#macrobyearnine

[qwedfas]

Hi, I’m starting at MacRob next year and I have a few questions. How much is the minimum length your skirt/dress can be above the knee (approx in centimetres) and what kinds of things do you do in yr 9 german? (If you remember). Thank you!! Xxxx

Hey there,

Please check out our Year 9 FAQ (http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/yr9), and the (http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/tagged/macrobyearnine) tag for all things year 9. 

For information about LOTE and German specifically see the LOTE tag (http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/tagged/macroblote), and this page (http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/search/german)

Hope this helps!

FAM <3

[qwedfas]

hello im going to be in year 9 next year and i was wondering, which of the art electives are enjoyable? is Photography- Science or Art? any good?

Hi there,

So when I did the Photography - Science or Art? elective in year 9, I mostly remember using the really old film cameras to go out on excursions and then coming back to the lab to develop them. We learnt a lot about the specifics behind a good photo. I mostly enjoyed it as there was a lot of hands on things to do and it wasn’t too stressful. I would highly recommend this elective. However keep in mind, courses change through years and i did this three years ago.

If you do choose to do it, we hope you enjoy it:)

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

for orientation day and the first day of school next year what should i bring?

Hey :)

First of all, congrats of making it into Mac.Rob, I hope you’ll love it :)

Orientation day is basically aimed to introduce you to the environment at Mac.Rob and allow you to meet some new people. You shouldn’t need to bring any school materials but maybe bring a pencil case, a water bottle, some food and maybe a notebook if you feel like you might want to write something :)

For the first day of school, just bring the stuff (i.e. textbooks) that is relevant for the subjects that you have scheduled that day. Don’t feel as if you need to bring everything because you likely won’t use it all on the first day and we totally understand how heavy bringing all your textbooks and materials would be. Also, don’t worry if you forget something or don’t bring a particular thing to the first day because your teachers will understand that it’s the first day and you’re still in the process of integrating into a new school. They’ll be sure to let you know what items are needed for your upcoming classes so if you don’t have something on the first day just make sure you’ve got it for the next class!

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Next year I will be attending MacRob as a year 9 and a few days ago they emailed out the elective choices. I was wondering what was Duke Of Ed about and if it is any good and what do you do in it?

Hey there!

I am SOO glad you are considering Duke of Ed! I completed Duke of Ed Silver in Year 10 and it was probably the most enjoyable and memorable thing I’ve done in my schooling life. In Year 9 you’ll do the bronze award.

There are four requirements to be awarded the Duke of Ed award. I’ll give you a quick rundown of what it’s like:

Service: This is pretty much just volunteering and most people go to places such as local op shops!

Physical recreation: Participation in sport. (eg running, pilates, yoga etc.)

Skills: Learning or increasing your expertise in a skill/hobby. (eg writing, knitting, cooking, language etc.)

Adventurous Journey: A several days and night/s trip taken with your Duke of Ed class in which you will be self sufficient and camp out! This will involve hiking (sometimes even biking or surfing!), cooking your own meals, learning how to set up a tent and much more!

The first three sections are done throughout the school year and two of those three sections need to be consistently done throughout a minimum of three months. The other section needs to be done consistently for six months! Which section you choose to do for the extended three months is up to you! The adventurous journey will be planned by your Duke of Ed teacher and will be going to a camping location (eg. Warburton) where you will stay for 2 days and 1 night (Bronze level). All of this will be documented online in a digital logbook on the official Duke of Ed website. It’s best to update it frequently and make sure you have evidence to support your achievements. (eg.cooking-take photos of all the meals/treats that you prepared). Above all don’t worry because your Duke of Ed teacher (which should be Miss Griffin :D) will get you smoothed over at a very manageable pace!

I found all aspects rewarding. From volunteering (I spent time with disabled kids) which pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me feel really good amidst a sometimes bustling school life. To getting those endorphins through running and continuing to try and smash through Chinese, you learn how to handle things better and realise that you can break through your limitations! It is also really fulfilling when you can bond with your Duke of Ed class. I remember having marshmallows by the fire, all singing together while one of my mates was strumming her ukelele, watching the sun go down and even late night chats with my tent buddy. You even get to converse more with the teachers that support your through Duke of Ed and it is honestly a great great time. Throw yourself out there in Duke of Ed and who knows what you will find :))

Here’s some more info on Bronze level: https://dukeofed.com.au/resource/guide-for-bronze-participants/

I wish you a really enjoyable time in Duke of Ed next year!

