Principal’s Update | December, 2025.
Principal’s Update.
__________
As we come to the end of another remarkable year at Mac.Rob, I have been reflecting on just how productive – and heartening – 2025 has been. Across learning, wellbeing, buildings and grounds, co-curricular life and community connections, there has been a strong sense of purpose and momentum.
At the centre of this has been our unwavering focus on learning and wellbeing. Our Learner Model, now in its second year, is increasingly visible in classrooms and programs across the school. Students, staff and families are deepening their understanding of this shared language of learning, and we are seeing real benefits: better emotional regulation, more confident academic risk-taking, stronger partnerships between teachers and students, and clearer pathways for every learner to achieve mastery – of skills, knowledge and of self. In a world being rapidly reshaped by artificial intelligence, equipping our young people with adaptability, critical thinking, empathy, problem solving and communication remains one of the most important things we can do.
__________
Year 12 Results.
Left to right: Grace Li, Sue Harrap, and Mireille Ho.
We are so proud of all of our VCE students for their stellar results, the best in 7 years on every measure. Beyond the scores, we celebrate a group of role models who focused on supporting each other’s growth. Congratulations to all students and to our VCE top achievers - Mireille Ho and Grace Li - who achieved perfect scores of 99.95. Congratulations also to Grace Cai and Victoria Do with 99.9. We can't wait to celebrate our IB-DP students on 18th December.
Median ATAR: 95.7 (up from 95.53)
ATARs over 99: 14.4% (up from 12.7% in 2024)
ATARs over 90: 81% (up from 73.1% in 2024)
Median Study Score: 37 (the same as in 2024)
Mean Study Score: 37.1 (up from 36.6 in 2024)
Percentage of Study Scores over 40: 34.86% (up from 31.49 in 2024)
Perfect Scores: 24 study scores of 50 achieved across 11 subjects (up from 18 in 2024)
Congratulations to every student on achieving their personal best.
__________
Learning, exams and transition.
Families attend the Orientation Day morning tea, provided by the PA.
Our senior students have again shown impressive determination and maturity. Over four weeks our Year 12s, and Year 11s undertaking VCE Units 3 & 4, completed their VCE and IB examinations with calm focus. We were so proud of the way they approached this crucial period and we now look forward to celebrating their results when they are released in December.
Beyond the results themselves, we continue to strengthen the learning and feedback cycle. Exam Feedback Day saw students and staff working closely together to analyse end-of-year exams. Engagement was high, the Learner Model was strongly reinforced, and student surveys reflected high levels of satisfaction and learning from the process.
This year we also introduced a new VCE preparation program for our Year 10s, in direct response to feedback from students and staff about the challenges of transitioning into VCE and life beyond school. Over two days, students explored wellbeing and VCE processes, celebrated their growth, built study skills around time management and beating procrastination, developed job readiness and interview skills, learned how VCE assessment and scaling work, and heard from a panel of recent graduates. We believe this program will set a strong foundation for their senior years.
Our transition programs more broadly have been a highlight. We welcomed our new Year 10 and 11 students at orientation, spending time with both students and their families to help them feel part of the Mac.Rob community from day one. Our new Year 9s and their families joined us for their orientation day, supported by our Year 10 Peer Support leaders and a wonderful welcome from the Parents’ Association, including morning tea and a second-hand uniform sale.
To further strengthen early connections, we have introduced Year 9 induction meetings – another new initiative this year. These meetings are designed to help us get to know students and families before they begin, so we can better support their transition and learning. We are hopeful that this, along with other initiatives, will continue to improve the experience of students.
All students rolled into their 2026 classes in our Kickstart program. This early start completed the first full week of 2026 learning before the holidays, giving students a modest amount of holiday homework and a strong academic foundation for the year ahead.
__________
A vibrant Term 4.
The final weeks of the year have been particularly busy and joyful. Week 9 is a perfect snapshot of the rich experiences on offer:
Year 11s are heading off to a three-day camp at Phillip Island, accompanied by 32 staff, to build leadership, resilience and connection.
Year 10s are completing their new VCE preparation program and then celebrating together with a day at Luna Park.
Year 9s are engaging in Connect Clash – a creative, collaborative competition where Connect groups battle it out across a series of challenges.
