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Thistlelonian Grand Reunion

October 25, 2019, 3:10 pm
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We brought together nine Year levels for our Annual Thistlelonian Grand Reunion. Included were the first ever graduates called the originals - Class of 1959.

Also Classes of 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1989, 1999, 2009 and 2014.

We really enjoy seeing everyone return to their school. They were so impressed at the significant changes. I applaud and thank the Thistlelonian Committee for making these events possible. It really does fly the McKinnon flag!

I thank the Committee and many volunteers including Geoff Woolnough, Jenny Cooke, Pam Dickfos, Ian Jackson, Andrew Newton, Melanie Lynch, Jo Robinson, Julie Ritchie, Matthew Shaw, Roger Danne, Les McLeod, Eddie Mest, Marie Landini, Anne Guidera, Alexia Calpouzani, Karen McQueen, Liz Newland, Gerry Newland, Peter Hawkins, Jenny Liggett, Heather Penson, Noel Glenister, Tania Burnell and staff, Nick Xanthoudakis, Frank Carere and Van Muan for giving of their time!

We will do it all again same time next year!

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2020 McKinnon Musical

December 9, 2019, 1:00 pm
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Year 10 Physics Visit to the Melbourne Planetarium

October 31, 2019, 5:35 pm
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On Friday 1 November the Year 10 Physics classes visited the Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks.


The Planetarium is a fully immersive experience where students (and members of the public) can explore the night sky and discover some of the amazing science behind the familiar views of the sky.


The particular show that we saw was “Ticket to the Universe”. This show takes the students through a journey from near Earth satellites that surround the Earth through the solar system, out to the stars of the Milky Way and all the way to the edge of the known universe. The students can see how the stars of the night sky combine to create the familiar shapes we know as constellations and how these shapes are part of the much bigger whole of the Milky Way galaxy. Then the system moves out and shows how the Milky Way is only one galaxy among billions in the universe. The show describes how bigger and better telescopes have helped expand our view of the universe and led to some of the biggest discoveries of modern Physics.


After the Planetarium show the students had time to explore the rest of Scienceworks and the exhibits on display. Most popular were the interactive sport themed displays that allowed students to test their reflexes, strength and speed. From riding a virtual surfboard, jumping against a laser height measuring device or testing their sprinting starts against Cathy Freeman, the students had the chance to test their abilities.

The Planetarium is a great opportunity to take Physics out of the classroom and give everyone a chance to literally “see the Big Picture”.


John Liakakos
Physics Teacher
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Year 8 Boys Table Tennis State Finals

November 28, 2019, 4:27 pm
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The McKinnon Year 8 Boys Table Tennis Team, consisting Kevin Zhou, Kanato Sato, Matthew Kwong and Bastien Meric, travelled to the Melbourne Sport & Aquatic Centre on Friday 29 November to participate in the State Finals after claiming the Southern Metro regional championship a month earlier.

The boys began their pool matches against the very solid team from Yarrawonga College, and needed to win their 6th rubber in order to secure the eventual 4-2 win. In Round 2, they were up against Wonthaggi SC. After losing the 1st singles rubber, the team bounced back and won the next 3 singles before wrapping up the match 5-1 by taking the doubles. With two wins in the bag, the team was guaranteed a Top 2 finish in the pool, and shifted their focus to topping the group. In the last match, the boys comfortably defeated Mercy Regional College who was already eliminated by that stage. The final score was 6-0 in favor of McKinnon.

The boys qualified for the semi-finals as group winners and their opponent was the very competent Northcote High School. Very quickly, the McKinnon boys had found themselves behind 1-3 after the four singles matches and must win the double rubbers convincingly in order to progress. Unfortunately, Northcote was too strong in the end and McKinnon lost 1-5.

Overall, the McKinnon boys claimed 3rd place in the State as Wonthaggi SC (the other losing semi-finalist) finished behind McKinnon during the group phase. Congratulation to the boys for their tremendous effort and special thanks to Timothy Nicolaides (Year 7), Aaron Zachariah (Year 9), and Zong Yu Li (Year 9) for helping in the team practice sessions.

