PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to what I hope will be a most productive Term 2.

I hope all staff and students feel well rested having enjoyed precious time with loved ones.

Much happened in a very short space of time in Term 1 and I thank everyone for their dedication and commitment to excellence.

I received the following Media Statement on Monday from Nick Staikos, Member for Bentleigh:

FUNDING TO GET STARTED ON McKINNON’S SECOND CAMPUS

Kids across Bentleigh will get the world-class schools they deserve, as the Andrews Labor Government gets on with the job of building brand new schools for our rapidly growing suburbs and school communities.

The Labor Government today announced the Victorian Budget 2018/19 will include $353.2 million to build and plan for 28 new schools in Victoria’s fastest growing areas, including one for Bentleigh.

The Budget includes $4.1 million for early works on the second campus of McKinnon Secondary College to keep up with demand.

This will mean families across Bentleigh can have peace of mind that they will be able to access a great local school, close to home.

This boost for our growing suburbs will upgrade classrooms and school facilities across Victoria, helping teachers and giving more students the individual attention they need to get the 21st century education they deserve.

The Labor Government is building the Education State to give every Victorian student a great education, and every community a great local school.

In contrast, in 2016 not one new school opened because the Liberals failed to plan for our growing state, while slashing $1 billion from the education budget. We won’t let that happen again.

Over the last three years, our investments total more than $2.8 billion, funding 1,200 school projects and upgrades, and building 70 new schools, as well as creating more than 5,000 jobs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“Building the second campus of McKinnon Secondary College will ensure we keep pace with the community’s increasing population and give families certainty and peace of mind.”

“Here in Bentleigh and right across Victoria we are making sure every child has every opportunity to succeed.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos

“Our area is going to have around 1000 additional secondary school students over the coming years, and McKinnon is at capacity. That’s why we need a second campus.”

“We’re upgrading schools right across Bentleigh to make sure they have the best classrooms and the best facilities.”

NOMINATIONS FOR SCHOOL COUNCIL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

To help build a great school system student voice is an essential component and this includes as a representative on School Council.

I call for nominations for two student representatives to join the 2018/2019 School Council.

Two positions:

• One for two years
• One for one year

Please find attached all the relevant fact sheets and formal nomination sheet.

Nominations close on Friday 18 May 2018 at 4:00pm. (If more than 2 students nominate an election will be held).

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

On Tuesday 24 April we held the first of our 2018 Parent/Student/Teacher conferences. These conversations are critical for student feedback and guidance for improvement.

I thank the many parents who attended. The strong partnership that exists between parents and teachers is a critical aspect of the McKinnon success story.

The 131 staff present conducted a total of 9306 conversations during this one day/night.  I cannot thank the staff enough for their commitment!

I hope the feedback received will assist our students to reflect and improve this term.

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA TOUR 2018

Congratulations to all staff and students who participated in the tour to the Red Centre for 12 days.

Year 10 students loved the opportunity provided and I am sure this will be a trip to be remembered forever.

I thank the staff who attended and provided this opportunity.

Your enthusiasm, dedication and sacrifice make this all possible.

ANZAC COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES

On Sunday 22 April, Mr Quinn was accompanied by Junior School Captains Catherine Braniska, Nicholas Lanaras, Vatsal Ved and Bridget Chapman to the Anzac Commemorative Service at the Bentleigh Cenotaph and on Wednesday 25 April, Mr Noble was joined by School Captains Jenna Dimitrakas and Tim Mullane at the combined City of Glen Eira and Caulfield RSL Centenary of ANZAC Day service held at the Elsternwick Club.  

These were very moving services paying tribute to those men and women who have sacrificed so much so we can all enjoy the freedom we have!

Kate Collier (Year 12) represented McKinnon beautifully at the Cheltenham RSL when she sang the National Anthem. Congratulations Kate on this wonderful achievement.

Marcel Minkovski (Year 7) performed at the Cheltenham Primary School Anzac Day Ceremony on Monday 23 April.  Congratulations on your moving performance of the Last Post Marcel and we celebrate your community mindedness.

Thank you to Sotiri Poulios  (Year 12) who played the Last Post at the Anzac Day Ceremony at Caulfield Primary School on Monday 23 April.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Eden Rembach (Year 8) on your appointment to the Education State Student Advisory Group.  The ESSAG is a diverse group of approximately 25 primary and secondary school students from all over Victoria that will have two forums with the Education State Board in 2018.

This is a tremendous achievement and I am sure she will enjoy the opportunity.

Well done Eden and we look forward to hearing all about the positive contribution you will make.

Congratulations to Patrick Brett, Yunjia Deng and Andy Zhan (Class of 2017) who are successful recipients of Monash University scholarships in the Faculty of Engineering for 2018.

This is a wonderful achievement for our three ex-students and we wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

Congratulations Lachie Edis (Year 10) on his performance in ‘Grease’ in Melbourne. Harvest Rain are a Brisbane based Theatre Company, who have performed Grease in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Newcastle before coming to Melbourne.

Auditions are held for ensemble members, aged between 10-18 years, in each city and rehearsals are over several weekend boot-camps before becoming full time prior to performance weekend.

Congratulations Tomer Singer (Year 10) who is a member of the 5th/6th Moorabbin Central Venturer Unit, has earned the Australian Scout Medallion.

To attain this 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 marvellous award Tomer and we wish you the very best in your future endeavours. Thank you for having such a strong commitment to your local community.

BENTLEIGH UNITING CHURCH

I received a lovely note from the Bentleigh Uniting Church Council as follows:

“We have received many compliments on the conduct of the World Day of Prayer service recently held in our Church, mostly centred around the music and singing by the choirs from McKinnon.

On behalf of our own church and the local World Day of Prayer committee, I wish to convey our thanks to all the students and the staff team led by Blanka West for their invaluable contribution to the service.  This has always been so very much appreciated and we trust will continue into the future”.

Congratulations to Mrs West and her choir for their continued service to the community.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

McKinnon is a school with a strict Uniform Policy.

It is an expectation that all who belong to this community abide by the rules.

All students should now be in full winter uniform.

I really make no apologies for the strictness with which we implement our uniform requirements. As a member of this McKinnon team it is an expectation that this policy is understood and adhered to.

The ONLY acceptable jacket is the navy wool school blazer embroidered with the College emblem. This can be worn in classrooms, in the yard and MUST be worn to and from school in Terms 2 and 3.

The school jumper can be worn in class or outside in the yard during the day; however, when travelling to/from school, students must wear the blazer (rather than the College jumper). The jumper may be worn underneath the blazer.

Given our building works are now underway we have modified the PE uniform rule. Students may wear the PE/Sport uniform to and from school on the days that they have scheduled PE or Sport. This will avoid the need to change at school.

There are newly designed PE track pants and a new PE jacket that may be purchased from the Uniform Shop.

We thank parents, on whom we rely, to assist us by ensuring your children are impeccably dressed in their uniform.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

At the start and end of each school day the traffic situation outside the school along narrow McKinnon Road is chaotic at best.  Please do not park illegally or in the bus zone. Try and pick up your children a distance away from the school if possible. Please do not drive into the school at all and take care on the wet roads. Thank you for your support in this matter.

PERSONAL PROPERTY INSURANCE

Personal property is often brought to school by students, staff and visitors. This can include mobile phones, iPods, electronic games, calculators, toys, musical instruments, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS

The Department does not provide personal accident insurance for students. Parents and guardians are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students including any transport costs. Student accident insurance policies are available from some commercial insurers. These cover a range of medical expenses not covered by Medicare and Private Health Insurance.

I recommend parents investigate and invest in suitable insurance cover as injuries can be extremely costly.