Performing Arts
Step into the magic: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes the stage at Aikman Hall
Aikman Hall transforms into a realm of magic, mystery and wonder as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, will be performed on August 27, 28 and 29.
But this is not the wizarding world you know from the movies — it is Hogwarts but with a Haileybury twist.
Beneath the imposing gothic arches, meticulously built by our very own Mark Gardiner and Sean Breen, the stage becomes a gateway into another realm. Our talented cast and dedicated crew maximise every moment of time travel, friendship and magic.
So, take a break from your muggle routine and join us for the next chapter in JK Rowling’s epic saga.
Whether you are a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin, we encourage you to don your house colours, and even dress up as your favourite characters.
Tickets are available at Humanitix: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child High School Edition
Nicole Smith
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
Music
Haileybury in Concert – a night to remember
Last Wednesday evening, Haileybury proudly presented its fifth Haileybury in Concert in the prestigious Elisabeth Murdoch Hall at the Melbourne Recital Centre. Nestled in the heart of Southbank, this world-class venue, renowned for its stunning architecture and exceptional acoustics, provided the perfect stage for our young musicians to shine.
The evening was nothing short of extraordinary. Featuring 12 Senior School large ensembles, the program showcased an inspiring range of classical, jazz and contemporary repertoire. Months of tireless rehearsal, countless hours of individual practice, and the combined efforts of 316 students, 62 music staff, dedicated administration, and supportive parents culminated in a performance that was both artistically brilliant and deeply moving. The sold-out audience — 750+ strong — experienced music-making of the highest calibre, brimming with energy, precision and heart.
Special highlights included a collaborative performance between the Stage Band and String Sinfonia with solo vocalist; and, for the first time, the evening concluded with a finale from the Haileybury Pipes and Drums, a rousing and unforgettable end to a remarkable night.
Haileybury in Concert is far more than a musical performance or concert night — it is a testament to the power of music education. Research consistently shows that participation in music fosters discipline, teamwork, resilience and creativity, while also building confidence and emotional intelligence. These qualities extend far beyond the rehearsal room, enriching every aspect of a student’s life.
For those involved, the memories made on this stage will be cherished for decades. The camaraderie between students, the thrill of performing in a world-class venue, the shared sense of achievement — these moments become part of each performer’s personal story. They are the memories that alumni will recall with pride, the moments that inspire a lifelong love of music.
In a world that often moves too quickly, nights like this remind us of the value of pausing to celebrate beauty, artistry and community. Haileybury in Concert is more than just an event on the calendar — it is a celebration of our school’s commitment to excellence, the transformative role of the arts, and the boundless potential of our young people.
We congratulate every student, staff member and supporter who made this magical evening possible. You have not only performed music, you have created history.
Visual Arts
Visual Communication Design highlights
Our VCD students have enjoyed a dynamic semester, from inspiring excursions to the Top Designs exhibition at Melbourne Museum, to hands-on learning with the team at Melbourne’s iconic brand Crumpler.
Guided by owner Dave, designer Zac and head of production Eliza, students explored the end-to-end process of professional design and manufacturing. A standout moment was the creation of a signature Crumpler bag, with congratulations to Anthony whose design was selected and brought to life on-site — an achievement that will serve him well in his portfolio and career journey.
Unit 2 VCD students from all Melbourne campuses took part in an inspiring workshop with Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta and Erub cultural educator, artist and designer Steven Ulula Parker. Steven shared his diverse design work, including the Haileybury AFL guernsey, and guided students through the Reconciliation Plan, Indigenous Design Charter and a Deep Listening Circle. These experiences encouraged reflection on intergenerational responsibilities and informed the creation of their own meaningful personal icons as part of the Unit 2 folio requirements.
Term 3 and 4 Events
Moving into the second half of Term 3, the Visual Arts department is abuzz with activity and anticipation. The coming weeks will see the culmination of a year’s worth of creative development across Media, Visual Communication Design, and Art Making and Exhibiting, alongside exciting opportunities for our students to exhibit their work, collaborate across disciplines and engage with our wider school community.
STEM Week collaboration
In Week 4, budding photographers teamed up with their science-minded peers to capture the wonder of STEM Week — think rocket launches, fascinating experiments and the thrill of discovery through the lens.
OHA Week and creative alumni
Week 6 will see us welcome back creative alumna and recent muralist, Ashley Tonelli, who will run a hands-on painting workshop for our Pre-Senior students. It is always inspiring to see how our graduates continue to shape the creative world beyond Haileybury.
House Art Competition
Also in Week 6, Houses will respond to the Senior School play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, with their own interpretations of a key set piece. These creations will be on public display during the show’s run — a magical blend of performance and visual storytelling.
ELC Nature Exhibition
For the first time, our youngest artists in the 3- and 4-year-old ELC programs will take over the new Keysborough gallery space with their nature-themed exhibition in Week 8. The ‘young at art’ show opens Monday 8 September from 5.00–6.00 pm and will bring major cuteness, joyful colour, and creativity to the Senior School during our Units 3 and 4 trial exam period.
Graduate Exhibition – save the date
The creative calendar builds to one of our major annual highlights: the Graduate Exhibition for the 2025 Units 3 and 4 cohort on Tuesday 14 October, Term 4 Week 2, from 4.00–6.00 pm. The new Visual Arts building will come alive across the gallery, upstairs studios and Media rooms in full cinema mode. Visitors will also get a sneak peek at works from talented Year 9 and Units 1 and 2 artists, designers and media creators coming through to their Units3 and 4 studies in the next few years. Formalities commence at 5.00 pm, with refreshments and interactive activities. Keep an eye out for more information in the coming weeks.
As the term draws to a close and Term 4 begins, we look forward to celebrating the incredible talent, vision and dedication of our Senior School Visual Arts students. We warmly invite you to join us at these upcoming events and share in the creativity that continues to thrive at Haileybury.
Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
Pipes & Drums
The Pipes & Drums have had a busy start to Term 3, beginning with our Annual Pipes & Drums Presentation Evening. The Presentation Evening celebrates the success and progression of our competition bands and students involved. The evening was a huge success, and we would like to thank all who attended.
This month, the Pipes & Drums also performed for the boys and girls Haileybury Firsts Football Teams, when the Year 12 students played their final home game of the season. The Pipes and Drums performed in a guard of honour as the teams entered the ground. It was a pleasure for them to be involved and perform on this special occasion.
In between games, the Pipes & Drums also performed at the Newlands Campus Open Day. Tour attendees were left in awe of the Pipes & Drums, which are unique to Haileybury, and we look forward to supporting more campus open days in the future.
After a busy and successful season of solo piping, our Year 4 piper, Dylan, was awarded Piper of the Year by the Victorian Piping Association. This is an amazing achievement, and the Pipes & Drums staff are extremely proud of Dylan’s solo piping success. Congratulations Dylan.
Daniel Staley
Director of Pipes & Drums
