ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' REPORT
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD FOR 2020 FROM MONASH UNIVERSITY
Our Principal, Pitsa Binnion, has been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for 2020 from Monash University. This leadership award, which is only given to one recipient from each faculty, acknowledges exemplary leadership from a former alumni of the university who is able to positively impact the local and wider community.
To be nominated for this award a candidate needs to demonstrate: A drive for excellence; An enterprising spirit; And a deep concern for social justice and being a force for good.
We congratulate Pitsa on this prestigious honour. We all know too well the positive impact she has on us personally and the whole McKinnon Community!
PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT CONFERENCES
Following the success of last year’s ‘remote’ interviews, we will continue with virtual Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences in 2021. In Semester 1 these will take place on Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 April. As per usual, teachers will be available for five minute interviews, with all bookings being made via Compass. The booking system will be opened in the final week of term.
These valuable conversations make a significant contribution to maximising students’ academic performance, as we celebrate successes and discuss strategies for further improvement. Feedback and results from assessment tasks are currently being posted on Compass Learning Tasks, while Progress Reports will be published at the end of the term. We encourage all students and parents to read this important information prior to attending the interviews.
YEAR 7 AND 9 NAPLAN TESTS
On Tuesday 11 May, Wednesday 12 May and Thursday 13 May our Year 7 and Year 9 students will be undertaking the NAPLAN tests at the school. NAPLAN (National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy) tests are conducted by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). There are five tests in total, including an assessment of students’ writing skills, use of language conventions, a reading comprehension test and two numeracy assessments. There will be more information on the specific requirements of these tests in the first newsletter of Term 2.
For further information please access the NAPLAN website:
& VCAA’s NAPLAN page: http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/prep10/naplan/index.html
WINTER UNIFORM
Families are reminded that all students should be in full winter uniform from day one of Term 2. School blazers must be worn to and from school. It is also important to note that nail polish and facial piercings are not acceptable at school. Thank you to all families for your continued support of our uniform policy.
MCKINNON PATHWAYS - YEAR 9 MORRISBY PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE
The Morrisby Profile is provided by the Victorian Government for all Year 9 students. Students will complete a questionnaire during their BYTES sessions on Thursday 25 & Monday 29 March 2021.
Parents/Carers are asked to provide consent for both the questionnaire via the Compass Event - Morrisby Profile Questionnaire & Interview.
If you would like any further information, we encourage you to watch this video that explains the Morrisby Profile in more detail. https://youtu.be/chMfEQnKcHs
APPROVING STUDENT ABSENCES
Please continue to provide the College with explanations for student absences, either using Compass,
emailing absences@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au or calling 8520 9050.
As mentioned at the Information Nights, it is vital that parents do not share their login password with their child. If you feel that your child might have access to the parent portal please contact the General Office to obtain a new password.