Vision Statement
McKinnon Secondary College lives by its motto ‘Wisdom and Service’.
We foster a love of learning and respect for diversity. We strive to nurture empathetic, creative and confident young people who are connected to our community and Indigenous heritage. We want our students to embrace opportunities for continuous improvement and accept the challenges of a complex and globalised world.
Vision and Values
McKinnon Secondary College fosters a life-long love of learning. We celebrate Australia's diversity and indigenous heritage. We nurture excellence and empathy in our students as global citizens, ready to participate and be leaders in a complex world. Our students are confident and creative individuals with a strong sense of community and social responsibility. For more information on Vision and Values click here. OUR VALUES
McK Respect Community Walk and Footy Match
On September 12, our McK Respect Community Walk and Footy Match brought together families, students, staff, alumni, community organisations, the Department of Education, and the Glen Eira–Old McKinnon Football Club. Together, we took a stand against gender-based violence and showed our commitment to respect, equality, and community. Together, we took a stand against gender-based violence and showed our commitment to respect, equality, and community. Each of the 16 laps connected us to the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence — a global movement we are proud to stand alongside. We finished the day with the Old McKinnon vs New McKinnon footy match, where our alumni joined current students to celebrate the strength of our community across generations. Every person deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. Each lap and every game played was a statement of solidarity, a step towards change, and a reminder that as a community, we can and will make a difference. Together, we are the change.
Year 12 Physics Australian Synchrotron Excursion
Four groups of Year 12 physics students recently went to visit the Australian Synchrotron in Clayton, a world-class science facility that supports high-quality research in medicine, nanotechnology, and mineral exploration. The educational visit included a tour of the research facility, as well as a hands-on immersive laboratory session that is highly relevant to the VCE Physics curriculum. Sandy LawPhysics Teacher
McK Respect Community Walk Friday 12th September
Join us next week for our annual McK Respect Community Walk as we walk 16 laps, bringing our community together to take a stand against gender-based violence and to promote kindness, equality, and respect. This event supports the Respectful Relationships initiative, which aims to create a culture of respect and safety for everyone. Why 16 laps? The walk symbolises the 16 Days of Activism – a global campaign to end gender-based violence. 🔸Students and staff can register via the link on Compass.
Winter Concert 2025
Congratulations to everyone involved in the Annual Winter Concert—a remarkable event that highlighted the impressive scale, spirit, and excellence of music education in our community. The concert featured over 620 student performers from all year levels, coming together in a dazzling array of ensembles that truly reflected the diversity and vibrancy of the program. The evening’s program showcased months of hard work, creativity, and teamwork, with performances spanning classical, contemporary, and multicultural offerings. Families, staff, and friends filled the hall, sharing in the pride and inspiration generated by each student’s courage and commitment on stage. Special recognition goes to the dedicated music faculty—especially Dmitry Serebrianik with the support of Clare Bugeja, and Zoe Bartholomeusz — whose leadership and tireless efforts were instrumental in bringing this event to life. Behind the scenes, the concert’s seamless flow was orchestrated by the accomplished stage crew, expertly managed by Ellie Adler, Lucy Angell and Paschal Lee. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and poise under pressure ensured that every transition ran smoothly, contributing to the magical atmosphere experienced by all. This year's concert also celebrated the achievement and resilience of our senior students, many of whom began their musical journeys during the uncertainty of Covid. Their strength and adaptability were evident as they joined their peers in creating a memorable night for all. Well done to everyone involved.
