PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

As this is the final newsletter for 2023, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our community for welcoming me into my role of Principal this year. 

Thank you to our incredible staff who continue to deliver our students inspiring learning opportunities.  

Thank you to our parents and carers for supporting your children but also for supporting the school. This is such an important connection that reinforces student learning and wellbeing. 

And finally thank you to our students who have applied themselves so well this year. 

I look forward to 2024. Happy holidays.

EAST CAMPUS CONCERT

The East Campus Twilight Concert held on Thursday 23 November was a resounding success! The Ovenden Band, World Music Ensemble, Keenan Strings, Percussion Groups, Choir, Extension Ensembles and Intermediate Stage Band all delivered captivating performances. Each ensemble showcased their unique talents and musicality, leaving the audience in awe. It is wonderful to see that the music program at the fantastic East Campus is thriving!

The conductors, students, and AV team deserve immense praise for their hard work and dedication in making this concert a memorable event. Their passion for music shone through in every note played and we are truly grateful for their contributions.

Thank you to our ensemble directors: James Morrissey, Karen Nansen, Blanka West, Georgina Mead, Sergei Golovko, Stuart Cook, Stuart Byrne. Thank you also to Megan Papworth, Clare Bugeja and Dmitry Serebrianik for the organisation of this event.

JUNIOR CONCERT

Congratulations to all students involved in last week's Junior Ensembles Concert. It was a fantastic showcase of 350 Junior School music student's hard work throughout the year. It is hard to believe that for many of these students, they only began learning their instrument this year. Everyone should be proud of their achievements.

Many thanks to the wonderful music staff for their guidance and nurturing of these students. And, as always, the amazing AV team and facilities staff who make these events possible. A special thank you to Clare Bugeja for her organisation of the event, with the support of Megan Papworth and Dmitry Serebrianik. 

GREAT VIC BIKE RIDE 

A team of 70 strong cyclists from Years 8 to 10 took on this year's Great Victorian Bike Ride, cycling across Gippsland from Orbost to Wonthaggi over the nine day event. 

The team gathered at the East Campus on Saturday 25 November to load the buses and trucks with luggage and bikes, ready to hit the road to the start line. 

The first few days of cycling put their training rides to the test as the team rode 218km with 2500m of resilience building elevation from Orbost to Buchan, then on to Lakes Entrance. As the threat of inclement weather loomed, they made it to Paynesville, before having the route from Paynesville to Sale called off due to the poor weather conditions. 

McKinnon SC was awarded for their patience, resilience and good manners on the day they were forced to shuttle into Sale, proving that the event isn't all leg power and athletic ability. The heavens opened up overnight on Tuesday and didn't stop until Saturday evening, which although very much dampened the campsites, it didn't dampen spirits! 

From Sale they rode another 240km on to Yarram and Fish Creek before ending in Wonthaggi on Sunday 3 December, totaling an impressive 458km! 

Congratulations to all the riders who took part in the ride, it's an incredible achievement. A big thanks goes out to all staff involved who continue to go above and beyond so that our students can have such rich experiences.

YEAR 7 STATE TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONS

McKinnon's Year 7 Table Tennis quartet clinched victory in the State Finals. In McKinnon's history we have never won Table Tennis State Finals in Year 7, so to do so is an incredible achievement. While the field of schools was strong, they dominated the competition and secured a 6-0 win against Balwyn High in the grand final. 

The team was respectful and sportsmanlike in their conduct with the opposition. McKinnon Secondary is extremely lucky to have such upstanding athletes representing the school. Congratulations to Ren Nagayama 7H, Konstantinos Dimitrakopoulos 7B, Oliver Leung 7H and Nayuta Tsuchiya 7C! Special mention to Coach Boris Chan and also Dr Law and Jasper Wong 10P for their support.

VCE ORIENTATION 

Thank you to Kellie Felmingham and all staff involved in last week's orientation program for our VCE students. There is so much work involved in this week, where students were provided course outlines and given all the tools to set themselves up for success as they commence their studies in 2024.  I remind all students to engage with the holiday homework to ensure they are set for success in 2024.

HATS OFF TO YEARS 10 AND 11

Our Years 10 and 11 students enjoyed live music, dancing, and a BBQ last Friday to celebrate their last day of school for 2023. There was also a photo booth to capture fun memories with peers and teachers. It was lovely to see the Year 7 students involved in helping with the BBQ for the senior students.

