Awarded GOLD!
The Newlands Concert band played in the Victorian School Music Festival performing to an excellent level. The students have developed a long way, with many new members moving into the band this year. Every student stood up to the challenge, playing with amazing maturity and composure. The band was awarded gold for their efforts, with the adjudicator remarking, “A fine performance today, a full ensemble tone developing nicely.” Following the performance the adjudicator worked with the group giving them some points to take away.
The final piece performed required the sound of a lion’s roar, this took a lot of experimentation to find a suitable sound. The final sound was created with a string attached to a large drum (see attached photo). To make it more memorable the bands’ flute player and Art Captain Lily created a lion mane that was attached to the drum to create a visual to go with the sound. This featured at the front of the stage and was played by Kellom . All students are congratulated on their efforts and should be proud of what they achieved.

Early Learning Centre
Reflection of joy
At the end of Term 3 it is timely to reflect on the joy that has been experienced in the ELC.
Fathers and special friends day saw the promotion of physical activity with just a sprinkle of healthy competition amongst the adults.
The morning routine was given a reprieve with pyjama day, and costumes promoted adventure and exploration during Book Week celebrations with guest readers Mr Engele, Mr Doran and Mr Grigsby visiting the ELC.
Teddy bears were treated with much care in our ‘hospitals’ and Pre-Preps learnt age appropriate and practical first aid through our St John Ambulance Australia incursion.
We have seen visits from doctors, dentists, scientists and police, just to name a few, and we learnt how to make a bubble big enough to fit a person inside.
Term 4 will be sure to delight as we look forward to the ELC musical. Stay tuned with details to be sent to families shortly.
While we are still celebrating the growth and learning that is occurring daily in the ELC, it is with excitement that we begin to look at what comes next in the learning journey at Haileybury. The transition program is well underway, with opportunities being provided for classes to come together and explore new environments and friendships in preparation for 2026.
Junior School
Year 4 SEA
In Term 4, our Year 4 students will be taking part in the Sex Education Australia (SEA) program, an important element of the Year 4 child health and safety curriculum.
The program is delivered across three structured sessions over a three-week period and is designed to support students’ understanding of their physical development. Topics include learning about bodies and body parts, how babies develop, and the changes that occur during puberty.
To help parents feel informed and supported, we will be hosting a Year 4 Parent Information Session via Zoom on Thursday, 9 October at 7.00 pm. SEA will share an overview of the program, explain the content that will be covered with students, and provide time to answer any questions you may have.
This session is an opportunity to work in partnership with families so that both students and parents feel confident and well-prepared as we approach these important conversations.
Chesterfield Farm
The Preps set off on their very first excursion to Chesterfield Farm, and it was a truly memorable experience. From the moment they arrived, the students were immersed in the sights and sounds of farm life. They delighted in feeding a variety of animals and were fascinated by the chance to see farm animals up close. A highlight was their visit to the nursery, where they carefully patted and interacted with a range of baby animals, learning how to handle them with care and respect. The day provided not only plenty of joy and excitement but also valuable learning about animals, their needs, and life on the farm.
Middle School
Melbourne Zoo Science excursion
In Term 4, our Year 7 students will visit the Melbourne Zoo to take part in a program on classification and adaptations. This engaging experience will allow students to examine skull specimens, study biological artefacts and observe zoo animals as they build on their classroom learning. They will develop their understanding of how structural and behavioural adaptations help animals survive, explore the role of food webs and food chains in healthy ecosystems, and consider the impact of human activity on habitats. The excursion is a valuable opportunity for students to connect their studies with the real world while deepening their appreciation for biodiversity and conservation.
Strings in Spring
Strings in Spring will be an exciting concert featuring all Newlands Middle School String players. The Corelli, Paganini and Vivaldi String Orchestras will play individual items as well as a combined work with all 85 performers playing together. Please join us in Berthon Hall at 5.00 pm on Wednesday, 15 October for a feast of music.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough (HPFK)
Opening Hours
Saturday, 4 October – 9.00 am to 12 noon
Friday, 10 October – 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Saturday, 11 October – 9.00 am to 12 noon
Friday, 17 October – 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Saturday, 18 October – 9.00 am to 12 noon
Friday, 24 October – 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Friday, 31 October – 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Amy Ching
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough