Haileybury’s 550 Year 12 graduates celebrated with gratitude for their community, highlighted by valedictorian speeches honouring staff, parents, peers and the School. The APS Athletics Carnival saw the girls achieve a historic victory, while both Haileybury and Scotch College captains demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship in their speeches, reflecting true APS spirit.
Haileybury’s 550 Year 12 graduates have finished their schooling with great respect, style and appreciation for the support of their parents, peers, teachers and the School.
Graduation week is always a marvellous time of the year, and I am very appreciative of the wonderful behaviour of the Year 12 cohorts and their reflection on their time at the School.
Four valedictorians proposed toasts at each of the graduation dinners (one for girls, one for boys and one for Pangea). The toasts are to staff, parents, peers and the School. These speeches reflect the importance of the collective nature of the community in providing a great education to have students ready for life after school.
It is very clear to me that this generation is in good hands with the wonderful graduates of the class of 2025.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the Associated Public Schools (APS) Athletics Carnival which is a combined girls and boys event held at Lakeside Stadium. Haileybury girls came out victorious for only the second time in an extraordinarily close competition, with Caulfield and Wesley just narrowly behind. It was the epitome of a team effort as any single relay could have decided the event if something had gone wrong. Haileybury boys pushed hard to finish seventh in the 11-team competition. Congratulations to Scotch College who won the boys competition for the first time since 1978.
The respective speeches from the winning Haileybury girls captains and the Scotch captain reflected the very best of APS sport in recognising the extraordinary quality of the competition that the APS put on.
It is performance examination season, and our Theatre Studies and Drama students have been diligently preparing their solo performances and monologues. Many spent the holidays rehearsing to ensure their work was polished and performance ready. The stakes are high, with the seven-minute Drama examination contributing 35% to their study score. In Theatre Studies, students undertake both a monologue performance and an oral presentation within a ten-minute assessment.
As seen in the photos, the students’ energy, creativity and depth of characterisation were exceptional. Their commitment to their craft was evident in every rehearsal and performance.
Beyond VCE, Haileybury’s Performing Arts program continues to excel, receiving a record 27 Lyrebird Award nominations, including Best Production for both Mamma Mia! and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Congratulations to all staff and students on these incredible achievements. Your passion, teamwork and artistry make our community proud.
| Mamma Mia | |
|---|---|
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Best Ensemble Performer
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Abir
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Best Solo Song (Male Role)
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Haveesh - Our Last Summer
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Best Solo Song (Female Role)
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Alexis - The Winner Takes It All
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Best Performer in a Supporting Male Role
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Riley
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Best Performer in a Supporting Male Role
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Samuel
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Best Performer in a Lead Female Role
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Alexis
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Best Performer in a Lead Female Role
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Ruby
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Best Musical Director
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Robert Latham
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Best Director
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Nicole Smith
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Best Youth Production
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Haileybury
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| Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | |
|---|---|
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Best Sound
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Erica D'Angelo
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Best Lighting
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Matthew Sanderson and Nicole Smith
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Best Costume
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Nicole Smith
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Best Ensemble
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Haileybury
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Best Cameo Performer
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Sahana
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Best Cameo Performer
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Amelie
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Best Dramatic Performance
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Tyler
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Best Dramatic Performance
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Arabella
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Outstanding Acting Partnership
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Harrison and Tyler
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Highly Commended Performer
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Arabella
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Best Performer in a Supporting Female role
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Alexis
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Best Performer in a Supporting Male role
|
Samuel
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Best Performer in a Supporting Male role
|
Riley
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Best Performer in a Lead Male role
|
Tyler
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|
Best Performer in a Lead Male role
|
Harrison
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Best Director
|
Nicole Smith
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Best Youth Production
|
Haileybury
|
Nicole Smith
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
As the new term began, the Music Department opened the season in style with a superb evening of orchestral chamber music at the Chamber in the Chapel concert.
With the weather graciously mild, an admiring audience of 200 guests filled the David Bradshaw Chapel, where our finest small ensemble musicians performed alongside the String Sinfonia, Guitar Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and Viva Voce choir.
The evening was a true celebration of the depth and breadth of Haileybury’s music program, showcasing the skill, dedication and artistry of students across a range of classical repertoire disciplines.
Guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne and a sweet treat before taking their seats in the beautifully prepared Chapel. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and each performance was delivered with distinction and musical sensitivity.
A special note of thanks goes to Mr Thomas Heywood, who compered the evening with his trademark wit, insight and deep love of classical music. These qualities clearly resonated with the appreciative audience.
Events such as Chamber in the Chapel continue to inspire and uplift our community, students, staff and families alike. I encourage everyone to keep an eye on the school calendar for future musical performances.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
The 2025 Graduate Art Exhibition, Chasing the Vision, was a vibrant celebration of the creativity, perseverance and sophistication of our senior Visual Arts students.
Held for the first time in our new Visual Arts building, the event brought together works from Units 3 and 4 Art Making and Exhibiting, Media, and Visual Communication Design, alongside exhibitions by Year 9 and Units 1 and 2 students. The new building quickly proved itself to be not just a venue, but a home for creative thinking and collaboration, a place where students, teachers and families could come together to experience the power of visual expression.
Across the exhibition, visitors encountered artworks that revealed the depth and diversity of our students’ ideas as they explored themes of identity, wellbeing, memory, environmental and social awareness, optimism and critical reflection on contemporary culture. From the refined conceptual folios of Units 3 and 4 students to the exploratory works of emerging Year 9 artists, each piece reflected the courage and commitment required to truly ‘chase a vision.’
It was a pleasure to announce the 2025 Subject Ambassadors, Ethan (Art Making and Exhibiting), Lulu (Visual Communication Design) and Emmet (Media), who will represent the department at the forthcoming Encore of Excellence event.
Sincere thanks go to our incredible Visual Arts teaching and technician teams, whose expertise, creativity and tireless work made the exhibition possible, and to the Facilities, Marketing, Events and Music teams for their support.
Chasing the Vision was a reminder of the importance of giving young people the space, time and encouragement to explore their ideas deeply and express them authentically. It was a celebration not just of finished artworks, but of the journeys behind them.
Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
On 14 September, several of our drummers competed in the Haileybury Solo Drumming Championships held at the Newlands Campus. This highly competitive event attracted drummers from across Victoria and NSW, with over 50 solo drumming performances throughout the day. Our Haileybury drummers delivered some outstanding performances, with several students achieving top three results. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and skill.
On the final weekend of the holidays, two of our Haileybury drummers, Sofia (Year 12, B Grade Snare) and Sasha (Year 5, Novice Snare), travelled to Albury, NSW to compete in the Australian Solo Drumming Championships. Both delivered outstanding and highly competitive performances, each earning second place in their respective grades. A fantastic achievement.
