PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

This week we complete Week 6 of Term 3. It is nearly the end of August and I cannot believe where the year has gone! I hear some of you yelling out – it’s dragged on! We will get through this adversity together. The numbers of COVID infections continue to subside and for that we are all very grateful.

I hope we never experience this type of adversity again!

I also hope the adversity builds resilience in our students.

Students continue to make progress and attendance is at 98%. They are engaged and doing their very best. I am so appreciative of everyone’s combined efforts.

ATTITUDES TO SCHOOL SURVEY

Our annual Attitudes to School Survey will take place on Monday 24 August during Period 1. Every student will be invited to participate and I encourage everyone to respond. Student responses are collated and we receive a report from the Department.

We use this data to help us plan and improve. Student forums are conducted to analyse the results and suggest possible areas for improvement and also look to identify things that are going well to celebrate. This is about continuous improvement and student voice.

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK

August 17 – 21 is National Science Week. Despite remote learning, the Science Faculty offered a number of online events and daily competitions for students to engage in the theme ‘Deep Blue – innovations for the future of our oceans’.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the following teachers for their participation and input into the Science Week programs: Ms Erin Rollason, Ms Katherine Johnston and Ms Sarah Ridout who organised the daily competitions.

Many thanks to all of the teachers who gave up their class time to allow students to complete the inaugural Escape Room Challenge, a very popular activity we hope to continue to offer in the years to come.

Congratulations to the Science Learning Area Manager, Ms Marks and her dedicated team for organising such a wonderful week for staff and students.

MICHAEL CARR-GREGG WEBINAR

Patty Etcell, our Wellbeing Coordinator, sent out an invitation to all parents to attend a FREE webinar. I am an advocate for Michael Carr- Gregg. He is a very impressive individual and very well informed.

On Tuesday 25 August, the Department of Education and Training is presenting a free webinar for parents and carers by renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, on building family resilience during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dr Carr-Gregg’s webinar is aptly named Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era.

In this webinar, Dr Carr-Gregg provides tools and strategies for parents and carers to help manage the lockdown and remote learning.

Topics include:

• your supportive role
• setting the emotional tone
• focusing on what you can control
• how to deal with disappointment
• further resources and where to get help.

Dr Carr-Gregg’s presentation will run for 45 minutes. This will be followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer session in which parents and carers can ask Dr Carr-Gregg questions.

Webinar details

• When: Tuesday 25 August
• Time: 7:30pm
• Duration: 45-minute presentation followed by 15-minute questions and answers session
• Format: online via Webex
• Cost: free

To register and for more information visit the Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era eventbrite page.

A CHAT WITH THE PM

Last week our own School Captain, Oliver Lopez, was invited into a private chat with the Prime Minister, Mr Scott Morrison. He was engaged in a conversation about the impact of COVID lockdown on the wellbeing of young people.

What an incredible opportunity! Thank you Oliver for your advocacy of young people and your leadership of our school.

The link to the chat is below:

https://www.facebook.com/101546263223119/posts/3459717444072634/?vh=e&extid=gawgmx5BSnhjo3JW&d=n

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW OF THE DISABILITY STANDARDS – PARENT RESPONSE INVITED

The Disability Standards for Education 2005 are currently being reviewed by the Australian Government Department of Education. As part of the 2020 review, an extensive community consultation process is currently underway to seek feedback about whether the standards are effective or if any improvements can be made.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, engagement activities will mostly be held online via a dedicated 2020 review Consultation Hub. 

The hub offers a range of different ways that participants can share their views and ideas, and will be open until 11.59pm on Friday 25 September.

A discussion paper has been developed with guiding questions to help interested participants have their say.

For more information email engage@thesocialdeck.com

IMPROVEMENT OF BIKE FACILITIES

Despite the lockdown we have been busy improving our facilities at our school.

Among the projects underway is the construction of two covered bike sheds. This project is completely student funded through the Junior and Senior Council's budget allocation. Each year students vote for their preferred school project, and the bike sheds have polled very well over the last two years. One shed is already completed and the second should be ready for when students return in Term 4.

NEW CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT

I drove past the Virginia Park Campus on my way home last week and was amazed at the steady progress being made. The site has been cleared and they were pouring a concrete slab. 

One of the concerns was contamination of soil in industrial sites but I am pleased to inform you that all the soil testing is complete and no contaminants were discovered. That is good for the budget because soil repatriation is always a very costly undertaking.

I am not a great photographer but I did take a couple of photos.

There is a retaining wall on the Virginia Park side of the property that is being preserved and currently about 70% complete.

This project is exempt of the current construction bans and work is proceeding on time and budget at this stage.

Our school team is still working hard on the curriculum development to ensure the learning opportunity for our current Year 7s will be very rewarding when they are the first ever group of Year 9s on our new campus.

GYMNASIUM PROJECT

Our School Council funded project will go out to tender soon. All the plans have been approved by the VSBA and we look forward to a very successful tender process.

This facility will make such a significant difference to our school community.

We will be able to better cater for our student’s physical education program and also avail the gymnasium to the McKinnon Basketball after school hours. There is such a desperate need for these facilities.

I cannot thank School Council enough for continuing to improve the facilities at our school. This investment of our resources makes a significant difference.

I also thank the many families who have supported this construction with the purchase of a brick.

YEARS 7 & 8 SPORT

It is great to see so many students being active whilst at home. During Year 7 & 8 Sport sessions students are competing in the School Sports Victoria Virtual Track and Field Championships in lieu of State Athletics. In just one afternoon of competing in events designed to be completed at home, McKinnon is currently 1st in the State. A tremendous effort from our Junior students. Let's keep this momentum going and retain our poll position.

I would like to thank and acknowledge Liam Adlington for setting up and coordinating this event for the students.

STEPtember FUNDRAISER

McKinnon teachers are once again joining forces to raise money for children and adults with cerebral palsy by participating in the STEPtember charity. This year we are calling on McKinnon students to join in the fun and take part in the charity too. 

For the month of September teachers and students will be walking, riding, swimming and dancing their way to 10,000 steps a day for 28 days in September. McKinnon has set a goal of raising $2,500 for the charity. Look out for more information about walks and fundraising on Compass. STEPtember is a wonderful charity that is good for your soul and your health.

PRIDE CLUB

Pride Club is running an online event for Wear it Purple Day, to be held on Friday 28 August. Wear It Purple’s 2020 theme ‘We are the Change’ represents you, as a generation, implementing productive and inclusive changes in society. 

Show your support by wearing purple on the day. Send in your selfie along with a message of support, or create an artwork with the theme ‘We are the Change’. 

Prizes will be awarded for the best artwork. Students with the most creative outfits and artworks will gain House Points! Details of how to participate is on Compass.