PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Week 4 ends today and I could not be more pleased with the start of our year.

Walking through both main and east campuses, students appear very settled and well and truly into the routine of school.

I sent a message to the senior students this week thanking them for the way they have settled back into routine. The tone is impressive.

Academic results are achieved by small daily effort. It is not really about putting in a huge effort just before a test or exam. Daily effort to remain organised, listening attentively in class, taking detailed notes and regular revision, all contribute to terrific learning outcomes.

The Class of 2022 are indeed putting in a significant effort and I am very proud.

COMPASS

It is so important for everyone to keep up to date with communication from the school. Compass newsfeeds and posts need to be read, as does the newsletter.

A partnership with parents is part of the McKinnon magic and clear communication helps everyone be on the same page.

COVID

The mask rules have changed for everyone this weekend and senior students will not be mandated to wear masks. However, a few staff and students want to continue with his protective measure and that is absolutely OK.

More rapid antigen tests have been distributed to students and we ask that testing continue to slow the spread of the virus. 

GYM 

Our school council project of the second gymnasium on the main campus is now complete and was open for use yesterday. 

I thank the School Council for this impressive facility and advocacy for our community. I also want to acknowledge many of our alumni who contributed to raising funds that contributed to this wonderful gymnasium. 

We are completing the landscaping over the coming months but the gym is now well and truly open! 

SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS 

I cannot emphasise enough how important these are for the running of our school to a standard above and beyond! 

The environment has been our focus over many years and students love their surroundings but also the new furniture, and clean landscaped grounds. 

Parents' generous contributions have enabled all the facilities to be the best they can be for the students in our care and also for the additional services to be provided like our care dogs that visit and lift people's spirits. 

I know everything is voluntary and I am grateful for everyone’s generous support. 

The Finance Office is located on the main campus.

CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND SAFETY TRAINING

On Wednesday 9 March all McKinnon staff will be undertaking a compulsory Department of Education training session about Indigenous culture and how to ensure our learning environment is culturally safe and inclusive for all Koorie learners and their families. 

This session will run between 1-5pm, so students will be dismissed from school at the beginning of lunch (12:35pm). Teachers will still post Compass Lesson Plans for Period 5 and 6 classes to ensure all resources/instructions can be accessed from home. Students will be expected to complete all set work.