CAPTAIN'S CORNER

SENIOR CAPTAIN

After a jam-packed Term 1, there’s been lots going on at school that we can reflect on. Although it was a shorter term, there were so many amazing experiences for students across all year levels during the term and throughout the school holidays. The Year 11s went on the Central Australia Trip, which is a great McKinnon tradition which brings year level groups closer together. It was great to follow along their journeys on Instagram and keep updated on what they were up to day-to-day.

As well as this, the senior music students returned from the Japan Music Tour, which also looked like an incredible experience helping the students improve their musicianship. And finally, some German students were lucky enough to participate in the German exchange! As a French student myself, I can imagine how amazing the exchange program would be in not just improving speaking skills, but also to see the culture we learn in class come to life. 

After a very busy term, we went straight into Term 2 with Year 7s and 8s going on camp. The Year 12 Girls house basketball competition also finished in a nail-biting grand final between Flynn and Monash, with Monash taking the win. The House Basketball competitions have a great atmosphere, and it was good to see everyone supporting each other and their friends playing. In a few weeks, we will have the Cross Country Carnival, another thing to look forward to in the McKinnon Sports Calendar.

Gisele Hennequin

Year 12 Student

JUNIOR CAPTAIN

Next month, McKinnon will be hosting the Model United Nations, a program available for students in Years 9 to 12. Together students will debate using prior research to represent a Member State in a discussion of international political cooperation.

This opportunity allows younger individuals to get together for a full day and simulate the UN general assembly. The UN is an international organisation allowing different nations to discuss common problems with the aim to maintain peace and security. Whilst the United Nations continues to help people around the globe reach agreement over a diverse range of issues, the model UN aims to inspire the younger generation. 

The theme for this year's conference is Human Rights and Artificial Intelligence. As AI rapidly grows, the world has to develop alongside it. The event focuses on issues affecting world leaders whilst staying incredibly relevant to students.

Before the upcoming event, students have been working together to research their country's status, role in the UN, stance across global and domestic issues as well as many other factors. As students learn to adapt their mindsets, it becomes easier to debate as a representative of their Member State. Our delegates will work in teams to take part in a debate using their research and rebuttal skills whilst gaining a better understanding of the United Nations. In addition, students will have an insight into the diplomatic system that is used in the main global forums. We look forward to the privilege of hosting Model UN and the learning opportunities this provides.

Eden Sullivan

Year 9 Student