Issue 02

Principal's report

From the Principal

Recently, our Head of Languages, Lei Shangguan, and I visited China to further our educational relationships with selected Schools and to continue our plans to attract international students to join HRS, live in boarding and complete their VCE.

Haileybury in China

Last year we had three international HRS Year 12 graduates who lived and studied with us for 18 months – two from China and one from Vietnam. All three received strong ATARS and were accepted into their universities of choice for 2025.

On this trip we offered another eight places to students from China, and we hope that many of them will join us in Year 11 this year from the start of Term 3. This is part of our plan to add diversity and provide a genuine global educational experience to both our students and those who join us from overseas. In the next few years, we hope to enrol up to 20 students from south-east Asia.

We visited schools in Guangzhou in the south of China, as well as Ningbo and Beijing. We were pleased to develop strong connections with the staff and students in these schools who are studying the VCE with teacher-mentor support from Haileybury. We also had the opportunity to visit Haileybury Tianjin which is about one hour south of Beijing. The HRS China Study Tour of 20 students also visited our sister school in 2024 and we hope that there is enough interest in 2025 to repeat this event in September.

All in all, it was a most successful trip and a positive continuation of our ties with our international school community.

Andrew McGregor
Principal

Take note

Save the Date


NAPLAN	March 12 - 21
Careers Discovery	Monday, 1 April
Term 1 concludes	Friday, 4 April
Good Friday	Friday, 18 April
Easter Monday	Monday, 21 April
Term 2 commences	Wednesday, 23 April
ANZAC Day Public Holiday	Friday, 25 April
Year 5 Camp (group 1)	April 28 - 30
Year 5 Camp (group 2)	April 30 - 2 May
Middle and Senior School Athletics Carnival	Friday, 2 May
May Day Public Holiday	Monday, 5 May
Quiz Night and Auction	Friday, 9 May

Quiz Night and Auction - Book your tickets here

Careers Discovery

Uniform Shop

Download MyHRS

Have Your Say

Help Shape Our New Reconciliation Action Plan.

I am pleased to inform you that Haileybury Rendall School will be preparing a new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) during 2025.

Our RAP supports our school to build knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and contributions. You can read our 24/25 RAP here.

Through our RAP, we strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities in the classroom, around the school, and with the community.

Developing our RAP is a long-term commitment, one that requires ongoing consideration and collaborative effort. Within our community, there is unique knowledge and valuable experience that we would love to see reflected in the development and implementation of our RAP.

We are seeking your input and support so that our RAP creates meaningful change. This letter is a call to action for staff, parents, carers, students and community members to express their perspective on our approach to Reconciliation. We are particularly interested in the question:

What meaningful actions can our school take to strengthen our approach to Reconciliation?

To give your opinion, please send an email to Anthony Barker (Chair of the RAP Working Group) at anthony.barker@haileybury.com.au

This information will then be shared with the RAP Working Group. Members of the group are dedicated to driving Reconciliation within our school community, and lead the coordination and administration of RAP initiatives.

We’re building our RAP using Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali program. Find out more about this excellent program: reconciliation.org.au/narragunnawali

Anthony Barker
Chair of the RAP Working Group

Camp Australia @ HRS

Our first few weeks back at school for 2025 have been HUGE! We've had fantastic numbers at every single one of our sessions.
In this time, as an OSHC group, we have celebrated Kindness Week, Valentine’s Day, and Animals theme.

As we’ve moved into our brand-new OSHC Room, our team has worked hard to set up a warm, inviting, and engaging space that encourages creativity, learning, and fun.

Special Craft Activities This Month!

Indian Sand Art– 14 March
On 14 March, we will be creating beautiful Indian Sand Art. Children will explore this traditional art form, using vibrant coloured sand to create intricate designs.

St. Patrick’s Day
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we will be celebrating with some fun and festive craft activities. Kids will have the chance to make their own rainbow shamrocks and more. It is going to be a colorful and creative week filled with Irish cheer.

