ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' REPORT

YEAR 9 AND 10 EXAM PERIOD

Exams for Year 9 and 10 students are fast approaching. Please note that Year 10s will not have classes on Study Day (Tuesday 20 November); their exam period will then run from Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 November. Year 10s need to return to school on Monday 26 November for their ‘End of Year Program’ (see section below).

Year 9s will not have classes on their Study Day (Wednesday 28 November) and Exam Clash Day (Monday 3 December). Their exams will be undertaken on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 November. Please note though, if your child is doing a VCE enhancement subject next year, they will be required to attend VCE Orientation Week, which commences on the morning on Monday 3 December. Year 9 students are currently undertaking their MIPs interviews (Managed Individual Pathways), and this process will confirm whether your child will be doing an enhanced VCE subject next year. If their enhancement is confirmed, they will be required to attend the relevant lessons during VCE Orientation Week (3 to 7 December). Students will come out of their normal classes during this week to attend these VCE preparatory classes.

SENIOR SCHOOL END OF YEAR PROGRAM

Year 10 Respect and Resilience Program (Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 November)

This year we are delighted to launch a two day program for our Year 10 students. The aim of the days is to promote respectful relationships by exploring unique factors that impact males and females, including gender equality, vulnerability and body image. There will be a variety of guest speakers and activities all taking place at school. Students can wear casual clothes on the days as some of the sessions involve low impact sports. Please feel free to contact Lachlan Noble should you have any queries.

Year 10 Peer Support (Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 November)

All Year 10 students will participate in Peer Support training sessions after the conclusion of exams and regular classes. The Peer Support sessions provide students with a supportive learning environment in which to develop skills and attitudes to support their own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of others. The program assists students to develop empathy, confidence and leadership skills. At the conclusion of the training a group of students is selected to become peer support leaders. These students will work with our new Year 7 students in 2019 to assist their transition into secondary school.

Year 10 and 11 Exam feedback sessions (Friday 30 November)

Students will attend one lesson for each subject that had an exam. Results are returned during this time and teachers also give detailed feedback on how students can improve their performance in future assessments.

VCE/VCAL Orientation Week (Monday 3 to Friday 7 December)

Classes for 2019 begin in this vital Orientation Week. Students attend their subjects for next year and undertake workshops and presentations on study skills, Edrolo, goal setting and stress management. Formal classes for Year 10 students conclude on Friday 8 December.

YEAR 10 (2019) - PHASE II OF OUR CHROMEBOOK PROGRAM

A reminder to current Year 9 parents that your child’s Chromebook, if purchased in Year 7, is approaching the end of its 3-year warranty. Moreover, many of these devices are showing their age - processing more slowly and keyboards/screens starting to show signs of 'wear and tear'. Upgrading the device for Years 10-12 is critical and ensures students have access to a reliable and up to date computer that facilitates online collaboration and other digital learning opportunities. The new model has improved features, including touch-screen with grey lead stylus and is quicker to charge with USB Type C. Year 9 parents were emailed instructions about ordering a new device earlier this term. The link to the online portal is included below; you will need the school code (MKSC2019) and your child’s student ID.

http://mckinnonsc.technologyportal.com.au

Thanks to all the families who have already upgraded. This will ensure your child experiences a smooth transition into the Senior School next year. McKinnon is very proud of its Chromebook program. With everyone using a standard platform, we provide confidence for students and teachers, and ensure that technology enhances our ability to deliver an effective curriculum which maximises learning opportunities and outcomes.

BOOKLISTS - YEAR 10s AND 11s

Once Year 10s and 11s have had their 2019 subjects confirmed through their MIPs interviews, families need to order their booklists through the Campion Education online portal - the link is on the College website or can be accessed here. This needs to be done by Sunday 25 November.

For students in the Junior School (Years 7-9), 2019 booklists are in the process of being finalised. Instructions about completing orders will be provided in the coming weeks.

SECONDHAND TEXTS & UNIFORM

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, the College uses the online Sustainable School Shop to allow parents to buy and sell secondhand textbooks and uniform items. This service should provide greater flexibility for families and can be accessed via a link on the McKinnon website. A guide to using the Sustainable School Shop is provided below. It is very important that parent/guardians do not purchase books until course confirmation occurs in your child’s MIPS meeting. Only then will a student’s course for the following year be finalised.