Anzac Day holds deep significance for students, commemorating the sacrifices made in war and reflecting on historical and multicultural aspects. The day highlights the cost of war, as seen in Haileybury's history, and celebrates Australia's diverse, multicultural society today, fostering respect and understanding among students from varied backgrounds.
A warm, Mediterranean breeze has swept into Aikman Hall bringing with it the promise of a Greek island and the disco sounds of ABBA. During the Term 2 holidays, the Mamma Mia set, lighting and costumes arrived. In the theatre, we call this exciting time ‘bump in.’ In the second week, the cast and crew spent three big days rehearsing and preparing for what is shaping up to be an outstanding performance season in Week 2.
Be sure to secure your Mamma Mia tickets here. This is a musical occasion not to be missed.
The cast were lucky to have three Haileybury production alumni come back to speak to them. In between rehearsing big dance numbers, our current generation of performers avidly listened to Jackson Peele (OH 2014), Steph Lee (OH 2018) and Thomas Vulcan (OH 2020). These talented graduates are collaborating on the musical The Beep Test — an award-winning musical written and directed by Jackson. It is wonderful to see Haileyburians working and thriving in the performing arts industry beyond school yet so keen to come back and share their experiences. This production has also been selected by VCAA for VCE Drama students to study, so we are very lucky to get an insight into the show. Beep Test tickets can be purchased here.
Keep your eyes on Haileybury socials for more Mamma Mia content and promotions, and please share with the wider community. Tickets are selling fast.
Nicole Smith
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
I hope all Haileybury music students and their families have enjoyed a relaxing and well-earned break following a busy term filled with rehearsals and instrumental lessons. Taking time away from the school routine to reconnect with family is essential, especially for young artists looking to maintain their passion and focus over the long term.
For music students, stepping back from weekly rehearsals and lessons — even briefly — offers a valuable opportunity to reset and recharge, just in time for an exciting calendar of concerts set to take place throughout Term 2.
As we gear up for the term ahead, I kindly remind all music families to carefully review the upcoming concert schedule. Attendance at weekly ensemble rehearsals and participation in scheduled performances are core expectations for all instrumental music students.
I am looking forward to seeing many of you before and after these events — it is always a pleasure to catch up with our music families. Your ongoing support and presence mean a great deal to us.
For several members of our Senior School music staff, the Easter break provided a perfect window to prepare for their roles in the upcoming production of Mamma Mia, as part of the show’s live pit orchestra. In keeping with the traditions of leading independent schools, Haileybury’s production will feature the professionally licensed orchestral scores, ensuring a top-tier musical experience.
While working together in this setting is always enjoyable for our staff, the complexity of the scores presents an invigorating challenge they all embrace enthusiastically.
A special thank you goes to Robert Latham, Head of Choral Music, for his exceptional leadership as Musical Director and conductor for this production.
Mamma Mia opens this week, and tickets are selling quickly. We would love to see as many music families in the audience as possible. To secure your Mamma Mia tickets please visit the link here.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine the future of work, one human quality remains irreplaceable: creativity. In a world where algorithms can analyse, automate, and even mimic certain tasks, it is creative thinking—original ideas, empathy, innovation, and the ability to connect disparate concepts—that will set individuals apart. For students preparing to enter a rapidly evolving world, creativity is not a luxury—it is essential.
Importantly, creativity is not something students either have or don’t. It’s a skill that can be honed with regular practice. While academic rigour remains central in the senior years, it’s equally important that students continue to cultivate habits of creative thinking—across all subject areas, and beyond the classroom. Whether developing unique solutions in STEM subjects, approaching essay writing with a distinct voice, or engaging in co-curricular arts, debating or design challenges, creative skills are in constant demand.
At home, families can help sustain this growth by encouraging their young adults to make time for reflection, curiosity, and creative expression. This might be as simple as keeping a visual journal, exploring passion projects, participating in creative competitions, or engaging in conversations that explore “what’s possible?” rather than “what’s expected.”
In this new era, success won’t be defined by who has the most information, but by who can think differently. Let’s continue to support our students in becoming agile, original thinkers—ready to shape the future with confidence and creativity. Keep an eye on the upcoming LEAP Week in Week 5 program for exciting opportunities to do just that!
Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
This month the Pipes & Drums had the honour of performing at the late Mr Tom Poulton’s memorial function at Haileybury City. The band played as guests arrived and during the memorial, performing ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Highland Cathedral.’
We also performed at the Biggest Playdate charity event. This is a fantastic fundraising event which raises money for the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre in support of the Miranda Foundation. This event is well supported by the Haileybury community, and the Pipes & Drums look forward to supporting this event again next year.
The band’s competition commitments continued this month at the Melbourne Highland Gathering and the Haileybury Competitions. As usual, all three Haileybury bands were outstanding, with our A & B Bands placing in the top three for the Novice Grades.
The excitement is brewing within the Pipes & Drums for the Victorian Championships fast approaching on 17 May at Maryborough.
Daniel Staley
Director of Pipes & Drums
It was wonderful to welcome students back to Term 2. I hope everyone had a great Easter break and the chance to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. A reminder that students may wear either Summer or Full School uniform (winter) for the first two weeks of term. From Monday, 5 May, all students are required to wear their full School Uniform (winter) which requires a blazer to be worn.
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has a national online safety hub, with tailored advice, resources and support to ensure online experiences are empowering and positive. The website can be accessed via https://www.esafety.gov.au/. Under the Key Topics tab is the eSafety guide which provides a comprehensive list and information about apps and games your child may be using and how to report abusive content for each.
It can be a difficult task keeping up with young people, technology and online safety in your household. A dedicated parent hub, https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents, provides advice for parents and carers to help children have safe, enjoyable experiences online. They offer support and material around various topics, including online safety basics, screen time, safer gaming for families, preventing child sexual abuse online, child grooming, online pornography, family tech agreements and cyberbullying. There is also a link to subscribe to the parent newsletter, so you can stay up to date with online issues.
