PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

MINISTERIAL VISIT

On Tuesday 18 October, The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP Minister for Education and Minister for Women visited our main campus along with Nick Staikos our local member for Bentleigh.

They met with our school captains and the Principal class and toured our school. They were very impressed. It is always a pleasure to showcase our school.

The opportunity to meet and greet students, visit classes and observe our terrific culture is always a wonderful experience.

WRITING IMPROVEMENT

Last week there were reports in the press about the poor NAPLAN performance of students in the area of writing across Australia.

We would like to inform all families at McKinnon Secondary College that we have been working to improve our students’ writing performance across the whole school over the last five years, with fantastic results.

The staff developed a whole school writing plan three years ago, ensuring writing was a focus in all learning areas, as well as in English.

This year’s NAPLAN writing scores were the most impressive we have had for some time.

Remarkably at Year 7, 50% of our students achieved results in the top two bands. This indicates students are performing well above the expected standard.

Our Year 9 results indicate 32% of students are performing in the top two bands, (it is almost double from the previous year which was 17%).

The work undertaken to improve our students’ writing outcomes is having the desired effect and this is credit to the teachers who are working hard to meet every child at their point of need.

After two years of disrupted learning due to COVID we were very pleased with all our NAPLAN results, all of which showed significant improvement from 2021. This proves that our students take these tests and their learning seriously. We applaud their efforts and we can't ask any more than that.

STATE ATHLETICS

Congratulations to all of the athletes and staff involved in the State track and field finals that were held last Monday 17 October. We achieved incredible success with McKinnon being fourth overall in Victoria. 

The final event of the day was the Year 12 Boys Relay. They won in 2019 and after two years of no finals, they were hoping to back it up. Seamus O'Brien, Lucas Orso, Tom Howells and Matt Day clinched the win for the team and the school! 

Congratulations to these boys who will finish their schooling as State Champions! 

This really is an incredible accomplishment, particularly after having no carnivals for two years. Thank you to all involved, in particular Claire Weiss and Liam Adlington. 

ROTARY AWARD

I was thrilled to be the recipient of the Paul Harris Award which was presented to me by the Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central. This is a tremendous honour.

The ongoing work the Rotary Club undertakes to support our school and community is incredible. They often sponsor disadvantaged students, provide equipment to support individual student learning and have indeed invested much time to support the interact club.

This community partnership is absolutely invaluable. I know the relationship with Rotary will continue to flourish to strengthen the importance of community service.

SPORTING SUCCESS

Congratulations to Annabelle Sakurai (Year 11) and Bo Fox (Year 10) who have been selected in the Victorian Under 16 netball side. They will compete in the Nationals in Adelaide, 25 November - 3 December.

In addition to this achievement, Annabelle has also been selected for the Southern Saints Victoria Netball League development squad.

We wish them both all the very best!

THISTLELONIAN GRAND REUNION

After having to postpone and then sadly cancel previous years' celebrations due to covid, we were thrilled to host this event last Saturday 22 October. 

We brought together nine year levels for our Alumni celebration. Having ex-students back is truly heart-warming and brings all an opportunity to connect and share great memories. The atmosphere and laughter was wonderful.

I thank the Committee and many volunteers including Geoff Woolnough, Matthew Shaw, Roger Danne, Les McLeod, Eddie Mest, Marie Landini, Anne Guidera, Julie Ritchie, Jo Robinson, Alexia Calpouzani, Karen McQueen, Liz Newland, Gerry Newland, Peter Hawkins, Jenny Liggett, Pam Dickfos, Jenny Cooke, Heather Penson, Andrew Newton, Russell Absalom, Cheryl Blyth, Jason Evans, John Rosenberg, Bev Rosenberg, Caleb Goldwaser, Melanie Lynch, Tania Burnell, Frank Carere and Van Muan for giving of their time!

I also appreciate our teachers who attend and who enjoy the conversation with so many ex-students. It is a team effort and really is a point of difference for McKinnon.  

VICTORIAN EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS

I was announced as a finalist again this year for the Colin Simpson Outstanding Secondary Principal Award. I attended the award ceremony last Friday evening and it was a wonderful occasion.

I am very proud and humbled to say I was recognised and awarded as the winner for 2022. This award has been possible because of my team and wonderful community.

The Colin Simpson Outstanding Secondary Principal award recognises exceptional Principals who have demonstrated leadership excellence in a Victorian government secondary school. This award is named in recognition of the late Colin Simpson who was a very successful educational leader in Victoria.

YEAR 8 CAMP

Congratulations to the Year 8 Student Managers who have organised our first Year 8 camp for a number of years.

There were 420 students over five days. Students were divided into two groups and enjoyed a full program of activities at Rawson Village.

Thank you really isn’t enough for all that staff do to provide students with these wonderful team building opportunities and I know everyone treasures the memories.

Particular thanks to the Year 8 Student Management team - Paul King, Lauren Mellios, Stephen Gurry and Liam Adlington.

SURF CAMP

Year 10 Outdoor Education students enjoyed surf camp in Ocean Grove this week, undertaking a variety of water saving, lifesaving and surfing skills.

Thank you to the staff involved, especially James Bridges. It has been a wet week, but I know the students will remember these experiences forever.

VCE EXAMINATIONS

Year 12 examinations began this week and I thank the students for their dedication and commitment.

Students can sometimes feel overwhelmed but consistent effort, motivation and revision will assist them to be prepared and achieve their personal best.

I also thank and applaud the significant contribution made by their teachers.