PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

PARENT EVENINGS

Thanks to all the parents who have attended the Information Evenings held so far this year.  Again a great opportunity to share stories, meet others in the same situation and reflect on our students’ journey. The support of our parent community is always very much appreciated and the Heads of Sub-school, Students Managers and teachers enjoy the strong partnerships that are built.

INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSION PROGRAM

We are very pleased to continue the Intergenerational Conversation program in German this year and welcomed nine senior native German participants to the first conversation last Monday. This program is well received by all participants, students and senior participants, and we appreciate the contribution that our volunteers make to the learning of our students.

BYTES PROGRAM

The BYTES program has commenced with 9UP (Year 9 Urban Project) for 2017. This project, regularly identified by students as a highlight of their year, sees students travel into the CBD on three days to investigate a key societal issue of their choosing. Past topics have included homelessness, sexism in the workplace and racism. Students will work to collect data and interview experts in the city to create an in-depth analysis of the issue. The project concludes with a presentation of their findings on 27 and 28 March to an audience of parents, teachers and peers.

GIDEON STEIN – YEAR 12

From Wednesday 15 March to Friday 17 March 2017, Gideon Stein will be among 120 Year 11 and 12 students from around Australia attending the 22nd National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC), being held at The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra. All Australian education ministers support the NSCC with most states and territories funding feeder conventions and the Australian Government Department of Education and Training funding the NSCC.

The National Schools Constitutional Convention program provides senior students with an opportunity to become better informed about how Australia's Constitution provides a democratic framework and encourages them to take an active interest in the operation of government.  The topic of the 2017 Convention is ‘Indigenous Australians and the Constitution’.  

Congratulations Gideon on this tremendous achievement. You are a great ambassador for our school.

SU OH (YEAR 12 STUDENT 2014)

Last weekend former student and Rio Olympian 20 year old Su Oh played in the Australian Women’s Open Golf tournament in Adelaide alongside the best players in the world. This was her 9th time after first qualifying as a 12 year old in level 7. Su produced a sensational 5 under par 68 in the 3rd round to catapult her to 2nd overall coming into the final round. Unfortunately she had no luck, in difficult conditions on Sunday, finishing with a very creditable overall score of 4 under par, tied 14th. Well done Su and best wishes on the LPGA Tour in the USA this year.

LITERACY/

NUMERACY VOLUNTEERS

The school is seeking volunteers for our Literacy and Numeracy support program. Your involvement would be assisting Year 7 or 8 students on a one on one basis. A Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required by all volunteers. This can be accessed from the Department of Justice website (www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au). There is no cost involved for a Volunteer.

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. Any one experiencing difficulties may contact the relevant Student Manager, Assistant Principals or myself.