We also hosted our Gifted Outreach Expo, a program delivered in partnership with the other three selective schools for highly able Year 5 and 6 students. Guided by Mac.Rob student mentors, the children have been working on projects linked to the UN Global Sustainability Goals and presenting their learning to families and teachers. This program is a key part of our commitment to outreach, particularly in under-represented communities, and to dispelling myths about selective school environments.
Our year has been punctuated by other important Term 4 milestones:
A beautiful Year 12 Graduation at the Pullman on the Park, where many students and families shared how their Mac.Rob journey has changed their lives.
A joyful Presentation Night at the Palais Theatre – a true celebration of our students’ achievements and talents, with memorable contributions from our guest speakers and music ensembles.
Our final celebration assembly on the last day for students; this is the chance to come together as a whole school before the holidays and celebrate 2025 together.
__________
Co-curricular excellence and community spirit.
Throughout 2025, our co-curricular program has continued to flourish and remains a defining feature of life at Mac.Rob.
In the Performing Arts, hundreds of students have been involved in productions and events, from our exuberant combined musical The Pirates of Penzance and the powerful combined play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time with Melbourne High School, to a stunning Winter Concert at Hamer Hall and our vibrant House music, drama and dance competitions. These experiences not only showcase talent but also build confidence, collaboration and joy.
Our debating and public speaking program has gone from strength to strength, with over 100 students competing in the Debating Association of Victoria’s Toorak region, multiple undefeated teams, five teams reaching finals and two Swannie Award winners recognised as the best speakers in their grades. Our Chess team has again reached the National Finals, with five students representing Mac.Rob at the national tournament.
In sport, six teams competed in State Finals, with our Senior and Intermediate Badminton, Ultimate Frisbee and Senior Table Tennis teams all finishing as State Runners Up. The Spirit of the Sport honours awarded to our Senior Badminton and Ultimate Frisbee teams were especially pleasing, recognising sportsmanship, teamwork and integrity. We also celebrate the many students who competed at State level in swimming, cross country and athletics – including those who earned medals – and the four students selected for School Sport Victoria’s Team Vic program, as well as a remarkable national-level achievement in table tennis.
Our continued relationship with Adelaide High School saw us once again host students and staff, strengthening connections and friendships – and, as a bonus, seeing the Prefects Cup return to Mac.Rob this year.
These achievements are important not simply for trophies or rankings, but because they build skills, confidence, connection, balance and happiness. When students feel these things, they flourish as learners and as people.
__________
Buildings, grounds and facilities.
Construction underway in the new Kingsway Science Lab.
Behind the scenes, a great deal of work has also gone into improving our physical environment.
The major renovations in the Kingsway building – creating a new science lab and a welcoming, private wellbeing and careers centre – have progressed extremely well. We have been delighted with our architect and building teams, and the project is on track for completion by 19 December, without significant disruption to learning. We have also purchased additional outdoor furniture, with umbrellas arriving soon to ensure more comfortable, welcoming outdoor spaces for students in 2026.
Looking ahead, concept planning has commenced for canteen improvements.
__________
School improvement and partnerships.
Our 2025 Annual Implementation Plan priorities have been supported by strong survey data, with almost every measure in the Parent Survey improving again this year. This feedback is heartening and reflects the collective effort of staff, students and families to keep learning and wellbeing at the heart of our work.
We are also watching closely the implementation of the Social Media Ban for young people under 16, which commenced earlier this month. While we have limited detail at this stage about school-based implications, our existing mobile phone policy is strongly aligned with the intent of the ban, and we will continue to support and promote it. Educational use of platforms such as YouTube will be able to continue under our existing filtered arrangements.
None of this would be possible without the strength of our partnerships. Our School Council, Parents’ Association, Palladians Association, Mac.Rob Foundation and many community partners all play a vital role in supporting our students and our school.
A particular thank you is due to Jasmine Wan, who concludes her time as President of the Parents’ Association (PA) with the graduation of her twin daughters. Over the past three years Jasmine has been tireless in bringing parents together and supporting our community – from Bunnings BBQs, second-hand uniform sales, the International Ball and welcome morning teas, to World Teachers’ Day celebrations and monthly online parent chats. Under her leadership the Parents’ Association has contributed to tangible improvements such as additional outdoor furniture and has been a constant presence at major school events. We are deeply grateful for her energy, generosity and care. We look forward to a productive and engaging relationship with our next PA president - whom ever that may be.
__________
Thank you and best wishes.
As we close the year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to:
Our students – for your inclusiveness, creativity, curiosity, humour, aspirations and the way you lift one another up. You inspire us every single day.
Our staff – for your expertise, care and dedication, and for the countless visible and invisible ways you support student growth and wellbeing.
Our families – for the trust you place in us and the partnership you form with the school.
Our School Council, Parents’ Association, Palladians, Mac.Rob Foundation and community partners – for your leadership, advocacy, fundraising and support.
Our graduating Class of 2025 – for your leadership, maturity and for the legacy of inclusion, collaboration and purpose you leave behind. Once a Mac.Robbian, always a Mac.Robbian.
Thank you all for the part you have played in making 2025 such a productive, joyful and successful year for Mac.Rob.
I wish every member of our community a restful, safe and rejuvenating summer break. May it be a time to slow down, reconnect with family and friends, and find moments of joy and peace. We are proud of how far we have come together, and we look forward with excitement to all that awaits us in 2026.
Kind regards,
Sue Harrap | Principal
Parent Contributions for 2026.
We are pleased to let you know that the 2026 Voluntary Parent Contributions are now available on Compass.
Since opening in 1934, Mac.Rob has left an indelible mark on generations of students who have gone on to become leaders, researchers, innovators, and changemakers. Your contributions help us continue this proud legacy by supporting:
High-quality teaching and learning programs.
Enrichment, clubs, and co-curricular opportunities.
Wellbeing supports and services, including our school nurse.
Robust IT infrastructure and classroom technology.
Safe, engaging, and continually improving facilities.
Every contribution — of any size — directly enhances the educational experience we are able to provide. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our families, which strengthens our capacity to challenge, inspire, and empower our exceptional young people.
Families can view the 2026 Parent Payment Policies on the Family Portal. To help answer some common questions about voluntary payments, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section has been included at the end of the policy, but if you have any additional questions about parent contributions, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly office staff.
Phone: 9864 7700 | Email: office@macrob.vic.edu.au
What’s On at Mac.Rob.
International Women’s Day Breakfast 2026.
Friends, families, and students of Mac.Rob are warmly invited to join us for our annual International Women's Day Breakfast, as we reflect on progress, call for change, and celebrate the courage and determination of those who have changed the face of gender equality. Held in the historic Mac.Rob Hall, the IWD breakfast brings together leaders and changemakers who are redefining innovation – creating new social, economic and cultural codes for a gender equal future, and connecting our vibrant community with our students, staff, and families.
__________
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY BREAKFAST | 2026
When: Friday, March 20th, 2025 | 8:00am - 10:00am
Formalities commence at 8:15am; please allow time to arrive and be seated prior to 8:15am.
Where: The Mac.Rob Hall, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, 350–370 Kings Way, Melbourne, 2004
Tickets: $65.00 full / $35 student & concession, per person.
Ticket price includes breakfast, tea, coffee and juice, keynote speaker, and Q&A session.
The International Women's Day Breakfast is an inclusive event for all members of our Mac.Rob community. Students, families, alumni, and friends of all genders are warmly welcome to attend. There is no limit to the number of tickets that families can purchase.
Student Highlights.
__________
Chamber Voices Christmas Carolling.
Chamber Voices choir at St Vincent’s.
On Thursday, December 11th, Chamber Voices had the great privilege of visiting St Vincent's Hospital to perform Christmas Carols and bring a bit of festive cheer to patients, staff and visitors. We were met by Greg and Andy of the Pastoral Care team and welcomed warmly by hospital staff. Our first performance was in the foyer of St Vincent's Private, followed by a set in the main foyer of the public hospital building.
We performed traditional carols like Silent Night and Joy to the World, along with modern classics such as Winter Wonderland and All I Want For Christmas is You. It was a truly rewarding experience seeing the smiles on the faces of those watching, not to mention the nurses singing and dancing along! As pastoral care staff member Andy said, “The people who stop to listen are the ones who need it the most”, and we felt honoured to be a bright part of their day. Thank you to St Vincent's Hospital for inviting us to perform, and we can't wait to return next year!
