PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

WELCOME BACK

The Term has commenced and students look well rested and impressive in their uniform. I hope they have reflected on comments made by their teachers in their reports and can endeavour to achieve their very best this semester - one day at a time, one class at a time, one hour at a time.

PARENT OPINION SURVEY

The Parent Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training that is conducted amongst a sample of randomly selected parents. It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour and student engagement. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and implementation strategies.

The survey is aligned with the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes and along with the Attitudes to School Survey will provide our school with actionable insights in key elements for school improvement. Approximately 30% of families have been randomly selected to participate in this survey and this is an important part of accountability for our school.

The 2019 survey will be conducted online by ORIMA Research Pty Ltd and only takes 15 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed via desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile at any convenient time within the fieldwork period from Monday 29 July, 2019 to Sunday 11 August, 2019.

Feedback of this kind allows us to reflect on our community opinions and gives us an opportunity to celebrate the positives and to address any concerns. 

I thank the families involved. We appreciate your cooperation and support.

AN EVENING WITH JACINDA ARDERN – PRIME MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND

On Thursday 18 July, a group of McKinnon Senior School leaders: Adam Alfawwal, Arwen Verdnik, Chad Aizicowitz, Erika Phan, Evie Dinkelmeyer, Gemma Strangio, Hannah St John, Jack Mills, Liam Atchison, Myles Kelemen, Nadia Harari, Owen Robinson, Romy Greenberg, Sophie Van Doorn and Xavier Verdnik were a part of a 2000 strong audience who attended an evening with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Melbourne Town Hall.

The evening consisted of an inspirational address about “Why good government matters?” from the world leader, followed by an on-stage ABC interview with Virginia Trioli. The evening saw Prime Minister Ardern address many political and social issues, including an insight into her leadership amidst the darkness of the Christchurch terror attack.

The students were able to submit questions for the Q & A section of the evening, and were surprisingly thrilled when Owen Robinson’s question on “how to overcome the increasing animosity within western politics and political culture” was addressed by Prime Minister Ardern.

Our fifteen students who were in attendance were privileged to a very special and rare experience and we thank them for representing McKinnon proudly.

READING

The importance of reading is well understood. The short video below from the BBC is another very good reason for all of us to encourage young people to read.

Reading requires one to put yourself in the place of each character.

It develops empathy in people. If we want these qualities to be enhance in our young people then reading is a great vehicle.

https://www.bbc.com/ideas/videos/what-actually-happens-inside-us-when-we-read/p07h9t70

CONGRATULATIONS

On 28 June four Year 12 Boys, Eriks Stepanuks, Lucas Semple, Oliver Wiles and Thomas Gardner performed at the Sounds of Glen Eira Battle of the Bands and the People’s Choice Awards. The students’ band Stand Out won both categories – the Battle of the Bands and the People’s Choice Awards.

This is a marvelous result for these boys and we are all so very proud of their efforts, not only with the win but being such great ambassadors in our community.

Congratulations boys on such a tremendous result for you all. 

Chloe James (Year 12) was awarded 2nd place at the Sounds of Glen Eira music competition. Congratulations Chloe and thank you for representing our community so well. 

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

I am at times bewildered at how our uniform is being worn by a few individuals. We do require our young people to look impressive and come to school well dressed, clean, tidy and ready to learn.

It is cold and a blazer is a non-negotiable. Hair needs to be neat and tidy and lateness is totally unacceptable.

I implore parents to make sure their children are in well fitting, clean, well ironed clothes and have polished shoes and appropriate socks as they leave home ready to arrive at school by 8:30am.

I know it is difficult at times to raise teenagers and balance the pressures of modern day life, but we must continue to work together to maintain our standards and uphold our values of community respect. 

CONGRATULATIONS

Mr Richard Long (Assistant Principal) recently completed his PhD in Egyptian Archaeology at Monash University and yesterday he attended his Graduation. He has been fortunate enough to visit Egypt on numerous occasions and work with the Monash archaeology team who have been excavating a 4,000 year old temple. This is a wonderful personal achievement for Richard and on behalf of the staff at McKinnon Secondary College I say congratulations and well done!!