The Haileyburian

The Haileyburian

SUMMER 2025
Thank you for changing lives

Hayley Berry

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The Haileybury Foundation’s Thank You event was held on Thursday, 21 August at the Brighton campus, bringing together donors, current and former scholarship recipients, their families and senior staff in an evening of celebration and gratitude.  

The event celebrated the impact of donors’ generosity, especially in enabling scholarships that support students who might otherwise be unable to access a Haileybury education.  

Forty-nine students have had their lives transformed through the gift of a Haileybury Foundation scholarship. Many of these students were present at the event. 

Highlights included moving speeches by graduating Year 12 scholarship recipients. These personal stories emphasised how Haileybury’s academic programs and co-curricular opportunities have shaped their development, socially, academically and in terms of personal growth.  

Senior Haileybury staff and Haileybury Foundation Board members emphasised how donor support helps ensure accessibility and equity and that the School can nurture talented students regardless of their financial background. The evening reinforced the mission of the Foundation: transforming lives through education. 

In 2026, fifteen new students will commence at Haileybury and Haileybury Pangea as part of the Foundation scholarship program. It was fitting that many of these students and their families were present on the night. Each have their own stories to tell but one area in common, that without the generosity of the Haileybury community, they would not have access to the wonderful opportunities that our School presents. 

Haileybury Foundation donors are changing lives forever. Our donors come from all parts of our community including parents, alumni, past parents, students, staff and corporations. Thanks to this generosity students from incredibly diverse backgrounds have benefited from these life changing scholarships since 2010. For further information about the range of donor opportunities available and to learn more about the impact of a gift to Haileybury Foundation, please contact Russell Davidson at russell.davidson@haileybury.com.au.  

If you would like to support the Haileybury Foundation through a donation, please visit  Haileybury – Online Payments  

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This year, Haileybury’s Middle Schools brought to the stage four beloved musical classics, making this year one to remember for the students, staff, family and friends who supported the productions and made them such a resounding success.  

The Little Mermaid – Castlefield (Brighton)

In August, the Castlefield stage was transformed into a vibrant underwater wonderland for The Little Mermaid. Students dived head first into their roles, creating a magical world of music, colour and laughter.  

The Wizard of Oz – City Campus

This year, City Campus students took on a classic favourite with their lively production of The Wizard of Oz (Youth Edition) at Gasworks Theatre. Over three magical nights, Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion led audiences down the yellow brick road, exploring courage, friendship and the importance of home.

Matilda the Musical Jr. – Newlands (Keysborough)

In September, Newlands students energised Aikman Hall with their heartfelt adaptation of Matilda the Musical Jr. After months of rehearsals, the cast and crew delighted audiences over two nights. 

Alice in Wonderland – Edrington (Berwick)

Students took audiences down the rabbit hole as they enchanted audiences with three sold-out productions of Alice in Wonderland.

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In August the stage of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall came alive as more than 800 guests filled the Melbourne Recital Centre for Haileybury in Concert. The sold-out event was not just a performance but a celebration of passion, perseverance and community, with twelve Senior School ensembles performing classical, jazz and contemporary music. Behind every note performed were months of rehearsals, hours of individual practice from 316 students and the unwavering support of 62 music staff. 

A highlight included a collaborative performance between the Stage Band and String Sinfonia together with solo vocalist, Ruby, who sang ‘A Thousand Miles’ by Vanessa Carlton. The Year 12 student said, “This was an incredible opportunity to perform at one of Melbourne’s most prestigious concert venues, the atmosphere was thrilling, and I am so fortunate to perform alongside such passionate musicians that inspire me to keep growing and perfecting my craft as a performer.” 

For the first time, the evening concluded with a spectacular finale from the Haileybury Pipes & Drums, a rousing and unforgettable end to a special night. 

Events such as Haileybury in Concert are far more than performances, they are a testament to the power of music education. “Research consistently shows that participation in music fosters discipline, teamwork, resilience and creativity, while also building confidence and emotional intelligence. These qualities extend far beyond the rehearsal room, enriching every aspect of a student’s life,” explains Rodney Marshall, Director of Performing Arts and Head of Haileybury Music. 

Harley, Year 12, studies the alto and tenor saxophones and says performance opportunities such as this one have helped him to learn discipline, teamwork and resilience. “Playing alongside others requires listening, adapting and contributing to a collective sound, which are valuable lessons that go beyond music,” he says. 

While drummer Raenav, Year 11, says that the concert “pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially when playing on equipment that I wasn’t familiar with, while still striving to maintain a high level of performance.” 

For those involved, the memories made on the stage will be cherished. “The camaraderie between students, the thrill of performing in a world-class venue, the shared sense of achievement, these moments become part of each performer’s personal story. They are the memories that Old Haileyburians will recall with pride, the moments that inspire a lifelong love of music,” says Rod. 

“Nights like this remind us of the value of pausing to celebrate beauty, artistry and community. Haileybury in Concert is a celebration of our School’s commitment to excellence, the transformative role of the arts and the boundless potential of our young people,” says Rod. 

