SCHOOL NEWS

SIR JOHN MONASH ANNUAL COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE

On Friday 14 August, a group of seven students represented the school at the 2015 Sir John Monash Commemorative Service at Parliament House. The Year 10 students who represented the school were Thomas Broadbent, Skyler Kah, Olivia Kennedy, Olivia Richter, Avinash Thandaoori and Sarah Tritt and German exchange student Leonie also attended.

Sir John Monash was a great Australian who served his country with distinction in WW1 as an outstanding General whose leadership on the Western Front at Le Hamel and Amiens turned the tide of war and had a major impact on the outcome of the war. However for me personally, his greatest impact was not on the battlefield, nor as a leader of men, but as an advocate of lifelong learning and education for not only the individual but the community in general.  Throughout his life, Monash took the view that no learning was wasted and always sought extra knowledge. His recommendation was to “adopt as your fundamental creed that you will equip yourself for life, not solely for your own benefit, but for the benefit of the community”.

Sir John Monash contributed greatly to public life at a time when he was often criticised for his background as a Prussian Jew, initiating Anzac Day commemorations and was the driving force behind the building of the Shrine of Remembrance to name just a few contributions.

All visitors were given a blue ribbon to wear on their lapel. It signified the fact that on the first anniversary of Gallipoli in 1916, General Monash distributed blue ribbons to those present at Gallipoli and red ribbons to those who were present at the first landing. Visitors were encouraged to wear them all day which we did.

The ceremony took place in the Legislative Assembly Chamber of State Parliament and was a valuable learning experience. Distinguished guests were present, including a former Deputy Australian Prime Minister, Tim Fischer and a former Governor-General, Peter Hollingsworth.

For me personally the best part of the ceremony were two of the speeches made. The first was by Major General Paul McLachlan AM CSC, who was representing the Chief of Army. The Major General spoke passionately of Monash and his role in looking after the welfare of his troops after the war.

The second speech was made by Ms Anita Ross who was the General Sir John Monash Scholar in 2012. Ms Ross spoke of how she originally thought what little she may have in common with this great man when applying for the scholarship but realised his thirst for knowledge and desire to serve the community were inspiring and allowed her to be inspired and do the same.

After the ceremony we went for lunch and spoke of the power of education and how it has the power to transform lives. The students were impressed by the splendid surrounds of Parliament House and were great ambassadors for McKinnon Secondary College throughout the day.

Jonathan Jhoomum

History Teacher

SECOND HAND BOOKSHOP

The second hand bookshop will be running again soon.  If you have any spare time late November - early December, you may like to consider volunteering.  All volunteers get first pick of text books they need.

Keep a look out for more information early October with dates and times.

Please email booksale@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au with your availability.

Joanne Robinson

Coordinator

ASIA WEEK 2015

McKinnon Secondary College is an Access Asia School and have an emphasis on Asia in the curriculum to prepare our students for their future in a truly globalised society.  We celebrate our 20th Asia Week during the last week of third term with activities, decorations, costumes and food all contributing to a wonderful atmosphere anticipated by students and staff alike.

We are seeking support from families, community members and local businesses to help make our Asia Week celebrations successful.  Support such as presenting or volunteering with workshops, or providing goods which can be used for student prizes or raffles would be useful.

If you are able to assist in any way, please contact Mrs Rekha Nayyar at school.  Any contribution would be acknowledged through this newsletter.

Mrs Rekha Nayyar

Access Asia Coordinator