Campus News
Term 3
Term 3 is always a time for hard work and consolidation of pre-existing knowledge, as students move towards the completion of the curriculum in each of their subjects. The VCE trial examinations will be in Week 8. All School Assessed Coursework (SACs) for Units 3 and 4 studies will be completed by Week 8. This allows teachers and students to focus on revision and examination practice throughout the September break and the early weeks of Term 4.
Pre-Senior Explore and Expeditions
As we reflect on the incredible experiences of our Term 2 Explore and Expeditions program, it is impossible not to be inspired by what our Pre-Senior students have achieved. Across Victoria, Australia and around the world, students embraced new environments, challenged themselves, developed greater independence and immersed themselves in different cultures, histories and communities. These experiences are about far more than travel; they are about broadening perspectives, building confidence and creating lifelong memories that shape young people into thoughtful, capable and compassionate global citizens.
It has been wonderful to welcome students back to campus, eager to share their stories and reconnect with friends and staff. As they settle back into the rhythm of Term 3, we encourage every student to quickly re-establish strong academic habits. While the term is relatively short, there is much to accomplish before they once again embark on the next stage of their Explore and Expeditions journey later this term. Every lesson, every conversation and every opportunity to learn now helps prepare students for the exciting experiences that still lie ahead.
Our Pre-Senior theme for Term 3 is Generosity. We encourage students to think beyond charitable giving and consider how generosity can be demonstrated in everyday life. A kind word to a classmate, supporting a peer through a challenging task, encouraging a teammate on the sporting field, lending a hand at home, or simply making time to listen to someone else’s story are all meaningful acts of generosity. These small actions strengthen our community and remind us that generosity is measured not only by what we give, but by how we care for those around us.
By working together as students, families and staff, we can continue to nurture young people who are not only academically capable but also kind, empathetic and considerate. We look forward to another exciting term as our students continue to discover more about themselves, each other and the world around them.
VCE trial examinations and revision sessions
For students studying Unit 3 & 4 VCE Units, Haileybury will conduct a series of trial examinations commencing Monday, 7 September to Friday, 11 September in Term 3. A copy of the trial examination timetable is available to students and parents via the myHaileybury app.
Families should also be aware that Haileybury academic staff will run a series of revision workshops for Unit 3&4 studies throughout the September school holidays. While attendance at these sessions is not compulsory, families may want to take this into account when planning holidays.
Tertiary Pathways Information for Years 9 and 10 students
As students move into the VCE years, both students and their families often have questions about how their academic pathways at Haileybury match up against university pre-requisites in the coming years. In the past, each Year 10 student has received a copy of a VTAC Year 10 Guide to help with this planning. VTAC has now moved all information contained within this guide to their website. This website contains information about VCE subject selection, scaling of VCE study scores and a section called prerequisite and course explorer which provides information on tertiary entry requirements for students who will enter universities or other tertiary institutions. While Haileybury will continue to provide both students and parents with information about subject selection and university entrance throughout the next three years, this guide is an effective way for Years 9 and 10 families to familiarise themselves with the jargon associated with the VCE and tertiary entrance.
Building global citizens: Haileybury’s French Exchange program flourishes
Haileybury’s long-standing partnerships with our French sister schools continue to provide students with an exceptional opportunity for authentic language immersion, intercultural understanding and lifelong friendships. This year, we have been delighted to welcome two groups of French exchange students: the first from Lycée Georges Duby in Aix-en-Provence, and the second from Lycée de l’Assomption in Bordeaux.
Our first group joined us from 7 June to 6 July, while our Bordeaux students are with us from 20 July until 23 August. In addition, a student from our third and new sister school, Lycée Mongazon in Angers, is spending six weeks with us. Blessed with beautiful winter sunshine, the students explored some of Victoria’s most iconic locations. These first experiences immediately immersed our visitors in Australia’s unique landscapes, wildlife and lifestyle.
Our French exchange students have embraced every aspect of school life. Their first incursion saw them visiting the Early Learning Centre, where they delighted younger students by reading stories and singing French songs together. To complement their studies of history and civilisation, the students have also visited the Shrine of Remembrance, with learning activities carefully aligned to their curriculum in France. They have continued their exploration of Melbourne through the Royal Botanic Gardens discovering another facet of Australia's natural heritage. Other excursions to the Immigration Museum and State Library enhanced their understanding of Australia’s unique background.
Beyond the excursions, the greatest learning takes place during everyday life. Living with Australian host families allows our visitors to experience Australian customs, family life and school culture across all the campuses first-hand while developing confidence and independence.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the exchange was listening to students reflect on the similarities and differences between our two countries.
The students’ own reflections capture the true spirit of the exchange.
Leonie reflected:
“My adventure in Australia has been unforgettable. I have met many welcoming people, explored Melbourne, visited Phillip Island, beaches and markets, and seen kangaroos, penguins and koalas. School life is very different, with shorter classes and the opportunity to try many subjects. Living with a host family has been one of the highlights because it makes the experience feel real. My advice to prospective exchange students: be curious, socialise and step outside your comfort zone.”
Maelle shared:
“My exchange has exceeded my expectations. I have loved discovering Australian school life, the friendliness of students and teachers. I have improved my English and become more open-minded. My advice to prospective exchange students is to try everything and enjoy every moment because the time goes very quickly.”
Louise added:
“Travelling to Australia was a huge adventure. My host family made me feel at home and I have already made amazing friends. This experience has shown me that I am more independent than I thought. My advice to prospective exchange students is to say yes to every opportunity and embrace the adventure.”
These reflections beautifully illustrate that the exchange extends far beyond language learning. It nurtures resilience, independence, curiosity and intercultural understanding while creating friendships that span continents.
Maud Fugier-Sola
Head of French
Berwick Senior School Winter Festa
The fourth annual Berwick Senior School Winter Festa was held on the Main Oval at Berwick at lunchtime on Friday, 12 June. It was a designated Free Dress Day for both students and staff (with a gold coin donation) and we were blessed with a beautiful sunny afternoon. All the Years 9–12 students who attended this event, organized by the Berwick student leaders, were unanimous that it was a great success.
The BBQ was very popular as is always the case, the Acai stall was a welcome addition this year and the baked goodies from the Year 9 girls sold out. The Barn Babies Animal Farm was a huge success as was the Ice Bucket Challenge. We give a special thank you to those students and staff who agreed to get dunked. With the speaker pumping out great tunes, all the students and staff got into the spirit of it and enjoyed the free activities set up on the oval, where there was a real carnival atmosphere.
After tallying up all the money, we raised over $1,800 which is an amazing effort. After expenses we made a profit of approximately $1,200, which was split between MND and Dili International School.
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal, Head of Senior Schools