See you all then!

Camp Australia
Email: nthaileyburyrendall@oshccampaustralia.com.au

Early Learning Centre news

We are now over halfway through Term 1, and it has been wonderful to see our students settle beautifully into their daily routines. They have been actively participating in all their specialist classes, developing new skills, and embracing every learning opportunity with enthusiasm.

A highlight for all classes this term has been the visit from the St John Ambulance community officer, who delivered an engaging First Aid program tailored for our young learners. The students have been learning about different types of emergencies, illnesses, and accidents, as well as what actions to take in these situations. With hands-on activities, including exploring bandages and even getting up close to a real ambulance, the children have had plenty of interactive opportunities to consolidate their learning.

Community visitors play a vital role in enriching our students' learning experiences by providing real-world knowledge in an engaging and interactive way. Programs like the St John Ambulance visit not only teach essential safety skills but also help children build confidence in responding to emergencies. These visits allow students to connect with professionals from different fields, sparking curiosity and broadening their understanding of the world around them. The exposure to real-life scenarios encourages problem-solving skills, resilience, and a sense of community awareness from an early age.

Physical Education (PE) sessions have also been an exciting part of the term, keeping the students active and engaged. With a focus on developing gross motor skills, these sessions have provided a fun and dynamic way for our young learners to build strength, coordination, and confidence. The PE activities have encouraged teamwork and turn-taking, helping students develop important social skills while working together towards shared goals. These experiences foster cooperation, patience, and a sense of fairness, all while having lots of fun!

We recently celebrated International Women's Day, recognising the importance of gender equality and inspiring our young learners to appreciate the contributions of women in all aspects of life. To mark the occasion, we offered chocolate and coffee or tea to our mums as a small token of appreciation for all they do. Celebrating this day helps instil positive values from an early age, fostering a sense of empowerment and belonging in our learning community.

It has been a fantastic start to the school year, filled with exploration, growth, and lots of fun. We look forward to the many exciting experiences still to come!

Michelle Shaw
Head of Early Learning Centre

Junior School news

Term 1 is flying

I can't believe how quickly this term is flying by – we are already in Week 7!

In Week 5, we held our first Grit and Growth Mindset Awards assembly. These awards recognise students who consistently demonstrate perseverance, resilience, and a positive attitude toward their learning. It was wonderful to see students acknowledged for their hard work and dedication.

In addition to the awards, we’ve had a busy few weeks filled with exciting learning opportunities. Students continue to take part in House activities, and this encourages them to connect with peers across the School and foster that much-loved House spirit.

A quick reminder: It is important that students arrive at school on time. You can drop your child off from 8.00 am, where they will be supervised by a duty teacher. The start of the day provides students with the opportunity to get ready for their day and engage in their Explicit Instruction lessons. Please also ensure students are picked up by 3.00 pm as teachers often have duties and meetings from that time. After-school care is available both before and after school if needed.

Lastly, a reminder that parent-teacher interviews will be coming up next week, and we look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s progress.

Lisa Doyle
Head of Junior School

Strings in Action!

Year 2 Magenta students have been making fantastic progress on their string instruments—violin, viola, and cello! Learning a string instrument is a fun and rewarding challenge, and our young musicians have embraced it with enthusiasm, perseverance, and a growth mindset!

As they continue their musical journey, students are developing important skills like focus, coordination, and active listening. They are learning to hold their instruments with care and play with a beautiful sound using pizzicato (plucking) technique. It's wonderful to see their confidence grow with each lesson!

A highlight of our lessons has been playing together as a class ensemble. With the support of music backing tracks, students experience the joy of making music as a team, listening to one another, and keeping in time. Their enthusiasm and dedication is truly inspiring!

Well done, Year 2 Magenta! Your dedication and progress are wonderful to see. Keep up the great work!

