PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

A couple of weeks ago there were very successful incursions undertaken for the Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 students.

All were very age appropriate and key messages of learning were provided by these accredited groups.

It’s important that we guide our young people to be safe and respectful. The feedback was positive. The Years 7 & 8 sessions will be held next term.

Thank you to Patty Etcell our Wellbeing Co-ordinator for the co-ordination of these important sessions.

YEAR 7-9 CAREERS & PATHWAYS

This year has seen the introduction of the Department’s My Career Portfolio (MCP) platform across our Junior School, and this will facilitate every students’ Career Action Plan (CAP). All students are expected to have a CAP that sets out their goals and aspirations for the year, and these will help inform our Managed Individual Pathways (MIPs) interviews later in the year.

As part of our Careers & Pathways program, Year 9 students completed the Morrisby Profile questionnaire in Term 1, and over the last couple of weeks have been attending interviews with externally provided careers consultants. These interviews provide a great opportunity for our students to access advice that will inform their senior school pathways. Organising and coordinating the testing, reporting and individual interviews for each of our 398 Year 9 students is in itself a mammoth task, and I wish to thank and acknowledge the efforts of Mr Pantelios, Mr Mest and Mr Zachest for all of their hard work in providing our Year 9 students this valuable opportunity.  

Furthermore, the feedback provided by the external consultants regarding the manner in which our students presented themselves was most pleasing, and I therefore would like to take this opportunity to also thank and congratulate our Year 9 students for being outstanding ambassadors for the school during these interviews.  

2021 McKINNON MODEL UN 

On Thursday, 20 May 2020, 60 McKinnon students joined 60 students from Dromana Secondary College, Glen Eira College, Keysborough College, Melton Secondary College and Shelford Girls Grammar to congregate in the Hall for the 2021 Model UN run in co-operation with the United Nations Association of Australia.

This year’s topic ‘Rewrite the Future: Quality Education for All’ offered students an opportunity to learn about international relations, the UN system and important global issues, in an engaging, dynamic environment, while developing negotiation and public speaking skills. Finally, a vote was held to pass the amended resolution.

Many thanks to Ms Andrea Fowler who organised the day at McKinnon and all staff who supported this event and assisted students in their preparations.

MEDIEVAL DAY

On Monday 3 May, 190 Year 8 History students went back in time to the Medieval era. Medieval Day involves Year 8 History students dressing up in costumes and competing in various Medieval activities. It is always a fun day.

The day was an outstanding success and I would like to thank all the students from Year 8 who were involved. Students participated wonderfully in all activities, ranging from making Medieval Siege Weapons and building Medieval Forts out of playing cards to participating in a Medieval Costume Pageant. There was a wonderful spirit around throughout the day and I have to thank the students for their willingness to get involved.

I would like to acknowledge and thank Mr Chris Pantelios for his organisation and leadership of this event and I would also like to mention Mr Matthew Shaw, Mr William Lee, Mr Jonathan Jhoomun and Ms Jenny Jones for assisting on the day.

YEAR 10 OUTDOOR ED CAMP

Year 10 Outdoor Education students attended a two-day Camp to the Cathedral Ranges National Park. Group 1 went on Wednesday 19 - Thursday 20 May and group 2 on Thursday 20 - Friday 21 May. A total of 72 students and 9 staff attended at the Cathedral Ranges National Park. This is always a camp that the students love to attend.

I would like to acknowledge Mr Bridges for the organisation of the camp and Mr Farthing, Mx Brush, Mx Bertsa, Mr Adlington, Mr Machin and former students Coco Parker, Callum Tampion and Ariel Greenberg for accompanying the students.

VOLLEYBALL

Congratulations to all the teams who represented the school at the recent SSV Volleyball State Finals. All the teams achieved great success including the Senior Girls (3rd in the State), Intermediate Boys (2nd in the State) and the Intermediate Girls and Senior Boys have both become SSV State Champions.

Congratulations on your amazing efforts.

UNIFORM

There has been much improvement and I appreciate parent support.

We will continue to have uniform blitzes and make sure everyone is in full school uniform at all times, as required.

BIKE SHED

Last week an intruder came onto our property and in fact helped herself to an unchained expensive bike from the bike shed.

I cannot understand why people would leave their expensive bikes unchained.

I ask parents to please make sure their son/daughter has a good chain to use to secure their very expensive bikes. The parents have reported the loss to the police and we will post footage at school to see if anyone recognises the thief.

THERAPY DOGS

Our 2 four legged friends Kai & Chilly came to give comfort and support on Tuesday and also brought their handlers Luke and Ronnie.

The joy on the faces of children and staff everywhere is really hard for me to describe.

They will be visiting once a week and hopefully if we can afford it we may increase their visits going forward.