Campus News
Newlands 2026
Welcome back to the 2026 school year. I hope the holiday break provided time for rest, joy and special moments with loved ones. A warm welcome is also extended to all new students, families and staff joining the Newlands community. We are delighted that you have chosen Haileybury.
This year marks an exciting milestone as the Newlands Campus proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary. Throughout 2026, a series of special events and commemorations will honour this significant moment in our history and recognise the people, achievements and traditions that have shaped our community over five decades.
We are also pleased to unveil several major facility developments, including our new Junior School playground and the upgrade of Berthon Hall. Enhancements to our Boys Middle School, Fisher Oval bus stops and Junior School classrooms further strengthen our commitment to providing inspiring, safe and dynamic learning environments where curiosity and confidence thrive.
In 2026, I encourage all families to remain engaged with the Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough (HPFK). Under the leadership of President Amy Ching, the HPFK continues to play a vital role in building connections and enriching the experience of our students and families. Across the year, there will be numerous opportunities to come together to celebrate, support and participate in the life of our vibrant community.
It is with great excitement that I look forward to welcoming our students, families and staff back to Newlands for the year ahead. As we embrace 2026, our 50th year, we do so with optimism, opportunity and a shared commitment to pursuing education at Newlands through the eyes of excellence.
This year promises to be a truly remarkable chapter in the history of our campus.
The Biggest Playdate
The Miranda Foundation’s Biggest Playdate is our annual community event supporting the children’s cancer and bereavement programs at Monash Children’s Hospital.
The Miranda Foundation held the first Biggest Playdate in May 2016 and has run it annually ever since, raising over $350,000 to support the hospital.
Early Learning Centre
Back in the ELC
As we warmly welcome the start of a new year, it has been wonderful to see our Reception and Pre-Prep children settling so comfortably into their new learning environments, developing confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging. Through shared routines, play experiences and gentle guidance, friendships are forming and connections with educators are continuing to grow. Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate Pancake Day, a much-loved event that invites joy and togetherness. This experience is the first of many festivities planned across the year to commemorate 50 years of Newlands. We look forward to honouring five decades of learning, care and community, celebrating the connections between past, present and future learners as we proudly shape the next chapter of Newlands.
eSafety
This past year, the Newlands ELC has made eSafety a key focus, recognising the importance of supporting young children as they explore the digital world safely. Building on this commitment, we are excited to introduce our new Digital Technology and Online Safety Curriculum, designed to help children understand how to engage respectfully and appropriately with people and resources online. The ELC is also proud to provide families with practical tools, including the eSafety Early Years Guide, which offers clear guidance for keeping children under five safe online. By equipping parents and caregivers with these resources, we aim to make online safety both approachable and empowering, enabling children to enjoy the benefits of technology while staying protected.
Junior School
Newlands Years 1, 2 and 4 swimming programs
The Newlands Years 1, 2 and 4 students will begin their swimming programs on Monday, 9 February. The program commenced with eight 45-minute sessions. At the start of the year, these students will not only dive into learning but also straight into the pool for their comprehensive two-week swimming program. They will enjoy cooling down from the summer heat and perfecting their strokes. The program will conclude with a water safety lesson, where students will experience being in the pool fully clothed to practice essential safety skills.
ELC and Junior School Information Evening
We are very much looking forward to welcoming our ELC and Junior School families to the 2026 ELC and Junior School Information Evening on Thursday, 19 February, from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm in Berthon Hall. This evening is a wonderful opportunity to discover more about the programs offered in the ELC and Junior School, and to gather information specific to your child’s year level.
After the presentations, we invite families to enjoy light refreshments in the Newlands Resource Centre Quad, where there will be a chance to connect with staff and other families. We are excited to share the year ahead with our ELC and Junior School families and can’t wait to see you there.
Middle School
Middle School off and running
We welcomed our students back, as they began their school journey for 2026. It was great to see our students connect with their peers and teachers. Our students participated in our Induction Days, an opportunity to understand what Haileybury has to offer. Students quickly settled in and enthusiastically participated in a range of activities, including the Curious Minds Expo, Digital Learning Sessions, and House Sport.
The Middle School camps for our Years 5 and 6 students promise to be memorable and enriching experiences for all involved.
Year 5 students will embark on an adventure camp to Phillip Island, where they will enjoy a range of exciting outdoor activities including the giant swing, flying fox and surfing at Smiths Beach. This camp has been designed to encourage teamwork, build confidence, and support students in forming friendships and strong connections within their year level.
Year 6 students will be heading to Canberra for an unforgettable educational experience. Highlights of the trip include visits to the Australian Institute of Sport, Questacon, the Deep Space Communication Centre, Parliament House, and a night tour of Mount Stromlo Observatory. This camp will focus on building independence and deepening students’ understanding of Government which supports their current Humanities unit.
Both camps provide valuable opportunities for personal growth, learning and fun, and we look forward to sharing these exciting experiences with our students.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough (HPFK)
Welcome
On behalf of the Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough, I would like to warmly welcome all families to the new school year.
We are excited for what lies ahead and look forward to working alongside the School to support our students, staff and wider community.
HPFK plays an important role in bringing families together, and we are looking forward to a year filled with community events and opportunities for families to connect and get involved. We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to a positive and rewarding year ahead.
Year 7 Bowling and Arcade Night
Please join us for a fun night of bowling, arcade and food.
Date: Friday, 20 March
Venue: General Public, 366 Boundary Road, Dingley Village
Food: Shared pizza, chips and soft drink
Price: $50 per student
RSVP: Friday, 13 March via link below:
Please note: ticket includes 1 game of bowling, arcade games, shared pizza, chips and soft drink. ALL students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian the entire night. Adults and siblings can attend free of charge, and may book bowling and purchase food and drink at the venue.
Year 5 Bowling and Arcade Night
Please join us for a fun night of bowling, arcade and food.
Date: Friday, 27 March
Venue: General Public, 366 Boundary Road, Dingley Village
Food: Shared pizza, chips and soft drink
Price: $50 per student
RSVP: Friday, 20 March via link below:
Please note: Ticket Includes 1 game of bowling, arcade games, shared pizza, chips and soft drink. ALL students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian the entire night. Adults and siblings can attend free of charge, and may book bowling and purchase food and drink at the venue.
Amy Ching
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough
