Campus News
Smoking and Cleansing Ceremony
On Thursday, 30 January Newlands gathered for the beginning of the new school year to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which we learn, grow, and play — the Boonwurrung people. We continue to recognise their deep and enduring connection to this land, a connection that has existed for tens of thousands of years through storytelling, ceremony and the passing down of knowledge.
Returning to this place at the start of the year carries deep symbolism for us as a school. Just as this land has been a place of learning for countless generations, it continues to be a place where we come together to seek knowledge, share ideas and build relationships.
We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present, and we recognise the wisdom, resilience and strength of First Nations peoples. May we continue to listen, learn and walk forward together in the spirit of reconciliation.
Library Lovers Day
On 14 February, Newlands library celebrated Library Lovers Day, a special occasion to recognise the significant role our school library plays in the lives of our students. It is a day to remember that our libraries are a place where we can get lost in an idea we are following, find an adventure we are seeking in a book, discover more about an issue we feel passionate about or get help from someone about something we want to know. These are all the reasons to celebrate the valuable roles libraries play in our lives and ‘show the love.’
Early Learning Centre
Lunar New Year celebration
As we welcome the new school year, children in Pre-Prep have enjoyed being emersed in Lunar New Year celebrations within our Mandarin program. As part of the festivities, music and movement have been a focus with children engaging in both the fan dance (shan zi wu) and handkerchief dance (shou juan wu), as well as exploring the lion and dragon dances with traditional Chinese musical instruments. To round out the celebrations, children made traditional Chinese dumplings. Wishing all those families who celebrated a safe and prosperous new year.
The celebrations continue
Within the ELC, we believe in celebrating the rich diversity of our community and finding moments of joy for all children to experience. We look forward this term to again celebrating our annual Pancake Day, when our friends in the HPFK will provide an opportunity for children to engage in a delicious treat on the morning of Tuesday, 4 March. Children will be able to come dressed in clothes that represent their cultural background on Friday, 21 March to celebrate Harmony Day, before rounding off the term with our Easter Hat Parade on Friday, 4 April. More information on events will follow and we look forward to celebrating with our children and families.
Junior School
JS House kickball and T-Ball
The Junior School students will have their first House events of the year on Monday, 31 April 2025. Years 2, 3 and 4 will play T-ball, while Prep and Year 1 students will participate in kickball. This year, the Pre-Preps from ELC will join in the fun, playing kickball alongside the Preps and Year 1s. During these events, the students will come together in their houses to compete against each other on Newlands’ field. Let the games begin.
Stay & Play
The ELC/JS ‘Stay & Play’ held on Friday, 31 January was an event to be remembered by both families and students. It provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community while enjoying a sausage in bread from the HPFK BBQ. The event was filled with excitement, featuring a range of fun activities including a petting zoo where children could interact with friendly animals, vibrant face painting with stunning designs — especially the lifelike butterflies — and a high-energy silent disco that had everyone dancing the evening away. The atmosphere was buzzing with laughter, joy and a true sense of togetherness, making it a fantastic start to the year.
Middle School
Year 6 Camp
Year 6 students are jetting off to tour Canberra.
Monday, 19 February to Friday, 23 February the boys take on Canberra followed by the girls from Monday, 26 February to Friday, 1 March. They will be emersed in a variety of hands-on activities, guided tours and education programs, including:
- Questacon
- National Gallery of Australia
- Australian Institute of Sport
- Electoral Education Centre
- CSIRO Discovery Centre
- Parliament House
- Deep Space Tracking Station
- National Dinosaur Museum
- Australian War Memorial.
Students will be accommodated close to the centre of Canberra.
Year 8 coastal excursions
In Term 1 our Year 8 students have been studying the landform of coasts in Geography. On their upcoming excursion, students will move between Black Rock and Green Point, where they will explore the coastline to identify ways in which natural processes such as erosion and deposition have influenced the coast. Hands-on fieldwork activities and observations will reinforce their learning, and students will have the opportunity to observe coastal management strategies and hazards in action.
It has been a fantastic start to the year for our Haileybury Parents and Friends of Keysborough (HPFK). Thank you for your incredible support. The involvement in our events is invaluable, and it's wonderful to see such a strong sense of community. Parents who are wanting to volunteer at the School are required to hold a WWC check. Haileybury is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every student. The law in Victoria requires that anyone who is undertaking work with children, whether paid or volunteer, maintains a valid WWC Check. This requirement is reflected in Haileybury’s Child Safety and Wellbeing policies.
A reminder that while our HPFK group is great for fostering community spirit, it is not the appropriate forum to address school-related concerns. For any issues, don't hesitate to contact the appropriate Head of School for assistance.
Hugo Engele
Head of Newlands (Keysborough)
Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough (HPFK)
HPFK Meeting
Please join us for the first HPFK Meeting of the year on Thursday, 20 February in the Langford Pavilion.
Stay & Play
What a way to start 2025 with the ELC and JS Stay & Play afternoon.
Thank you to all the students, parents and teachers for coming along and enjoying the fun of a sausage in bread, zooper dooper, silent disco and a cuddle with some farm animals.
A huge thank you to the volunteers who took time out of their Friday afternoon to make this a huge success. Thank you to Jonelle, Adam, Guy, Becky, Mariangela, Frank, Amy, Nicola, Thanh, Shelia and Sruthi.
Save the date bowling nights
Save the dates for upcoming fun filled nights planned at General Public Dingley Village.
Year 7 – Friday, 14 March at 6.00pm
Year 5 – Friday, 21 March at 6.00pm
Uniform shop opening times
Please see below opening times for Term 1:
Friday, 21 February – 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Saturday, 22 February – 9.00 am to 12.00 noon
Amy Ching
President, Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough
