CAPTAINS' CORNER

SENIOR CAPTAIN

This year's Winter Concert, held at Robert Blackwood Hall at Monash University was a very special celebration of music at McKinnon. The Winter Concert is an annual school wide event where ensembles from all year levels and abilities share their work. Due to Covid, it was the first Winter Concert McKinnon has held since 2019 and was a great opportunity to get back to performing. 

As a Year 12 student, it was doubly special for me as I haven’t had a Winter Concert since Year 9 and was an event I sorely missed over the last two years.  Performing in front of such a large crowd is a great reward for the hard work that students put in during rehearsals and gives us the opportunity to hear other ensembles perform.

Furthermore, this year's Winter Concert was Mrs Binnion’s last as Principal and thus was a very special night for Mrs Binnion and the school community. 

A special thanks to all who were instrumental in organising the show and giving us the invaluable experience of live performance.

Drew Thompson Year 12

JUNIOR CAPTAIN

Heading towards the classroom which held the science incursion, was nerve-wracking for some, while exhilarating for others. There was a rumour that the incursion consisted of interacting and learning about different endangered animals, from snakes to owls. Soon, the door was open and the students were admitted into the classroom. 

Immediately, the teacher brought out the first animal, the Goanna Lizard. A wave of shock engulfed the students as this was beyond everyone’s expectations. The teacher swiftly taught us about the catastrophe the extinction of an apex predator could bring, then allowed us to come within contact with the animal. A scaly, rugged feeling was upon my fingertips and a chill was sent down my spine. I never would have thought that I would have come so close to such a fascinating animal, much less be able to touch it. A sense of astonishment filled my mind and I was suddenly motivated to fight for the rights of wildlife. 

As I looked around at my peers, an understanding was exchanged. We all agreed with one thing and that was to make it our life’s mission to protect such extraordinary animals for ourselves, and the generations to come. After the Goanna Lizard, we were also introduced to other stunning animals including the Black-headed Python, Squirrel Glider, Ringtail Possum, Saltwater Crocodile and Australian Masked Owl. 

Overall, this was an inspiring and eye-opening experience that taught us about the importance of conserving wildlife and the consequence of disregarding them. 

Leon Koh Year 9