Middle School (Years 9-10)
Heads of Middle School
Curriculum
VCE Course Counselling
Co-curricular Program
Student Welfare
Year 9 Transition
The School Day
Traffic Safety
Year 9 Camps
Parent Information Session
Year 10 Program
Work Experience
Careers Fast Track
"Keys Please"
Head of Middle School – Ms Anne Stout
Year 9 Coordinators – Ms Sandra Perfetto (9A-E) and Ms Lucy Madden (9F-I)
Year 10 Coordinators – Ms Karen Cheong (9A-E) and Ms Leanne Contessa (9F-I)
Role
The Middle School team works together to look after the well being, behaviour and progress of all Year 9 and 10 students. We aim to make the students ’ time at macrob enjoyable as well as academically challenging and we recognise that making the transition to an school such as Macrob, whilst stimulating for many students, can be difficult. We provide support and advice for those experiencing difficulties and our door is always open to students and parents should questions or concerns arise.
Year 9 and 10 Curriculum
The 2010 Middle School Handbook covers general information about the school. This includes an overveiw of the curriculm and details of the core subjects offered at Years 9 and 10.
You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the .pdf file.
Download Middle School Handbook
The Middle School Elective Handbook provides detailed information concerning the electives offered at Years 9 & 10.
Download Middle School Electives Handbook
The elective selection form for Year 9 students commencing Year 10 in 2010 is now available.
Download Year 9 Elective Selection Form
VCE Course Counselling and Subject Selection
All Year 10 girls spend time with a member of the course counselling team so that they fully understand the VCE requirements and are guided towards making the most appropriate course selection for the following 2 years.
The VCE Handbook for Year 10 students is now available for download. It contains vital information about VCE and the subjects on offer.
Download VCE Handbook
The course selection form for Year 10 students commencing Year 11 in 2010 is now available.
Download Year 10 Course Selection Form
Co-curricular program
All Year 9s and 10s are encouraged to participate in our wide co-curricular program which covers a huge array of sports, music, drama, debating, social service, clubs and interest groups. There is something for everyone at Mac.Rob and if girls wish to start up a new club or group, the opportunity exists to do so.
Student Welfare
If any girls are experiencing any difficulties at the school, they can make an appointment to see the Student Welfare Coordinator. She is available every day to discuss their concerns. In addition there are Peer Support leaders, specially trained Year 12 students, who are available at lunchtimes to offer support, friendship and advice. In addition the school runs Resilience training for all Year 9 girls.
Year 9 Transition
Orientation Day
Orientation Day is held in early December. This is an opportunity for students to meet the girls who will be in their form the following year as well as some of their teachers. They are placed in their House and meet the House Captains. They also meet the student leaders for the following year and learn about the extensive co-curricular program. In addition the girls meet their LINKS Leaders on this day. The LINKS Leaders are specially selected Year 10 girls whose job is to look after the Year 9s, act as a role model, offer advice and answer any questions or concerns they may have. A number of LINKS Leaders are allocated to each Year 9 form. Finally, girls are required to bring their Passports on this day. This is a special document in which they describe themselves – their strengths, hobbies, interests, awards and achievements. The Year 9 Coordinators read these documents and give a summary to the Year 9 teachers so they can help get to know the girls better.
First Day
To help ease the transition process, welcoming the year 9 students is the focus of the first day. They have an information session with their form teacher and Year 9 Coordinators and a BBQ lunch with their LINKS Leaders.
The School Day
We have a strong emphasis on pastoral care and you will find everyone is very friendly. Form assembly is held after recess each day. The form teacher, who is also one of the classroom teachers, takes great care of the girls. Form assembly is a time to hand out important information, mark the roll and check uniform. Each form also elects a Form Captain, an SRC representative who will raise important school issues at the regular SRC meetings, a Social Service representative who looks after fundraising activities and an Environment representative who helps to look after recycling and the school environment.
There are 6 periods each day. On Mondays we hold either a general assembly in the Hall or a sub-school (Years 9 and 10 or Years 11 and 12) assembly where we organise separate events for these girls. In addition there are House assemblies each Monday. At recess and lunchtime the canteen is open. Girls can purchase hot food, sandwiches and drinks or bring lunch from home. The girls are not allowed to leave the school grounds at lunchtime. On Wednesdays formal classes finish at 1:35. This is a time for unscheduled school activities such as sports practice, music and drama rehearsals and excursions. A lot of the time students may be able to go home early, but this time must be kept free for school activities.
Traffic Safety
Classes start at 8:30 each morning so it is essential that your daughter gets to school by 8:20. Punctuality is very important. The increased travel may be one of the biggest changes girls' experience. Girls often have to get up much earlier and arrive home much later. To help overcome any concerns about travel, incoming Year 9 students are matched with an older girl who travels on the same train, tram or bus route. In addition the Year 9 Coordinators run a Traffic Safety program early in the year so that girls are aware of the potential dangers of crossing St Kilda Road and Kings Way.
Year 9 Camps
The Year Level Coordinators and Head of Middle School run each of the Year 9 Orientation Camps in February. This camp is a fantastic opportunity for the girls to get to know one another and some of their teachers. The camp is a wonderful experience with a focus on cohesiveness, teamwork and friendship. There are many exciting adventure activities each day including abseilling, rafting, a ropes course and bike riding. There is also time to relax by the pool and chat with friends. Evening activities include a trivia quiz, square dancing and a concert devised by the girls themselves. We strongly encourage everyone to attend.
Parent Information Session
To further help with transition we have another information session early in the new year. This is an opportunity for parents to meet the Coordinators and discuss any queries or concerns they may have regarding their daughter’s transition. This is followed by a lunch provided by the Parents’ Association which gives parents an opportunity to meet teachers and other parents in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Year 10 programs
Year 10 is a very busy year at Mac.Rob and there are many exciting opportunities for the girls. There are numerous leadership programs in which the girls can participate such as becoming a LINKS Leader, being a tour guide for Open Days, speaking to prospective parents, singing at the Legacy ANZAC Day ceremony and organising joint activities with Melbourne High School. Many Year 10 girls also take up the chance to apply for a student exchange to Japan, France or Germany. All girls have the opportunity to undertake some VCE units, including VET studies and many attend Master Classes run by various universities.
Work Experience program
The Work Experience program is conducted in the first 2 weeks of December. The girls are responsible for organising 1 or 2 one-week placements at a location (or locations) of their choice. Through this process they learn job application and interview skills. The work experience gives the girls valuable information about the world of work and helps them to determine their future career path.
Careers Fast Track
To help the girls consider their prospective career path, the Careers Coordinator organises extensive careers counselling for them. The girls complete a career interest test and a Myers-Briggs analysis and have an interview with a trained careers counsellor in order to determine their occupational preferences.
“Keys Please”
All Year 10 girls and their parents have the opportunity to participate in this program run by Vic Roads to assist learner drivers and their families understand the importance and significance of 100 hours of practice before going for their licence.
Anne Stout
Head of Middle School
Contact: 9864 7782.
