Castlefield

Campus News

Belonging

The school year has started with gusto, and we have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities to welcome families into our campus across the first few weeks. Community matters at Castlefield and I am so grateful to our parents for engaging in coffee mornings, information sessions, and social gatherings that have been on offer to date.

At our parent information sessions, student assemblies and in classroom and cohort sessions, we have discussed, promoted and implemented, in these first couple of weeks, activities and opportunities for each member of our community to belong, connect and have others they can talk to, approach, spend break times with and confidently sit next to in class.

We pride ourselves on being intentionally welcoming and we are proud of the inclusivity and kindness our students have showcased to date.

Leadership

Leadership is a skillset that is developed across the journey our students make at Haileybury. In Junior School, our Year 3 students are involved in leadership sessions preparing them for the experience of House Captains in Year 4. Our Year 4 students are buddies to Preps and partake in our Bayside Connections program, and our Year 4 leaders present at assemblies speaking in front of the entire 340 Junior School students. They coordinate and run lunchtime activities for the younger students, and they are wonderful role models as they develop their skills of confidence, public speaking and organisation.

As our students move into Middle School, leadership skills are developed through our Curious Minds program, Creative Arts opportunities and Homeroom captain positions. We provide our students with opportunities to use their voice, take risks, face challenges, build resilience and above all work hard, try new things and be kind.

Our Middle School Captains, Archie and Summer , have already had many opportunities to address various audiences, including at our Junior School Induction Assembly, the Middle School Induction Assembly and our Middle School Leadership Breakfast. Congratulations to all our 2026 leaders. We look forward to working closely with you and seeing how you grow and develop in these roles.

It would be remiss of me not to also congratulate the 2026 Senior School leaders and once again, many of the Year 12 leaders started their educational journey at Castlefield. Through care, opportunities and brilliant staff, we nurture and cultivate great students and strong leaders at Brighton.

The Year 8 leadership positions include:

Welcome to Country

Our Welcome to Country performed by Jaeden William, a proud Yulukit Willam man of the Boonwurrung, acknowledges the commencement of the school year and the learning that will be taking place on country.

Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield (HPFC) – Welcome new President

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Casey Harris as HPFC President for this year.

Casey is deeply dedicated to our community and is recognised for her strong leadership, collaborative spirit and genuine passion for creating an inclusive and vibrant environment. With these qualities, Casey is exceptionally well placed to guide our committee and ensure a successful year ahead.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Casey to this important role. We look forward to a fantastic year under her leadership.

Early Learning Centre

Settling in

Thank you to all our families for a great start to the year. The children are settling in at their own pace, and we appreciate your support as they get used to a new rhythm of the day and build relationships. Developing a sense of belonging and feeling secure takes time, so please be patient as your child adjusts.

Belonging, being and becoming guide our principles and practises, as we support each child to grow and develop into confident, creative and informed citizens.

Magical moments

We hope parents have been enjoying the documented magical moments shared on the Haileybury ELC app as it is a wonderful way to communicate with your teachers and keep up to date with the joy and learning happening each day, as well as invitations and useful information.

If you need support to access the Haileybury ELC App please contact Haileybury Service Central on 03 9904 6060 or at service.central@haileybury.com.au.

Junior School

Leader induction

Recently, we celebrated the induction of our Junior School House leaders for Semester 1, 2026. The process, from submitting applications to being elected, was a significant journey for our students. During the first assembly of the year, students gathered in their House groups and reflected on the values represented by Clements, Jackson, Kennedy and Russell. Our Middle School captains led the House pledge and offered words of encouragement to our new Year 4 leaders as they begin their leadership experience.

Swimming

Years 1, 2 and 4 students are thoroughly enjoying their time in the pool, especially during the recent hot weather. The swimming program, delivered by Aquastar, takes place during one of the two weekly PE lessons throughout the term. Prep and Year 3 students will participate in their swimming program in Term 4.

Reminders

For afternoon pick-up, Junior School students can be collected from one of three locations: directly from their homeroom at 3.30 pm, from the roundabout, or from The Meeting Place. These designated pick-up points ensure students remain under teacher supervision at all times. The Meeting Place, located in front of the Year 1 classrooms in East Quad, is supervised by a teacher until 3.55 pm each day. If you are delayed or if a Middle School sibling is collecting a Junior School student, The Meeting Place is an ideal spot to wait.

Middle School

A great start to the year

As we begin a new school year, it has been wonderful to see our Middle School community come together so positively and purposefully. We commenced the year with a meaningful Welcome to Country, grounding us in respect for the rich traditions of Australia’s First Nations peoples and reminding us of the importance of community, connection and belonging as we start the year together.

The year has begun exceptionally well, with students settling quickly into routines and expectations. Our Culture of Learning Framework is already being used consistently across classrooms to optimise learning in every lesson. Students are preparing effectively, engaging with confidence, and reflecting on their learning. These are all key habits that support growth, independence and success in Middle School.

We were proud to formally induct our Middle School student leaders, who have stepped into their roles with maturity and enthusiasm. Our annual Leadership Breakfast was a highlight, providing an opportunity to strengthen community connections and allowing our leaders to showcase their portfolios while sharing their vision for the year ahead. We look forward to seeing them lead by example and positively influence our Middle School throughout the year.

Camps will commence throughout Term 1, and we greatly value the role of Outdoor Education in our program. These experiences provide invaluable opportunities for students to develop resilience, independence, teamwork and confidence outside the classroom, while strengthening friendships and creating lasting memories.

Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)

Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield (HPFC)

Dear HPFC Community,

I am genuinely excited about what is in store for our school community this year, the connections we will make, the memories we will create, and the fun we will share along the way. As we head into 2026, our focus remains on connection, inclusion and joy. HPFC is about bringing families and staff together and creating moments that make school life feel warm, welcoming and memorable. There is something truly special about giving time back to the School, whether that is helping at an event, sharing an idea, or simply showing up when you can.

Class / Year Level Representatives

If you are a Class or Year Level Rep, please get in touch. I look forward to working with you and strengthening our community.

Interested in getting involved?

Whether you can help regularly or occasionally, there are many ways to participate:

• Help at events
• Support fundraising
• Share ideas or feedback
• Stay informed and connected.

Stay connected

Join our WhatsApp groups to stay up –to date and get involved.Everyone is welcome!

Haileybury Feet on the Ground

A casual group for those happy to help at events when they can. No ongoing commitment. Every bit helps.

Thank you for being part of our wonderful community. I look forward to a year of connection, laughter and memorable moments together.

Casey Harris
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield