McKinnonNEWS

SCIENCE

WELCOME TO SCIENCE IN 2025 AT MCKINNON SECONDARY COLLEGE

The science faculty is excited to kick off another year of discovery, innovation, and hands-on learning. We are dedicated to delivering an inspiring and engaging science curriculum that includes captivating classroom activities, interactive experiments, school-based incursions, and exciting excursions across multiple year levels. Stay tuned for updates on these opportunities in our fortnightly newsletters!

 

The Science faculty had a huge amount of success in 2024, with a tremendous amount of VCE academic excellence in VCE Physics, Chemistry, Psychology and Biology. I’d like to thank all of the Science staff for their ongoing efforts in supporting our students to achieve their best.

 

In addition, I’d also like to wholeheartedly thank our three wonderful lab technicians; Karen Romari, Csilla Almasi and Marni Beretta, as without them, we would not be able to deliver such excellent experiments and hands-on activities for our students. 

 

This year, we’re thrilled to welcome new staff to the science faculty:

  • Anusha Sriram

  • Bradley Keats

  • Steven Kuruc

  • Poppi Azzopardi

  • Sarah McIlvaine

  • Patrick Thomas

  • Chloe Hammond

I wish them all the best as they settle in and look forward to the contributions they’ll bring to our vibrant science department. Check out more information on the new staff at the end of this article.

KEY EVENTS COMING UP

National Science Week (Term 3: 9–17 August)

During Term 3, we’ll celebrate National Science Week with the McKinnon Science Week Festival. This event will feature a variety of activities - some new, some cherished favourites running during classes and lunchtimes at both McKinnon Road and East Campuses. Stay tuned for finalized dates and more details!

 

Science Competitions

Opportunities abound for students to participate in science competitions this year, including the “Science Talent Search,” “Big Science Competition,” and the “Science Olympiad.” Keep an eye on Compass for announcements about how to get involved.

KEY RESOURCES

Science Google Site and Google Classroom

A reminder that resources for Years 7–10 Science subjects are available on our Science Google Site (accessible with @mckinnonsc emails only). Parents, you’ll need your child’s login details to view the site.

 

VCE Science courses also have individual Google Sites, which teachers will share with students. Additionally, all subjects will use Google Classroom for resources, assignments, and updates.

 

To stay informed, students should regularly check Google Classrooms, Google Sites, Compass, and emails for updates from their teachers regarding learning and assessments.

LOOKING AHEAD

I wish all students, staff, and parents a fantastic year ahead in science at McKinnon. Let’s make 2025 a year of curiosity, growth, and exploration!

 

I’ll end with a science joke: 

 

Why did the biologist go to the art gallery?Because they wanted to see some cell-fies!

 

Katherine Johnstone

Key Learning Area Manager (Science)

OUR NEW SCIENCE STAFF IN 2025

Bradley Keats:

I'm Brad and I am teaching Science and Mathematics at McKinnon Secondary College from 2025. I am teaching students for Year 8 Mathematics, Year 8 Science, and Year 9 Science. I majored in Microbiology and have a particular interest in viruses and bacteria. I also have a passion for Chemistry ... Anything that isn't Physics!

 

A fun fact about me is that I hold my National B Badge in Netball Umpiring, allowing me to umpire up to the state level.

 

Patrick Thomas:

I'm Patrick, and I currently teach Years 10, 11 and 12 Chemistry and Year 7 Science, and I have also taught VCE Biology in the past. My favourite aspects of science include organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, stoichiometry and microbiology. All whilst aiming to get the most out of my students. 

 

My interests outside of school include cooking, fly fishing and general fitness. 

 

Steven Kuruc:

Hello, my name is Steve Kuruc. I started teaching in 1990... yes, since last century :)

 

I am excited to teach Year 7 Science & Maths this year as well as Year 10 Chemistry.

 

In a previous life I was Head of Science for an international school in China, I have also spent many years working as a teaching associate for both Monash & Melbourne Universities and spent a few years working as a driver trainer at Sandown Raceway too. I have always had an interest and passion for science and look forward to sharing this with my classes at McKinnon SC.

 

Poppi Azzopardi:

Hi, I'm Poppi and I am teaching Year 7 Science, Years 10 and 11 Chemistry and Year 10 Biology this year. I am looking forward to a really exciting year ahead. 

 

Fun fact about me: I love making terrariums.

 

Sarah McIlvaine:

Hello, I'm Sarah and I am truly delighted to begin teaching Year 8 Science, Year 9 Science and Year 8 Maths at McKinnon this year! I studied in California and Perth, before arriving here in Melbourne. I have a keen interest in marine biology and interculturalism. 

 

A few fun facts about me: I speak Italian, I taught high school in Thailand for a year, and in my spare time I enjoy indoor rock climbing and scuba diving. Looking forward to getting to know you all better as the year goes ahead.

 

Chloe Hammond:

I’m Chloe, and I am a Science and Psychology teacher. I absolutely love teaching Psychology and can’t wait to share this passion with my Year 11 and Year 12 students this year. I also have a deep love for science in general and the natural curiosity it sparks in students. I’m excited to ignite an interest in science among all my Year 7 students this year. 

 

Fun fact about me: I grew up on a dairy farm in a small country town near Warrnambool.

 

Anusha Sriram:

I'm Anusha and it is my first year at McKinnon. I teach Year 8 and 9 Sciences. I have a background in Psychology and Climate Science. I also love Geology and Astronomy. 

 

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, plein air painting and playing badminton.