The college offers an extensive co-curricular program which promotes leadership, cooperation and teamwork. This program includes academic challenges, performing arts and sports.
Student Participation
A broad and inclusive program includes activities and events such as:
- Cultural Diversity Week Activities
- Debating
- Drama Production
- Great Victorian Bike Ride
- House Music Festival
- House Sporting Carnivals – Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country
- Interschool Sport
- Music Ensembles
- Music Winter Concert
- Peer Support Program
- Science Week Activities
- Subject Competitions & Activities
- Tournament of Minds
- Year Level/Subject Camps/Tours and Excursions
These extracurricular activities are critical for developing well-rounded, global citizens who can engage positively with their communities
Student Leadership
Student leadership is promoted through the appointment of:
- School captains
- House music captains
- House sport captains
- Art captains
- Language captains
- Form captains
- Student Representative Council
- Student Representative Council President
- Peer Support Leaders
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
Year 12 Trivia Night
Over 250 Year 12 students converged on the McKinnon Rd Hall last Friday evening, dressed in all manner of costumes ranging from the Mean Girls of Christmas, a table of Mr Worldwides, a gang of Prison Escapees and extras from the Bob the Builder TV show for the annual Year 12 Trivia Night. In a nail-biting finish, a push-up challenge was required to crown the victors! Congratulations to the Year 12 Trivia committee for their time and effort in organising and running an incredible event combining dancing, games, live music and even some trivia too! Over $3000 was raised for State Schools Relief, a fantastic result for a fantastic cause! Special thanks to Ormond Ice Creamery and the Interact Club for catering on the evening, as well as Major Sponsors Miss Ruby Cafe, plus Dolce House and Hoyts (and Mr Hunt's lemon tree) for prizes! Daniel BlackmoreYear 12 Student Manager
Spooky String Night
Congratulations to all the students involved in the Spooky String Night held at the East Campus last week. It was fantastic to see such an array of musical ensembles ranging from solos, duets, and trios to larger ensembles of fifty players as well as some more unusual instruments such as the harp and theremin. The overall theme of spooky pieces was fun and innovative. Thank you to Georgina Mead for her organisation of the event as well as the string staff (Clare Bugeja, Stuart Cook, Georgina Mead, Christine Vincent, Andrew Albanis, Amelia In, and Jill Griffiths) for their preparation of the students. It was a truly memorable performance.
House Music Festival 2025
McKinnon’s annual House Music Festival was held on Wednesday night, and what a resounding success it was. Our students showcased their incredible talents and demonstrated collaboration at its best. This fantastic night was filled with such energy and joy, it was a true pleasure to attend. Congratulations on the very high standard of performance in singing, dancing and playing musical instruments to all participants. In the end, there can only be one first place and we congratulate Monash! Their name will join the long tradition of winners on the House Music shields displayed in the Music Centre at the McKinnon Road Campus. Their name will join the long tradition of winners on the House Music shields displayed in the Music Centre at the McKinnon Road Campus. Thank you to Mr William Conway, a musician, musical director and producer who was our adjudicator for this event. We also extend our thanks to Leah Humphrey for coordinating this wonderful event, as well as our dedicated team of music teachers and staff who made this possible. Thank you to the fantastic MAV team for their work leading up to and on the night itself, ensuring our students had the opportunity to shine. We also appreciate the families, friends and staff who attended and helped create such an incredible atmosphere. Click here for the full gallery of photos from the event.
Swimming Carnival 2025
Man was that a blast! After a long wait, bright and early in the morning students rolled into the Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool to attend the school’s Swimming Carnival. It was an eventful day with activities ranging from swimming heats to novelty events, volunteering or purchasing a snag from the Interact Club and Red Earth hosted sausage sizzle, or even just relaxing on the grass in front of the warm sun. There was something for everyone to do and always fun to be had. I know that I enjoyed running the sausage sizzle which may have been a bit stressful but definitely kept the adrenaline pumping. Everyone on the team was hilarious and talkative which made the atmosphere extremely enjoyable. But the real highlight of the day? The sheer excitement of having the Swimming Carnival back after years of waiting. For many students, this was their first time experiencing the event, and the energy was contagious. Whether they were in the diving competition or having fun in the water, the enthusiasm never wavered. Even those who weren’t competing found ways to soak up the fun - literally. The house spirit was also on full display, with students decked out in colourful outfits. That is of course if they weren’t participating in the lively “Under The Sea” theme of the day. Dr Long’s shark costume was undoubtedly a student favourite. As the day wrapped up and everyone made their way home some were a little sunburnt, some exhausted, but all were grinning. You could tell that this year’s Swimming Carnival was worth the wait. And I am already excited for the next one. Itay Volnerman (Year 9)East Campus Captain
House Music Festival 2024
What an incredible celebration the House Music Festival was last night, and a delight to be entertained by our talented students with families and friends watching on. The drive and enthusiasm our students possess, to achieve their highest potential is something we are very proud of. Thank you to our wonderful House Music captains for their incredible leadership and to all the students and staff involved. With so many rehearsals before school, lunchtimes and after school, they really have gone above and beyond. Matthew Little, had the difficult job of compiling the results and nominating a winner for the night. He was very impressed with all the performances, as well as the standard and consistency of each section presented. However, there can only be one winner, and for 2024 it is Gilmore! I would particularly like to thank our guest Mr Matthew Little for adjudicating and Mr Andrew Albanis for overseeing this celebration of performances. Glimore will join the long tradition of winners on the House Music shields displayed in the Music Centre at the McKinnon Road campus. Michael KanPrincipal
String Night
On Monday 6 May we held our annual String Night at the McKinnon Road Campus. This was an incredible showcase of the talented string students McKinnon has to offer. The evening featured large string ensembles, extension ensembles, chamber music and VCE soloists and duets. Many thanks to Georgina Mead for her organisation of the event as well as the string staff, Clare Bugeja, Christine Vincent, Amelia In, Bethan Lewis, Andrew Albanis and Jill Griffiths for their preparation of the students. Thank you also to Jodi Lockyer for providing piano accompaniment. Michael KanPrincipal
