Campus News
Pre-Senior update
Excitement is building across Pre-Senior as students depart on their Term 3 Explore and Expeditions experiences .Currently, over 530 Pre-Senior students are involved in our Explore and and Expeditions program in locations across Australia and around the world. Students have taken on countless new challenges building on the themes of belonging, independence and generosity.
While students are away, families can expect periodic updates from travel@haileybury.com.au. We appreciate your patience and understanding around the frequency of these communications. Our groups will be travelling across vast distances and time zones, often through remote areas with limited connectivity, and the priority for staff will always be the students and the experience immediately in front of them.
For those students who are unfortunately unable to participate in Explore and Expeditions, the Pre-Senior Independent Project provides an opportunity to engage with many of the same themes from home. Students will undertake a substantially independent program incorporating physical challenge, cultural learning, creativity, character development and personal reflection. Importantly, the project asks students to plan, organise and take responsibility for their own progress, many of the same skills of independence and self-efficacy that their peers will be developing while away. Completed projects will be submitted to students’ Heads of Pre-Senior upon their return to school.
Pre-Senior: looking ahead to Term 4
As we return for Term 4, our attention shifts towards the final stage of the Pre-Senior year and our theme of Mastery. Mastery is about much more than achieving a particular academic result. We want students to increasingly master themselves: to understand how they learn, organise their time, prepare purposefully and take responsibility for the choices that influence their success. With Pre-Senior examinations taking place from Tuesday, 27 October to Friday, 30 October, the opening weeks of Term 4 provide an important opportunity for families, students and teachers to work in partnership as students prepare for their examinations and, more broadly, for the increased independence expected of them in Senior School.
It will also be a busy and enjoyable start to the term. As we farewell our Year 12 students and celebrate their Haileybury Graduation Days, Pre-Senior students will begin preparing for City CHASE, which takes place from Monday, 9 to Thursday, 12 November. City CHASE challenges students to navigate Melbourne in small groups, using public transport and their own planning, communication and problem-solving skills to move safely and effectively between locations and complete a range of challenges. It is another important opportunity to put independence into practice: navigating the city confidently while demonstrating kindness, respect, good judgement and responsibility in the wider community.
A major City CHASE preparation day will be held at Berwick on Friday, 16 October. Students will travel from their home campuses to Berwick during Period 1 and participate in a series of practical preparation sessions before coming together for our annual Pre-Senior Colour Run. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity for our students to reconnect after Explore and Expeditions, continue expanding their Haileybury networks across campuses, and enjoy themselves together in support of a good cause.
Families are encouraged to keep a close eye on School communications throughout this busy period, including information regarding Haileybury Graduation Days from the Senior School Administration Office. Following City CHASE, Transition to Senior School Day on Friday, 13 November will mark another significant milestone as students look towards the next stage of their Haileybury journey. Across examinations, City CHASE and transition, our focus remains the same: helping students finish Pre-Senior increasingly capable of taking responsibility for themselves, their learning and the contribution they make to the communities around them.
French Exchange Program
Five weeks, lasting memories: our Bordeaux and Angers exchange students at Haileybury
After five unforgettable weeks, our students from Bordeaux and Angers said emotional goodbyes to Haileybury, bringing to a close an exchange filled with lasting memories, friendships and cultural connections.
Their farewells were a true testament to the warmth, generosity and kindness shown by our students, staff and host families. Their school, families and teachers in France expressed heartfelt gratitude for the welcome they received, and the care shown throughout their stay.
As they return to France and prepare for la rentrée de septembre, the start of the new school year, the friendships and experiences they gained at Haileybury will undoubtedly remain with them.
A Truly International Experience
The exchange was enriched by students from our other sister schools. Bérenger, a Haileybury Organ Scholar currently studying in England and a fluent French speaker, joined meetings and French classes, creating valuable opportunities for students to communicate exclusively in French. Nina, from our sister school in Angers, also represented her lycée with maturity and quickly became an integral part of the group, reflecting positively on the sense of belonging she felt within the Haileybury community.
Student Reflections
Perhaps the most meaningful way to understand the impact of the exchange is through the students’ own words.
Eloi described it as “one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life,” and said all he wanted was “to come back to Australia as soon as possible.”
Margaux noted that “all the students are very kind and welcoming,” while Lorenzo summed up the experience beautifully: “Haileybury was a dream school for me.”
Many students also reflected on how the exchange broadened their cultural perspectives and how supported they felt during challenging moments, including the bushfire period in Bordeaux. Host families were equally grateful for the bonds formed and for the richness of the program, including its incursions, excursions and opportunities for meaningful communication.
Teachers from ELC to Senior School were delighted to welcome the exchange students into their classes. Their presence added authenticity to classroom learning and gave Haileybury students the chance to hear different perspectives on the arts, philosophy, science, history, gastronomy, geopolitics and many other topics.
More Than an Exchange
An exchange such as this is about much more than travel. It is about stepping outside familiar surroundings, discovering new perspectives, communicating across cultures and developing friendships that last well beyond the time spent together.
For our Bordeaux and Angers students, Haileybury became a temporary home. For our Haileybury students and families, welcoming them into our community offered a valuable opportunity to experience French culture, language and friendship in return.
