PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Michael Kan
Michael Kan
COURAGE TO CARE
During Week 3 of this term, our Year 8 students took part in the Courage to Care program, which empowers individuals to become "Upstanders" - those who actively support and stand up for victims of bullying and harassment in a safe and constructive way.
By drawing on the devastating lessons of the Holocaust, the program highlights how passive bystanders can inadvertently enable harmful actions against individuals, groups, and entire communities. Students had the privilege of hearing powerful stories of survival from Holocaust survivors and their families, while also engaging in interactive activities and thought-provoking discussions.
Dedicated volunteers from Courage to Care guided our students through real-world scenarios, helping them understand the emotions of the victims and their families, developing their own empathy and compassion. Through this exploration, students learned how an Upstander can challenge harmful behaviour and offer meaningful support to those in need.
We hope these invaluable lessons inspire our students to foster positive change among their peers and within the wider McKinnon community. We encourage you to continue this important conversation at home, discussing the impact and importance of being an Upstander.
A heartfelt thank you to Courage to Care for once again providing our students with such a profound and enriching experience.
TOMORROW MAN/WOMAN
On Friday 14 February, our Year 12 students were lucky enough to have the Tomorrow Man/Woman workshops come out again to build on the personal agency gained from last year's module. Students explored a range of ideas that encouraged personal agency in shaping identity, fostering communication and building relationships within the cohort.
Those participating in the Tomorrow Woman workshop examined how pressures and expectations influence their treatment of others, particularly women, and learned tools to create a supportive and inclusive peer culture. The workshop empowered students to shape an environment of empathy, reduced judgement, and belonging.
Those in the Tomorrow Man workshop gained an understanding of harmful stereotypes and deconstructed rigid gender norms, empowering them to foster healthier connections and a more positive sense of manhood.
These sessions created a safe space for self-reflection and personal growth. Students were brave in speaking their truth in a small space and we thank them for their conduct during the sessions.
I'd like to thank Patty Etcell, Kate Jobson, Kellie Felmingham and the Year 12 student management team for the coordination and supervision of this event and for Andrew Stevenson, Barry Fleming and Hamish Rose for the additional supervision.
PAT TESTING
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 undertook PAT testing last week. The results of these tests provide us with insightful data to ensure our staff can deliver targeted teaching to best support our students' needs.
PARENT/CARER INFORMATION EVENTS
Thank you to the parents and carers who attended our recent afternoon information sessions. These events provide insight into how you can best support your children throughout the year.
Your engagement and the ongoing connection the school enjoys with our parent/carer community is greatly valued and ensures consistency whilst supporting optimal learning.
All families will be emailed supporting information if you were unable to attend.
SUN PROTECTION
Thank you to our students who continue to maintain our sun-smart culture at McKinnon.
This is a reminder that hats are a compulsory component of our uniform when students have PE/sport classes outdoors during Terms 1 and 4. Sunscreen is always available, and our sports teachers will continue to encourage students to use it. Hats are encouraged when outside at recess and lunch.
If students do not have a hat, they will not be able to participate in the activity and they will receive a detention.
THERAPY DOGS
Our wonderful Therapy Dogs from Miracle Paws return again this year, delivering delight and comfort, but also social emotional support.
This initiative from our wellbeing team assists students and staff feel more comfortable and less anxious at school. Thank you to Luke from Miracle Paws for continuing to bring our furry friends in.
SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS - THANK YOU
In order to provide the very best opportunities for our students, the school relies on funds that come from our voluntary contributions.
In today's climate, I understand this can be difficult to navigate and I really do thank families who are able to provide this generous support.
Voluntary payments allow us to deliver learning programs that we would otherwise not be able to afford and support us to provide, as well as the best possible facilities and outdoor environments for our students.
SCHOOL CROSSING AND SAFETY VIDEO
Glen Eira Council has created a short, animated video explaining parking signs, how the school crossing operates and aims to promote safety surrounding our schools.
We collectively encourage students to walk or ride to school too, even if only from a few blocks away, to help ease traffic congestion, improve healthy activity and to help the environment.