Hayley Berry

Rock climbing offers so much more than scaling physical heights. It is also an opportunity to learn technical skills, grow in fitness and strength and develop personal skills such as resilience and self-confidence. 

At Haileybury, students from Years 9–12 can rock climb during both the summer and winter seasons and in 2025, it is also a spring option for Years 7 and 8. 

The dynamic sport offers many benefits that extend beyond the physical. “Students build a range of physical and mental skills. Climbing enhances core strength, endurances, coordination and balance while fostering problem-solving abilities and resilience. The climber-belayer relationship also cultivates trust and communication among students,” says Adam McCarthy, Head of Climbing. 

The sport presents many challenges that are perfect for fostering mental growth and resilience. As Adam highlights, “Many rock climbers learn to overcome fears and manage frustrations, which are essential life skills.” 

Lameese, Year 12, finds joy in the challenges presented. “Climbing has taught me to persevere and keep trying even when I’ve failed the climb, helping me to find another way to approach it until I succeed. My best experience so far has been getting my first level five boulder, as it took me many attempts to finally finish.” 

Haileybury students train in both bouldering and top rope climbing at Bayside Rock Climbing in Carrum Downs, while Year 12 City students have the opportunity to hone skills at Hardrock Climbing Centre, in the heart of the city.  

Branson, Year 12, explains his enthusiasm for the sport, stating, “Something that I enjoy about rock climbing is the community behind it. There is also something about incremental progress that still feels incredibly rewarding.” 

Top rope climbing involves threading the rope through an anchor at the climb’s summit and back down to the climber. “This method is considered the safest as the belayer can continuously adjust the rope’s slack, significantly minimising the risk of falling. Most routes range between 12 to 15 metres in height,” Adam explains. 

In contrast, bouldering offers the thrill of climbing without ropes to heights typically reaching three to four metres, with climbers utilising climbing shoes, chalk and ground pads. It represents the purest form of climbing, focusing on technique, strength and agility. 

Haileybury students boast a proud tradition of achievement in the sport. Last year, Andrew Chen (OH 2015) and former Haileybury climbing instructor, coached our national rock-climbing Olympic team in Paris in his capacity as Coaching Team Manger. 

In 2017, Jonathan Rogers (OH 2017) clinched the State Bouldering Title in the Junior Male category, and the school has consistently secured multiple top ten placements in state bouldering competitions over the years.  

“At Haileybury, the mission of our sports program is to foster a lifelong love of sport and physical activity, with our students having the opportunity to participate in over 40 different sports. Rock climbing is a brilliant example of a sport that can both be enjoyed for fun, but also the potential to go on and win Olympic gold. Who knows, there might even be a Brisbane medalist in our school as we speak.” 

By taking up rock climbing, students continue to aim for new heights, both on and off the climbing wall, through their personal growth and by finding the pure joy in climbing. 

The toe tapping, high energy of Mamma Mia! lit up the stage at Aikman Hall (Keysborough) in May, leading to standing ovations from sell out audiences. 

In a creative twist that led enthusiastic audiences calling for more, the Senior School production blended high-energy disco vibes with the charm of the Greek islands. 

The spectacular production, which featured the up-beat, catchy music and lyrics of Benny Andersson and Bjőrn Ulvaes, was a demonstration of the collaboration of the Haileybury community. It united a talented and dedicated cast and crew of 90, drawn from Haileybury’s four Melbourne campuses and across the senior year levels, of Years 9–12. 

It was an “opportunity for our Year 9s to experience the wonderful modelling of our VCE students, allowing them to be involved in the rigour and fun of rehearsals and performance,” explains Creative Director and Head of Drama and Theatre Studies Nicole Smith. 

The coordination of such a huge cast posed the opportunity to bring together a uniquely large cast of performers on stage in an interesting and dynamic way. The choreographers spent many Sundays working and collaborating to get the staging perfect.  

