ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS' REPORT

EXAMS

Congratulations to all students in Years 9 - 11 who have completed their exams over the past few weeks. These important assessment tasks provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their learning this semester; this will greatly help them prepare for the challenges they will face in Year 12. We encourage all students to look beyond the overall grade, carefully consider their strengths and areas for improvement, and act upon the feedback provided by teachers.

VCE ORIENTATION WEEK

Congratulations to all students who have successfully participated in this week’s VCE Orientation program. It is critical that students establish solid foundations for success next year and we thank all those involved for making this a positive and engaging experience. Students have been emailed a link to the ‘VCE Orientation Google Site’ to access the holiday homework during the summer break. Please note that classes for orientation week are not indicative of the class that your child may be in for 2026. 

YEAR 9 - SENIOR SCHOOL INDUCTION PROGRAM

As part of their senior school induction program, Year 9s will spend three days at the McKinnon Rd Campus (Wednesday 3 - Friday 5 December). Students will be introduced to the Senior School leadership team, undertake Peer Support & Leadership Training, and complete their first senior Maths and English classes. Students should bring a small backpack, their snack/lunch, stationery and Chromebook.

PATHWAYS INTERVIEWS

Years 8 and 9 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 2026 course. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review their child’s interview by referring to the “Insights” tab on compass.  

BOOKLISTS FOR 2026

Campion Education is again the booklist provider for McKinnon Secondary College.  

Senior School (Years 10 - 12)

Senior school students have had their courses for 2026 confirmed. Families can start organising their booklists. Orders need to be completed online through Campion Education via this link. Campion has updated their online systems so you now need to obtain a verification code to access their site. The 4-digit code RTHB will then allow you to view McKinnon’s resource lists.  

Orders need to be placed by Friday 28 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.

Junior School (Years 7 - 9)

Years 8 & 9 booklists for 2026 can now be ordered 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 RTHB will then allow you to view McKinnon’s resource lists.

If families would like their orders home delivered during the summer holidays, the online process needs to be completed by Friday 19 December. Campion has included a set charge to cover the packing and home delivery costs.

Sustainable School Shop

For families interested in buying/selling secondhand books, information about the Sustainable School Shop is available here. Please remember to check the edition of the book on the booklist before purchasing any second-hand texts as it is crucial that students have the correct edition.

END OF YEAR PROGRAMS

YEAR 7s EAST CAMPUS INDUCTION - THURSDAY 11, FRIDAY 12 & MONDAY 15 DECEMBER

Current Year 7 students will undertake a three-day induction program at the East Campus in preparation for 2026. This will take place on Thursday 11, Friday 12 and Monday 15 December and students will hear from the College Leadership team, undertake a school tour and participate in numerous activities to familiarise themselves with the new campus. More details will be sent to families shortly.

YEAR 8 BIG DAYS OUT (THURSDAY 11 - MONDAY 15 DECEMBER)

This three-day program will see students undertake a City Scavenger Hunt, Point Nepean National Park Walk/Tour, and then activities at school. This will be a great way to celebrate 2025 and help the students prepare for Year 9. Compass Events have been created for the City Scavenger Hunt and Point Nepean excursion so please complete them for your child to participate.

END OF YEAR ARRANGEMENTS

Families have been contacted about end-of-year arrangements for students. More details can be found on the Compass newsfeed.

The College will be conducting Presentation Assembly rehearsals on Tuesday 16 December; students involved in this event have been notified. The last three days of the year (Wednesday 17, Thursday 18 and Friday 19 December) are Curriculum Days and no normal classes will run.