Wan-Ling Chang
Music Teacher

Middle School news

Leading the way through connection

Year 7 Connection Day took place on Friday, Week 6, and was a fantastic opportunity for students to bond in their House groups and build lasting friendships. The day kicked off with fun icebreakers and advice on forming connections—simple, yet effective tips like smiling at others helped set a positive tone. 

Students then worked together to paint a vibrant mural, fostering teamwork and creativity. The second session was filled with engaging team-building activities, including the newspaper fashion challenge, constructing the tallest tower from skewers and marshmallows, the longest Mintie wrapper chain, and the cross-the-river challenge. A perennial favourite of the day, the newspaper fashion challenge was a highlight, with student teamwork and creativity on show. 

A BBQ lunch, expertly led by our Stars Team, was a popular highlight, refuelling students for an action-packed afternoon. The sports gala brought out competitive spirit and teamwork, with dodgeball, basketball, soccer, and netball on offer. Mr Karakottas and I even donned netball bibs to join in—though Mr Karakottas must have been sweltering in his professional attire! 

Overall, it was a wonderful day of fun and connection, with many new friendships formed. A big thank you to Ms Gates and the Middle School student leaders for organising such a fantastic event. 

Brendan Evans
Head of Middle School

Bonjour!

Year 7 French classes have been presenting their first French speaking formative assessments by practicing their language and pronunciation skills with each other. They did a great job in this role play of 2 friends meeting and asking their names, age and nationalities. At the end they had to find a way to say goodbye and close the conversation.

Marianne Foster
Visual Arts Teacher

Senior School news

Senior Schools' relentless pursuit of improvement

As we near the end of Term 1, it is a great time to reflect on what each of us hopes to achieve this year. At the start of the year, our Principal, Mr Andrew McGregor, challenged staff to embrace "the relentless pursuit of improvement." This is a goal that we can all strive for—whether in academic pursuits, personal growth, or stepping outside our comfort zones. Each of us has the potential to grow and improve.

As Head of Senior School, I witness students rising to new challenges every day—whether in the sporting arena, House competitions, fundraising or striving for academic excellence.

This semester, I have had the privilege of being part of an exciting new initiative: the student leadership team has been developing their public speaking skills through a program inspired by Toastmasters. The growth in their confidence and expertise has been extraordinary.

I encourage every student in the Senior School to set themselves a challenge—one that fosters growth in an area of their schooling at HRS. It might be taking on a leadership role in House Singing, participating in and fundraising for the upcoming World's Greatest Shave, or working towards a higher grade in a subject you find difficult.

We all have the potential to improve, and we must not let fear hold us back. As Robert Collier wisely said, "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."

Let’s embrace the challenge and make this year one of growth and achievement.

Kylie Mobilia
Head of Senior School

VCE Biology - Bacterial Transformation Practical

As part of the topic of DNA manipulation techniques, the Unit 3&4 Biology students ‘transformed’ E.coli bacteria with a green fluorescent protein gene from a species of jellyfish.

Under the right conditions, a small circular section of DNA that contains the gene is taken up by the bacterial cells. When grown on a specific sugar medium, the bacteria will synthesis the green fluorescent protein. This allows them to ‘glow’ under a UV light.

The students were successful in their bacterial transformation, which resulted in a number of bacterial colonies taking up the jellyfish gene. The practical investigation allowed the students to understand the process of bacterial transformation and its applications to research and medicine, such as the production of recombinant human insulin.

Linda Hartskeerl
VCE Biology teacher

Year 12 Art Excursion

Recently, the year 12 Art & Exhibiting class had the opportunity to visit the new Charles Darwin University art gallery in the city.

The trip was engaging and gave students the opportunity to facilitate their learning in preparation for their school assessed course work. They viewed artworks from the University’s art collection in its inaugural exhibition titled, “From the Ground Up”. Alumni artists and indigenous artworks were on display and gallery curator, Joanna Barrkman, gave a very informative discussion on how her role contributed to the exhibition. Presentation, conservation, display and themes were discussed, giving students further inspiration for their current Art Journal explorations that are being developed back in their classroom setting.
Students were also very fortunate to be offered a tour of the store and archive area of the art gallery, which allowed students to understand the importance of caring for the artworks in the University’s collection.

