PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to all staff, students, parents and a special welcome to our new families. I hope 2019 will be a most rewarding year filled with many wonderful opportunities for learning and growth.

Congratulations to the school community for such a successful start to the year. I have been very impressed with the excellent way in which students have returned to school looking their best in their uniform, organized with all their appropriate materials and ready to learn.

It is with tremendous pride and honour that I continue as Principal of one of the best schools in the State! I look forward to the wonderful opportunities ahead and give a commitment to continue to serve this community with dedication and professionalism, providing all children with many opportunities to thrive and shine.

SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Nomination Forms for the School Council elections are now available from the General Office. Included in this newsletter is a link you can access which explains our School Council Elections. Nominations are being called for 1 parent representative and 2 Department representatives and 1 student representative from Year 7 to Year 12. Anyone with any queries regarding School Council Elections are welcome to contact me at school.

PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION

Part of the secret to the McKinnon model of success with student outcomes is the very strong partnership that exists between parents and staff.

We value these quality relationships and I know students benefit from them tremendously.

Parents at McKinnon can be relied upon to attend concerts, drama nights, all information evenings but also they read the newsletter, Compass feeds and keep informed and up to date with all relevant events.

They also assist students to be organised, punctual and in full uniform.

This all contributes to student success and building strong relationships and I thank everyone for your efforts.

VCE CLASS OF 2018

Congratulations to our Class of 2018 for their outstanding results. Once again McKinnon was one of the top co-educational, non-selective schools in the State.

100% of our students were successful in attaining their VCE

Our Dux achieved an ATAR of 99.90

297 students completed Year 12 and applied to VTAC

96% received a first round offer

98% received a University place

2% received a TAFE offer

18% of all study scores were over 40

35% achieved an ATAR over 90

58% achieved an ATAR over 80

34 was the average study score

I congratulate all students, staff and parents for these wonderful achievements. Our strong partnership ensures the best educational outcomes can be achieved.

NEW STAFF

This year we fondly welcome new and returning staff members to our College:

Mrs Jessica Dixon - VCAL/Mathematics

Ms Emma Griffith - Mathematics

Ms Ange Masterson - English

Ms Jacqueline Brown - Mathematics & Science

Mr Jesse Grantham-Smith - Mathematics & Science

Mr Shane Papatolicas - English

Ms Marie Lucarelli - Business Management

Ms Natalie Same - English

Ms Meagan Cross - English

Ms Helen Mason - Media & English

Ms Jessica Rogosic - Studio Arts

Ms Sarah Bowes - Psychology

Ms Lucy Angell - English & Drama

Ms Annette Reid - French

Mr Jack Gromer - History & Geography

Ms Anna Koehne - French

Mr Will Voorham - Science

Miss Rachel Walker - English

Mr Robert Bucher - Science & Chemistry

Mr Robert Valerio - Mathematics & Science

Ms Katherine Sip - Art

Ms Helen James - Accounting

Mr Allan Keogh - ICT Support

I hope they find their work with our community professionally rewarding.

PARENT AFTERNOONS/EVENINGS

There are numerous information evenings and “get-togethers” that will be held over the next few weeks. The Principal Class, Heads of Sub-schools, Student Managers and Teachers look forward to meeting as many parents as possible. There is no doubt that one key aspect to success at McKinnon is the very strong partnership that exists between staff, students and parents in this community. See below for details and thank you in advance for your attendance and support.

Year 12          Parent Information Evening

                        Tuesday 12 February at 7:00pm

Year 7            Meet the Principal afternoon

                        Wednesday 13 February at 2:00pm

Year 8            Parent Information Evening

                        Monday 25 February at 7:00pm

Year 9           Parent Information Evening

                       Monday 25 February at 7:00pm

Year 10          Parent Information Evening

                        Monday 4 March at 7:00pm

Year 11          Parent Information Evening

                        Monday 4 March at 7:00pm

Year 7            Parent Information Evening

                        Wednesday 13 March at 5:00pm

YEAR 12 CAMP

I heard very favourable reports about the Year 12 Camp this week at Phillip Island and I congratulate all of our Year 12s for their respect, dedication, commitment and positive attitude. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Senior School Team, Mr Hudd, Ms Andrieux and Mr Blackmore and all the staff who eagerly participated in the organisation of a very successful camp. I hope it is the beginning of a very rewarding year where incredible success eventuates. Most of all I hope the students feel a strong sense of belonging to their school.