Each year, our A Band pipers and drummers can apply for leadership positions within the Pipes & Drums. This year’s applications were exceptionally competitive, showcasing passion and commitment to the future of the ensemble. We are fortunate to have such talented and dedicated musicians within our program.
The Pipes & Drums team would like to sincerely thank each student who submitted a leadership application.
Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Band Leaders:
Leadership Positions - Drums
Leadership Positions - Pipes
I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our outgoing Year 12 students for their dedicated service and commitment to the Haileybury Pipes & Drums over the years. Their passion, leadership and musicianship have made a lasting impact on our community.
We wish them every success with their graduation, upcoming exams and future endeavours. It has been a true pleasure to know each of them, and they will be greatly missed within our Pipes & Drums family.
Daniel Staley
Director of Pipes & Drums
It was recently time to say goodbye to our Year 12 graduates at our Back to Brighton morning. As both staff and as a school, we take great pride in supporting our students’ growth, achievements and overall development. During a special assembly and time spent on campus, students had the chance to reflect on everything they have learnt, experienced and discovered throughout their time at Castlefield. Celebrating the graduates’ journeys at Haileybury, and the campus where they began, has truly been a joy.
We are excited to be showcasing artwork from each student in ELC to Year 8 at our annual art show, with opening night being held at 4.00 pm on Wednesday, 22 October. Alongside our art gallery, there will be students performing and a sausage sizzle for attendees (gold coin donation). Come along and be immersed in the creativity our students have produced.
I remind families that Monday, 3 November, is a student-free day. Therefore, students will not be required at School on this day. Of course, Tuesday, 4 November, is the Melbourne Cup holiday.
Please note that the 2026 Orientation Day (Up Day) is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 November for our current Prep through to current Year 6 students. The attire for the day is casual sports clothes with runners. Our students spend the day in their 2026 year level, meeting teachers, visiting homerooms and being introduced to their new classmates in preparation for next year.
The date of our Celebration of Excellence is Thursday, 4 December and students in Years 5–8 all attend. Students have already commenced learning the song they will be performing in our massed singing item on the night.
The children love playing and learning in our outdoor learning environments. It is wonderful as a teacher to be part of the children’s excitement, and to facilitate their ideas, curiosities and possibilities. Being outdoors offers countless benefits across all areas of development.
Time spent outside builds gross motor strength and agility, and supports fine motor dexterity and hand eye coordination. Outdoor play also provides rich opportunities for enhancing cognitive abilities through exploration, problem-solving, critical thinking, imagination and sensory experiences. Social and emotional development flourishes, as children interact and negotiate with others, and fosters their self-regulation and overall wellbeing.
We are excited to be planning and designing new areas within our playground and welcome ideas and feedback from families and children. Please see the noticeboard in the ELC foyer to share your thoughts.
As children venture beyond the classroom, our specialist Physical Activity sessions implement a wonderful community program called Helping Hands. This initiative brings together Years 6 and 8 students, who work alongside our teachers to lead each perceptual and gross motor activity station.
With older students guiding and encouraging, our children participate in small groups and focus on developing specific skills such as core strength, coordination and balance.
This program not only supports physical development but also fosters a strong sense of community, collaboration and leadership across year levels.
At the end of Term 3 we combined our termly community barbeque with our first ever walkathon to raise money for Victorian charity, Second Chance Animal Rescue. Students found sponsors and walked as many laps of the oval as possible. After school, families brought along their own dogs to join in the walking. It was a great afternoon combining exercise, families and social justice.
One of the most loved events on the calendar is when we welcome our fabulous grandparents to come along and share a morning in the classrooms. We acknowledge the incredible ways our grandparents enrich the lives of our Junior School children, with many doing morning drop off, afternoon pick-up and making lunches. There is even a grandfather who regularly cuts his granddaughter’s fringe so it is just so. With a few reminders to take things slowly on the stairs, the children carefully guided their nannas, poppas, nonnas, nonnos, yeye, nainai, pedar bozorg, madar bozorg, yia-yais and papoos around the various classroom activities.
Term 4 promises to be a wonderful and inspiring finish to the year in the Middle School. It is a term full of opportunity and a chance for students to step up, show leadership and make the most of every experience that comes their way. Across all year levels, there will be exciting House activities that build teamwork and school spirit, as well as a range of excursions and incursions designed to spark curiosity, deepen learning and connect classroom knowledge with the wider world.
A fitting start to the term was our Year 8 student led Assembly in which all of our Year 8 leaders regaled the Middle School students with reflections on the year so far, insights into international trips, showcased student music performances and the School sang along as we launched our Celebration of Excellence massed singing song. It was a sensational example of students leading by example and inspiring others.
As we move towards the end of the year, students are encouraged to approach each day with a sense of purpose by finishing strongly, supporting one another and taking pride in their efforts. Term 4 is also a time for kindness and connection: celebrating achievements, showing gratitude and giving things a go, even when it feels challenging. Whether it is leading a House event, taking part in a performance, or simply lending a helping hand, every student has the opportunity to contribute to our positive and inclusive Middle School culture. Together, we look forward to a term that celebrates growth, curiosity and the joy of learning.
We have much to look forward to with Year 8 Graduation, Celebration of Excellence, our Annual Art Show, Castlefield picnic on the Green and many more.
This is also a timely reminder for all Middle School students to be wearing hats at recess and lunchtimes.
As the end of the year approaches, we understand that some families may have already sent emails regarding friendship or teacher preferences for 2026.
Please understand that we do not, under any circumstance, accept friendship or teacher requests for your child into the next year.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
Haileybury Parents & Friends of Castlefield (HPFC) invite Junior School families to a fun-filled Halloween celebration on Thursday, 30 October from 3.45 pm to 5.00 pm.
Students will enjoy a Halloween Scavenger Hunt and a Neon Disco, with separate sessions for Prep–Year 2 and Years 3–4. ELC students are welcome to join the Scavenger Hunt.
Please note: the disco is for Junior School students only.
Children may wear Halloween costumes or white clothing to glow under neon lights. Non-toxic neon paints will be used—safe for children but may stain clothing.
Important: This is not a drop-off event. A parent or guardian must be present.
We cannot put on these events without your support—please sign up via the link below to volunteer.https://signup.com/go/zjrvayz
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Last chance for tickets until midnight tonight only (Monday, 20 October): https://events.humanitix.com/hpfc-halloween-disco-and-scavenger-hunt
Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield
Term 4 has started very smoothly with the students excited to return to school for the final term of the year. During the term break, a number of Year 8 students participated in overseas cultural tours to France, China and Japan. These experiences were an opportunity to develop their language skills, make new friends, and gain a broader understanding of culture and history. Our students represented Haileybury beautifully and created some wonderful memories during their travels.
