THE ARTS AT MCKINNON

In this edition of the Thistlelonian Newsletter, you’ll discover the success stories of our alumni in the art world, alongside McKinnon’s efforts in creating and acquiring art for the school. 

We had the opportunity to interview Principal Michael Kan, who has a rich history in the arts, to discuss his connection to art and its significance for both McKinnon campuses.

Can you share more about your background with art? 

I was a keen art and music student at school and completed both subjects to year 12 level.  Throughout school I was always involved in making programs and posters for school plays and musicals, which I enjoyed.  I went on to complete an art and design teaching course at what was then the Melbourne College of Advanced Education, majoring in Printmaking in my final year.  After graduating I worked at the Print Council of Australia which, interestingly, McKinnon Secondary College was a member of at the time.  I was in charge of packing and scheduling prints for touring exhibitions and printing portfolios of artists' prints for corporate displays in company headquarters.

In 1989 I began to look for a teaching position and was offered a maternity leave replacement role at Gladstone Park Secondary College teaching art and ceramics.  I remained there for 11 years, going on to teach Visual Communication and Design to Year 12.  I held positions of Arts Leader and Student Manager as well as Equal Opportunity Coordinator.   In 2000 I moved to Mentone Girls' Secondary College to teach Senior Visual Communication.  I was also a Year 12 Coordinator for 3 years and then the Leading Teacher in charge of a new year 9 program, similar to BYTES.  From there I was a Campus Coordinator at Sandringham College before being appointed as Assistant Principal at McKinnon Secondary College.

I continue to draw, paint and play music, and look forward to practising this more in my retirement years.

What motivated you to celebrate and integrate art within the school? 

I believe art is an important part of any community as it indicates that a culture is strong and creativity is thriving within it.

Creativity is one of our school's key values and we celebrate this through our learning and many extra-curricular activities.  Creativity and the visual and performing arts bring joy to communities and documents our collective values and beliefs, as well as challenges our thinking. The discipline of making art also builds our resilience and self awareness. 

Our recent mural projects with Anthony Breslin at East Campus and Heather Kennedy at McKinnon Rd Campus, have brought many students and staff together to create magnificent artworks that will leave a legacy for future generations.  I believe in the power of art to positively impact the culture of our school.  

You can read more about the mural project here.

How do you believe the addition of art benefits the school & its students?

Through our strong connection with the Thistlelonians we have made contact with past students who are now successful practising artists.  Purchasing their works to display at the East campus is a symbolic statement that our culture is strong and proud.  It inspires our young people to pursue their passions and interests in the arts. Displaying past students’ art  this year brings life to the new campus and sends a strong message that we value creativity.  

Our Art Exhibitions at both Campuses coming up at the end of the year are a wonderful celebration of our proud tradition of valuing the Visual Arts.  We also know that our students will need to draw on their creativity to be successful in their lives.  More and more jobs require people to be confident and creative in their thinking, using both their technical and creative skills.  For this reason we have established elective subjects at Year 9 that engage with all the elements of what the world knows as STEAM - Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics.  

I am proud to say that the arts are alive and thriving at our school!

We hope you enjoy reading the art stories in the following pages. If you or an alumni member you know would like to share an art success story with us, please email thistle@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au.