__________
My Yale Experience.
Over the Term 3 holidays, I had the opportunity to attend Yale as a Yale Young Global Scholar. I undertook a program called ‘Solving Global Challenges’ and attended lectures, seminars and worked on team projects which I found to be incredibly rewarding. While living on campus, exploring the New Haven area and taking part in all the activities was really fun, the highlight of my trip was meeting lots of internationally minded people. I was able to have insightful conversations with those with differing perspectives, which really opened my eyes to new experiences and viewpoints of the world.
I found the YYGS program to be an amazing experience and if you are interested in applying, applications for Summer 2026 are now open.
Reina C.
__________
SENS Cup.
On Thursday, 23rd October, we had the privilege of hosting SENS Cup, an incredible interschool event run in collaboration with Melbourne High School, Nossal High School, and Suzanne Cory High School.
This year’s SENS Cup was extra special, because for the first time ever, the competition involved House vs House events, instead of school vs school! Across all four schools, students competed in eight exciting events; four sporting and four non-sporting, each encouraging teamwork, connection and creativity.
At Mac.Rob, we proudly hosted Table Tennis and Theatre Sports, and what an amazing experience it was! The energy was high as students from all four schools came together, forming new friendships and showcasing incredible house spirit. From fierce rallies at the tables to improvisation on stage, every moment was filled with laughter, teamwork, and sportsmanship and we were so happy to see the amount of participation and connection!
The day ended on a high note with Blue House taking home the overall win, (Congratulations Naiads!!) But still, every house brought their A-game and made the event a highlight of our year!
For us as the Year 10 SRC Team, SENS Cup was the culmination of months of planning, meetings, and collaboration. From SENS Summit back in Term 2, to running sign-ups, shortlisting applicants, and finally bringing the event to life, it’s been such a rewarding journey and we are so thankful!
We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with SENS SRC members from all schools, it was an amazing experience! We’d also like to say a massive thank you to all the teachers who supported us, whether by volunteering on the day, helping with logistics and materials, or helping us bring our ideas to life! In particular, we’d like to give a special shoutout to Ms. Williams for her guidance, encouragement, and endless support in helping us turn our ideas into reality, we couldn’t have done it without her!
Finally, to our Year 10 student helpers and every SENS participant, thank you! Your enthusiasm and spirit made the day even better than we imagined and we hope you enjoy yourselves as much as we enjoyed running it!
Aarya, Aashini, Lauren, Mila, Prithika, Sukhmani
Year 10 SRC Engagement Team
__________
Victorian Association of Philosophy in Schools (VAPS) Annual Conference.
Mac.Rob presented a workshop titled “Using Texts to teach Year 10 Philosophy and Improve English Outcomes” for teachers from a wide range of school settings at the recent state conference. It was a well attended workshop to learn how to use narratives for critical and creative thinking development in the face of increasing reliance on AI. This may not sound exciting but amongst the recommendations from our curriculum choices, Homer’s epic poetry: Circe and the Cyclops and Virginia Woolf’s feminist novel, A Room of One’s Own, we presented three students’ work as exemplary models of writing for the purpose of a resource for teachers to use in their schools with their students.
We would like to acknowledge the writing expertise of Nikki K (10G) and Ridhi P (10G) who authored the contemporary myth, The Witches of Mac.Rob, enabling teachers to understand the purpose of traditional and modern myth making. The teachers enjoyed the clever plot and narrative, especially the references to historical events and the students’ poignant message. Congratulations Nikki and Ridhi.
After deconstructing Woolf’s text into a philosophical extended argument, Aahana G’s (10L) critical and creative assessment resulted in a novella titled, A Space For Thought. Written as an artistic and contemporary companion to Woolf’s text, teachers were impressed with the powerfully constructed argument and narrative presented in thirteen chapters of carefully executed language. The teachers engaged in a lively discussion about the quality of the meaningful writing style that was empowered by the study of philosophical concepts around critical thinking skills. Aahana’s beautifully written novella will be added to the Mac.Rob library catalogue for students to borrow for quiet reading and as inspiration for future student writing. The text will be displayed at the Library Desk for student borrowing during the first week of academic classes in 2026. Congratulations to our three amazing authors.
Deborah Cordingley, Philosophy Teacher