WINTER CONCERT

Congratulations to the Head of Instrumental Music, Mr Martin West and the Head of Classroom Music, Ms Megan Papworth and the Music Faculty for their wonderful celebration of music held at the Robert Blackwood Hall last week.

It was indeed a spectacular event that showcased the music talents of our staff and students. Concerts like these allow students talent to be recognised and celebrated! Thank you to all the siblings, parents, grandparents and friends who attended. As always the extended McKinnon family was there in force.

Well done to all involved!

YEAR 9 CAMP

Congratulations to our Year 9 students who participated in their Year Level camp to Campaspe Downs in Kyneton.

They partook in all activities enthusiastically and worked together to ensure the camp was successful. The students were a credit to themselves, their families and their school. Thank you to Mr Reynolds and Ms Dickson for their tremendous efforts with organizing this wonderful opportunity.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the many staff who participated and made this camp possible. I also pay tribute to the “Reach Foundation’ for their session that would have to be a highlight at this camp!

I hope students will have wonderful memories of this experience.

24/7 RELAY

The 24/7 Relay is on once again and bigger than ever. Momentum is building and the final touches are being put together for what I hope will be an exceptional community event.

I congratulate Ms Schmidt, Callum Lloyd and our committee members for their efforts. State Schools Relief is a most worthy charity providing educational opportunity to those most underprivileged in State schools.

I am often reminded that the measure of a good society is how we look after those less fortunate. This 24/7 Relay is building community minded individuals who are challenging themselves and raising funds for other kids and families in need.

I thank parents who have registered their support. We need as many parents as possible, especially in the hours between midnight on Friday 6th and 6.00am on Saturday 7th September. Parents who are able to give some time please contact the General Office on 8520 9021 or email Ms Schmidt on scg@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au

It is a credit to the students, their parents and the staff of this school that such incredible events take place and create a strong sense of community, responsibility and respect for others.

THISTLELONIAN REUNION – CLASS OF 1963

The Class of 1963 was invited back to school last Sunday in recognition of the 50 years since their Graduation. An afternoon tea was arranged by our Year 11 Food Technology clan. I thank all the students involved and also Inge Heffernan for her assistance.

The following students made the day possible:

Nick Houghton, Teagan Crump, Ben Hardwick, Lambrini Niaros, James Hoenig, Conner Jeanes, Maddy Baxter-Smith, Jason Stoupas, Adam Tabone, Catherine Kyriakos, Kiefer Dixon, Christine Sklavenitis, Louise McLaughlan and James Binyon. I would also like to thank Tom Lanyon for the cake he made and decorated to help with the celebrations.

The Thistlelonians do a wonderful job in keeping in touch with annual celebrations. I cannot thank enough Ms Moloney, Ms Grenfell and the students who all worked tirelessly! They also demonstrated so many of the McKinnon values! I would also like to thank Su Rogerson and the Clarinet Choir for their musical performance on the day.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Once again I thank the parents who attended the Parent Teacher Interviews. Feedback at this time is crucial for improved student learning outcomes to be achieved.

The strong partnerships that exist between parents and teaches at McKinnon contributes significantly to student success.

KINGSTON DIVISION ATHLETICS

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Division Athletics held at Duncan McKinnon Reserve on Tuesday. It was a sea of “McKinnon Red” with so many participants, so much dedication, endeavor and skills.

The tremendous sporting achievements of all the children was wonderful. Thank you for being sporting champions and representing the school in such a successful way.

MCKINNON STUDENTS DEBATE IN STATE PARLIAMENT AND WIN!

McKinnon Secondary College was among eight schools invited to participate in a debating competition run by Elizabeth Miller and David Southwick, members for Bentleigh and Caulfield in State Parliament.

Year 11 students Georgia Riordan, Aaron Sanford and Jason Kelly, accompanied by debating coordinator Mr Joshua Cukierman, visited Parliament House on Tuesday 27 August and competed against another seven schools, debating the topics of ‘Community Service as a Means of Punishment for Public Transport Fare Evasion’ and ‘How to Deal with Cyber Bullying as a Form of Assault’. The debate took place in the Legislative Assembly Chamber. The three students spoke confidently, candidly and won the hearts and minds of the audience and adjudicator. They won both the heat and the final by narrow margins. Congratulations to Georgia, winning Best Speaker in the final.

EISTEDDFOD BY THE BAY

This competition, which was formerly called the Mordialloc Eisteddfod held its Junior Vocal section (up to 18 and under) on the final weekend of August.

McKinnon had some terrific results. Natalie Lock, Year 10, received an Honourable Mention in the 18 and Under Jazz Solo section which is two age levels above her own age group! Immanuel Chuah, Year 11, came second in the same Jazz section singing her own very individual version of ‘Lover Man’. Morgan Dooley-Axup scooped up two first prizes (both were monetary awards as well as medallions on a ribbon). She won the ‘Song from a Musical Production’ section and also the prestigious Doris Berwick Award (18 and Under Own Choice solo). The prize included an inaugural trophy which was given away by Doris' grandson, Ron Leigh of Ron Leigh’s Music Factory in Brighton.

Well done girls!!