Campus News
Belonging and Bravery
The opportunities for our students to belong and find their tribe, to take risks, be involved, and in essence ‘be brave’ are bountiful at Castlefield.
The first opportunity comes through our Curious Minds program.
Did you know…
The Curious Minds Program offers a wide range of clubs as part of a One Haileybury experience, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate both belonging and bravery, trying new things and finding their people.
Did you know…
Our students are embracing opportunities such as Mini Masterchef, Dungeons & Dragons, Science Talent Search, Maths Talent Quest, Debating, $20 Boss (entrepreneurship), Radio Club, E-Sports, Chess, Da Vinci Decathlon, Public Speaking, and Model United Nations (MUN).
Did you know…
The incredible involvement from Castlefield students across our clubs:
| Public Speaking | 65 |
| Debating | 121 (59 in Years 5/6, 62 in Years 7/8) |
| $20 Boss | 205 (136 in Years 5/6, 69 in Years 7/8) |
| Da Vinci Decathlon | 98 |
| Dungeons & Dragons | 26 |
| Radio Club | 55 |
| Maths Talent Quest | 43 |
| Mini Masterchef | 54 (out of 163 across all campuses) |
| Science Talent Search | 14 |
| E-Sports | 94 |
| Model United Nations (MUN) | 14 |
| Environment Club | 27 |
These numbers reflect more than participation, they represent courage, curiosity, collaboration and community. Every club is another space where students have the opportunity to be brave and step forward, take risks, build skills and importantly, belong.
School sports and activities outside school hours
Research shows that being active is great for minds and bodies. We have a strong Physical Education curriculum and Sport program at Haileybury. Sport and regular physical activity help children build strong bodies, develop coordination, and support healthy growth while improving concentration and classroom behaviour. Being active through sporting programs also boosts confidence, teamwork, and social skills, setting children up for lifelong healthy habits.
At Castlefield we offer the following active opportunities, outside of our curriculum and Curious Minds program:
Before School | |||
AFL Football Academy | Monday and Wednesday 7.00 am | Middle School | Clark Oval |
Club Connect | Tuesday 7.30 am | Years 1- 6 | North Oval |
Active Dance | Wednesday 8.00 am | All welcome – students, staff and parents | Clark Oval (canteen end) |
Aerobics | Wednesday 8.00 am | Years 5/6 (select entry) | Gym |
Mindful Meditation | Thursday 8.00 am | Junior School students and parents | EW 1.2 |
After School | |||
Run Club | Monday 4.00 pm | Years 4 - 8 | Clark Oval |
Dance | Monday 3.45 pm | Prep - Year 4 + Years 5/6 | Various |
Sport Star Academy | Monday and Wednesday 3.45 pm | Junior School | North Oval |
Aerobics | Wednesday 4.00 pm | Years 5 – 8 (select entry) | Gym |
Aquastar Swimming | Monday – Thursday 3.45 pm | All Welcome | Pool |
Early Learning Centre
Collaborating with families
It has been a pleasure to welcome new families and reconnect with familiar faces. This year, we invited Reception parents to small group lunches in their child’s classroom, while Pre-Prep parents were welcomed to an open afternoon to explore both indoor and outdoor learning environments. We also enjoyed hosting all parents for a coffee morning in the ELC, a wonderful opportunity to strengthen parent connections and school community.
We have greatly appreciated hearing from families about their child’s individual learning aims, as well as their unique backgrounds and interests. The recent myProgress Meetings provided an excellent opportunity for parents and teachers to meet, share insights, discuss children’s learning, development, and overall wellbeing.
Through these ongoing connections, we are fostering strong partnerships with families to ensure every child’s success and holistic growth.
Natural wonders
As children witness and notice the natural environment around them, it helps their understanding in a tangible way. Encounters connect them to Mother Earth, nurturing curiosity and wonder, and building their knowledge and respect.
Children have been learning about the life cycle of butterflies and taking care of chrysalises in their classroom. Each day, they gather around it, whispering noticing's, and recalling the stages of the life cycle. Watching the still, chrysalis hanging quietly teaches them patience, as they learn that transformation often happens out of sight. When the butterfly finally emerges, there is much excitement and awe, witnessing metamorphosis first-hand.