Sandy Law
Coach

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German Folk Music Incursion

December 3, 2019, 4:38 pm
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On Wednesday 4 December Year 7 German students participated in a German Folk Music Lesson with the best German ‘Oom Pah Pah’ Band in Melbourne. The ‘Schwarzwald’ band play nightly at the Munich Brauhaus and are highly experienced in all aspects of German folk music and dancing, which helps develop language learning through cultural immersion. The piano accordion player ‘Fritz’ has played in German bands for over 50 years!

We were treated to a range of German folk music, including a yodelling competition and cowbell tunes, performed by students. We also learned some `Schuhplattler´ (slap dancing). This originates in the Alpine regions and involves a high energy combination of stomping, clapping and striking the soles of your shoes, thighs and knees with flat hands. Then we finished off with some ‘Schunkelling’ which had everyone joining arms and swaying from side to side while singing in German. The students and teachers really enjoyed the music and dancing and some even earned a ‘Lebkuchen’ gingerbread treat for their enthusiastic participation.

Karin Paal
German Teacher

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Australian Schools Basketball Championships 2019

December 5, 2019, 4:23 pm
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During the week of 2 - 6 December the Australian Schools Basketball Championships were held in Melbourne at the State Basketball Centre and Dandenong Basketball Stadium. This was the 8th year McKinnon has sent a team to this tournament.

The Intermediate Boys team represented the school this year and started off with a win 107-28 against Avondale (NSW). We then went on to beat Trinity (QLD) 67-40 and Mt Clear (VIC) 73-44. Our last pool game against an undefeated Bonnyrigg (NSW) team McKinnon won 58-48 to finish 1st in our pool.

In the Quarter Final McKinnon defeated Lilydale (VIC) easily 107-41 and the Semi Final McKinnon defeated Cheltenham 84-71. The final was played at 8am Friday morning with McKinnon up against an undefeated St Augustine's (NSW) team boasting 2 MSW Metro state players. McKinnon fought hard in the first half to be level with our opponents who ran away in the 3rd quarter to finish with a 68-48 victory. McKinnon finished with a 2nd place Runners Up medal.

The team consisted of Year 10s - Lucca and Padua Beaves,Adam Hatchuel,Harrison McPhee, Charlie OBrien and Tait Pascoe. Year 9s - Matt Day, Michael Aminov, Lewis Barclay and Year 8 - Oliver Ledger.

Thanks to Liam Adlington and Ryan O'Meara for scoring and the parents for your support throughout the week,

James Bridges
Coach

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Presentation Night

December 17, 2019, 4:25 pm
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Presentation Night is a celebration of our students’ talents and hard work in their academic pursuits, music, sport and the arts during 2019.   The students being presented with awards on the evening were our highest achievers and we are exceedingly proud of them.


These include:
  • Academic Excellence Awards for students who have achieved outstanding academic results in their subjects, and
  • Student Management Commitment Awards for students who have displayed a genuine desire to do their very best.

Please see below for photos of this wonderful event:

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Year 12 Camp

February 4, 2020, 9:37 pm
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On Monday February 3, the Year 12 cohort headed to Phillip Island for three days filled with adventures, laughter and STUDY! We were divided into cabins alphabetically and although many of us were concerned at first, this was actually a blessing in disguise, as we were handed an opportunity to become closer with other students outside of our close friendship groups. We enjoyed a selection of activities that included walking along the shoreline admiring the beautiful yet windy Smiths Beach. Some students made pancakes and a variety of sports activities were available for the hyperactive ones. The first day’s English lecture gave us some helpful guidelines about storytelling and that night we had two touching motivational speeches from Mr Noble as well as Mr Hudd. 

We woke up at the crack of dawn on Tuesday to a beautiful sunrise, got ready, had a filling breakfast and were buzzing with excitement to begin a day filled with activities! Each group was assigned five activities, some of which were the giant swing, raft making, canoeing, high ropes, flying fox, careers, team rescue and archery. We were really able to let go of the stresses and pressures of Year 12 and live in the moment with one another, building our teamwork and communication skills and, for some, conquering their fear of heights. 

