PRINCIPALS' REPORT

BUILDING PROPOSAL

To cater for our ever-expanding student body, the School Council has recently sought approval (to go to tender) from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for an exciting building project in the heart of our school.  Our architects have designed an extension to the existing library that will include two new classrooms, a revamped library foyer and entrance, as well as smaller ‘break-out’ spaces where teachers and students can work in small teams.  We are hopeful construction will be concluded in mid-2014.

This proposal is made possible by the generous support of our parent community.  We are very fortunate to have so many parents who pay the voluntary financial contributions requested by Council, which allows us to provide the modern educational facilities our children deserve. On behalf of the entire College community, I thank you for your ongoing support in this regard.

To further support this building proposal, I remind all members of the school community about our Building Fund, which has been so generously supported by parents and ex-students alike in 2013.  All donations to the Building Fund are tax-deductible; further information can be seen HERE

EXAMINATIONS

Year 12 exams are well underway and I am pleased to acknowledge the discipline and skills of the Class of 2013.  Year 11 exams commenced on Tuesday 12 November, Year 10 exams will commence on Tuesday 19 November and Year 9 exams commence on Thursday 21 November.

I know these weeks are difficult and must be approached with discipline and motivation.  The greatest success is achieving your personal best as a student and an integral aspect of this process is to revise successfully and to be prepared.  Good luck to all students!

ART SHOW

A truly spectacular array of style and form provided a visual feast for everyone who attended the annual Art Show at the College on Thursday evening, 7 November, 2013.  The art work on show was very impressive and demonstrated the creative talent of our staff and students.  

I would like to acknowledge the Head of Art at McKinnon SC Mrs Helen Kuriata who, together with her staff, has coordinated such an impressive event.  The support and encouragement from parents, grandparents, teachers and friends is greatly valued and appreciated.  

Congratulations to the Award winners and to all students whose contributions of work made it such a success.  This is a showcase event that truly brings our community together!

SUCCESS

It gives me the greatest pleasure to inform the McKinnon Community of yet another outstanding success story. Alex Dubout, one of our high achievers of the Class of 2011, has just been offered the opportunity to apply for a Rhodes Scholarship from Monash University, where he is currently completing his degree. I cannot emphasise just how proud I am of Alex’s achievements - both while with us as a student, but also in the academic arena beyond school. We certainly wish him all the best as he embarks on this exciting journey.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

McKinnon Road is particularly busy around the start and end of the school day.  Our staff has observed drivers disobeying the road rules during these times and creating safety hazards for our students and families.  Please observe all road rules, such as no “U” turn in McKinnon Road and keeping to the 40km speed limit, which is at all times not just during school hours, to ensure students start and end the day safely.  Please ensure your child is wearing a helmet if riding a bike and is aware of the rules regarding riding to school.

COMPASS COMMUNITY CARE PARENTING SEMINAR.

Compass Community Care on behalf of McKinnon Secondary College are pleased to present a parenting seminar by the prominent psychologist, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.  Dr. Carr-Gregg will be speaking on the greatest challenges for parents in 2013.

Compass Community Care is passionate about supporting our local community and is offering this event free of charge to encourage and support families from our local area.

The Parent Night is on Wednesday 27 November at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start in the Lecture Theatre at McKinnon Secondary College.  For FREE Tickets go to: http://www.trybooking.com/DNMI