruddock, Mila Hennig, Gabe Williams, Bhumika Kapur and Ash Kulkarni for sharing their experiences at the Gnurad Gundidj School for Student Leadership in Term 3.

Congratulations to all of the staff and students for putting together this outstanding display of student learning and community initiative. Particular thanks to Mr Chris Pantelios for his organisation and leadership of this wonderful initiative.

VICTORIAN EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALISTS 

We are incredibly proud to share that our Student Wellbeing Team were named finalists in the 2025 Victorian Education Excellence Awards for the second consecutive year.

The Outstanding Education Support Team Award recognises education support teams across Victoria that demonstrate exceptional collaboration, innovation, and a strong impact on student learning and wellbeing.

This recognition not only celebrates the vital work our team does each day to support students, staff, and families, but also acknowledges significant initiatives such as the McK Respect Project, our Wellbeing Vision, Framework & Strategic Design, and the delivery of Teen Mental Health First Aid to over 120 staff and 550 students.

Although we did not take home the award this year, being recognised among the state’s most dedicated educators was a moment of great pride. We congratulate our Student Wellbeing Team on this achievement and thank them for the profound and lasting impact they continue to make within our school community.

MIPS INTERVIEWS

Thank you to our incredible Student Management teams, our Head Of Year Levels and our careers advisors for their dedication in undertaking the Managed Individual Pathways (MIPS) interviews for our Years 10 & 11 students. 

This important process is where students discuss their course selections for 2026 or make necessary adjustments. We are proud to note that each student is individually catered for, to ensure the most successful future pathways possible.

GRAND REUNION

On Saturday 25 October, the Classes of 1960 and 1975 were invited back to school to attend an Afternoon Tea to celebrate 50 and 65 years since graduating from McKinnon.

Our Year 11 Food Tech class prepared and served a wonderful feast for our attendees. Well done and thank you to Nicholas Butera, Sebastian Forrester, Alexia Gabriel, Joshua Laney, My Linh Tong, Joshua Wald and to their teachers Rochelle Travitz and Erene Karabourniotis.

I also acknowledge and thank our talented Senior Clarinet Ensemble students Dimitra Ioannidou, Xavier Lynch, Ioan Robinson, Shu Wu and Haozhen Zhao who kindly came to play for our Alumni. Thank you also to their teachers Laura Main and Megan Waugh.

Our Grand Reunion evening event, brought together ten year levels who enjoyed a fun night catching up and reminiscing with school friends.

Thank you to our incredible Thistlelonian Committee for organising these wonderful events and to the many volunteers who contribute to the success.

In particular I thank Thistlelonian President, Geoff Woolnough, Andrew Newton, Jenny Cooke, Pam Dickfos, Andrew Krause, Chelsea Stanley, Romy Greenberg, Jess Dixon and Chris Pantelios and Melanie Lynch. Without their dedication we would not have such a strong connection to our alumni.

WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY

Tomorrow, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, and I want to acknowledge and thank our incredible teaching staff. The ‘Tradition of Excellence’ continues at McKinnon, and I am so proud of our staff who provide inclusive, engaging and supportive learning environments. Thank you for encouraging and guiding our students to strive and achieve their best.