Examinations
VCE Unit 3 and 4 examinations will be completed on Wednesday, 19 November. All examinations for Years 9–11 subjects have also now been completed and returned to students. I would like to thank all students for the way they conducted themselves throughout the examination period and the teachers who marked examinations and provided feedback in a timely manner. It is, of course, important that all students reflect on their examination performance and begin to set some strong academic goals for next year. If you feel that your child needs any help with the process of goal setting, you should contact their relevant Head of Pre-Senior or Head of House in the first instance.
2026 Academic Year (Term 1A)
Haileybury’s 2026 academic year began on Monday, 17 November 2025, with all students beginning their 2026 classes. . In most cases, students began the day with the teacher who will take them throughout the year; however, in some instances teachers may change at the beginning of the new calendar year (January 2026). Haileybury does its best to limit these changes, but it is rare for teachers new to the school to be able to start in November of the previous school year. As such, some changes are unavoidable. Haileybury has been running this Term 1A program for 18 years as we believe that the extra teaching time provided gives our students a competitive advantage in their Units 3 and 4 studies in particular.
Year 12 2026 Transition Week
To conclude their year as Year 11s, our 2026 Year 12 cohort took part in a variety of transition sessions in preparation for the commencement of Term 1A. This group of students has experienced an incredibly challenging few years, so the week was an opportunity for the year level to come together and get excited about their final year of schooling.
We look forward to them embarking on their new roles as leaders and mentors to the Senior School student body.
Year 10 Work Experience
Throughout the week beginning Monday, 10 November, our Year 10 students completed a week of work experience. This was a wonderful chance for them to get a first-hand look at some of the industries that they may eventually like to work within.
For those students moving into Year 10 in 2026, a quick reminder that some of the best and most stimulating work experience places fill up very early in the year. If you have a dream placement that you would like to complete in 2026, make sure that you talk to your new Head of House early and obtain the necessary forms to send to your preferred employer.
Remembrance Day
Keysborough Senior School marked the day with a minute of silence in the Frank Elmore Chapel Forecourt.
Alea shines at Brain Bee Challenge
Earlier this year, Keysborough campus student Alea (Year 10), achieved an outstanding result in the Australian Brain Bee Challenge, placing second in the Victorian State Finals. After discovering a passion for neuroscience, Alea dedicated herself to independent study and collaborative practice with peers, and guidance from Ms Tahlia Chowdary and Ms Mia Haravitsidis. Her enthusiasm and persistence have seen her knowledge grow significantly. Building on this success, Alea has been invited to undertake a hybrid work experience placement in November at The Florey Institute and the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Youth Mental Health, where she will observe cutting-edge neuroscience research. In Term 1, 2026, Alea will lead a knowledge-sharing session for Years 8–9 students interested in the Brain Bee, sharing practical study strategies, resources and competition insights. We congratulate Alea and thank our partners in the neuroscience community.
Chess
On Tuesday, 14 October, Haileybury’s Senior School Chess team competed at the Victorian State Finals hosted by Brighton Grammar School. The chess team was performed strongly, coming in 2nd against 24 other teams from around the state. There was only a narrow margin of 0.5 points between the Haileybury team and the winners, Melbourne High. Congratulations to the top five players of the Haileybury team pictured above: Fred (C), Chloe (C), Rocky , Tiger and Ryley. A special congratulations to Chloe , who was awarded 2nd Best Female Player.
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal, Head of Senior Schools
