Campus News
Transition
As we move through to the end of the year, our transition programs are now underway throughout the campus. Numerous opportunities are available for families and students to learn more about the upcoming stage of their educational journey.
Our Pre-Prep families had the opportunity on Wednesday, 13 August to meet the Head of Junior School, Ms Jodie McInnes and visit the Prep classrooms. They were able to see the explicit model of teaching and our impressive Prep students in action. Thank you to the families who joined us.
The Middle School Heads and Deputy Heads of Year 7 are hosting our current Year 6 families on Tuesday, 26 August to discuss what the second stage of Middle School looks like for our students. Details are available via the myHaileybury app.
As part of the transition into Middle School, our Year 4 students meet with Year 5 staff and spend time in the spaces they will move into. Our Heads of Middle School have already started to make visits to our Junior School.
The ELC students will commence their orientation program for Prep in Term 4 and families will be advised of dates as they draw closer.
Our ELC Orientation Day for those students entering Reception or Pre-Prep classes in 2026 is being held on Saturday, 22 October. Parents and children are invited to spend time in their new environment with staff.
We will host a Middle School Information session on Monday, 17 November for all Middle School families to hear about practical information to survive UpDay and everything that is required for preparing for the 2026 school year.
UpDay for all students is set for Tuesday, 18 November. Students from Prep through to Year 8, 2026 spend the day in their new year level meeting new faces, spaces and teachers and in some cases, subjects.
Being an upstander
An upstander by definition from the Oxford English Dictionary is a person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause, particularly someone who intervenes on behalf of a person being attacked or bullied. Essentially, it is someone who chooses to take positive action in the face of injustice or when someone needs assistance, rather than a bystander.
We discuss the concept of upstanding with our students. From a young age, this conversation is about being kind, understanding emotions — ours and those of others — and helping our friends. As students move through their education, the term upstander is introduced, the concept is unpacked and more in-depth discussions around how to be an upstander take place.
In order to provide support for our students in this education piece, an incursion was organised for the Year 8 cohort prior to beginning their study of the novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and for the Year 5 cohort as they navigate their first year of Middle School.
The incursion is delivered by Courage to Care, whose experienced facilitators lead students through a developmentally appropriate examination of their own beliefs and behaviours. The program aims to encourage participants to recognise their capacity to effect positive change, providing practical strategies for addressing racism, bullying and prejudice. Participants are empowered to take constructive action within school environments, workplaces and the wider community.
Early Learning Centre
Literacy in Action
Young children learn about the purpose and function of literacy through meaningful play and real-life experiences.
We promote literacy learning through play, songs, stories, games and discussions every day, taking a multi-sensory and developmentally appropriate approach.
Our Haileybury Early Years Literacy program uses a combination of the Jolly Phonics and Little Learners Love Literacy programs.
Congratulations to the Pre-Preps who are sharing their literacy skills with their families by taking home readers and literacy games, and to the Reception children who are now participating in weekly explicit literacy group times.
Scientists in action
Children are natural scientists, curious, hands-on, investigative and eager to solve problems through their everyday experiences. In the ELC, children engage in scientific thinking daily, often without realising the depth of learning taking place.
Our celebration of Science and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Week provides a focused opportunity to explore these areas more intentionally. Throughout the week, children engaged in a wide range of interactive experiences designed to ignite curiosity, foster creativity and deepen their understanding of scientific concepts.
A highlight for our Pre-Prep children was the opportunity to become scientists alongside Senior School teachers and student leaders. This meaningful connection fostered a sense of community, curiosity and shared learning across age groups.
Making a difference
Hampton High Reserve is changing! Lizard habitats with rocks and logs are being created, 200 shrubs have been planted and possum boxes are being decorated, all to enhance the local reserve and promote the return of wildlife. We encourage our community to visit and see how the ELC children are making a difference to our local community.
Junior School
A magical milestone
Our Preps recently celebrated their 100th Day of School with the theme ‘100 Days Brighter.’ The day began with a parade around East Quad carrying handmade poppers, followed by activities with their Year 4 buddies. Teachers and parents took a moment to reflect on all the learning that has taken place over the last hundred days, be it social, emotional or academic. Teachers particularly note the independence and lack of teeth that mark this time of the year.
