Haileybury students achieved outstanding results in the PISA for Schools program, surpassing the average scores of both Australian and Singaporean students in reading, mathematics, and science. These impressive outcomes reflect the school's high academic standards and global competitiveness. Additionally, we commend our students for their exemplary conduct throughout the VCE period.
Haileybury students will head out into the world where they will work with, collaborate and compete with students from many different countries. It is important that the knowledge and skills they leave school with have them well prepared for this future.
For our students’ sake we must measure ourselves against the international performance benchmarks.
The most significant international education study is the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). PISA has been conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development since 2001 and every four years provides measures of student achievement for 15 year olds in reading, mathematics and science.
This year Haileybury students participated in the PISA for schools program which gives a direct measure of student performance against the PISA results from more than 80 countries. PISA testing is sample rather than census so not every Haileybury 15 year old did the testing but the measure of accuracy is 95%. The highest performing school jurisdiction in the world is Singapore which topped the 2022 PISA studies.
Haileybury students’ results were outstanding.
In reading Haileybury students scored 592 which was well above the Singaporean average of 543. The Australian mean was 498.
In mathematics the results were Haileybury 601, Singapore 575 and Australia 487.
In science the results were Haileybury 573, Singapore 561 and Australia 507.
I am delighted with these results because they show that the high standards expected of Haileybury staff are delivering international competitive results for Haileybury students.
I congratulate our students on the outstanding manner in which they have conducted themselves over the VCE period which finishes on Wednesday, 20 November 2024.
It is disappointing that the integrity of the process has been undermined by the apparent leaking of some of the exam questions. The below communications received today from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) details the process now being applied. The VCAA has extensive exam data and analysis capable of checking for any anomalies in results on exams.
I note this process will be under the guidance of Professor John Firth. I hold Professor Firth in the highest regard, and I am very pleased he is taking charge of the assessment process from here.
We will continue to advocate strongly for fair outcomes for Haileybury students.
Derek Scott
CEO | Principal
Dear colleagues
I write in relation to the errors that have impacted the 2024 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) examinations.
On behalf of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) Executive, I unreservedly apologise for the impact these errors have had on students, families, school staff and the broader community.
The following is the process we will now follow to ensure each student is marked fairly.
When the marking of each examination is complete, the VCAA will use the existing anomalous grade check process for all VCE exams, including those impacted by the errors; this is a well-established process used by the VCAA to ensure student results are fair and equitable.
This process was used by the VCAA during COVID-19 when the Consideration of Disadvantage process was also implemented.
This process will:
The implementation of this process will be overseen by an independent advisory panel of experts chaired by Professor John Firth. Professor Firth is a former CEO of the VCAA and supported the development of the Consideration of Disadvantage Process during COVID-19 and is familiar with the anomalous grade check process.
John will be joined by Dr Nathan Zoanetti, Research Director, Methodology and Measurement with the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and the internationally regarded educational measurement expert and former Chair of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority Professor Barry McGaw.
At this stage, we are confident these processes will not impact the published release date of Thursday 12 December 2024 for VCE results and the subsequent date for tertiary offers for students. If this date changes, we will inform you immediately after any decision is made.
We apologise again for this situation.
For other questions or additional support, please contact the VCAA by email: vcaa@education.vic.gov.au.
The VCAA has published information including Q&As on their website, see: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au
Yours sincerely
Dr Marcia Devlin AM
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
Cast your mind back to when you were at school. Do you remember how daunting it was as you made the step up to Junior or Middle School, or made that even bigger leap to the ‘big school’ and your senior years?
While a lot in the world has changed since then, some things remain the same. The chances are that if your child is at one of the key transition points of their school life, they will experience those same feelings of nervousness and uncertainty, so what can parents do to support them?
“Some of the biggest things children moving from ELC to Prep may fret about are unfamiliar places and unfamiliar faces. Children may be worried about navigating their way around a new environment and developing relationships with new and different teachers. They may not be with familiar peers and they are also learning about what it means to be in a new class.”Lisa Christopher, Director of ELC
“As children enter Junior School there are fewer play-based activities, and they sit at tables for longer with less opportunity to move around and this can take a while to get used to.
Transitions from class to class are also more frequent and children will find themselves sharing the playground area with bigger children.”
Visits to Junior School and a Buddy Program with Year 4 children smooth the transition for children at Haileybury, but parents can support their child in the following ways:
“The biggest challenge when moving to any new school is getting to know how things work and the new routines”Mark Doyle, Head of Science (Middle School)
“Homeroom and classroom teachers help students navigate the early days and weeks of Middle School but it is important for students to ask questions any time they are unsure.”
From Middle School, the workload in class and the amount of homework that students have to complete steadily increases.
Finding time to complete work and learning to manage time inside and outside school becomes key to managing Middle School expectations. Some schools may have a pastoral or wellbeing program to help students who find adjusting to a new year level challenging, however, if your school doesn’t, there are many ways parents can help children find ways to settle into new routines and work habits.
Parents can help children transition to Middle School by:
“For students moving to Senior School, the scale of the school and the increased number of students from primary school can sometimes be overwhelming. However, it doesn’t take long for students to become familiar with the buildings and to know where they need to be and there is always someone to ask when you need help.”Catherine McCraith, Head of House and Senior School teacher
“Figuring out how to juggle homework and extracurricular activities after school can also take some adjustment and time, and the best thing students can do to manage this is to think ahead, to know what work is due and to do it as soon as they can.”
During this stage of school, parents might notice their child becoming increasingly independent, forming new friendships and becoming part of new social groups. This is a natural and important part of the Senior School experience.
How can parents support their child during these later years of school?
No matter what stage of school your child is moving towards, listening to their concerns and reassuring them there are people at home and at school who are willing to help them will go a long way towards making the step less stressful.
“A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life.”John Wooden (American basketball coach)
When you ask most people about their memories of school sport, they often initially reference the friendships, but very quickly, the thought of a coach that believed in them also brings about a warm glow. At Haileybury, we are fortunate to have a diverse coaching team; from elite level ex-champions and highly credentialed teachers with years of community sport experience, to ex-students coming back and playing a mentoring role with younger Haileyburians. Below is just a snapshot of those passionate individuals who are committed to ‘changing the lives’ of our students at all levels of sport at Haileybury.
Melissa was an Australian international soccer goalkeeper who earned 86 Matildas ‘caps’ and competed at four FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments (one of only two women to achieve this feat), as well as captaining the Matildas to victory in the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. At Haileybury, Melissa is the Head Coach of Girls Soccer, where she leads the best players in the School. Melissa also takes an active involvement in the development of future girls teams through her passionate work with Middle School players.
David is a respected Old Haileyburian and Maths teacher at Haileybury, who played firsts for football and cricket. Having previously coached the first boys football team to three premierships, he is now the Head of Golf (which for the first time became an official APS Sport this term) and coaches the 9A water polo team. David is also the coach of the Old Haileybury Women’s football team.
Puck was a sporting star at Haileybury, playing in the first hockey team for six years, as well as playing first tennis. She also took part in rowing, water polo, touch and athletics. This year she returned in a coaching capacity and has coached at all levels of the college, including Years 7 and 8 boys tennis and girls hockey, 2nd girls tennis and hockey, Years 5 and 6 boys and girls hockey, and Years 5 and 6 girls touch at Brighton. She even found the time to help at APS athletics day. When asked about her motivation to return, she cited giving back to the school, the personal development that comes from seeing sport from a different perspective and most of all, the joy she gets from coaching younger kids.
These three individuals are reflective of the over 500 coaches that each year bring the Haileybury sports program to life. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our coaches — those cold winter mornings, the long days coaching cricket or weeks spent rehearsing aerobics routines can often feel like thankless contributions, but your passion to support each child in creating their own unique sporting memories at Haileybury is most appreciated by all.
Matthew Dwyer
Head of Sport (One Haileybury)
Please visit the Productions Page to find out how to audition for the 2025 Years 9–12 musical. There is also a video explaining how to get involved, who can audition and what the process is like.
Frankie (Year 10) has been recognised by Melbourne Theatre Company as Youth Ambassador. She has spent the year watching amazing shows, meeting fellow thespians, engaging with professional creatives and learning the world of MTC behind –the scenes. This exceptional program is by application and only a select few are chosen from across Victoria. Below is Frankie’s reflection on the program.
"My experience so far as a Melbourne Theatre Company Youth Ambassador has been absolutely incredible. We have seen so many amazing performances over the year, met with many inspiring actors and the many wonderfully talented people who work backstage to make theatre possible. I have been fortunate to have seen the age-old classic A Streetcar Named Desire, the jaw dropping and heart racing Topdog/Underdog, the thought provoking and empowering Julia, and the heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster of Cost of Living. Every single actor we have seen on stage has been incredible, transporting the audience from our normal lives into the world of theatre.
Being a youth ambassador has been such an invaluable opportunity, and I am so grateful that I was selected to be one. I have learnt so much from the incredible people at the Melbourne Theatre Company, especially from all the many people who are working backstage to ensure everything is running safely, smoothly and creatively. I now know all about gobos (a stencil for light), how to follow cues on a script like a stage manager and how stages revolve even when they have a full plumbing system attached to the working shower on stage. I am also grateful for Nick Tranter, the learning manager from the MTC, for his never-ending support and determination to ensure that we make the most of this experience, as well as the other Youth Ambassadors who have made this year so much fun. I have been fortunate this year, and I’m sad that this great opportunity is coming to an end soon but have made many memories and learned so much about the world on and off the stage that I will take with me for the rest of my life."
On Sunday 20 October, more than 100 Dance students from Years 5 and 6 travelled to Doncaster Secondary College to compete in the 2024 Dance Star Spring Challenge.
Haileybury enjoyed a wonderful day competing and having fun and the students deserve much praise for training hard in the lead-up to the competition and for giving their all on stage with outstanding performances.
Congratulations to our incredible Years 5 and 6 dancers, who achieved the following results:
Thank you to all our students, coaches and coordinators for a wonderful competition at the 2024 Haileybury Dance Gala which was held on Wednesday 13 November in Aikman Hall.
Nick Waxman
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
The fortnight just passed has been yet another busy time within the Haileybury Music Department. At the Senior School level, Music students completed their final VCE Unit 4 Music written exams. Following on from performance recital assessments that were completed at the beginning of the term, the written examinations are comprehensive tests that covers three key aspects of music theory: analysis of recorded music, aural perception and music notation. I wish the Unit 4 students all the very best as they await their results that are to be released on 12 December.