FAM xx

[qwedfas]

hii ! we recently got our subject selection forms for yr9 next year and i chose music let's play as one of them. what's that elective really like?

Hello!

It’s been some time since we were all in year 9 so since then there’s a possibility that this elective has changed a little in terms of how it’s taught. Generally it was a pretty chill subject and you get to spend a lot of time working with other people and playing an instrument of your choice. There were a couple of assignments, most of which were concerned with musicianship and there may have been a research presentation of sorts (I can’t remember exactly since I did both music electives in year 9 and they’ve kinda just blended together!)

You definitely don’t need to be a musical prodigy – just jump in and give it a go! Take it as an experience. I went around asking a bunch of people in Year 9 about what Duke of Ed was because I had selected it and ended having a great time (even taking it up again in Year 10!). Have faith :)

Congrats on getting in!

FAM xx

[qwedfas]

what time does school end on orientation day and the first day of school for years 9s?

Hey there,

Unfortunately FAM doesn’t have access to this information. You should receive a letter or email soon that covers all these details. Usually the year 9 orientation day is in early December. If you do not receive one by then it may be a good idea to email/call the school.

Love,FAM <3

[qwedfas]

hii !! i got into macrob for next year and was wondering when we get booklists or how booklists work for macrob? thanks xx

Hey there :)

You will receive your booklist with your enrolment papers. The book lists will clearly state what you need for specific subjects and classes so it is easy to locate what you need. You can choose to order directly with the booklist sent to you by ticking what you need and mailing it off or alternatively, follow the instructions to order digitally.

However, for me, I never actually ordered using the book list (by mail or digitally). I went straight to a Campion Education store to pick up my books in person. Locations are at Essendon, Derrimut and Heidelberg. This is a handy option if you want to receive your books on the spot.

Another great option is to join the “Mac.Rob Blackmarket” page on facebook, which is basically an all macrob members trading site where you can buy and sell textbook for cheaper than retail prices (to save you some extra dough $$$)

Good luck shopping!FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Is there a hair / jewellery / nail policy? Does hair have to be tied? Is jewellery allowed? What if it’s religious? Is nail polish allowed? What about makeup? Entering Year 10 in 2019, can’t wait!!!

Hey,

Once you get your school diaries at the beginning of next year, all details concerning uniform are outlined in the introductory pages.

In summary though:

Hair does not need to be tied back unless in science and sport, so long as it’s not bothering you or the people around you

Jewellery is not generally allowed – though some religious exceptions may apply

Simple studded earrings or sleeper earrings can be worn (i.e. nothing flashy)

Nail polish is not allowed (unless it is clear)

Makeup is not allowed – you may wear a thin layer of foundation if you really want to wear makeup but basically nothing too noticeable or colourful

Hopefully this answers your question!

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Hey there! Just wanted to ask if you guys were allowed to use phones (or other devices, perhaps as part of the BYOD program) at lunch :) MAC ROB YEAR 9 2019 YAAAAY xxx

Hey,

Congrats on getting in! At the moment, our BYOD network allows each student to connect a maximum of two devices (these can be any two devices of your choosing) and yes you can use your phone during lunchtimes!

FAM xx

[qwedfas]

hey fam, i am new to year nine and i just wanna how much i love this school like i have been happy for DAYS in a row since i started, (its been like 5 days but that’s a long time for me) and i love how i am feeling at the moment :)) i was just wondering, how is year nine camp?

Hello there, we’re so glad that you love macrob already and know that us at FAM love you too!! For me, year 9 camp was held at Valley Homestead (we don’t know if it still is) and is one of my most cherished memories as you get to meet so many people and do heaps of fun activities. We did things like abseiling, ropes courses, and my favourite thing was the free fall slide :)) Camp is really good for making friends, becoming closer to your form and meeting a ton of new people because no one really knows each other yet. Make the most of camp, get involved and don’t be afraid (i know you’ve heard this 100 times) and participate! It’s really an incredible experience and I still look back at it to this day. It’s coming up and we hope you have fun making friends and doing them camp activities!

Love,

FAM xx

[qwedfas]

HIIII! I am starting macrob next year and was wondering if there was a second hand book sale that the school or parents association hold? Cuz I want to buy my books second hand and I don't really know anyone.

