Students leading change: Social Justice in Action through Hearts and Hands and Fundraising committees
Social Justice at Haileybury continues to come to life through the powerful work of Haileybury's Hearts and Hands and Fundraising Committees, where students step beyond the classroom to engage directly with community service and advocacy. Both committees are open to students in Years 9–12.
Hearts and Hands
Hearts and Hands focuses on connecting students with meaningful, real-world service opportunities. Through service-learning projects and community partnerships, students experience first-hand the impact of compassion, collaboration and societal responsibility. By moving beyond the school gates, students not only volunteer their time but also deepen their understanding of the structural factors that shape social injustices. These experiences inspire them to consider how they can contribute to long-term, systemic solutions; both during their schooling and into the future.
Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising Committee empowers students to lead initiatives that support community and global causes. Students collaboratively research social justice issues, plan and manage events, promote awareness campaigns and oversee funds responsibly. Through this collective action, students strengthen their awareness of societal inequities while creating tangible impact beyond the school community.
Social Justice in Action
January 2026 – Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula
Aikman House students volunteered at Point Leo to assist individuals of all abilities to experience the joy of surfing. The happiness on participants’ faces was incredible to witness, and the wonderful spirit of the day is a lasting memory for our Haileybury volunteers. The students demonstrated empathy, initiative and a genuine commitment to inclusion, which are values at the heart of social justice.
Community Impact
March 2026 – Monash Children’s Cancer Centre
The Senior School is proudly supporting The Biggest Playdate on Sunday, 15 March. It will be a vibrant, family carnival event held at the Aspendale Gardens Community Centre. This much-loved community day features games, rides, food stalls, entertainment and market activities. Our students play a central role as volunteers working together to create a fun, inclusive atmosphere for families of all ages. One hundred per cent of funds raised support the families and children connected to the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre through The Miranda Foundation; a not-for-profit charity that is entirely community funded.
We look forward to continuing this important work at Haileybury and empowering students to lead change with courage, compassion and a lifelong commitment to social responsibility. Social Justice coordinators at each Junior and Middle School campus and the Senior School Social Justice committees will lead a wide range of exciting events and initiatives throughout the year.
Bronwyn Harrop
Head of Social Justice
