ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' REPORT

Michael Kan
Michael Kan
Richard Long
Richard Long
Lachlan Noble
Lachlan Noble

We are really excited to have Year 7s, 11s and 12s back onsite. They will be followed by Years 8-10s who will return on Monday 26 October. When students do recommence onsite learning, it is crucial that everyone maintains our high expectations around behaviour and organisation.  These include:

  • UNIFORM - until Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday 3 November) students may wear either winter or summer uniform. From Wednesday 4 November, however, all students must be in full summer uniform. During the warmer months of Term 4, the blazer is optional and students may wear just a shirt/dress. However, if they choose to wear an outer garment to/from school, it must be blazer (rather than the College jumper). School scarves are not to be worn during Term 4. Students can wear their Sports uniform if they have a scheduled PE class (no need to get changed);
  • STUDENT CONDUCT - students need to carefully review the Code of Conduct and Behaviour Management Model in their school diary to ensure they understand the College’s behavioural expectations;
  • MOBILE PHONES - these are to remain at home or be secured in students’ locker from 8:45am - 3:15pm each day;
  • BOOKS/EQUIPMENT - make sure the correct equipment is taken to every lesson. This includes bringing a charged Chromebook to school everyday;
  • ARRIVING AT SCHOOL ON TIME - all students need to arrive at school each day by 8:30am so they can get organised for the start of Period 1 at 8:50am.

CURRENT YEAR 9s - UPGRADING YOUR CHROMEBOOK

McKinnon has achieved great success with its Chromebook program. 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. This has been incredibly useful during remote learning.

 

Our Chromebook program is divided into two stages, with students purchasing a new device in Year 7 (Phase I), and then again in the lead up to 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 2021), their Chromebook is approaching the end of its 3-year warranty. An email has been sent to these families outlining how to order the new device online; this message is also posted on the Year 9 parent newsfeed. 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. 

CHILD SAFETY STANDARDS

McKinnon Secondary College is committed to the safety, participation, empowerment and wellbeing of all children and young people. Ministerial Order 870 sets out the specific actions that registered schools need to take to meet the seven Child Safety Standards. We take this issue very seriously and have processes and procedures in place to ensure the safety of our students. Key policies include the Child Safety Code of Conduct, Mandatory Reporting, Esmart and the Prevention of Bullying - these are available on the College website

ACER PROGRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT TESTING (PAT)

As part of the return to onsite learning, the College will be completing PAT Tests in Reading and Mathematics. The results from these diagnostic tests will be used to target our students' learning for the remainder of the year.

 

  • Year 7 PAT Testing will take place Term 4 Week 3 (week commencing 19 October);
  • Year 8 and 9 PAT Testing will take place Term 4 Week 5 (week commencing Monday 2 November).

Please be aware that there is no need for students to prepare for these tests. It is simply a diagnostic assessment to see how we can best support each student.

ENHANCED LEARNING IN MATHS AND SCIENCE (ELMS) ENTRANCE TESTS

After a significant delay due to the COVID lockdown, ELMS Entrance tests will now take place Term 4 Week 4 (week commencing Monday 26 October). All registered families have now been notified via email of the upcoming events. 

 

We ask that any registered families that have not received this information, to carefully check their inbox (including SPAM and Trash folders) and contact Peter Quinn (qui@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au) immediately if they are unable to locate this information.

IMPROVEMENTS AROUND THE COLLEGE

We have managed to action some facility improvements around the school in the last couple of weeks, including new carpet in the MERC and C-Block, new bitumen on the main drive and a fresh lick of paint around some external buildings. We are certainly ready and excited about the students and staff returning. Staff have plenty of sanitiser and daily cleaning will be conducted to ensure we are kept safe.

 

One great initiative we completed last week was the covered bike storage area. This initiative was chosen by the Junior and Senior Student Council as part of their school improvement project this year.