One such impending issue is social media age restrictions. The eSafety Commissioner will continue to provide details about how the age restrictions will be enforced and which services will be affected. Further information can be found on their website: Social media age restrictions | eSafety Commissioner.
The School will also be working with our community to provide further guidance as these changes come into effect.
To celebrate the end of a fantastic term, ELC children took part in an exciting bilby hunt around the school grounds. With clues to follow and questions to answer, the children explored familiar areas of the School in search of the elusive Easter Bilby.
This interactive adventure encouraged problem-solving, teamwork and a sense of community as the children eagerly pieced together each clue. It was a delightful way to bring families together and create joyful memories before the term break.
As we reflect on Term 1, we are continually amazed by the growth and development of each child. Establishing predictable routines and providing a secure environment play a crucial role in supporting wellbeing, self-regulation and stress on children.
A sense of stability allows children to focus on learning, form new connections and engage confidently in daily experiences. We are attuned to how a nurturing and consistent atmosphere helps children feel safe, supported and ready to thrive.
We encourage all families to intentionally support children in following a clear and predictable plan, especially in the mornings. We know a consistent start to the day will help children settle back into Term 2 smoothly, feel secure and be ready for playful learning.
Over 200 students in Years 1, 2 and 4 have participated in swimming lessons as part of the PE program during Term 1. The final week had a focus on water safety with children wearing clothes over their bathers to test out their swimming skills. They also learnt how to enter and exit the water when wearing a life jacket and what to do in the case of an emergency. Prep and Year 3 students will swim in Term 4 when the weather warms up again.
The Junior School art department has displayed all entries in the recent art competition outside the 1J classroom. Pieces with the theme of ‘holidays’ came in various media and artistic styles, from collages and 3-D works, to paint and pencils. Visit the gallery whilst they are still on show.
Our HPFC ran a fabulous event for the Junior School children in the last week of school. There was an epic Easter egg hunt, family picnic, races and fun on the oval. This was a great community event that could only happen with enthusiasm and time from our parent community. If you have a skill or an idea to share, please let your class reps know.
In the final week of Term 1, our Year 8 students had an engaging, important and influential incursion. Courage to Care is an Upstander Program, that provided our Year 8 students with education on discrimination, prejudice and racism as they engaged with meaningful discussion and activities around these themes. Volunteers shared personal and family stories as they discussed these themes in depth and the skills of being an upstander to eradicate these issues when they are seen or heard. Incursions are an integral platform in educating our students, alongside our Wellbeing curriculum, as we teach and support our students with skills, information and tangible strategies as they navigate challenges and continue their development.
As we begin Term 2, new opportunities, experiences and offerings are available to all our Middle School students. Our Years 5 and 6 students begin their new Term 2 sports, while our Years 7 and 8 students embark on their Winter Season. Throughout Term 1, our Castlefield Sport Co-ordinators, Mr Shakallis and Ms King, commended our students on their commitment to improvement, teamwork and, most importantly, playing with respect and a great attitude. Good luck to our students on all that awaits them with their new Sport.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
Our HPFC Executive team would like to thank the Castlefield Community for welcoming and supporting us during Term 1. We are excited about what is to come throughout the year.
Led by the HPFC Class Representatives, the co-ordinators have set up all the WhatsApp parent groups. Please be reminded that these WhatsApp groups are to support communication between families and to assist with coordinating social events, lost property and school related activities. Please avoid using this group for personal grievances or concerns. If you have any concerns regarding your child at school, please raise them directly with the Homeroom teacher or the Head of School.
Term 1 was certainly a whirlwind (but luckily not a cyclone) of activity at our School, with many memorable moments and significant achievements that have set a strong tone for the year ahead.
In the final week of the term, we had the much-anticipated Middle/Senior School House Singing Competition, which saw students showcase their vocal talents and team spirit. The competition was filled with energy, creativity and enthusiasm, making it a fantastic way to bring our school community together. As you can see below, Djarrak were worthy winners, just edging out Pumarali.
A sporting highlight of the term was the Scotch College Football Tour from Melbourne, where our talented Clontarf Academy boys represented the school with pride and determination. It was an incredible experience for all involved, strengthening friendships and showcasing our commitment to inclusivity and excellence in sport.
Our International Women’s Day Breakfast was a truly inspiring morning, when we celebrated the achievements of women in our community and heard from our outstanding guest speaker, Tash Taji. It was a moment to reflect on the importance of gender equality and empower our students to make a positive difference in the world. Our student leaders from across the School spoke with passion and skill.
The academic side of things was equally busy, with NAPLAN testing taking place across the school. This important assessment provided valuable insights into our students’ progress and will help guide further development. We also celebrated Harmony Day in Junior School, when we embraced and celebrated the rich diversity within our school community, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity.
We welcomed our new Student Leaders across all their sub-schools with special induction ceremonies. We look forward to seeing these students take on leadership roles and inspire their peers throughout the rest of the year.
A first for the Senior School, was our Year 12 Prefects involvement in Toastmasters, where for six intensive weeks our leaders honed their public speaking skills before an extremely entertaining final show for staff and parents. The Prefects also had a great experience when they toured Haileybury Melbourne at the start of the year.
As we look ahead to Term 2, there is no slowing down. We have exciting events planned, including school camps, the House Athletics Carnivals, and scholarship testing. We will also be marking and celebrating a brilliant National Reconciliation Week, continuing our commitment to fostering understanding and unity. Of course, the term commenced with our leaders laying a wreath on behalf of HRS at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Cenotaph.
Finally, we can’t forget our annual Quiz Night and Auction — it promises to be a night full of fun and friendly competition on 9 May.
It has been an incredible start to the year, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2025 brings. Here is to another term of always doing your best, getting involved and being kind.
