CAPTAIN'S CORNER

SENIOR CAPTAIN

Freedom. 

It’s bittersweet. 

Right now, whilst some us Year 12s no longer need to be up at 6am and make our way to school, others are still up at the crack of dawn, only this time, on our way to work. Some of us are scattered all across the world, from Thailand, to the Gold Coast to Europe, celebrating freedom from an intense exam period. But despite our distances, our different paths, we’ll always share one thing, one thing to keep us close (and hate to sound corny, but it’s true); it’s McKinnon. 

Six years together. Six years that shaped us - through setbacks, wins, growth (literal and figurative), heartbreaks, triumphs, and everything in between. McKinnon didn’t just teach us; it shaped us, and that’s the McKinnon Magic we’ll carry with us forever.

To the Year 9s, 10s and 11s - now stepping into your senior years. It may not feel important yet, but these are the moments you’ll carry with you forever. Explore, grow, experiment, safely of course. If I can give you any advice as you head into this stage, it’s don’t let high school be a regret. Don’t wish you studied more, and don’t wish you lived less. Balance both. It’s possible! Plan accordingly, responsibly, and you can get the best of both worlds. That, I promise. To their parents, who are more likely than not stressed about what’s to come, let them live a little, grades, whilst important, aren’t everything in life, and know they’ll be grateful you let the leash loose a little. 

On a personal note, McKinnon, although I never got to say it out loud, I say it now, thank you for absolutely everything you gave me. You were my home away from home. From the amazing teachers who taught me, getting me through the easy and the tough, to my peers, my friends, who always managed to keep me entertained. To my band, the messy, but ever so fun Blankface, and every other amazing person in between, I will be so entirely grateful to you all my entire life. If you’re reading this and I’ve had the pleasure of being able to know you personally, I wish you the best of luck with life, and if you ever need anything don’t be afraid to reach out!

Finally, on behalf of all of us school captains, we wish you nothing but the best. Whether you’ve graduated, you’re still in high school, you’re about to start, or you’re a guardian - we promise that the journey at McKinnon is worth every moment.

Missing you already,

Goodbye (for now!),

Katelyn Nguyen (Yr 12 Deputy Captain 2025)

JUNIOR CAPTAIN

The final month at McKinnon Secondary College this year has honestly been one of the most exciting times ever. As a Year 9 Deputy Junior School Captain, I have had the opportunity to see so many events bring our school together, and now that we’ve reached the end of the year, it feels so special to look back on everything we have done. It is also an honour to write the final Captain’s Corner for 2025.

To start it off, one of the biggest things that happened this month was the Great Vic Bike Ride. Students rode a massive 364 kilometres over a week, which is unbelievable when you think about it. They trained tirelessly for months, and hearing their experiences afterwards made me realise just how tough the ride really was. Even though I did not ride myself, I admired how everyone pushed through early mornings, steep hills and the unpredictable Melbourne weather. Their efforts really showed the strength and determination of McKinnon school students.

Another highlight was the Junior Ensemble Concert. The Years 7 and 8 ensembles, along with the Junior Stage Band, all performed amazingly. You could tell how much practice and dedication went into every piece, and the whole concert had such a positive and energetic vibe. Watching the Years 7 and 8 ensembles brought back a lot of memories for me, because I used to be in their shoes. Seeing the students work hard, gain confidence like I once did was really nostalgic and reminded me of how far I’ve come since those first performances.

And of course, I cannot forget East Campus. When I first moved here in Year 8, I was honestly pretty nervous about being in a whole new campus for the next two years. But over time I've gotten used to it, and it has become a normal part of school life, even if the endless stairs are still just as annoying. I know I will miss East Campus and all the memories I’ve made here. I'm also so grateful for the teachers who have taught us everything we need to know before senior school so I'm going to miss them so much. Next year, we are heading back to McKinnon Road Campus, and I am really looking forward to it.

Overall, this month has shown just how strong, talented and supportive our school community is. I am proud to finish the year celebrating everything we have achieved together.

Thank you for another unforgettable year.

Justin Park

Deputy Junior School Captain