Campus News
Back to Brighton
It was recently time to say goodbye to our Year 12 graduates at our Back to Brighton morning. As both staff and as a school, we take great pride in supporting our students’ growth, achievements and overall development. During a special assembly and time spent on campus, students had the chance to reflect on everything they have learnt, experienced and discovered throughout their time at Castlefield. Celebrating the graduates’ journeys at Haileybury, and the campus where they began, has truly been a joy.
Art show
We are excited to be showcasing artwork from each student in ELC to Year 8 at our annual art show, with opening night being held at 4.00 pm on Wednesday, 22 October. Alongside our art gallery, there will be students performing and a sausage sizzle for attendees (gold coin donation). Come along and be immersed in the creativity our students have produced.
Melbourne Cup holiday
I remind families that Monday, 3 November, is a student-free day. Therefore, students will not be required at School on this day. Of course, Tuesday, 4 November, is the Melbourne Cup holiday.
Up Day
Please note that the 2026 Orientation Day (Up Day) is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 November for our current Prep through to current Year 6 students. The attire for the day is casual sports clothes with runners. Our students spend the day in their 2026 year level, meeting teachers, visiting homerooms and being introduced to their new classmates in preparation for next year.
Celebration of Excellence (Speech Night)
The date of our Celebration of Excellence is Tuesday, 3 December and students in Years 5–8 all attend. Students have already commenced learning the song they will be performing in our massed singing item on the night.
Early Learning Centre
Outdoor learning
The children love playing and learning in our outdoor learning environments. It is wonderful as a teacher to be part of the children’s excitement, and to facilitate their ideas, curiosities and possibilities. Being outdoors offers countless benefits across all areas of development.
Time spent outside builds gross motor strength and agility, and supports fine motor dexterity and hand eye coordination. Outdoor play also provides rich opportunities for enhancing cognitive abilities through exploration, problem-solving, critical thinking, imagination and sensory experiences. Social and emotional development flourishes, as children interact and negotiate with others, and fosters their self-regulation and overall wellbeing.
We are excited to be planning and designing new areas within our playground and welcome ideas and feedback from families and children. Please see the noticeboard in the ELC foyer to share your thoughts.
Helping Hands
As children venture beyond the classroom, our specialist Physical Activity sessions implement a wonderful community program called Helping Hands. This initiative brings together Years 6 and 8 students, who work alongside our teachers to lead each perceptual and gross motor activity station.
With older students guiding and encouraging, our children participate in small groups and focus on developing specific skills such as core strength, coordination and balance.
This program not only supports physical development but also fosters a strong sense of community, collaboration and leadership across year levels.
Junior School
Walkathon
At the end of Term 3 we combined our termly community barbeque with our first ever walkathon to raise money for Victorian charity, Second Chance Animal Rescue. Students found sponsors and walked as many laps of the oval as possible. After school, families brought along their own dogs to join in the walking. It was a great afternoon combining exercise, families and social justice.
Grandparents Morning
One of the most loved events on the calendar is when we welcome our fabulous grandparents to come along and share a morning in the classrooms. We acknowledge the incredible ways our grandparents enrich the lives of our Junior School children, with many doing morning drop off, afternoon pick-up and making lunches. There is even a grandfather who regularly cuts his granddaughter’s fringe so it is just so. With a few reminders to take things slowly on the stairs, the children carefully guided their nannas, poppas, nonnas, nonnos, yeye, nainai, pedar bozorg, madar bozorg, yia-yais and papoos around the various classroom activities.
Reminders
- Sunhats are to be worn for recess, lunchtime and PE lessons. Please make sure they are clearly named.
- Any student drop-off or pick-up during school hours must be done via Main Reception.
- Students should not be unaccompanied in the yard prior to 8.10 am.
- For your child’s safety, there are only three places to pick-up your Junior School child after school: their classroom, the meeting place or the roundabout. All three places are supervised by staff.
Middle School
Term 4 – strong finishes and new beginnings
Term 4 promises to be a wonderful and inspiring finish to the year in the Middle School. It is a term full of opportunity and a chance for students to step up, show leadership and make the most of every experience that comes their way. Across all year levels, there will be exciting House activities that build teamwork and school spirit, as well as a range of excursions and incursions designed to spark curiosity, deepen learning and connect classroom knowledge with the wider world.
A fitting start to the term was our Year 8 student led Assembly in which all of our Year 8 leaders regaled the Middle School students with reflections on the year so far, insights into international trips, showcased student music performances and the School sang along as we launched our Celebration of Excellence massed singing song. It was a sensational example of students leading by example and inspiring others.
As we move towards the end of the year, students are encouraged to approach each day with a sense of purpose by finishing strongly, supporting one another and taking pride in their efforts. Term 4 is also a time for kindness and connection: celebrating achievements, showing gratitude and giving things a go, even when it feels challenging. Whether it is leading a House event, taking part in a performance, or simply lending a helping hand, every student has the opportunity to contribute to our positive and inclusive Middle School culture. Together, we look forward to a term that celebrates growth, curiosity and the joy of learning.
We have much to look forward to with Year 8 Graduation, Celebration of Excellence, our Annual Art Show, Castlefield picnic on the Green and many more.
This is also a timely reminder for all Middle School students to be wearing hats at recess and lunchtimes.
2026 Class requests
As the end of the year approaches, we understand that some families may have already sent emails regarding friendship or teacher preferences for 2026.
Please understand that we do not, under any circumstance, accept friendship or teacher requests for your child into the next year.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield (HPFC)
Junior School Halloween Disco and Scavenger Hunt
Haileybury Parents & Friends of Castlefield (HPFC) invite Junior School families to a fun-filled Halloween celebration on Thursday, 30 October from 3.45 pm to 5.00 pm.
Students will enjoy a Halloween Scavenger Hunt and a Neon Disco, with separate sessions for Prep–Year 2 and Years 3–4. ELC students are welcome to join the Scavenger Hunt.
Please note: the disco is for Junior School students only.
Children may wear Halloween costumes or white clothing to glow under neon lights. Non-toxic neon paints will be used—safe for children but may stain clothing.
Important: This is not a drop-off event. A parent or guardian must be present.
We cannot put on these events without your support—please sign up via the link below to volunteer.https://signup.com/go/zjrvayz
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Last chance for tickets until midnight tonight only (Monday, 20 October): https://events.humanitix.com/hpfc-halloween-disco-and-scavenger-hunt
Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield
