Campus News
Pre-Senior update
The beginning of Term 2 has seen our Pre-Senior students build purposefully on the foundation of belonging established in Term 1, as we now turn our attention to the key pillar of independence. This is a significant and exciting phase of the journey, with students beginning to make informed decisions about their future pathways, supported closely by Haileybury’s extensive Senior School network.
Last Tuesday, students attended an engaging and informative presentation led by our Teaching and Learning, and Careers teams, where they were introduced to the breadth of opportunities available to them. From subject selection and university pathways to international study and future careers, students gained valuable insight into the possibilities ahead. This was further strengthened by our Heads of Department, who provided clear guidance on subject choices as students begin considering their three-year VCE program. Families will now have received detailed Pathways and Programs information, and we strongly encourage open and collaborative conversations at home to ensure each student feels confident in selecting a pathway that best suits their strengths, interests and aspirations.
To support this important process, every Pre-Senior student will meet individually with their respective Head of Senior School over the coming weeks. These conversations are an invaluable opportunity to review subject preferences and map out a considered and balanced program. At Haileybury, our approach to subject selection is grounded in experience and data-informed practice. Our priority is ensuring each student is positioned to achieve their very best outcomes and to leave with the strongest possible results and future opportunities.
The upcoming Future Ready Festival on Tuesday, 12 May, will provide direct access to universities, industry professionals, careers practitioners and organisations, offering students a chance to engage in meaningful conversations about life beyond Haileybury and the pathways that lead there.
We also begin preparations for the Explore and Expeditions program, the cornerstone of the Pre-Senior experience and our most powerful vehicle for developing independence. Families will have received communication regarding the upcoming online briefing on Monday, 18 May at 6.00 pm, where key information and guidance will be shared to support students in preparing for their respective trips.
Finally, it has been wonderful to see the strong start to the APS/AGSV sporting season. We congratulate all students on their efforts in the opening round, and particularly those selected in First teams. Whether competing at the highest level or simply embracing the opportunity to be active and connected, we are proud of the way our students represent Haileybury with energy, respect and integrity.
Business Management excursion to Yakult
Year 12 Business Management students recently attended an excursion to Yakult Australia, gaining valuable insight into the real-world application of operations management theory studied in Units 3 and 4.
During the visit, students observed the production process of Yakult’s probiotic drink, allowing them to connect classroom concepts such as inputs, processes and outputs to a live manufacturing environment. They saw how raw materials, including water, skim milk powder, and the unique Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain, are transformed through highly automated processes into a finished product ready for distribution.
The excursion highlighted key operational strategies, including quality control, efficiency and the use of technology. Students learnt how strict hygiene standards and continuous monitoring ensure product consistency, reinforcing their understanding of quality management practices. The role of automation and specialised equipment also demonstrated how businesses improve efficiency while maintaining high standards.
Overall, the experience provided students with a practical understanding of how theoretical concepts are applied in a real business setting. It deepened their knowledge of operations management and gave them a clearer perspective on how businesses like Yakult produce goods on a large scale while meeting quality and customer expectations.
Teddy Bears Picnic
On Wednesday, 29 April, our smallest and tallest Haileybury students came together under blue skies for a truly heart‑warming Teddy Bear Picnic.
Set on the Newlands oval at the front of the School, our Pre‑Prep students and Year 12s shared play lunch, stories and plenty of smiles as they read together, alongside a delightful collection of fluffy teddy bears that were lovingly brought in to be donated to charity.
The morning unfolded beautifully, beginning with snacks and storytelling and ending in laughter as the teddy bears took part in a much‑anticipated race, guided hand‑in‑hand by both our Pre‑Prep students and Year 12s. It was a simple moment made special by togetherness, sunshine and shared joy.
Sincere thanks to Ms Pontikis, along with our ELC and Facilities teams, for generously sharing their space and helping to create such a carefree and memorable experience. Most of all, thank you for giving our senior students the chance to feel like little kids again.
Overall, we collected over 100 toys, now making their way to Monash Children’s Hospital to bring smiles and stories to even more children.
Explore & Expeditions 2026: building independence, friendships and lifelong memories
Excitement is building across Pre-Senior as families receive invitations for this year’s Explore & Expeditions program. With more than 500 Pre-Senior students preparing to journey across Victoria, Australia and the globe, this program remains a cornerstone of the Haileybury experience. Whether hiking the Larapinta Trail, exploring ancient temples in Cambodia, or snorkelling over Ningaloo Reef, each itinerary has been carefully designed to inspire personal growth, resilience and a sense of global citizenship.
Families are reminded to read the documents attached to their invitations carefully, as they contain essential information on itineraries, packing lists, behavioural expectations, visas and key dates. Over the coming weeks, students will take part in structured preparation sessions with their teachers and peers. These are opportunities not only to learn the practicalities of their journey, but also to reset relationships, develop teamwork and prepare for new challenges. Time and again, I have seen students return from these experiences with greater confidence, maturity and new friendships.
Subject selection
The subject selection process will begin in Term 2 for students in Years 9, 10 and 11.
We are delighted to announce the Senior School Subject Expo, live and in person at Keysborough Senior School. The event will take place from 3.00 pm – 6.30 pm on Tuesday, 19 May in the Langford Pavilion and Music Annex.
From the wonders of science to the enchanting realms of literature, the intricacies of mathematics to the vibrant tapestries of history and the creative arts, there are subjects for everyone, and we invite you to speak directly with educators to ensure every subject you select heeds your needs and passions.
It may be helpful to visit VTAC (the centralised admissions centre for most undergraduate university and TAFE courses) and the VCAA (the body that sets guidelines for what students from Prep to Year 12 learn in Victorian schools). Please remember that you can always make an appointment for yourself and your child with one of our Careers advisors to discuss these matters. Your child’s Head of House or relevant Head of Pre-Senior can help you make these appointments.
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal, Head of Senior Schools
