Principal’s Update | June, 2026.
Principal’s Update.
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As we draw to the end of Term 2, I want to congratulate the Mac.Rob community on another stellar term of personal and learning growth, thank them for their continued outstanding engagement with our vibrant community, and wish everyone a happy, safe, and restful holiday break.
It has been an incredibly vibrant, busy, and productive few weeks at our school. From showcase musical collaborations and major academic milestones, to welcoming thousands of prospective families through our testing processes, our students and staff have truly shown the strength of our school spirit.
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International Ball.
Staff at the International Ball photobooth.
The annual International Ball was a huge success on Friday, May 22nd at the St Kilda Town Hall. The sold-out event was a relaxed, warm, and exciting evening, and a true celebration of our multiculturalism and community. A huge thank you to the many staff who contributed to its success, particularly Daniel Mechelen and Rehana Ziyad.
Additionally, thanks goes to the Palladians and Parents’ Association for the donations of the photo booths, and to Dr. Vicky Au (a Palladian and recent inductee into the Portrait Gallery) for donating the DJ. Vicky also attended and had a great evening with us all. It was lovely to have such strong School Council representation on the night; we managed to get a spot in the queue for the photo booth to mark the occasion.
You can read more about the International Ball here.
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Professional Learning Day.
Teaching and ES staff celebrate PL Day 2026.
On Thursday, May 28th we had a pupil-free professional learning day for staff, where we made the next significant step in our strategic plan. Our focus was on gaining alignment and consistent, effective practice in the construction of developmental rubrics and progressions. This ties to the overarching focus of maximising growth and being able to track it over time, rather than reinforcing the focus on performance.
Over the course of the next 18 months and more, assessments will use developmental rubrics as the basis for feedback, highlighting next steps and exemplars. We will spend time educating parents about how to read and use these rubrics effectively.
Developmental rubrics align with the Learner Model and are good for both students and staff because they:
Focus on growth - not performance & marks.
Are developmental not deficit.
Enhance teacher metacognition - knowing the learning pathway better.
Enhance teacher alignment - consistency in curriculum & assessment.
Enhance student metacognition - which improves learning & wellbeing.
Enhance student agency -which improves learning & wellbeing.
Enhance differentiation - which improves learning & wellbeing.
Enhances feedback - self, peer and teacher feedback and feedforward.
The similarities and differences between rubrics and progressions.
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Reconciliation Week: May 27th - June 3rd.
The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) group held several events over the course of the past week to celebrate and acknowledge the histories, culture, knowledge, and traditions of our First Peoples. This year’s theme is “All In”, reminding us that reconciliation is for us all, and should not be a spectator sport.
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Celebrating the Arts: The Big Sing.
Our recent Big Sing event was an absolute triumph. This unique collaboration with Melbourne High School brought together voices from across both of our school communities, showcasing not only the immense musical talent of our students but also the power of collective harmony. It was a joyful reminder of how music connects us all. I congratulate every student and staff member who poured their energy into making this concert such a resounding success.
A reminder that tickets are still on sale for the upcoming Winter Concert on Monday, July 13th. Tickets are selling fast, so book now to avoid disappointment!
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Looking Ahead: 2027 Course Selection & Pathways.
While we are firmly focused on a strong finish to this semester, strategic planning for the future is already well underway.
Parent Information Evening: On Wednesday, June 3rd, we hosted our 2027 Course Information Evening for parents of our current Year 9 and 10 students. A huge thank you to Josie Phillips, Daniel Crowe, Samuel Crocket, and Amber Munro for their exceptional work in organising this evening and guiding our families through the senior pathways.
Next Steps for Families: Comprehensive curriculum guides, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and other resources are readily available on the Family Portal for your review.
Student Connect Sessions: In tandem with the parent evening, students have been participating in targeted course information sessions during Connect periods to help them thoughtfully map out their 2027 subjects and long-term goals.
Important Future Dates: Please mark your calendars for the Course Conversation Day (Thursday, July 16th),and the due date for final subject selections (Wednesday, July 22nd).
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Academic Excellence & Competitions.
Our students continue to challenge themselves on the national stage, demonstrating exceptional academic grit across multiple disciplines:
Year 9 History Competition: 150 of our Year 9 students recently sat the National History competition. This experience offers our cohort a fantastic opportunity to test their critical thinking and source analysis skills while providing the school with valuable insights into how our students' knowledge compares on a national scale.
Science Olympiads: Our Year 9 and 10 science enthusiasts have also been putting their problem-solving skills to the test in the demanding Science Olympiad competitions. We commend these students for stepping outside their comfort zones to tackle these elite STEM challenges.
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Assessments, Admissions & Logistics.
The past week has seen some monumental logistical feats across the school, managing both vital senior assessments and the intake testing for future generations of students.
TheGAT & Report Writing Day: On Tuesday, June 16th, our campus fell quiet as 620 senior students diligently completed the General Achievement Test (GAT) across two intensive sessions. Simultaneously, our staff dedicated the day to assessment and reporting.