Other visits to commercial art galleries in Parap included the Northern Centre of Contemporary Art (NCCA) to view the amazing retrospective by Bill Davies “The Darwin Years”, Outstation Art Gallery and the Laundry Art gallery with indigenous artworks displayed on dazzling pink walls. Their art gallery excursion allowed students to take photos of artworks, write notes on the art gallery displays, and enjoy and enhance their learning involved in HRS Unit 3&4 Art classes.

Anne McMaster
VCE Art & Exhibiting teacher

Boarding news

Kung Fu fun

Last Friday afternoon, the HRS Boarding House was filled with energy and excitement as students participated in a special Chinese Kung Fu session, organised by Lei Shangguan and the Teacher Assistants from CDU. This session, led by the talented Miss Chen, introduced students to the fascinating world of traditional Chinese martial arts.

Students had the opportunity to learn and practice fundamental Kung Fu techniques, including Mabu (horse stance), kicking, and striking. The Mabu stance, a foundational posture in Kung Fu, challenged students to build lower body strength and endurance, while the kicking and striking drills emphasised precision, balance, and focus.

This Kung Fu session is part of the ongoing cultural programs organised every Friday afternoon by Lei Shangguan and the CDU Teaching Assistants. These programs aim to enrich students’ experiences by exposing them to diverse cultural activities.

We look forward to more exciting sessions in the future for the HRS community!

Lei Shangguan
Head of Languages

In the News

Bombing of Darwin honoured

On Wednesday, 19 February, we had the opportunity to represent HRS at the 83rd anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Representing HRS were fellow leaders from Senior, Middle and Junior Schools. It was an honour to be selected to represent Haileybury Rendall School at the commemoration. The Bombing of Darwin is significant, not only up here in the land we call home, but throughout Australia, underlining the lasting impacts of World War II on our country and our people. At 9:58 am, on 19 February 1942, Japanese forces first bombed Darwin. The bombs killed 235 people, and injured hundreds more - the first ever attack by foreign forces on Australian soil. 680 bombs rained down over Darwin that day – more than Pearl Harbor. While the Bombing of Darwin is a major part of Australia’s wartime experience, marking a truly horrifying time in human history, it is also a story of resilience, determination, and sacrifice of the Australian people.

We saw a live re-enactment of what exactly happened when the bombs were dropped on Darwin. As the emergency siren rang through the air, a few brave military personnel ran to take their positions behind cannons and began to fire at the imaginary fighter jets that carried Japanese soldiers. Some other military men grabbed their guns and began to fire relentlessly. They were also shouting words like – GET OVER THERE, GO!

We were provided with ear plugs to block out the loud sounds as the cannons roared for over three minutes. The re-enactment was amazing, and the acting was spot on. It was heartbreaking to think about the pain and suffering that the people of Darwin had to face in 1942.
Our Social Justice Prefects, Peta and Oliver, laid a wreath at the WWII memorial as part of the service.

Overall, the excursion was a good opportunity for leaders across the whole school to come together and get to know each other, as well as honour an important Australian legacy.

Dhruva and Stephanie
School Prefects

Guess who's back!?

The HRS Symphony Orchestra is back for another exciting year! Now in its second year, our orchestra continues to grow as a dynamic ensemble where students not only develop their musical skills but also gain valuable leadership experience.

Beyond learning and performing symphony orchestra repertoire, students take on important leadership roles. From section leaders guiding their instrument groups to assistant orchestra managers, librarians, and stage managers, our musicians are stepping up to support and shape the ensemble. Congratulations to the students who have successfully earned these positions!

With rehearsals in full swing, we are preparing for an exciting lineup of performances in Term 2. Stay tuned for updates and concert announcements—we can’t wait to share our music with the HRS community!

