PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

WELCOME BACK​

Welcome back to all staff, students, parents and a special welcome to our new families. I hope 2018 will be a most rewarding year filled with many wonderful opportunities for learning and growth.

Congratulations to the school community for such a successful start to the year. I have been very impressed with the excellent way in which students have returned to school looking their best in their uniform, organized with all their appropriate materials and ready to learn.

It is with tremendous pride and honour that I continue as Principal of one of the best schools in the State! I look forward to the wonderful opportunities ahead and give a commitment to continue to serve this community with dedication and professionalism, providing all children with many opportunities to thrive and shine.

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2018

I was delighted to attend the Glen Eira City Council Australia Day Breakfast on Friday 19 January 2018 along with Mr Kan, when Cara Morgan (Class of 2017) was presented with the Young Citizen of the Year Award.

We congratulate Cara on this wonderful achievement. She has been a great ambassador for our school and a credit to her family. Wishing you all the best with your future endeavours.

PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION

Part of the secret to the McKinnon model of success with student outcomes is the very strong partnership that exists between parents and staff.

We value these quality relationships and I know students benefit from them tremendously.

Parents at McKinnon can be relied upon to attend concerts, drama nights, all information evenings but also they read the newsletter, Compass feeds and keep informed and up to date with all relevant events.

They also assist students to be organised, punctual and in full uniform.

This all contributes to student success and building strong relationships and I thank everyone for your efforts.

VCE CLASS OF 2017

Congratulations to our Class of 2017 for their outstanding results. Once again McKinnon was one of the top co-educational, non-selective schools in the State.

100% of our students were successful in attaining their VCE.

Our Dux achieved an ATAR of 99.85

260 students completed Year 12 and applied to VTAC

98% received a first round offer

96% received a University place

4% received a TAFE offer

17% of all study scores were over 40

36% achieved an ATAR over 90

57% achieved an ATAR over 80

33.5 was the average study score

I congratulate all students, staff and parents for these wonderful achievements. Our strong partnership ensures the best educational outcomes can be achieved.

NEW STAFF

This year we fondly welcome new and returning staff members to our College:

Ms Krishna Fleming  -  Mathematics and IT

Ms Lara Gambino  -  Psychology/Science

Mr Yuriy Verkhatsky  -  Physics

Ms Tracy Griffith  -  Art/Ceramics

Ms Carmen Moloney  -  Health/Food Tech

Ms Cherie Marks  -  Science

Mrs Deb Cowland  -  Art

Mr Jesus Camacho  -  Data Analysis & Assessment

Ms Neg Hamedani Zadeh  -  ICT Support

Mr Tim Oaten  -  AFL Trainee

Ms Ellen Nichols  -  Literacy Support

Ms Cassie Semple  -  Literacy Support

Ms Sarah Mullane  -  Numeracy Support

Mr Max Putamorsi  -  Numeracy Support

Ms Melina Ayers  -  Sport Assistant

I hope they find their work with our community professionally rewarding.

BUILDING PROJECT

All is going to plan and we should be in the new wing by Term 3. We are in discussions about the transition from B block to the VCE wing and how that will take place in the last few weeks of Term 2.

The Principal Class and Nick Staikos (our local Member) had a tour last week and the views are fantastic and the spaces impressive.

The Library will be the VCE Centre again this year and I thank everyone for their patience.

PARENT AFTERNOONS/EVENINGS

There are numerous information evenings and “get-togethers” that will be held over the next few weeks. The Principal Class, Heads of Sub-schools, Student Managers and Teachers look forward to meeting as many parents as possible. There is no doubt that one key aspect to success at McKinnon is the very strong partnership that exists between staff, students and parents in this community. See below for details and thank you in advance for your attendance and support.

Year 12          Parent Information Evening

                        Tuesday 13 February at 7:00pm

Year 7            Meet the Principal afternoon

                        Wednesday 14 February at 2:00pm

Year 9            Parent Information Evening

                        Monday 19 February at 7:00pm

Year 10          Parent Information Evening

                        Thursday 22 February at 7:00pm

Year 11          Parent Information Evening

                        Tuesday 27 February at 7:00pm

Year 8            Parent Information Evening

                       Thursday 1 March at 5:30pm

Year 7            Parent Information Evening

                        Wednesday 14 March at 5.00pm

YEAR 12 CAMP

I heard very favourable reports about the Year 12 Camp this week at Phillip Island and I congratulate all of our Year 12s for their respect, dedication, commitment and positive attitude. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Senior School Team, Mr Noble, Ms Cozens, Mr Hudd, Ms Andrieux and all the staff who eagerly participated in the organisation of a very successful camp. I hope it is the beginning of a very rewarding year where incredible success eventuates. Most of all I hope the students feel a strong sense of belonging to their school.

I wish all the Year 12 students the very best in their endeavours and look forward to sharing in their success.

UNIFORM

McKinnon is a full uniform school.  We consider our students’ ambassadors for the College and expect all McKinnon students to wear their uniform with pride. All students in Year 7 to 12 are required to wear a blazer.

For Terms 1 and 4 the blazer is optional – however it is the only outer garment permitted if the students want something warmer than their dress or shirt.

Adherence to school uniform rules is about respect for this community and its traditions and culture.