Andrew McGregor
Principal, Haileybury Rendall School
Term 2 has started very smoothly, with the students and staff looking forward to an exciting term ahead. Last Friday, our Middle School participated in the Anzac Day Memorial Service at Berwick. This annual event is an important occasion for us to reflect on the sacrifices made by service men and women. We are proud of the students who marched and represented Edrington so well.
Our school community also came together last week for our annual Anzac Day assembly where we heard from the Chairman of the Board of Legacy Australia, Mr Wayne McNee. Mr McNee spoke to the students about Legacy, explaining that the charity supports more than 30,000 partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health serving our country.
Specialist classes are an important part of our learning program and give children the opportunity to hone in on specific skills outside of the classroom.
Creative artistic pursuits such as music, dramatic play and the visual arts contribute to how children understand creativity and imagination, and develop their own sense of identity.
Movement and PE provide children with opportunities to strengthen their motor skills, as well as improving their balance, coordination and agility, all whilst in a fun group environment.
Music is one of the few experiences that uses both sides of the brain (logical and creative). It gets children moving, and thinking whilst promoting numeracy, literacy and emotional skill learnings.
Library offers children exposure to a large quantity of books and texts, as well as providing a connection to school and home through our borrowing system. Research shows children who have the opportunity to participate in library programs show a greater number of emergent literacy behaviours and pre-reading skills.
We look forward to many more specialist class learning opportunities as the year continues.
It was wonderful to see so many families at our community Junior School event — the Junior School Family Games Afternoon. From board games to egg and spoon races, skipping and other tabloid activities, there was so much on offer for families to take part in together. It was a brilliant sunny afternoon with lots of ice creams, doughnuts and twirly potatoes on a stick. Thank you to those who bought a Boost Juice. We raised over $2,000 for the Monash Children’s Hospital.
In Term 1, Years 7 and 8 students have enjoyed memorable camp experiences, where they had the chance to develop new skills and fully embrace the great outdoors. From adventurous hikes to roasting marshmallows around the campfire, these camps provided a fantastic environment for personal growth and teamwork. We are proud of the way our students embraced these new experiences with enthusiasm.
Our House Athletics Carnival has been a highlight of the year. It was a day full of energy, sportsmanship and participation, with students giving their best in every event. The spirit of teamwork and encouragement was evident throughout the day, and it was great to see everyone supporting each other. Congratulations to Thompson House for winning our House athletics competition for 2025.
On Friday, 9 May, we will be holding a Middle School Mother’s Day breakfast for the mothers or significant women in our children’s lives. More details will be provided about this event next term.
Jeanette Rawlings
Head of Edrington (Berwick)
Hi Edrington. I hope you have had a fabulous break with your loved ones. Coming up in Term 2 we have two HUGE events: our Mother’s Day Stall, Monday, 5 May; and our Cross Campus Cross Country Gala, Tuesday, 20 May. We are still looking for more sausage sizzle volunteers for the Cross Country, so if you are available to come and help us cook 2,000 sausages for the students, please register here.
Every Wednesday you will find Jenelle and Amphil at the Second Hand Uniform Shop (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 give Amphil and Jenelle a hand in the shop please contact them at shus-berwick@haileybury.vic.edu.au.
Kerry Ilic
HPFE President
What an incredible night our Young Professionals Networking Evening was. Alumni came together to fast-track their careers, expand their networks and gain invaluable insights from top industry leaders. After inspiring conversations, our alumni left empowered and ready to take the next step in their professional journeys.
A massive thank you to our guest speakers, mentors and alumni for making this event so successful.
Former Haileybury School Captains from the 1950s through to 2024 joined current student leaders and members of Haileybury’s senior executive team to celebrate the legacy of leadership at Haileybury. It was a fabulous evening set against the stunning backdrop of Melbourne’s skyline at City campus.
The Haileybury Foundation also proudly unveiled a new scholarship, the Past School Captains Scholarship, empowering future leaders. If you are interested to learn more, please email foundation@haileybury.com.au.
The annual Ken Phillips Day was recently held on the Fisher Oval, and it was the perfect opportunity to showcase the growth and strength of the First XVIII and the Old Haileybury Football Club. The First XVIII clinched the cup and the win over the Under 19s team in decisive fashion. With this win, they now lead the head –to head with 15 wins to 13.
Jill Phillips proudly presented the winning trophy to her grandson Joel, who was Captain of the School team for the game. The Phillips family continues to be truly humbled that this event has been running for nearly 30 years in honour of former Haileybury staff member and OHAFC President, Ken.
We were delighted to celebrate the second OHA Generations Breakfast for the year at the Brighton campus. It was wonderful to see grandparents, parents, students and staff come together and honour their history at Haileybury.
Families enjoyed a delicious breakfast, family magnet portraits, a competitive and entertaining game of bingo, and the beautiful music of Haileybury’s incredibly talented String Quartet.
We look forward to the next OHA Generations Breakfast at the City campus on Thursday, 7 August.
Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.
Our Adelaide Chapter lunch at Bespoke Wine Bar and Kitchen was a fantastic gathering. Members enjoyed a delicious lunch overlooking the beautiful Adelaide Oval while reconnecting with fellow Haileyburians, sharing stories and creating new memories.
Our roadshow of Chapter events continues to Darwin on Wednesday, 23 July.
Please click here for our upcoming events schedule.
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 03 9904 6615.
Kylie Phillips
Development Office Operations Lead
The Haileybury College Year 12 Formal was held on the last evening of Term 1 at the Sofitel Melbourne. The event is always a social highlight for the students. Overseen by the Haileybury College Heads of House and members of the Senior School leadership team, the students enjoyed dinner and dancing in the ballroom, with the opportunity for photos with their peers and teachers throughout the evening.
It was a wonderful opportunity for the Year 12s to celebrate the end of their first term with the academic rigours of the past couple of months temporarily put aside. Instead, the very special friendships and camaraderie that are forged throughout their final year came to the fore. It was a fantastic way to begin the break and have a bit of fun as a cohort.
A range of students in Years 9, 10 and 11 have recently been announced as members of the 2025 Student Representative Council for their year levels. While there are too many names to mention within this short newsletter, I would like to heartily congratulate those who put themselves forward for leadership positions and were then elected to these positions by their peers. Haileybury offers many opportunities for student leadership and supports those in leadership positions to work together to make the School a wonderful place to be.
As Term 1 drew to a close, the Year 9 girls from Brighton embarked on a heartwarming visit to Mrs Sinclair and her Prep C class. This special occasion was dedicated to a wellbeing activity that brought smiles and positive energy to all involved.
The students engaged in a collaborative effort to ‘fill their buckets’ with positive feelings and happy thoughts, fostering a sense of community and support. This activity not only strengthened the bond between the older and younger students but also emphasised the importance of mental wellbeing and positivity.
Such initiatives highlight the nurturing environment at Haileybury, where students are encouraged to support one another and cultivate a culture of kindness and empathy.
As we reflect on the success of this event, it serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and positivity in enriching the school experience for everyone.
We are thrilled to announce that Haileybury’s Chess Team has achieved an outstanding second place in the highly competitive Brighton Grammar School Zonal Chess Tournament, held Tuesday, 1 April. Facing off against 37 other formidable teams, our students demonstrated exceptional skill, strategy and teamwork.
Captured in the victorious moment, the students in the photo include Renfei, Rocky, Tiger, Micah, Evan, Ryley and Eshan. Their dedication and passion for chess have truly paid off in this remarkable achievement.
We also extend our congratulations to Krish and Aariyan, who, although not in the photo, played a crucial role in the tournament. Their contributions were invaluable to the team’s success.
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students and the unwavering support from our dedicated coaches and mentors. The entire Haileybury community celebrates this success and looks forward to more victories in the future.
Well done, team!
The subject selection process will begin in Term 2 for students in Years 9, 10 and 11. Our upcoming Year 10 (2026) Information Video for all Pre-Senior parents and students will be released during Term 2 via our myHaileybury app.
The Subject Expo will be held on Tuesday, 20 May, onsite at Senior School Keysborough. Details for Subject Expo will follow. Parents and students will have access to material that will enable them to make good subject choices.
It may be helpful to visit VTAC (the centralised admissions centre for most undergraduate university and TAFE courses) and the VCAA (the body that sets guidelines for what students from Prep to Year 12 learn in Victorian schools). Please remember that you can always make an appointment for yourself and your child with one of our Careers advisors to discuss these matters. Your child’s Head of House or relevant Head of Pre-Senior can help you to make these appointments.
The last Tuesday of Term 1 marked the annual Girls House Arts competition, providing the perfect opportunity for VET Sound Production students to showcase their skills in planning and delivering a large-scale live concert event. These students, enrolled in the Certificate III in Sound Production course, which is exclusively offered at the Keysborough Senior School campus, are gaining hands-on experience in the music and event production industries. Many alumni of this program have gone on to pursue further study, such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) at the University of Melbourne or the Bachelor of Music Industry at RMIT.
Haileybury boasts industry-standard facilities, and the course is taught by Erica D’Angelo, a highly qualified sound engineer with 30 years of professional experience in audio production. Students in this course learn valuable skills in teamwork, working to a schedule, and fulfilling client expectations—skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
For more information about this course, please contact rto@haileybury.com.au.
A reminder that in Term 2 students wear Winter Uniform; however, we will have two weeks at the beginning of the term when students may continue to wear summer uniform.
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal, Head of Senior Schools
At Haileybury, sport is a proud and mandatory part of school life, and it always will be. But we also know that every student connects with sport in their own way. With this in mind, we have identified five different student ‘personas’ that identify how a student might like to engage in the Haileybury sports program.
The first is the obvious one – The Aspiring Star . They are the ones that set their own personal goals, they sacrifice social outings for pre-season training and have genuine (and realistic) ambitions of a career playing sport at an elite level. For them, sport is a passion, a pathway and a pursuit of excellence.
Then comes The Team Player, the classic sports competitor who thrives on the camaraderie of team sport. The Magenta of the Bloods and Hearts pumps through their veins and they revel in traditional sports environments. They are reliable and committed, and the result from Saturday morning sport can really shape their weekend.
Then there is the emerging segment of The Wellness Seekers. These are lifestyle-focused, active individuals. For them, participation in the sports program is about overall wellbeing. Outside of school, they might run, swim, or hit the gym. They join a social group like Park Run in order to be both healthy and connected. Competition is not necessarily a driver for them, but they are no less passionate about the activities that they choose to participate in.
Then there is The Social Set — the casual players who love a kick in the backyard, a social game, or just being part of the action with mates. Sport is not about winning or losing, but fun, safety and friendships matter most. They quite enjoy trialling different sports, but at this point in their sporting journey, it is just about having a laugh, so modified formats that make it easy to play for the first time are extremely appealing.
Finally, we have Sideline Supporters, those students who are occasionally active or might follow a team, but currently have little interest in sport at Haileybury other than because it is mandatory. For these students, our goal is not to force a change — it is to spark a moment. A memorable experience. It might be through options that include a bat and a ball, but alternatively, it might include activities such as sports technology, statistics, officiating, or even sports media and communications. These students can bring huge value to our program, and we want them to be able to find their own way to belong in the sporting heartbeat of Haileybury.
Although these segments might sound a little like the final monologue from The Breakfast Club movie, in contrast, we are going to ‘see’ the students as they want us to see them. Wherever your child wants to be right now, or where they might decide to be throughout their Haileybury journey, we are building a program that celebrates them — and gives every student a chance to write their own sporting story. Sincerely Yours The Sports Office Club.