Year 10 & 11 Entrance Testing: On Monday, June 15th, we opened our doors to approximately 300 external candidates sitting the entrance exam, hoping to secure a place in Years 10 and 11 for 2027.
Year 9 Entrance Testing: In a massive statewide logistical operation, Mac.Rob served as a key hub on Saturday, June 20th, hosting approximately 500 of the 6,500 total students across the state sitting the ACER Year 9 selective entry exam. Thank you to all the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure these testing days ran seamlessly.
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Global Connections: Nanzan Exchange Departs.
We send our warmest wishes to our students and staff participating in the Nanzan Exchange, who departed for Japan on Wednesday, June 17th. This international exchange is a cornerstone of our language and cultural programs, offering students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese school life and culture. We wish them a safe, enriching, and unforgettable journey, and look forward to hearing their stories upon their return.
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Social Justice’s Sensational Talent Show.
Congratulations to our Social Justice leaders, Amelie and Mia, for running the Talent Show at lunchtime in the third last week of Term. It was such a lot of fun with musicians, magicians, and contortionists showing off their talent and collaboration. You can read more about the Talent Show here.
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An Early Celebration of NAIDOC Week.
National Aboriginal & Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week falls within the mid-year holidays, so we celebrated it in the last week of Term 2 at our whole school assembly. NAIDOC Week is the official name for the national week celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We welcomed Jaeden Williams, a proud Yalukit Willam Boonwurrung man, founder and director of Biik Bundjil, to our assembly. Jaeden has been partnering with us over the past two years as we work on our Reconciliation Action Plan. Jaeden shared with us some of his family’s very impressive history, some Boonwurrung language, and stories about community, connection, and Bundjil.
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House Drama.
The dramatic juices of students in each of the Houses have been flowing across the course of this Term, as they write, direct, and produce their 20 minute plays as part of HouseDrama. We had the pleasure of watching each of them perform on the second last day of term - each house demonstrating great creativity and collaboration. Congratulations to:
3rd Place: Oreads
2nd Place: Dryads & Naiads (tied)
1st Place: Nereids
Best Actor: Diya D (12J), Naiads
Best Directors: Hannah L (11L), Ahana T (11L), Bertiny T (11H) and Jessica V (11H), Dryads
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Personal External Achievements.
Scarlett C & Gemma K.
Congratulations to Geet M, Year 10, who has been selected to represent the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) at the prestigious United Kingdom Army Cadet International Exchange (UK ACIE). This is a significant achievement, as Geet is one of only 10 cadets chosen from across Australia to participate in this international program. The UK ACIE takes place from June 23rd to July 18th. The exchange program offers an incredible opportunity for cadets to engage in a range of activities, including adventure training in Wales, military-like skills development in Scotland, and cultural awareness activities in London.
The program also brings together cadets from several nations, including Estonia, India, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the United Kingdom. It provides a unique platform for participants to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while fostering cultural understanding and global connections. Geet should be immensely proud of this accomplishment, which reflects her dedication, discipline, and skills she has honed through their involvement in Cadets and other programs.
Congratulations also are extended to Scarlett C and Gemma K, who are currently working with talented students from across Victoria to prepare for the State Schools’ Spectacular. It is a wonderful achievement to be selected as part of State Schools’ most significant performing arts event.
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King's Birthday Honours.
Rod Watson, former Mac.Rob teacher, received the OAM for service to secondary education and to the community. Across a 30-year teaching and leadership career, Rod made a lasting contribution to Mathematics curriculum and assessment in Victoria. On behalf of Mac.Rob, congratulations to Rod on this outstanding achievement.
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Alumni Accolades.
International Women in Law Honours.
Marie Vassallo.
Melbourne solicitor Eugenia Mitrakas OAM (Mac.Rob alumna, Portrait Gallery Inductee, and Legal-work-based partnerships mentor for our students), has been awarded a Certificate of Special Recognition at the 2026 Women in Law Justitia Awards in Vienna, Austria. The honour celebrates the resilience and lifelong contributions of women across the global legal profession.
State President of the Country Women’s Association.
Mac.Robertson Girls' High School alumna, Marie Vassallo, has recently been elected State President of the Country Women's Association of Victoria (CWA of Victoria), one of Victoria's largest and longest-serving volunteer organisations.
Marie has been a dedicated member of the CWA of Victoria for almost two decades and has served in a range of leadership positions within the organisation. Her appointment reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, education, community service and advocacy.
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Thank you to our entire community for your ongoing support through this exceptionally busy term. We trust that holidays bring rest and relaxation for all.
Warm regards,
Sue Harrap | Principal
What’s On at Mac.Rob.
WinterConcert2026| Monday, July 13th.
