Leadership, wellbeing and the positive culture we build together
One of the great strengths of Haileybury is our shared understanding that wellbeing and learning are deeply connected. Students thrive when they feel safe, known and supported, and when high expectations are paired with genuine care. This balance is central to the culture of nurture every day at Haileybury.
At the heart of this important cultural work is leadership, not only as formal roles or titles, but as the daily practice that shapes how our community interacts and learns together. Leadership at Haileybury is evident in so many everyday actions. Leadership is visible in the kindness students show each other and their teachers; it is reflected in how our teachers combine academic expectations with high care and support.
Leadership is very much on display and celebrated in our beautiful assemblies across each of our campuses. Recently, I have had the privilege of attending many of these student leadership assemblies across the School.
From the voices of student leaders on International Women’s Day, to conversations with Middle School Home Room Captains; from celebrating SRC representatives to my role as a judge at the House Theatre Sports performances, these moments highlight the breadth and depth of leadership across our School.
In each of these moments of leadership, a consistent message emerges. Leadership is about service, responsibility and contributing to something larger than ourselves.
Our fabulous student leadership programs are an expression of our broader culture. Each year, students are encouraged to put themselves forward, to share ideas and to represent their peers. Nominating for leadership requires courage and self-belief, and we value each student who is willing to step into that space, to get ‘into the arena’ and have a go.
Leadership is then defined by the willingness to be courageous, to contribute, to include others and do what is right, especially when it is hard.
This shared approach to leadership, and the capacity for leadership that we know exists within every one of us, from ELC to Year 12, plays a vital role in building the positive culture that in turn supports student wellbeing at Haileybury.
As Deputy Principal – Wellbeing, my role is to ensure that our systems and practices, and our commitment to leadership in all its forms, support students to flourish academically, socially and emotionally. Clear expectations provide a sense of safety, consistent responses build trust, and strong relationships foster belonging. When these conditions are present, students are better equipped to engage in learning, navigate challenges and develop resilience.
Leadership is particularly important in how we respond during times of challenge. At Haileybury, we are committed to balancing care with accountability, embedding support with high expectations. I know that this can be especially relevant in the online space, where challenges can arise for young people and families.
To support this, we have developed Safe Online Actions and Relationships (SOAR), our comprehensive online resource for families. SOAR equips parents and guardians with practical tools and guidance to help young people navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
We ask students to be positive, respectful users of technology, to show leadership online as well as at school and at home. Early next term, families will also have the opportunity to engage with an initial series of SOAR micro‑credentials, further strengthening shared understanding and confidence in the online space.
I encourage you to embrace these learning opportunities by joining the Haileybury community effort to support Safe Online Actions and Relationships.
We know that safe online behaviours provide the foundation upon which learning and flourishing, locally and globally, can flourish.
As we continue to strengthen our wellbeing strategy at Haileybury, shared leadership that is values driven, and grounded in service, is central. When the power of leadership is embraced and enacted with care, kindness and purpose, student wellbeing follows, creating the conditions in which children and young people can truly flourish.
Nathan Chisholm
Deputy Principal Wellbeing
