Mac.Rob School Leaders
Middle School Staff | Years 9 - 10
Senior School Staff | Years 11 - 12
School values, vision, and mission.
At Mac.Rob, we value the steps along the way. Our school inspires active engagement in a breadth of experiences and encourages collaboration; our students understand that we learn best when we collaborate with others, and that achievement is most rewarding when it is shared. We trust in the capacity of our young people to make meaningful contributions to the school - through collaboration with staff in learning and decision making, and through expansive leadership, co-curricular and social service opportunities at Mac.Rob.
Our four school values are:
Community: We are an inclusive community built on positive relationships, and a strong sense of belonging. We value diversity and appreciate those around us for their similarities and differences. We are internationally-minded and value our place in our local and global context.
Growth: We seek challenges in order to grow, and are resilient in the face of adversity. We are curious, collaborative and passionate about learning. We celebrate success and aspire to be our best selves in all aspects of life.
Responsibility: We are agents in our own learning, and we foster leadership through action. We take responsibility for ourselves and each other, and we contribute to school life and our broader communities.
Compassion: We are interested in the lives and perspectives of others. We value every member of our school and wider communities. We treat people with respect, and offer support to those who need it.
Our aim is to develop curious, motivated, and critical thinkers who show compassion for others, pursue personal growth, demonstrate respect for their community, and explore disciplines and opportunities they are truly passionate about.
Motto: Potens Sui - Mastery of Self.
Mission: As an inclusive and globally-minded school, Mac.Rob’s mission is to provide an enriching environment for highly able students - one where there is belonging, collaboration, and continuous growth.
Vision: Honouring diversity, inspiring curiosity and creativity. Transforming lives.
History of your school.
The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School traces its origin to the first Victorian State Secondary School - the Melbourne Continuation School - which opened in Spring Street in 1905.
The Melbourne Continuation School allowed young people to continue their education beyond Year 8. It was originally a co-education school until a new school for the male students was opened at Forrest Hill in 1927. This was the beginning of Melbourne High School. The girls remained in the original Spring Street building, which was renamed as Melbourne Girls' High School. When this building was condemned in 1930, the students were moved to Government House at Ripponlea, until they moved again, in 1933, to State School No.1689 in King Street.
In 1934, Sir MacPherson Robertson, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and inventor of the Freddo Frog and Cherry Ripe, made a gift of £100,000 pounds in honour of Victoria’s centenary, £40,000 pounds of which was to be spent providing a new girls' high school. The present building, designed by architect Norman Seabrook, was officially opened as The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School on November 7th, 1934.
More recent funding in the 1980s enabled Mac.Rob to expand, adding two further buildings which accommodate the Learning Resource Centre; dedicated Music, Visual Arts and Theatre learning areas; Information Technology and a well equipped Gymnasium.
In 1987, the school’s striking main building was deemed worthy of conserving and protecting for future generations, and given a National Trust Classification.
In 2022, a renovation of the Lakeside Building was undertaken to provide the school’s 1150 students with a state-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre, dynamic new classroom spaces, and integrated outdoor performance and recreation areas. This renovation is due to open in readiness for the 2023 school year.
The Mac.Rob experience.
Mac.Rob is a unique educational experience that offers our high-achieving students a wide range of opportunities, extra-curricular programs, and extension activities to challenge and engage them. As a Mac.Rob staff member, we encourage you to get involved in these programs, and contribute to our vibrant community through participation in a school-wide Carnival or sporting event, House programs, musical or theatrical performances, and lunchtime activities.
Swimming Carnival
The annual House Swimming Carnival is the first major whole-school event of the year, and an opportunity for students and staff to contribute to the school's vibrant House culture.
Year 9 Camp
Year 9 camp is a chance for students to step outside their comfort zone and experience what being a Mac.Rob student is all about! Just one of our great events you can get involved in.
Mac.Rob's School Values
In 2021, Mac.Rob launched our new school values - community, growth, responsibility, and compassion. Hear what these mean to our students and staff!
Community connections.
Connect, engage, and celebrate with Mac.Rob! As a parent, carer, or family member of Mac.Rob, you're part of a vibrant, inclusive community that's here to support you and
your family both during and after your time at our school. Use the links below to explore the range of services, support, and resources we provide to you, your family, and your child.
The Palladians are the alumni society of Mac.Rob and provide a range of resources to families.
The Mac.Rob Foundation provides support and bursaries, grants to students and families.
Parents Association
All families are invited to become involved with the Parents' Association of Mac.Rob.
Follow our official Facebook page for images, videos, and updates on school events and activities.
General Information (A-Z)
Canteen
The school canteen operates daily for students and staff during recess and lunchtime. Payments can be made via both cash and debit/credit card. Please be aware that students are not able to leave school grounds to purchase food and drinks, and should ensure they bring lunch (or means to purchase lunch) with them daily.
Compass
Compass is an essential part of learning and communication at Mac.Rob. Information about what is happening within the school is provided to parents via Compass, as well as information about reports, attendance, payment / finance, and timetabling. Students and families are encouraged to check their email and the Compass Newsfeed daily for updates and important information.
House Activities Program
Students are allocated to one of four Houses: Dryads (green), Naiads (blue), Nereids (white), Oreads (red). House meetings are held each Monday during the ‘assembly block’ on the timetable. The highlights of the House Activities Program are the House Swimming and Athletics Carnivals, and competitions in music and drama. The House Activities are designed to foster team spirit and enjoyment. All students are encouraged to support and participate in the program.
Illness
Students who are unwell should remain at home until they are recovered to return to school. If students become unwell or injured at school, we have a First Aid Assistant to support students who are unwell on school grounds. Parent consent will be sought for any student that is unwell needing to return home early. Families are advised that the school is not able to dispense medication to students without a specific note from parents/carers. Students are asked to provide their own items of medication (e.g. ventolin) and personal hygiene products.
Learning Resource Centre (LRC)
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is open from 8:00am to 3:30pm each day. The librarians are available to attend to the needs of students. Loans are usually made for a fourteen-day period and students need their compass card to borrow resources; reference loans, however, are only made overnight. The LRC is also available to all students as a study space.
Lockers
Each student is allocated a lock and locker. Lockers should be kept locked to secure belongings and valuables. Lockers are allocated annually. It is the responsibility of each student to maintain their locker in a clean and hygienic manner.
Palladians
Palladians is the name of the Mac.Rob alumni association. Through the Palladians and their newsletter, ex-students are able to maintain their ties with the school. Reunions and other social occasions are organised regularly, and families are encouraged to engage with the Palladians during and after their time at Mac.Rob.
Presentation Night
Presentation Night is the major event in the school calendar, held at Hamer Hall in Term 4 each year. Attendance is compulsory for all students, and families are warmly invited to attend. Presentation Night is highlighted by performances from the various music groups within the school, and a celebration of academic achievement, leadership, community contribution and the House Activities program.
Student Wellbeing
Students are able to access support for Wellbeing at Mac.Rob through our Middle School team. The Mac.Rob Wellbeing staff are: Head of Wellbeing, Bridget McPherson; two psychologists; and two counsellors, who support a broad range of needs in students. Students who would like to access Wellbeing services can do so by contacting their Year Level Coordinator or Head of School.