ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' REPORT
PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT CONFERENCES
We will continue with virtual Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences in 2022. In Semester 1 these will take place on Thursday 28 April and Monday 2 May and as per usual, teachers will be available for 5 minute interviews. All bookings will be made via Compass; the system will be opened in the second last week of term.
These valuable conversations make a significant contribution to maximising students’ academic performance, as we celebrate successes and discuss strategies for further improvement. Feedback and results from assessment tasks are currently being posted on Compass Learning Tasks, while Progress Reports will be published at the end of the term.
We encourage all students and parents to read this important information prior to attending the interviews.
YEARS 7 AND 9 NAPLAN TESTS
During May our Year 7 and Year 9 students will be undertaking the NAPLAN tests at the school. NAPLAN (National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy) tests are conducted by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). All tests are now conducted online and students must use their fully charged Chromebooks. Students will also need to bring headphones on for all tests.
There are four tests in total, including an assessment of students’ writing skills, use of language conventions, a reading comprehension test and a numeracy assessment. There will be more information on the specific requirements of these tests in the first newsletter of Term 2.
For further information please access the NAPLAN website & VCAA’s NAPLAN page. Students can attempt demonstration tests on their Chromebook using these instructions.
YEAR 9 CAMP AND JOB READY SKILLS PROGRAM
After Year 9 students complete their NAPLAN tests in mid-May, we will embark on a very special program for all Year 9 students which we hope will be a highlight of their experience at East Campus.
From May 16 to 27 we have organised the new Year 9 Camp and activities program. During this time we will be running four camps of approximately 110 students to Warrnambool over a two week period. Students will depart from McKinnon Secondary main campus by bus to Southern Cross Station. We will then travel to Warrnambool by train and then stay at Deakin University residential accommodation, some staying in cabins at a local caravan park due to Covid restrictions at the university. Here they will explore historical themes through the study of the Shipwreck Coast and gain appreciation of the indigenous presence in the area with a guided tour of Tower Hill by an Aboriginal guide. Students will also be shown around the Deakin University site and learn about student life at a regional university campus.
When in Warrnambool we will also be exploring how regional towns support those in need, through community service volunteer programs. We will be listening to a number of community service providers at Deakin University. This is linked closely to our ‘Wisdom and Service’ subject in which all students will be required to contribute to our local community later this year.
BIKE SAFETY WHEN RIDING TO EAST CAMPUS
Our Glen Eira Council Crossing Supervisors at East Campus have mentioned to us that when students cross East Boundary Rd with their bikes at the end of the day, some students are mounting their bikes and riding against the traffic down East Boundary Rd towards McKinnon Rd. This is not only illegal but highly dangerous.
We have also had several reports that students are choosing not to wear their helmets as well which is very concerning.
We have mentioned these issues to students at lunchtime and after school announcements as well as through the newsfeed but we would appreciate it if parents and carers can reinforce these safety concerns with their child.
WINTER UNIFORM
Families are reminded that all students should be in full winter uniform from day one of Term 2. School blazers must be worn to and from school. It is also important to note that nail polish and facial piercings are not acceptable at school. Thank you to all families for your continued support of our uniform policy.
MCKINNON PATHWAYS
YEAR 9 MORRISBY PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE AND INTERVIEW
The Morrisby Profile is provided by the Victorian Government for all Year 9 students. Students have completed their Questionnaire during Wisdom and Service and the interview will commence on Monday 28 March.
Parents/Carers are asked to provide consent for the interview via the Compass Event - Morrisby Profile Interview. If you would like any further information, we encourage you to watch this video that explains the Morrisby Profile in more detail.
YEAR 10 CAREER INTERVIEWS
Careers interviews are currently being undertaken by every Year 10 student. During the interview, the careers team is checking current academic progress, discussing strategies for improvement and exploring potential career pathways. Students are also shown the VTAC website to determine essential requirements including ATAR and prerequisite subjects to help students with choosing their VCE subjects for next year. Parents can view the summary of each interview by accessing the Insights tab in Compass and scrolling down to "Pathways -Year 10".
APPROVING STUDENT ABSENCES
Please continue to provide the College with explanations for student absences, either using Compass, emailing absences@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au or calling 8520 9050.
As mentioned at the Information Nights, it is vital that parents do not share their login password with their child. If you feel that your child might have access to the parent portal please contact the general office to obtain a new password.