PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
WELCOME BACK
Welcome back to all staff, students, parents and a special welcome to our new families. I hope 2015 will be a most rewarding year filled with many wonderful opportunities for learning and growth.
Congratulations to the school community for such a successful start to the year. I have been very impressed with the excellent way in which students have returned to school looking their best in their uniform, organized with all their appropriate materials and ready to learn.
It is with tremendous pride and honour that I continue as Principal of one of the best schools in the State! I look forward to the wonderful opportunities ahead and give a commitment to continue to serve this community with dedication and professionalism, providing all children with many opportunities to thrive and shine.
PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION
Part of the secret to the McKinnon model of success with student outcomes is the very strong partnership that exists between parents and staff.
We value these quality relationships and I know students benefit from them tremendously.
Parents at McKinnon can be relied upon to attend concerts, drama nights, all information evenings and also they read the newsletter and keep informed and up to date with all events.
They also assist students to be organised, punctual and in full uniform.
This all contributes to student success and building strong relationships and I thank you for your efforts.
VCE CLASS OF 2014
Congratulations to our Class of 2014 for their outstanding results. Once again McKinnon was one of the top co-educational, non-selective schools in the State.
100% of our students were successful in attaining their VCE.
Our Dux achieved a perfect ATAR of 99.95.
244 students completed Year 12 ad applied to VTAC.
96% received a first round offer – 83% got their first, second or third offer.
89% received a University place.
11% received a TAFE offer.
And of course you will recall – 16.7% of all study scores were over 40; we had 10 perfect 50’s; 32% over 90 – 52% over 80.
I congratulate all students, staff and parents for these wonderful achievements. Our strong partnership ensures the best educational outcomes can be achieved.
COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
McKinnon Secondary College became a Member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) in 2013 and we are seeking to become internationally accredited over the next 15 months. I see this process as a clear structure for continuous improvement for our already very good school.
Mr Hughes is the co-ordinator of this process and we thank him and wish him well in driving this improvement.
NEW STAFF
This year we fondly welcome new staff members to our College:
Ms Alice Carter - Maths/Science
Ms Charlotte Douglas - English
Ms Grace Greenwood - Maths
Ms Emma Holmes - Maths
Mr Calum Munro - IT
Mr Jonathan Jhoomun - History
Mr John Liakakos - Physics
Ms Emily Nicholls - Science/Maths
Ms Madeline Oh - EAL
Ms Marilyn Robert - EAL
Ms Alysia Rees - Art
Ms Rose Kavanagh - Music (Strings)
Ms Christina Panas - Integration Aide
Mr Liam Adlington - AFL Trainee
I hope they find their work with our community professionally rewarding.
SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Nomination Forms for the School Council are now available from the General Office. Included in this newsletter is a link you can access which explains our School Council Elections. Nominations are being called for 3 parent representatives and 2 Department representatives. Anyone with any queries regarding School Council Elections are welcome to contact me at school.
PARENT AFTERNOONS/ EVENINGS
There are numerous information evenings and “get togethers” that will be held over the next few weeks. The Principal Class, Heads of Sub-schools, Student Managers and Teachers look forward to meeting as many parents as possible. There is no doubt that one key aspect to success at McKinnon is the very strong partnership that exists between staff, students and parents in this community. See below for details and thank you in advance for your attendance and support.
I thank the Year 12 parents and the Year 7 parents who have already attended the first meetings and I look forward to seeing many parents at the next scheduled evenings.
Year 11 - Parent Information Evening
Tuesday 17 February at 7:00pm
Year 9 - Parent Information Evening
Monday 16 February at 7:00pm
Year 10 - Parent Information Evening
Monday 23 February at 7:00pm
Year 8 - Parent Information Evening
Thursday 26 February at 7:00pm
Year 7 - Parent Information Evening
Tuesday 17 February at 5:30pm
YEAR 12 CAMP
I had the good fortune to attend the Year 12 Camp last week at Phillip Island and I congratulate all of our Year 12s for their respect, dedication, commitment and positive attitude. An exceptional tone was evident and it was a privilege to be there! I would like to acknowledge and thank the Senior School Team, Mr Noble, Miss Felmingham and Mr Hudd and all the staff who eagerly participated in the organisation of a very successful camp. I hope it is the beginning of a very rewarding year where incredible success eventuates.
