7. History & Houses

The history of Macleod College began in 1928 when Macleod Primary School was founded. Initially the school was located in the former Presbyterian Church [now Uniting Church] before moving to Greensborough Road.

Secondary education came to Macleod in 1954 with the formation of Macleod High School and the appointment of Mr F. Meyer as Headmaster.

Towards the end of 1996 the Council of Macleod Primary School approached Macleod High School with a view to both schools merging to form a P -12 college. It was agreed that by the two schools joining to form a college of 1000 students, Macleod would retain access to state education for all year levels.

Consequently Macleod College - a state P -12 school was formed on the nine hectares of landscaped gardens and buildings of Macleod High School.  In 1997 the Department of Education provided finance to build primary classrooms on the secondary site. Funding was also provided to build a new art/technology building and upgrade other facilities within the College. 

Supported through an agreement between the City of Banyule and the Department of Education, a 4- court indoor stadium was built on Macleod College land as a shared facility between the College and the community.  

On 3rd May 1999, Chief John MacLeod head of the Macleod Clan, from Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, officially named the school Macleod College when he visited the school.

The College motto was adopted from the ancient Scottish motto of “Macleod of Macleod” - “Hold Fast, Murus Aheneus Esto” (Be thou as a bronze wall).  The College emblem, in the colours of the ancient tartan “Macleod of Macleod”, carry the two above mottos.  The castle on the emblem represents Dunvegan Castle - the home of the head of the Macleod Clan in Scotland. 

The College can reflect with pride on the long history of both schools and the contribution that they made to Macleod and the wider community and became one of the pioneers in state education offering all year levels of schooling within the state system

With the formation of Macleod College in 1997, the College Council agreed to extend the house system from the primary sector into the secondary school.  This reflects the College commitment to student participation and competition, not only in sporting events, but also academic pursuits. All students are allocated houses on enrolment,

Initially the houses were known by their colours – gold, green, blue and red.  On 3rd May 1999, Chief John MacLeod officially named the four houses.  The house names are those used by Macleod High School during the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Our four houses are:

CARTER HOUSE   -  Colour GOLD

Named after Mr Harold Carter who was in 1954 the secretary and president of the Heidelberg Education Committee.  Mr Carter went on to be an active member of the Macleod High School Advisory Council, and was instrumental in raising public monies for the building of the Thompson Carter building.  

RAMSAY HOUSE   -   Colour RED

Named after the Director of Education in 1954

SCARFF HOUSE  -   Colour BLUE

Named after the former Chief Inspector of Secondary Schools in 1954

SHEPHERD HOUSE  -   Colour GREEN

Named after the Minister for Education in 1954