Thank you to the Years 10 and 11 student management teams, the many student bands who entertained the crowd, the Year 7 Interact Club members and the crew of Years 10 & 11 volunteers for their efforts in making this event such a success. Once again, we couldn’t do this without the support of our Media & Audio Visual team.

YEAR 9 GRADUATION

Last Friday we held a graduation ceremony for our Year 9 students. This particular cohort was the first to complete two full years at our new campus. As well as enjoying the incredible facilities, these students undertook the Job Ready skills program, completing amongst other things, certificates for First Aid and Barista training. They undertook the Wisdom and Service program and participated in service to our community.

I wish all Year 9 students a successful transition to the McKinnon Road Campus and an enjoyable and challenging Senior School experience. 

Thank you to Mr Quinn for his exceptional efforts this year at the East Campus. His attention to detail and care for everyone is extraordinary. Thank you also to the Year 9 student management team for their care and support of our students and organising this important ceremony. My thanks are also extended to Mrs Barrow and Dr Long for their work supporting the students and staff.

JUNIOR ART SHOW 

Our Junior Art Show opened on Monday 4 December with huge success. Our McKinnon friend and award-winning Artist, Anthony Breslin, opened the show. His genuine passion for the arts helped to make the Art Show a truly inspiring and memorable event.  

Congratulations to all our award winners, but a special congratulations to the students who received Acquisition Awards. Congratulations to Kira Barnes 7H, Ava Van Oosten 8J, Yeri Soung 9I, Hanna Zhang 9P, Erica Lee 9L and Jackson Robenn 9B. I am excited to announce that these students will have their artworks displayed on school grounds and will be receiving $150.

I’d like to extend a very sincere congratulations the Learning Area Manager for the Visual Arts, Peter Eglezos and to our East Campus and Year 7 teaching team: Emma Butler, Maria Garcia, Tracy Griffith, Lynton Perry, Jessica Rogosic, Rebecca Johnson, Raphaella Roden, Katherine Sip. Thank you to our Visual Arts technician, Leisa Hunt, and our student helpers for working tirelessly to make the event run smoothly. 

PEER SUPPORT 

The Peer Support program is a significant part of the Year 9s journey as they transition back to the McKinnon Road Campus for their Senior schooling. For those unfamiliar, Peer Support is a whole-school initiative which links older Year 10 students with a group of younger Year 7 students. The older students act as mentors, educating younger students on how to handle peer pressures, provide support to each other and ultimately welcome them into the McKinnon school community. 

This program is an opportunity for students to demonstrate enthusiasm, communication and leadership skills. In 2024, the Peer Support leaders will be crucial in building a positive, inclusive and welcoming environment for the new Year 7s. Many Peer Support Leaders go on to embrace other leadership roles in senior school. 

The Peer Support Training program would not be possible without the support of teachers volunteering to run the program. They are able to build relationships with the students and help set high expectations as they start their Senior School journey.

Thank you to Jack Gromer who has been instrumental in driving the program for the past four years, to Zoe Murdoch who has greatly assisted Jack this year and who will be running the program next year, and to all other staff involved.

YEAR 8 MEDIEVAL DAY

Today we celebrated Medieval Day where students dressed up as peasants, witches, knights and Vikings who had traveled in time from the medieval world. 

Classes were split into their Kummargee groups and each group undertook creative activities, such as designing a class shield, building castles, and bridges out of icy pole sticks or competing in trivia and puzzles. 

In period 3, everyone got involved in games, such as skittles, quoits or card games. There was also a game of modified folk football, which was based on the games villagers used to play on festival days during medieval times.

The day ended watching historic movies created by students from all the history classes.

Thank you to Ms Arneil, Mr Gurry, Mr Laskaridis, Ms Ozcagli, Mr Pantelios and Ms Walker for running the activities and all the other teachers who helped out on the day. Special thanks to Mr Shaw for coordinating and overseeing this fabulous event.

YEAR 6 TO 7 ORIENTATION DAY

Next Tuesday, our incoming grade 6 students will visit us on site where I look forward to welcoming them in person at our McKinnon Road campus.

I congratulate Ms Andrieux and the Year 7 leadership team for the organisation of this important day to ensure the newest members of our community feel as comfortable as possible before commencing Year 7 next year.

REPORTS

Semester two school reports will be published next week which will provide valuable feedback on your child’s learning. We encourage you to read these reports with your children as they provide a perfect opportunity for reflection and identify areas for future academic growth.

Once again, I wish everyone a wonderful festive season, spending valuable time with family and friends.