PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Pitsa Binnion
Pitsa Binnion
COMMUNITY CONFERENCE DAY
Parent-Teacher-Student interviews were held last week and the school was a hive of activity all day! (I know traffic was chaotic and I apologise to our neighbours). However, what a wonderful demonstration of the strong partnership that exists with families and the school (and some wonderful food on offer from the music tour kids!). Together we can achieve wonderful things for our students.
I thank the many parents who took the time to say thank you to the staff for their dedication and professionalism.
We all want the best learning outcomes for our students and having these powerful enlightening conversations helps to clarify the state of play but also to celebrate the success thus far and identify areas in need of improvement.
It was terrific to see so many Year 12 students take their parents through the new Centre also. Feedback was very positive!
If you missed your appointment or the teacher was ill then please email or contact the school and we will arrange for some feedback from the relevant teachers as soon as possible.
CONSULTATION RE SECOND CAMPUS
A day of extensive consultation took place on Tuesday 11 September. Parent, student and teacher forums were well attended and conversations held about the development of our “wish list” at the second campus.
The VSBA (Victorian State Building Authority) oversee the process and worked with the Architects K2LD to consult and gather the view of the various groups. This is the beginning of the consultation process and I thank the many who attended to join the conversation.
Below are the VSBA details for any further comments/ideas or concerns to be raised:
www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au
1800 896 950
YEAR 12 PRACTICE EXAMS
We wish our Year 12 students all the best with the upcoming practice exams.
Revision is crucial and I know students will be revising extensively over the next few weeks.
I wish all of them the very best over the coming weeks in preparation for the final exams in November.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN results provide reliable and valid information for our school regarding measuring our impact on student achievement. The results from the tests completed last May have now been released to schools and parents have been sent home a hard copy of their child's results. Once again we are very proud of the outcomes of our students. Our Year 7s and 9s achieved well above the national standards scores across all tests, and the mean results continue to be significantly higher than the state of Victoria.
What we were particularly pleased with this year was the learning growth of our Year 9 students in all tests when compared to their Year 7 results. Learning growth is understood as the amount of learning progress that students can make in a given period. This was particularly apparent in the Writing component of NAPLAN, where our Year 9 students' learning growth has been estimated at a double rate of students in other Victorian schools, which is an outstanding result. The work on developmental assessment, research, data visualization, and analytics we have undertaken with our teachers over the last two years to improve writing outcomes for students, involving consultants from The University of Melbourne, is obviously having a positive impact.
SPRING SOIREE
Thank you to Ms Tracy Videon, Ms Clare Bugeja with assistance from Ms Megan Papworth, for the organisation of the Senior Spring Soiree that was held on Sunday 16 September in the Lecture Theatre. The standard of playing showcased both large ensembles (Orchestra and Chamber Strings) and smaller chamber ensembles and soloists. It was a relaxing afternoon of entertainment where the joy of music was enjoyed by all who attended.
ASIA WEEK
In the final week of Term 3 we are celebrating Asia week with fabulous food, music and dance which brought about great enjoyment and a celebration of cultural diversity and understanding.
I would like to thank all staff who have helped us to enjoy this event and I would like to particularly acknowledge Mrs Nayyar for her dedication and commitment to putting together a very enjoyable and successful week of celebration.
This is a week that helps us become even better global citizens giving us an appreciation and understanding of all things ‘Asian’.
Diversity and respect of other cultures, beliefs and customs is imperative for all of us to become the best citizens possible.
NEW CALEDONIA TRIP
On Monday 17 September 25 Year 9 French students, along with Ms Dickson, Ms Antal and Mr King left for New Caledonia.
Travel is such an important part of the rich extra-curricular opportunities for students. I wish them well and know that through this immersion their language skills will be much improved.
I know all parents are being receiving daily updates.
STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Kate Collier (Year 12), Chloe James (Year 11), Orr Zaacks (Year 11), Michael Birkett (Year 11) and Hadyn Collier (Year 7) who participated at the Victorian State Schools Spectacular at Hisense Arena on Saturday 15 September 2018. This show will be broadcast on Channel 7 in October.
Kate, Chloe, Orr, Michael and Hadyn are very commendable ambassadors for our school and we wish them all the very best in her future endeavours.
McKINNON FOOTBALL TEAM
It is with great pleasure that I write that our new Under 19 Boys team secured their first premiership flag on Saturday 8 September! In only two years we have gone up 3 grades in the VAFA Competition and now we have also won a premiership.
It was wonderful to see the McKinnon community out in force at the Grand Final. Hundreds of parents, staff and students were in full voice, cheering our boys to get over the line in a tense tussle against Penley and Essendon Grammar.
In 2016 we forged a partnership with Glen Eira FC and since then the relationship has gone from strength to strength. This all started with a conversation from Jesse and Jack and Lachlan Noble. At the time I really did not know what we were getting ourselves into. Many of our past students played in their Senior team who also won the Grand Final to be VAFA Section 3 Champions. Also in the crowd was Max Kennedy, who played for the Ormond Amateur FC Seniors who were also successful in winning their Grand Final. Max kicked 5 goals for the day and received the best player award for the game – an impressive achievement indeed. Something most only dream about!
At this stage we are on track to start our first Old McKinnon girls team and I invite all interested girls to attend the Glen Eira home ground this Thursday 20 September @ Packer Park from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. There will be a BBQ provided and announcements about new teams for 2019 will be made.
Congratulations to all the McKinnon and Glen Eira players and leadership. Here's to more success in 2019!
BIG BAND BASH
Congratulations to the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Stage Bands who performed at the Big Band Bash last Friday night.
It was a great night with excellent entertainment, parent support and incredible talent on show.
Putting this show together takes a lot of time and effort and I thank the Music Faculty and Ms Robyn Pryor for their tremendous efforts.
CONGRATULATIONS
Keenan D’Souza (Year 9) has earned the Australian Scout Medallion as a member of the 1st McKinnon Scout Troop. To attain the top award in each of the five Sections in Scouting reflects initiative in tackling this challenge, sustained effort over many months and years, plus self-discipline, teamwork and leadership.
This is a great achievement and Keenan is a wonderful ambassador for our community.
UNIFORM - TERM 4
Until Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday 6 November) students may wear either winter or summer uniform. From Wednesday 7 November all students must be in full summer uniform. We remind all students that you are ambassadors for the McKinnon community at all times, and should therefore wear the McKinnon uniform correctly. For both summer and winter uniforms, the blazer is the required outer garment; in warm weather students may choose not to wear the blazer to/from school, however the College jumper must not be worn as the outer garment.
TERM 3
Term 3 has been very hectic indeed. Tremendous learning has been undertaken and I thank our dedicated, passionate teachers who work tirelessly to ensure students are given every opportunity to strive academically and socially.
We have a strong sense of belonging and community at McKinnon due to the wonderful opportunities provided for the students in our care.
May I wish the community much enjoyment with family and friends over the coming break.