After dinner we had the courageous Paralympian Mandy Drennan speak to us about her journey and how she was able to stay resilient through difficult times, teaching us to never give up. It was truly an insightful hour. Following this inspiring presentation, the entire year level participated in a talent show. Every activity group had to present a theme or idea about Year 12, hopefully making it funny and entertaining for the rest of the year level to watch. Some of these topics included time management, party or study and free periods. The night closed off with a cross country run around the campsite, giving us all the opportunity to stay fit during our time away. Wow! What a day! 

Before we knew it, it was Wednesday, which meant it was our final day of Year 12 Camp. After packing our belongings and having breakfast, several students gave their speeches for the Senior School Council leadership positions. Some of the speakers even encouraged others who were hesitant about trying out to have a go which was amazing! We had lunch and spent our final moments on the campsite, taking photos with our matching McKinnon T-shirts, summing up our time at camp.

Year 12 Camp truly exceeded our expectations. Thank you to all of the teachers who helped make this camp what it was. We will always be thankful for the three days that brought us closer than ever. 

Maskit Matityahu


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Swimming Carnival

February 18, 2020, 6:44 pm
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On Wednesday February 19, the weather was not as kind to us as it had been for the last few consecutive years. Despite the heavy downpours, however, the annual McKinnon Swimming Carnival had to go on. McKinnon students and staff were still eager and ready for a jam-packed day of participation, competition, fun and good times.


Despite the freezing wet weather, the water in the pools was warm. We kicked off the day with the swimming races, diving and house relays. Early in the day, all the houses were grinding for top positions, rallying all their members to gain those important house points. Then there were also the elite novelty events, including volleyball [in the wet sand], table tennis and water polo. 


A highlight of the cloudy day was MANKINNON, a tribal event in which staff members and the Year 12 cohort dance off against each other. The Year 12s had it tough, pulling out all their moves whilst getting drenched in the pouring rain. However, we made it through and thrived despite the weather. Although we had put in countless hours of rehearsals, the teachers’ refined coordination and moves earned the well-deserved win. 


As the day came towards an end, despite Monash, Gilmore and Flynn’s efforts, it just wasn’t enough. Chisholm was too strong and could not be taken down. Special mentions go out to Will Sharp, 12K, who broke two school records, Monique Andjelic, 10A, who scored the most points for Chisholm and Sophie Roberts, 12K, for also smashing a handful of records. 


We would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff and students who helped out and participated in this year’s McKinnon Swimming Carnival whilst enduring the bad weather.  


Kaitlin Foldvari and James Liao, Chisholm House Captains

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Big Band Sunsets

February 21, 2020, 2:57 pm
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Introducing new members to the band, the Senior Stage Band began 2020 with an enthusiastic performance at the Big Band Sunsets Jazz Festival on February 22nd in Mordialloc.

Just 4 weeks into the school year, the Senior Stage Band was already building an impressive repertoire which they were eager to perform to friendly and welcoming audience. Performing a program combining old favourites: Hey Pachuco and On the Sunny Side of the Street, and new pieces: Boom Boom and In the Hall of the Mountain King, the band entertained and captivated the gathered crowd Naomi Krichelli, our vocalists for 2020 was also introduced singing Amy Winehouse’s Teach Me Tonight.

On behalf of the Senior Stage Band, we would like to thank Mr Serebrianik for his tireless efforts in directing and organising this event for the band as well as all the friends and families, who came to support the Stage Band at our very first performance of the year.

Kitty Connolly and Genevieve O'Brien

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Year 10 Surf Camp Ocean Grove

March 5, 2020, 9:15 pm
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In the first week of March 105 Year 10 outdoor Education students ventured to Ocean Grove for a 3 day Surf Camp. Group 1 went Monday-Wednesday, Group 2 Wednesday-Friday. Each group participated in three 2 hour surf lessons provided from Go Ride A Wave. Students also camped in tents, cooked on stoves and played games on the beach. Students also visited Bells Beach, Torquay and enjoyed pizza and a movie at Waurn Ponds. 


