McKinnonNEWS

ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' REPORT

As we move towards the mid-way point of Term 4 it is crucial that all students maintain our high expectations around behaviour and organisation. Please speak to your child to reinforce the following points:

  • UNIFORM: Until Monday 6 November (day before Cup Day) students have a choice in terms of uniform - they may wear full winter or full summer; from Wednesday 8 November all students will be required to wear full summer uniform.
  • STUDENT CONDUCT: students need to carefully review the Code of Conduct and Behaviour Management Model in their school diary to ensure they understand the College’s behavioural expectations.
  • MOBILE PHONES: these are to remain at home or be secured in students’ locker from 8:45am - 3:10pm each day.
  • BOOKS/EQUIPMENT: make sure the correct equipment is taken to every lesson. This includes the College diary and a charged Chromebook. 
  • ARRIVING AT SCHOOL ON TIME: all students need to arrive at school each day by 8:30am so they can get organised for the start of Period 1 at 8:50am.

CURRENT YEAR 9s: UPGRADING YOUR CHROMEBOOK

McKinnon has achieved great success with its Chromebook program. With all students using a standard platform, we provide confidence for students and teachers, and ensure that technology enhances our ability to deliver an effective curriculum.  

 

For our current Year 9 students (entering Year 10 in 2024), their Chromebook is approaching the end of its 3-year warranty. An email has been sent to these families outlining how to order the new device online; this message is also posted on the Year 9 parent newsfeed. Thank you to all parents and students for their ongoing support of our Chromebook program. It is an essential part of our curriculum and helps maximise both learning opportunities and outcomes for all students. 

CHILD SAFETY STANDARDS

McKinnon Secondary College is committed to the safety, participation, empowerment and wellbeing of all children and young people. Ministerial Order 1359 sets out the specific actions that registered schools need to take to meet the ten Child Safety Standards. We take this issue very seriously and have processes and procedures in place to ensure the safety of our students. Key policies include the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, Mandatory Reporting, and Bullying Prevention - these are available on the College website. 

LOCKER SECURITY

Recently we have noticed that an increasing number of students are not locking their lockers. Please speak to your child about this issue because it is absolutely imperative that students secure their combination lock to protect their valuable school items (e.g. calculators, chromebooks, textbooks, etc.).

PATHWAYS INTERVIEWS

Years 11 and 10 students are currently undertaking their end of year interviews which include a deep reflection on their yearly attitude and progress towards their studies, goal setting and confirmation of their 2024 course. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review their child’s interview by referring to the “Insights” tab on compass.  

SENIOR SCHOOL BOOKLISTS FOR 2024 

Over the coming weeks, students entering the Senior School (Years 10-12) in 2024 will have their pathways interview to confirm their course for next year. Once these are done families can start organising their booklists. Orders need to be completed online through Campion Education - the link is on the College website or can be accessed here. Campion has updated their online systems so you now need to obtain a verification code (via email or SMS) to access their site. The 4-digit code K9JD will then allow you to view McKinnon’s resource lists.  

 

Orders need to be placed by Friday 24 November to ensure home delivery before the end of the year. Campion has again included a set-charge to cover the packing and home delivery costs.

 

For families interested in buying/selling secondhand books, information about the Sustainable School Shop is available here (link is also on the College website). A useful second-hand textbook stocktake list has also been prepared, but please remember to check the edition of the book on the booklist before purchasing any second-hand texts. It is crucial that students have the correct edition.

 

For students in the Junior School (Years 7-9), information about 2024 booklists will be provided to families in the coming weeks.