PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
MOBILE PHONE BAN
Our phone policy was much debated on the Wednesday 26 June. Minister Merlino visited to announce a Statewide phone ban in all public primary and secondary schools.
We believe this change has indeed assisted our students to be more focussed in class and build some positive relationships during breaks.
Below are some news items and grabs.
Nine: https://twitter.com/9NewsMelb/status/1143793485360709633
Seven: https://twitter.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/1143794318185881600
Ten: https://twitter.com/SimoLove/status/1143781952475914240
SCHOOL PRODUCTION – LEGALLY BLONDE
Congratulations to Ms Ginsberg, Mr Lynch, Ms Angel and Ms Videon on a most successful production. The calibre of the performances was outstanding.
Congratulations on a production of an exceptional standard.
Students absolutely shone and thank you to the community at large for their support. Those students involved will never forget their involvement in Legally Blonde!
Everyone worked as a team and it was heart-warming to see! This production had more students involved than any other production before and every single show was totally sold out!
Thank you for flying the McKinnon flag so beautifully.
2019 SPELLATHON
On Thursday 20 June, 2019 we had the final of the Spelling Bee. The Spellathon program was launched during the term. Money was raised for Operation Cleft Australia and all junior students were involved.
Operation Cleft is a proud Rotary project and continues to transform lives of children in Bangladesh because Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, Schools, individuals and families recognise the need and the opportunity to make a life changing difference in the lives of children and their families who are doing it very tough in Bangladesh.
I would like to thank and acknowledge Ms Douglas, Ms Paal, Mr Florence and all members of the English Faculty who assisted with this wonderful initiative. The spelling bee was a lot of fun and students raised $3779.70 for this worthwhile cause. Well done to everyone!
EXAMINATION WEEKS
School exams were conducted over the last two weeks including the GAT for students on Wednesday 12 June.
Examinations are taken very seriously at McKinnon and I would like to thank all Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students. Their punctuality and determination to do their best was commendable. The Supervisors commented on our students’ excellent attitude and the great endeavour they have demonstrated. I wish them all the best with their results.
ANTIPODEANS ABROAD
On Monday 24 May, 2019, 17 students and 2 staff, David Machin and Naomi O'Brien-D'Ambra will be travelling to Cambodia with the Antipodeans Abroad Program. They will be visiting Phnom Penh, learning about the rule of the Khmer Rouge and visiting S21 prison and the killing fields. They will then make their way to Siem Reap and experience Angkor Wat and undertake their community project, building a classroom for a poor rural school near Siem Reap. From there they fly to Luang Prabang in Laos and undertake a 5 day trek along the Mekong Tributaries in northern Laos. Following this, they make their way along the Mekong itself to the Laotian capital, Vientiane before they return on Tuesday 16 July.
The staff, students and their families have worked tirelessly to bring this trip to fruition. I wish them all the very best and look forward to them sharing their adventures and memories. I would like to thank and acknowledge David Machin for organising this wonderful trip for the students.
TASMANIA
On Tuesday 25 June, 106 Year 11 students and 7 staff will leave for five days of adventure to Tasmania. This is a great opportunity to share tremendous learning about a special part of our nation. It also provides students a time to build relationships within the year level that should hold them in good stead next year. I am very grateful for the opportunities provided for our students. I would like to thank and acknowledge Ms Jobson for organising this event and Miss Greenwood, Ms Day, Mr Voorham, Mr Hislop, Mr Shaw and Liam Adlington for accompanying the students.
FRENCH EXCHANGE
We are currently enjoying the company of French students who are part of our exchange program with our sister school in the south of France, the Centre International de Valbonne. This is an incredible opportunity for the French students and the McKinnon community. Please refer to the Languages Section in this newsletter from Ms Kellie Dickson for an update on their first days in Melbourne. As it is a reciprocal arrangement, our students are excited to be going to France in November/December this year. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous organisation and planning that was undertaken by Kellie Dickson to put this program together.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations Su Hyun Oh (Class of 2014) who played in the USA Ladies PGA Meijer LPGA Classic tournament in Michigan USA last weekend. Su Hyun came 2nd and was only beaten by 1 shot when she finished with 64 and 66 in the last 2 rounds catching up 9 strokes on the winner at the end of play. Well done Su Hyun! We wish you all the very best in your golfing endeavours for the rest of the year.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations Emilia Mason (Year 9) who has earned the Australian Scout Medallion. To attain the top award in each of the five Sections in Scouting reflects initiative in tackling this challenge, sustained effort over many months and years, plus, plus self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. Well done Emilia, this is a marvellous achievement!
END OF TERM
Congratulations to all staff and students on a terrific term. Much time and effort has been undertaken to ensure the best learning has occurred and I thank the community for their combined efforts. I wish everyone a well earned break and look forward to everyone’s safe return for Term 3.