SCHOOL NEWS

MND BIG FREEZE

A student-led event weeks in the making came together on Monday 20 July. The School Captains, with the support of the East Campus Leaders, organised a cross-campus fundraiser in aid of fighting MND. Jan Daniher, wife of Neale, was in attendance and we are so honoured to have her support, alongside the MND Foundation.

We are incredibly proud of our students; you demonstrate the McKinnon values tremendously!

Kate Jobson and David Machin

Head of Years 11 & 12 and 8 & 9

The MND Foundation’s Big Freeze is so much more than raising awareness and receiving critical donations for Motor Neuron Disease research. Whilst these are still vitally important, at its core, it is about building an undeniable sense of community, belonging, and teaching others how important it is to cherish and support those around us, especially in times of need. These are the sorts of qualities that the captain teams at both East and McKinnon Road campus aimed to intertwine with this year’s inaugural McKinnon Big Freeze Event. 

After so much planning, organising, meetings and more, this event turned out better than any of us could imagine. A huge thank you to all the teachers who volunteered their time to participate, interact club for helping out on the day, and especially Ms Jobson for supporting us through the entirety of this incredible, unforgettable process. Thank you everyone!

Abby Butterworth, Year 12

“When all is said and done, more is said than done.” These were words often shared by Neale Daniher to remind us that change comes through action, not just intention. Here at McKinnon, we wanted this message to be felt at our inaugural McK Big Freeze; students gathered in the masses at lunchtime to watch twelve brave teachers being drenched with ice-cold water in an aim to support the fight against Motor Neuron Disease. This event was always so much more than a bit of entertainment; it was to raise awareness for MND, a horrible disease that as of now has no treatment or cure. 

From all the Captains, we are all so grateful for the way McKinnon embraced this event. Neale was an inspiration to so many and we hope this has done justice to the incredible organisation he has created. We cannot wait to see how big this can get in the future, thank you again. 

Gus Booth, Year 12

The McK Big Freeze event was a welcomed challenge for all who aided us in building this event. For the captains, it was a necessary team building exercise across both teams at McKinnon Road and East Campus. For the teachers, it was not only an icy undertaking of being dunked with freezing cold water, but it was a gutsy display of solidarity for McKinnon, and those fighting with the MND disease. 

Everyone’s willingness to wear blue and donate reinforced our quintessential value of community, and service. We hope that this event will become a well-looked after tradition many years after we leave, cementing the legacy of the East, and McKinnon Road captains of 2026.

Frankie Noble, Year 12

Following months of planning and hard work, seeing the inaugural McK Big Freeze come together at both campuses was an incredibly rewarding experience. What began as an idea became something that united our entire school community for a cause far greater than ourselves. We are so grateful to every student, teacher and staff member who donated, volunteered, wore blue, or simply got involved. Your support turned this event into something truly special. 

We hope the McK Big Freeze becomes a lasting tradition at our school, honouring Neale Daniher's extraordinary legacy by continuing to raise awareness, support vital research, and bring our community together in the fight against Motor Neuron Disease. Thank you to everyone for supporting us in creating what we hope will be a meaningful legacy for future McKinnon students and captains.

Maleesha Dharmadasa, Year 12 

One of the greatest strengths of any community is its willingness to come together in support of a cause greater than itself. This year's McK Big Freeze was a powerful reminder that even the simplest acts, such as wearing blue, making a donation, or simply cheering on a teacher, can contribute towards something truly meaningful. Truly, it was inspiring to witness our school community unite behind such an important cause. Every volunteer, teacher, student and staff member played a role in creating an event that reflected the values we pride ourselves on at McKinnon: service, kindness and community. 

Thank you to everyone who donated, participated and helped bring this event to life. We hope the McK Big Freeze continues to grow in the years ahead, inspiring future students to carry forward the spirit of generosity, community and hope that made this year's event so memorable. 

Ramidu Jayathilaka, Year 12

Screams of teachers being drenched in cold water echoed throughout the oasis. Students cheered on as they saw their teachers prance the walk of shame towards the inevitable freezing bucket that would be thrown on them. My personal favourite was Dmitry Serebrianik, who dressed up as Gru. His walk out song was definitely despicable. 

This event was a great way to bring light to MND and raise awareness in the community to the damages of this disease. 

Thanks to all the teachers who dressed up, ran the event and supported such an amazing cause. As well as the organizers from the MND foundation who came down to watch the spectacle. All teachers and students helped raise money and help contribute to the Fight MND foundation. I can’t wait to see what happens next year with this new initiative.  

Benny Baldwin, Year 12

MCKINNON ROAD PHOTOS

EAST CAMPUS PHOTOS