PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Pitsa Binnion
Pitsa Binnion
EXAMINATION WEEKS
School exams were conducted over the last two weeks including the GAT for students on Wednesday 13 June.
Examinations are taken very seriously at McKinnon and I would like to thank all Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students. Their punctuality and determination to do their best was commendable. The Supervisors commented on our students’ excellent attitude and the great endeavour they have demonstrated. I wish them all the best with their results.
ANTIPODEANS ABROAD
On Thursday 21 June, 25 students from Year 11 and 4 staff will leave on their trip to Vietnam/Cambodia. Staff who are attending are David Machin, Grace Greenwood, Kirby McConnon and Kate Jobson.
Highlights of this tour include visits to the Mekong Delta, Angkor Wat and also learning about the rule of the Khmer Rouge, visiting S21 prison and the Killing Fields.
Community project is at a small village: Krabei Riel in Cambodia. Two groups will be assisting with repairs and improvements to the school including building a garden or playground for the students. The trek is near the Mondulkiri region in Cambodia.
The staff, students and their families have worked tirelessly to bring this trip to fruition. I wish them all the very best and look forward to them sharing their adventures and memories.
TASMANIA
On Tuesday 26 June, 118 Year 11 students and 6 staff will leave for five days of adventure to Tasmania. This is a great opportunity to share tremendous learning about a special part of our nation. It also provides students a time to build relationships within the year level that should hold them in good stead next year. I am very grateful for the opportunities provided for our students.
FRENCH EXCHANGE
We are currently enjoying the company of sixteen French students who are part of our exchange program with our sister school on the south of France, the Centre International de Valbonne. This is an incredible opportunity for the French students and the McKinnon community.
Please refer to the Languages Section in this newsletter from Ms Kellie Dickson for an update on their first days in Melbourne.
As it is a reciprocal arrangement, our students are excited to be going to France in November/December this year. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous organisation and planning that was undertaken by Kellie Dickson to put this program together.
One of the first excursions the French Exchange students attended was the Puffing Billy in Belgrave. An interesting point to note is that one of the volunteers at Puffing Billy was Mr Alan Lawrence, an ex-Principal at McKinnon! He sends his regards to all at McKinnon Secondary College.
CROSSING SUPERVISOR – NAT LUFT
Nat Luft is our much beloved Crossing Supervisor who guards the hectic school entrance on McKinnon Road every morning and every evening, ensuring that all students (and staff) cross this busy road safely.
It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Mr Luft on his nomination as Crossing Supervisor of the Year. He and his wife, Joan - also a Crossing Supervisor - will attend a commemorative dinner in Preston on Friday 13 July where he will discover whether he has been successful in gaining this prestigious prize.
We wish him all the best, but also wish to thank him heartily for his consistent cheerfulness and dedication to this vital role that keeps all of us at McKinnon safe.
END OF TERM
Congratulations to all staff and students on a terrific term. Much time and effort has been undertaken to ensure the best learning has occured and I thank the community for their combined efforts. I wish everyone a well earned break and look forward to everyone’s safe return to Term 3.