ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' REPORT

STUDENTS RIDING BICYCLES TO SCHOOL

Please ensure your child wears a proper bicycle helmet when riding to school and they take extra care when travelling the narrow streets of McKinnon. We are very worried that some students do not exercise sufficient care when on the roads. Likewise, we ask all parents to drive and park cautiously around the College before/after school, and to be mindful of the many students riding bicycles to and from the College.  

If your child rides their bike to school, they must lock it securely to the bike racks provided behind the Hall (near the Uniform Shop). Please ensure they have a sturdy bike lock and never leave their bikes overnight at school. Please note, students must not ride scooters or skateboards to school.

MANAGED INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS (MIPS) INTERVIEWS

As reported in the previous Newsletter, all students in Years 10 - 12 are currently being interviewed by the student management team, to reflect on their progress this year and identify ways to continue to improve. In preparation for these interviews, all students in Years 10, 11 and 12 have completed a brief questionnaire, the responses to which parents can view on Compass.

To view your child’s responses: log in to Compass, select ‘Student Profile’, select the ‘Insights’ tab and click (for example) ‘Mid-Year MIPS Yr 10 2018’.

VTAC PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

An information session for the parents of current Year 12 students will be held at 7:00pm on Monday 20 August in the Alan Lawrence Lecture Theatre. This evening will cover the process of applying for tertiary positions for 2019, including key dates/deadlines. Students are not required to attend (as this information will be provided directly to students at school). The VTAC application process may seem daunting to families finishing their time at secondary school, and we look forward to supporting parents to understand this process and the transition into TAFE and university studies.

CHROMEBOOKS AT MCKINNON

A reminder that all students at McKinnon are expected to have a Chromebook purchased through our chosen supplier. With all students using a standard platform, we provide confidence for students and teachers, and ensure that technology enhances our ability to deliver an effective curriculum.  Our Chromebook program is divided into two stages, with students purchasing a new device in Year 7 (Phase I), and then again in Year 10 (Phase II). This ensures students have access to a reliable and up to date computer that facilitates online collaboration and other digital learning opportunities in all classrooms.  

For our current Year 9 students (entering Year 10 in 2019), their Chromebook is approaching the end of its 3-year warranty.  In the coming weeks, a new device will be available through an online portal. The new model has many improved features, including touch-screen with grey-lead stylus, access to Android Apps, and is quicker to charge with USB Type C. Parents of these students will be emailed the instructions for ordering a new Chromebook later this term.

Thank you to all parents and students for supporting our Chromebook program. It is an essential part of our curriculum and helps maximise both learning opportunities and outcomes.