Matthew Dwyer
Head of Sport (One Haileybury)
A warm, Mediterranean breeze has swept into Aikman Hall bringing with it the promise of a Greek island and the disco sounds of ABBA. During the Term 2 holidays, the Mamma Mia set, lighting and costumes arrived. In the theatre, we call this exciting time ‘bump in.’ In the second week, the cast and crew spent three big days rehearsing and preparing for what is shaping up to be an outstanding performance season in Week 2.
Be sure to secure your Mamma Mia tickets here. This is a musical occasion not to be missed.
The cast were lucky to have three Haileybury production alumni come back to speak to them. In between rehearsing big dance numbers, our current generation of performers avidly listened to Jackson Peele (OH 2014), Steph Lee (OH 2018) and Thomas Vulcan (OH 2020). These talented graduates are collaborating on the musical The Beep Test — an award-winning musical written and directed by Jackson. It is wonderful to see Haileyburians working and thriving in the performing arts industry beyond school yet so keen to come back and share their experiences. This production has also been selected by VCAA for VCE Drama students to study, so we are very lucky to get an insight into the show. Beep Test tickets can be purchased here.
Keep your eyes on Haileybury socials for more Mamma Mia content and promotions, and please share with the wider community. Tickets are selling fast.
Nicole Smith
Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
I hope all Haileybury music students and their families have enjoyed a relaxing and well-earned break following a busy term filled with rehearsals and instrumental lessons. Taking time away from the school routine to reconnect with family is essential, especially for young artists looking to maintain their passion and focus over the long term.
For music students, stepping back from weekly rehearsals and lessons — even briefly — offers a valuable opportunity to reset and recharge, just in time for an exciting calendar of concerts set to take place throughout Term 2.
As we gear up for the term ahead, I kindly remind all music families to carefully review the upcoming concert schedule. Attendance at weekly ensemble rehearsals and participation in scheduled performances are core expectations for all instrumental music students.
I am looking forward to seeing many of you before and after these events — it is always a pleasure to catch up with our music families. Your ongoing support and presence mean a great deal to us.
For several members of our Senior School music staff, the Easter break provided a perfect window to prepare for their roles in the upcoming production of Mamma Mia, as part of the show’s live pit orchestra. In keeping with the traditions of leading independent schools, Haileybury’s production will feature the professionally licensed orchestral scores, ensuring a top-tier musical experience.
While working together in this setting is always enjoyable for our staff, the complexity of the scores presents an invigorating challenge they all embrace enthusiastically.
A special thank you goes to Robert Latham, Head of Choral Music, for his exceptional leadership as Musical Director and conductor for this production.
Mamma Mia opens this week, and tickets are selling quickly. We would love to see as many music families in the audience as possible. To secure your Mamma Mia tickets please visit the link here.
Rod Marshall
Director of Performing Arts & Head of Haileybury Music
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine the future of work, one human quality remains irreplaceable: creativity. In a world where algorithms can analyse, automate, and even mimic certain tasks, it is creative thinking—original ideas, empathy, innovation, and the ability to connect disparate concepts—that will set individuals apart. For students preparing to enter a rapidly evolving world, creativity is not a luxury—it is essential.
Importantly, creativity is not something students either have or don’t. It’s a skill that can be honed with regular practice. While academic rigour remains central in the senior years, it’s equally important that students continue to cultivate habits of creative thinking—across all subject areas, and beyond the classroom. Whether developing unique solutions in STEM subjects, approaching essay writing with a distinct voice, or engaging in co-curricular arts, debating or design challenges, creative skills are in constant demand.
At home, families can help sustain this growth by encouraging their young adults to make time for reflection, curiosity, and creative expression. This might be as simple as keeping a visual journal, exploring passion projects, participating in creative competitions, or engaging in conversations that explore “what’s possible?” rather than “what’s expected.”
In this new era, success won’t be defined by who has the most information, but by who can think differently. Let’s continue to support our students in becoming agile, original thinkers—ready to shape the future with confidence and creativity. Keep an eye on the upcoming LEAP Week in Week 5 program for exciting opportunities to do just that!
Rachelle Rae
Head of Visual Arts Senior School
This month the Pipes & Drums had the honour of performing at the late Mr Tom Poulton’s memorial function at Haileybury City. The band played as guests arrived and during the memorial, performing ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Highland Cathedral.’
We also performed at the Biggest Playdate charity event. This is a fantastic fundraising event which raises money for the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre in support of the Miranda Foundation. This event is well supported by the Haileybury community, and the Pipes & Drums look forward to supporting this event again next year.
The band’s competition commitments continued this month at the Melbourne Highland Gathering and the Haileybury Competitions. As usual, all three Haileybury bands were outstanding, with our A & B Bands placing in the top three for the Novice Grades.
The excitement is brewing within the Pipes & Drums for the Victorian Championships fast approaching on 17 May at Maryborough.
Daniel Staley
Director of Pipes & Drums
It was wonderful to welcome students back to Term 2. I hope everyone had a great Easter break and the chance to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. A reminder that students may wear either Summer or Full School uniform (winter) for the first two weeks of term. From Monday, 5 May, all students are required to wear their full School Uniform (winter) which requires a blazer to be worn.
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has a national online safety hub, with tailored advice, resources and support to ensure online experiences are empowering and positive. The website can be accessed via https://www.esafety.gov.au/. Under the Key Topics tab is the eSafety guide which provides a comprehensive list and information about apps and games your child may be using and how to report abusive content for each.
It can be a difficult task keeping up with young people, technology and online safety in your household. A dedicated parent hub, https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents, provides advice for parents and carers to help children have safe, enjoyable experiences online. They offer support and material around various topics, including online safety basics, screen time, safer gaming for families, preventing child sexual abuse online, child grooming, online pornography, family tech agreements and cyberbullying. There is also a link to subscribe to the parent newsletter, so you can stay up to date with online issues.
One such impending issue is social media age restrictions. The eSafety Commissioner will continue to provide details about how the age restrictions will be enforced and which services will be affected. Further information can be found on their website: Social media age restrictions | eSafety Commissioner.
The School will also be working with our community to provide further guidance as these changes come into effect.
To celebrate the end of a fantastic term, ELC children took part in an exciting bilby hunt around the school grounds. With clues to follow and questions to answer, the children explored familiar areas of the School in search of the elusive Easter Bilby.
This interactive adventure encouraged problem-solving, teamwork and a sense of community as the children eagerly pieced together each clue. It was a delightful way to bring families together and create joyful memories before the term break.
As we reflect on Term 1, we are continually amazed by the growth and development of each child. Establishing predictable routines and providing a secure environment play a crucial role in supporting wellbeing, self-regulation and stress on children.
A sense of stability allows children to focus on learning, form new connections and engage confidently in daily experiences. We are attuned to how a nurturing and consistent atmosphere helps children feel safe, supported and ready to thrive.
We encourage all families to intentionally support children in following a clear and predictable plan, especially in the mornings. We know a consistent start to the day will help children settle back into Term 2 smoothly, feel secure and be ready for playful learning.
Over 200 students in Years 1, 2 and 4 have participated in swimming lessons as part of the PE program during Term 1. The final week had a focus on water safety with children wearing clothes over their bathers to test out their swimming skills. They also learnt how to enter and exit the water when wearing a life jacket and what to do in the case of an emergency. Prep and Year 3 students will swim in Term 4 when the weather warms up again.
The Junior School art department has displayed all entries in the recent art competition outside the 1J classroom. Pieces with the theme of ‘holidays’ came in various media and artistic styles, from collages and 3-D works, to paint and pencils. Visit the gallery whilst they are still on show.
Our HPFC ran a fabulous event for the Junior School children in the last week of school. There was an epic Easter egg hunt, family picnic, races and fun on the oval. This was a great community event that could only happen with enthusiasm and time from our parent community. If you have a skill or an idea to share, please let your class reps know.
In the final week of Term 1, our Year 8 students had an engaging, important and influential incursion. Courage to Care is an Upstander Program, that provided our Year 8 students with education on discrimination, prejudice and racism as they engaged with meaningful discussion and activities around these themes. Volunteers shared personal and family stories as they discussed these themes in depth and the skills of being an upstander to eradicate these issues when they are seen or heard. Incursions are an integral platform in educating our students, alongside our Wellbeing curriculum, as we teach and support our students with skills, information and tangible strategies as they navigate challenges and continue their development.
As we begin Term 2, new opportunities, experiences and offerings are available to all our Middle School students. Our Years 5 and 6 students begin their new Term 2 sports, while our Years 7 and 8 students embark on their Winter Season. Throughout Term 1, our Castlefield Sport Co-ordinators, Mr Shakallis and Ms King, commended our students on their commitment to improvement, teamwork and, most importantly, playing with respect and a great attitude. Good luck to our students on all that awaits them with their new Sport.
Katrina Manson
Head of Castlefield (Brighton)
Our HPFC Executive team would like to thank the Castlefield Community for welcoming and supporting us during Term 1. We are excited about what is to come throughout the year.
Led by the HPFC Class Representatives, the co-ordinators have set up all the WhatsApp parent groups. Please be reminded that these WhatsApp groups are to support communication between families and to assist with coordinating social events, lost property and school related activities. Please avoid using this group for personal grievances or concerns. If you have any concerns regarding your child at school, please raise them directly with the Homeroom teacher or the Head of School.
Term 1 was certainly a whirlwind (but luckily not a cyclone) of activity at our School, with many memorable moments and significant achievements that have set a strong tone for the year ahead.
In the final week of the term, we had the much-anticipated Middle/Senior School House Singing Competition, which saw students showcase their vocal talents and team spirit. The competition was filled with energy, creativity and enthusiasm, making it a fantastic way to bring our school community together. As you can see below, Djarrak were worthy winners, just edging out Pumarali.
A sporting highlight of the term was the Scotch College Football Tour from Melbourne, where our talented Clontarf Academy boys represented the school with pride and determination. It was an incredible experience for all involved, strengthening friendships and showcasing our commitment to inclusivity and excellence in sport.
Our International Women’s Day Breakfast was a truly inspiring morning, when we celebrated the achievements of women in our community and heard from our outstanding guest speaker, Tash Taji. It was a moment to reflect on the importance of gender equality and empower our students to make a positive difference in the world. Our student leaders from across the School spoke with passion and skill.
The academic side of things was equally busy, with NAPLAN testing taking place across the school. This important assessment provided valuable insights into our students’ progress and will help guide further development. We also celebrated Harmony Day in Junior School, when we embraced and celebrated the rich diversity within our school community, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity.
We welcomed our new Student Leaders across all their sub-schools with special induction ceremonies. We look forward to seeing these students take on leadership roles and inspire their peers throughout the rest of the year.
A first for the Senior School, was our Year 12 Prefects involvement in Toastmasters, where for six intensive weeks our leaders honed their public speaking skills before an extremely entertaining final show for staff and parents. The Prefects also had a great experience when they toured Haileybury Melbourne at the start of the year.
As we look ahead to Term 2, there is no slowing down. We have exciting events planned, including school camps, the House Athletics Carnivals, and scholarship testing. We will also be marking and celebrating a brilliant National Reconciliation Week, continuing our commitment to fostering understanding and unity. Of course, the term commenced with our leaders laying a wreath on behalf of HRS at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Cenotaph.
Finally, we can’t forget our annual Quiz Night and Auction — it promises to be a night full of fun and friendly competition on 9 May.
It has been an incredible start to the year, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2025 brings. Here is to another term of always doing your best, getting involved and being kind.
