Campus News
A remarkable community lifeline at Haileybury Rendall School
Haileybury Rendall School has demonstrated extraordinary compassion and leadership through its decision to welcome an additional 40 remote Indigenous boarders following the recent closure of nearby St John’s College, which had operated boarding in Darwin for 59 years. This significant step was not taken lightly. It required vision, careful planning, and a deep commitment to ensuring continuity of care, education and community for students who suddenly faced uncertainty.
In a short period of time, the school mobilised staff, facilities and resources to create a safe, supportive and culturally respectful environment for the new students. Boarding arrangements were expanded, wellbeing and pastoral care structures strengthened, and academic programs thoughtfully adjusted to meet the needs of a larger and more diverse boarding community. Importantly, the voices of families, communities and students themselves were central to the process.
Behind the scenes, an enormous amount of work went into making this transition successful. Boarding staff, teachers, support teams and leadership worked collaboratively to ensure that every student felt welcomed, valued and supported from day one. Additional resources were allocated, systems refined and routines carefully adapted so that the quality of care remained high for all boarders.
The results speak for themselves. The transition has been working very well, with students settling into Haileybury school life, engaging positively with learning, and forming strong connections within the boarding community. The expansion has not only provided stability for students and families affected by the closure of St John’s College but has also enriched the Haileybury Rendall community as a whole.
This initiative reflects the School’s strong values of inclusion, responsibility and care for others. Haileybury Rendall School is to be commended for stepping forward in a time of need and turning a challenge into an opportunity for growth, connection and positive impact.
Andrew McGregor
Principal, Haileybury Rendall School