Hey,

We recently answered a similar question to this! Check it out here: http://friendsatmacrob.tumblr.com/post/180673424217/heyyyy-i-am-a-year-9-macrobian-next-year-and

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Hey, like someone said before abt year 9 camp, around how many people didn’t go on the 15km yr 9 bike ride? Also is a dress 5cm above my knee appropriate for school?

Hey,

I don’t know exact numbers as to how many people didn’t go on the bike ride on Year 9 camp but I do recall at least two people from my class didn’t know how to ride a bike so it might be a few per activity group? From memory, our activity groups were a mix of students from different forms.

As for dress length, the hem should be at the knee or just above the knee so it should be okay if it is 5 cm above the knee but just be mindful and aware that some teachers may point out if they believe your dress is too short. Hopefully this will be officially clarified once you start school.

Love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Hey FAM :) I'm in year 9, and I recently received my subject selections for next year. I put Bio Unit 1 as my free choice elective, but for some reason got my 2nd preference for my arts elective (music performance bleh) instead. I was really keen on doing Bio Unit 1 next year, but it seems like I won't be able to do it. I just wanted to know whether I am allowed to go straight into Bio 3/4 in year 11 without doing Biology Unit 1 or Essential Science in Year 10. Hope this makes sense :) Thanks

Hey,

To get straight to the point, you absolutely can jump straight into Bio ¾ in Year 11 despite not doing a science elective in Year 10. It would of course be helpful to do a semester of science, whatever science that might be, but seeing as the school doesn’t provide mandatory classes in science for Year 10s, everything that you need for science subjects at VCE level will be provided to you. If you would really prefer to study Bio Unit 1 over one of your other electives, definitely try and get in contact with your YLCs to just see whether or not there is an opportunity for you to switch into it.

Hope this helps!FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Heyyyy, I am a year 9 macrobian (??) next year and was wondering how I could get my books second hand. I don't know any older girls who could sell them to me. Is there like a second hand book sale or something that runs?

Hey!

Congrats on getting in and we hope that your next four years at MacRob are the greatest! Unfortunately the school doesn’t hold an official second-hand book sale, to our knowledge, however we have a student-run facebook group that is designed for buying and selling pre-loved books and some uniform items. The group is called Mac.Rob Blackmarket and may be of use to you. Note that it is an unofficial way of re-selling and purchasing used items but you will often find school resources in good condition at a much cheaper price than rrp.

Hope this helps,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

Hi, for year 9 camp what if we can’t ride a bike for 15km? It says we can ask the teacher to stay at camp but I’m worried that basically everyone will go riding and I’ll just be a loser lmao. Thank you xxx

Hey!

Please, please, please don’t be afraid to ask to stay back if this is something you don’t feel comfortable doing. When we were in Year 9, there was always a few people who stayed back and just joined another group for that activity session. Nobody will think any less of you and you’ll find that most people you meet are welcoming, understanding, and supportive.

If you don’t feel too comfortable, approach the teacher in private or at some point during the camp before the session (as opposed to directly before the session). Maybe see if you can find someone who is in a similar position to you.

With love,FAM xx

[qwedfas]

hello! i’m a year 8 going into macrob next year and i was just wondering how the classes work. i heard from someone that you stay in the same class till year 12 which is kind of odd to me. could you please explain how they work? thank you!!!

Hey there,

Basically for the four years that you’ll be at Mac.Rob, your form group will remain the same. Form is basically the assembly you have after recess everyday and it’s where you’ll receive any important notices, delivered by your form captain.

In Year 9, other than elective classes, classes such as sport, english, and science will be taken as a form. Maths, although a ‘core’ subject, is taken in different classes as some students will be in accelerated maths.

From Year 10 onwards, classes will be based on the subjects you pick. For example, Year 10s are given a choice out of 3 or 4 English ‘electives’ for each semester where different English electives will have a different theme or learning goal. Thus, these classes will not be done based on form groups as everyone will have different preferences. The same applies for sport and in Year 10 a science is not compulsory but rather is offered as an elective. So with that, in addition with all the other elective subjects (such as music, viscom, food tech…) none of your classes will be in your form groups but you will still have form assemblies with them.

In Year 11 and 12, VCE works in the same way where students will pick the subjects they’re interested in and be split off into classes based on that.

Hopefully this helps!FAM xx