When asked about their favourite memory of school this year, they answered:
Austin – learning coding in computer science
Estelle – playing soccer in PE
Tim – making poppers in science
Anna – playing with my friends in East quad
Kylan – playing tag on the oval
Anya – learning about numbers
Levi – writing maths problems
Noah – learning how to write
Stella – making friends
House Leaders
Semester 2 House Leaders have been inducted and are now helping Year 4 students run recess and lunchtime clubs, much to the joy of our Junior School children. There is something for everyone across the timetable and leaders are honing this organisation and student management skills. Leaders have also taken to the stage to run assemblies. Managing their nervousness as they speak to the cohort has been one significant area of learning for some, whilst others are working on looking up from their script whilst speaking to connect with their audience.
What is happening in East Quad?
You may notice that the coloured boards outside classrooms are changing. We are happy to announce that Indigenous artist Bayley Mifsud will be sharing her beautiful artistry in Term 4 by painting murals that depict the six indigenous seasons Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang.
Middle School
Try new things, word hard and be kind
At Middle School, we encourage our students to try new things, work hard, and be kind — three simple but powerful principles that help shape confident, compassionate and capable young people. Whether it is joining a new sport, taking part in a camp, or stepping outside their comfort zone to meet someone new, these values remind students that growth comes from embracing challenges with a positive attitude. Trying something new, especially when it feels unfamiliar or daunting, builds resilience and opens doors to discovering new passions and talents. Working hard ensures they develop the skills and discipline needed to thrive, and being kind fosters inclusive, supportive environments where everyone can feel safe and valued.
These values are especially evident in our upcoming Middle School musical production of The Little Mermaid Jr. For many students, this may be their first time performing on stage, learning lines, singing, dancing, or even helping behind the scenes with props and costumes. It takes courage to try out, commitment to rehearse, and teamwork to bring the story to life. Throughout the journey, students are learning to support one another, celebrate differences, and show kindness both on and off the stage. This production is not only a showcase of talent, but a celebration of our students living out the values we hold dear every day. We cannot wait for our school community to come and support these amazing Middle School students and show their appreciation and pride in students pursuing their passions.
Connections Breakfast
The Haileybury Castlefield Middle School students were delighted to host our 2026 Connections Breakfast, welcoming students and their families who will be joining our community in 2026.
It was an incredible morning with a fantastic turnout. Guests enjoyed special performances from our upcoming musical The Little Mermaid Jr, were inspired with words and advice from our amazing Year 8 leaders, and received a warm welcome from our Head of Campus, Katrina Manson. It was a wonderful way to begin their journey at Haileybury and to experience the spirit of our Castlefield community.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield (HPFC)
Father's Day Lunch
Our Father’s Day Lunch on Friday, 5 September at True South is shaping up to be a wonderful event.
We are thrilled to announce that Matthew Dwyer will be the special guest at our inaugural Father’s Day Lunch.
As Haileybury’s new Head of Sport, Matt brings a wealth of experience from grassroots to global sporting arenas, including leadership roles at Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board, and Tennis Australia. He has also worked with some of the world’s biggest sporting brands, including the NFL, NBA and Wilson Sporting Goods.
Now in his second year in his role as Head of Sport across all Haileybury campuses, Matt is leading the development of a bold five-year sports strategy designed to expand opportunities for every student — whether they dream of becoming elite athletes or simply want to stay active and have fun. His focus is on making sport inclusive, memorable and meaningful for students, staff and families alike.
Matt’s passion for community and his commitment to shaping positive sporting experiences make him an inspiring voice for our school and a fantastic guest for this special celebration.
Matt welcomes any questions you may have about the sports program or his experience.
Father's Day Stall
We will be putting a call out for parents to come along and volunteer to assist our students in shopping for a gift for dad. The students enjoy perusuing and purchasing at our stall and it is thanks to the brilliant support of our parents that we are able to create this experience for them, and of course the splendid gifts for dad.
Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield
