ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ REPORT

EXAMINATIONS

In recent weeks all students in Years 9, 10 and 11 have completed examinations. Many teachers and students put in a significant amount of additional work to ensure that academic excellence is achieved by all those who seek it. This was a busy and challenging time for students and teachers alike, and we congratulate them for their outstanding efforts. Many students also completed the VCAA General Achievement Test (the GAT) and we commend them for the dedicated way in which they approached this task.

REPORTS

End-of-semester reports will be uploaded to Compass on the last day of Term 2. Please read these reports carefully and discuss with your child how they can further improve their academic performance in semester 2. 2013 has seen the introduction of the Australian Curriculum (the AusVELS) in English, History, Mathematics and Science, for all students in Years 7 - 10. There has also been an adjustment to the way teachers assess student achievement in the AusVELS and the College has implemented a new report-writing program. Given these many changes, student reports produced this year will look slightly different to those generated in the past, and there may be some minor teething problems in the compilation of your child’s reports. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding in this regard. The changes implemented this semester are the first step in altering how we report on student achievement; we are confident that in the coming months and years, teachers at McKinnon will be able to provide parents with more frequent, timely feedback on students’ academic performance. We are very enthusiastic about the positive difference this will make to students’ progress at school.

APPROPRIATE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING

If your child uses Facebook, QoohMe or other social networking tools, please discuss with them the appropriate use of such technology. Any images or comments that degrade other individuals can cause significant harm and may, in certain circumstances, breach Victorian and Commonwealth legislation that prohibits offensive communication online. Further information about safe and responsible use of the internet can be accessed on our website. Any students who post material on social networking sites that degrades, ridicules or vilifies staff or students will be suspended. In cases where very offensive material is posted, Victoria Police are also notified by the College. Respect and integrity are core values of the McKinnon community that we expect to see demonstrated in all aspects of students' conduct. Thank-you for your support in this matter.

MYKI TICKETS

Many excursions require students to provide their own ticket for public transport. Before any excursion using public transport students must ensure they have a Myki card that has a positive balance. Read more at http://www.myki.com.au/