Castlefield

Campus News

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is observed annually on 11 November, providing an opportunity for our community to honour and reflect on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in times of conflict. This year, due to inclement weather, the service was held in individual classrooms where students and staff gathered for a ceremony that included a minute of silence. Throughout the day, wreaths were laid to commemorate those who have served and continue to serve our country. At the base of our flagpole, crosses were placed for young Haileyburians who served and died over a century ago and students had the opportunity to lay flowers within the cross as a sign of respect. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of peace and gratitude within our school community.

Year 8 Graduation

On Friday, 14 November we hosted a Graduation Assembly and Afternoon Tea for the Year 8 cohort as they graduated from Middle School. We are proud of the students and their achievements, and the assembly was the formal conclusion to their Middle School experience. We wish our Year 8 students every success as they commence their time in Pre-Senior from Monday, 17 November.

As our Year 8 students embark on their Pre-Senior journey, this milestone serves as a testament to their dedication and growth throughout Middle School. The support and encouragement from families and staff have been invaluable, helping each student reach their full potential. We look forward to seeing them thrive in new academic and social opportunities, confident that they will contribute positively to our school community and beyond.

Community Matters

Throughout 2025, Year 6 students have been visiting the Castlefield Community Centre to participate in their Intergenerational Friday Morning program with some of the wonderful Bailey House residents. It is such a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Our students joined in a variety of activities, including colouring, singing, games and some fun dance moves, bringing smiles and joy to all. We were so proud of our Year 6s; they made an effort to connect and engage compassionately with all the residents and, in turn, developed their own confidence and communication skills.

UpDay

On Tuesday, 18 November, all students will transition to their 2026 classes for the day. This will provide an opportunity to become familiar with their new classroom, area of the school, classmates and teachers.

Please note that casual attire and runners are required to accommodate any sporting activities that may be scheduled.

Early Learning Centre

The Learning Journey continues

The ELC students have begun to explore and spend time in their learning environments for 2026. The Reception children have been mixing with each other and getting to know the Pre-Prep spaces and educators, and the Pre-Prep children have spent time in the Junior School during planned visits to the Prep classrooms. This is an exciting time as children build new relationships and their sense of belonging in the next steps of their learning journey. Familiarity can build a sense of security and togetherness as the children look forward to moving into their 2026 classes.

We look forward to welcoming all 2026 Reception and Pre-Prep students to our ELC orientation day on Saturday, 22 November, when they will meet their educators and explore their learning environments.

We're going to the Zoo

As part of the ongoing focus on connecting children with the natural world, the Pre-Preps recently enjoyed an excursion to the Melbourne Zoo. Children engaged their senses and imaginations as they encountered wildlife and explored ways to care for animals and the environment. The program encouraged curiosity, connection and custodianship, inspiring our children to develop a lifelong love and care for nature and local wildlife.

Back in the classroom, these experiences have been extended through storytelling, creative arts, small world play, and ongoing inquiry projects, that allow children to reflect, revisit and build upon their zoo discoveries, strengthening their knowledge and sense of responsibility as environmental caretakers.

Junior School

Halloween Disco

Our fabulous parents ran a Halloween spectacular for our ELC and Junior School students. With games and glow stations, dancing and dress ups, our students went from a DJ run disco in the hall to a scavenger hunt on the oval. Little ghosts and ghouls made the most of the perfect weather conditions with a sausage sizzle and time with their friends and families in the East Quad.

Welcoming our Year 12 students

It is a fabulous thing to welcome our leaving Year 12 students back to the Junior School, to where it all began for many of them. The homemade ties are something they remember making and it is a full circle moment when it is your turn to have one placed around your neck. The Prep children performed on stage to wild applause and even received a standing ovation. For the first time we had a Prep student perform to her graduating brother.

Prep Transition

The Castlefield campus is the only campus with an intake year from Prep. We move from two Pre-Prep classes to three Prep classes, welcoming about twenty-five new families into the fold each year. Over three mornings the children are hosted in the Prep classrooms whilst parents attend sessions with key Junior School leaders. We understand the importance of a slow and meaningful transition and time to create connections with teachers and students.