Sport News
On Wednesday 3 September we celebrated Health & PE day. Thank You to the PE department who organised some fun activities to remind us about the importance of being physically active for both our physical & mental health. Students who rode bikes to school were entered into a draw for rebel vouchers, at McKinnon Rd we participated in some Just Dance at recess, then across both campuses students played Futsal at lunchtime. Mrs Jen PembertonHead of Physical Education & Sport YEAR 7 GIRLS SMR BADMINTONOn Friday 15 August McKinnon's Year 7 Girls represented the school in the Southern Metro Regional Finals at Springers. The girls defeated Mentone Girls SC 5-1 and Doveton SC 4-2. Unfortunately we lost to a strong Keysborough College team who progressed through to the final. James BridgesCoach INTER GIRLS HOCKEYOn Wednesday 27 August the girls hockey team went to Brighton Secondary to play against Mordialloc and Sandringham. Unfortunately we didn’t win either game, with scores of 2-0 against Sandringham and 5-0 against Mordialloc. All the girls played exceptionally well and tried their hardest on the field throughout both games and are so proud of everyone!! Much love from your captains. Zoe & Ai Ki Year 10 Students YEAR 7 TABLE TENNIS Our Year 7 Girls and Boys Table Tennis teams were successful at the recent district competition. Both teams won and now progress to the SMR competition in October. Mrs GillCoach
Multilingual Videos Now Available on SchoolTV
Because wellbeing shouldn’t get lost in translation, SchoolTV has introduced a powerful new feature — multilingual videos. Until now, families could access written content in more than 60 languages. Now, expert-led videos are also available in Chinese, Hindi and Arabic, with more languages to be added next year. This new feature ensures every family can access trusted, practical guidance in a way that feels familiar, inclusive, and easy to understand. Explore this feature for yourself by clicking the link below to view SchoolTV content in your preferred language. http://mckinnonsc.vic.schooltv.me/stv-multilingual-feature
NGV: French Impressionism Exhibition
Visible brush strokes, vivid use of colours and lack of detail are the key aspects of French Impressionism; things that the Year 11 and 12 French students had the wonderful opportunity to learn about when we attended the NGV on the 27th of August. This excursion meticulously delved into the world of French culture and art, proving to be an inspiring and enriching experience. The exhibition covered the era of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism in French art, allowing us to learn about the different artists that pushed the boundaries of what was considered ‘art’ in the late nineteenth-century. We got to walk through carefully constructed thematic galleries, discovering different artists and their inspiration and muses. Pieces by Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Manet and Degas were beautifully arranged as we marvelled over the talent exhibited in the 19th and 20th century works. The gallery was designed after the extravagant houses of American collectors, where the pieces were once on display, as well as spaces enjoyed by the artists themselves. This created an experience like no other; one which we are all glad to have had the chance to witness. Everyone who participated walked away from the exhibition with a broadened appreciation for art and French culture, and we’re all extremely grateful to Monsieur Chamontin for arranging this excursion. Amelie and Emma, Year 12
Year 8 Boys Soccer SMR Finalists
On Thursday 14 August the Year 8 Boys Soccer team travelled down to Kingston Heath to see if they could progress to the State Finals by winning through as the SMR representative. The team went unbeaten at Kingston Division in Friday sport with many boys taking part in the team over Term 2 on a Friday afternoon. It is fair to say that Year 8 boys can be wildly exuberant at times, but I have also seen them grow as people over the term as I have at times, dispensed some tough love to a few to ensure that their behaviour is respectful and they fully understand what it is to be a member of a team. I have also seen them play some brilliant football and score some stunning goals as they took onboard my ideas and structures. At SMR, due to the late arrival of another school we changed pool groups and had to play our first game 40 minutes earlier than expected without a proper warm up. The boys responded by winning that opening game six nil. All team members were involved in the opening game as I able to switch many members of the team and give them all a taste of SMR soccer. McKinnon won the second game 3-1 and once again due to the team’s strength, I was able to rest and rotate all players again in preparation for our final pool game against Gleneagles. McKinnon only needed a draw to go through to the final and played well in the final pool game. However, despite creating many chances they were undone by the most brilliant free kick having witnessed in almost 30 years of school sport with a Gleneagles free kick sailing into the net from 30 metres at speed and height which was unstoppable. McKinnon almost equalised a few times afterwards, but it was not to be as the Year 8 boys lost 1-0 to Gleneagles and did not progress to the SMR final. The Year 8 McKinnon boys had lost just the solitary game all year and played some brilliant football, but it was not to be. Having said that, I was really impressed by the spirit, skill and growing maturity of the 19 boys who were part of the squad. There were some fabulous goals scored throughout the whole year with Jackson having the good fortune to have his cracker captured on video by the school photographer but there were many others who displayed the McKinnon Magic. Miklos was brilliant in goals, Theo and Daichi marshalled the midfield with superb support from Harry, Jackson, Jake and Jude. Our defence was ably led by captain Thomas whose calmness and great touch was great to see with great support from Aiden, Lio, Caleb, Tim and Zachary. Attacking wise Gabriel's movement off the ball, presence and great goals served the team well where he was ably supported by Daniel who scored some great goals as well. Alon and Zach also played their part in many positions. Special thanks to Thomas and Faris who came along and ran a line and supported the team so well. I was really proud to see the growth of these boys and I want the whole school community to know how proud I was of these boys. Well done. Jonathan JhoomunCoach
Berthe Mouchette Competition
The start of Term 3 brought about the Berthe Mouchette Competition earlier this week, which French students across all year levels undertook, and in particular the senior French students undertook for the last time in their schooling lives. The Competition consisted of two components: a written section and an oral section. On Tuesday 29 July, we undertook the oral section. From reciting a poem in the junior school, to a general conversation about family, hobbies, school life and all things French, as well as a discussion on the push towards Independence in New Caledonia, the exam-like structure was certainly a step up. Anxiously awaiting our designated time slot, image and name sheet in hand, it could only be a beneficial experience that holds doubtless skills in listening and speaking in French, as well as gaining a greater understanding of French culture and its uniqueness. Each assessor brought a warmth and enthusiasm to the competition, and it took no time to settle into its rhythm. We are all grateful for their time and assistance in helping us improve our language skills. The Berthe Mouchette Competition that McKinnon has participated in for the entirety of our French schooling has been an invaluable experience that has undoubtedly broadened our knowledge of French culture and sharpened our language skills - ready for the Year 12 exam in mid-October this year. Merci beaucoup to Monsieur Chamontin for his undivided support, encouragement and plenty of fun times all throughout our journey in Berthe Mouchette. Alex Rowe HansenYear 12 Student
Mary Poppins
For more than a year, countless students and staff members have been working tirelessly to create the most practically perfect performance of Mary Poppins The Musical. With a cast of over 60 students, ranging from Year 7s all the way to Year 12s, and four dedicated teachers who took on directorial roles, we had seven months to rehearse and prepare everything. Sets had to be painted, props had to be collected, costumes had to be resourced and fitted, and songs and dances had to be learned. Everyone had huge responsibilities, but what made this process so incredible was the community we had created together. Everyone was always helping each other out and looking out for one another. Even on days when everyone was tired and rehearsal was the last thing on our minds; we found a way to lift each other and continue working harder than ever. Quickly, we became a huge family, a family of kind and supportive people. This show brought out the best in us, not only with our talents of singing, acting and dancing but also with our ability to express love in every step of the journey. I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to finish my schooling year with this amazing family by my side. Even with the busyness of Year 12, stepping into the theatre space and seeing my cast mates felt like a moment of tranquillity, and simply smiling was inevitable. Thank you to everyone who was involved: The MAV team, the backstage crew, the costume crew, the principal team for their support and everyone else behind the scenes. Finally, the biggest thank you to four incredible teachers who have brought to life a masterpiece of a performance, without whom the theatre world at McKinnon would not thrive to this extent. Thank you, Ms Adler, Ms Angell, Mr Baldwin and Ms Barber. You are the true talent of this show. Hope you all enjoyed watching this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious performance of Mary Poppins! MilanaYear 12 Student