It is my pleasure to invite Edrington families to our Celebration of Excellence on Monday 1 December at 7.00 pm in Aikman Hall Keysborough. Refreshments will be served in the Wings Cafe and Senior School Quad from 6.00 pm where we can come together as a community. The evening will be a celebration of a wonderful year and an acknowledgment of excellence and achievement.
For ELC children, creative expression is much more than just art or play, it is a vital way they explore their world and share their thoughts and feelings. Whether through drawing, sculpting, building, music, movement, or imaginative play, these activities spark their imagination and help them communicate in unique and meaningful ways.
Creative experiences are essential in early childhood because they support growth in many areas; physical, social, intellectual and emotional. When children are given the freedom to explore and access to the right materials, educators can guide them in developing important skills that lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
Being creative encourages children to innovate and discover. Through their imagination, they learn to express themselves, form independent ideas, experiment with new concepts and develop problem-solving abilities. Creativity also helps build key cognitive skills, including language, literacy and numeracy.
It is clear that creative expression plays a crucial role in a child’s overall development. During these experiences, educators emphasise the creative journey (process) and celebrate each child’s unique way of expressing themselves. Supporting children in this way helps build their confidence and nurtures their individual creativity. Providing opportunities for self-expression equips children with valuable skills and strengths that will benefit them throughout their lives.
As a country surrounded by water, swimming is such an integral part of our culture, and so the Junior School Swimming program is an important focus of our Physical Education program. During their lessons, students have been encouraged to develop a love and appreciation of water, while at the same time focusing on building strong techniques and essential water safety skills. Students have enthusiastically participated in their lessons over the four weeks.
Our Year 4 students will be involved in the SEA Living and Growing program this term to ensure that our students have access to accurate and age-appropriate information about body safety, anatomy, reproduction and puberty. Students will be discussing:
Week 1: Our bodies – how to look after ourselves
Week 2: Where did I come from? My family and your family
Week 3: Growing and changing
Welcome back to what promises to be a wonderful Term 4. It is always exciting to begin the final term of the year with such a positive and energetic start.
In Term 4, we have already enjoyed a fantastic House Swimming event, where students showed incredible enthusiasm and House spirit. Congratulations to everyone who participated and contributed to such a successful day in and out of the pool.
A special mention goes to the group of talented students who represented our campus at the Da Vinci Decathlon, held at Castlefield. Their creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills shone through, and our teams achieved outstanding results.
In Year 6, students have been busy designing and creating arcade games as part of their Thrive project, inspired by Caine’s Arcade. Junior School classes had the opportunity to play these games, and it was wonderful to see such joy, imagination and innovation on display.
It is shaping up to be a term full of learning and celebration.
Jeanette Rawlings
Head of Edrington (Berwick)
Hello Edrington. Get your teams ready. Trivia Night is back!
It will be on Friday, 14 November from 6.00 pm onwards at the Pine Grove Hotel, Beaconsfield Upper. It is $50.00 per person with teams of six and the price includes wood fired pizzas with drinks at bar price. There will be trivia, games, raffles, plenty of laughs and prizes to be won. Bring your gold coins for raffles and games. Save the date. Tickets will be available soon. We hope to see you there.
Every Wednesday you will find Jenelle and Amphil at the SHUS from 8.30 am to 11.00 am. The SHUS is always looking for an extra hand, so if you have an hour to spare on a Wednesday to give Amphil and Jenelle a hand in the shop please contact them at shus-berwick@haileybury.vic.edu.au.
Kerry Ilic
HPFE President
The Premier’s Reading Challenge concluded in September, and I’m pleased to share that Newlands achieved outstanding results this year.
A total of 622 students from Years Prep to 8 were registered for the challenge. Impressively, 311 students (50%) completed it, marking a 253% increase in completions compared to last year.
Over the six-month period, more than 10,000 books were read and recorded, which is a fantastic reflection of our students’ enthusiasm for reading.
Students in both Reception and Pre-Prep have embraced the rich cultural celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. To bring this beautiful tradition to life, the ELC welcomed a special dancing incursion where children experienced the traditional dancing and music associated with Diwali. This celebration, filled with colour, rhythm and storytelling adds to our important calendar of festivals and celebrations across the year that support appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up our Newlands community. Within the ELC, Mrs Simon also shared her knowledge and culture with children as each class engaged in making coconut ladoo, symbolising the sweetness and joy of the festival.
Reception students were thrilled to commence the much-loved Scooter program, led by Mr Reed, in Term 4. Each week, students in the ELC engage in a targeted and tailored program designed to support gross motor development by helping children build coordination, balance and strength. Beyond the physical skills, the Scooter program has encouraged movement, resilience and confidence, as children have challenged themselves and learnt to navigate new environments safely. With their helmets, knee and elbow pads, it is a wonderful sight to see our Pre-Prep students, who have already been engaging in this program throughout the year, confidently following Mr Reed on their scooter as they move throughout different areas of the school.
As part of our Term 4 Science unit Earth’s Place in Space, our Year 4 students will be heading to Scienceworks for an exciting, hands-on day of discovery. Throughout the excursion, students will explore key space science concepts, including the difference between Earth’s rotation and revolution, the structure of our solar system, and how solar and lunar eclipses occur. These big ideas will be brought to life through engaging models, interactive exhibits and visual demonstrations. A highlight of the day will be the Planetarium show Our Living Climate. This is an immersive experience that explores Earth’s atmosphere, weather patterns and climate systems in the context of our planet’s position in space. This eye-opening session helps students understand how Earth’s unique relationship with the Sun makes life possible. We are excited for a day full of discovery, curiosity and real-world science in action.
Recently the Year 3s embarked on an engaging excursion to Ceres School of Nature and climate where they took on a workshop titled Towards Zero Waste.
Through hands-on activities that enhanced their problem-solving and action planning skills, students explored practical solutions to transition towards a zero-waste approach.
This insightful journey delved into the profound impacts of waste and its environmental consequences but also how to uncover solutions to mitigate effects.
On Wednesday, 12 November all Years 7 and 8 students across all four campuses will be descending upon Newlands for the Colour Run to celebrate the end of the year. This will be one to remember as we celebrate this milestone for our Years 7 and 8s as a whole School.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
With another term done and dusted comes the realisation that Christmas will be here in a blink of an eye.
Term 4 started off with two great Middle School nights that we supported. GMS had a movie night and BMS had a games night, and it was great seeing the kids have so much fun. We had the pleasure of offering popcorn, chips, choc tops, drinks and lollies to add to the excitement.
The Father’s Day stall, as always, was a huge hit. This year saw the Grade 3s with a personal shopping experience which was held in Berthon Hall on the Tuesday as they were on camp. An extra thank you to the committee, Nicole Cunningham and Kimberely Tracey-Jones for making this happen.
The Matilda musical was an incredible show that saw the committee make lolly bags, more lolly bags and more lolly bags to support such a great production. Well done to all involved.
Amy Ching
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough
When the Haileybury scholars Kaitlyn Ea (OH 2021) and Joshua Ea (OH 2022) co-founded EA Badminton Academy in February 2023, they shared a united mission: to inspire and develop the next generation of players, beginning at the grassroots level and building a pathway towards competitive excellence.
Both Kaitlyn and Joshua experienced first hand the impact of Haileybury’s high-performance culture in shaping resilience, discipline and ambition; traits that have defined their own academic and sporting careers. Kaitlyn, now a student at the University of Melbourne, has represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games, the World Championships and World University Games, claimed victory at the Oceania Championships, and achieved a career-high world ranking of 52. Joshua, currently studying at Monash University, has proudly represented his university at a national level and captained the Victorian State Team. From captaining both the APS and First Haileybury Badminton premiership teams, to now coaching Haileybury’s First Team, they continue to give back to the school community by passing on their skills to the next generation of school athletes.
EA Badminton Academy began with a single Tuesday beginner group session, fostering a fun and supportive environment for players of all abilities. As interest grew, the academy expanded to include three weekly group training sessions, school holiday training sessions, and partnerships with local schools to run tailored badminton programs.
One of the academy’s greatest strengths is its coaching team, comprised of World Master Champions, and National and State team players. Many coaches are students from the University of Melbourne and Monash University, offering players relatable role models who understand the balance between sport, study and personal growth. The combination of elite experience and youthful energy creates an environment where players not only receive high-quality technical training but also learn life skills such as leadership, perseverance and goal setting.
In just over two years, EA Badminton Academy has grown beyond its local beginnings. In December 2025, the academy will take a significant step onto the international stage with an elite overseas training camp in partnership with badminton legend Lin Dan, the two-time Olympic gold medallist, and five-time World Champion. The training will be held at the state-of-the-art Lin Dan Badminton Stadium in Guangzhou, offering high-performance training led by former Chinese national and state coaches as well as matches against local clubs and state team players. It also offers an opportunity to experience the cultural richness of one of badminton’s strongest nations.
https://www.eabadmintonacademy.com.au/lin-dan-camp-1
To stay connected with the journey of these young entrepreneurs, simply follow @eabadmintonacademy on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and Linkedin.
Kylie Phillips
Development Office Operations Lead
In the final two weeks of Term 3, Year 9 students participated in their Term 3 Pathways Weeks. This was an intensive period whenthey undertook elective courses in Music, Drama, Computer Science and Entrepreneurship. Students were supported throughout the two weeks by their tutors, Mr McCullough and Mr Orton, as well as Head of Middle School and Pre-Senior Mr Christie. They participated in interactive workshops with expert teachers in each subject, collaborated in online sessions, and shared their work with each other to celebrate their achievements. We congratulate students for the focus and self-discipline they demonstrated during this special program, and we thank the staff who brought these courses to life.
In Term 4, Haileybury proudly launched its Years 11 and 12 Co-Curricular Societies , offering students the chance to connect on Tuesday afternoons through shared interests and passions. These cross-campus groups foster collaboration, enrichment and leadership beyond the classroom. The Summer Societies on offer include Linguistics, Literary, and Sports Tech, inviting students to explore language, storytelling and innovation in sport. In winter, students could choose from Industry Partnership projects, gaining real-world insights, or join International Debating in English and Chinese, developing global perspectives and persuasive communication. These societies empower students to deepen their expertise, build networks and contribute meaningfully to vibrant learning communities.
Joanna Baker
Head of Campus
In the August edition of Insight, we spoke about the recruitment process we were undertaking for a new Head of Coaching role at Haileybury. This exciting position is accountable for improving the standard of coaching across the whole Haileybury program and will be working with each of our Heads of Sport to agree on coach development plans that are specific to each sport. From the coaching that our more committed athletes receive during key developmental years, to the support given to engage those students that are more driven by having fun, the role will work with all our coaches in helping to create lifelong memories for our students and their families. The focus will not only include the coaching your child receives as being part of a Saturday morning netball or hockey program, but also further opportunities for development outside of school hours such as before / after school coaching and school holiday programs. We are firm in our belief that regardless of what team your child plays in, or what sport they choose, they should have an outstanding experience with their coach; one that prioritises their own personal goals for the season, as well as that of the team.
With all this in mind, I am extremely excited to share that Nathan Burke has been appointed into this role. Most of you would know that Nathan was at one stage the game’s record-holder with the St Kilda Football Club, having pulled on the Saints jumper on 323 occasions. But what you might not be aware of is that since his retirement, Nathan’s passion has been in coaching and leadership development, having worked across a range of sports that include athletics, netball, futsal, basketball, gymnastics, cricket, tennis and soccer. Nathan is particularly passionate about girls sport, being a father of three girls, two of whom played sport at Haileybury and one recently achieved the milestone of notching up her 50th AFLW game for St Kilda. Nathan is also passionate about the critical role that parents play in supporting our young people to thrive during their time in sport, leading to the penning of his book Best and Fairest Sports Parenting (available in all good bookstores). Please join me in welcoming Nathan back to Haileybury.
Four Haileybury girls represented Victoria in the Touch National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour. Em and Kal were in the U18s team and Anika and Isla were in the U14s team. Em, Kal and Isla have all been selected for this year’s Blazer Squad; Anika is in our extended 1st team training partner group (she plays in the same position as Em and Kal).
Em was identified by the Head Coaches of Australia Touch Football as a ‘rising youth talent’ from the Alliance States, one of only two players from Victoria, which is a truly wonderful achievement.
In addition, Zac represented his state, playing for the U15 Victoria Storm in the National Youth Championships for the second year. We congratulate all students on their achievements.
Haileybury Dance lit up the stage at the 2025 TFT Dance Star National Championships in Hobart, proudly representing the school across two action-packed days of competition. This year, all 120 members of the Dance Squad, from Years 7 to 12, qualified for Nationals, which is an outstanding achievement.
On Thursday, 17 soloists performed with artistry and confidence across multiple genres, while Friday saw 11 teams take to the stage in fiercely competitive divisions. Across the event, our dancers embodied the spirit of Haileybury Dance, performing with passion, discipline and grace, while supporting and encouraging each other and their peers from other schools.
The results were exceptional, with 23 out of 28 performances earning medals, 14 of them gold. Highlights included National Championship titles for soloists Ruby, Lucie, Olivia, Maddie, Amy, Kaylin, Braya, Dalenna and Ella, alongside team victories in Small and Large Contemporary, Small and Large Jazz and 7/8 Hip Hop.