James Bridges



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Year 12 Formal

March 4, 2020, 4:48 pm
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On the 5th of March, the Year 12 Class of 2020 began to arrive at Merrimu Receptions for the 2nd annual Year 12 Formal. Despite the concerns of the weather overhead, the overcast evening made for some gorgeous photos outside of the venue. The atmosphere from the very beginning of the night was incredible, with everyone admiring one another’s stunning outfits and transformations. 

Everybody looked amazing in their formal attire. Everyone definitely outdid themselves from our Year 11 Formal last year. There were even some shirts tucked in! The night’s best dressed awards went to Jedd Stein and Coco Greenberg. Zoe Meek and Coco even made their own dresses! 

Inside the venue, there was never a dull moment on the dance floor. The Merrimu staff provided us with a delicious dinner to enjoy, although students and teachers alike spent very little time sitting down. We were all up and about, dancing and relishing each other's company. A special mention to the night's Best Dancer, Kelvin Nguyen. 

This years Formal saw the introduction of many new and exciting awards, including most likely to become a TikTok star (Louise Roberts), Biggest party animal (Joshua Osachy), most likely to be asked for ID at 25 (Yanni Kontos), most likely to be seen on Love Island (Levi Scholz and Ella Hayat) and many more.

We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who worked hard to make our Formal so special. A huge thanks to our student management team - especially Ms James - for organising everything as well as the Principal team for allowing the night to take place. Our thanks also go out to all of the teachers who came along to celebrate with us too. They all looked just as glamorous. 

Keisha Harcourt and Remi van Denderen

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Top Class Music 2020

March 12, 2020, 3:48 pm
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On Friday 13 March McKinnon’s Year 11 & 12 VCE musicians attended the Top Class Music 2020 concerts at the Melbourne Recital Centre. The Top Class Music concerts are part of the VCE Season of Excellence featuring a very small number of elite VCE student performers from the previous year. This year McKinnon was proud and delighted to be represented at this prestigious event by not one but two of our students; Betty Wang and Orr Zaacks. These concerts are not only a great celebration of the previous year's successes but also give current students insight into what it takes to be ranked at the top of the Music Performance and Music Investigation subjects. 


We attended the 10am concert featuring classical artists and the 2pm concert featuring contemporary artists. At both concerts the sold out audiences and our Year 11 & 12 students were in awe of the impressive standard on display and were certainly inspired by the experience. 


Congratulations to Betty Wang and Orr Zaacks on their tremendous achievements and wishing all our Year 11 & 12 musicians the same success.

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On Court for a Cause

March 5, 2020, 9:31 pm
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Since the start of term, we have been very busy with two events for our community.
 
Our first was our bushfire fundraiser: On Court for a Cause. Our event saw our wider community come together to see our Senior Girls play against Monash University and our Junior Boys play against Mazenod College. Throughout the night we involved the community with mini challenges for a gold coin donation to enter and were excited to see everyone get involved and have a go. We are excited to announce over the night we raised $1,241.30 which we have split and evenly donated to Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund and Wildlife Victoria.

We would like to thank Monash and Mazenod Volleyball clubs for supporting our event and helping make the matches possible, the staff who came to support throughout the night, our club sponsors for the prizes won, Mrs Hope for refereeing, Miss Parker and Ellie for organising the event, Andrew Krause for all the photography and media, and, the Principal team for their continuous and ongoing support for the program.
 
Our second event held from 4 - 6 March was the All Schools Beach Volleyball Championships, which we were grateful to take 24 teams over the three days. A big congratulations to all our teams but in particular to our Silver Medalist teams and the second best ranked teams in Victoria:

  • Year 7 Boys Fours
  • Year 8 Girls Fours
  • Year 10 Girls Fours and
  • Year 11 Boys Pairs.
We would also like to congratulate our Gold Medalists and the Victorian Champions in their age group:
  • Year 9 Boys Fours
  • Year 10 Boys Pairs and
  • Year 12 Fours.

