CAPTAIN'S CORNER

SENIOR CAPTAIN

Being a leader at McKinnon has been an opportunity that I will reflect back on in ten years’ time and still be grateful for. It’s not every day that you’re able to lead a high performing state school, alongside other like-minded, dedicated individuals.

This role has provided me with the ability to strengthen my communication skills, as conflict and disagreement during Senior School Council meetings were always resolved by the end of lunchtime. People skills are honed during McKinnon leadership opportunities but also throughout all aspects of McKinnon life, providing valuable life experience.

There is so much more to being a leader than the badge on my tie, such as the relationships that I’ve built with the Class of 2022 and my amazing teachers. Every student at McKinnon is a leader in their own right, whether it be to the younger year level, or even just leading within their class. These experiences in themselves have been integral in providing me with the skill set that means I can leave McKinnon with the confidence to be myself in university.

To any prospective leaders, I say it is a worthwhile opportunity that you should grab by both hands to gain valuable experience, confidence and life skills and I am ever grateful for the opportunities given to me by McKinnon. 

Drew Thompson

Year 12 Student

JUNIOR CAPTAIN

The 30th of November was synonymous with one thing, and that was the Year 9 Exam (PAT) Day. Gradually, the Year 9s arrived at their respective classrooms, awaiting for the signal to start their first paper. However, as soon as one stepped foot into a classroom, an uneasy and tense atmosphere would engulf them. It was like a ripple effect. As more students piled in, the Year 9s became increasingly agitated and irritable, clearly overwhelmed by the sheer pressure of the Pat Tests. 

Additionally, a sense of fatigue was also evident in the room. The students were understandably depleted of energy, as every last bit of it was already used up throughout the year. Everyone couldn’t be more excited for the end of the Pat Testing as it would mean that they were done with all of their learning tasks for the year, but before celebrating, they had to go through the four Pat Tests that awaited them. 

Soon enough, the bell that marked the start of Pat Test 1 sounded and with a blink of an eye, the Year 9s had completed all four of their Pat Tests. With one more week of school left to go, they were already celebrating the official end of their year. However, we still have a plethora of events coming up during this last week of school, including the Duke of Ed Hike, Peer Support training and most importantly, the Year 9 Graduation, so don’t slack off just yet, we’ve still got many upcoming events to anticipate.

Leon Koh

Year 9 Student