I wish all the Year 12 students the very best in their endeavours and look forward to sharing in their success.

CONGRATULATIONS

Caitlin Irving (Year 12) has been chosen to perform in this year’s Top Class Dance program as part of the VCE Season of Excellence 2019.  This is an outstanding achievement! Well done Caitlin.

Sam and Will Kay (Year 9) have been selected in the Australian Under 17 Volleyball team to tour Thailand in April.  Well done to both boys, this is a marvellous achievement!

Patrick Gallagher (Year 10)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. Well done Patrick, you are a very worthy winner!

Andjela Zlatic (Year 11) has scored 43 in the Language study of Serbian a subject she studied with the Victorian School of Languages.  This is a wonderful achievement. Well done Andjela!

UNIFORM

McKinnon is a full uniform school.  We consider our students’ ambassadors for the College and expect all McKinnon students to wear their uniform with pride. All students in Years 7 to 12 are required to wear a blazer.

For Terms 1 and 4 the blazer is optional – however it is the only outer garment permitted if the students want something warmer than their dress or shirt.

Adherence to school uniform rules is about respect for this community and its traditions and culture.

Again I thank parents for their support in implementing school policy. Anyone experiencing difficulties may contact the relevant Student Manager, Assistant Principals or myself.

PUNCTUALITY

All students should arrive at school by 8:30am to give themselves enough time to be organised for an 8:50am start. Lateness is considered a lack of respect and it impacts negatively on the good order of our school. Please assist us to ensure everyone is prompt each and every day.

Parents should nominate a drop off and pick up point with their children outside the school buildings. The school reception foyer can become very congested during the day and is not the place to meet your child after school.

MOBILE PHONES AT McKINNON

Students must not use their phones from 8:30am until the end of the day bell (including recess and lunchtime). We are committed to following through to help your child concentrate better in class, build stronger relationships with their peers and ultimately improve their mental health.

This decision was made through extensive consultation with students and staff and after reviewing the current research on the subject.

Students are required to keep their phones at home or leave them in their lockers at school. If parents have an urgent need to contact their child over the course of the day they can leave a message at the school office. 

Thank you in advance for your support.

TRAFFIC – SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS

I would also like to remind all parents to be careful when driving along McKinnon Road. It is very congested and at times dangerous.  Please be aware of street signs and adhere to road rules. Parents are being booked daily by parking officers from Glen Eira Council.

The school car park must also not be accessed by parents during school hours. 

The speed limit is always 40km per hour along McKinnon Road and u-turns are not allowed. We have many students riding bikes so please be careful parking and opening doors.

IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR STUDENTS USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public Transport Victoria has written to me to ask that we communicate requirements to all students using public transport in Victoria.

Please note the following:

From Term 1 2019 school students can use a PTV Approved School Student ID to access concession fares and to buy Student Passes.

For a school’s ID to be approved by PTV, it must include:

• The school’s name
• The student’s name
• The student’s photo
• An expiry date no later than 28 February of the year after the student finishes Year 12
• The PTV logo

ACCIDENT INSURANCE/AMBULANCE COVER

The Department of Education does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents/Guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs. Parents/Guardians can purchase insurance policies from commercial insurers.

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 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.

Thank you once again for allowing me the privilege of continuing to serve this community.  We will endeavour to do all we can to ensure this important time in your child’s life is rewarding, engaging and prepares them for success and happiness.

I look forward to seeing everyone throughout the year.