A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to all staff, students, parents and a special welcome to our new families. I hope 2017 will be a most rewarding year filled with many wonderful opportunities for learning and growth.

Congratulations to the school community for such a successful start to the year. I have been very impressed with the excellent way in which students have returned to school looking their best in their uniform, organized with all their appropriate materials and ready to learn.

It is with tremendous pride and honour that I continue as Principal of one of the best schools in the State! I look forward to the wonderful opportunities ahead and give a commitment to continue to serve this community with dedication and professionalism, providing all children with many opportunities to thrive and shine.

WELCOME MR LONG

I also formally welcome Mr Richard Long who has been appointed to the Principal Class. Richard has been a valued member of McKinnon Secondary College for a number of years and was leading teacher in charge of Curriculum.

Richard began his time at McKinnon as a student in 1995 and, in fact, graduated in 2000 as School Captain.

He has been a wonderful contributor to the McKinnon success story and we look forward to his contribution as Assistant Principal.

PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION

Part of the secret to the McKinnon model of success with student outcomes is the very strong partnership that exists between parents and staff.

We value these quality relationships and I know students benefit from them tremendously.

Parents at McKinnon can be relied upon to attend concerts, drama nights, all information evenings but also they read the newsletter, Compass feeds and keep informed and up to date with all relevant events.

They also assist students to be organised, punctual and in full uniform.

This all contributes to student success and building strong relationships and I thank everyone for your efforts.

VCE CLASS OF 2016

Congratulations to our Class of 2016 for their outstanding results. Once again McKinnon was one of the top co-educational, non-selective schools in the State.

100% of our students were successful in attaining their VCE.

Our Dux achieved a perfect ATAR of 99.85.

260 students completed Year 12 and applied to VTAC

96% received a first round offer

92% received a University place

4% received a TAFE offer

17% of all study scores were over 40

36% achieved an ATAR over 90 (100 students)

57% achieved an ATAR over 80

72% achieved an ATAR over 70

And of course we hit that incredible 34 as the average study score and we had 8 perfect scores of 50.

I am also thrilled to announce that we are well represented in the VCE VCAA School of Excellence:

Maggie Zhou - Top Designs (Media)

Jason Pun - Top Class (Music Styles)

Bianca Pardo - Top Class (Theatre Studies)

Justine McKelvie - Top Class (Dance)

I congratulate all students, staff and parents for these wonderful achievements. Our strong partnership ensures the best educational outcomes can be achieved.

NEW STAFF

This year we fondly welcome new staff members to our College:

Mr Andrew Hemsley - English/EAL

Mr Phillip O’Brien - Geography

Ms Leonie Fryer - Psych/Science

Ms Olivia Karpathiou - Art

Mr George Georgiadis - Maths

Ms Maria-Carmen Jimenez Victoria - French/Spanish

Mr Warren Bardsley - ICT/Maths

Ms Marika McKinlay - Accounting

Ms Kerryn Scott - Science

Mr Cameron Chan - Maths/IT

Mr Kent Zhu - Maths

Ms Lena Nguyen - Maths

Mr Peter Gale - Student Wellbeing

Mr Neil McRobinson - Integration

Mr Matthew Wilkins - Integration

Mr Jonathan Keusgen - ICT

I hope they find their work with our community professionally rewarding.

BUILDING PROJECT

This year we embark on the most significant building project ever in McKinnon’s history.

Thank you to our local member Mr Nick Staikos and the State Government, we now have a $9million three storey wing which is about to be constructed.

The tender documents have been distributed and we eagerly await the selection of the successful building company.

We are hopeful that construction will commence in Term 2 and it will be an 18 month project. Things will be a little difficult but when constructed it will definitely change the face of McKinnon.

SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Nomination Forms for the School Council are now available from the General Office. Included in this newsletter is a link you can access which explains our School Council Elections. Nominations are being called for 3 parent representatives and 2 Department representatives. Anyone with any queries regarding School Council Elections are welcome to contact me at school.

PARENT AFTERNOONS/

EVENINGS

There are numerous information evenings and “get togethers” that will be held over the next few weeks. The Principal Class, Heads of Sub-schools, Student Managers and Teachers look forward to meeting as many parents as possible. There is no doubt that one key aspect to success at McKinnon is the very strong partnership that exists between staff, students and parents in this community. See below for details and thank you in advance for your attendance and support.