Wan-Ling Chang
Music Teacher

Clontarf news

Clontarf Induction Camp: A Memorable Experience for Our New Academy Members

Our recent Clontarf Induction Camp was an exciting and rewarding experience for our Year 7 and 8 students who took part. Over the course of the camp, students had the chance to learn about the values of the Clontarf Academy while also having plenty of fun and bonding with their peers.

The camp kicked off with morning training at Nightcliff Middle School, where the students were encouraged to push themselves physically, working on fitness, teamwork, and discipline. This was a great way to start the day, energising the group for the activities ahead and promoting the importance of health and resilience.

After the training sessions, the students enjoyed some breakfast and then it was off to the Wave Pool where they had a chance to unwind and cool off in the water.

The highlight of the camp was the sleepover in the Academy Room, where the students took part in a cooking challenge. They were tasked with preparing their own meals, learning new skills in the kitchen while also embracing teamwork and creativity. It was a great way for everyone to contribute to the camp experience and enjoy the rewards of their hard work.

Throughout the camp, all the students did exceptionally well, embracing the values of Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility. They also learned about the six pillars of the Clontarf Foundation, which will continue to guide their journey with the Academy: Education, Sport, Well-Being, Partners, Leadership, and Employment.

It was clear from the start that the students were eager to learn about their new Academy, and they all enjoyed the activities and challenges presented to them. Their enthusiasm and positive attitudes are a great reflection of their commitment to Clontarf values, and we’re excited to see how they continue to grow and thrive in the future.

A big thank you to everyone involved in making the camp such a success, and congratulations to all of the fellas for their hard work and dedication throughout the experience! We're looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for them as they continue their Clontarf journey.

Patrick Bowden
Academy Director

Take note - Issue 02

Save the Date


NAPLAN	March 12 - 21
Careers Discovery	Monday, 1 April
Term 1 concludes	Friday, 4 April
Good Friday	Friday, 18 April
Easter Monday	Monday, 21 April
Term 2 commences	Wednesday, 23 April
ANZAC Day Public Holiday	Friday, 25 April
Year 5 Camp (group 1)	April 28 - 30
Year 5 Camp (group 2)	April 30 - 2 May
Middle and Senior School Athletics Carnival	Friday, 2 May
May Day Public Holiday	Monday, 5 May
Quiz Night and Auction	Friday, 9 May

Quiz Night and Auction - Book your tickets here

Careers Discovery

Uniform Shop

Download MyHRS

Have Your Say

Help Shape Our New Reconciliation Action Plan.

I am pleased to inform you that Haileybury Rendall School will be preparing a new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) during 2025.

Our RAP supports our school to build knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and contributions. You can read our 24/25 RAP here.

Through our RAP, we strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities in the classroom, around the school, and with the community.

What meaningful actions can our school take to strengthen our approach to Reconciliation?

To give your opinion, please send an email to Anthony Barker (Chair of the RAP Working Group) at anthony.barker@haileybury.com.au

We’re building our RAP using Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali program. Find out more about this excellent program: reconciliation.org.au/narragunnawali

Anthony Barker
Chair of the RAP Working Group

Camp Australia @ HRS

As we’ve moved into our brand-new OSHC Room, our team has worked hard to set up a warm, inviting, and engaging space that encourages creativity, learning, and fun.

Special Craft Activities This Month!

Indian Sand Art– 14 March
On 14 March, we will be creating beautiful Indian Sand Art. Children will explore this traditional art form, using vibrant coloured sand to create intricate designs.

St. Patrick’s Day
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we will be celebrating with some fun and festive craft activities. Kids will have the chance to make their own rainbow shamrocks and more. It is going to be a colorful and creative week filled with Irish cheer.

See you all then!

Camp Australia
Email: nthaileyburyrendall@oshccampaustralia.com.au

Early Learning Centre - Issue 02

It has been a fantastic start to the school year, filled with exploration, growth, and lots of fun. We look forward to the many exciting experiences still to come!

