Campus News
Term 1
I would like to thank the students and academic staff of Senior School who have transitioned back into school life seamlessly and effectively over the past few weeks. One of the biggest advantages of Haileybury’s Term 1A program is that the settling in period which accompanies any new school year is completed in November of the previous year. This allows our students and teachers to begin productive work from day one of the new school year. There have been very few changes of teachers outside those necessary to replace staff who have left the School or transferred to other campuses. I must also add a particular welcome to those students and families who have started within our Senior Schools. I hope you feel that you are part of the Haileybury community already and I look forward to meeting many of you at School functions in the coming months.
Founders’ Day Assembly
Our Founders’ Day Assembly was a wonderful occasion and a great way to enable current Haileyburians to reflect on how the School has become the large and diverse institution that it is today. The 2026 Founders’ Day Assembly featured our School Captains and Vice Captains delivering a range of information about the different generations of Haileybury founders and the things they did to contribute to the School’s growth throughout the years. Our recipient of the OHA Medal was Mr Arnold Dix (OH 1981). If you would like more information on Mr Dix or the many other activities of the Old Haileyburian’s Association, please feel free to visit the OHA website.
Haileybury Rendall Year 12 Student Leaders visit to Melbourne
Haileybury recently welcomed Year 12 student leaders from Haileybury Rendall School in Melbourne, marking a significant chapter in our ongoing inter-school collaboration. Accompanied by Head of Senior School, Kylie Mobilia and Year 12 YLC, Anthony Barker, students embarked on a memorable journey, for many, their first venture outside of the Northern Territory.
Starting their Melbourne experience at the City campus, our student leaders also visited our Keysborough campus, fostering great connections with their peers. The itinerary was packed with engaging academic sessions, attendance at the Founders Day assembly, and active participation in invigorating sports training. They also engaged in a productive dialogue with local Haileybury Melbourne Year 12 leaders, exchanging visionary ideas on enhancing connections between the two schools.
During their brief yet impactful stay, meaningful bonds were formed among the students, laying the foundation for continued collaboration throughout their final academic year. We extend heartfelt thanks to the families who graciously hosted students, and to the Haileybury Melbourne students who acted as buddies during their time in Melbourne, contributing to the warmth and hospitality that defines the Haileybury community spirit.
This visit not only enriched the academic and co-curricular experiences of our student leaders but also exemplified the unity and camaraderie that defines the Haileybury family.
U20 Victorian Touch Rugby team
Haileybury is celebrating the outstanding achievement of Emily , Year 12, who has been selected to represent Victoria in the Under 20 Touch Rugby team. Emily’s dedication and impressive skills on the field have earned her a coveted spot on the squad, marking a significant milestone in her sporting journey.
Emily will travel with her team to Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, to compete in the National Tournament from 3– 9 March. This prestigious event will see the best young touch rugby players from across the country come together to showcase their talent and battle for national honours.
As a result of her selection, Emily will be away from school during the tournament dates. Her teachers and peers have expressed great pride in her achievement and are supporting her in balancing her academic and sporting commitments.
Emily’s family and coaches are thrilled by her selection and are looking forward to seeing her represent Victoria on the national stage. Her hard work, sportsmanship and commitment are an inspiration to other young athletes in the community.
The community wishes Emily and the U20 Victorian Touch Rugby team the best of luck as they take on the nation’s top teams in Coffs Harbour.
Nihon University High School visit
For over 25 years, we have maintained a strong partnership with our sister school in Japan, Nihon University High School. This partnership has provided our VCE Japanese students with the opportunity to travel to Sapporo every December for an intensive study program. As part of the reciprocal exchange, a group of Nihon University High School students visits us.
This week, we were delighted to welcome Mr Sasaki, the Vice Principal of Nihon University High School, along with 28 Japanese students who are staying with Haileybury families to experience life in an Australian school and homestay environment. They have attended classes alongside their homestay brothers and sisters and will participate in school sports tomorrow, experiencing the Australian APS competition across a variety of sports.
We are thrilled to host them and look forward to continuing this valued partnership.
Congratulations to Anay Ashwin – 2025 Hunt-Smart Prize in Astrophysics recipient
We are thrilled to announce that Anay has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Hunt-Smart Prize in Astrophysics. This esteemed prize recognises students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in the field of astrophysics, thanks to generous support from donors who are passionate about advancing excellence in science education.
Anay was selected for this honour after achieving the highest overall mark in PHY2208 Planetary and Exoplanetary Science during Trimester 3, 2025. This accomplishment is a testament to Anay’s dedication, hard work and outstanding performance in a challenging and dynamic subject area.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Anay on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing Anay’s continued success and contributions to the field of Astrophysics.
Honours Assembly
Tuesday, 10 February saw many 2025 graduates return to the School to take part in the annual Honours Assembly held to celebrate the academic achievements of the Class of 2025. Haileybury’s VCE successes are so exceptional that we no longer have room in Aikman Hall to hold both Haileybury College and Haileybury Girls College at the same time. At each assembly, a range of students from Years 11 and 12 were presented with awards for exemplary achievement in individual subjects before we moved to announce the names of those graduates who had been placed on the Scholars and Honours boards. The assemblies concluded with the School applauding the achievements of the Duces of Haileybury College, Luke Fennessy, Clarence Antonmeryl, Vinay Raghavan and Dikkumburage Dinith Premaratne and our Dux of Haileybury Girls College, Chloe Fan all achieving an ATAR of 99.95, as reflection of their hard work and effort.
Vietnam Senior School Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
At the end of 2025 a group of students embarked on a transformative journey through the villages and countryside of Vietnam, combining community service and adventure. The trip began with hands-on projects in rural communities, where the group worked together to install solar-powered streetlights in Pà Cò and paint community facilities in Hang Kia. These improvements not only enhanced safety and village life but also allowed students to collaborate with local builders and overcome language barriers.
Immersed in local culture, the students stayed in homestays, enjoying traditional Vietnamese food and forging strong bonds as a team. Evenings were spent sharing stories and laughter, accompanied by the sounds of the countryside. It was a unique experience that deepened their appreciation for different ways of life.
The adventure continued with five days of trekking through Vietnam’s terraced fields and mountains. The challenging hikes highlighted the importance of teamwork, as the group supported each other through difficult terrain and weather. Along the way, games, conversations and small moments of encouragement brought the group closer together.
Returning home, the students reflected on their new friendships, personal growth, and a deepened sense of gratitude. The Vietnam trip proved to be an unforgettable experience, strengthening resilience and community spirit; lessons that will remain with them for years to come.
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal, Head of Senior Schools