Year 7 Meet the Principal afternoon

Wednesday 22 February at 2.00pm

Year 12 Parent Information Evening

Tuesday 14 February at 7.00pm

Year 9 Parent Information Evening

Wednesday 15 February at 7.00pm

Year 11 Parent Information Evening

Monday 20 February at 7.00pm

Year 10 Parent Information Evening

Thursday 23 February at 7.00pm

Year 8 Parent Information Evening

Monday 27 February at 7.00pm

Year 7 Parent Information Evening

Wednesday 1 March at 7.00pm

YEAR 12 CAMP

I heard very favourable reports about the Year 12 Camp this week at Phillip Island and I congratulate all of our Year 12s for their respect, dedication, commitment and positive attitude. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Senior School Team, Mr Noble, Ms Cozens, Mr Hudd, Mrs Mullane and all the staff who eagerly participated in the organisation of a very successful camp. I hope it is the beginning of a very rewarding year where incredible success eventuates. Most of all I hope the students feel a strong sense of belonging to their school.

I wish all the Year 12 students the very best in their endeavours and look forward to sharing in their success.

UNIFORM

McKinnon is a full uniform school. We consider our students’ ambassadors for the College and expect all McKinnon students to wear their uniform with pride. All students in Year 7 to 12 are required to wear a blazer.

For Terms 1 and 4 the blazer is optional – however it is the only outer garment permitted if the students want something warmer than their dress or shirt.

Adherence to school uniform rules is about respect for this community and its traditions and culture.

Again I thank parents for their support in implementing school policy. Anyone experiencing difficulties may contact the relevant Student Managers, Assistant Principals or myself.

PUNCTUALITY

All students should arrive at school by 8:30am to give themselves enough time to be organised for an 8:50am start. Lateness is considered a lack of respect and it impacts negatively on the good order of our school. Please assist us to ensure everyone is prompt each and every day.

TRAFFIC – SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS

I would also like to remind all parents to be careful when driving along McKinnon Road. It is very congested and at times dangerous. Please be aware of street signs and adhere to road rules. Parents are being booked daily by parking officers.

The school car park must also not be accessed by parents during school hours.

The speed limit is always 40km per hour along McKinnon Road and u-turns are not allowed. We have many students riding bikes so please be careful parking and opening doors.

IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR STUDENTS USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public Transport Victoria has written to me to ask that we communicate requirements to all students using public transport in Victoria.

Please note the following:

From 1 January 2017 they renamed the Victorian Public Transport Concession Card (VPTCC) to PTV School Student ID

From 30 January 2017, they increased the age limit for a Child myki concession from 16 years to 18 years.

This change means that students can use a Child myki until they are 18. If a student has a Concession myki they can continue to use this, it gives them the same concession fare as a Child myki.

When in school uniform students will not be asked proof of age. However, when not in school uniform, 17 and 18 years olds may be asked to verify their eligibility to travel on a Child myki.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE/

AMBULANCE COVER

The Department of Education does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents/Guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs. Parents/Guardians can purchase insurance policies from commercial insurers.

PERSONAL PROPERTY INSURANCE

Personal property is often brought to school by students, staff and visitors. This can include mobile phones, iPods, electronic games, calculators, toys, musical instruments, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. The Department of Education does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property.

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Congratulations to all the Junior School Captains who will be presented with their badges at the first General Assembly for the year on Friday. The Senior School captains will also be announced at this time.

JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Captains

Clare Wever & Lachlan Waldren

Deputy Captains

Talia Raman & Patrick Mullane

JUNIOR SCHOOL HOUSE CAPTAINS

CHISHOLM

Captains

Suzy Kim & Oliver Lopez

Deputy Captains

Jessica Salisbury & Seb Skalova

FLYNN

Captains

Remi van Denderen & Max van Denderen

Deputy Captains

Sarsha van Denderen & Marcus Sarra

GILMORE

Captains

Skyla Isaacs & Matt Dickins

Deputy Captains

Nicola Karavendzas & Will Sharp

MONASH

Captains

Phoebe Lock & Wes McKinnon

Deputy Captains

Tayla Fischer & Isaac Wilson

We wish them well with their responsibilities and know they will be terrific ambassadors.

Thank you once again for allowing me the privilege of continuing to serve this community. We will endeavour to do all we can to ensure this important time in your child’s life is rewarding, engaging and prepares them for success and happiness.

I look forward to seeing everyone throughout the year.

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