Campus News
Haileybury’s Reconciliation Action Plan & National Close the Gap Day
As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan and continued commitment to promoting reconciliation between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, on Thursday, 16 March, our campuses supported National Close the Gap Day.
National Close the Gap Day is celebrated annually with an aim to close the gap of health and life expectancy between First Nations people in Australia to those of non-Indigenous Australians.
Students and staff created a ‘Sea of Hands’ installation, an iconic symbol of reconciliation and a way for communities around Australia to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and events.
In 2022, Haileybury created its first Reconciliation Action Plan that encompasses all its Melbourne campuses. Its aim is to celebrate the diverse identities and cultural heritage of staff and students who have come to our school from different communities across Australia. Through a journey of reconciliation, we will continue to create a culturally safe and respectful world-class school.
The School’s Reconciliation Action Plan can be found on the Haileybury website.
Being curious
Being curious is an essential Enterprise and Entrepreneurial skill fostered at Haileybury. On International Women’s Day, students across the campus were keen to understand why IWD is celebrated and what it means in a school where International Outlook and Social Justice are two of our pillars.
It was so powerful to see the level of engagement on our Middle School students’ faces as our guest presenters shared their stories. One talked about the daily life of women in Africa, where she was born, and carrying water on their heads for kilometres just to make enough money to buy rice for their children. Stories like this challenged our students to continue to be curious.
The power of the narrative to engage students is embedded in learning at Haileybury City. I was delighted to see our students side by side and deepening their understanding on International Women’s Day.
Academic excellence
Every day, through explicit teaching and expertly planned learning experiences, our brilliant staff deliver academic excellence. I am always delighted to walk through our campus and see students focused on learning.
We enjoy regular visits from our CEO|Principal, Derek Scott, the Senior Executive, Heads of Teaching and Learning and Heads of Department who experience learning at Haileybury City. They visit classrooms across our campus, hear about the great learning taking place and see our students actively taking part in physical, artistic, dramatic and many other academic pursuits.
This newsletter contains just some of the wonderful learning opportunities our students experience as they hear, see, question, ponder, practise and are challenged to think about the future and the world — and who doesn’t enjoy a tasty purple cupcake!
Early Learning Centre
Making plans in the ELC
As children continue to build connections and learn more about their peers, the concept of the Group Plan has recently been introduced in Reception. It supports children to connect with their peers socially and within the world around them.
Children have explored the idea that there are times when they can form their own plan — this may be in a game or group activity that others may choose to join in. At other times it may be necessary to join someone else’s plan.
This language also supports the daily routine within the ELC where there may be a whole group plan for an activity or group time.
The Pre-Prep children are building on these strong social foundations to begin their first ‘class project’ for the year. The Pre-Prep collaborative art project involves the children working together to create a miniature world based on their interests, such as movie characters, dinosaurs, animals, princesses and superheroes.
The project will develop fine motor skills, including pencil and scissor grip and manipulating different materials and implements to enhance fine motor control and dexterity. The project also fosters communication and negotiation skills as children work together to develop a Group Plan and problem-solve.
Junior School
Experiential learning
Tangible, experiential learning in our Junior School is providing students with opportunities to take part in hands-on activities that promote active learning, problem-solving and creativity.
From science experiments floating ‘butter boats’ to currency counting in maths, our students apply their knowledge in real-world situations and deepen their understanding of their academic coursework.
You’re invited to see learning in action
During the remaining weeks of Term 1, City parents are invited to see their child’s learning in action on the following dates:
- Prep Parent Information Session (Numeracy) – Tuesday, 14 March
- Junior School in Action (Years 1 and 2) – Tuesday 21 March
- Junior School in Action (Years 3 and 4) – Tuesday, 4 April
Please see the information flyers sent to parents via myHaileybury.
Year 3 NAPLAN set for success
We are incredibly proud of our Year 3 students who have exemplified true dedication and grit while preparing for their recent NAPLAN tests. Their efforts are commendable and their positive attitudes have allowed them to put their best foot forward.
Managing nerves can be challenging. However, our Year 3 students have shown remarkable resilience and composure during the testing period. We encouraged them to take deep breaths and to focus on their preparation. It’s heartening to see how our students have been able to remain calm and focused, which has undoubtedly helped them perform at their best. We wish them continued success in their academic journey.
Middle School
Embracing equity
International Women’s Day (IWD) on Wednesday, 8 March is an important occasion on our calendar as it highlights the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day is also a call to action to accelerate gender parity.
This year’s focus is on embracing equity and significant action is witnessed worldwide as groups come together. This was certainly the case in the Middle School which was a hive of activity. The Year 8 Leaders created and sold Fearless badges to reflect the 2023 Girls Middle School goal to ‘fearlessly be yourself.’ All funds raised will support Melbourne City Mission.
Years 7 and 8 students took part in workshops focusing on cheerleading, comedy, musical theatre dance routines, illustration, innovation and music, and the Battle of the Bands concert on the Level 4 Terrace featured artists from across Haileybury City. The Senior School Leaders offered IWD inspired face painting.
Students had a brilliant time together as they continued to strive to ensure we live in a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, and where difference is valued and celebrated.
Parent–Teacher Interviews
At Haileybury, we know collaboration between teachers, parents and students is paramount for boys and girls to experience continuous growth and wellbeing. The Parent–Teacher Interviews on Tuesday, 7 March were an important opportunity to discuss student transitions to new year levels or schools, as well as how they have started the year academically and socially.
Thank you for your ongoing support of your child’s education and personal development.
Year 6 science excursion
In science, Year 6 students have been studying energy, particularly electrical energy and electric circuits. At their recent visit to Scienceworks, they deepened their classroom learning by watching the electrical energy, safety and lightning show, and exploring the Beyond Perception exhibition. Our students also enjoyed sharing the day with their peers from Edrington and Newlands.
Caroline Merrick
Head of City
Haileybury Parents & Friends City (HPF City)
Rooftop Party 2023
Thank you to all the parents and carers who came along to the Rooftop Party on Friday night. Over 100 people gathered to mingle and admire the wonderful city skyline.
A special thanks to the Haileybury team who helped organise the night. It was great to see so many new faces making connections with our wonderful Haileybury community
Our next City event is the Cocktail Party on Friday, 26 May. Pop the date in your diaries and get ready to join in the fun. The theme this year is ‘a little bit of sparkle’. Tickets are available on the myHaileybury app.
Don’t forget Luna Park
A reminder to book your tickets for the Haileybury Luna Park night. We have exclusive access to Luna Park for Haileybury students, families and friends from all Haileybury campuses. The park is open to families from 5.00 pm – 8.00 pm on Wednesday, 29 March.
Please use the TryBooking link to purchase tickets.
Unlimited ride tickets ($55) and non-ride (free) tickets need to be purchased prior to the event. Please note that each child must have a responsible adult with them. Food and beverages can be purchased on the night.
It is a lovely excuse to get out and enjoy the last of daylight savings!
Second-Hand Uniform Shop
The Second-Hand Uniform Shop will be open from 8.00 am – 9.00 am on Friday, 31 March. All details are on the myHaileybury app. Just a friendly reminder that there are no cash sales.
If you would like to be in touch, please reach us at hpfcity@haileybury.vic.edu.au. The HPF City welcomes your feedback and contributions.
Have a wonderful fortnight ahead!
Melissa Fisher
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends City
