HEALTH

MCK HEALTH FACULTY - FRESH FACES EDITION

Welcome back to another stellar term at McKinnon Secondary College! It’s already week four and the energy in the school is buzzing. We are thrilled to introduce (and re-introduce) some incredible educators to the Health faculty. The following three powerhouses are already making waves, and we couldn’t be more fortunate to have them on the team. 

Ms Carmen Moloney

Health Learning Area Manager

If you hear laughter and smell something delicious coming from the kitchens, follow the trail to Melissa. An experienced educator who practically oozes enthusiasm, Melissa brings a level of joy to the classroom that is infectious. She’s here to prove that learning is a lifelong adventure. With high energy, high standards and a massive heart, Melissa doesn't just teach recipes; she nurtures a genuine love of learning in every student she meets. McKinnon Secondary College is officially more vibrant with her in it!

In true spirit, Melissa has shared some fun insights into her world so we can officially welcome her to the McK family:

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education and what has been the most rewarding moment of your journey so far?

One of my first jobs was as a park ranger at Cleland Conservation Park in SA. Part of the role was taking group tours and showing our visitors how conservation and animal management worked in our park. I loved the teaching aspect so much that I decided to go to university to become a teacher. So, I think teaching chose me!

2. If we were to walk into your learning space, what are three things we would consistently see, hear or feel?

See: you’d see busy people learning lots of things they didn’t previously know. Also me bouncing from student to student to give them assistance (and hopefully not distracting them!)

Hear:  on-task chatter, students thinking aloud and problem-solving together, lots of inquisitive banter.

Feel: Happiness and energy. 

3. Beyond the classroom, what is a hobby, interest, or 'superpower' you’re excited to share with our school community? I love to SUP (stand up paddleboarding) and I’m currently building a Lego Technics Formula 1  McLaren, so things that challenge me to use my problem-solving skills.

4. What are you looking forward to most about joining the McKinnon Secondary College community? Working with amazing students who love learning and creating things as much as I do. 

Joining us with a wealth of experience, Lucy Kutrolli is pulling double duty across both the Health and PE faculties, and she’s doing it with incredible style. She’s diving deep into the world of Health and Human Development, sharing her expertise with our Unit 1 + 2 students. When she’s not talking about health stats, she’s in the gym or out on the oval, sharing her passion for all things active. Her talent for connecting theory to physical movement is a total game-changer for our students.

We caught up with Lucy, who was happy to tackle a few quick-fire questions so we can all get to know her better.

1. In the world of Health and Human Development, we talk a lot about nutrition. If you had to pick one ‘superfood’ to represent your personality, which one best reflects your energy? I would say Goji Berries - resilient, radiant and nurturing!

2. As you're part of the PE faculty, you’ve got to have some ‘game day’ energy. If you had a walk-up song that played every time you entered the staffroom, what track are we hearing? Fred Again - ‘Jungle’

3. Units 1 + 2 Health and Human Development focus heavily on youth and the transition through the lifespan. What is one fashion trend or hobby from your own youth that you are desperately glad stayed in the past and one you secretly wish would make a comeback? Low rise jeans, I will never wear them again. 

4. We’re big on the five dimensions of health (physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual) at McKinnon Secondary College. Right now, which dimension is currently your strongest and which one are you most likely to neglect until the first school holidays hit?My strongest dimension is the Physical dimension. I am in the process of training for the Great Ocean Road marathon. I will probably neglect my spiritual health and wellbeing during the term. 

5. Are you a ‘5:00am gym session and a green smoothie’ type of Health/PE teacher, or a ‘triple-shot espresso and just trying to find where I left my whistle’ type of teacher? At the moment unfortunately, I am a triple shot espresso and trying to find my whistle kind of PE teacher. I just moved house. So, I'm still in the process of trying to work out my daily routine. Fingers crossed by the end of the term I become a 5:00am gym session and a green smoothie type of PE teacher. 

A familiar face with a brand-new focus! While Abbey Snell isn't new to our McKinnon Secondary College family, she has vibrantly stepped into the Health faculty this year to teach Year 10 Health. Abbey is known for her ‘can-do’ attitude and magnetic energy. Her versatility is her superpower; Abbey has transitioned into this role seamlessly, bringing a fresh perspective to our Year 10 curriculum. She empowers our students to take charge of their wellbeing with confidence and flair.

Abbey sat down with us for a mini Q+A to share a bit about herself, here’s what she had to say:

1. Since we cover everything from physical activity to social health in Year 10 Health, if you could win an Olympic gold medal in a totally non-sporting, everyday activity, what would your event be? I would win a gold medal in a talking competition as I love to talk and can basically talk to a brick wall if I had to! Sometimes I don’t know when to stop.

2. Year 10 Health is all about big transitions and new beginnings. If you could go back and give your 15-year-old self one piece of health and wellbeing advice (or perhaps a stern warning about a specific fashion choice), what would it be? Friends change over time, so don’t worry about fitting in or getting FOMO. Be yourself and don’t change for anyone because you will find your people through your different stages in life.

3. Teaching Year 10 Health requires staying on top of ever-changing trends. What is one slang word or pop-culture trend you’ve heard in the classroom that you are either successfully rocking or are absolutely baffled by? ‘6-7’ constantly. It has to be one of the most irritating and silly trends to ever come about. Still, I will never understand the craze behind it. Unfortunately, it’s been said too much now I’ve started to subconsciously use it!

4. You’re bridging the gap between the gym and the classroom. What’s the one item you absolutely cannot live without to survive a day of jumping between the oval and a Year 10 Health theory lesson? A big 1L emotional support water bottle. Hydration is non-negotiable when you’re going from sprint drills to deep conversations about wellbeing in the space of 10 minutes.

5. In Year 10 Health, we talk a lot about mental health and coping strategies. What is your personal staffroom survival non-negotiable? Talking and socialising to other teachers as this helps keep me sane! Also, it is always necessary to have a bit of alone time as well, to give yourself a break from everything and reset.