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One of OHA Week’s most meaningful moments was the presentation of the OHA Outstanding Young Alumni Awards, which recognised seven remarkable individuals across five fields of expertise. These inspiring recipients are proof of the extraordinary paths our alumni continue to forge:  

Arts

Grace Laing (OH 2018) 

Grace’s voice has been turning heads since she was young and not just in the School auditorium. As a finalist on The Voice Kids, she captured national attention with her powerful vocals and stage presence beyond her years.  

Since then, she has continued to impress and recently starred in the hit Cruel Intentions: The Musical. Grace combines passion with professionalism in every note she sings, making her a proud Haileybury alumna and an inspiring role model for the next generation of performers.   

Beau Woodbridge (OH 2020)  

Beau’s passion for performance was nurtured during his time at Haileybury, where he thrived in the School’s vibrant Performing Arts program. 

With standout lead roles in Legally Blonde and Guys and Dolls, he quickly became a familiar face on the School stage. Since then, Beau has toured nationally and internationally, performing in New Zealand and the UK.

After earning a Master of Arts from the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London, he returned to Australian stages, most recently starring as the lead in the highly anticipated Australian premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen.  

Business

Daniel Harrison (OH 2009)  

When Daniel left Haileybury, he did not have a clear career path but what he did have was a connection to a lifelong network. Through the Old Haileyburians Association, a chance opportunity in a fellow OH’s car leasing business helped him gain the training and experience that would shape his future.

He went on to spend over a decade at Toyota Finance, rising to the role of Compliance and Customer Experience Manager. In 2023, Daniel took the leap and co-founded Billiecart, a novated leasing business now proudly partnering with schools including Haileybury and St Margaret’s. His story is a powerful example of how resilience, initiative and the strength of Haileybury connections can pave the way to success.  

Tuscany Williams (OH 2010)  

Tuscany is a remarkable force in the world of golf, driven by a passion for creating and nurturing a vibrant female golf community. In 2019, she founded Women Who Golf, a global network of enthusiastic female golfers dedicated to supporting each other and celebrating their love of the game.

What started as a small community has grown into the world’s largest female-focused golf group, earning Tuscany recognition from media outlets around the globe. Always forward-thinking, she continues to explore new ways to empower and serve women golfers everywhere. 

Community

Sherman Quach (OH 2015)  

Sherman’s own health challenges during Year 12 sparked a deep calling towards healthcare. Since then, he has blended rigorous study with meaningful service, volunteering as an English teacher in Indonesia, earning his Doctor of Optometry, and completing clinical placements in places like rural India, where he worked tirelessly to combat tropical eye diseases.

Sherman’s journey is a testament not only to academic excellence but also to his generous spirit and unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.  

Sport

Luke Davies-Uniacke (OH 2017)  

Luke’s journey from Haileybury to the AFL spotlight has been nothing short of remarkable. In his final year at school, he was a key player in the Haileybury First XVIII team that clinched the premiership, showcasing his talent early on. Soon after, Luke was selected by the North Melbourne Football Club as their first pick and fourth overall in the 2017 AFL draft.

Since then, he has become one of North Melbourne’s standout players, boasting 130 games and earning the club’s prestigious Best and Fairest award in the 2024 season. Luke capped off an incredible 2025 by finishing at the top of North Melbourne’s leaderboard in the Brownlow Medal vote count, a true testament to his dedication and skill on the field.  

 

STEM

Kavinya Dissanayake (OH 2020)  

Kavinya’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, determination and breaking barriers. While completing a Bachelor of Business at UNSW Canberra, she simultaneously undertook rigorous military training, commissioning into the Australian Air Force.

Today, as a Logistics Officer, Kavinya is not only dedicated to her service but is also passionate about advocating for women in leadership and STEM. Drawing inspiration from her roots as the daughter of migrant parents, she embodies the values of service, gratitude and giving back by encouraging young women everywhere to challenge the status quo and reach for their dreams.  

Filed Under: OHA

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Experience OHA Rewards, packed with exclusive discounts and surprises just for you. As an Old Haileyburian, you will gain access to amazing deals from alumni-run businesses, and it is free to join.  

OHA Rewards is our community’s way of giving back to you, our valued OHA members, while supporting businesses owned by fellow alumni. Let’s shop, support and celebrate our network. 

OzTables offer

For Christian Klopfer (OH 1988), creating beautiful, functional furniture is not just a job, it is a lifelong passion, shaped by years of dedication, creativity and a deep respect for craftsmanship. What began as a hobby many years ago has now evolved into OzTables, a boutique furniture studio where every piece is carefully and methodically designed and handcrafted by Christian. From statement dining tables to unique custom pieces, Christian’s work embodies the kind of quality and care that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced, mass-produced world. The finishes and materials used are proudly Australian, locally made and sourced from Australian-owned businesses, reinforcing Christian’s commitment to both community and craftsmanship.  

On an environmental note, Christian has teamed up with Crafted Hardwoods, an Australian innovative world first process that creates hardwood from timber mill leftovers, available in his durable outdoor picnic tables.   

Visitors to The Epicurean Red Hill, the location of this year’s OHA Mornington Peninsula luncheon, have already admired some of Christian’s stunning tables in situ.  

To learn more about OzTables and view Christian’s exclusive offer as well as other exclusive offers for OHA members, log in with your existing website details or sign up now via oha.org.au/oha-businesses-marketplace.  

Filed Under: OHA