I wish all the Year 12 students the very best in their endeavours.
UNIFORM
McKinnon is a full uniform school. We consider our students ambassadors for the College and expect all McKinnon students to wear their uniform with pride. All students in Year 7 to 10 are required to wear a blazer.
For terms 1 and 4 the blazer is optional – however it is the only outer garment permitted if the students want something warmer than their dress or shirt.
Again I thank parents for their support in implementing school policy. Any one experiencing difficulties may contact the relevant student manager, Assistant Principals or myself.
PUNCTUALITY
All students should arrive at school by 8:30am to give themselves enough time to be organised for an 8:50am start. Lateness is considered a lack of respect and it impacts negatively on the good order of our school. Please assist us to ensure everyone is prompt each and every day.
TRAFFIC – SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS
I would also like to remind all parents to be careful when driving along McKinnon Road. It is very congested and at times dangerous. Please be aware of street signs and adhere to road rules. Parents are being booked daily by parking officers.
The school car park must also not be accessed by parents during school hours.
The speed limit is always 40km per hour along McKinnon Road and u-turns are not allowed. We have many students riding bikes so please be careful parking and opening doors.
Please see link for a newspaper report re traffic safety
PUBLIC TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Public Transport Victoria has written to me to ask that we communicate requirements to all students using public transport in Victoria.
A number of students were issued with transport infringement penalties last year across the State.
All students aged 17 years and over, or those requiring a half yearly or yearly Student Pass (regardless of age) are required to obtain a 2015 Victorian Public Transport (VPT) Student Concession Card as proof of their concession entitlement.
The Victorian Student Pass provides travel for students on all metropolitan trains, trams and buses, all regional bus services and all V/Line train and coach services operating wholly within Victoria. The student Pass is issued on a myki.
The 2015 VPT Student Concession Card and/or Student Pass Application Form can be obtained from the General Office.
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Congratulations to all the Junior and Senior School Captains. Please find the Senior School leaders names below. Mr McLeod, Head of Junior School, has placed the names of the Junior School Captains in his report in the newsletter.
All School leaders were presented with their badges at Assembly last Friday.
We wish them well with their responsibilities.
SENIOR SCHOOL
2015 SCHOOL CAPTAINS
Allira Lignos and Matthew Mahoney
2015 SCHOOL DEPUTY CAPTAINS
Jessica Osburn and Nicolas Chapman
SRC PRESIDENT
Callum Lloyd
2015 MUSIC HOUSE CAPTAINS
FLYNN
Captains - Michael Machlak and Shai Pik
Deputy Captains - Shaun Samulenok and Melanie Naparstek
GILMORE
Captains - Jack Doherty-Brown and Eliana Adler
Deputy Captains - Moran Zhou and Lena Zhan
MONASH
Captains - George Inglis and Alexia Samiotis
Deputy Captains - Aron Murray and Camille Stone
CHISHOLM
Captains - Luca Soprano and Paulina Vayenas
Deputy Captains - Matthew James and Seii Chen
2015 SPORT HOUSE CAPTAINS
FLYNN
Captains - Lucy Kennedy and William Robertshaw
Deputy Captains - Yui Huo and Ross Sandler
GILMORE
Captains - Tali Pinkus and Jonathan Krieger
Deputy Captains - Alannah Quirk and Fraser Rhind
MONASH
Captains - Hannah Cole and Ashrey Annavarapu
Deputy Captains - Ellie Ramanlal and Harrison Hunt
CHISHOLM
Captains - Casey Lockton and Jack Highnam
Deputy Captains - Julia MacRae and Harry Amner
CHRISTINA'S FIGHT
Christina Lagogiannis (Year 7), one of our new Year 7 students for 2015, is trying hard to overcome a very serious illness.
Please access the link below if you would like to help Christina and assist in her fight.
https://christinasfight.wordpress.com/
THANK YOU
Thank you once again for allowing me the privilege of continuing to serve this community. We will endeavour to do all we can to ensure this important time in your child’s life is rewarding, engaging and prepares them for success and happiness.
I look forward to seeing everyone throughout the year.
Pitsa Binnion
Principal