THE McDONALD COLLEGE

The Mcdonald College 3. performing arts in Australian schools.

Principal's Message

As a parent myself, I know that choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. One of the best ways to decide if The McDonald College is the right place for your child is to experience the reality of a normal school day. We offer a series of information events that I encourage you to attend. My personal tour is also a good way for me to get to know a bit about you and your child – and for you to get to know a little about me. We can organise tours outside these times, but if you can come through the school day, you will get a much better feel for the inclusive community that we have cultivated and see how our students genuinely enjoy coming to school every day. My purpose is to ensure that every child, whose education has been entrusted to us, is nurtured to fulfil their potential while pursuing their performance passion. This is the reason why I was motivated to co-founded the College and is the reason I still find daily joy and fulfilment in my role as Principal. Enjoy looking around our website to gain a better understanding of how we can nurture your child. Join us on socials to read about some of our student’s successes. If you decide to book a time with me, I encourage you to come to our meeting with in-depth questions, so you feel fully informed before applying to the College. I look forward to meeting you and your child soon. -Maxine Kohler (Principal) MEd DipTch (RAD) MACE

Truly the only school of its kind in Australia.

The The McDonald College is a K-12 school in North Strathfield specialising in performing arts and elite sports.

Performing Arts: What sets The McDonald College apart from any other school is that the performing arts are integrated into the course of a normal school day with students usually spending up to two hours a day in their chosen discipline which include:

Acting
Classical Ballet
Contemporary Dance (in partnership with Sydney Dance Company)
Dance
Music
Musical Theatre
Technical Production

Elite Tennis: Similar to the performing arts, elite tennis is integrated into everyday learning with students spending up to two hours daily with The McDonald College’s partner provider Voyager Tennis Academy.

Boarding House: The McDonald College provides accommodation for boarders of all genders from Year 7, catering for full boarders and occasional boarders, depending on students’ needs. The primary focus is to provide a secure, safe, caring and family-oriented environment. An environment where students can develop academically, socially, physically and emotionally, all while pursuing their passion — whether that be in performing arts or elite sports. Strong community values, together with holistic guidance and support for boarders, create close family-like relationships that last long after graduation.

Facilities: The college has nine fully equipped dance studios with sprung floors; a dedicated Pilates studio; multiple music rooms and acting studios; a recording studio; a Blackbox 60-seat theatrette and a conference centre for large-scale performances, in addition to a dedicated costume department. Elite tennis at Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush is just five minutes away. The college also has science laboratories; two libraries; multiple art and design and technology studios, a developing fabrication lab; a darkroom; an exhibition gallery; and a multipurpose court.

Alumni: Emma Watkins, the former Yellow Wiggle; Lachlan Monaghan, Principal Dancer, Birmingham Royal Ballet; Emily Flannery and Glory Tuohy-Daniell, dancers with Bangara Dance Theatre; Bojana Novakovic, 2022 Silver Logie nominee for Most Popular Actress; Ayesha Madon, actor Heartbreak High; Meg Mac, musician; Tim Draxl, Logie and AACTA nominated actor and performer; Felicity Ward, comedian, actor and writer; Dimity Clancey, 60 Minutes; Mariam Saab, ABC News.

Open days and auditions: The college holds a series of Open Days and Auditions throughout the year. Principal’s Tours are available by appointment.

Principal: Ms Maxine Kohler.

School Information

Type: Independent
Coeducational or single-sex: Coeducational
Faith-based: Non - denominational
Year: Kindergarten - Year 12
Day/Boarding: Day and Boarding
Enrolment: 300 students
Interview Required Upon Enrolment: Yes
International Baccalaureate Programs offered: N/A
ESL Support: Yes
Scholarships Available: Yes
Gifted and Talented Program: N/A
Preschool or Early Learning Centre: N/A
After School Care/ OOSH Options: None
Fees: Please see the website.
Address:17 George Street, North Strathfield, 2137
Email:registrar@mcdonald.nsw.edu.au
Phone:+61 2 9752 0500
Website Event URL Enrolment URL View Virtual Tour
HSC/VCE Subjects offered:Business Studies; Design and Technology; English — all levels; History — Ancient, and Modern; Dance (HSC); Drama Music — all levels (HSC); Legal Studies; Mathematics — all levels; PDHPE; Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; and Visual Arts.
Entry Year for Boarding:Year 7
Special Needs Support:Learning disability