Andrew McGregor
Principal, Haileybury Rendall School
Term 2 has started very smoothly, with the students and staff looking forward to an exciting term ahead. Last Friday, our Middle School participated in the Anzac Day Memorial Service at Berwick. This annual event is an important occasion for us to reflect on the sacrifices made by service men and women. We are proud of the students who marched and represented Edrington so well.
Our school community also came together last week for our annual Anzac Day assembly where we heard from the Chairman of the Board of Legacy Australia, Mr Wayne McNee. Mr McNee spoke to the students about Legacy, explaining that the charity supports more than 30,000 partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health serving our country.
Specialist classes are an important part of our learning program and give children the opportunity to hone in on specific skills outside of the classroom.
Creative artistic pursuits such as music, dramatic play and the visual arts contribute to how children understand creativity and imagination, and develop their own sense of identity.
Movement and PE provide children with opportunities to strengthen their motor skills, as well as improving their balance, coordination and agility, all whilst in a fun group environment.
Music is one of the few experiences that uses both sides of the brain (logical and creative). It gets children moving, and thinking whilst promoting numeracy, literacy and emotional skill learnings.
Library offers children exposure to a large quantity of books and texts, as well as providing a connection to school and home through our borrowing system. Research shows children who have the opportunity to participate in library programs show a greater number of emergent literacy behaviours and pre-reading skills.
We look forward to many more specialist class learning opportunities as the year continues.
It was wonderful to see so many families at our community Junior School event — the Junior School Family Games Afternoon. From board games to egg and spoon races, skipping and other tabloid activities, there was so much on offer for families to take part in together. It was a brilliant sunny afternoon with lots of ice creams, doughnuts and twirly potatoes on a stick. Thank you to those who bought a Boost Juice. We raised over $2,000 for the Monash Children’s Hospital.
In Term 1, Years 7 and 8 students have enjoyed memorable camp experiences, where they had the chance to develop new skills and fully embrace the great outdoors. From adventurous hikes to roasting marshmallows around the campfire, these camps provided a fantastic environment for personal growth and teamwork. We are proud of the way our students embraced these new experiences with enthusiasm.
Our House Athletics Carnival has been a highlight of the year. It was a day full of energy, sportsmanship and participation, with students giving their best in every event. The spirit of teamwork and encouragement was evident throughout the day, and it was great to see everyone supporting each other. Congratulations to Thompson House for winning our House athletics competition for 2025.
On Friday, 9 May, we will be holding a Middle School Mother’s Day breakfast for the mothers or significant women in our children’s lives. More details will be provided about this event next term.
Jeanette Rawlings
Head of Edrington (Berwick)
Hi Edrington. I hope you have had a fabulous break with your loved ones. Coming up in Term 2 we have two HUGE events: our Mother’s Day Stall, Monday, 5 May; and our Cross Campus Cross Country Gala, Tuesday, 20 May. We are still looking for more sausage sizzle volunteers for the Cross Country, so if you are available to come and help us cook 2,000 sausages for the students, please register here.
Every Wednesday you will find Jenelle and Amphil at the Second Hand Uniform Shop (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 give Amphil and Jenelle a hand in the shop please contact them at shus-berwick@haileybury.vic.edu.au.
Kerry Ilic
HPFE President
What an incredible night our Young Professionals Networking Evening was. Alumni came together to fast-track their careers, expand their networks and gain invaluable insights from top industry leaders. After inspiring conversations, our alumni left empowered and ready to take the next step in their professional journeys.
A massive thank you to our guest speakers, mentors and alumni for making this event so successful.
Former Haileybury School Captains from the 1950s through to 2024 joined current student leaders and members of Haileybury’s senior executive team to celebrate the legacy of leadership at Haileybury. It was a fabulous evening set against the stunning backdrop of Melbourne’s skyline at City campus.
The Haileybury Foundation also proudly unveiled a new scholarship, the Past School Captains Scholarship, empowering future leaders. If you are interested to learn more, please email foundation@haileybury.com.au.
The annual Ken Phillips Day was recently held on the Fisher Oval, and it was the perfect opportunity to showcase the growth and strength of the First XVIII and the Old Haileybury Football Club. The First XVIII clinched the cup and the win over the Under 19s team in decisive fashion. With this win, they now lead the head –to head with 15 wins to 13.
Jill Phillips proudly presented the winning trophy to her grandson Joel, who was Captain of the School team for the game. The Phillips family continues to be truly humbled that this event has been running for nearly 30 years in honour of former Haileybury staff member and OHAFC President, Ken.
We were delighted to celebrate the second OHA Generations Breakfast for the year at the Brighton campus. It was wonderful to see grandparents, parents, students and staff come together and honour their history at Haileybury.
Families enjoyed a delicious breakfast, family magnet portraits, a competitive and entertaining game of bingo, and the beautiful music of Haileybury’s incredibly talented String Quartet.
We look forward to the next OHA Generations Breakfast at the City campus on Thursday, 7 August.
Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.
Our Adelaide Chapter lunch at Bespoke Wine Bar and Kitchen was a fantastic gathering. Members enjoyed a delicious lunch overlooking the beautiful Adelaide Oval while reconnecting with fellow Haileyburians, sharing stories and creating new memories.
Our roadshow of Chapter events continues to Darwin on Wednesday, 23 July.
Please click here for our upcoming events schedule.
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 03 9904 6615.
Kylie Phillips
Development Office Operations Lead
The Haileybury College Year 12 Formal was held on the last evening of Term 1 at the Sofitel Melbourne. The event is always a social highlight for the students. Overseen by the Haileybury College Heads of House and members of the Senior School leadership team, the students enjoyed dinner and dancing in the ballroom, with the opportunity for photos with their peers and teachers throughout the evening.
It was a wonderful opportunity for the Year 12s to celebrate the end of their first term with the academic rigours of the past couple of months temporarily put aside. Instead, the very special friendships and camaraderie that are forged throughout their final year came to the fore. It was a fantastic way to begin the break and have a bit of fun as a cohort.
