ENGLISH

MANAGER’S REPORT

It was pleasing to see so many students using their time during lockdown to catch up on reading, particularly reading texts beyond those we study in English. Students are also encouraged to enter the My Brother Jack competition run by the Glen Eira council. Entries close 5pm, Monday 6 September 2021.  

 

For students going through the subject selection process for 2022, explore the wonderful world of writing and literature through the school’s Literature site. You should also speak to your English teacher about any inquiries you may have about subjects offered by the English faculty.

 

Sam Florence

English KLA Manager

CONGRATULATIONS to McKINNON’S TOP WRITERS for July!

Well done to the many talented students who entered Writer of the Month in July. HUGE congratulations to: Stella Pfeiffer (Year 11), Archie Redman (Year 11), Ruby Weir (Year 11), Sienna Bessaron (Year 10), Mia Groom (Year 10), Olivia Rusin (Year 9) and Sara Hew (Year 7). 

Stella Pfeiffer
Archie Redman
Ruby Weir
Sienna Bessaron
Mia Groom
Olivia Rusin
Sara Hew
Stella Pfeiffer
Archie Redman
Ruby Weir
Sienna Bessaron
Mia Groom
Olivia Rusin
Sara Hew

These students have won a $50 (Senior School) and $30 (Junior School) voucher from Benn’s Books and gained 50 points for their house. 

You can read their outstanding pieces on the ‘WOTM’ Google site HERE

 

 

Entries for the August competition need to be shared with your English or Literature teacher no later than 3:30pm, Monday 23 August.

 

Keep up the fantastic writing, McKinnon students!

 

Liz Pentland

Writer of the Month Coordinator

YEAR 9 ENGLISH GUEST SPEAKERS

This year in Year 9 English we are studying In My Blood It Runs (IMBIR). Throughout this documentary (which was made in partnership with an Indigenous family in Alice Springs) we follow 10 year old Arrente boy - Dujuan. Through his eyes, we see the damaging effects of bias in the current education, welfare and justice systems that prioritise a Western approach over the wealth of history, knowledge and culture that his Arrernte community holds. 

 

During lockdown, we were extremely fortunate to host an online interview with Jane Vadiveloo and Rachel Edwardson about the making of this documentary. Jane Vadiveloo is from Children’s Ground, an organisation dedicated to empowering Indigenous children, families and communities. An advisor to IMBIR, she spoke to us about the strong messages behind the documentary, along with Rachel Edwardson, writer, filmmaker, and educator, who was a producer for IMBIR. 

The filmmakers told us about the collaborative approach they took with Dujuan and his family whilst making the film, and highlighted the importance of the documentary in paving the way for Indigenous people to have agency to tell their own stories and shed light onto the unfairness and flaws of the current systems. They explained they hope for an understanding of Dujuan’s situation, so we can improve things in the future. 

Rowen Hull
Katy Do
Rowen Hull
Katy Do

Rowen Hull & Katy Do

Year 9A Students