As we welcome, with much excitement, the beginning of a new school year, we also celebrate the class of 2025 Haileybury students whose excellence in the VCE exams has seen them being offered a most exciting range of post school study and work pathways.
New school year
We are pleased to extend a warm welcome to all Castlefield families as we commence the 2026 school year. A special welcome to our new students joining our vibrant school community, where creating connections and building brilliant learning environments are central to our mission. Our devoted staff have made thorough preparations for the first day of school, Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Information regarding the arrangements for student arrival on the first day is available on the myHaileybury app, under myNews. Parking will be available on the oval for the morning, so parents are able to assist with the carrying of book boxes to the classrooms. We ask that all items are brought into school on Day 1.
New student afternoon
Students that are in Years 1–8 and commencing with us for the first time this year will have received an invitation regarding our new student afternoon. We welcome new students to join us on Tuesday, 27 January, at 3.30 pm to refamiliarise themselves with the layout of the school, their Homeroom teachers and classrooms before their first day.
School Uniform
Summer uniform is to be worn for Term 1, and the link for Uniform – Student Expectations can be found on myHaileybury here. Please note, Junior School students are not required to wear the blazer with the summer uniform. As a SunSmart school, the School cap or bucket hat is compulsory for all outdoor activities during Terms 1 and 4.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
Our Haileybury City team is delighted to welcome you to 2026. There are great things planned for our new and returning students. Every student and staff member matters every day at Haileybury, and we know the first day is particularly special. Please make time to take a special photo of your child or young person’s first day outside our campus. Please note the staggered start times for your age and stage. Learning starts at 8.30 am and we look forward to our students all returning in summer uniform and ready to go.
Our Heads of School will be with me on King Street to welcome all our families to City campus from 8.00 am. We can’t wait to see you all.
Caroline Merrick
Head of City
I hope you enjoyed a restful break with family and friends and that all students are ready for an exciting year ahead. I also extend a very warm welcome to the new students, families and staff joining us this year. We are delighted to have you as part of the Haileybury community.
Classes commence on Wednesday, 28 January, and full summer uniform for Prep–Year 8 is required. We ask that all Prep–Year 8 students arrive by 8.20 am to allow plenty of time to find their classrooms and get settled. On this first morning, the front oval will be open for parking so that parents can assist their children with their books. ELC sessions commence at 8.45 am, and parents can park in the ELC car park.
You are warmly invited to enjoy morning tea in the Library Quad following drop off.
Parent Information Sessions will be held for Middle School parents on Thursday, 29 January and for Junior School parents on Wednesday, 4 February. Both sessions will commence at 7.00 pm in John Twist Hall before moving to classrooms.
Haileybury Safe Online Actions and Relationships (SOAR) launched last year. Along with the parent toolkit, SOAR parent events will be held across our Melbourne campuses, hosted by Heads of Campus and showcasing some of the leading experts in parenting and cybersafety. The Berwick campus is delighted to host Dr Brad Marshall, also known as the Unplugged Psychologist, on the evening of Wednesday, 20 May. Dr Marshall is recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts on excessive internet and screen use and is the author of three best-selling international books published in over a dozen languages across 30 countries worldwide. Please save this date and further details will be provided.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year ahead and we thank you for the opportunity to share your children’s educational journey with you in 2026.
Jeanette Rawlings
Head of Edrington (Berwick)
Welcome back to 2026, celebrating 50 years
As we begin the 2026 school year, there is a sense of excitement across the campus. This year marks a significant milestone in the history of Newlands when we celebrate 50 years of learning, growth and community. It is a moment that invites us to reflect on the achievements and traditions that have shaped us, while also looking ahead to the opportunities that will define our next chapter.
Our commitment to viewing education through the eyes of excellence remains as strong. Excellence for us is not simply an aspiration; it is the foundation upon which we build meaningful learning experiences, nurture character and support every student to achieve their personal best.
Over the break, we have continued to invest in creating inspiring and engaging spaces for our students. The new Prep and Year 1 playground has transformed the Quad into a vibrant environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and collaborative play.
We are also pleased to share the completion of improvements to Berthon Hall, a space that plays a central role in the life of our community. The enhancements will elevate the experience for students, staff and families during assemblies, performances and key events throughout the year. These are fitting upgrades as we enter our 50th anniversary celebrations.
