PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Community connection and reflection were at the forefront on Wednesday as McKinnon students attended the Remembrance Day service at Bentleigh RSL. Our students represented the school with immense respect as we honored the courage, sacrifice, and service of our veterans. 

Thank you to our Year 9 Captains Trisha Mehta and Chamath Dharmadasa for laying a wreath on behalf of McKinnon SC, Georgina Mead, Tim Rex and Peter Quinn for accompanying these students, and I also thank the following students for performing:

Zara Buzza (Year 9), Chamath Dharmadasa (Year 9), Aafia Fatima (Year 9), Rysa Gulati (Year 9), Etaash Jha (Year 9), Audrey Kambouris (Year 9), Maisie Lai (Year 8), Trisha Mehta (Year 9), Ethan Nguyen (Year 9), Sid Noble (Year 9), Blossom Olaye (Year 9), Lily Pham (Year 9), Addison Rood (Year 9), Emma Saffer (Year 9), Agapi Sempelidi (Year 9), Akiko Wong (Year 8), Mary Zhang (Year 8) and Rena Zhou (Year 8). 

To commemorate the day as a whole school community, we continue to hold Remembrance Day ceremonies across both campuses for all students in Years 7–10. These ceremonies are written, compiled, and performed by a group of committed Year 9 and 10 History students, demonstrating the evolving connection young Australians make to this important part of our national history. Having entire year levels attend in person creates a true sense of connection and shared gratitude for the sacrifices made by many Australians, from all walks of life, in the service of our nation. 

Thank you to the following students who led the ceremony at McKinnon Road Campus, supported and mentored by teachers Romy Greenberg and Sophie Warren:  Ayden Lau (Year 10), Bhumika Kapur (Year 10), Ezra Prentice (Year 10), Mikayla Weerakoon (Year 10) and Nedavya Kaushik (Year 10). 

Thank you to the following students who led the ceremony at East Campus, supported and mentored by teachers Elisa Carson and Ash Jansen: Alice Lanchbery (Year 9), An Dang (Year 9), Jana Bryant (Year 9), Luca Sirianni (Year 9), Maddison Adams (Year 9) and Nathan Lam (Year 9).

PERFORMANCES

Our talented Year 10 & 11 Theatre Studies students recently presented incredible performances of ‘The AI Play’ as well as ‘Boy Girl Wall’ to showcase their talents in the Alan Lawrence theatre at McKinnon Road. Well done on your performances and I thank their teacher Ellie Adler for her support of these students. 

The East Campus concert was held on Tuesday night, where the audience enjoyed performances by the Year 8 Strings and Bands, Ovenden Band, Keenan Strings, East Choir, Easty Beats and two Stage Bands who showcased the depth and diversity of our music program. Congratulations to all performers, ensemble directors, and music staff, our facilities and media teams and particularly Laura Main for coordinating the concert logistics.

ART SHOW

Our 2026 Senior Art Show opens tonight, and I encourage you to visit. The exhibition will commence from 5:45. Please check Compass for further details.