SCIENCE
WELCOME TO SCIENCE IN 2026
The Science Faculty is thrilled to begin another year filled with curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. We are committed to providing a dynamic and engaging science curriculum that brings learning to life through stimulating classroom experiences, interactive practical investigations, school-based incursions, and exciting excursions across a range of year levels. Further details about these opportunities will be shared in our fortnightly newsletters, on our Science@MCK website and on social media, so keep an eye out!
The Science Faculty celebrated significant success in 2025, with outstanding VCE academic results across Physics, Chemistry, Psychology and Biology. I would like to sincerely thank all members of the Science teaching team for their dedication and continued commitment to supporting students to achieve their personal best.
I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our exceptional laboratory technicians; Karen Romari, Csilla Almasi and Marni Beretta. Their expertise and hard work are integral to the delivery of high-quality practical work and hands-on learning experiences that enrich our science program.
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome seven new staff to the science faculty.
Genevieve Grose
Laz Moutafis
Christopher Tze
Scarlett Liu
Brian Nguyen
Julide Yildirim
Elizabeth Commons
I wish them all the best as they settle in and look forward to the contributions they’ll bring to our vibrant science department. Check out more information on the new staff at the end of this article.
KEY EVENTS COMING UP
National Science Week (Term 3: August 16-22)
During Term 3, we’ll continue to celebrate National Science Week with the McKinnon Science Week Festival. This event will feature a variety of activities, running during classes and lunchtimes at both McKinnon Road and East Campuses. Stay tuned for finalized dates and more details!
Science Competitions
Opportunities abound for students to participate in science competitions this year, including the “Science Talent Search,” “Big Science Competition,” and the “Science Olympiad.” Keep an eye on Compass for announcements about how to get involved.
KEY RESOURCES
Science Google Site and Google Classroom
A reminder that resources for Year 7–10 Science subjects are available on our Science Google Site (accessible with @mckinnonsc emails only). Parents, you’ll need your child’s login details to view the site.
VCE Science courses also have individual Google Sites, which teachers will share with students. Additionally, all subjects will use Google Classroom for resources, assignments, and updates.
To stay informed, students should regularly check Google Classrooms, Google Sites, Compass, and emails for updates from their teachers regarding learning and assessments.
MOVING FORWARD
I wish all students, staff, and parents a fantastic year ahead in science at McKinnon.
As is my tradition with the first newsletter, I’ll end with a science joke:
Why did the biologist break up with the physicist?
Because there was no chemistry!
Katherine Johnstone
Key Learning Area Manager (Science)