Term Two has started in style for our VCE cohorts, with some outstanding academic achievements from both our Year 11 and 12 students! Students are beginning to consolidate everything that they have learnt over the course of the semester in preparation for the mid-year exams which are to be held from Monday 6th June to Friday 10th June. We wish students all the best for their preparation, which will give them a taste of what to expect in their end of year assessments.

Staff were also heartened to see so many students and parents attend the Student Progress Meetings. The school places a lot of value on these opportunities to provide feedback to our families, and would encourage all students to participate in these sessions when offered in the future in order to progress with their learning.

Leadership Training Day at St Kilda Football Club

The past two years have seen the College developing a working relationship with AFL / AFLW team St Kilda Football Club, which provides our students with some fantastic opportunities to work with a professional and successful sporting organisation. On Tuesday 17th May, our College and House Captains travelled to RSEA Park in Moorabbin to participate in a leadership conference aimed at developing both their teamworking skills and their ability to manage others. Students were provided with a behind the scenes tour of the facilities, with students star struck by senior coach Brett Ratten and consultant Justin Koschitzke.

Highlights of the day included seeing the men’s team on the track after their landmark win over Geelong, as well as the players participating in a mindfulness program in the stands. We thank St Kilda FC wholeheartedly for their ongoing partnership with the school, and look forward to working with them over the coming years.

Access Monash Launch

For the past five years, McClelland College has had a strong affiliation with Monash University. This relationship has been formalised into the Access Monash Program. As a part of the partnership, our VCE students have the ability to be paired up with a Monash student in a mentoring role to assist them over the course of their two year VCE program.

On Wednesday 30th March, the school was pleased to host the launch of the Access Monash Program for 2022. This involved the Monash University student mentors coming to McClelland and formally meeting their mentees for the first time.

We look forward to seeing the growth of our students over the next two years, and thank Monash University profusely for their extremely generous contributions to our College program.

ABCN

McClelland College is proud to announce their partnership with ABCN, an organisation which facilitates connections between secondary colleges and professional organisations from the wider community.

This year, as a part of the ABCN Focus program targeting Year 11 female students, ABCN has kindly fostered a partnership with global consulting firm Korn Ferry, who specialise in human resource work across Australia. The program launched on Tuesday 17th May, where students had their first session online with the mentors from Korn Ferry. There will be a total of four sessions over the course of this term, with the focus being developing student confidence and leadership potential. We thank both ABCN and Korn Ferry for the time they have invested with our students, and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with both organisations!

Deakin University

On Wednesday 11th May, a group of Year 11 and 12 VCE students travelled to Deakin University in Burwood for a tour of the campus with a focus on introducing them to the wide range of courses offered by the institution. Students came away impressed with the professionalism of the university, with a particular focus on the sports science and business management courses. A big thanks to Year 11 Leader Mrs Andrews and VCE Coordinator Ms Murphy for organising the excursion for our students!

VCE Careers Expo

Thursday 28th April saw a contingent of Year 10 and Year 11 students attend Caulfield Racecourse for the annual VCE Careers Expo. Students were amazed at the wide range of courses and careers on display, with many walking away inspired by the opportunities presented to them.

Top Screen

On Tuesday 10th May, the Year 11 and 12 Media Studies class caught the train into the city to attend a viewing of Top Screen, a collection of the best films created by Year 12 Media Studies students in 2021. The screening was held at ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) in Federation Square. Some highlights included some of the more moving dramatic films that had students brushing away tears, not to mention some of the jaw-dropping animations.

Athletics

Thursday 19th May saw a return of the McClelland College Athletics Carnival held at Ballam Park. The day began with our Class of 2022 walking a lap of honour around the track while the rest of the College applauded their amazing efforts and costumes. Some highlights included the Mario Kart team who raced their way around the track, as well as the Scooby Doo crew whose Mystery Machine was a star. Despite the rain and overcast conditions that threatened the proceedings, the day went amazingly well, with a number of College records broken on the day. The annual Staff vs Student Relay was also a highlight. Despite the amazing efforts of Mr Joy running in jeans and Mr Kannan storming home for the final leg, the combined student team anchored by Sam Latreille was able to win the day for the students. A special congratulations to each of the College and House Captains for assisting with creating a positive atmosphere on the day.

House Netball Round Robin

2022 has seen a resurgence of the McClelland College House Program, with a number of events being held over the course of the year in which students from all year levels and age groups can attain points for their house.

Term 1 saw our Senior School Captains host a netball round robin. Each day that week, students from different year levels participated in games of netball against their peers.

With over 200 students participating over the course of the week, the first event was a roaring success! Special thanks must go to Ms Whelan for running the event, as well as all of the other teachers to came down to assist with umpiring and supervision.

The final week of this term will see a Dodgeball Round Robin occurring in the Gym. We look forward to seeing as many students there participating as possible!

Staff vs Student Handball

On the final Monday of Term One, the Year 12 students challenged the staff to a friendly match of European Handball. It was a hard fought battle, with some amazing work on both sides. For the students, Rohan Pettigrove starred in goal, making numerous saves with his exceptional soccer skills. Fellow school captain Emily Smith took a physical approach to the match, while Cameron Roberts, Ezra Horne and Luke Worrall flew the flag for VCAL in the middle of the court. On the staff side of things, Year 12 Leader Mr Carlton was enigmatic across the court, making a number of towering catches. Mr Kight and Ms Collins also dominated proceedings, holding centre court for the staff. Despite a spirited comeback towards the end of the match, the staff were able to hold off the rampaging student cohort to record a 22-20 win. Special thanks to Meg Bown who was unable to play due to injury, but was able to ref the game in a very impartial manner!

Formal

Friday 29th April saw the Senior School Formal held at Functions by the Bay in Frankston. With over 220 students attending, the night was a resounding success, with some fantastic outfits and dance skills on display. Staff at the venue were amazed at the good behaviour and energy of our students, congratulating the school for our amazing cohort of young individuals. A special thanks must go to all of the McClelland staff that attended the evening! An extra special thanks to Ms Harry and Ms Collins for their amazing work behind the scenes, with the donut wall a resounding success, as well as Ms McRae for her tireless work organising the invitations and guest passes!

Well done to all involved!

Senior Formal Photos

Dates to Remember

May/June

June