CAPTAIN'S CORNER

SENIOR CAPTAIN

As we approach the halfway point of Term 1, all year levels have clearly settled back into school life and their daily routines with positivity and enthusiasm, ready to tackle the intimidating year ahead. SACs have commenced and the senior students are well underway with their studies in preparation for their end-or-year exams, meanwhile, the Year 7s are getting their first, exciting taste of high school and the rest of the junior school is enjoying their time at the East Campus.

This week, we celebrated our annual Swimming Carnival, each house going head-to-head to see who will come out on top. Once again, it was a fight between Monash and Gilmore, but will the underdogs Flynn or Chisholm take the win? Nevertheless, the ‘McKinnon Magic’ filled the air with students supportively cheering on their peers and fellow house members. Events like freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly took place with many students competing to earn points for their houses, some with their eyes on the prize, and others, just grateful for the refreshing water on such a hot day. 

Novelty races like the infamous teachers vs students race took place, where the teachers showed off their strengths in the pool, ultimately dominating the students. The diving board also appeared to be quite popular with everyone showing off their most creative jumps, some ending worse than others, but in the end the day concluded on a high.

The week prior, the Year 12s celebrated their Formal, which was a night filled with dancing, singing and many memories were made. It was a fabulous way to bring on the year ahead before we become knee-deep in textbooks and flashcards. 

A special thanks to Merrimu Receptions and the Year 12 Student Managers who made it all possible and a shout-out to the Year 12s for bringing the energy and joy which made the night such a memorable one.

Amelie Villella

Year 12 Student and School Captain

JUNIOR CAPTAIN

Man was that a blast! 

After a long wait, bright and early in the morning students rolled into the Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool to attend the school’s Swimming Carnival. 

It was an eventful day with activities ranging from swimming heats to novelty events, volunteering or purchasing a snag from the Interact Club and Red Earth hosted sausage sizzle, or even just relaxing on the grass in front of the warm sun. There was something for everyone to do and always fun to be had. 

I know that I enjoyed running the sausage sizzle which may have been a bit stressful but definitely kept the adrenaline pumping. Everyone on the team was hilarious and talkative which made the atmosphere extremely enjoyable. 

But the real highlight of the day? The sheer excitement of having the Swimming Carnival back after years of waiting.

For many students, this was their first time experiencing the event, and the energy was contagious. Whether they were in the diving competition or having fun in the water, the enthusiasm never wavered. Even those who weren’t competing found ways to soak up the fun - literally.

The house spirit was also on full display, with students decked out in colorful outfits. That is of course if they weren’t participating in the lively “Under The Sea” theme of the day. Dr Long’s shark costume was undoubtedly a student favourite.

As the day wrapped up and everyone made their way home some were a little sunburnt, some exhausted, but all were grinning. You could tell that this year’s Swimming Carnival was worth the wait. And I am already excited for the next one. 

Itay Volnerman

Year 9 Student