Mac.Rob and Melbourne High School are proud to present their annual combined Winter Concert! Featuring a sensational program of classical and contemporary music performed by students of both schools, the Winter Concert is the highlight of the musical calendar, and not to be missed! Families and friends of both schools are warmly invited to attend this event. Tickets are now on sale - don’t miss out!
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WINTER CONCERT | 2026
When: Monday, July 13th | 7:00pm-10:00pm
Where: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
Tickets to the Winter Concert are $40 per person, or 2 for $70 (save $10), and are now on sale via the Arts Centre Melbourne website.
CombinedPlay: “TheVisit” | July 31st - August 8th.
Friends, family, and community members of Mac.Rob and Melbourne High School are warmly invited to attend the 2026 Combined School Play, The Visit!
Welcome to the town of Guellen, a non-distinct European town in an unnamed, fictional country. Guellen is poor, run-down, and unable to keep their factories running due to lack of funds. However, hope is on the horizon! One of the wealthiest women in the world, Claire Zachanassian, is returning to her impoverished hometown of Guellen and the townsfolk are hoping that she might make a generous donation…
The Visit, written by Swiss-German playwright, Friedrich Dürrenmatt, is a darkly satirical and tragic comedy that explores justice, vengeance and moral decay.
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COMBINED SCHOOL PLAY: “THE VISIT”
Written by Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Translated by Patrick Bowles & Maurice Valency
Performed by arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical
on behalf of Samuel French - A Concord Theatricals Company
Performing:
Friday, July 31st @ 7:00pm
Saturday, August 1st @ 1:00pm & 7:00pm
Friday, August 7th @ 7:00pm
Saturday, August 8th @ 1:00pm & 7:00pm
Where: Mac.Rob Hall, Level 2, Kingsway Building, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, 350-370 Kings Way.
Please enter via the Kingsway Building Reception (Entry 4), located closest to the Kings Way / Albert Road intersection.
Tickets: $20 Adult / $15 Concession.
Raffle tickets can also be purchased at the same time as online show tickets for $1 each.
Student Highlights.
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Alice Pung Author Talk.
On May 20th, Alice Pung - acclaimed author, lawyer, and Mac.Rob graduate - presented to the Year 11 English students. Some speakers demand your attention, but Ms. Pung gently invited us into her world. The school Theatre became a space of genuine connection as she explored the process behind her writing. While she carries many impressive titles, it was her kindness and authenticity that captivated us most.
She shared her early experiences of growing up in Australia, shedding light on the complex intersection of race and identity. As the daughter of Chinese-Cambodian refugees, she proudly identifies as Australian, but faced a unique dual reality. Storytelling and writing became her vital avenue for self-expression, allowing her to process these complexities and better understand her own place in the world.
Speaking from the heart about her journey as a woman and an immigrant, she made every student feel seen and heard. She didn't just teach us about the importance of writing; she gently guided us on how to use our own unique voices, leaving an unforgettable impression on us all.
We were so thankful for the opportunity to hear about her childhood and world as an author, which was definitely helpful in preparing us for our own upcoming assessments. We hope she will join us again in future years.
Ananya G & Neha P (11I)
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The Interact Club Stationery Drive.
Throughout Term 2, the Interact Club’s Stationery Drive ran as a friendly competition between Connect classes. The response has been incredible, with Connect class bags overflowing with hundreds of exercise books, pens, highlighters, colored pencils, and texters. A huge congratulations to our winning Connect class for bringing in the most donations! Your prize is on the way, but the real reward is the impact you’ve made.
We welcomed Port Phillip Rotary President Wendy Sterling to Mac.Rob to collect our massive haul. The supplies have now been delivered to a central warehouse, where volunteers will sort and pack them. Their final destination? The hands of less fortunate students in Vietnam and Cambodia, giving them the essential tools they need to thrive in school.
The Interact Club extends a heartfelt thank you to every student and parent who supported this cause. Your generosity proves that when our community connects, we can make a world of difference.
The Interact Club
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Lilly Murphy Memorial Scholarship.
I am incredibly honoured to share that I have been awarded the Lilly Murphy Memorial Scholarship by the Public Education Foundation.
The scholarship is named in memory of Lilly Murphy, a former Princes Hill Secondary College student who was passionately involved in advocacy around climate action, women's rights, First Nations sovereignty, and worker rights before her passing in 2021. Learning about Lilly's courage and commitment to equity and social justice resonated deeply with me, and it's a large part of why I applied.
At Mac.Rob, I've had the opportunity to explore leadership, give back through community service, and pursue my passion for biotechnology, with hopes of one day working towards greater healthcare equity. This scholarship feels like a meaningful step towards that goal, and a reminder that the values we hold and the work we want to do don't have to be separate things.
I was also fortunate enough to speak at this year's Proudly Public! Victoria Awards, where I had the chance to share a little more about my journey and what public education has meant to me.
Thank you to the Public Education Foundation, and to everyone at Mac.Rob who has supported me along the way.
Shreya K (11A)