All teams played extremely well and we are thrilled to announce that overall as a school we are now ranked as the third best Beach Volleyball School in the State.

Thank you again to Miss Parker, Ellie and Liam for their help in making these events possible. We look forward to sharing the success McKinnon Volley can bring over the course of the year.

Emma Langley and Minja Zlatic


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Important Enrolment Information

March 22, 2020, 8:14 pm
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Thank you for your interest in applying for a place at McKinnon SC.

We currently do not have enrolment packs available and given the current situation, McKinnon Secondary College has postponed all school tours and our Open Night.

On our school website, under ‘Enrolment Information’ / ‘Year 7 Applications’ is information on our application process. Next term, we will have our enrolment pack online under this tab.

Please print off the Pink Form and bring to our office with proof of residency once school opens again, date TBA. Applications will be due by 22 May unless circumstances change. Please refer to our website next term for any updates.

Please note, students not living in zone will not be allocated a place. A delay of moving in zone may mean that you miss out on preferences, as other applicants will be ahead of you and express their preferences earlier. Also, your child may miss sitting for the ELMS test on September 12th, if you are interested in this opportunity.

If you need further information, please contact the Year 7 Transition team using the following email address: year7transition@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
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Balibo House Schools Fundraiser

March 11, 2020, 6:17 am
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Mr Quinn, Mr Machin, Ms Mauger and I attended a fundraiser in support for the Balibo House Trust last Thursday 12 March. The Balibo House Trust facilitates the College's Year 9 Leadership Expedition to Timor Leste. The Trust was set up in 2003 by former Premier Steve Bracks and former Member for Bentleigh, Rob Hudson. They were made aware of the deteriorating condition of the house in Balibo at which five Australian journalists were based prior to their deaths while covering the Indonesian invasion of Timor Leste in 1975. Spurred on by Shirley Shackleton - the wife of one of the journalists, Greg Shackleton; the house was purchased and the Trust began.

Since then the Trust has turned the house into a community centre where computer lessons are taught, a women's centre is based and a free dental clinic operates.

The inaugural trip was lead by Mr Quinn and Mr Machin in 2019 and was a resounding success - both for student outcomes and achievements while working in the village of Balibo. The evening was a great success with funds raised going to the Trust's work in continuing education in Timor Leste.

Year 10 student (and member of the inaugural group of students to travel), Alice Connolly spoke superbly on her experience in Timor and what she learnt. Alice more than held her own when speaking in between the former Premier and also the esteemed director of the film, Balibo.

McKinnon looks forward to future trips to Timor, supporting the impressive work of the Balibo House Trust.

Mrs Pitsa Binnion
Principal

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Pi Day Challenge

March 13, 2020, 4:51 pm
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On Friday 13 March, International Pi Day was celebrated with students from all year levels battling it out to see who could recite the most digits of the never-ending number. It was awesome seeing students giving it a red hot crack and trying their best, whether it was for a bit of fun or to challenge themselves. For me, it was both as I not only enjoy these competitions but wanted to give myself the challenge of beating my previous record. And beat it I did, making all the practice at home pay off. On the day it wasn’t easy, with a few trip-ups here and there, but with my peers and teachers watching from the sides, I was able to get through it.

Chris Liolios
Year 10 Student


The following students were awarded as the year level champions:

Year 7: Mahathi Mahesh from Monash recited 132 places.

Year 8: Metteya Gharde from Chisholm broke his own record from last year of 126 places and recited 150 places.

Year 9: Kevin Gu from Flynn rectied 124 places.

Year 10: Chris Liolios from Gilmore smashed the school record again by reciting 856 places which is 136 places more than last year.

Year 11: Grace James from Chisholm recited 11 more places than last year, reciting 46 places.

Year 12: Harry Fletcher recited 171 places making him the year level champion every year of secondary school. Well done Harry and thank you for your commitment and participation in the Pi Day Competition.


Our teacher champion this year was Sokratis Gavrielatos who recited 22 decimal places of Pi.

Congratulations to all participants and thank you to all who made the event a success.

We look forward to Pi Day next year!

