Campus News
SOAR Parent Nights with Dr Locke
Our One Haileybury has been SOARing (Safe Online Actions and Relationships) under the leadership of the Head of SOAR, Ms Lucy Cumming. At City, we have been reflecting upon the successful and engaging afternoon of professional learning for staff and our two highly successful parent evenings, all led by Dr Judith Locke. When discussing the Dr Locke events with parents at our Welcome Morning Tea, the feedback was so positive. There were many takeaways and parents shared that they had already noticed a difference in their confidence in parenting at their homes. If we could summarise the powerful messages from Judith in one sentence, the overwhelming response was ‘Your House, Your Rules’, which has assisted in setting their own rules, based on their family values. All parents who ordered books should now have them. Happy reading!
SOAR Family Agreement
We followed up SOARing with our next event: The Family Agreement Afternoon. This event focused on the actions and relationships in order to be safe online. With over 153 family members from all schools, it was wonderful to have everyone on the same page. Families were able to set their agreements, firmly rooted in their personal family values and make age and stage appropriate decisions for the different children in their family. It was wonderful to see the spirit of agreement coming through so strongly.
Families also shared what chores were open and available in the ‘Job Vacancies’ at their house, in order to work as a team to create more time for Family Fun. Reading, riding bikes, cooking, sport and board games were the most popular family fun activities, which build and sustain positive family relationships.
When we work in partnership with families, we achieve great things because we are always better together. There was chocolate (of course), prizes, a post box and lollies before Soren took away the big family hamper prize. Everyone left with a Caramello Koala as a reminder that growing a kind heart and a sharp mind is the shared responsibility of home and school, with the student at the centre of all our decisions.
I thank Lucy Cumming and our City Leadership Team for all that we have achieved so far, as we SOAR at Haileybury in 2026.
Early Learning Centre
Incorporating risky play in the ELC
Physical development is a vital part of children’s growth. Within our outdoor environment and specialist classes, the ELC children are provided with meaningful opportunities to move, explore and challenge themselves.
Our outdoor environment provides opportunities for the children to engage in active play and incorporate elements of risky play. Through climbing, balancing, jumping and navigating uneven surfaces, children develop their gross motor skills while learning to assess risk, make decisions and build resilience. These experiences support children to test their limits in a safe and supported way, fostering a strong sense of confidence and determination.
With our PE classes and ELC Fit with Mr Reed, children further develop their physical skills in more structured contexts. Movement, music and games support coordination, body awareness and spatial understanding, while also promoting teamwork, persistence and the ability to follow instructions.
By embedding physical development across our program, we nurture confident, capable and active learners who are equipped to engage with the world around them.
Junior School
Year 4 Semester 1 leaders inducted
We are proud to announce the induction of our Year 4 Junior School Leaders for Semester 1, 2026. As they step into their roles, they begin an exciting journey as role models within our school community. Congratulations to the following students on their appointments.
• Flag Bearer – Grayson P
• Newton House Captain – Clare L-D
• Main House Captain – Ollie C
• Na House Captain – Adley S
• Elliot House Captain – Alexander S
• Arts Captain – Liam G
• Sports Captain – Noah B
• Environment Captain – Killian O
• Library Captain – Elise K
• Social Justice Captain – Samson P
The selection process was thorough, and the Junior School Leadership Team was impressed by the care and effort each student put into preparing their speeches. They spoke with confidence about their goals and demonstrated a strong understanding of our Respectful Relationship Pillars.
We went on to ask some of the leaders what they are most looking forward to putting into action in their new roles, and here is what they had to say:
“I’m really looking forward to our upcoming House events and leading Na House.” – Adley S
“I’m looking forward to being the Flag Bearer at Assemblies and carrying the flag with pride.” – Grayson P
“I’m excited to launch the food drive as our School’s social justice initiative for Semester 1.” – Samson P
You're invited – Learning in Action!
Throughout the final weeks of Term 1, our City Junior School parents are encouraged to attend the following events, as listed in the Key Dates, to observe their child’s learning:
• Junior School in Action (Years 1 and 2) – Thursday 19 March
• Junior School in Action (Years 3 and 4) – Thursday 26 March
Please take some time to explore the informational flyers provided to parents via the myHaileybury parent app. We look forward to welcoming parents into our classrooms.
URSTRONG
The City Junior School have introduced the URSTRONG program to help students deepen their understanding of the cycle of friendships and how healthy relationships develop. The Homeroom teacher-led program began this week with a session focused on exploring friendships and healthy ways of navigating social conflict or friendship fires.
Middle School
Leadership
It was wonderful to see so many of our Year 8 students apply for positions of leadership in 2026. The speeches delivered as part of the selection process were of high quality and displayed how passionate this cohort is about our School. It was a pleasure to acknowledge our new Year 8 Captains and present them with their badges at the recent Middle School Leadership Induction assembly. While we congratulate the students below, we expect all our Year 8 students to be leaders as they help to shape the Middle School in 2026.
We have great confidence that 2026 will be an awesome year under their guidance and leadership. It is an exciting time ahead.
International Women's Day - Give to Gain
During Week 6, the students celebrated International Women’s Day. The IWD 2026 theme is Give To Gain, which encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. Give To Gain emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction: it is intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise; analogous to our previous GMS/BMS themes of ‘We rise by lifting others’ and ‘Lift others to grow stronger.’
A range of educative and special activities were hosted and undertaken by the students across the week. Badges sporting the 2026 GMS and BMS goals were sold, raising funds for the Royal Women’s Hospital, while daily challenges were available to complete each morning before school in the library. Homeroom staff shared a presentation with their classes on the WHAT, HOW & WHY of IWD and facilitated a Kahoot quiz that was created by the Year 8 Leaders.
The Boys Middle School students undertook a session in which they researched female trailblazers while the Girls Middle School heard from inspiring female Old Haileyburians. The week culminated on the Friday with the much-anticipated Shine on the Terrace, where we had a purple-themed, glitter-filled, music-infused and sweet-treated lunchtime. Thank you to the Senior School Leaders for coming down and adding to the celebrations. It was a meaningful and enthralling week for our students.
Year 6 Camp
The Year 6 students have recently undertaken an educational tour of the national capital, enjoying an action-packed week exploring Canberra’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. The comprehensive itinerary included visits to key landmarks such as the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, the Deep Space Communication Complex and the National Gallery of Australia.
This experiential learning opportunity provided students with valuable insights into Australia’s history and system of government. Throughout Term 1, students have been studying the unit Power to the People, which focuses on Australian Government. Their time in Canberra has enriched their Year 6 Humanities studies, enabling them to connect classroom learning with authentic, real-world experiences.
Importantly, the Canberra tour also provided opportunities for students to strengthen relationships with their peers and teachers. It was a memorable and inspiring experience for all.
Year 8 Coasts Excursion
As part of the Year 8 Coasts geography unit, students performed fieldwork tasks at Hampton Beach, Black Rock Jetty and Sandringham harbour. In small groups, they examined the coastal locations to identify the different natural processes, uses and management strategies present. Students developed their skills as geographers through surveying, sketching, photographing and performing experiments throughout the day.
At the completion of the day, students had investigated how coasts are changed by natural and human activity and decided which management strategies are effective in combatting these changes. The data that was collected on the excursion was used as part of the students’ first Humanities assessment task; a geographical inquiry presented as a report. This engaging fieldwork opportunity deepened understanding of coastal landscapes and geomorphic processes.
Caroline Merrick
Head of City
Haileybury Parents & Friends City (HPF City)
Rooftop Party
Thank you to everyone who attended our HPF City Rooftop Party on Friday 13 March. It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all and a sell-out event. Guests enjoyed homemade pizza from the wonderful Panzapiena, a lucky draw, and plenty of door prizes for many lucky attendees.
It was great to connect, chat and engage while enjoying the beautiful city views, which is a key part of HPF City’s goals. A special thank you to the Shirley and Lee families for their generous prize donations, as well as the HPF City Executive, Social Representatives, and HPF leadership and staff who helped bring the event together.
Foundation Gift
We recently met with Scott Doran, Vice Principal, Community Engagement & Advancement, and Russell Davidson, Director of Development & Alumni Relations at Haileybury, and are pleased to announce that the work of HPF City has secured the first Haileybury City Scholarship, supporting a student who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Haileybury.
This achievement reflects the vision and commitment of the current and past HPF Executive, along with the support of our HPF Social Representatives and community, whose time, participation, and financial contributions have made this possible. More details to come on this exciting development.
Michelle White and Andrea Livingston
Co-Presidents, Haileybury Parents & Friends City
