SCHOOL NEWS
MCK CHESS CLUB
Queen’s Gambit accepted
1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 .... A popular variation to one of the oldest openings in chess where Black accepts the challenge posed by White and willingly forfeit the control of the centre of the board in exchange for 1 pawn worth of materials. The ensuing battle that follows is as dramatic as the TV miniseries that shares the same name.
Every Thursday lunchtime in room A07 (and in the foyer of A-block), chess enthusiasts from all year levels, as well as several very keen staff members, have been playing out their own battle and creating their personal chess story.
The popularity of the McK Chess Club this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. By 15 minutes into the session, all available chess equipment would have been borrowed, and any late comers would be advised to be a spectator or “come earlier next week!”.
Fortunately, the Chess Club is currently looking into creating more chess sets onsite by using the school’s state-of-the-art 3D printer. Hopefully by next term, we will be able to accommodate the high demand. Stay tuned.
Dr Lelekakis, Dr Law, Mr Stevenson
McK Chess Club
Thursday Lunchtime in A07
McK Chess Grand Prix 2021
Over 50 students from all year levels have entered into this first event of the year organised by the McK Chess Club. In fact, the response was so overwhelming that we had to stop accepting entries a week earlier than the closing date!
The McK Chess Grand Prix is a multi-round fast chess tournament (running from March to May) that is exciting, inclusive and fun. It employs the Swiss-tournament system where no players are ever eliminated, and hence, there is a game for all participants in each round. Also, the time control of 5.5 minutes (per player) played with high-tech electronic chess clocks ensures a fast-pace experience in the true spirit of blitz chess.
At the time of writing, two rounds have been completed with several students sharing the lead in the McK Chess GP ladder. But it is still a long way to go before we can find out who is the ultimate blitz chess player of 2021.
To see the latest news, results and photos, go to our official website:
Sandy Law
2021 McK Chess GP
YEAR 11 STUDENT REFLECTING ON HER TIME BEING A STUDENT AT MCKINNON AND BEING A PEER SUPPORT LEADER
For me, Peer Support was one of the most important and memorable parts of my first year at McKinnon. It allowed me to settle into such an overwhelming new environment as well as find some new friends. It also helped me find the confidence to succeed, which ultimately set me up for my High School career.
I look back on my Year 7 experience with great appreciation. The transition from Year 6, where you are at the ‘top of your school’, was very daunting as you move into an expansive new environment in which you once again become the ‘newbie’. A memory that most of us vividly remember - some of us fondly, some of us with horror - was drowning in our extremely large uniforms, with our dresses down to our ankles. I remember the feeling of being scared out of my mind. The Year 11 and 12 students seemed like adults, beards and all. My Peer Support experience reminded me of the scary, yet amazing journey I had through Year 7.
My reason for becoming a Peer Support leader was simple - I wanted to inspire the Year 7s to do their very best, and be the person they can come to if they need any support or guidance. I wanted to give back to the school community for all it has given me - a lifetime of memories!
Jordan Berger
Year 11 Student
Year 11 Leaders: Jordan Berger, Katelyn Chan and Benji Dyskin with their Year 7 group
2021 YEAR 12 FORMAL(S)
Over two massive fun-filled evenings, the Class of 2021 celebrated their Year 12 Formals. Due to COVID restrictions at the venue the cohort couldn't all be at the one venue at the one time, so we just celebrated twice.
Two glamorous nights were celebrated in style by the students.
We thank all the staff at Merrimu Receptions for their wonderful hospitality, and to all the staff and students who attended.
A special mention to Helen James for her tireless work organising the two events.
Chris Hudd
Year 12 Student Manager
McKINNON ENVIRONMENT CLUB
In 2017, as a fresh-faced Year 7, I attended the McKinnon Environment Club and was fortunate to hear about the prospect of solar panel installation at McKinnon. A group of passionate staff and students subsequently banded together, forming the solar paneling initiative. This group consisted of Myles Kelemen, Daniel Farthing, Blake Seufert, James Van Pelt and Ryan Borowitz.
Thanks to previous student efforts, McKinnon had already installed a relatively small 10 kw system, funded by the Senior School Council. Obviously, this was a substantial step, however this paled in comparison to McKinnon’s energy consumption. Therefore, through the course of weekly meetings, as a group we embarked on an ambitious journey to acquire a more comprehensive solar system.
This graph measures the student average energy consumption between 2014 & mid 2019. A small solar system (10kw) was installed in late 2016, and this is reflected in the tiny green areas on the graph.
Our efforts were boosted with the inclusion of Mikhail Svyatitskiy, another eager student. As a group we met weekly for a good part of three years and gathered a lot of information, heard from multiple companies and assembled a number of quotes. Data collection was recorded from our school’s energy bills into an elaborate spreadsheet. We then had to decipher the data and assess the best course of action for how we might configure and invest in the system with the best financial viability.
Eventually, as a team we were able to collate data and present this to the Principal team. Initially, a major impediment to this initiative was project funding and luckily a government grant program was launched late last year that funds the systems through a Greener Schools Grant. After applying we were selected for this funding and have had a site inspection to confirm installation of our new 90 kW to be installed on the A Block roof.
This is a significant achievement and represents a lot of hard work on behalf of the student solar group and environment group. I think it's a critical step in setting a responsible example for our community in fighting climate change. I would also like to thank the Principal team for welcoming our initial proposal attempts and working with us towards this achievement.
Ryan Borowitz
Year 11 Student