Meet The Principal

Maxine Kohler M.Ed. Dip.Tch (RAD) is the Principal of The McDonald College. She was one of the first signatories on the Memorandum and Articles of Association when The McDonald College Limited was formed in 1983, and has been a member of the College Council since that time.


Mrs Kohler trained for her Royal Academy of Dancing Classical Ballet examinations at the Ann McDonald College of Dancing, where she was taught by Mrs Markham, the daughter of Ann McDonald.



The McDonald College is an independent co-educational non-denominational school from Prep to Year 12, offering courses for the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate.   An extension program of special studies with a core culture of performing arts is available to students within the school day, and is also offered after school hours to the broader community.



The College is unique in providing this special studies program alongside a rigorous academic program.   Students are able to pursue professional training in classical ballet, acting, dance, music and musical theatre.



Research over recent years demonstrates that making the arts central to every child’s curriculum significantly impacts on learning in a positive way.



Students of The McDonald College are successful both academically and in the performing arts.  Higher School Certificate results are always well above state average, with students’ works being nominated for inclusion in the Board of Studies’ showcases of exemplary works.  Former students are studying at universities, NIDA, Western Australian Academy of the Performing Arts, The Australian Ballet School and the Victorian College of the Arts.