SCHOOL NEWS

YEAR 12 CAMP

Please find below student reflections on Year 12 Study Camp.

Dan Blackmore

Year 12 Student Manager

Setting out for Phillip Island on Monday 5 February 2024 was a cohort of exceptionally thrilled and enthusiastic Year 12s, as this camp marks their final camping experience of high school. With about 400 people on board, many amusing instances were shared as people chatted about the various activities they were participating in - giant swing, flying fox, high ropes etc, - along with the individuals whom they resided in a cabin with. 

From the adrenaline-fueled Flying Fox to the heart-pounding Giant Swing, each activity served as a great opportunity for forging bonds and conquering fears. Amidst the thrills, one event stood out as a beacon of wisdom and guidance: the 10 Study Tips presentation by a Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. With his expertise and infectious enthusiasm, Dr Carr-Gregg imparted invaluable strategies for academic success, igniting a spark within several of us to strive for excellence and embrace the challenges that lie ahead. 

Year 12 Camp reached its crescendo with an evening of laughter and friendly competition at the much-anticipated Trivia Night! As dusk descended upon the campsite, students and teachers alike gathered at the assembly hall, as Trivia Night commenced with a flurry of questions spanning a myriad of topics, from Disney music to McKinnon Trivia, and everything in between. As the night drew close, hearts were full and spirits lifted, with echoes of laughter lingering along the night. 

Then, it was finally time to go home.

As we bid farewell to the wilderness and returned to the familiar embrace of the school corridors, we all carried memories like cherished treasure.

A memorable experience that will remain etched in the class of 24.

Bernice Koh Year 12

On Monday 5 February 2024, a room filled with energy and excitement left McKinnon Main Campus to take board on seven buses to make their way to our one-night two-day study camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort: the last camp of high school years for us Year 12s. With close to 400 classmates on board, our journey was filled with laughter and pure enjoyment; nervous yet exhilarated for what was about to come. 

The camp was definitely nostalgic for some; but new to many, with countless active programs such as giant swing, flying fox, canoeing, high ropes, team rescue, raft making, archery, and of course, trivia night to finish off the first day. 

However, being a Year 12 means study, and study means stress and competition. To support our cohort through the tough journey of VCE this year, our student managers have specially organised an activity dedicated just for our wellbeing and career choices, with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, a Child and Adolescent Psychologist, as the host. I am sure many would have tried the 10 most important study tips we learnt that day as soon as we came back. 

It was unquestionably a perfect start for us Class of 2024. 

Kaya Yu Year 12

SETTLING INTO YEAR SEVEN

Hi, I’m Renee Landini and I’m a new Year 7 student at McKinnon Secondary College. Here’s a bit about my transition from primary to secondary school. 

From my perspective I've always been excited for high school! I came from Bentleigh West Primary and only knew a few people, which was really nice to have familiar faces around, but I was excited to meet new people and form new friendships!

On the first day it was a transition program with no formal classes so that was already an upside. We got to meet most of our teachers and get a feel of the new school. We also got our lockers and got taught how to use our locks. This was really difficult for most people at first because no one knew how to use them. But eventually we got the hang of it.

Everyone was so welcoming, and this made a big jump up into high school feel a whole lot easier. 

The first few recesses and lunches were interesting because most of us had no clue how to get around the school, so it was fun to explore. 

Another upside about being in high school is all the opportunities! I love how there is always something to do at McKinnon, there are so many opportunities so there is something for everyone to get involved in which is reassuring when moving into a whole new environment.

It's already been three weeks and I believe that everyone has really settled in well and we are beginning to embrace the MCK spirit!

Renee Landini

Year 7 Student