At the other end of the music education journey, Junior School students enthusiastically performed at three major string concerts held in Aikman Hall. Exciting and highly energised events, these concerts provide for students to perform in large-scale concerts, often after just ten months of instrumental instruction. The wide-ranging facial expressions on the young performers is something to witness as they walk onto the stage under concert lighting for the first time. Over 600 students performed across the series.
In Middle School, concert bands, choirs and string orchestras have been busily preparing for upcoming Celebration of Excellence (Speech Night) performances. Always enjoying capacity audiences, Celebration of Excellence are an exciting opportunity for our Middle School musicians to finish the year performing proudly to the Chairman of the School Council, Mr Scott and the official party and, of course, to parents and peers.
The Celebration of Excellence series concludes on Wednesday 11 December when Haileybury’s most academically recognized students attend their final awards ceremony as graduated Year 12 students. At the Senior School Celebration of Excellence, a selection of VCE music performances will entertain the audience.
The Music Department’s final performance for the year, Haileybury Carols, is set to take place on 12 December at St Paul’s Cathedral in the heart of Melbourne. It would be wonderful to see as many families as possible attend and celebrate the season of Christmas in a non-religious, culturally diverse end to the school year.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
As we conclude the examination period for our Years 9 to 12 Art, Design and Media students, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the significance of their hard work and the invaluable skills they have developed throughout the year. This time of challenge and celebration has allowed our students to showcase not only their artistic talents but also their sophisticated analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Throughout the year, our students engaged deeply with the process of writing about art, design, and media. This was not merely an academic exercise; it was an enriching journey that enabled them to explore a myriad of concepts, historical contexts and contemporary issues. They honed their ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and insight, developing a nuanced understanding of how art shapes, and is shaped by, society. By critically analysing artworks and evaluating the intentions of artists, designers and media producers, they gained a broader perspective of the cultural landscape.
The skills our students cultivated extended far beyond the classroom. In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to think critically, innovate and adapt is paramount. The cognitive aptitude they developed through their studies equips them for future leadership roles and entrepreneurial endeavours. Employers increasingly value creativity as a core competency, recognising that those who can think outside the box are often the ones who drive progress and solve complex problems.
During the examination period, our students demonstrated their growth as thinkers and creators. They applied the depth of understanding they had built over the year, showcasing their ability to synthesise information, engage in reflective practice, and express their unique perspectives. This vital part of their educational journey fostered confidence and ownership in their learning.
As parents and members of our school community, your support throughout this process was crucial. Many students embraced this challenge with resilience, reminded that the skills they cultivate will serve them well in their future pursuits. Whether they aspire to be artists, designers, filmmakers, or innovators in any field, the creativity, resilience and analytical prowess they developed this year will undoubtedly set them apart.
We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and hard work during their exams. Their passion for art and design, coupled with their commitment to excellence, exemplified the spirit of our school community and an environment that fosters creativity and critical thinking.
Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
This month marks a significant change for the Haileybury Pipes & Drums, as we say goodbye to our Director, Mr Lincoln Hilton, who has moved interstate to be closer to family. As Lincoln’s time at Haileybury comes to an end, we take a moment to reflect on and acknowledge the enormous success of the Pipes & Drums under his leadership. We wish Lincoln all the very best as he begins this new chapter of his life.
In addition to these exciting changes taking place, our Pipes & Drums students have been busy performing at many events across our campuses including the highly anticipated ‘Back To’ assemblies, and preparations have also commenced for our involvement in upcoming Remembrance Day Services.
Term 4 also marks the graduation of eight of our senior bagpipers and drummers including Pipe Major/Captain of Pipes, Ruby ; Captain of Drums, William ; Bagpipers, Hudson , Isabella , Kriya and Charlie ; and Drummers, Charlie and Tyson . We thank them for their unwavering commitment to the Pipes & Drums over many years and wish them well with their future endeavours.
Daniel Staley
Acting Director, Pipes & Drums
On Monday, 11 November, our annual Remembrance Day acknowledgement was held on North Oval. Our parent community along with all students, including our ELC, came together to observe a minute’s silence followed by students from Prep and Year 8 placing a cross into the ground for the young Haileyburians who served and lost their lives over 79 years ago.
On Thursday, 14 November we hosted a Graduation Assembly and Afternoon Tea for the Year 8 cohort as they graduated from Middle School. We are proud of the students and their achievements, and the assembly was the formal conclusion to their Middle School experience. The less formal and much more colourful celebration came in the form of a Colour Run. Lots of laughter and fun was had. We wish our Year 8 students every success as they commence their time in Pre-Senior from Monday, 18 November.
Throughout Term 4, Year 6 students will be visiting the Castlefield Community Centre to participate in their Intergenerational Friday Morning program with some of the wonderful Bailey House residents. It is such a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Our students joined in a variety of activities, including colouring, singing, games and some fun dance moves, bringing smiles and joy to all. We were so proud of our Year 6s; they made an effort to connect and engage compassionately with all the residents and, in turn, developed their own confidence and communication skills. We are excited to return to the Castlefield Community Centre each Friday with a rotating roster of students — the perfect way to end the school week.
Tuesday, 19 November, sees all students moving to their 2025 classes to spend the day discovering their new room, area of school, classmates and teachers. A reminder that it is casual clothes, with runners, to allow for any sporting activities that may be scheduled for the day.
As ELC children prepare for the continuation of their learning journey, they have been spending time visiting their new learning environments. Reception children have been mixing together and visiting the indoor and outdoor Pre-Prep learning spaces. Pre-Prep children have been visiting their Prep classrooms and spending time getting to know the other children and their teachers.
Familiarity can build a sense of security and belonging as the children look forward to moving into their 2025 classes.
Incorporating active citizens inquiry projects into early childhood education has supported the ELC children to express their opinions and engage in discussions about issues that matter to them. This fosters their sense of agency, as children recognise that they can make a difference.
The Pre-Preps worked alongside Bayside City Council to contribute to indigenous planting at Hampton High Reserve, gaining practical skills and hands on learning, working together to improve the existing habitat for native fauna.
The Reception children spread their love by cooking for kindness, making pizzas for the ELC cohort, and working together to make a cookbook with their favourite recipes to sell and raise funds for charity.
It was such a special morning welcoming our grandparents and special friends into the Junior School classrooms. Mrs Jacob scheduled musicians to perform during the morning and yia-yias, nannas, poppas, grandpas and nie nies were carefully led from one room to another by their little people. Minute-to-win-it style games are always a favourite, and everyone loved to show off their portrait drawing skills. We recognise the special place grandparents have in their grandchildren’s lives, whether they see them a little or a lot, and loved having them on campus for the morning.
Breakfast Books have been a great addition to the calendar this year. Hosted by our librarian, Lizzy McBride, families come along to the library for a snack and a read before the day begins. It has been a great turnout each time.
An annual favourite, the Halloween disco, was held after school to the delight of our Junior School students. Witches, wizards, ghouls and goblins danced their hearts out. Special thanks to the parents and teachers who made this event possible.
Reflecting is something that we encourage and guide our students to do each and every day. Whether it is a moment in the classroom, the playground or anywhere in between, the ability to reflect as an individual and as a member of a community bigger than oneself, is an important life skill to consistently practise. In the greater scheme of things, the end of a school year is a time to reflect on the successes, challenges and areas of improvement for all our students. We look forward to our students finishing strongly and setting their goals for 2025.
What a year it has been for our house events and activities at Castlefield. We have had everything, including swimming, cross country, Mario Kart challenge, futsal, table tennis, netball, basketball, AFL and more. With the term coming to a close we are excited for all our Middle School students to be involved in more House opportunities, with House Festivals planned for the end of the term. This year, students have had the chance to participate, lead and connect with passion and determination, and with smiles on their faces. We look forward to House Spirit growing each and every event, and we thank our students for their involvement and teamwork this year.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
A big thank you to the parents who supported the Junior School Halloween Disco. The hall was spooky and fun thanks to the decorations that were mounted by our wonderful parent team. It was lovely to see parents spending time in the VIP area, enjoying time socialising while their ghouls, witches and little ones boogied away in the hall.
Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield
At City, we love celebrating our transitions. As we reflect on the growth at each age and at every stage of learning, we look forward to what awaits us in the next phase. For our Year 12 students, it has been wonderful to see them on Level 8, studying in the lead up to each of their VCE exams. They have worked hard and are focused.
Our Years 7 and 8 were hard at work in the lead up to exams and their results and feedback from their teachers have helped them better understand how to effectively study in the future. These lessons are all part of the learning journey. Our Year 8s have proudly graduated Middle School and started Term 1A in Year 9, which we call Pre-Senior.
Our Year 4 students are eagerly anticipating joining Girls and Boys Middle Schools, as are the students in Pre-Prep about the wonderful learning that awaits them in the Junior School.
We look forward to celebrating these transition points together with our City families in the coming weeks.
Our annual Celebration of Excellence (formerly known as Speech Night) is fast approaching and will be held on Friday, 6 December. All Middle School students will attend, and we look forward to a night celebrating excellence in all facets of our Haileybury program. Details are on the app.
Children in Reception have been observing and discussing our families. To foster this interest, children have had opportunities to create a self-identity poster focusing on their families, interests and special moments together. This project has encouraged children to use various techniques such as painting, drawing and manipulating clay to form their family.
This has led to discussions about our different features, such as the colour of our hair and how tall we are, as we learn about the uniqueness of our families. Children have celebrated their families as they also deepen their sense of belonging within the ELC.
The Pre-Prep children have started the Buddy program with Year 3 students. This program provides children with opportunities that support the broadening of friendships and a sense of belonging within the wider Haileybury community. Each session encourages the children to engage and develop skills that prepare them for their transition into Junior School. Our first session was at the Inside Out court, where children engaged in various ball games developing teamwork and communication skills.
The Pre-Prep children will continue to engage in opportunities to share knowledge with our Year 3 students to strengthen their connections throughout the wider School.
This week, we were delighted to welcome the City Campus Pre-Prep students to our fortnightly Junior School Assembly, where they joined us to share in the experience. The Pre-Preps worked in pairs to prepare and present a very special ‘snapshot of learning,’ highlighting one thing they loved learning or doing in the ELC this year. Their highlights were accompanied by some photos and drawings to support their presentations. The Junior School students were excited to see our special guests, creating a sense of community and support. Overall, their presence added a memorable energy to the gathering.
At this week’s Junior School assembly, we celebrated the achievements of students who participated in the 2024 Science Talent Search competition, where they achieved outstanding results. This year’s theme, ‘Species Survival: More than just sustainability,’ inspired students to create projects as games, posters, working models, or picture storybooks. Completed at home, these projects met the competition’s specific criteria, and each student should feel proud of their accomplishments.
We congratulate the following students:
Harvey (Year 1)
Molly (Year 1)
Luca (Year 2)
Penny (Year 2)
Ian (Year 3)
Anthea (Year 3)
Aidan (Year 4)
We recently re-launched the highly anticipated Junior School Learn to Swim program at Victoria University (Footscray Campus). Aligning with our commitment to building strong industry partnerships within our distinctive local environment, the program was led by expert swim instructors, seamlessly woven into the Physical Education curriculum. The program continues to focus on stroke development, water safety, rescue skills, flotation and pool entry/exit techniques. This experience highlights the essential role of water competency in their physical education journey, making it an unforgettable occasion.
We would like to congratulate all students who completed the 2024 Premier’s Reading Challenge. During our Week 1 Assembly, these students were awarded with their Premier’s Reading Challenge badge, a symbol of their hard work, consistent dedication and love of reading. 2024 saw a total of 51 Junior School students participating in the competition. We look forward to having even more participants take part in 2025.
Maverick (Year 7) has been named a winner in this year’s Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) Student Poetry Competition with his poem, ‘Chronos’ — a fantastic achievement. This year saw over 850 entries, totalling well over 100,000 words, from students in Foundation to Year 12 at schools across Victoria, with many exploring the theme of ‘awe.’ You can see all the winning entries on ISV’s Arts Learning Festival website and find Maverick’s poem below.
Chronos
I kill the hours from the rising of the sun,
To the closure of curtains at sunset.
The time when daily pursuits are done
And the moon rules over my domain,
To the end of its dark reign.
Presented in ebbs and flows,
Abruptly halting at clock’s cruel chime.
Awakened by the harsh call of crows
I yearn for a blissful nightfall,
I yearn to be wrapped in its tranquil shawl.
Time skates and slithers slyly,
Circling its unsuspecting prey.
I beg you never to skulk away shyly
Waiting, watching and wishing for the tide to turn,
From sun-kissed days to a wintry burn.
I crumble with fallen civilisations past,
Grappling and grasping at their lost memory.
I now fly my flag half-mast
For heavenly cities forgotten by my generation,
May now be invisible to the hour’s veneration.
Adrift days blowing in the wind
As these final hours become thinned
I am toughened. Am I thick-skinned?
A story left untold, I wonder why
A truth may just look as false as lie
At the end of time, what is left but to die?
Modern day’s poison is Time,
Time is modern day’s poison.
The toxin may taste sublime
How hard will my forgottens fall,
If I do not heed their clarion call?
Congratulations to our Years 7 and 8 students for their efforts on their recent exams. Students completed examinations on year-long subjects as well as semester-based electives. The Years 7 and 8 Exams are a summative assessment tool that provides an opportunity to measure academic growth while also developing the students’ ability to complete examinations. Sitting exams requires a skillset of its own, as students need to establish an understanding of how they best study and prepare, address different examination questions and manage the environment that exams can create. Haileybury exposes its students to formal examinations from Year 7 and provides a revision period to assist them with these.
Following the examinations, to celebrate and reflect on the academic year that was, students visited Queen Victoria Market, Chinatown, State Library Victoria, were involved in sporting activities, experienced Haileybury Startup’s Pitch Showcase, undertook a leadership workshop and went tenpin bowling. We are proud of our students’ endeavours throughout the year and in preparing for their exams. The Exam Helpdesk sessions, which are revision opportunities overseen by teachers before school and at lunchtimes to assist students as they study for their exams, were incredibly well attended. It was pleasing to see the students embracing these optional sessions to help them achieve their potential.
It was a momentous occasion on Friday, 15 November as our Year 8 students marked the end of their time in Middle School. Both the GMS and BMS enjoyed lunches, when they reminisced on the many highlights of their Middle School journey. These were followed by formal graduation ceremonies in which students reflected on their growth, learning experiences and the relationships they had developed. We thank the 2024 Year 8 cohort for the impact they have had on the Middle School at City and wish them all the very best for their Pre-Senior year and beyond.
Caroline Merrick
Head of City
It has a been a busy few weeks at Haileybury City, with the graduation ceremonies for our Year 12 students one of the highlights of the last few weeks. HPF City wishes all those students currently sitting their final exams all the best for a fantastic end to their school years at Haileybury City.
At the time of the last Insight, the Springtime Party photos were still being collected and the final tally for the night’s efforts needed to be calculated. As you can see from the photos below, a great deal of fun was had by all. Some of the comments include:
A special thank you to all of those who bid on items and those who were successful in purchasing items. I can announce that we raised over $11,000 which all goes back to the students. What a fantastic effort by our community.
The Annual General Meeting for HPF City was held on Thursday, 14 November via Zoom. We thank our past and new committee members. Being a part of fundraising and community life at Haileybury is a rewarding experience.
Just a reminder that our final Second-hand Uniform Pop-up Shop day this year will be on Up Day, on Tuesday, 19 November. We will be open from 8.00 am – 9.00 am and 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm, plus ELC from 9.30 am to 12.00 pm. The collection bins are currently on display at King Street and in the basement. You can also drop off your items whilst the shop is open. All information can be found on the myHaileybury app.
If you would like to volunteer your time to assist with the Second-hand Uniform Shop, please drop us an email and join in the fun.
We hope that you have a wonderful few weeks ahead. Enjoy the spring sun!
Melissa Fisher
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends City
We were honoured to welcome Senator Sarah Henderson (Shadow Minister for Education) and Mr Jason Wood (Federal Member for La Trobe) to our campus last week. Along with Haileybury CEO I Principal, Derek Scott, they observed a Prep class and were so impressed with the explicit model, our amazing students and one of our talented teachers Ms Shalena Waller. We are very proud of what we do at Edrington, and we were delighted to showcase Haileybury in this way.
We are in midst of that significant time of the year of ‘endings and beginnings.’ We have just bid farewell to our Year 8 students and marked the occasion with their formal Middle School graduation. They are all very excited about becoming pre-senior students when Term 1A begins this week. On Tuesday 26 November, the Year 4 students will graduate from Junior School. They have already taken part in several transition sessions in preparation for moving to Middle School and they are eager to experience Parallel Education for the first time. Our Pre-Prep students and their parents are preparing to bid farewell to their familiar and much-loved ELC environment and take the next exciting and much-anticipated step into Junior School. We know that all these students are well-equipped and prepared for the next interesting and important stage in their educational journeys. We wish them all the very best as they do so.
It is my pleasure to invite Edrington families to our Celebration of Excellence on Friday 29 November at 7.00 pm in Aikman Hall Keysborough. Refreshments will be served in the Wings Cafe and Quad from 6.00 pm where we can come together as a community. This event was previously known as Speech Night, but we have renamed it ‘Celebration of Excellence’ to better reflect the spirit of the evening — a celebration of a wonderful year and an acknowledgment of excellence and achievement.
Congratulations to Portia (Year 6) on being selected as Team Victoria Captain for this year’s Victorian Track and Field Team at the national championships, which will be held at Sydney Olympic Park later this month. This is an incredible achievement, and we wish Portia all the very best in this important role.
Over the last two weeks, children in both Reception and Pre-Prep have begun their transition program. Transitions are times when children move between and adapt to different spaces or places and with different people, experiences, expectations and routines.
On various occasions the children across the cohorts have had opportunities to spend time in their 2025 surroundings. A successful transition between Early Learning Centre (ELC) year levels, and from ELC to Junior School is important for all children and has long-lasting benefits. Children who experience a positive transition into their new environment are more likely to be happy at school and continue to improve their social and academic skills.
This time is also important for children and families to begin building trusting and positive relationships with the educators. Families know their child’s strengths, personality, moods and behaviours very well. Educators will get to know a child well through their daily experiences and can share their understanding of how children develop. When families and staff work together, they can exchange information and can focus on meeting each child’s needs and supporting their learning, development and wellbeing.
It was lovely to see the children enjoying different experiences both in classrooms and out and hearing the stories children told on their return to their current classroom. This highlights how each child’s identity, knowledge, understanding, disposition, capabilities, skills and relationships are shaped by an important milestone such as this.
Performance is a big part of Haileybury, and our Year 2 Strings Program and Years 3 and 4 Scrolls are a wonderful introduction to playing and performing with an instrument. Often our Year 2 students have never played an instrument and with a lot of instruction and practise our amazing instrumental staff turn them into incredible musicians by the end of the year. Once these students/musicians move to Year 3, they can choose to continue their instrument, which means a weekly instrumental lesson and a commitment of Friday mornings to play as a group as a Scroll’s ensemble. If you have ever heard this group play at our assemblies, I am sure you will agree that they are just outstanding. Congratulations to all these students who recently had their recitals. You played beautifully, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching you shine.
We are past the halfway mark of term and the Middle School is abuzz with numerous activities taking place. As we move into Term 1A, there are a number of events that will keep students and staff busy, all while we are preparing for our Edrington Celebration of Excellence (previously known as Speech Night).
Our Years 7 and 8 students have been studying hard for their end-of-year exams and we are sure they all gave their best effort.
Last week also saw the end of an era for our Year 8 cohort who enjoyed a fun afternoon in the JT Hall. This included a photo booth, silent disco and some party treats. We then bid them farewell at the Graduation Assembly on Friday morning. We wish them all the best as they embark on their journey into Pre-Senior.
We look forward to Up Day when we will welcome our new students, and eagerness fills the air as everyone merges into their new classes for a day. Students will take part in a range of activities and spend time in their new homerooms.
Jeanette Rawlings
Head of Edrington (Berwick)
Hello Edrington! The end of the year is sneaking up on us all. With Christmas fast approaching we will once again be placing gift tags on the Christmas tree in the library for gift donations that will be distributed by the Berwick Benevolent society to children in our community . Please consider asking your child to collect a gift tag to attach toa small gift, then returning it and placing it under the tree. There will also be tubs placed in the classrooms for NON-PERISHABLE foods that will be collected to help spread Christmas cheer to families in need.
Do you have some winter uniforms that you are ready to pop into the Second-hand Uniform Shop (SHUS)? Every Wednesday you will find Jenelle and Amphil at the SHUS from 8.30 am to 10.45 am. The SHUS is always looking for an extra hand, so if you have an hour to spare on a Wednesday to assist Amphil and Jenelle in the shop, please contact them via email.
Kerry Ilic & Tracy Day
HPFE Presidents
hpfe@haileybury.com.au
On Monday, 2 December Newlands will be hosting the Celebration of Excellence 2024 (formally known as Speech Night). This is final event on the 2024 calendar is set to be one of celebration and reflection on the year that was. We look forward to you joining us on the night. Book your tickets here.
As we approach the end of the year, we celebrate the friendships formed, connections made with families and the learning that has taken place within the ELC.
Children have been provided rich and varied experiences throughout 2024 including the Pre-Prep excursion to the Gould Sustainability League, a visit from our local police and CFA, a wonderful Tiddalick the frog incursion, Bollywood dancing, and not to mention our amazing families who have shared their knowledge and experience within the program.
We look forward to our upcoming Celebration of Learning events for each class that will highlight the learning that has occurred throughout the year. As Learning Journals make their way home following our Celebration of Learning, we encourage families to revisit these beautiful memories as your child continues to progress throughout their journey in the years to come.
A reminder to all our families that the ELC will close on Thursday, 19 December at 3.00 pm.
The Prep and Year 3 students are getting excited for their upcoming swim program. Over the two-week program students will learn vital water navigations skills, foster a sense of independence in water and nurture their abilities while reinforcing and building upon their safety skills.
The program structures lessons to cater to students of varying levels of expertise, from beginner to those comfortable in the water. Every student will have the opportunity to learn at their pace and develop their swimming skills in a safe environment.
Favourite features of the Swim Safety lesson is learning how to use life jackets, the art of floating and mastering safe jumps into the pool.
On Thursday, 31 October 2024 we celebrated our JS Sporting Colours Day with great enthusiasm. The day was brightened by a special visit from the Melbourne Stars of the Big Bash League (BBL), who brought along their expertise and energy. Students had the chance to wear their favourite sporting colours, proudly representing various teams. The highlight of the day was the hands-on cricket clinics, where students got to learn essential skills, practice their techniques, and receive expert tips. It was an inspiring and memorable day that ignited a love for sports and teamwork across the Junior School.
Our Year 3 students took part in an insightful leadership program by YLead, to learn about what makes a good leader and leading from the heart. The acronym HEART is used through engaging activities and demonstrates leadership qualities.
H = Helpful
E = Energy
A = Action and Active
R = Respectful Relationships
T = Team Player
The 2024 Newlands ‘Haileybury Hailstorm’ Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) team have started their final preparations for the 31st edition of the energy breakthrough competition to be held in Maryborough from Wednesday, 20 to Saturday, 23 November. Students challenging themselves physical and academically this year are Alexander, Sadbh, Selini, Deakin, Vihaan, Emma, Chase, Sebastian, Amara and Joyce.
Offered as part of Haileybury’s Curious Minds STEM programs, the ten Year 6 students selected have the task of studying and refining a three wheeled human powered vehicle. Awaiting the team is the challenge of riding their human powered vehicle for 14 hours in an endurance trial against over 80 other schools from Victoria and beyond. The students will also test their knowledge and skills in multiple presentations to panels of judges and experts.
On Tuesday, 19 November each student at Newlands and those joining us next year will spend time in their 2025 classes as part of Up Day. This is a great day filled with wonderful experiences from meeting their new teachers and peers to sampling subjects and activities that we have to offer prior to next year.
Our Year 5 students will be taking part in Bike Education Day. This fun incursion starts with teaching the basics of riding and progresses to riding around the internal road of the campus.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
On Thursday, 28 November at 7.00 pm the HPFK Annual General Meeting will take place for the last time in 2024. This meeting will be going over the voting process for the new appointments to the HPFK. Voting slips will be available at Newlands Reception from Friday 29 November, closing Monday, 9 December.
Year 4 students are invited to a family event to celebrate the end of Junior School at Newlands. The HPFK has booked Funtopia in Carrum Downs for the exclusive use of the Year 4 students at Haileybury Newlands. Tickets include food and drinks, and all children will receive a gift bag.
This is not a drop and go event. All children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Please note all ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Purchase tickets here.
Lenice Norris
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough
Massive congratulations to Tom (Year 12) and Kate (Year 12) from the Class of 2024 for being the inaugural Melbourne recipients of the OHA Stay Connected Award.
This prestigious accolade recognises outstanding contribution to the Haileybury community, and the warm, welcoming attitude consistently shown towards your peers.
Tom and Kate’s commitment to rallying the Haileybury community, their positivity, and their care for fellow students have truly embodied the essence of the ‘stay connected’ principle. They have shown that leadership does not require a title; it flourishes in actions that uplift and unite.
We are looking forward to announcing the winners from Haileybury Rendall School shortly.
What a marvellous afternoon the fourteenth annual Clark Club Luncheon was celebrating the life of Brian ‘Weary’ Clark with those who had graduated more than 50 years ago. With 190 Old Haileyburians in attendance, it was particularly poignant as we paid tribute to Brian’s widow, Gweneth, who sadly passed away two weeks beforehand.
One gentleman from the Class of 1962 offered the following. “Thank you for the work and energy you expended in ensuring such a wonderful event at Kingston Heath. This was my first attendance at the Clark Club luncheon and won’t be my last. I was most impressed with the warmth of the welcome we received from all we encountered from the moment we entered the facility together with the mood of the whole of the attendees — very much what Haileybury is all about. It was pleasing to note the number of comments I received regarding the wearing of my 1962 blazer, it obviously brought back many memories.”
Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.
The OHA is excited to announce the launch of a Walking Club, a vibrant new community initiative designed to help you connect with others while prioritising your mental well-being.
The OHA Walking Club welcomes all Old Haileyburians, even your furry friends. Imagine leisurely strolls in the fresh air, engaging conversations and the joy of shared experiences.
Ready to join us? Register today here.
Please visit here for the 2025 OHA Events Calendar.
We love hearing what our OHA alumni are up to. Please submit your amazing stories here.
If you do not already, please follow the OHA on Facebook and Instagram. We also invite you to stay connected by subscribing to our monthly newsletter here.
Please note that the OHA Office is here for all members and we encourage you to reach out if required via stayconnected@haileybury.com.au or contact me on 9904 6615
Kylie Phillips
Development Office Operations Lead
In Assembly, we marked the significant transition of our Year 8 students as they move out of the Middle School and into the Pre-Senior (Year 9) program from Term 1A.
This special Assembly featured speeches from students reflecting on their achievements and experiences thus far, as well as tributes and best wishes from their teachers. Head of Middle School, Mathew Shill coordinated this event and acknowledged each of our Year 8 students individually. We congratulate our Year 8 students, and we thank Mr Shill and the Year 8 teachers for their dedicated support of this cohort as they make their transition to Year 9.
Haileybury Pangea students moving into Years 8–12 2025 commenced Term 1A on Monday 18 November. This provides students with the opportunity to ‘step up’ into their academic classes for 2025 and gain a solid grounding in their new courses.
As part of this program, students participated in transition sessions on Monday 18 November designed to welcome new students to the campus and support all students with setting up effective routines and habits for the coming academic year. As part of this program, Year 12 students were also introduced to the nomination process for Year 12 Captains roles.
We are thrilled to welcome so many new students and families to our community, and we look forward to a productive final few weeks of the year. The academic year concludes on Thursday 12 December.
Joanna Baker
Head of Campus
VCE Units 3 and 4 examinations will be completed on Wednesday, 20 November. All examinations for Years 9–11 subjects have also now been completed and returned to students. I would like to thank all students for the way they conducted themselves throughout the examination period and the teachers who marked examinations and provided feedback in a timely manner. It is, of course, important that all students reflect on their examination performance and begin to set some strong academic goals for next year. If you feel that your child needs any help with the process of goal setting you should contact their relevant Head of Pre-Senior or Head of House in the first instance.
Haileybury’s 2025 academic year began on Monday, 18 November 2024, with all students beginning their 2025 classes. In most cases students began the day with the teacher who will take them throughout the year; however, in some instances teachers may change at the beginning of the new calendar year (January 2025). Haileybury does its best to limit these changes, but it is rare for teachers new to the school to be able to start in November of the previous school year. As such, some changes are unavoidable. Haileybury has been running this Term 1A program for 17 years as we believe that the extra teaching time provided gives our students a competitive advantage in their Units 3 and 4 studies in particular.
To conclude their year as Year 11s, our 2025 Year 12 cohort took part in a variety of transition sessions in preparation for the commencement of Term 1A. This group of students has experienced an incredibly challenging few years, so the week was an opportunity for the year level to come together and get excited about their final year of schooling.
Other sessions included a visit to various tertiary institutions that are popular with our students. Thank you to our Head of Careers, Catherine Johnson, for setting up these visits.
We look forward to them embarking on their new roles as leaders and mentors to the Senior School student body.
Throughout the week beginning Monday, 11 November our Year 10 students completed four days of work experience. This was a wonderful chance for them to get a first-hand look at some of the industries that they may eventually like to work within.
For those students moving into Year 10 in 2025, a quick reminder that some of the best and most stimulating work experience places fill up very early in the year. If you have a dream placement that you would like to complete in 2025, make sure that you talk to your new Head of House early and obtain the necessary forms to send to your preferred employer.
Learning the pipe organ, and becoming an organist, opens a whole world of international possibilities — unlike almost any other musical instrument. As each pipe organ is completely different, custom-made for the building in which it is housed, there is a large, supportive and active international community of people who not only play the organ but, as the Germans say, are ‘Orgelfreunde’ (friends of the organ)— people who, whilst they may not be organists themselves, love the instrument and are fascinated by it. These people are often at the forefront of many other professional endeavours: judges, lawyers, doctors, bankers and so on, all linked by a common passion for the pipe organ — an instrument which can give variety and extra-career interest to otherwise very intense and busy lives.
Our Organ Scholars program, established back in 2010 to celebrate 50 years of organ music at Haileybury, has now enabled dozens of young Haileyburians to make friends around the world and establish strong connections with professional colleagues in many different fields. For example, one of our widely travelled former organ scholars, now in his late 20s, has a career in medicine and made continuing friendships through the organ world from Moscow to Iceland, and from India to Paris.
Our most recent boys’ Senior Organ Scholar, Joshua (Year 12), won an Organ Scholarship to study at Oxford, which opens a whole new world of professional contact and collegiality — a world opened through the ‘king of instruments.’ After all, Mozart didn't say that lightly!
Keysborough Senior School marked the day with a minute of silence in the Frank Elmore Chapel Forecourt.
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal
Head of Senior Schools
Haileybury students will head out into the world where they will work with, collaborate and compete with students from many different countries. It is important that the knowledge and skills they leave school with have them well prepared for this future.
For our students’ sake we must measure ourselves against the international performance benchmarks.
The most significant international education study is the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). PISA has been conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development since 2001 and every four years provides measures of student achievement for 15 year olds in reading, mathematics and science.
This year Haileybury students participated in the PISA for schools program which gives a direct measure of student performance against the PISA results from more than 80 countries. PISA testing is sample rather than census so not every Haileybury 15 year old did the testing but the measure of accuracy is 95%. The highest performing school jurisdiction in the world is Singapore which topped the 2022 PISA studies.
Haileybury students’ results were outstanding.
In reading Haileybury students scored 592 which was well above the Singaporean average of 543. The Australian mean was 498.
In mathematics the results were Haileybury 601, Singapore 575 and Australia 487.
In science the results were Haileybury 573, Singapore 561 and Australia 507.
I am delighted with these results because they show that the high standards expected of Haileybury staff are delivering international competitive results for Haileybury students.
I congratulate our students on the outstanding manner in which they have conducted themselves over the VCE period which finishes on Wednesday, 20 November 2024.
It is disappointing that the integrity of the process has been undermined by the apparent leaking of some of the exam questions. The below communications received today from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) details the process now being applied. The VCAA has extensive exam data and analysis capable of checking for any anomalies in results on exams.
I note this process will be under the guidance of Professor John Firth. I hold Professor Firth in the highest regard, and I am very pleased he is taking charge of the assessment process from here.
We will continue to advocate strongly for fair outcomes for Haileybury students.
Derek Scott
CEO | Principal
Dear colleagues
I write in relation to the errors that have impacted the 2024 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) examinations.
On behalf of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) Executive, I unreservedly apologise for the impact these errors have had on students, families, school staff and the broader community.
The following is the process we will now follow to ensure each student is marked fairly.
When the marking of each examination is complete, the VCAA will use the existing anomalous grade check process for all VCE exams, including those impacted by the errors; this is a well-established process used by the VCAA to ensure student results are fair and equitable.
This process was used by the VCAA during COVID-19 when the Consideration of Disadvantage process was also implemented.
This process will:
The implementation of this process will be overseen by an independent advisory panel of experts chaired by Professor John Firth. Professor Firth is a former CEO of the VCAA and supported the development of the Consideration of Disadvantage Process during COVID-19 and is familiar with the anomalous grade check process.
John will be joined by Dr Nathan Zoanetti, Research Director, Methodology and Measurement with the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and the internationally regarded educational measurement expert and former Chair of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority Professor Barry McGaw.
At this stage, we are confident these processes will not impact the published release date of Thursday 12 December 2024 for VCE results and the subsequent date for tertiary offers for students. If this date changes, we will inform you immediately after any decision is made.
We apologise again for this situation.
For other questions or additional support, please contact the VCAA by email: vcaa@education.vic.gov.au.
The VCAA has published information including Q&As on their website, see: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au
Yours sincerely
Dr Marcia Devlin AM
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
Cast your mind back to when you were at school. Do you remember how daunting it was as you made the step up to Junior or Middle School, or made that even bigger leap to the ‘big school’ and your senior years?
While a lot in the world has changed since then, some things remain the same. The chances are that if your child is at one of the key transition points of their school life, they will experience those same feelings of nervousness and uncertainty, so what can parents do to support them?
“Some of the biggest things children moving from ELC to Prep may fret about are unfamiliar places and unfamiliar faces. Children may be worried about navigating their way around a new environment and developing relationships with new and different teachers. They may not be with familiar peers and they are also learning about what it means to be in a new class.”Lisa Christopher, Director of ELC
“As children enter Junior School there are fewer play-based activities, and they sit at tables for longer with less opportunity to move around and this can take a while to get used to.
Transitions from class to class are also more frequent and children will find themselves sharing the playground area with bigger children.”
Visits to Junior School and a Buddy Program with Year 4 children smooth the transition for children at Haileybury, but parents can support their child in the following ways:
“The biggest challenge when moving to any new school is getting to know how things work and the new routines”Mark Doyle, Head of Science (Middle School)
“Homeroom and classroom teachers help students navigate the early days and weeks of Middle School but it is important for students to ask questions any time they are unsure.”
From Middle School, the workload in class and the amount of homework that students have to complete steadily increases.
Finding time to complete work and learning to manage time inside and outside school becomes key to managing Middle School expectations. Some schools may have a pastoral or wellbeing program to help students who find adjusting to a new year level challenging, however, if your school doesn’t, there are many ways parents can help children find ways to settle into new routines and work habits.
Parents can help children transition to Middle School by:
“For students moving to Senior School, the scale of the school and the increased number of students from primary school can sometimes be overwhelming. However, it doesn’t take long for students to become familiar with the buildings and to know where they need to be and there is always someone to ask when you need help.”Catherine McCraith, Head of House and Senior School teacher
“Figuring out how to juggle homework and extracurricular activities after school can also take some adjustment and time, and the best thing students can do to manage this is to think ahead, to know what work is due and to do it as soon as they can.”
During this stage of school, parents might notice their child becoming increasingly independent, forming new friendships and becoming part of new social groups. This is a natural and important part of the Senior School experience.
How can parents support their child during these later years of school?
No matter what stage of school your child is moving towards, listening to their concerns and reassuring them there are people at home and at school who are willing to help them will go a long way towards making the step less stressful.
“A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life.”John Wooden (American basketball coach)
When you ask most people about their memories of school sport, they often initially reference the friendships, but very quickly, the thought of a coach that believed in them also brings about a warm glow. At Haileybury, we are fortunate to have a diverse coaching team; from elite level ex-champions and highly credentialed teachers with years of community sport experience, to ex-students coming back and playing a mentoring role with younger Haileyburians. Below is just a snapshot of those passionate individuals who are committed to ‘changing the lives’ of our students at all levels of sport at Haileybury.
Melissa was an Australian international soccer goalkeeper who earned 86 Matildas ‘caps’ and competed at four FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments (one of only two women to achieve this feat), as well as captaining the Matildas to victory in the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. At Haileybury, Melissa is the Head Coach of Girls Soccer, where she leads the best players in the School. Melissa also takes an active involvement in the development of future girls teams through her passionate work with Middle School players.
David is a respected Old Haileyburian and Maths teacher at Haileybury, who played firsts for football and cricket. Having previously coached the first boys football team to three premierships, he is now the Head of Golf (which for the first time became an official APS Sport this term) and coaches the 9A water polo team. David is also the coach of the Old Haileybury Women’s football team.
Puck was a sporting star at Haileybury, playing in the first hockey team for six years, as well as playing first tennis. She also took part in rowing, water polo, touch and athletics. This year she returned in a coaching capacity and has coached at all levels of the college, including Years 7 and 8 boys tennis and girls hockey, 2nd girls tennis and hockey, Years 5 and 6 boys and girls hockey, and Years 5 and 6 girls touch at Brighton. She even found the time to help at APS athletics day. When asked about her motivation to return, she cited giving back to the school, the personal development that comes from seeing sport from a different perspective and most of all, the joy she gets from coaching younger kids.
These three individuals are reflective of the over 500 coaches that each year bring the Haileybury sports program to life. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our coaches — those cold winter mornings, the long days coaching cricket or weeks spent rehearsing aerobics routines can often feel like thankless contributions, but your passion to support each child in creating their own unique sporting memories at Haileybury is most appreciated by all.
Matthew Dwyer
Head of Sport (One Haileybury)
Please visit the Productions Page to find out how to audition for the 2025 Years 9–12 musical. There is also a video explaining how to get involved, who can audition and what the process is like.
Frankie (Year 10) has been recognised by Melbourne Theatre Company as Youth Ambassador. She has spent the year watching amazing shows, meeting fellow thespians, engaging with professional creatives and learning the world of MTC behind –the scenes. This exceptional program is by application and only a select few are chosen from across Victoria. Below is Frankie’s reflection on the program.
"My experience so far as a Melbourne Theatre Company Youth Ambassador has been absolutely incredible. We have seen so many amazing performances over the year, met with many inspiring actors and the many wonderfully talented people who work backstage to make theatre possible. I have been fortunate to have seen the age-old classic A Streetcar Named Desire, the jaw dropping and heart racing Topdog/Underdog, the thought provoking and empowering Julia, and the heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster of Cost of Living. Every single actor we have seen on stage has been incredible, transporting the audience from our normal lives into the world of theatre.
Being a youth ambassador has been such an invaluable opportunity, and I am so grateful that I was selected to be one. I have learnt so much from the incredible people at the Melbourne Theatre Company, especially from all the many people who are working backstage to ensure everything is running safely, smoothly and creatively. I now know all about gobos (a stencil for light), how to follow cues on a script like a stage manager and how stages revolve even when they have a full plumbing system attached to the working shower on stage. I am also grateful for Nick Tranter, the learning manager from the MTC, for his never-ending support and determination to ensure that we make the most of this experience, as well as the other Youth Ambassadors who have made this year so much fun. I have been fortunate this year, and I’m sad that this great opportunity is coming to an end soon but have made many memories and learned so much about the world on and off the stage that I will take with me for the rest of my life."
On Sunday 20 October, more than 100 Dance students from Years 5 and 6 travelled to Doncaster Secondary College to compete in the 2024 Dance Star Spring Challenge.
Haileybury enjoyed a wonderful day competing and having fun and the students deserve much praise for training hard in the lead-up to the competition and for giving their all on stage with outstanding performances.
Congratulations to our incredible Years 5 and 6 dancers, who achieved the following results:
Thank you to all our students, coaches and coordinators for a wonderful competition at the 2024 Haileybury Dance Gala which was held on Wednesday 13 November in Aikman Hall.
Nick Waxman
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
The fortnight just passed has been yet another busy time within the Haileybury Music Department. At the Senior School level, Music students completed their final VCE Unit 4 Music written exams. Following on from performance recital assessments that were completed at the beginning of the term, the written examinations are comprehensive tests that covers three key aspects of music theory: analysis of recorded music, aural perception and music notation. I wish the Unit 4 students all the very best as they await their results that are to be released on 12 December.
At the other end of the music education journey, Junior School students enthusiastically performed at three major string concerts held in Aikman Hall. Exciting and highly energised events, these concerts provide for students to perform in large-scale concerts, often after just ten months of instrumental instruction. The wide-ranging facial expressions on the young performers is something to witness as they walk onto the stage under concert lighting for the first time. Over 600 students performed across the series.
In Middle School, concert bands, choirs and string orchestras have been busily preparing for upcoming Celebration of Excellence (Speech Night) performances. Always enjoying capacity audiences, Celebration of Excellence are an exciting opportunity for our Middle School musicians to finish the year performing proudly to the Chairman of the School Council, Mr Scott and the official party and, of course, to parents and peers.
The Celebration of Excellence series concludes on Wednesday 11 December when Haileybury’s most academically recognized students attend their final awards ceremony as graduated Year 12 students. At the Senior School Celebration of Excellence, a selection of VCE music performances will entertain the audience.
The Music Department’s final performance for the year, Haileybury Carols, is set to take place on 12 December at St Paul’s Cathedral in the heart of Melbourne. It would be wonderful to see as many families as possible attend and celebrate the season of Christmas in a non-religious, culturally diverse end to the school year.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
As we conclude the examination period for our Years 9 to 12 Art, Design and Media students, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the significance of their hard work and the invaluable skills they have developed throughout the year. This time of challenge and celebration has allowed our students to showcase not only their artistic talents but also their sophisticated analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Throughout the year, our students engaged deeply with the process of writing about art, design, and media. This was not merely an academic exercise; it was an enriching journey that enabled them to explore a myriad of concepts, historical contexts and contemporary issues. They honed their ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and insight, developing a nuanced understanding of how art shapes, and is shaped by, society. By critically analysing artworks and evaluating the intentions of artists, designers and media producers, they gained a broader perspective of the cultural landscape.
The skills our students cultivated extended far beyond the classroom. In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to think critically, innovate and adapt is paramount. The cognitive aptitude they developed through their studies equips them for future leadership roles and entrepreneurial endeavours. Employers increasingly value creativity as a core competency, recognising that those who can think outside the box are often the ones who drive progress and solve complex problems.
During the examination period, our students demonstrated their growth as thinkers and creators. They applied the depth of understanding they had built over the year, showcasing their ability to synthesise information, engage in reflective practice, and express their unique perspectives. This vital part of their educational journey fostered confidence and ownership in their learning.
As parents and members of our school community, your support throughout this process was crucial. Many students embraced this challenge with resilience, reminded that the skills they cultivate will serve them well in their future pursuits. Whether they aspire to be artists, designers, filmmakers, or innovators in any field, the creativity, resilience and analytical prowess they developed this year will undoubtedly set them apart.
We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and hard work during their exams. Their passion for art and design, coupled with their commitment to excellence, exemplified the spirit of our school community and an environment that fosters creativity and critical thinking.
Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
This month marks a significant change for the Haileybury Pipes & Drums, as we say goodbye to our Director, Mr Lincoln Hilton, who has moved interstate to be closer to family. As Lincoln’s time at Haileybury comes to an end, we take a moment to reflect on and acknowledge the enormous success of the Pipes & Drums under his leadership. We wish Lincoln all the very best as he begins this new chapter of his life.
In addition to these exciting changes taking place, our Pipes & Drums students have been busy performing at many events across our campuses including the highly anticipated ‘Back To’ assemblies, and preparations have also commenced for our involvement in upcoming Remembrance Day Services.
Term 4 also marks the graduation of eight of our senior bagpipers and drummers including Pipe Major/Captain of Pipes, Ruby ; Captain of Drums, William ; Bagpipers, Hudson , Isabella , Kriya and Charlie ; and Drummers, Charlie and Tyson . We thank them for their unwavering commitment to the Pipes & Drums over many years and wish them well with their future endeavours.
Daniel Staley
Acting Director, Pipes & Drums
On Monday, 11 November, our annual Remembrance Day acknowledgement was held on North Oval. Our parent community along with all students, including our ELC, came together to observe a minute’s silence followed by students from Prep and Year 8 placing a cross into the ground for the young Haileyburians who served and lost their lives over 79 years ago.
On Thursday, 14 November we hosted a Graduation Assembly and Afternoon Tea for the Year 8 cohort as they graduated from Middle School. We are proud of the students and their achievements, and the assembly was the formal conclusion to their Middle School experience. The less formal and much more colourful celebration came in the form of a Colour Run. Lots of laughter and fun was had. We wish our Year 8 students every success as they commence their time in Pre-Senior from Monday, 18 November.
Throughout Term 4, Year 6 students will be visiting the Castlefield Community Centre to participate in their Intergenerational Friday Morning program with some of the wonderful Bailey House residents. It is such a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Our students joined in a variety of activities, including colouring, singing, games and some fun dance moves, bringing smiles and joy to all. We were so proud of our Year 6s; they made an effort to connect and engage compassionately with all the residents and, in turn, developed their own confidence and communication skills. We are excited to return to the Castlefield Community Centre each Friday with a rotating roster of students — the perfect way to end the school week.
Tuesday, 19 November, sees all students moving to their 2025 classes to spend the day discovering their new room, area of school, classmates and teachers. A reminder that it is casual clothes, with runners, to allow for any sporting activities that may be scheduled for the day.
As ELC children prepare for the continuation of their learning journey, they have been spending time visiting their new learning environments. Reception children have been mixing together and visiting the indoor and outdoor Pre-Prep learning spaces. Pre-Prep children have been visiting their Prep classrooms and spending time getting to know the other children and their teachers.
Familiarity can build a sense of security and belonging as the children look forward to moving into their 2025 classes.
Incorporating active citizens inquiry projects into early childhood education has supported the ELC children to express their opinions and engage in discussions about issues that matter to them. This fosters their sense of agency, as children recognise that they can make a difference.
The Pre-Preps worked alongside Bayside City Council to contribute to indigenous planting at Hampton High Reserve, gaining practical skills and hands on learning, working together to improve the existing habitat for native fauna.
The Reception children spread their love by cooking for kindness, making pizzas for the ELC cohort, and working together to make a cookbook with their favourite recipes to sell and raise funds for charity.
It was such a special morning welcoming our grandparents and special friends into the Junior School classrooms. Mrs Jacob scheduled musicians to perform during the morning and yia-yias, nannas, poppas, grandpas and nie nies were carefully led from one room to another by their little people. Minute-to-win-it style games are always a favourite, and everyone loved to show off their portrait drawing skills. We recognise the special place grandparents have in their grandchildren’s lives, whether they see them a little or a lot, and loved having them on campus for the morning.
Breakfast Books have been a great addition to the calendar this year. Hosted by our librarian, Lizzy McBride, families come along to the library for a snack and a read before the day begins. It has been a great turnout each time.
An annual favourite, the Halloween disco, was held after school to the delight of our Junior School students. Witches, wizards, ghouls and goblins danced their hearts out. Special thanks to the parents and teachers who made this event possible.
Reflecting is something that we encourage and guide our students to do each and every day. Whether it is a moment in the classroom, the playground or anywhere in between, the ability to reflect as an individual and as a member of a community bigger than oneself, is an important life skill to consistently practise. In the greater scheme of things, the end of a school year is a time to reflect on the successes, challenges and areas of improvement for all our students. We look forward to our students finishing strongly and setting their goals for 2025.
What a year it has been for our house events and activities at Castlefield. We have had everything, including swimming, cross country, Mario Kart challenge, futsal, table tennis, netball, basketball, AFL and more. With the term coming to a close we are excited for all our Middle School students to be involved in more House opportunities, with House Festivals planned for the end of the term. This year, students have had the chance to participate, lead and connect with passion and determination, and with smiles on their faces. We look forward to House Spirit growing each and every event, and we thank our students for their involvement and teamwork this year.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
A big thank you to the parents who supported the Junior School Halloween Disco. The hall was spooky and fun thanks to the decorations that were mounted by our wonderful parent team. It was lovely to see parents spending time in the VIP area, enjoying time socialising while their ghouls, witches and little ones boogied away in the hall.
Haileybury Parents & Friends Castlefield
At City, we love celebrating our transitions. As we reflect on the growth at each age and at every stage of learning, we look forward to what awaits us in the next phase. For our Year 12 students, it has been wonderful to see them on Level 8, studying in the lead up to each of their VCE exams. They have worked hard and are focused.
Our Years 7 and 8 were hard at work in the lead up to exams and their results and feedback from their teachers have helped them better understand how to effectively study in the future. These lessons are all part of the learning journey. Our Year 8s have proudly graduated Middle School and started Term 1A in Year 9, which we call Pre-Senior.
Our Year 4 students are eagerly anticipating joining Girls and Boys Middle Schools, as are the students in Pre-Prep about the wonderful learning that awaits them in the Junior School.
We look forward to celebrating these transition points together with our City families in the coming weeks.
Our annual Celebration of Excellence (formerly known as Speech Night) is fast approaching and will be held on Friday, 6 December. All Middle School students will attend, and we look forward to a night celebrating excellence in all facets of our Haileybury program. Details are on the app.
Children in Reception have been observing and discussing our families. To foster this interest, children have had opportunities to create a self-identity poster focusing on their families, interests and special moments together. This project has encouraged children to use various techniques such as painting, drawing and manipulating clay to form their family.
This has led to discussions about our different features, such as the colour of our hair and how tall we are, as we learn about the uniqueness of our families. Children have celebrated their families as they also deepen their sense of belonging within the ELC.
The Pre-Prep children have started the Buddy program with Year 3 students. This program provides children with opportunities that support the broadening of friendships and a sense of belonging within the wider Haileybury community. Each session encourages the children to engage and develop skills that prepare them for their transition into Junior School. Our first session was at the Inside Out court, where children engaged in various ball games developing teamwork and communication skills.
The Pre-Prep children will continue to engage in opportunities to share knowledge with our Year 3 students to strengthen their connections throughout the wider School.
This week, we were delighted to welcome the City Campus Pre-Prep students to our fortnightly Junior School Assembly, where they joined us to share in the experience. The Pre-Preps worked in pairs to prepare and present a very special ‘snapshot of learning,’ highlighting one thing they loved learning or doing in the ELC this year. Their highlights were accompanied by some photos and drawings to support their presentations. The Junior School students were excited to see our special guests, creating a sense of community and support. Overall, their presence added a memorable energy to the gathering.
At this week’s Junior School assembly, we celebrated the achievements of students who participated in the 2024 Science Talent Search competition, where they achieved outstanding results. This year’s theme, ‘Species Survival: More than just sustainability,’ inspired students to create projects as games, posters, working models, or picture storybooks. Completed at home, these projects met the competition’s specific criteria, and each student should feel proud of their accomplishments.
We congratulate the following students:
Harvey (Year 1)
Molly (Year 1)
Luca (Year 2)
Penny (Year 2)
Ian (Year 3)
Anthea (Year 3)
Aidan (Year 4)
We recently re-launched the highly anticipated Junior School Learn to Swim program at Victoria University (Footscray Campus). Aligning with our commitment to building strong industry partnerships within our distinctive local environment, the program was led by expert swim instructors, seamlessly woven into the Physical Education curriculum. The program continues to focus on stroke development, water safety, rescue skills, flotation and pool entry/exit techniques. This experience highlights the essential role of water competency in their physical education journey, making it an unforgettable occasion.
We would like to congratulate all students who completed the 2024 Premier’s Reading Challenge. During our Week 1 Assembly, these students were awarded with their Premier’s Reading Challenge badge, a symbol of their hard work, consistent dedication and love of reading. 2024 saw a total of 51 Junior School students participating in the competition. We look forward to having even more participants take part in 2025.
Maverick (Year 7) has been named a winner in this year’s Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) Student Poetry Competition with his poem, ‘Chronos’ — a fantastic achievement. This year saw over 850 entries, totalling well over 100,000 words, from students in Foundation to Year 12 at schools across Victoria, with many exploring the theme of ‘awe.’ You can see all the winning entries on ISV’s Arts Learning Festival website and find Maverick’s poem below.
Chronos
I kill the hours from the rising of the sun,
To the closure of curtains at sunset.
The time when daily pursuits are done
And the moon rules over my domain,
To the end of its dark reign.
Presented in ebbs and flows,
Abruptly halting at clock’s cruel chime.
Awakened by the harsh call of crows
I yearn for a blissful nightfall,
I yearn to be wrapped in its tranquil shawl.
Time skates and slithers slyly,
Circling its unsuspecting prey.
I beg you never to skulk away shyly
Waiting, watching and wishing for the tide to turn,
From sun-kissed days to a wintry burn.
I crumble with fallen civilisations past,
Grappling and grasping at their lost memory.
I now fly my flag half-mast
For heavenly cities forgotten by my generation,
May now be invisible to the hour’s veneration.
Adrift days blowing in the wind
As these final hours become thinned
I am toughened. Am I thick-skinned?
A story left untold, I wonder why
A truth may just look as false as lie
At the end of time, what is left but to die?
Modern day’s poison is Time,
Time is modern day’s poison.
The toxin may taste sublime
How hard will my forgottens fall,
If I do not heed their clarion call?
Congratulations to our Years 7 and 8 students for their efforts on their recent exams. Students completed examinations on year-long subjects as well as semester-based electives. The Years 7 and 8 Exams are a summative assessment tool that provides an opportunity to measure academic growth while also developing the students’ ability to complete examinations. Sitting exams requires a skillset of its own, as students need to establish an understanding of how they best study and prepare, address different examination questions and manage the environment that exams can create. Haileybury exposes its students to formal examinations from Year 7 and provides a revision period to assist them with these.
Following the examinations, to celebrate and reflect on the academic year that was, students visited Queen Victoria Market, Chinatown, State Library Victoria, were involved in sporting activities, experienced Haileybury Startup’s Pitch Showcase, undertook a leadership workshop and went tenpin bowling. We are proud of our students’ endeavours throughout the year and in preparing for their exams. The Exam Helpdesk sessions, which are revision opportunities overseen by teachers before school and at lunchtimes to assist students as they study for their exams, were incredibly well attended. It was pleasing to see the students embracing these optional sessions to help them achieve their potential.
It was a momentous occasion on Friday, 15 November as our Year 8 students marked the end of their time in Middle School. Both the GMS and BMS enjoyed lunches, when they reminisced on the many highlights of their Middle School journey. These were followed by formal graduation ceremonies in which students reflected on their growth, learning experiences and the relationships they had developed. We thank the 2024 Year 8 cohort for the impact they have had on the Middle School at City and wish them all the very best for their Pre-Senior year and beyond.
Caroline Merrick
Head of City
It has a been a busy few weeks at Haileybury City, with the graduation ceremonies for our Year 12 students one of the highlights of the last few weeks. HPF City wishes all those students currently sitting their final exams all the best for a fantastic end to their school years at Haileybury City.
At the time of the last Insight, the Springtime Party photos were still being collected and the final tally for the night’s efforts needed to be calculated. As you can see from the photos below, a great deal of fun was had by all. Some of the comments include:
A special thank you to all of those who bid on items and those who were successful in purchasing items. I can announce that we raised over $11,000 which all goes back to the students. What a fantastic effort by our community.
The Annual General Meeting for HPF City was held on Thursday, 14 November via Zoom. We thank our past and new committee members. Being a part of fundraising and community life at Haileybury is a rewarding experience.
Just a reminder that our final Second-hand Uniform Pop-up Shop day this year will be on Up Day, on Tuesday, 19 November. We will be open from 8.00 am – 9.00 am and 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm, plus ELC from 9.30 am to 12.00 pm. The collection bins are currently on display at King Street and in the basement. You can also drop off your items whilst the shop is open. All information can be found on the myHaileybury app.
If you would like to volunteer your time to assist with the Second-hand Uniform Shop, please drop us an email and join in the fun.
We hope that you have a wonderful few weeks ahead. Enjoy the spring sun!
Melissa Fisher
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends City
We were honoured to welcome Senator Sarah Henderson (Shadow Minister for Education) and Mr Jason Wood (Federal Member for La Trobe) to our campus last week. Along with Haileybury CEO I Principal, Derek Scott, they observed a Prep class and were so impressed with the explicit model, our amazing students and one of our talented teachers Ms Shalena Waller. We are very proud of what we do at Edrington, and we were delighted to showcase Haileybury in this way.
We are in midst of that significant time of the year of ‘endings and beginnings.’ We have just bid farewell to our Year 8 students and marked the occasion with their formal Middle School graduation. They are all very excited about becoming pre-senior students when Term 1A begins this week. On Tuesday 26 November, the Year 4 students will graduate from Junior School. They have already taken part in several transition sessions in preparation for moving to Middle School and they are eager to experience Parallel Education for the first time. Our Pre-Prep students and their parents are preparing to bid farewell to their familiar and much-loved ELC environment and take the next exciting and much-anticipated step into Junior School. We know that all these students are well-equipped and prepared for the next interesting and important stage in their educational journeys. We wish them all the very best as they do so.
It is my pleasure to invite Edrington families to our Celebration of Excellence on Friday 29 November at 7.00 pm in Aikman Hall Keysborough. Refreshments will be served in the Wings Cafe and Quad from 6.00 pm where we can come together as a community. This event was previously known as Speech Night, but we have renamed it ‘Celebration of Excellence’ to better reflect the spirit of the evening — a celebration of a wonderful year and an acknowledgment of excellence and achievement.
Congratulations to Portia (Year 6) on being selected as Team Victoria Captain for this year’s Victorian Track and Field Team at the national championships, which will be held at Sydney Olympic Park later this month. This is an incredible achievement, and we wish Portia all the very best in this important role.
Over the last two weeks, children in both Reception and Pre-Prep have begun their transition program. Transitions are times when children move between and adapt to different spaces or places and with different people, experiences, expectations and routines.
On various occasions the children across the cohorts have had opportunities to spend time in their 2025 surroundings. A successful transition between Early Learning Centre (ELC) year levels, and from ELC to Junior School is important for all children and has long-lasting benefits. Children who experience a positive transition into their new environment are more likely to be happy at school and continue to improve their social and academic skills.
This time is also important for children and families to begin building trusting and positive relationships with the educators. Families know their child’s strengths, personality, moods and behaviours very well. Educators will get to know a child well through their daily experiences and can share their understanding of how children develop. When families and staff work together, they can exchange information and can focus on meeting each child’s needs and supporting their learning, development and wellbeing.
It was lovely to see the children enjoying different experiences both in classrooms and out and hearing the stories children told on their return to their current classroom. This highlights how each child’s identity, knowledge, understanding, disposition, capabilities, skills and relationships are shaped by an important milestone such as this.
Performance is a big part of Haileybury, and our Year 2 Strings Program and Years 3 and 4 Scrolls are a wonderful introduction to playing and performing with an instrument. Often our Year 2 students have never played an instrument and with a lot of instruction and practise our amazing instrumental staff turn them into incredible musicians by the end of the year. Once these students/musicians move to Year 3, they can choose to continue their instrument, which means a weekly instrumental lesson and a commitment of Friday mornings to play as a group as a Scroll’s ensemble. If you have ever heard this group play at our assemblies, I am sure you will agree that they are just outstanding. Congratulations to all these students who recently had their recitals. You played beautifully, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching you shine.
We are past the halfway mark of term and the Middle School is abuzz with numerous activities taking place. As we move into Term 1A, there are a number of events that will keep students and staff busy, all while we are preparing for our Edrington Celebration of Excellence (previously known as Speech Night).
Our Years 7 and 8 students have been studying hard for their end-of-year exams and we are sure they all gave their best effort.
Last week also saw the end of an era for our Year 8 cohort who enjoyed a fun afternoon in the JT Hall. This included a photo booth, silent disco and some party treats. We then bid them farewell at the Graduation Assembly on Friday morning. We wish them all the best as they embark on their journey into Pre-Senior.
We look forward to Up Day when we will welcome our new students, and eagerness fills the air as everyone merges into their new classes for a day. Students will take part in a range of activities and spend time in their new homerooms.
Jeanette Rawlings
Head of Edrington (Berwick)
Hello Edrington! The end of the year is sneaking up on us all. With Christmas fast approaching we will once again be placing gift tags on the Christmas tree in the library for gift donations that will be distributed by the Berwick Benevolent society to children in our community . Please consider asking your child to collect a gift tag to attach toa small gift, then returning it and placing it under the tree. There will also be tubs placed in the classrooms for NON-PERISHABLE foods that will be collected to help spread Christmas cheer to families in need.
Do you have some winter uniforms that you are ready to pop into the Second-hand Uniform Shop (SHUS)? Every Wednesday you will find Jenelle and Amphil at the SHUS from 8.30 am to 10.45 am. The SHUS is always looking for an extra hand, so if you have an hour to spare on a Wednesday to assist Amphil and Jenelle in the shop, please contact them via email.
Kerry Ilic & Tracy Day
HPFE Presidents
hpfe@haileybury.com.au
On Monday, 2 December Newlands will be hosting the Celebration of Excellence 2024 (formally known as Speech Night). This is final event on the 2024 calendar is set to be one of celebration and reflection on the year that was. We look forward to you joining us on the night. Book your tickets here.
As we approach the end of the year, we celebrate the friendships formed, connections made with families and the learning that has taken place within the ELC.
Children have been provided rich and varied experiences throughout 2024 including the Pre-Prep excursion to the Gould Sustainability League, a visit from our local police and CFA, a wonderful Tiddalick the frog incursion, Bollywood dancing, and not to mention our amazing families who have shared their knowledge and experience within the program.
We look forward to our upcoming Celebration of Learning events for each class that will highlight the learning that has occurred throughout the year. As Learning Journals make their way home following our Celebration of Learning, we encourage families to revisit these beautiful memories as your child continues to progress throughout their journey in the years to come.
A reminder to all our families that the ELC will close on Thursday, 19 December at 3.00 pm.
The Prep and Year 3 students are getting excited for their upcoming swim program. Over the two-week program students will learn vital water navigations skills, foster a sense of independence in water and nurture their abilities while reinforcing and building upon their safety skills.
The program structures lessons to cater to students of varying levels of expertise, from beginner to those comfortable in the water. Every student will have the opportunity to learn at their pace and develop their swimming skills in a safe environment.
Favourite features of the Swim Safety lesson is learning how to use life jackets, the art of floating and mastering safe jumps into the pool.
On Thursday, 31 October 2024 we celebrated our JS Sporting Colours Day with great enthusiasm. The day was brightened by a special visit from the Melbourne Stars of the Big Bash League (BBL), who brought along their expertise and energy. Students had the chance to wear their favourite sporting colours, proudly representing various teams. The highlight of the day was the hands-on cricket clinics, where students got to learn essential skills, practice their techniques, and receive expert tips. It was an inspiring and memorable day that ignited a love for sports and teamwork across the Junior School.
Our Year 3 students took part in an insightful leadership program by YLead, to learn about what makes a good leader and leading from the heart. The acronym HEART is used through engaging activities and demonstrates leadership qualities.
H = Helpful
E = Energy
A = Action and Active
R = Respectful Relationships
T = Team Player
The 2024 Newlands ‘Haileybury Hailstorm’ Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) team have started their final preparations for the 31st edition of the energy breakthrough competition to be held in Maryborough from Wednesday, 20 to Saturday, 23 November. Students challenging themselves physical and academically this year are Alexander, Sadbh, Selini, Deakin, Vihaan, Emma, Chase, Sebastian, Amara and Joyce.
Offered as part of Haileybury’s Curious Minds STEM programs, the ten Year 6 students selected have the task of studying and refining a three wheeled human powered vehicle. Awaiting the team is the challenge of riding their human powered vehicle for 14 hours in an endurance trial against over 80 other schools from Victoria and beyond. The students will also test their knowledge and skills in multiple presentations to panels of judges and experts.
On Tuesday, 19 November each student at Newlands and those joining us next year will spend time in their 2025 classes as part of Up Day. This is a great day filled with wonderful experiences from meeting their new teachers and peers to sampling subjects and activities that we have to offer prior to next year.
Our Year 5 students will be taking part in Bike Education Day. This fun incursion starts with teaching the basics of riding and progresses to riding around the internal road of the campus.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
On Thursday, 28 November at 7.00 pm the HPFK Annual General Meeting will take place for the last time in 2024. This meeting will be going over the voting process for the new appointments to the HPFK. Voting slips will be available at Newlands Reception from Friday 29 November, closing Monday, 9 December.
Year 4 students are invited to a family event to celebrate the end of Junior School at Newlands. The HPFK has booked Funtopia in Carrum Downs for the exclusive use of the Year 4 students at Haileybury Newlands. Tickets include food and drinks, and all children will receive a gift bag.
This is not a drop and go event. All children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Please note all ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Purchase tickets here.
Lenice Norris
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough
Massive congratulations to Tom (Year 12) and Kate (Year 12) from the Class of 2024 for being the inaugural Melbourne recipients of the OHA Stay Connected Award.
This prestigious accolade recognises outstanding contribution to the Haileybury community, and the warm, welcoming attitude consistently shown towards your peers.
Tom and Kate’s commitment to rallying the Haileybury community, their positivity, and their care for fellow students have truly embodied the essence of the ‘stay connected’ principle. They have shown that leadership does not require a title; it flourishes in actions that uplift and unite.
We are looking forward to announcing the winners from Haileybury Rendall School shortly.
What a marvellous afternoon the fourteenth annual Clark Club Luncheon was celebrating the life of Brian ‘Weary’ Clark with those who had graduated more than 50 years ago. With 190 Old Haileyburians in attendance, it was particularly poignant as we paid tribute to Brian’s widow, Gweneth, who sadly passed away two weeks beforehand.
One gentleman from the Class of 1962 offered the following. “Thank you for the work and energy you expended in ensuring such a wonderful event at Kingston Heath. This was my first attendance at the Clark Club luncheon and won’t be my last. I was most impressed with the warmth of the welcome we received from all we encountered from the moment we entered the facility together with the mood of the whole of the attendees — very much what Haileybury is all about. It was pleasing to note the number of comments I received regarding the wearing of my 1962 blazer, it obviously brought back many memories.”
Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.
The OHA is excited to announce the launch of a Walking Club, a vibrant new community initiative designed to help you connect with others while prioritising your mental well-being.
The OHA Walking Club welcomes all Old Haileyburians, even your furry friends. Imagine leisurely strolls in the fresh air, engaging conversations and the joy of shared experiences.
Ready to join us? Register today here.
Please visit here for the 2025 OHA Events Calendar.
We love hearing what our OHA alumni are up to. Please submit your amazing stories here.
If you do not already, please follow the OHA on Facebook and Instagram. We also invite you to stay connected by subscribing to our monthly newsletter here.
Please note that the OHA Office is here for all members and we encourage you to reach out if required via stayconnected@haileybury.com.au or contact me on 9904 6615
Kylie Phillips
Development Office Operations Lead
In Assembly, we marked the significant transition of our Year 8 students as they move out of the Middle School and into the Pre-Senior (Year 9) program from Term 1A.
This special Assembly featured speeches from students reflecting on their achievements and experiences thus far, as well as tributes and best wishes from their teachers. Head of Middle School, Mathew Shill coordinated this event and acknowledged each of our Year 8 students individually. We congratulate our Year 8 students, and we thank Mr Shill and the Year 8 teachers for their dedicated support of this cohort as they make their transition to Year 9.
Haileybury Pangea students moving into Years 8–12 2025 commenced Term 1A on Monday 18 November. This provides students with the opportunity to ‘step up’ into their academic classes for 2025 and gain a solid grounding in their new courses.
As part of this program, students participated in transition sessions on Monday 18 November designed to welcome new students to the campus and support all students with setting up effective routines and habits for the coming academic year. As part of this program, Year 12 students were also introduced to the nomination process for Year 12 Captains roles.
We are thrilled to welcome so many new students and families to our community, and we look forward to a productive final few weeks of the year. The academic year concludes on Thursday 12 December.
Joanna Baker
Head of Campus
VCE Units 3 and 4 examinations will be completed on Wednesday, 20 November. All examinations for Years 9–11 subjects have also now been completed and returned to students. I would like to thank all students for the way they conducted themselves throughout the examination period and the teachers who marked examinations and provided feedback in a timely manner. It is, of course, important that all students reflect on their examination performance and begin to set some strong academic goals for next year. If you feel that your child needs any help with the process of goal setting you should contact their relevant Head of Pre-Senior or Head of House in the first instance.
Haileybury’s 2025 academic year began on Monday, 18 November 2024, with all students beginning their 2025 classes. In most cases students began the day with the teacher who will take them throughout the year; however, in some instances teachers may change at the beginning of the new calendar year (January 2025). Haileybury does its best to limit these changes, but it is rare for teachers new to the school to be able to start in November of the previous school year. As such, some changes are unavoidable. Haileybury has been running this Term 1A program for 17 years as we believe that the extra teaching time provided gives our students a competitive advantage in their Units 3 and 4 studies in particular.
To conclude their year as Year 11s, our 2025 Year 12 cohort took part in a variety of transition sessions in preparation for the commencement of Term 1A. This group of students has experienced an incredibly challenging few years, so the week was an opportunity for the year level to come together and get excited about their final year of schooling.
Other sessions included a visit to various tertiary institutions that are popular with our students. Thank you to our Head of Careers, Catherine Johnson, for setting up these visits.
We look forward to them embarking on their new roles as leaders and mentors to the Senior School student body.
Throughout the week beginning Monday, 11 November our Year 10 students completed four days of work experience. This was a wonderful chance for them to get a first-hand look at some of the industries that they may eventually like to work within.
For those students moving into Year 10 in 2025, a quick reminder that some of the best and most stimulating work experience places fill up very early in the year. If you have a dream placement that you would like to complete in 2025, make sure that you talk to your new Head of House early and obtain the necessary forms to send to your preferred employer.
Learning the pipe organ, and becoming an organist, opens a whole world of international possibilities — unlike almost any other musical instrument. As each pipe organ is completely different, custom-made for the building in which it is housed, there is a large, supportive and active international community of people who not only play the organ but, as the Germans say, are ‘Orgelfreunde’ (friends of the organ)— people who, whilst they may not be organists themselves, love the instrument and are fascinated by it. These people are often at the forefront of many other professional endeavours: judges, lawyers, doctors, bankers and so on, all linked by a common passion for the pipe organ — an instrument which can give variety and extra-career interest to otherwise very intense and busy lives.
Our Organ Scholars program, established back in 2010 to celebrate 50 years of organ music at Haileybury, has now enabled dozens of young Haileyburians to make friends around the world and establish strong connections with professional colleagues in many different fields. For example, one of our widely travelled former organ scholars, now in his late 20s, has a career in medicine and made continuing friendships through the organ world from Moscow to Iceland, and from India to Paris.
Our most recent boys’ Senior Organ Scholar, Joshua (Year 12), won an Organ Scholarship to study at Oxford, which opens a whole new world of professional contact and collegiality — a world opened through the ‘king of instruments.’ After all, Mozart didn't say that lightly!
Keysborough Senior School marked the day with a minute of silence in the Frank Elmore Chapel Forecourt.
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal
Head of Senior Schools
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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