Chloe Krommydas and Lauren Mauger
Maths Teachers

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Maths Enhancement Club

March 15, 2020, 3:51 pm
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SUDOKU CHALLENGE (TERM 1)

“Each 3x3 box, as well as each row and column must contain all the numbers from 1 to 9.”

A rather simple rule for a puzzle, and yet, it can lead to thousands of variations, and some so mind-boggling that it may take hours to solve. One great feature of Sudoku puzzles is that it is accessible to everyone since it does not require any higher mathematics. It does however require logical thinking and a bit of patience.

The McK Sudoku Challenge is one of the major events organized by the Maths Enhancement Club during Term 1. It is open to all Year 7 and 8 students who are interested in Sudoku, logic or problem solving in general. On Monday 16 March, a group of puzzle enthusiasts took part in the challenge to solve three different Sudoku-inspired puzzles in 30 minutes. It was an exciting contest for all involved:

“The Sudoku Challenge is very fun and challenging for all ages.” Esha Gaind  (Year 7)

“The Sudoku Challenge was really hard for me since I am not really good at these activities, but it was still fun overall. I would like to do this again in the near future so I can get a good score.” Amy Tran  (Year 7)

“The Sudoku challenge was fun and exciting. I am glad I participated, and I found out that I am actually better than I thought!” Rohan Russel  (Year 8)

“The McKinnon Sudoku Challenge is a great way to challenge your mind, whilst still competing with your peers. As the school offers many amazing opportunities, the McKinnon Sudoku Challenge is definitely a must.” Thea Dodos  (Year 7)

“I very much enjoyed the 2020 Sudoku Challenge. It was challenging yet really fun at the same time. Competing against my friends also made it more of a competition to try even harder.” Naomi Fowler  (Year 8)

Congratulations to the following placegetters:

1st -  Mischa Kong  (Year 8)
2nd  - Jonathan Kui  (Year 8)
3rd  - Thea Dodos (Year 7)
4th  - Josh Newfield  (Year 8)
5th -  Aaron Baker  (Year 8)

Special thanks to Mr Andrew Krause for the wonderful photography and Mr Bill Manolas for the professionally made commemorative/award badges! We leave you with a puzzle written by one of the contestants:

“If A=B, B=C, C=D…. Z=A, Decode the following message: Tveplv dibmmfohf jt gvo!” Jonathan Kui  (Year 8)

Finally, in preparation for the Math competitions, each registered participant has been invited to the Math Enhancement google classroom. This will be the forum to communicate in open discussions, watch video demonstrations, and share preparatory resources. We encourage all those involved and others interested to post their ideas and mathematical working on problem sets to help build a strong online learning community.

Mr Georgiadis & Dr Law
Maths Enhancement Club

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Year 10 Mock Court Excursion

April 1, 2020, 6:45 am
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Throughout March all the Year 10 Commerce classes visited the Old Melbourne Gaol, to participate in a mock trial designed to complement our studies.

We first had to take the train there, which took much longer than anticipated! We then ventured off towards the Gaol, and were greeted by the staff who took us to the mock trial.

Once in the original Magistrates Court we were told we were recreating a culpable driving case. 

That involved acting out various roles, including defending counsel, prosecuting counsel, tipstaff, defendant and countless witnesses. Throughout the mock trial, we were given lines to recite and in doing so, learnt about the two sides of a prosecution and how the court brings that case to justice. In the end, the defendant was given 3 years in prison (2 years in youth detention centre and 1 in an adult prison). 

Overall the excursion was very enjoyable and informative, and definitely one of my highlights in Commerce.  

Archie Redman
Year 10 Student

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McKinnon Minecraft Building Competition

May 11, 2020, 8:14 am
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Congratulations to Andrew Seamer (Year 10) for winning the first ever McKinnon Minecraft Building Competition! Participants had 90 minutes to build a world monument of their choosing. Andrew accurately recreated The Whitehouse with an amazing attention to detail, utilizing every last square to build in.

All participants showed incredible creativity and technical building skills. Well done to everybody and we look forward to doing it again soon.

Sam Neal
ICT Department

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