Junior School
What a start!
Our Preps have really settled into the routines and life in the Junior School, following timetables and working hard. Amongst all the learning of sounds, letters and numbers they have also had a couple of very important visits from local fire fighters and Police officers. Stemming from their Inquiry unit main idea, ‘Our communities are organised to keep us safe’, it was important to hear from and see the special equipment that the fire fighters and Police use. To hold and aim the fire hose out on the oval is a highlight for sure.
Taking the stage
Assemblies are a real showcase of student talent. House leaders speak and run our fortnightly assemblies with the help of Mr Matt Allen, and we always have a diverse range of talent take the stage. From cello and piano solos, to singing and dancing troupes, there is always a sea of eager faces to watch and listen to these performances. Children often say they feel very nervous in the beginning, but oh so proud once the applause comes.
House Spirit
A reminder that we have our House colour dress up day and Good Friday Appeal fundraiser coming up on the last day of term. Time to dig out the all the accessories and start saving those coins in readiness.
Middle School
International Women's Day celebrations
This week our Middle School community came together to celebrate International Women’s Day, recognising the strength, achievements and contributions of women within our community and around the world.
Our IWD Middle School Assembly was a wonderful celebration featuring inspiring messages, impressive student musical and dance performances, and reflections from staff, students and parents. Guest speaker Sarah Hunter spoke powerfully about the role of teamwork in the journey toward equality, leaving students with an uplifting message about leadership, resilience and supporting one another.
The IWD Breakfast once again proved to be a highlight of the week, bringing the Brighton community together for a morning of celebration and inspiration. Student speakers Summer Considine (Year 8 GMS Captain), Cooper Curley (Year 12 School Vice Captain), Suhani Mahesh (Year 8) and Jada Singh (Year 12) shared thoughtful reflections aligned with this year’s theme, #GiveToGain.
More Meaningful Moments
Another meaningful moment of the week was the opportunity for our Year 6 and Year 8 boys to hear from guest speakers Abbey Lees (OHA) and Donna Urquhart (Super mum, Antarctic Ultra-marathon runner and proud Haileybury parent) on careers, the importance of never giving up and resilience in the face of adversity and challenge. These characteristics are incredibly important, as our boys have the confidence to be themselves, show bravery in the face of hardship and contribute positively to the world around them.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield (HPFC)
HPFC Meetings
Thank you to those who have joined us at an HPFC meetings already this year. The invitation remains open for parents to attend our meetings when you can, where we will plan for our next exciting events in 2026.
Next meeting:
When: Monday, 16 March at 8.50 am
Where: Learning Cafe (inside the Year 9 Building on the ground floor).
Please ensure you sign in at Main Reception on arrival.
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.
Upcoming Events
Join us for the HPFC Easter Event! Wednesday, 1 April, 3.15 - 5.30 pm.
Don’t miss out—make sure you purchase your tickets before Wednesday, 25 March to secure your spot. Ticket prices include a huge range of fun Easter activities, a delicious sausage sizzle and much more. BYO picnic rug and join us for the fun! We look forward to celebrating with you.
Book your tickets here: https: //events.humanitix.com/hpfc-easter-event
The HPFC are supporting the Haileybury Ball! You can book individually or get your friends together to book for your table of 10 people and lets have a fabulous evening with a strong contingent of families from the Brighton campus.
Book your tickets here for The Haileybury Ball
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
Parking
Parking around the property is, at times, a difficulty. Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our Haileybury community. Parents leaving via the South Road exit, please take care when turning onto South Road, particularly as the pedestrian crossing is so close to the exit.
Remember that all exits from the School to Villeroy and Rouen Streets close at 6.00 pm nightly. If you are attending an evening function we encourage you to park on South Road and enter through the front gate.
There is no drop off/pick up zone in Rouen Street, with parking restrictions in place along one side at the busy school start and end times.
There are clearly signed two-minute parking spaces outside our Villeroy Street gate and this is to be used as a ‘kiss and go’ zone rather than disembarking from your car. Cars should not be left unattended.
Families are encouraged to use the roundabout via the South Road entrance as the preferred drop off and pick up location.
Please be considerate of the residents in the streets surrounding our School.
