PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

I recently sent a message to our entire school community about our expectations regarding the behaviour and safety of all of our students.  I would like to again reiterate that these expectations are non-negotiable, and we will continue reinforcing our core school values and we have zero tolerance for behaviour that breaches our Student Code of Conduct.

You can read my original correspondence here. I thank parents and carers for continuing to support us. 

ATHLETICS SUCCESS

Congratulations to the following athletes on their success at the State Athletics Championships on Monday 16 October. Qualifying for the State Championships is a huge accomplishment. 

Well done to Jasmine Chilco-Burns (Year 7), Rosie O’Brien (Year 9), Christina Tan (Year 10), Harry Robertson (Year 9), Alex Koulatsos (Year 11), James Spencer (Year 11), Olin Buisman (Year 9) and Alexandru Virbanescu (Year 8), but a special mention has to go to Finn Sharp (Year 10) who placed 3rd in the State for Javelin, Kevin Zhou (Year 12) who is the 2nd in the state for the 400m and Allegra Orso (Year 10) who came 1st in both the Long Jump and Triple Jump, these are outstanding achievements. 

Please see the sports news for all of the results from the competition.

BIG BAND BASH

The Big Band Bash held Thursday 12 October was a night to remember, especially with the 90s costume theme that added to the fun and excitement. The air was filled with nostalgia as the Stage Bands and musical guests lit up the stage with electrifying performances, truly showcasing their musical talents. A touching moment from the night was the farewell to the music class of 2023, who have dedicated so much time and effort towards Instrumental Music at McKinnon. It was an emotional and memorable way to acknowledge their contributions to the program. 

I thank all the music staff for their ongoing support of the students and in particular ensemble directors: Mr Byrne, Mr West and Mr Serebrianik for their work with students throughout the year.

Thank you also to the AV team, facilities, and student helpers, who played a crucial role in making the event a success. The Big Band Bash was a wonderful success, delighting the audience and cementing the importance of music education at McKinnon.

MIPS INTERVIEWS

Our Years 10 and 11 students will be meeting with our careers team and the Student Managers to discuss their course selections for next year shortly. This time of reflection really helps to cater for the needs of each and every student. These conversations are very important, and students will have their subjects for next year confirmed in these meetings. 

I thank the Student Management and careers teams for their continued support.

JUNIOR CONCERT BAND FESTIVAL

The SEVR Music Junior Bandfest took place in the school hall on Tuesday 17 October. This offers first-year music students the chance to participate in a large concert band, working with expert conductors and meeting other music students from various schools. 

Over 120 students from four regional schools came together to showcase their talent and love of music. Emily Furlong, an accomplished clinician, was on hand to work with students and help them improve their skills and technique.

Thank you to SEVR Music Coordinators: Megan Waugh, Jacqui Rodden, Dmitry Serebrianik, Martin West and McKinnon Staff: Megan Papworth and James Morrissey. This event would not have been possible without their expertise and dedication.

YEAR 8 CAMP

A big congratulations to the entire Year 8 cohort who have been attending Year 8 Camp at Rawson Village over the last two weeks.  They have enjoyed a range of different activities including zip line, bushwalking, canoeing and the amazing race which forms part of the Kummargee Challenge in Walhalla.

Thank you to the amazing Year 8 Student Management team of Paul King, Liam Adlington, Ana Gomez and Stephen Gurry along with all the staff that have attended across the three camps. 

WICF INDOOR CRICKET JUNIOR WORLD SERIES

Congratulations to Harish Salwathura (Year 8) who recently travelled to Dubai as the only Victorian member of the under 16 boys junior cricket team to compete in the World Series.

There was much success for Harish and the team with Harish leading Australia’s wickets with 15 through 7 games, with an average wicket haul of 2.50. He also took a hat trick against the UAE and a double hat trick against Sri Lanka. With a strong team, they ended up becoming undefeated throughout the week in the lead up to the grand final day.

The team ended up making 111 and won by 33 runs. They are now world champions! 

We are so proud of you Harish, congratulations on this tremendous achievement. I would also like to thank the School Council who were able to contribute to Harish’s travel expenses.

DEALING WITH DISTRESSING ONLINE CONTENT

With the tragic and distressing events unfolding in the Middle East, Australia's independent regulator for online safety, eSafety, has issued guidance to help parents and carers support their children in dealing with distressing online content. The eSafety website has resources for parents and carers about online safety. These include information on extra precautions you can take to protect your children from seeing disturbing content online.

eSafety encourages parents and carers supporting young people who may be more vulnerable to check in with them. If they are presenting with signs of distress, support is available through external services including: 

· headspace: 1800 650 890 

· Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 

· Lifeline: 13 11 14 

· Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636