Campus Report
Excellence in action
Our Newlands Concert Band recently performed at the Victorian Schools Music Festival. With our fabulous Mr David Robinson conducting, every single note that our students played was played with amazing control and precision. The standard of playing was very much well beyond their years. Excitedly, our Newlands Concert Band received the very highest mark ‘Platinum’. Congratulations to all students and staff involved.
Congratulations also to Zoe who participated at the School Sport Australia Hockey Tournament representing Victoria. As a result of Zoe’s performance at this tournament, Zoe has been selected in the Under 15 All Australian SSA team. Well done, Zoe!
Early Learning Centre
Term 3
As Term 3 draws to a close, it is wonderful to reflect on the many moments of connection, creativity and learning that have brought our ELC community together.
Our Father's and Special Friends Day were a wonderful opportunity to welcome some very important people into the ELC. The children proudly enjoyed applying their newly acquired woodworking skills alongside their special visitors. From aeroplanes to animals, the creations reflected plenty of imagination, conversation and collaboration.
Book Week provided another highlight, bringing stories and a love of reading to life across the ELC. We were delighted to welcome guest readers Mr Engele and Mr Doran, who shared stories with the children and added to the excitement of our Book Week celebrations.
There is also much to look forward to in Term 4, including our much-anticipated ELC Musical. Preparations are beginning, and further details will be shared with families shortly.
Looking ahead: transition
While there is still plenty of learning, growth and enjoyment ahead this year, Term 3 also marks an important time when we begin supporting children to look confidently towards the next stage of their Haileybury journey.
Our transition program is already underway, providing children with opportunities to build relationships, explore new environments and develop a growing sense of familiarity and belonging as they prepare for 2027.
For our Pre-Prep children, the Buddy Program continues to be an important part of this process. Connections with their Year 3 buddies have developed throughout the year, providing familiar and friendly faces who will help support them as they move into Junior School.
Transition is equally important for our younger children. Our Pre-Prep teachers have been spending time in Reception classrooms, strengthening connections with the children and inviting them to visit and explore the Pre-Prep learning spaces. These experiences allow children to become familiar with new educators and environments in a relaxed and positive way.
We look forward to continuing to nurture each child’s confidence, curiosity and growth throughout the remainder of 2026.
Junior School
Junior School Semester 2 leadership
The Junior School Semester 2 Leadership Assembly was held on Friday, 7 August, where 13 Year 4 students were inducted into leadership positions for the remainder of the year. Students aspiring to become leaders presented a leadership speech to the Head of Junior School and the Deputy Head of Campus. They also participated in a student voting process, giving their peers the opportunity to nominate their preferred candidates. The selection process was an incredibly difficult one, as every student who nominated delivered thoughtful and impressive speeches, demonstrating leadership potential, confidence, and a genuine desire to serve the Junior School community.
Following careful consideration of the speeches, student votes, and feedback from the Year 4 teachers, Mr Engele, Mrs Pontikis and Mr Dooley, the successful students were elected and informed of their appointments prior to the Leadership Assembly at the conclusion of Term 3, Week 3.
We congratulate all students who participated in the process and commend them for the outstanding effort and enthusiasm they displayed. We also congratulate our newly inducted Semester 2 leaders and wish them every success in their roles.
Junior School Book Week Parade
The Junior School celebrated Children's Book Week with a vibrant Book Week Parade on Friday, 28 August in Aikman Hall. Embracing the 2026 theme, "Symphony of Stories," students and staff arrived dressed as a wonderful array of favourite book characters, bringing stories to life through creativity and imagination. The parade was filled with excitement, featuring lively dances, raffle prizes and plenty of smiles, while reinforcing the joy and importance of reading. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for our Junior School community to celebrate books, inspire a lifelong love of literature, and recognise the power of stories to educate, entertain, and connect us all.
Boys and Girls Night In
The end of August brought some wonderful opportunities for our Middle School students to connect, relax and enjoy time together beyond the classroom.
Our Boys Middle School Night In at Newlands was filled with fun, laughter and friendly competition, with students enjoying Spikeball, Mario Kart, board games and a movie. It was a great opportunity for students across year levels to strengthen friendships and create lasting memories. A special thank you to the HPFK for providing the delicious snacks.
The Girls Middle School followed with a cosy PJ Day and Girls Night In. Students embraced the theme by wearing their pyjamas to school before enjoying an evening of games and activities in Berthon Hall, led by our Year 8 students. Face painting was a particular favourite, with the evening finishing with a movie and snacks generously provided by the HPFK.
Learning beyond the classroom
Our recent excursions have provided students with meaningful opportunities to bring their classroom learning to life.
Year 7 History students explored Ancient Rome, engaging with artefacts and displays while developing a deeper appreciation of Roman history and culture.
Year 5 students travelled to Sovereign Hill, immersing themselves in life during the Victorian gold rush. Through historic buildings, costumed characters and demonstrations, students gained valuable insights into how the gold rush shaped Australian society and development.
Thank you to our members of the HPFK that assist with our Father’s Day Stall on Thursday, 3 September, followed by our Father’s Day Celebration at Zone Bowling Clayton at the end of Week 7.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough (HPFK)
Term 3 highlights
Term 3 began with two fantastic Middle School events supported by HPFK. Girls Middle School enjoyed a movie night, while Boys Middle School took part in a fun-filled games night. It was wonderful to see the students having such a great time, with popcorn, chips, choc tops, drinks and lollies adding to the excitement.
Our annual Father’s Day Stall was once again a huge success. Thank you to everyone who supported the stall and helped make it such a special experience for our students.
As we approach the end of the year, preparations are well underway for two important milestone events: the Year 4 Graduation Celebration and the Year 8 Graduation Celebration. These occasions mark special moments in our students’ Haileybury journeys, and we look forward to celebrating the students’ achievements alongside their families.
Uniform Shop
The HPFK Second-Hand Uniform Shop will be open on the following dates:
- Friday 11 September, 2.00 pm–4.00 pm
- Saturday 12 September, 9.00 am–12.00 noon
- Saturday 19 September, 9.00 am–12.00 noon
- Saturday 3 October, 9.00 am–12.00 noon
- Friday 9 October, 2.00 pm–4.00 pm
- Saturday 10 October, 9.00 am–12.00 noon
- Saturday 17 October, 9.00 am–12.00 noon
- Saturday 24 October, 9.00 am–12.00 noon
The shop is run entirely by our wonderful volunteers, so opening days and times are subject to volunteer availability.
We are always looking for additional volunteers. If you would like to get involved, please contact hpfk@haileybury.com.au.
Amy Ching
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough
