THE McDONALD COLLEGE

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 McDonald College is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational K – 12 school in North Strathfield. We offer a range of programs in performing arts and elite sports with an equal focus on students’ academic studies.

  • Acting (ATYP)
  • Classical Ballet
  • Contemporary Dance (Sydney Dance Company)
  • Commercial Dance
  • Music (AIM)
  • Musical Theatre
  • Technical Production
  • Elite Tennis (Voyager Tennis Academy) and
  • Rhythmic Gymnastics (Rhythmic Academy of Sydney).

Students love The McDonald College because here they find their people, people who appreciate their individuality and value their diverse interests. Parents love The McDonald College because we place equal emphasis on academic rigour and the pursuit of their child’s passion.

Junior School

Our Junior school class sizes mean we can offer personal support to your child, tailoring their education to their abilities and needs. Developing your child’s foundations of literacy and numeracy is our focus. We tap into their natural creativity through our engaging program of performing arts classes to build their confidence and self-esteem.

Boarding House

We can provide up to 45 boarders of all genders from Years 7 – 12 a home away from home. Boarders come from the world over – from China to Cootamundra and as close as Concord.

Our primary focus is to provide a secure, safe, caring and family-orientated environment. An environment where your child can develop academically, socially, physically, morally and emotionally. All while pursuing their passion – whether that be in performing arts or elite sports. We know that when students are doing something they love, they perform better at school and flourish as individuals preparing for life beyond school.

Our strong community values, together with holistic guidance and support for our boarders, creates close family-like relationships that last long after graduation.

Partnerships

Our unique partnerships with ATYP, Sydney Dance Company, AIM, Voyager Tennis Academy, and Rhythmic Academy of Sydney offer our students networks beyond school and pathways to the future with industry training of the highest calibre.

Staff

Our highly experienced staff are professional, personable, and passionate. Many of our staff have been at the top of their career, are still active in their chosen field on a professional basis and stay current via professional development.

Performing arts opportunities

Our performing arts students are offered many opportunities to perform throughout the year including at our High Performance Season, An Evening of Classical Ballet, showcases, various plays, eisteddfod groups, and more. Additionally, we offer an Elite Masterclass Series with respected industry professionals and the popular International Summer School.

Fees & Scholarships

Please see our website.

Alumni

We count among our alumni Emma Watkins (former Yellow Wiggle), Meg Mac, Sarah Murdoch, Nikki Webster, Tim Draxl, and Dimity Clancey.

Recent tennis graduate, Micheal Zhang (ATAR 99.95) is now studying at Harvard, keeping good company with our graduate doctors, lawyers, teachers, and business leaders.

Facilities

Science laboratories, nine dance studios, Pilates studio, acting studios, music and ensemble rooms, 60-seat theatrette, library, art studios, darkroom and digital laboratory, conference centre, TV and recording studio.

Electives Years 11 & 12

English (all levels), Mathematics (all levels), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ancient and Modern History, Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance, Design and Technology, Business Studies, Legal Studies, PDHPE.

Welfare and personal development

The McDonald College has a strong track record and an ongoing commitment to nurturing the whole student through individual resilience, wellbeing, diversity, and a sense of belonging to a creative and vibrant community. We acknowledge differences and celebrate the individual.

Open Days and Auditions

We hold a series of Open Days and Infants Experience Days, in addition to Auditions for entry into Years 5 – 11. Principal’s Tours are available by Appointment.

For more information, visit mcdonald.nsw.edu.au

After Hours

We also have an After Hours program that runs year-round and caters for all years and all levels.

For more information, visit mcdonald.nsw.edu.au/afterhours

School Information

The McDonald College
  • 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: On application. sibling discounts available.
  • Address:17 George Street, North Strathfield, 2137
  • Email:registrar@mcdonald.nsw.edu.au
  • Phone:02 9752 0500
  • Fax:02 8765 0195
  • HSC/VCE Subjects offered:All academic options and performing arts
  • Clubs and Extra-curricular programs:N/A
  • Entry Year for Boarding:Year 7
  • Special Needs Support:Learning disability

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