PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

It has been an exciting fortnight showcasing the impressive talent across our music program. Students took to the stage for the Year 11 Music Night, energised audiences at the Big Band Bash, and delivered intimate performances at Piano by Candlelight evening. Across all events, our young musicians demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill. Thank you to the staff, families, and audience members who supported these wonderful evenings.

MIPS INTERVIEWS

Thank you to our Student Management teams, Heads of Year Level, and Careers Advisors who have been conducting the Managed Individual Pathways (MIPS) interviews for our Year 10 and 11 students. This process allows students to finalise or refine their 2027 course selections. We take great pride in tailoring this support to each individual student, ensuring they are positioned for success in their future pathways.

GRAND REUNION

On Saturday 17 October, we had the pleasure of welcoming back the Classes of 1961 and 1976 for an Afternoon Tea celebrating 50 and 65 years since their graduation.

Special thanks to our Year 11 Food Technology students, along with their teachers Rochelle Travitz and Erene Karabourniotis for preparing the afternoon tea and particularly to students Isabelle Steller (Year 11) and Timateus Khamu (Year 11), for helping host the day. Attendees were also treated to wonderful musical performances by our Senior Clarinet Quintet - Xavier Lynch (Year 12), Spencer Wu (Year 12), Ruma Lee (Year 10), and Sacha Rose (Year 10) - guided by their teacher Laura Main.

Later that evening, our Grand Reunion brought together alumni across numerous year levels for a memorable night of reconnecting and sharing memories. 

Thank you to the Thistlelonian Committee and volunteers who made these events possible. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Thistlelonian President Geoff Woolnough, alongside Andrew Newton, Jenny Cooke, Pam Dickfos, Andrew Krause, Chelsea Stanley, Romy Greenberg, Jess Dixon, Raelene Evans, Natasha Tartiris, and Melanie Lynch. Their ongoing dedication ensures our community maintains a strong and meaningful connection with our alumni.

FIGHT MND RAFFLE

Thistlelonian Max Gawn (Class of 2009) has generously donated a Melbourne Football Club jersey signed by Max and the 2026 team, giving our McKinnon Secondary College community the chance to raise funds for MND, a cause very close to Max's heart.

Earlier this year, our school community came together for our Fight MND Big Freeze fundraiser, including an Ice Bucket Challenge, raising funds and awareness for this important cause. We are excited to continue our support of Fight MND through this special raffle.

Tickets are $10 each, with all proceeds going to Fight MND to support its work in raising awareness and funds for motor neurone disease. The raffle will be drawn on 26 November 2026, with the lucky winner announced on our social media channels and school newsletter.

Enter the raffle for your chance to take home this incredible signed jersey while supporting our ongoing Fight MND fundraising efforts.

https://www.trybooking.com/DPNLI

Good luck, and thank you for your support.

WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY

Ahead of World Teachers’ Day tomorrow, I want to share a heartfelt thank you to our amazing teaching team. McKinnon's 'Tradition of Excellence' is built on their dedication to creating inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments. Thank you to our teachers for inspiring our students to do their best each and every day.

NEW PRINCIPAL PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT

I am thrilled to announce that Mr Jordan Warren has been provisionally appointed as the new Principal of McKinnon Secondary College, effective 27 January 2027.

I extend my thanks to the Principal Selection Panel and the Department of Education for conducting such a comprehensive process. Jordan is an exceptional leader whose vision, expertise, and dedication to academic excellence align perfectly with McKinnon's core values.

Please join me in congratulating Jordan on his appointment and extending him a very warm welcome to the community.