Campus News
Our next SOAR parent event: Kirra Pendergast
We are excited to welcome Kirra Pendergast for our next SOAR parent event on Wednesday, 2 September at Castlefield.
Kirra is one of Australia’s leading experts in online safety and digital wellbeing. She will provide practical, relevant and reassuring advice to help parents better understand their child’s online world and feel more confident navigating technology, social media and digital safety at home.
What will parents walk away with from the session?
A toolkit covering privacy settings, device boundaries, group chat hygiene, gaming awareness, AI literacy, safe photo posting, a step-by-step reporting process when things go wrong, and a clear-eyed understanding of the laws that protect their family. This is a no-nonsense, open and frank discussion that will leave you feeling informed and empowered to start meaningful conversations with your family about healthy online habits and behaviour.
This is truly an event not to be missed.
Tickets are limited and registration is essential. Following the strong response to our Maggie Dent event, we encourage families to register early to secure their place.
- Wednesday, 2 September
- Dickinson Hall – 6.30 pm
Register here:
SOAR | Parenting in a world of digital chaos
Castlefield bus services
We received an overwhelming number of expressions of interest from families regarding before and after school bus services to and from the Haileybury Brighton Campus. In response to this strong level of interest, we are pleased to be trialling four bus routes designed to encompass the areas represented by the families who indicated they would like to access this service.
Before and after school bus routes to and from the Haileybury Brighton Campus commenced at the beginning of Term 3 for a trial period, and will conclude at the end of Term 4, 2026.
Up-to-date bus route maps can be viewed online: School Runs — Alston Coaches
Families are encouraged to review the route maps and consider whether one of the trial services may support their before or after school travel arrangements. We look forward to receiving feedback throughout the trial period to help inform future planning for campus transport.
Early Learning Centre
Community celebrations
Our annual Pyjama Day brought our ELC community together for a special shared breakfast feast. Children enjoyed a delicious spread of fruit, cereal and toast while celebrating in their favourite pyjamas. The morning was filled with joy, laughter, full bellies and wonderful opportunities to connect as a community. What a fun day being in our PJs all day.
What better way to celebrate the end of term than with a teddy bears picnic. The Reception children were invited to bring in a teddy or soft toy to join in some teddy bear fun with songs and dances, stories, and a teddy bear biscuit of course.
The Pre-Preps celebrated a milestone in their literacy journey with Milo’s birthday party. It has been wonderful to see the clever Pre-Preps embracing literacy through hands-on learning, and we look forward to their continued journey as the year progresses.
Physical development
Physical activity in the early years is essential for healthy growth, boosting physical health, brain function and social wellbeing. Haileybury Early Learning is investigating the ways in which families within our community engage in physical activities both at home and in the broader community. We invite families to complete a short survey (as shared on the ELC app) to assist us in gaining a deeper insight into children’s physical development and in tailoring our programs accordingly. Please also see the following link to an Australian Government resource – Guidelines for healthy growth and development for your child.
Junior School
A social justice heart
The Castlefield Junior School love getting behind a cause and one that is close to the hearts of many in our community is Fight MND. Over several weeks, students bought and wore beanies and raffle tickets, and on a sunny afternoon, four brave teachers took to the stage to have icy water poured over them. The event drew a huge crowd and raised a considerable amount of money too. This day coincided with our annual Pyjama Day which raised additional funds for Fight MND.
Cross Country
It was awesome to see the House spirit alive and well for our annual Cross Country event run by PE teacher, Mr Boek. Parents stood by the start line and along the straight to cheer on our runners. Preps were up first and took off at full speed. Year 4 students rounded out the afternoon with their final cross country in the Junior School. It was great to hear the House chants and see fabulous sportsmanship and students giving their best effort.
100 days brighter
Our youngest students celebrated a huge milestone of 100 days at school with a fun-filled day. The day began with a parade through East Quad to the cheers of their Year 4 buddies, Junior School children, parents and grandparents and moved on to classroom activities, a shared lunch and disco. We are super proud of just how far these little learners have come with their independence, resilience, confidence and ‘have a go’ attitude.
Middle School
Man Cave: empowering Year 6–8 boys
This semester, our Years 6–8 boys are participating in The Man Cave, an evidence-based wellbeing program designed to help young men develop confidence, resilience and positive relationships. Through engaging workshops and open conversations, students explored topics such as emotional intelligence, healthy masculinity, respectful relationships, communication, and the importance of seeking support when needed. The program encourages boys to challenge stereotypes, build self-awareness and develop practical strategies for navigating the opportunities and challenges of adolescence. It provides a safe and supportive environment where students can reflect, share experiences and strengthen their connections with one another.
The student voice in action
Alongside initiatives that support student wellbeing, we have also continued to listen to student voice in shaping our Middle School environment. Following feedback from students, we recently installed gaga ball pits, creating another opportunity for active play, connection and fun during recess and lunchtime. Gaga ball is a fast-paced, inclusive game that encourages participation, teamwork and friendly competition, making it accessible for students of all ages and abilities. This week the gaga pit in the Girls Middle School has not only seen multiple games played, but also dances created, friendships navigated, classes taught and cross-age opportunities for girls in Years 5–8 to connect as part of the sisterhood within the GMS. Our Castlefield Middle School students are connected and resourceful, and love an opportunity to see possibility in the things that exist around them.
These additions reflect our commitment to creating a Middle School where students feel heard, valued and connected. By combining meaningful wellbeing programs such as The Man Cave with engaging recreational spaces like our Gaga ball pits, we continue to foster a culture where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
Parking
Parking around the property can, at times, be difficult. 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 busy school start and end times.
There are clearly signed two-minute parking spaces outside our Villeroy Street gate. These should be used as a ‘kiss-and-go’ zone rather than for 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.
Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield (HPFC)
Upcoming event – HPFC Father’s Day Lunch
Join the Haileybury Castlefield community for an unforgettable Father’s Day Lunch at the iconic Lindsay Fox Car Museum on Friday, 4 September.
Enjoy exceptional food, a premium whiskey tasting, great music and the opportunity to connect with members of the school community while surrounded by one of Australia’s most impressive car collections.
When: Friday, 4 September at 12.00 midday
Where: Lindsay Fox Car Museum, 749–755 Collins Street, Docklands
Tickets: $190 includes gourmet lunch, whiskey tasting, live music and access to the museum collection.
We look forward to celebrating with you. Book your ticket now by clicking here.
Casey Harris
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield
