CAPTAINS’ CORNER
SENIOR CAPTAIN
As I am sure most McKinnon families were aware of, students across all year levels were required to complete the Attitudes to School Survey in the closing weeks of Term 2. This survey - although mundane and needless at first glance - provided the school with data, regarding how students perceive the McKinnon Secondary College experience, from teacher-student relations to mental health support.
We were asked to respond to a series of personal questions, indicating whether our own school experience coincides with “strongly agreeing” or “strongly disagreeing” with a particular statement, or anywhere in between those two extremes.
This year, the Senior Leaders of the school wanted to dig a little deeper and disclose why exactly students, specifically the Year 7s, felt the way they did by posing the question of Why? Why exactly were some students unable to ask their teachers for help when having difficulties on their own?
As one of these leaders, I was lucky enough to attend the Year 7 School Improvement Focus Groups and bring forth change in the departments of the school where there were signs of dissatisfaction. Randomly selected Year 7 students were asked to talk about how they had found high school so far in a casual setting that aimed to emulate a conversation with a friend. After all, transitioning to a new school, especially to one of such size and prestige, is nerve-racking to say the least. So I wanted to create a common ground with them and establish a sense of relatability because in reality I really was not so different from them - I was in their exact same situation only five years prior.
Claiming that the results were eye-opening and inspiring would have been an understatement. In front of me were so many young people having conversations that I would not be equipped to have without them - the exact reason why every student’s opinion at McKinnon is necessary. I wanted their needs and concerns to feel heard because I firmly believe that the common spaces that we must maneuver through at school should be safe spaces in which everyone’s existence and presence is valued.
It was rather moving because it actually felt as though these people knew that they were being looked out for, creating a space where everyone’s underlying humanity was recognised and their differences celebrated. It reminded me of how lucky I am to attend McKinnon Secondary College.
As I approach the end-of-year exams and the end of my high school years, I reflect upon the countless opportunities this school has offered me and feel nothing but a sense of pride coming here, where every student has a voice and has the opportunity to participate in decision making, such as in programs like this! I look forward to taking part in more projects as rewarding as this one, and highly recommend people to apply for the leadership positions responsible for making them happen in their years of schooling.
Taya Minin
Senior Captain
JUNIOR CAPTAIN
After a relaxing two-week break, the classrooms and halls of the East Campus once again filled with students as we began Semester Two. We’ve just completed our first semester of school, and it’s time to prepare the years for their transition into their next year of education.
The Year 8s and 9s have just finished choosing their electives and the Year 9s have just switched into their new ones. The Year 7s at main campus are gearing up for their transition to East Campus, which is bustling with life and has a general hum about it.
We are in the lead up to the end of year, with a lot of fun opportunities coming up, including the Athletics Carnival and the Great Victoria Bike Ride. So all the Junior School Captains encourage you to make the most of this semester! Dedicate yourself, have fun at your excursions and enjoy Semester Two.
McKinley Markham
Junior Captain