SCHOOL NEWS

SUMMER DAYS AND THE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

We have adequate shade available for our students at school, but many will choose to walk around or play sport. Therefore, we encourage our students to wear a school hat if they are in the sun at recess or lunchtime.

All students are aware that they MUST wear a hat during PE and sport lessons. We also recommend that they bring sunscreen from home and apply it during the summer months.

At McKinnon we aim to encourage our students to be SunSmart so they can reduce their risk of skin cancer later in life.  We know that a healthy balance of exposure to the sun’s UV rays is important for everyone. However the latest information indicates that the information we should be paying particular attention to is the UV Index reported by the Bureau of Meteorology. This is a far more accurate way of protecting ourselves against skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. The predicted temperature for the day, the time of day and the month of the year are also important considerations, but UV radiation can be high even on cool and overcast days.

Our Annual Swimming Carnival is TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY (attendance is compulsory). We encourage students to be responsible by wearing hats, sunscreen and covering up whilst waiting for their events or watching other students participate.  It is the students’ responsibility to manage their SunSmart behaviour. At McKinnon Secondary College we do remind them to do this, and encourage this behaviour.  If they do happen to forget their Sunscreen on the day, there will be sunscreen lotion available. SPF50+ is the recommended sunscreen and needs to be applied liberally, re-applied every two hours (or after swimming, exercising and towel drying) and used in combination with other sun protection measures including sun protective hats, protective clothing, sunglasses and shade.

It is also important to be mindful that, as we know, Melbourne can have four seasons in one day. Last year it actually rained and was a bit cold on our swimming sports day, so be prepared! Leading up to the day, and on the morning of the carnival, check the weather forecast and if it predicts rain or cooler weather then bring raincoat, warm clothes, umbrella etc.   It would be lovely if we have a Goldilocks day – ‘just right’!

Please visit the Cancer Council Australia website for more information including the link to a useful SunSmart App.

http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/uv-alert/

Susan Wilken

Community Health

CAN YOU OFFER WORK EXPERIENCE?

This message is for McKinnon parents who might be able to offer a work experience opportunity for our senior students, mainly Year 10.

Students are generally looking at areas like business/office work, engineering, media, medical/health sciences, the creative arts, trades and science. We have many employers in these areas that have taken students in the past, but with increasing student numbers and more financial pressures on business it can be a difficult task. However it can be a very valuable experience in determining career option and VCE subject choices for VCE.

Employers are required to pay students a minimum of $25 per week and provide a supervised & relevant placement.

Students are covered for insurance by the Department when the work experience arrangement form is completed by all parties.

If your workplace is able to offer 5 days to give an insight into the world of work to our students could you please send us your details: 

(to mes@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au, zac@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au, evj@mckinnonsc.vic.edu au or call me on 8520 9033). 

The main date is the block placement for students not going to Central Australia, i.e. the first week of Term 2 - Monday 27 March to Friday 31 March. Students can also do work experience during term holidays.

Eddie Mest - Careers Coordinator

Delmar Zachest – Careers Assistant

Jason Evans - Work Experience Assistant

CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS

We are seeking the help of parent volunteers for our school canteen commencing Term 1, 2017. Volunteers will need a current Volunteer’s Working With Children Check.

Your help will be required Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 1:00pm approximately to help serve our students.

Please contact our General Office on 8520 9000 to register your name and contact details.

Tania Burnell

Canteen Manager