STUDENT COUNCIL

The Student Council at McKinnon is essential to constantly shape our school into one that reflects both the needs and desires from the perspective of its students. As such, the Student Councils at both East and McKinnon Road have been both meeting regularly to discuss different initiatives suggested among the student cohort.

In my past five years at McKinnon and as School Council President, there has been a recurring area where students have been demanding reform. It is something that we students use every day, affecting all of us and plays a key part of the student experience here at McKinnon - the school uniform. It is why we have spent much time considering different reforms and pushing through new changes surrounding the school uniform. We know how much difference it can make to our lives. After all, we spend almost half of our lives in school, almost always in these uniforms.

The changes we have proposed aim to promote inclusivity, achieve greater comfort and consistency. Naturally, we have balanced changes with maintaining the orderly identity of McKinnon, aware of how important the school uniform is to the school’s image. Overall, we believe that these changes will build a more positive learning environment where the needs of different individuals are met.

We have also picked up on common areas of concern among students, notably areas surrounding the school toilets, which we will take action on. We have also heard many thoughtful suggestions from individual students, which we have reviewed and intend to implement.

Thank you to those who have submitted their suggestions!

In the future, we will aim to increase the visibility of the council, as we want it to truly represent the student body. If you have any ideas to better student engagement with the council, please reach out to us through the Google Form that can be found under the star in Compass or talk to us directly. We will be delighted to hear from you.

In the meantime, keep sending the suggestions through and enjoy the rest of the semester.

Your McKinnon Road Student Council President, Josh

Joshua Foong

Year 12 Student

TRANSPARENCY WITH EAST COUNCIL

This semester, the East Council has been busy finding ways to make life at East Campus even better. Our team is made up of the Year 9 leadership team and twelve dedicated representatives evenly split between Years 8 and 9, and we work collaboratively to ensure that all students' voices are heard and represented. Alongside Mr Couttiguane and Mr Machin, co-presidents Marcus Yuen and Summer Shabaz have led discussions, raised concerns, and explored possible solutions to issues affecting the East Campus.

Throughout the semester, the Council has reflected on what has worked well so far while also identifying areas for improvement. Our members have highlighted many positive aspects of school life, including a successful Swimming Carnival, House Music, the commencement of the Year 8 Kummargee Program, our updated wellbeing and learning model, and the strong sense of community that exists within the school.

Alongside these successes, the Council has discussed several issues within the East Campus. While students were generally positive about school life, concerns were raised about congestion in several areas. Crowded stairways and canteen queues were mentioned frequently, and some students felt there could be a stronger connection between the two campuses. Concerns regarding respect for school property were also brought forward. These discussions give students a chance to share their ideas directly with staff. They also ensure that student generated solutions are considered when decisions are made.

Members also provided feedback on the college's Uniform Policy, particularly around blazer requirements, sports uniform expectations, and enforcement of existing uniform standards. Recently, we have also discussed ways to improve student engagement in the school yard during breaks, the possible addition of morning clubs, and ways to make better use of blank spaces across the campus.

Looking ahead, the East Council will continue exploring ways to improve student life through greater promotion of clubs and activities, increased opportunities for involvement, improved communication and more engaging events throughout the year. We are excited to continue working with students and staff next semester and hope to see some of these ideas come to life.

Marcus Yuen & Summer Shahbaz

Co-Presidents