A range of students in Years 9, 10 and 11 have recently been announced as members of the 2025 Student Representative Council for their year levels. While there are too many names to mention within this short newsletter, I would like to heartily congratulate those who put themselves forward for leadership positions and were then elected to these positions by their peers. Haileybury offers many opportunities for student leadership and supports those in leadership positions to work together to make the School a wonderful place to be.
As Term 1 drew to a close, the Year 9 girls from Brighton embarked on a heartwarming visit to Mrs Sinclair and her Prep C class. This special occasion was dedicated to a wellbeing activity that brought smiles and positive energy to all involved.
The students engaged in a collaborative effort to ‘fill their buckets’ with positive feelings and happy thoughts, fostering a sense of community and support. This activity not only strengthened the bond between the older and younger students but also emphasised the importance of mental wellbeing and positivity.
Such initiatives highlight the nurturing environment at Haileybury, where students are encouraged to support one another and cultivate a culture of kindness and empathy.
As we reflect on the success of this event, it serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and positivity in enriching the school experience for everyone.
We are thrilled to announce that Haileybury’s Chess Team has achieved an outstanding second place in the highly competitive Brighton Grammar School Zonal Chess Tournament, held Tuesday, 1 April. Facing off against 37 other formidable teams, our students demonstrated exceptional skill, strategy and teamwork.
Captured in the victorious moment, the students in the photo include Renfei, Rocky, Tiger, Micah, Evan, Ryley and Eshan. Their dedication and passion for chess have truly paid off in this remarkable achievement.
We also extend our congratulations to Krish and Aariyan, who, although not in the photo, played a crucial role in the tournament. Their contributions were invaluable to the team’s success.
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students and the unwavering support from our dedicated coaches and mentors. The entire Haileybury community celebrates this success and looks forward to more victories in the future.
Well done, team!
The subject selection process will begin in Term 2 for students in Years 9, 10 and 11. Our upcoming Year 10 (2026) Information Video for all Pre-Senior parents and students will be released during Term 2 via our myHaileybury app.
The Subject Expo will be held on Tuesday, 20 May, onsite at Senior School Keysborough. Details for Subject Expo will follow. Parents and students will have access to material that will enable them to make good subject choices.
It may be helpful to visit VTAC (the centralised admissions centre for most undergraduate university and TAFE courses) and the VCAA (the body that sets guidelines for what students from Prep to Year 12 learn in Victorian schools). Please remember that you can always make an appointment for yourself and your child with one of our Careers advisors to discuss these matters. Your child’s Head of House or relevant Head of Pre-Senior can help you to make these appointments.
The last Tuesday of Term 1 marked the annual Girls House Arts competition, providing the perfect opportunity for VET Sound Production students to showcase their skills in planning and delivering a large-scale live concert event. These students, enrolled in the Certificate III in Sound Production course, which is exclusively offered at the Keysborough Senior School campus, are gaining hands-on experience in the music and event production industries. Many alumni of this program have gone on to pursue further study, such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) at the University of Melbourne or the Bachelor of Music Industry at RMIT.
Haileybury boasts industry-standard facilities, and the course is taught by Erica D’Angelo, a highly qualified sound engineer with 30 years of professional experience in audio production. Students in this course learn valuable skills in teamwork, working to a schedule, and fulfilling client expectations—skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
For more information about this course, please contact rto@haileybury.com.au.
A reminder that in Term 2 students wear Winter Uniform; however, we will have two weeks at the beginning of the term when students may continue to wear summer uniform.
Dr Nicholas Grigsby
Deputy Principal, Head of Senior Schools
At Haileybury, sport is a proud and mandatory part of school life, and it always will be. But we also know that every student connects with sport in their own way. With this in mind, we have identified five different student ‘personas’ that identify how a student might like to engage in the Haileybury sports program.
The first is the obvious one – The Aspiring Star . They are the ones that set their own personal goals, they sacrifice social outings for pre-season training and have genuine (and realistic) ambitions of a career playing sport at an elite level. For them, sport is a passion, a pathway and a pursuit of excellence.
Then comes The Team Player, the classic sports competitor who thrives on the camaraderie of team sport. The Magenta of the Bloods and Hearts pumps through their veins and they revel in traditional sports environments. They are reliable and committed, and the result from Saturday morning sport can really shape their weekend.
Then there is the emerging segment of The Wellness Seekers. These are lifestyle-focused, active individuals. For them, participation in the sports program is about overall wellbeing. Outside of school, they might run, swim, or hit the gym. They join a social group like Park Run in order to be both healthy and connected. Competition is not necessarily a driver for them, but they are no less passionate about the activities that they choose to participate in.
Then there is The Social Set — the casual players who love a kick in the backyard, a social game, or just being part of the action with mates. Sport is not about winning or losing, but fun, safety and friendships matter most. They quite enjoy trialling different sports, but at this point in their sporting journey, it is just about having a laugh, so modified formats that make it easy to play for the first time are extremely appealing.
Finally, we have Sideline Supporters, those students who are occasionally active or might follow a team, but currently have little interest in sport at Haileybury other than because it is mandatory. For these students, our goal is not to force a change — it is to spark a moment. A memorable experience. It might be through options that include a bat and a ball, but alternatively, it might include activities such as sports technology, statistics, officiating, or even sports media and communications. These students can bring huge value to our program, and we want them to be able to find their own way to belong in the sporting heartbeat of Haileybury.
Although these segments might sound a little like the final monologue from The Breakfast Club movie, in contrast, we are going to ‘see’ the students as they want us to see them. Wherever your child wants to be right now, or where they might decide to be throughout their Haileybury journey, we are building a program that celebrates them — and gives every student a chance to write their own sporting story. Sincerely Yours The Sports Office Club.
Matthew Dwyer
Head of Sport (One Haileybury)
In the spirit of reconciliation, Haileybury acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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