PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
PARENT SURVEY
Results have been received from our 2013 Parent Opinion Survey. Families were randomly selected to respond to this survey and the results are very, very pleasing. Thank you to all families who participated. Your feedback enables us to reflect and make improvements. Parent confidence in our school vision, values and commitment is very reassuring. Our staff work tirelessly to bring about the best educational outcomes for students and the confidence, gratitude and support that is demonstrated by parents is much appreciated.
VALEDICTORY DINNER
Our Class of 2013 has been farewelled in a most glamourous manner! Our Valedictory Dinner was held last week at the Crown – a very impressive setting. Parents, Year 12 teachers and the 2013 Graduates celebrated together. It is a most significant milestone.
Thank you to Council for their generous support of our Year 12 teachers and recognition of the difference they make to our students. It was very much appreciated.
Thank you to the Senior School Management Team for their organization of this evening that once again demonstrated such a strong sense of belonging in our community.
I would also like to acknowledge Marlon Kerstens, our first ever Valedictorian for his formal address. It was confirmation that our future is in very good hands. An impressive, articulate and well educated young man!
I would also like to acknowledge the heartfelt words from Bryson Wallace. We are blessed to belong to a very close community. Parents, staff and students work together to achieve the best outcomes. Our relationships are truly valued and respected.
ART EXHIBITION
Our Year 12 Studio Art students showcased their art work in a most spectacular manner. A real art exhibition in a real gallery. Parents, Grandparents, friends and teachers all gathered to see our students’ work hanging in a real gallery. It was a great exhibition and I know it make a significant difference for all the students.
I sincerely thank Robyn Pryor for her dedication and passion in enabling this exhibition to be possible.
I also acknowledge and thank Connie and Karen from Louey and Lane Gallery in Glen Huntly for demonstrating wonderful community values.
THISTLELONIAN REUNION
Last weekend, together with Mr Kan and Mr Evans, I attended the Thistlelonian Reunion that brought together students from the classes of 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008.
This was a wonderful evening and very well attended. Stories and memories were shared and laughter filled the hall.
I would like to express a very special thank you to Geoff Woolnough (President), Pam Dickfos, Jenny Cooke, Ian Jackson, Andrew Newton and Jo Wade for their tremendous organization and hosting of this event. I would also like to acknowledge the following staff who attended and assisted with the festivities – Mr Mest, Mr Jason Evans, Mr McLeod, Mr Manolas, Mr Stubbs, Mr Pantelios, Mr Hudd, Mr Killeen, Andrew Krause, Bev and Raelene from the Canteen, Nick Xanthoudakis, Callum Lloyd and all the volunteers. Thank you for so generously giving up your time to assist at this very special event.
Next year we will be having our 60th birthday celebration on Sunday 18 May and we look forward to that exciting event.
WORLD TEACHERS DAY
Friday 25 October was World Teachers Day. On behalf of students and parents at McKinnon I would like to say thank you to our wonderful teachers who continue to make a significant difference. They are valued and we acknowledge the tremendous service they provide, well and truly above and beyond the call of duty. Their passion, commitment and professionalism enables McKinnon students to be well served and our school to remain one of the best schools in the State.
I would also like to congratulate Karen Romari and Diana Hatch who attended a ceremony on Monday night to celebrate their 35 years of service to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Our Regional Manager, Mr John Allman, presented them with their certificate of appreciation. Congratulations to both of them for a truly wonderful achievement and the significant contribution they have made.
MONASH UNIVERSITY LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY FIRST YEAR MOOT COMPETITION
Recent VCE Class of 2012 McKinnon graduates, Adrian Vosk and Aaron Chisholm, accompanied by fellow Monash student Frank Li, have seen recent success within the Monash University and wider Law community. Taking part in Monash University’s renowned and prestigious Law Students’ Society First Year Moot competition, sponsored by Allens and Linklaters, Adrian (representing Senior Counsel) and Aaron (acting as Junior Counsel) took out the Grand Final at the Federal Court in September.
The competition, based around contract law issues, aims to promote and develop insight and realistic scenarios of advocacy in a simulated court-room scenario, a competition that is widely recognised and highly-regarded in the practising law profession.
The achievements of these two ex-students exemplify the continued McKinnon spirit, reflecting core values of education, participation and dedication ingrained in the school psyche and educational framework. The future for hard-working McKinnon students can be bright and prosperous. Congratulations to both of our ex-students and we wish them continued success in their many endeavours.
UNIFORM
Thank you to all parents who assist their children to wear full school uniform. It is essential that students are now in full summer uniform. This means no tights or scarves are to be worn. I also remind boys that a plain black leather belt is to be worn and shoes must be polished. Our Uniform Policy is clear and strictly monitored. Thank you to all for your cooperation.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
McKinnon Road is particularly busy around the start and end of the school day. Our staff has observed drivers disobeying the road rules during these times and creating safety hazards for our students and families. Please observe all road rules, such as no “U” turn in McKinnon Road and keeping to the 40km speed limit, which is at all times not just during school hours, to ensure students start and end the day safely. Please ensure your child is swearing a helmet if riding a bike and is aware of the rules regarding riding to school.