WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to what I hope will be a most productive Term 2.

I hope all staff and students feel well rested having enjoyed precious time with loved ones.

Much happened in a very short space of time in Term 1 and I thank everyone for their dedication and commitment to excellence.

ANZAC COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE

Acknowledging our fallen and paying tribute to those who have made and continue to make a sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedom we do, is important during this time.

School Captains, Max Schepisi and Bianca Pardo along with the Assistant Head of the Senior School Ms Felmingham attended at the ANZAC Day service to lay a wreath at the Glen Eira Commemorative Service.

I thank them for representing our community so admirably. Acknowledgements and tributes of our fallen is critical.

CATHY FREEMAN FOUNDATION

We were delighted to recently host the School's Leadership Summit for the Cathy Freeman Foundation. Student leaders from 35 schools were in attendance to engage with indigenous issues in Australia and what schools can do to tackle the challenges. Cathy Freeman spoke with humility and integrity and our School Captains also represented the school wonderfully by engaging with all our guests. A big thank you to Phil De Young (board member for the foundation and ex Principal of Carey Grammar) who facilitated the day.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Parent/Student/Teacher conferences were held yesterday and I thank everyone for their tremendous efforts. A total of 8,966 individual interviews were conducted.

It was a very successful event and hopefully the timely feedback will ensure improved student learning outcomes are achieved.

It is a very important opportunity for families to meet and discuss with teachers student progress. These conversations are crucial and I thank everyone for their attendance. The atmosphere and community feel was palpable.

The strong participation of parents in their children's education is an important factor that contributes to our school’s success. I appreciate the gratitude and all the positive comments I received by so many parents.

Once again I thank you for the confidence you show in our school.

I also acknowledge my staff for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to doing their personal best for each and every child! This shows partnership between staff and parents is invaluable!

INFORMATION EVENING

Thank you to the parents who attended the Social Networking, Gaming and Adolescents information evening held last Thursday.

These parent information sessions are provided to give information and help us all navigate our way through the turbulent adolescent years. The feedback received has been very positive and I hope some relevant strategies and ideas have helped parents who are grappling with these issues.

In particular I would like to acknowledge our Student Wellbeing Manager Ms Patty Etcell for coordinating this impressive event.

I would also like to thank Eileen Berry for producing the parent guide ‘Social Media 101’ booklet. Copies are still available, please contact the General Office.

STATE SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Mr Blackwood has a detailed sport report in this newsletter however I would like to congratulate in particular - Maya Hammam and Will Sharp on their achievements. Well done!

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA TOUR 2016

Welcome back to the students and staff who returned from Central Australia last week, having had one of the best times of their lives.

Students have returned with wonderful experiences and great memories – seeing some of the most majestic parts of our country. I thank the staff who generously give up so much of their personal time to ensure these adventures and experiences are possible.

Thank you to Tim Blackwood, Grace Greenwood, Jonathan Jhoomun, Maddie Oh, Liam Adlington, Dan Blackmore, Paul King, Kate Jobson, Melissa Brush, Alice Carter, Chloe Krommydas, Charlotte Douglas, James Van Pelt and Sam Florence for your efforts towards making this trip so successful.

This is a wonderful tour and one that is fondly remembered.

CONDOLENCES

Mr Barry Hewet who was an ex-teacher at McKinnon Secondary College has sadly passed away.

Elizabeth Brown (nee Taylor) passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, aged 95 years. Elizabeth was a previous principal/head of McKinnon.

We would like to offer our sincere condolences to their families.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

All students should now be in full winter uniform.

The ONLY acceptable jacket is the navy wool school blazer embroidered with the College emblem. This can be worn in classrooms, in the yard and MUST be worn to and from school in Terms 2 and 3.

The school jumper can be worn in class or outside in the yard during the day; however, when travelling to/from school, students must wear the blazer (rather than the College jumper). The jumper may be worn underneath the blazer.

There are always of course, the occasional unusually warm Melbourne days during these terms, in which case we will announce uniform exceptions to students via announcements.

We thank parents, on whom we rely, to assist us by ensuring your children are impeccably dressed in their uniform.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

At the start and end of each school day the traffic situation outside the school along narrow McKinnon Road is chaotic at best. Please do not park illegally or in the bus zone. Try and pick up your children a distance away from the school if possible. Please do not drive into the school at all and take care on the wet roads. Thank you for your support in this matter.

PERSONAL PROPERTY INSURANCE

Personal property is often brought to school by students, staff and visitors. This can include mobile phones, iPods, electronic games, calculators, toys, musical instruments, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS

The Department does not provide personal accident insurance for students. Parents and guardians are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students including any transport costs. Student accident insurance policies are available from some commercial insurers. These cover a range of medical expenses not covered by Medicare and Private Health Insurance.

I recommend parents investigate and invest in suitable insurance cover as injuries can be extremely costly.