CAPTAIN'S CORNER

SENIOR CAPTAIN

With over half of Term Two already behind us, the last few weeks have been action-packed for our senior school with an assortment of assessments, SACs, and even final exams. Congratulations to the NHT class of 2024 who had their final exams on the Thursday 23 May and Friday 24 May. After spending 18 months together as a class it has been sad to see our time with Ms Mauger come to an end, but it has also been relieving to have completed one set of final exams. 

At McKinnon, we pride ourselves in coming together as a community to raise money in support and celebration of various charities and organisations. Last week, on Tuesday 21 May our Years 11 and 12 VCE-VM students hosted a phenomenal event to celebrate ten years of the VCAL program. With special guest DJs, a sausage sizzle and a rugby tournament it was the place to spend Thursday lunchtime. It was great seeing students from all year levels at the McKinnon Rd campus unite to support this monumental initiative. Special thank you to Mr Noble, Mr Howe, Ms Tsitas and Ms Dixon and all those involved in this event. 

Finally, knowing that Term 2 is long, I want to stress the importance of looking after yourself as we get to the crunch end of the semester. Our Year 10s and 11s are currently preparing to undertake their mid-year exams, consolidating their understanding of the year’s content thus far. This exam period is the perfect opportunity to form those study habits now as they will set you up for the coming years. But while exams are an important part of the curriculum please also remember to look after yourself as your wellbeing is your most important priority. Make sure you get enough sleep, move your body, eat nutritious foods, and check in your friends and support one another. 

Chloe Apps

Year 12 Student

JUNIOR CAPTAIN

This week, McKinnon will be participating in the annual volleyball three days schools cup held at Dandenong State Volleyball Centre. This tournament is accessible to all year levels, with tryouts being held a couple weeks ago, dictating the teams entered into this year’s tournament. 

This opportunity gives aspiring volleyballers, and casual players alike, the ability to enjoy three days of pure, non-stop volleyball. Games will be played throughout the day, welcoming viewers to spectate their games, creating an atmosphere filled with intensity and entertainment. 

For the competitive athletes competing, this is also a chance to clinch their spot into the Australian Nationals Schools Cup. Teams receiving a medal will be flown to Queensland to compete in a week’s tournament with the best teams in the country. McKinnon has seen great success in these tournaments, with their best place being our Year 8 honours team finishing as runner’s up, unbelievable! Hopefully they can qualify to defend title of second in Australia.

Whilst other year levels will be later in the term, Years 7-9 will play this Monday. This will be an eye opener for the Year 7s, a tremendous opportunity for them to really know what it means to be a part of the McKinnon Volleyball Squad. Chanting and cheering for their peers, they will be fully immersed in our culture. Year after year, McKinnon has come just shy of winning the best overall school title, but with the help of these new Year 7s, we have a real shot at the title.

Of course, this event is about having fun. The reason we all sign up in the first place is to get a taste for what’s to come. Whether it be future athletes wanting to cement their place as a top team in the state, or a casual player looking to have fun for a few days. They all have a place at the upcoming Schools Cup. 

Mateo Capurro Martinez

Year 9 Student