The tears at farewell were the clearest indication of just how meaningful the experience had been. While the students have now returned to France, the connections they made will continue. It is not au revoir, but simply à bientôt.
Science Week
Science Week was full of wonder and excitement as some of our Senior Science classes and Year 12 students worked with the Preps to run a range of fun, hands-on experiments. It was wonderful to see our older students sharing their enthusiasm for science and creating such a memorable experience for our youngest learners. A special thank you and full credit to Tahlia C, who led the program so beautifully.
Brighton students run for a cause
On Sunday, 30 August, Brighton Senior School students proudly took part in the Brighton Beach Marathon in support of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation. With enthusiasm and determination, most students completed the five kilometre event, while others embraced the added challenge of the 10 kilometre course. Special congratulations go to Alex L, Harry F and Ms Trudzik, whose outstanding efforts saw them complete the half marathon.
We are so proud of every student who ran, cheered from the sidelines and contributed to the fundraising efforts. Their participation reflects their commitment to supporting a meaningful cause and their community. This year marks the second time Cuddihy House has brought students and staff together to be involved in this community event, and it is wonderful to see such spirit and dedication continue to grow.
Berwick Senior School staff and student dodgeball and pancake day
On Friday, 21 August at lunchtime the annual Berwick Senior School staff and student dodgeball competition took place. This is the fifth successive year we have held the game and despite some determined opposition from the staff team the students reigned supreme yet again. This meant that the students retained the shield (and bragging rights!) for the fifth year in a row. Alongside the dodgeball competition, Esme and Kiandra coordinated a very successful Pancake Sale as part of their Social Justice portfolio, raising valuable funds for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal.
City update
The last House Sports Gala was a tremendous way for our Year 12 students to represent King House one last time. Participation and enthusiasm were outstanding throughout the day, with students embracing every opportunity to represent the House. Our leaders set the tone beautifully, encouraging others and ensuring the event reflected the spirit of King House. The boys made the House proud, taking bronze in soccer, silver in basketball and a brilliant gold medal in netball. More importantly, the Gala was a wonderful showcase of King House passion and commitment. It was a fitting celebration of the energy, camaraderie and spirit that defined King House this year.
Flagstaff house dinner on ice
We had an ice time at Flagstaff House Dinner on Friday, 21 August, skating our way around the rink with varying degrees of grace. There were plenty of slick moves, a few unplanned icebreakers with the floor, and enough spectacular falls to keep everyone laughing. All in all, it was a cracking night full of skating, sliding and memories that will definitely stick with us.
City - Year 9 Pre-Senior Girls and Boys
The Pre-Senior cohort at City has had an incredibly busy and productive term, with students embracing opportunities to learn, lead, compete and contribute beyond the classroom. Our debating team has enjoyed an outstanding season, remaining undefeated and progressing to the Top 16 finals from more than 500 teams across Victoria in their grade. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects their preparation, teamwork and commitment. The cohort also came together for a meaningful session focused on generosity, encouraging students to consider how they can contribute positively to the lives of others and to our wider community. Alongside this, students have enthusiastically participated in SRC events, OHA events, celebrated achievements in sport, and continued to demonstrate the energy and spirit that makes the Pre-Senior years so special.
Japanese Language Speech Contest 2026
On Sunday, 23 August, the Japanese Language Speech Contest Victoria was held at Melbourne University. Christopher (Year 11 Keys) was awarded first prize and received the trophy, while Alexander (Year 11 Keys) achieved an outstanding third place.
Both students delivered impressive speeches with clear messages, fluent Japanese and confident presentation skills. Their engaging performances were highly appreciated by the audience and judges alike.
Congratulations, Chris and Alex, on this wonderful achievement. We are incredibly proud of your hard work, dedication and success.
Term 4 logistics
While the September break offers some time for Senior School students to relax and unwind, it is also an important time for revision and preparation. Haileybury academic staff will run a series of revision activities for Units 3 and 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. A timetable which details the times for these revision lectures will be made available to students through myHaileybury.
Summer Uniform
Summer uniform may be worn in Term 4, 1A and 2. No scarves permitted.
Year 12s are required to wear full winter uniform for Graduation.
Last day of school - Year 12
Friday, 16 October will be the last day when all our Year 12 students are at school together. Berwick, Brighton and City students will all travel to Keysborough to participate in the final Whole School Assembly.
Graduation ceremonies
It is Haileybury tradition that our Year 12 cohorts have separate final day celebrations along with individual graduation ceremonies and valedictory dinners. Our Haileybury Girls College Year 12 students graduate on Monday, 19 October, so all Haileybury Girls College students from Years 10–12 will go to Keysborough on that day (there are no Haileybury College Years 10–12 students at school that day). Our Haileybury College Year 12 students graduate on Tuesday, 20 October, so all Haileybury College students from Years 10–12 will go to Keysborough on that day (there are no Haileybury Girls College Years 10–12 students at School that day).
Exams and new academic year
Following these celebratory days, all students will move into internal Haileybury examination periods or preparations for Unit 3&4 VCE examinations.
Term 1A (new academic year) will begin on Monday, 16 November with all students starting their 2027 academic program.
Tertiary pathways information for Year 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.
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal, Head of Senior Schools