Michelle Shaw
Head of Early Learning Centre

Junior School - Issue 02

Term 1 is flying

I can't believe how quickly this term is flying by – we are already in Week 7!

Lastly, a reminder that parent-teacher interviews will be coming up next week, and we look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s progress.

Lisa Doyle
Head of Junior School

Strings in Action!

Wan-Ling Chang
Music Teacher

Middle School - Issue 02

Leading the way through connection

Overall, it was a wonderful day of fun and connection, with many new friendships formed. A big thank you to Ms Gates and the Middle School student leaders for organising such a fantastic event. 

Brendan Evans
Head of Middle School

Bonjour!

Marianne Foster
Visual Arts Teacher

Senior School - Issue 02

Senior Schools' relentless pursuit of improvement

As Head of Senior School, I witness students rising to new challenges every day—whether in the sporting arena, House competitions, fundraising or striving for academic excellence.

We all have the potential to improve, and we must not let fear hold us back. As Robert Collier wisely said, "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."

Let’s embrace the challenge and make this year one of growth and achievement.

Kylie Mobilia
Head of Senior School

VCE Biology - Bacterial Transformation Practical

As part of the topic of DNA manipulation techniques, the Unit 3&4 Biology students ‘transformed’ E.coli bacteria with a green fluorescent protein gene from a species of jellyfish.

Linda Hartskeerl
VCE Biology teacher

Year 12 Art Excursion

Recently, the year 12 Art & Exhibiting class had the opportunity to visit the new Charles Darwin University art gallery in the city.

Anne McMaster
VCE Art & Exhibiting teacher

Boarding - Issue 02

Kung Fu fun

We look forward to more exciting sessions in the future for the HRS community!

Lei Shangguan
Head of Languages

In the News - Issue 02

Bombing of Darwin honoured

Overall, the excursion was a good opportunity for leaders across the whole school to come together and get to know each other, as well as honour an important Australian legacy.

Dhruva and Stephanie
School Prefects

Guess who's back!?

Wan-Ling Chang
Music Teacher

Clontarf News - Issue 02

Clontarf Induction Camp: A Memorable Experience for Our New Academy Members

After the training sessions, the students enjoyed some breakfast and then it was off to the Wave Pool where they had a chance to unwind and cool off in the water.

Patrick Bowden
Academy Director

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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From the Principal

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Issue 01

From the Principal

Take note

Early Learning Centre news

Junior School news

Middle School news

Senior School news

Boarding news

In the News

Clontarf news

From the Principal

Haileybury in China

Take note

Save the Date

Quiz Night and Auction - Book your tickets here

Careers Discovery

Uniform Shop

Download MyHRS

Have Your Say

Camp Australia @ HRS

Early Learning Centre news

Junior School news

Term 1 is flying

Strings in Action!

Middle School news

Leading the way through connection

Bonjour!

Senior School news

Senior Schools' relentless pursuit of improvement

VCE Biology - Bacterial Transformation Practical

Year 12 Art Excursion

Boarding news

Kung Fu fun

In the News

Bombing of Darwin honoured

Guess who's back!?

Clontarf news

Clontarf Induction Camp: A Memorable Experience for Our New Academy Members

Newsletter, Issue 02

From the Principal - Issue 02

Haileybury in China

Take note - Issue 02

Save the Date

Quiz Night and Auction - Book your tickets here

Careers Discovery

Uniform Shop

Download MyHRS

Have Your Say

Camp Australia @ HRS

Early Learning Centre - Issue 02

Junior School - Issue 02

Term 1 is flying

Strings in Action!

Middle School - Issue 02

Leading the way through connection

Bonjour!

Senior School - Issue 02

Senior Schools' relentless pursuit of improvement

VCE Biology - Bacterial Transformation Practical

Year 12 Art Excursion

Boarding - Issue 02

Kung Fu fun

In the News - Issue 02

Bombing of Darwin honoured