Throughout 2026, we will honour our school’s rich history while continuing to focus on the future. Special events and commemorations will acknowledge the contributions of those who have shaped our journey, while our everyday work in classrooms and co-curricular opportunities will continue to reflect our commitment to academic excellence, wellbeing and holistic development.
I look forward to sharing this milestone year with you and thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Here’s to a memorable 2026 as we celebrate 50 years of Newlands.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
Our academic year is already well underway through Term 1A, and this early momentum promises a smooth and confident commencement to 2026. A special welcome to the new families, students and staff joining our Senior School community. We trust that your time at Haileybury will be enriching, rewarding and filled with success.
Before we begin in earnest, it is important to pause and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of the past academic year. Hard work, curiosity, resilience and the steady inspiration of dedicated teachers saw our students achieve some of the most outstanding VCE results in the state. Five students secured the highest possible ATAR of 99.95, and 94% of our Year 12 cohorts were placed in the top 40% nationally. An extraordinary 50% of graduates earned an ATAR of 90 or above, with 12% in the top 1% of Australia.
These accomplishments reflect the strength of our academic culture: 46 perfect Study Scores across 23 subjects; more than half of Haileybury Girls College students and exactly half of Haileybury College students attaining ATARs of 90+; and a combined median ATAR of 90. These successes were not accidental, but were built through discipline, curiosity, and a community that values excellence and supports each learner to meet their potential. They also remind us that Haileybury’s tradition of high performance is sustained when students work hard, when teachers bring their deep expertise to the classroom, and when families partner closely with the school.
As we enter the new year, these achievements should serve not simply as a celebration, but as an inspiration. How can we build on the considerable success of the Class of 2025? Our task now is to build upon the foundations they have set for us, in order that we can strengthen the ‘value added’ for every learner, to continue striving for excellence, and to approach each challenge with the same determination and curiosity that characterised last year’s cohort. Every student, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to grow, to stretch, and to achieve their personal best.
Wednesday, 28 January 2026 begins with tutor groups, which meet prior to classes. This is an important moment for reconnecting, resetting expectations, and ensuring our young Haileyburians step confidently back into the routines that support flourishing. A few gentle reminders about uniform, hair and presentation are often all that is needed to help everyone settle into the rhythm of purposeful school life; small disciplines that build a culture of learning and of hard work where focus, pride and learning thrive.
Looking ahead, our ambition is straightforward: to strengthen a culture grounded in hard work and real purpose. Central to this is our Wellbeing Curriculum, which offers the age-and-stage-appropriate supports which our high-performing, high-achieving students need to flourish with resilience throughout a demanding academic year.
Equally important is our One Haileybury commitment, which brings our Senior Schools together at the Keysborough campus each Tuesday. These occasions carry real significance; they enable shared learning, connection and the cultivation of a unified Senior School culture. In supporting strong attendance expectations across the term, I encourage all families to appreciate the value we place on these collaborative Tuesdays and the distinctive sense of community they foster.
Educational excellence, and sustained success, can only be achieved while balancing it with a deep commitment to individual and collective wellbeing. At Haileybury, we believe these two elements, high performance and healthy disposition, work in harmony. Learning to live and living to learn are held in equal measure, shaping confident and capable young people who are ready for the world beyond Haileybury’s gates.
We ask all parents and carers to support us by ensuring students arrive immaculate and in the correct uniform for the season, well-presented, and ready for a positive start on day one. We are proud of our Haileybury uniform, and we trust that students will wear it with the dignity and pride it represents. Furthermore, students are once again reminded that mobile phones are switched off and put away securely in lockers from arrival at school until the end of the day.
Should you have any questions about our expectations, please feel free to contact Head of Senior School Culture, Ms Catherine McCraith, or Head of Senior School Wellbeing, Ms Fiona Gontier or, in the first instance, your child’s Head of House or Head of Pre Senior.
Together, with gratitude for the achievements of the past year and confidence in the promise of the year ahead, we look forward to a 2026 school year filled with purpose, progress and shared success. Go well and good luck!
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal
Head of Senior Schools
As we begin another exciting year of learning and connection, I am delighted to welcome families to the Haileybury Pangea community for 2026. This year promises to be filled with opportunities for students and families to engage, celebrate and grow together.
We have a vibrant calendar of events designed to strengthen our sense of community and support our students’ educational journey. Here are some key dates to look forward to:
Further details will be shared via myPangea, so we remind families to ensure they have the app downloaded and notifications enabled.
We can’t wait to welcome our staff and students back for 2026, and we look forward to a year of achievement and connection for all.
Joanna Baker
Head of Campus
New school year
We are pleased to extend a warm welcome to all Castlefield families as we commence the 2026 school year. A special welcome to our new students joining our vibrant school community, where creating connections and building brilliant learning environments are central to our mission. Our devoted staff have made thorough preparations for the first day of school, Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Information regarding the arrangements for student arrival on the first day is available on the myHaileybury app, under myNews. Parking will be available on the oval for the morning, so parents are able to assist with the carrying of book boxes to the classrooms. We ask that all items are brought into school on Day 1.
New student afternoon
Students that are in Years 1–8 and commencing with us for the first time this year will have received an invitation regarding our new student afternoon. We welcome new students to join us on Tuesday, 27 January, at 3.30 pm to refamiliarise themselves with the layout of the school, their Homeroom teachers and classrooms before their first day.
School Uniform
Summer uniform is to be worn for Term 1, and the link for Uniform – Student Expectations can be found on myHaileybury here. Please note, Junior School students are not required to wear the blazer with the summer uniform. As a SunSmart school, the School cap or bucket hat is compulsory for all outdoor activities during Terms 1 and 4.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
Our Haileybury City team is delighted to welcome you to 2026. There are great things planned for our new and returning students. Every student and staff member matters every day at Haileybury, and we know the first day is particularly special. Please make time to take a special photo of your child or young person’s first day outside our campus. Please note the staggered start times for your age and stage. Learning starts at 8.30 am and we look forward to our students all returning in summer uniform and ready to go.
Our Heads of School will be with me on King Street to welcome all our families to City campus from 8.00 am. We can’t wait to see you all.
Caroline Merrick
Head of City
I hope you enjoyed a restful break with family and friends and that all students are ready for an exciting year ahead. I also extend a very warm welcome to the new students, families and staff joining us this year. We are delighted to have you as part of the Haileybury community.
Classes commence on Wednesday, 28 January, and full summer uniform for Prep–Year 8 is required. We ask that all Prep–Year 8 students arrive by 8.20 am to allow plenty of time to find their classrooms and get settled. On this first morning, the front oval will be open for parking so that parents can assist their children with their books. ELC sessions commence at 8.45 am, and parents can park in the ELC car park.
You are warmly invited to enjoy morning tea in the Library Quad following drop off.
Parent Information Sessions will be held for Middle School parents on Thursday, 29 January and for Junior School parents on Wednesday, 4 February. Both sessions will commence at 7.00 pm in John Twist Hall before moving to classrooms.
Haileybury Safe Online Actions and Relationships (SOAR) launched last year. Along with the parent toolkit, SOAR parent events will be held across our Melbourne campuses, hosted by Heads of Campus and showcasing some of the leading experts in parenting and cybersafety. The Berwick campus is delighted to host Dr Brad Marshall, also known as the Unplugged Psychologist, on the evening of Wednesday, 20 May. Dr Marshall is recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts on excessive internet and screen use and is the author of three best-selling international books published in over a dozen languages across 30 countries worldwide. Please save this date and further details will be provided.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year ahead and we thank you for the opportunity to share your children’s educational journey with you in 2026.
Jeanette Rawlings
Head of Edrington (Berwick)
Welcome back to 2026, celebrating 50 years
As we begin the 2026 school year, there is a sense of excitement across the campus. This year marks a significant milestone in the history of Newlands when we celebrate 50 years of learning, growth and community. It is a moment that invites us to reflect on the achievements and traditions that have shaped us, while also looking ahead to the opportunities that will define our next chapter.
Our commitment to viewing education through the eyes of excellence remains as strong. Excellence for us is not simply an aspiration; it is the foundation upon which we build meaningful learning experiences, nurture character and support every student to achieve their personal best.
Over the break, we have continued to invest in creating inspiring and engaging spaces for our students. The new Prep and Year 1 playground has transformed the Quad into a vibrant environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and collaborative play.
We are also pleased to share the completion of improvements to Berthon Hall, a space that plays a central role in the life of our community. The enhancements will elevate the experience for students, staff and families during assemblies, performances and key events throughout the year. These are fitting upgrades as we enter our 50th anniversary celebrations.
Throughout 2026, we will honour our school’s rich history while continuing to focus on the future. Special events and commemorations will acknowledge the contributions of those who have shaped our journey, while our everyday work in classrooms and co-curricular opportunities will continue to reflect our commitment to academic excellence, wellbeing and holistic development.