These results reflect the strength, dedication and camaraderie that define Haileybury Dance. Congratulations to all our dancers and coaches for an unforgettable Nationals. Your performances have inspired us all.
Matthew Dwyer
Head of Sport (One Haileybury)
Haileybury’s 550 Year 12 graduates have finished their schooling with great respect, style and appreciation for the support of their parents, peers, teachers and the School.
Graduation week is always a marvellous time of the year, and I am very appreciative of the wonderful behaviour of the Year 12 cohorts and their reflection on their time at the School.
Four valedictorians proposed toasts at each of the graduation dinners (one for girls, one for boys and one for Pangea). The toasts are to staff, parents, peers and the School. These speeches reflect the importance of the collective nature of the community in providing a great education to have students ready for life after school.
It is very clear to me that this generation is in good hands with the wonderful graduates of the class of 2025.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the Associated Public Schools (APS) Athletics Carnival which is a combined girls and boys event held at Lakeside Stadium. Haileybury girls came out victorious for only the second time in an extraordinarily close competition, with Caulfield and Wesley just narrowly behind. It was the epitome of a team effort as any single relay could have decided the event if something had gone wrong. Haileybury boys pushed hard to finish seventh in the 11-team competition. Congratulations to Scotch College who won the boys competition for the first time since 1978.
The respective speeches from the winning Haileybury girls captains and the Scotch captain reflected the very best of APS sport in recognising the extraordinary quality of the competition that the APS put on.
It is performance examination season, and our Theatre Studies and Drama students have been diligently preparing their solo performances and monologues. Many spent the holidays rehearsing to ensure their work was polished and performance ready. The stakes are high, with the seven-minute Drama examination contributing 35% to their study score. In Theatre Studies, students undertake both a monologue performance and an oral presentation within a ten-minute assessment.
As seen in the photos, the students’ energy, creativity and depth of characterisation were exceptional. Their commitment to their craft was evident in every rehearsal and performance.
Beyond VCE, Haileybury’s Performing Arts program continues to excel, receiving a record 27 Lyrebird Award nominations, including Best Production for both Mamma Mia! and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Congratulations to all staff and students on these incredible achievements. Your passion, teamwork and artistry make our community proud.
| Mamma Mia | |
|---|---|
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Best Ensemble Performer
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Abir
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Best Solo Song (Male Role)
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Haveesh - Our Last Summer
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Best Solo Song (Female Role)
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Alexis - The Winner Takes It All
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Best Performer in a Supporting Male Role
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Riley
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Best Performer in a Supporting Male Role
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Samuel
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Best Performer in a Lead Female Role
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Alexis
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Best Performer in a Lead Female Role
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Ruby
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Best Musical Director
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Robert Latham
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Best Director
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Nicole Smith
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Best Youth Production
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Haileybury
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| Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | |
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Best Sound
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Erica D'Angelo
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Best Lighting
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Matthew Sanderson and Nicole Smith
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Best Costume
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Nicole Smith
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Best Ensemble
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Haileybury
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Best Cameo Performer
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Sahana
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Best Cameo Performer
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Amelie
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Best Dramatic Performance
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Tyler
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Best Dramatic Performance
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Arabella
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Outstanding Acting Partnership
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Harrison and Tyler
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Highly Commended Performer
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Arabella
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Best Performer in a Supporting Female role
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Alexis
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Best Performer in a Supporting Male role
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Samuel
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Best Performer in a Supporting Male role
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Riley
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Best Performer in a Lead Male role
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Tyler
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Best Performer in a Lead Male role
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Harrison
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Best Director
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Nicole Smith
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Best Youth Production
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Haileybury
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Nicole Smith
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
As the new term began, the Music Department opened the season in style with a superb evening of orchestral chamber music at the Chamber in the Chapel concert.
With the weather graciously mild, an admiring audience of 200 guests filled the David Bradshaw Chapel, where our finest small ensemble musicians performed alongside the String Sinfonia, Guitar Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and Viva Voce choir.
The evening was a true celebration of the depth and breadth of Haileybury’s music program, showcasing the skill, dedication and artistry of students across a range of classical repertoire disciplines.
Guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne and a sweet treat before taking their seats in the beautifully prepared Chapel. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and each performance was delivered with distinction and musical sensitivity.
A special note of thanks goes to Mr Thomas Heywood, who compered the evening with his trademark wit, insight and deep love of classical music. These qualities clearly resonated with the appreciative audience.
Events such as Chamber in the Chapel continue to inspire and uplift our community, students, staff and families alike. I encourage everyone to keep an eye on the school calendar for future musical performances.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
The 2025 Graduate Art Exhibition, Chasing the Vision, was a vibrant celebration of the creativity, perseverance and sophistication of our senior Visual Arts students.
Held for the first time in our new Visual Arts building, the event brought together works from Units 3 and 4 Art Making and Exhibiting, Media, and Visual Communication Design, alongside exhibitions by Year 9 and Units 1 and 2 students. The new building quickly proved itself to be not just a venue, but a home for creative thinking and collaboration, a place where students, teachers and families could come together to experience the power of visual expression.
Across the exhibition, visitors encountered artworks that revealed the depth and diversity of our students’ ideas as they explored themes of identity, wellbeing, memory, environmental and social awareness, optimism and critical reflection on contemporary culture. From the refined conceptual folios of Units 3 and 4 students to the exploratory works of emerging Year 9 artists, each piece reflected the courage and commitment required to truly ‘chase a vision.’
It was a pleasure to announce the 2025 Subject Ambassadors, Ethan (Art Making and Exhibiting), Lulu (Visual Communication Design) and Emmet (Media), who will represent the department at the forthcoming Encore of Excellence event.
Sincere thanks go to our incredible Visual Arts teaching and technician teams, whose expertise, creativity and tireless work made the exhibition possible, and to the Facilities, Marketing, Events and Music teams for their support.
Chasing the Vision was a reminder of the importance of giving young people the space, time and encouragement to explore their ideas deeply and express them authentically. It was a celebration not just of finished artworks, but of the journeys behind them.
Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
On 14 September, several of our drummers competed in the Haileybury Solo Drumming Championships held at the Newlands Campus. This highly competitive event attracted drummers from across Victoria and NSW, with over 50 solo drumming performances throughout the day. Our Haileybury drummers delivered some outstanding performances, with several students achieving top three results. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and skill.
On the final weekend of the holidays, two of our Haileybury drummers, Sofia (Year 12, B Grade Snare) and Sasha (Year 5, Novice Snare), travelled to Albury, NSW to compete in the Australian Solo Drumming Championships. Both delivered outstanding and highly competitive performances, each earning second place in their respective grades. A fantastic achievement.
Each year, our A Band pipers and drummers can apply for leadership positions within the Pipes & Drums. This year’s applications were exceptionally competitive, showcasing passion and commitment to the future of the ensemble. We are fortunate to have such talented and dedicated musicians within our program.
The Pipes & Drums team would like to sincerely thank each student who submitted a leadership application.
Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Band Leaders:
Leadership Positions - Drums
Leadership Positions - Pipes
I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our outgoing Year 12 students for their dedicated service and commitment to the Haileybury Pipes & Drums over the years. Their passion, leadership and musicianship have made a lasting impact on our community.
We wish them every success with their graduation, upcoming exams and future endeavours. It has been a true pleasure to know each of them, and they will be greatly missed within our Pipes & Drums family.
Daniel Staley
Director of Pipes & Drums
It was recently time to say goodbye to our Year 12 graduates at our Back to Brighton morning. As both staff and as a school, we take great pride in supporting our students’ growth, achievements and overall development. During a special assembly and time spent on campus, students had the chance to reflect on everything they have learnt, experienced and discovered throughout their time at Castlefield. Celebrating the graduates’ journeys at Haileybury, and the campus where they began, has truly been a joy.
We are excited to be showcasing artwork from each student in ELC to Year 8 at our annual art show, with opening night being held at 4.00 pm on Wednesday, 22 October. Alongside our art gallery, there will be students performing and a sausage sizzle for attendees (gold coin donation). Come along and be immersed in the creativity our students have produced.
I remind families that Monday, 3 November, is a student-free day. Therefore, students will not be required at School on this day. Of course, Tuesday, 4 November, is the Melbourne Cup holiday.
Please note that the 2026 Orientation Day (Up Day) is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 November for our current Prep through to current Year 6 students. The attire for the day is casual sports clothes with runners. Our students spend the day in their 2026 year level, meeting teachers, visiting homerooms and being introduced to their new classmates in preparation for next year.
The date of our Celebration of Excellence is Thursday, 4 December and students in Years 5–8 all attend. Students have already commenced learning the song they will be performing in our massed singing item on the night.
The children love playing and learning in our outdoor learning environments. It is wonderful as a teacher to be part of the children’s excitement, and to facilitate their ideas, curiosities and possibilities. Being outdoors offers countless benefits across all areas of development.
Time spent outside builds gross motor strength and agility, and supports fine motor dexterity and hand eye coordination. Outdoor play also provides rich opportunities for enhancing cognitive abilities through exploration, problem-solving, critical thinking, imagination and sensory experiences. Social and emotional development flourishes, as children interact and negotiate with others, and fosters their self-regulation and overall wellbeing.
We are excited to be planning and designing new areas within our playground and welcome ideas and feedback from families and children. Please see the noticeboard in the ELC foyer to share your thoughts.
As children venture beyond the classroom, our specialist Physical Activity sessions implement a wonderful community program called Helping Hands. This initiative brings together Years 6 and 8 students, who work alongside our teachers to lead each perceptual and gross motor activity station.
With older students guiding and encouraging, our children participate in small groups and focus on developing specific skills such as core strength, coordination and balance.
This program not only supports physical development but also fosters a strong sense of community, collaboration and leadership across year levels.
At the end of Term 3 we combined our termly community barbeque with our first ever walkathon to raise money for Victorian charity, Second Chance Animal Rescue. Students found sponsors and walked as many laps of the oval as possible. After school, families brought along their own dogs to join in the walking. It was a great afternoon combining exercise, families and social justice.
One of the most loved events on the calendar is when we welcome our fabulous grandparents to come along and share a morning in the classrooms. We acknowledge the incredible ways our grandparents enrich the lives of our Junior School children, with many doing morning drop off, afternoon pick-up and making lunches. There is even a grandfather who regularly cuts his granddaughter’s fringe so it is just so. With a few reminders to take things slowly on the stairs, the children carefully guided their nannas, poppas, nonnas, nonnos, yeye, nainai, pedar bozorg, madar bozorg, yia-yais and papoos around the various classroom activities.
Term 4 promises to be a wonderful and inspiring finish to the year in the Middle School. It is a term full of opportunity and a chance for students to step up, show leadership and make the most of every experience that comes their way. Across all year levels, there will be exciting House activities that build teamwork and school spirit, as well as a range of excursions and incursions designed to spark curiosity, deepen learning and connect classroom knowledge with the wider world.
A fitting start to the term was our Year 8 student led Assembly in which all of our Year 8 leaders regaled the Middle School students with reflections on the year so far, insights into international trips, showcased student music performances and the School sang along as we launched our Celebration of Excellence massed singing song. It was a sensational example of students leading by example and inspiring others.
As we move towards the end of the year, students are encouraged to approach each day with a sense of purpose by finishing strongly, supporting one another and taking pride in their efforts. Term 4 is also a time for kindness and connection: celebrating achievements, showing gratitude and giving things a go, even when it feels challenging. Whether it is leading a House event, taking part in a performance, or simply lending a helping hand, every student has the opportunity to contribute to our positive and inclusive Middle School culture. Together, we look forward to a term that celebrates growth, curiosity and the joy of learning.
We have much to look forward to with Year 8 Graduation, Celebration of Excellence, our Annual Art Show, Castlefield picnic on the Green and many more.
This is also a timely reminder for all Middle School students to be wearing hats at recess and lunchtimes.
As the end of the year approaches, we understand that some families may have already sent emails regarding friendship or teacher preferences for 2026.
Please understand that we do not, under any circumstance, accept friendship or teacher requests for your child into the next year.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
Haileybury Parents & Friends of Castlefield (HPFC) invite Junior School families to a fun-filled Halloween celebration on Thursday, 30 October from 3.45 pm to 5.00 pm.
Students will enjoy a Halloween Scavenger Hunt and a Neon Disco, with separate sessions for Prep–Year 2 and Years 3–4. ELC students are welcome to join the Scavenger Hunt.
Please note: the disco is for Junior School students only.
Children may wear Halloween costumes or white clothing to glow under neon lights. Non-toxic neon paints will be used—safe for children but may stain clothing.
Important: This is not a drop-off event. A parent or guardian must be present.
We cannot put on these events without your support—please sign up via the link below to volunteer.https://signup.com/go/zjrvayz
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Last chance for tickets until midnight tonight only (Monday, 20 October): https://events.humanitix.com/hpfc-halloween-disco-and-scavenger-hunt
Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield
Term 4 has started very smoothly with the students excited to return to school for the final term of the year. During the term break, a number of Year 8 students participated in overseas cultural tours to France, China and Japan. These experiences were an opportunity to develop their language skills, make new friends, and gain a broader understanding of culture and history. Our students represented Haileybury beautifully and created some wonderful memories during their travels.
It is my pleasure to invite Edrington families to our Celebration of Excellence on Monday 1 December at 7.00 pm in Aikman Hall Keysborough. Refreshments will be served in the Wings Cafe and Senior School Quad from 6.00 pm where we can come together as a community. The evening will be a celebration of a wonderful year and an acknowledgment of excellence and achievement.
For ELC children, creative expression is much more than just art or play, it is a vital way they explore their world and share their thoughts and feelings. Whether through drawing, sculpting, building, music, movement, or imaginative play, these activities spark their imagination and help them communicate in unique and meaningful ways.
Creative experiences are essential in early childhood because they support growth in many areas; physical, social, intellectual and emotional. When children are given the freedom to explore and access to the right materials, educators can guide them in developing important skills that lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
Being creative encourages children to innovate and discover. Through their imagination, they learn to express themselves, form independent ideas, experiment with new concepts and develop problem-solving abilities. Creativity also helps build key cognitive skills, including language, literacy and numeracy.
It is clear that creative expression plays a crucial role in a child’s overall development. During these experiences, educators emphasise the creative journey (process) and celebrate each child’s unique way of expressing themselves. Supporting children in this way helps build their confidence and nurtures their individual creativity. Providing opportunities for self-expression equips children with valuable skills and strengths that will benefit them throughout their lives.
As a country surrounded by water, swimming is such an integral part of our culture, and so the Junior School Swimming program is an important focus of our Physical Education program. During their lessons, students have been encouraged to develop a love and appreciation of water, while at the same time focusing on building strong techniques and essential water safety skills. Students have enthusiastically participated in their lessons over the four weeks.
Our Year 4 students will be involved in the SEA Living and Growing program this term to ensure that our students have access to accurate and age-appropriate information about body safety, anatomy, reproduction and puberty. Students will be discussing:
Week 1: Our bodies – how to look after ourselves
Week 2: Where did I come from? My family and your family
Week 3: Growing and changing
Welcome back to what promises to be a wonderful Term 4. It is always exciting to begin the final term of the year with such a positive and energetic start.
In Term 4, we have already enjoyed a fantastic House Swimming event, where students showed incredible enthusiasm and House spirit. Congratulations to everyone who participated and contributed to such a successful day in and out of the pool.
A special mention goes to the group of talented students who represented our campus at the Da Vinci Decathlon, held at Castlefield. Their creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills shone through, and our teams achieved outstanding results.
In Year 6, students have been busy designing and creating arcade games as part of their Thrive project, inspired by Caine’s Arcade. Junior School classes had the opportunity to play these games, and it was wonderful to see such joy, imagination and innovation on display.
It is shaping up to be a term full of learning and celebration.
Jeanette Rawlings
Head of Edrington (Berwick)
Hello Edrington. Get your teams ready. Trivia Night is back!
It will be on Friday, 14 November from 6.00 pm onwards at the Pine Grove Hotel, Beaconsfield Upper. It is $50.00 per person with teams of six and the price includes wood fired pizzas with drinks at bar price. There will be trivia, games, raffles, plenty of laughs and prizes to be won. Bring your gold coins for raffles and games. Save the date. Tickets will be available soon. We hope to see you there.
Every Wednesday you will find Jenelle and Amphil at the SHUS from 8.30 am to 11.00 am. The SHUS is always looking for an extra hand, so if you have an hour to spare on a Wednesday to give Amphil and Jenelle a hand in the shop please contact them at shus-berwick@haileybury.vic.edu.au.
Kerry Ilic
HPFE President
The Premier’s Reading Challenge concluded in September, and I’m pleased to share that Newlands achieved outstanding results this year.
A total of 622 students from Years Prep to 8 were registered for the challenge. Impressively, 311 students (50%) completed it, marking a 253% increase in completions compared to last year.
Over the six-month period, more than 10,000 books were read and recorded, which is a fantastic reflection of our students’ enthusiasm for reading.
Students in both Reception and Pre-Prep have embraced the rich cultural celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. To bring this beautiful tradition to life, the ELC welcomed a special dancing incursion where children experienced the traditional dancing and music associated with Diwali. This celebration, filled with colour, rhythm and storytelling adds to our important calendar of festivals and celebrations across the year that support appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up our Newlands community. Within the ELC, Mrs Simon also shared her knowledge and culture with children as each class engaged in making coconut ladoo, symbolising the sweetness and joy of the festival.
Reception students were thrilled to commence the much-loved Scooter program, led by Mr Reed, in Term 4. Each week, students in the ELC engage in a targeted and tailored program designed to support gross motor development by helping children build coordination, balance and strength. Beyond the physical skills, the Scooter program has encouraged movement, resilience and confidence, as children have challenged themselves and learnt to navigate new environments safely. With their helmets, knee and elbow pads, it is a wonderful sight to see our Pre-Prep students, who have already been engaging in this program throughout the year, confidently following Mr Reed on their scooter as they move throughout different areas of the school.
As part of our Term 4 Science unit Earth’s Place in Space, our Year 4 students will be heading to Scienceworks for an exciting, hands-on day of discovery. Throughout the excursion, students will explore key space science concepts, including the difference between Earth’s rotation and revolution, the structure of our solar system, and how solar and lunar eclipses occur. These big ideas will be brought to life through engaging models, interactive exhibits and visual demonstrations. A highlight of the day will be the Planetarium show Our Living Climate. This is an immersive experience that explores Earth’s atmosphere, weather patterns and climate systems in the context of our planet’s position in space. This eye-opening session helps students understand how Earth’s unique relationship with the Sun makes life possible. We are excited for a day full of discovery, curiosity and real-world science in action.
Recently the Year 3s embarked on an engaging excursion to Ceres School of Nature and climate where they took on a workshop titled Towards Zero Waste.
Through hands-on activities that enhanced their problem-solving and action planning skills, students explored practical solutions to transition towards a zero-waste approach.
This insightful journey delved into the profound impacts of waste and its environmental consequences but also how to uncover solutions to mitigate effects.
On Wednesday, 12 November all Years 7 and 8 students across all four campuses will be descending upon Newlands for the Colour Run to celebrate the end of the year. This will be one to remember as we celebrate this milestone for our Years 7 and 8s as a whole School.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
With another term done and dusted comes the realisation that Christmas will be here in a blink of an eye.
Term 4 started off with two great Middle School nights that we supported. GMS had a movie night and BMS had a games night, and it was great seeing the kids have so much fun. We had the pleasure of offering popcorn, chips, choc tops, drinks and lollies to add to the excitement.
The Father’s Day stall, as always, was a huge hit. This year saw the Grade 3s with a personal shopping experience which was held in Berthon Hall on the Tuesday as they were on camp. An extra thank you to the committee, Nicole Cunningham and Kimberely Tracey-Jones for making this happen.
The Matilda musical was an incredible show that saw the committee make lolly bags, more lolly bags and more lolly bags to support such a great production. Well done to all involved.
