SCHOOL NEWS
KUMMARGEE OPENING CEREMONY
The Kummargee Opening Ceremony was held on Friday 30 January with an engaging Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, conducted by Uncle Mark Brown from the Bunurong Land Council. In Mark's Welcome to Country speech, he illustrated the boundaries of Bunurong Country, expressed the need for us all to care for, respect and look after Bunurong Country, who has provided for its people for tens of thousands of years.
He extended his message on caring to the way we treat ourselves and others, explaining the importance of accepting others' differences and working together in harmony, treating people the way we expect others to treat us. During the Smoking Ceremony, Mark explained that each native plant used in the smoking ceremony was unlike bushfire smoke but rather smoke with cleansing and calming properties in the leaves.
Following Mark, Indigenous singer/songwriter Scott Darlow performed and presented to the Year 8s, continuing the message of acceptance of all cultures and also the need to close the gap in our continued efforts towards reconciliation. Through his words and song, Scott captivated the crowd, delivering a powerful message that we hope our students take with both hands and lead by example in their daily interactions with our community.
A message of FLUTE; Forgiveness, Love, Understanding, Tolerance and Empathy. In the coming weeks, the Year 8s will learn their new Kummargee groups within their class and the challenges will begin!
Paul King
Marrung Strategy Coordinator
YEAR 7 INDUCTION PROGRAM
At the start of the school year, our Year 7 students took part in an induction program designed to support their transition into secondary school life. The program helped students become familiar with the school environment, daily routines, and expectations, while also introducing them to key staff and support services.
A strong focus was placed on building connections, confidence, and a sense of belonging through structured activities with peers and teachers.
The induction program played an important role in helping our Year 7 students feel settled, supported, and ready for a positive start to the year. Congratulations to all Year 7 students for participating so eagerly and embracing their new school community with such confidence and positivity.
Pip Andrieux
Transitions Manager
YEAR 12 CAMP
On the 2nd of February, the Year 12s and a great team of teachers set off to Phillip Island for our last camp ever!! It was an incredible experience with so many laughs shared and endless memories made.
On the first night, we were lucky enough to hear from Will Pucovski, an Australian former cricketer, who gave us some great insight and was extremely eye-opening. We ended the night with some entertainment in the form of wig snatching! This involved some ‘friendly’ competition and attempting to snatch wigs off an opponent's head, and it definitely got a bit heated!
On Tuesday, we started activities bright and early at 8:15 am. These activities ranged from giant swing to canoeing to walking down to the beach. We believe a highlight for all of us was paddling as fast as we could to avoid Mr Howe tipping us out of our canoes!
Another one of our favourite parts was the times when the entire cohort was given the opportunity to come together and enjoy each other’s company. It was also really nice to further build our relationships with the teachers and bond with them more away from the school environment. For some, this was through playing Bean-Boozled, where we bonded over awful-tasting jelly beans!
Night 2 involved everyone putting their brains to work with some trivia, including a Disney songs round, which allowed many of us to reveal our singing talents!
Overall, camp was an amazing experience which we all wish had gone for much longer, and we will miss. It was definitely a positive way to start the year, and we are looking forward to all that is ahead!
Pia Landini & Chloe Guidera
Year 12 Students
MIDSUMMA PRIDE MARCH
On Sunday 1 February, the McKinnon Pride Club participated in the Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda.
Pride March is a special day for the rainbow community as they and their allies come together to celebrate acceptance and diversity. It is a day to demonstrate their pride in who they are, to see how supported and loved they are, and to celebrate the LGBTIQA+ community.
Over 10,000 marchers walked down Fitzroy Street, cheered on by over 45,000 people who lined the paths and balconies to show their support.
It was a wonderful event to be part of.
Lauren Maserow
Pride Club Coordinator