Again I thank parents for their support in implementing school policy. Anyone experiencing difficulties may contact the relevant Student Manager, Assistant Principals or myself.

PUNCTUALITY

All students should arrive at school by 8:30am to give themselves enough time to be organised for an 8:50am start. Lateness is considered a lack of respect and it impacts negatively on the good order of our school. Please assist us to ensure everyone is prompt each and every day.

Parents should nominate a drop off and pick up point with their children outside the school buildings. The school reception foyer can become very congested during the day and is not the place to meet your child after school.

MOBILE PHONES AT McKINNON

While mobile phones have never been encouraged at McKinnon, we have embarked on a much firmer approach to their use. Students will now not be able to use their phones from 8:30am until the end of the day bell (including recess and lunchtime). We have thoroughly considered this shift and are committed to following through to help your child concentrate better in class, build stronger relationships with their peers and ultimately improve their mental health.

This change has been made through extensive consultation with students and staff and after reviewing the current research on the subject. It is pertinent to note that student focus groups were largely in favour of the ban due to the constant disruption they were causing to classroom learning. It is also interesting that, while it is still early in the year, the students have been overwhelmingly observing the new measures.

Students should keep their phones at home or leave them in their lockers at school. If parents have an urgent need to contact their child over the course of the day they can leave a message at the school office. 

As the year progresses we will be reviewing how our policy on mobile phones is working. We ask that parents support us in this new approach.

Make sure your contact details are up to date on our system.

TRAFFIC – SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS

I would also like to remind all parents to be careful when driving along McKinnon Road. It is very congested and at times dangerous.  Please be aware of street signs and adhere to road rules. Parents are being booked daily by parking officers.

The school car park must also not be accessed by parents during school hours. 

The speed limit is always 40km per hour along McKinnon Road and u-turns are not allowed. We have many students riding bikes so please be careful when parking and opening doors.

IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR STUDENTS USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public Transport Victoria has written to me to ask that we communicate requirements to all students using public transport in Victoria.

Please note the following:

• From 1 January 2018 the PTV School Student ID and Student Pass application form will only be available online at ptv.vic.gov.au (hard copies are no longer available from stations and PTV Hubs)

Child Myki

A reminder that from 30 January 2017, the child age range changed to 5 – 18 years inclusive.

This means students can use a Child Myki until they are 18, up from 16. If a student has a Concession Myki they can continue to use this, it gives them the same concession fare as a Child Myki.

When in school uniform, students won’t be asked for proof of age. However, when not in school uniform, 17 and 18 year olds may be asked to show proof of eligibility.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE/AMBULANCE COVER

The Department of Education does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents/Guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs. Parents/Guardians can purchase insurance policies from commercial insurers.

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 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.

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Congratulations to both the Junior and Senior School Captains who were presented with their badges at the first General Assembly for the year today.

SENIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Captains

Sienna Herterich & Alex Hunter

Deputy Captains

Jenna Dimitrakas,  Ramanika Nair,

Jack Richardson & Tim Mullane

SENIOR SCHOOL HOUSE CAPTAINS

CHISHOLM

Captains

Jack Richardson & Lilli Soprano

Deputy Captains

Max Kennedy & Ebony Lockton

FLYNN

Captains

Michael Koletsas & Cate Bell

Deputy Captains

Josh Meyer & Anna Donnelly

GILMORE

Captains

James French & Evie Krieger

Deputy Captains

Harry O’Dea & Zo-Ellen Stannus

MONASH

Captains

Lachie Arneil & Jemma Owen                                 

Deputy Captains

Claude Elsasser & Teresa Morrissey

SENIOR SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT     

Lee-Ling Bristow

DEPUTY SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT      

Jordan Kellaway

SENIOR HOUSE MUSIC CAPTAINS

CHISHOLM

Captains

Will Hardy, James Hardy, Helena Manoussios & Sotiri Poulios

FLYNN

Captains

Zoe Bartholomeusz, Jordan Kellaway, 

Veronica Dubinsky & Tenzin Sherpa

GILMORE     

Captains

Elizabeth Tsagliotis, Gabi Basman, Yael Zamir & Jonathan Fletcher

MONASH

Captains

Ofri Shahar,  Lucia El-Osta, Kate Collier,  Lucas Banim & Chelsea Bria                                  

JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Captains

Catherine Braniska & Nicholas Lanaras               

Deputy Captains

Bridget Chapman & Vatsal Ved                          

JUNIOR SCHOOL HOUSE CAPTAINS

CHISHOLM

Captains

Jordyn Freeman & Will McCartney

Deputy Captains

Jessica Ginsberg & Ben Kupshik                    

FLYNN

Captains

Tara Bajan & Aiden Mosford                                         

Deputy Captains

Rachna Petch & Markus Duggan                                 

GILMORE

Captains

Marisha Dinesh & Emmanuel (Manny) Hontzogloy 

Deputy Captains

May Landau & Ben Maxwell                               

MONASH

Captains

Naomi Presser & Fraser Sharman-Smith                               

Deputy Captains

Jackie Verbuk & Christian Lignos                   

We wish them well with their responsibilities and know they will be terrific ambassadors.

Thank you once again for allowing me the privilege of continuing to serve this community.  We will endeavour to do all we can to ensure this important time in your child’s life is rewarding, engaging and prepares them for success and happiness.

I look forward to seeing everyone throughout the year.