Amy Ching
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough
When the Haileybury scholars Kaitlyn Ea (OH 2021) and Joshua Ea (OH 2022) co-founded EA Badminton Academy in February 2023, they shared a united mission: to inspire and develop the next generation of players, beginning at the grassroots level and building a pathway towards competitive excellence.
Both Kaitlyn and Joshua experienced first hand the impact of Haileybury’s high-performance culture in shaping resilience, discipline and ambition; traits that have defined their own academic and sporting careers. Kaitlyn, now a student at the University of Melbourne, has represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games, the World Championships and World University Games, claimed victory at the Oceania Championships, and achieved a career-high world ranking of 52. Joshua, currently studying at Monash University, has proudly represented his university at a national level and captained the Victorian State Team. From captaining both the APS and First Haileybury Badminton premiership teams, to now coaching Haileybury’s First Team, they continue to give back to the school community by passing on their skills to the next generation of school athletes.
EA Badminton Academy began with a single Tuesday beginner group session, fostering a fun and supportive environment for players of all abilities. As interest grew, the academy expanded to include three weekly group training sessions, school holiday training sessions, and partnerships with local schools to run tailored badminton programs.
One of the academy’s greatest strengths is its coaching team, comprised of World Master Champions, and National and State team players. Many coaches are students from the University of Melbourne and Monash University, offering players relatable role models who understand the balance between sport, study and personal growth. The combination of elite experience and youthful energy creates an environment where players not only receive high-quality technical training but also learn life skills such as leadership, perseverance and goal setting.
In just over two years, EA Badminton Academy has grown beyond its local beginnings. In December 2025, the academy will take a significant step onto the international stage with an elite overseas training camp in partnership with badminton legend Lin Dan, the two-time Olympic gold medallist, and five-time World Champion. The training will be held at the state-of-the-art Lin Dan Badminton Stadium in Guangzhou, offering high-performance training led by former Chinese national and state coaches as well as matches against local clubs and state team players. It also offers an opportunity to experience the cultural richness of one of badminton’s strongest nations.
https://www.eabadmintonacademy.com.au/lin-dan-camp-1
To stay connected with the journey of these young entrepreneurs, simply follow @eabadmintonacademy on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and Linkedin.
Kylie Phillips
Development Office Operations Lead
In the final two weeks of Term 3, Year 9 students participated in their Term 3 Pathways Weeks. This was an intensive period whenthey undertook elective courses in Music, Drama, Computer Science and Entrepreneurship. Students were supported throughout the two weeks by their tutors, Mr McCullough and Mr Orton, as well as Head of Middle School and Pre-Senior Mr Christie. They participated in interactive workshops with expert teachers in each subject, collaborated in online sessions, and shared their work with each other to celebrate their achievements. We congratulate students for the focus and self-discipline they demonstrated during this special program, and we thank the staff who brought these courses to life.
In Term 4, Haileybury proudly launched its Years 11 and 12 Co-Curricular Societies , offering students the chance to connect on Tuesday afternoons through shared interests and passions. These cross-campus groups foster collaboration, enrichment and leadership beyond the classroom. The Summer Societies on offer include Linguistics, Literary, and Sports Tech, inviting students to explore language, storytelling and innovation in sport. In winter, students could choose from Industry Partnership projects, gaining real-world insights, or join International Debating in English and Chinese, developing global perspectives and persuasive communication. These societies empower students to deepen their expertise, build networks and contribute meaningfully to vibrant learning communities.
Joanna Baker
Head of Campus
In the August edition of Insight, we spoke about the recruitment process we were undertaking for a new Head of Coaching role at Haileybury. This exciting position is accountable for improving the standard of coaching across the whole Haileybury program and will be working with each of our Heads of Sport to agree on coach development plans that are specific to each sport. From the coaching that our more committed athletes receive during key developmental years, to the support given to engage those students that are more driven by having fun, the role will work with all our coaches in helping to create lifelong memories for our students and their families. The focus will not only include the coaching your child receives as being part of a Saturday morning netball or hockey program, but also further opportunities for development outside of school hours such as before / after school coaching and school holiday programs. We are firm in our belief that regardless of what team your child plays in, or what sport they choose, they should have an outstanding experience with their coach; one that prioritises their own personal goals for the season, as well as that of the team.
With all this in mind, I am extremely excited to share that Nathan Burke has been appointed into this role. Most of you would know that Nathan was at one stage the game’s record-holder with the St Kilda Football Club, having pulled on the Saints jumper on 323 occasions. But what you might not be aware of is that since his retirement, Nathan’s passion has been in coaching and leadership development, having worked across a range of sports that include athletics, netball, futsal, basketball, gymnastics, cricket, tennis and soccer. Nathan is particularly passionate about girls sport, being a father of three girls, two of whom played sport at Haileybury and one recently achieved the milestone of notching up her 50th AFLW game for St Kilda. Nathan is also passionate about the critical role that parents play in supporting our young people to thrive during their time in sport, leading to the penning of his book Best and Fairest Sports Parenting (available in all good bookstores). Please join me in welcoming Nathan back to Haileybury.
Four Haileybury girls represented Victoria in the Touch National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour. Em and Kal were in the U18s team and Anika and Isla were in the U14s team. Em, Kal and Isla have all been selected for this year’s Blazer Squad; Anika is in our extended 1st team training partner group (she plays in the same position as Em and Kal).
Em was identified by the Head Coaches of Australia Touch Football as a ‘rising youth talent’ from the Alliance States, one of only two players from Victoria, which is a truly wonderful achievement.
In addition, Zac represented his state, playing for the U15 Victoria Storm in the National Youth Championships for the second year. We congratulate all students on their achievements.
Haileybury Dance lit up the stage at the 2025 TFT Dance Star National Championships in Hobart, proudly representing the school across two action-packed days of competition. This year, all 120 members of the Dance Squad, from Years 7 to 12, qualified for Nationals, which is an outstanding achievement.
On Thursday, 17 soloists performed with artistry and confidence across multiple genres, while Friday saw 11 teams take to the stage in fiercely competitive divisions. Across the event, our dancers embodied the spirit of Haileybury Dance, performing with passion, discipline and grace, while supporting and encouraging each other and their peers from other schools.
The results were exceptional, with 23 out of 28 performances earning medals, 14 of them gold. Highlights included National Championship titles for soloists Ruby, Lucie, Olivia, Maddie, Amy, Kaylin, Braya, Dalenna and Ella, alongside team victories in Small and Large Contemporary, Small and Large Jazz and 7/8 Hip Hop.
These results reflect the strength, dedication and camaraderie that define Haileybury Dance. Congratulations to all our dancers and coaches for an unforgettable Nationals. Your performances have inspired us all.
Matthew Dwyer
Head of Sport (One Haileybury)
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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