Performing Arts
Act 3: Peter and the Starcatcher
Have you ever wondered what the origin story of Peter Pan is? How the Lost Boys of Neverland Island came to be? Or just how deliciously evil a certain pirate with a hook for a hand can be?
Then the 2026 Senior School play, Peter and the Starcatcher, is for you.
This magical play is all about friendship, belonging and the truest magic there is: discovering who you are. Audiences will journey through the untold story behind Peter Pan, meeting an unforgettable cast of characters along the way.
This year, Haileybury welcomes Artist in Residence William Bobbie Stewart. With his immense experience in film, television and theatre design, William brings a wealth of expertise to the production. A particular highlight is his work with the backstage crew, taking students through the art of puppetry and prop making as they help bring this magical world to life.
While this is a play, audiences can still expect plenty of singing, dancing and spectacle as Aikman Hall is transformed into a world of pirates, mermaids and high-seas adventure.
Suitable for ages 10 and up, Peter and the Starcatcher is a truly magical production for the whole family and the wider community.
Performance Dates
- Thursday, 27 August, 7.00 pm
- Friday, 28 August, 7.00 pm
- Saturday, 29 August, Matinee Performance 2.00 pm.
Secure your tickets, here
Nicole Smith
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
Music
Celebrating Excellence in Music and VET
The Music Department is delighted to celebrate several extraordinary achievements in this Insight edition, with multiple students receiving Premier’s Awards in recognition of their exceptional VCE results from 2025.
A Premier’s Award represents the pinnacle of academic achievement. While a study score of 50 signifies a perfect outcome, a Premier’s Award recognises the very best within those who achieved perfect scores, making the award one of the most prestigious honours in Victorian education.
We proudly congratulate Andre Beyer, recipient of the Premier’s Award for Music: Contemporary Performance (piano teacher David Dower, classroom teacher Greg Ryan); Louis Everard, recipient of the Premier’s Award for Music: VCE/VET Performance (guitar teacher Glenn Cannon, classroom teacher Greg Ryan); and Harley Kaufman, recipient of the Premier’s Award for Music: VCE/VET Sound Production (classroom teacher Erica D’Angelo).
These remarkable achievements are the result of exceptional talent combined with unwavering dedication, perseverance and a genuine respect for the expertise and guidance of their teachers. Their success reflects years of disciplined preparation and a commitment to excellence.
We also acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Ms Erica D’Angelo, whose leadership extends beyond the Music Department through her dual role within Haileybury’s VET programs. Her commitment to excellence is further reflected in the achievements of her team, with colleague Debbie Middleton recently named a finalist in the prestigious Northern Territory Department of Education Training Awards.
Together, these student successes and staff achievements exemplify the exceptional opportunities available through Haileybury’s Music and VET programs. They demonstrate what is possible when talent, expert teaching and sustained commitment come together in the pursuit of excellence.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
Visual Arts
Expanding creative opportunities in Senior School
Creativity is increasingly recognised as one of the most valuable skills young people can develop, not only for careers in the creative industries, but for success in an ever-changing world. In response to strong feedback from students and parents, Haileybury is proud to expand its Senior School Visual Arts co-curricular program for 2027, offering more opportunities than ever for students to explore, create and grow.
Designed to complement Haileybury’s VCE pathways in Media, Visual Communication Design, and Art Making and Exhibiting, the program also welcomes students who simply wish to pursue creativity alongside other academic interests. Whether discovering a new passion or refining existing skills, students have the opportunity to work with specialist facilities, industry professionals and expert staff while collaborating with peers who share their enthusiasm.
Importantly, these experiences extend far beyond the studio. Through designing, making, collaborating and presenting their work, students develop highly transferable Essential Skills, including creative problem solving, planning and organisation, adaptability and confident communication. These capabilities are increasingly sought after by universities, employers and industries where innovation and collaboration are essential.
At Haileybury, we believe creativity enriches every learner. Our expanded Visual Arts co-curricular program reflects this commitment, providing meaningful opportunities for students to challenge themselves, express their ideas and develop the confidence and skills to thrive well beyond school.Students are encouraged to explore the 2027 Co-curricular Handbook before making their selections and to speak with any member of the Visual Arts team if they would like advice on choosing an offering that aligns with their interests, develops new skills or complements their future study aspirations.
Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
Pipes & Drums
Towards the end of Term 2, Haileybury Newlands hosted the annual Haileybury Solo Piping Competition. The event was a tremendous success, with many of our Haileybury pipers taking part. The standard of competition was exceptionally high, and our students delivered outstanding performances throughout the day. For many, this was their first experience competing in a solo piping event, making their achievements all the more impressive. A special congratulations to our Middle School competitors, Timmy, Morgan, Emmanual, Dylan and Charlie, who placed in the top five in their respective grades.
The final two weeks of term saw the Pipes & Drums perform in the annual Middle School Concert Series across all campuses. The band presented an exciting selection of new repertoire and delivered exceptional performances. A special mention goes to Lucy (Berwick campus) and Charlie (Brighton campus) for their amazing solo performances of ‘Amazing Grace’ at their respective campus concerts.
During the holiday break, the Pipes & Drums participated in the annual Tartan Day Parade. Our female pipers and drummers joined 145 other musicians to set a new world record for the largest all-female pipe band ever to perform. It was a remarkable achievement and a memorable experience for all involved.
The Pipes & Drums prepared for the annual Presentation Night, where members of our competition bands were recognised for their commitment, contribution and success throughout the Term 1 competition season.
Our A Band is also looking forward to performing at the Magenta Concert on 10 August at Robert Blackwood Hall (Monash University), where they will showcase exciting new repertoire currently in rehearsal.
We encourage all members of the Haileybury community to come along and support our talented musicians. Be sure to secure your tickets. We look forward to seeing you there.
Daniel Staley
Director of Pipes & Drums
