The close relationship between the Haileybury schools in Melbourne, Darwin and China is opening up a world of opportunities for students through cultural exchanges and visits.
This year, Haileybury Tianjin welcomed student groups from both Haileybury Rendall School and Haileybury Melbourne. Among the visitors were separate cohorts of Year 9 girls and boys from Melbourne and a group from Haileybury Rendall School. Additionally, the School hosted students from the Year 8 Language group and Senior School Language tours. Haileybury China students also visited Haileybury Melbourne.
“These exchanges are valuable for our students to build understandings of one another, which in turn, develops their sense of self, understanding of their own culture, the culture of others and the world around them.” says Renee Coventry, International Principal at Haileybury Tianjin.
During the exchange, students immersed themselves in school life, practising their second language, either English or Chinese, in real-world conversations. Students who visited China enjoyed language and calligraphy lessons, sports competitions and school assemblies.
“I learnt so much about Chinese culture,” commented Lara, Year 8, about the Languages and Culture trip. Andy, Year 11, in referring to the Haileybury Tianjin Study tour to Melbourne said, “The moment we entered the campus, faculty and students extended a warm welcome, enveloping us in their heartfelt hospitality.”
Shehan, a Year 9 Melbourne student, valued the connections the China trip has helped him to build. “One of the most special moments for me was meeting my pen pal in person after writing to each other for so long. It was amazing to see both the similarities and differences between our schools, and it gave us a new appreciation for learning and connection across cultures.”
The exchanges continue to strengthen connections, broaden horizons, and demonstrate that although the Haileybury students are in different locations, they are united by a commitment to collaboration and shared educational values.