I look forward to sharing this milestone year with you and thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Here’s to a memorable 2026 as we celebrate 50 years of Newlands.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
Our academic year is already well underway through Term 1A, and this early momentum promises a smooth and confident commencement to 2026. A special welcome to the new families, students and staff joining our Senior School community. We trust that your time at Haileybury will be enriching, rewarding and filled with success.
Before we begin in earnest, it is important to pause and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of the past academic year. Hard work, curiosity, resilience and the steady inspiration of dedicated teachers saw our students achieve some of the most outstanding VCE results in the state. Five students secured the highest possible ATAR of 99.95, and 94% of our Year 12 cohorts were placed in the top 40% nationally. An extraordinary 50% of graduates earned an ATAR of 90 or above, with 12% in the top 1% of Australia.
These accomplishments reflect the strength of our academic culture: 46 perfect Study Scores across 23 subjects; more than half of Haileybury Girls College students and exactly half of Haileybury College students attaining ATARs of 90+; and a combined median ATAR of 90. These successes were not accidental, but were built through discipline, curiosity, and a community that values excellence and supports each learner to meet their potential. They also remind us that Haileybury’s tradition of high performance is sustained when students work hard, when teachers bring their deep expertise to the classroom, and when families partner closely with the school.
As we enter the new year, these achievements should serve not simply as a celebration, but as an inspiration. How can we build on the considerable success of the Class of 2025? Our task now is to build upon the foundations they have set for us, in order that we can strengthen the ‘value added’ for every learner, to continue striving for excellence, and to approach each challenge with the same determination and curiosity that characterised last year’s cohort. Every student, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to grow, to stretch, and to achieve their personal best.
Wednesday, 28 January 2026 begins with tutor groups, which meet prior to classes. This is an important moment for reconnecting, resetting expectations, and ensuring our young Haileyburians step confidently back into the routines that support flourishing. A few gentle reminders about uniform, hair and presentation are often all that is needed to help everyone settle into the rhythm of purposeful school life; small disciplines that build a culture of learning and of hard work where focus, pride and learning thrive.
Looking ahead, our ambition is straightforward: to strengthen a culture grounded in hard work and real purpose. Central to this is our Wellbeing Curriculum, which offers the age-and-stage-appropriate supports which our high-performing, high-achieving students need to flourish with resilience throughout a demanding academic year.
Equally important is our One Haileybury commitment, which brings our Senior Schools together at the Keysborough campus each Tuesday. These occasions carry real significance; they enable shared learning, connection and the cultivation of a unified Senior School culture. In supporting strong attendance expectations across the term, I encourage all families to appreciate the value we place on these collaborative Tuesdays and the distinctive sense of community they foster.
Educational excellence, and sustained success, can only be achieved while balancing it with a deep commitment to individual and collective wellbeing. At Haileybury, we believe these two elements, high performance and healthy disposition, work in harmony. Learning to live and living to learn are held in equal measure, shaping confident and capable young people who are ready for the world beyond Haileybury’s gates.
We ask all parents and carers to support us by ensuring students arrive immaculate and in the correct uniform for the season, well-presented, and ready for a positive start on day one. We are proud of our Haileybury uniform, and we trust that students will wear it with the dignity and pride it represents. Furthermore, students are once again reminded that mobile phones are switched off and put away securely in lockers from arrival at school until the end of the day.
Should you have any questions about our expectations, please feel free to contact Head of Senior School Culture, Ms Catherine McCraith, or Head of Senior School Wellbeing, Ms Fiona Gontier or, in the first instance, your child’s Head of House or Head of Pre Senior.
Together, with gratitude for the achievements of the past year and confidence in the promise of the year ahead, we look forward to a 2026 school year filled with purpose, progress and shared success. Go well and good luck!
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal
Head of Senior Schools
As we begin another exciting year of learning and connection, I am delighted to welcome families to the Haileybury Pangea community for 2026. This year promises to be filled with opportunities for students and families to engage, celebrate and grow together.
We have a vibrant calendar of events designed to strengthen our sense of community and support our students’ educational journey. Here are some key dates to look forward to:
Further details will be shared via myPangea, so we remind families to ensure they have the app downloaded and notifications enabled.
We can’t wait to welcome our staff and students back for 2026, and we look forward to a year of achievement and connection for all.
Joanna Baker
Head of Campus
In the spirit of reconciliation, Haileybury acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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