“We very much worked in the space to try out different ideas. There was a lovely, collaborative atmosphere of trial and error. Then we would have those magic moments when we would collectively solve a question and everything for 90 people would click into place,” explains Nicole.  

Performing was not the only way students could be involved. Opportunities included hair, make up, stage direction and the management of sound and radio microphone technicians.  

Milana, Year 10, took on the challenging role of Student Stage Manager. Mentored by teacher Candice Anderson, she performed the complex role of keeping the huge cast organised while maintaining a positive energy behind the scenes.  

“The most rewarding part of being involved in the production this year, particularly in my role, was the connections I fostered — people who hold a true love for the arts and in particular, theatre, and are willing to go above and beyond to produce an impressive spectacle. Truly a magical experience,” Milana explains.  

Performing was not the only way students could be involved. Opportunities included hair, make up, stage direction and the management of sound and radio microphone technicians.  

Milana, Year 10, took on the challenging role of Student Stage Manager. Mentored by teacher Candice Anderson, she performed the complex role of keeping the huge cast organised while maintaining a positive energy behind the scenes.  

“The most rewarding part of being involved in the production this year, particularly in my role, was the connections I fostered — people who hold a true love for the arts and in particular, theatre, and are willing to go above and beyond to produce an impressive spectacle. Truly a magical experience,” Milana explains.  

There was also the invaluable contribution of the musicians and Conductor and Musical Director Robert Latham. 

Beyond immersion and excellence in the performing arts, Haileybury productions like Mamma Mia! provide a unique opportunity for mentoring by professionals, including drawing on Old Haileyburians who now work in industry.  

“It’s an important opportunity for our students to experience real industry standards,” says Nicole.  

This included a vocal workshop with Vocal Director and International Voice Coach Cassie McIvor, also well-known from her participation on The Voice. Jackson Peele (OH 2014), now a professional actor, theatre maker and musician, also returned to Haileybury to support the production. 

Looking ahead, Old Haileyburian Stephanie Lee (OH 2018), now a professional director and stage manager, will join the production crew as an Assistant Director for the School’s upcoming production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child later in the year. 

Alysia Degorski is on a mission to make science come alive. As a Haileybury Pangea (online) teacher and Deputy Head of Years 5 and 6 Science at Haileybury, she loves encouraging students to explore how science fits into their lives. 

“I encourage my students to bring in artefacts to the classroom that relate to the curriculum. When students are able to share their interests and connect with science in their everyday lives they become enthusiastic about it too,” she explains. 

Her students have brought in everything from animal bones to fascinating geodes, AI-programmed robots and microscopic seed shrimp. 

Alysia brings her passion for science to students across all campuses. We sat with her to discover what fuels her own curiosity — and how she passes that spark to her students. 

I saw my mum’s love of teaching as I was growing up and came to understand how positive a teacher’s influence can be. I have also been lucky to have been taught by many excellent teachers, particularly my Year 7 teacher who was so full of passion.  

A highlight was having two previous students come back as guest speakers. Both are now studying engineering and have joined a drone flying team. Having taught them how to fly basic drones, it was incredibly rewarding to see them continue building their interests.   

Haileybury encourages me to be innovative and try new ideas, particularly learning about and incorporating new technologies. It is a pleasure to work with like-minded colleagues, engaged students and supportive families.  

I enjoy getting to know my students and their interests. The curriculum is a great foundation to explore connections to their lives, and I feel that when they see a purpose to learning then motivation follows. Building on their successes and interests outside of the classroom and connecting that to the concepts that they need to learn is very effective.  

When students know what to expect from you and are aware of what is coming up in class, they feel confident in contributing and sharing ideas.  

To succeed takes hard work, dedication, commitment and importantly passion. A number of students I teach at Haileybury Pangea are emerging athletes, who manage to attend school, complete schoolwork to a high level and compete at elite levels. Their ability to work efficiently and effectively at school whilst also training is impressive.  

I enjoy playing with my two young children, gardening and being creative.