Community

The recent Haileybury Foundation Thank You event was a resounding success, celebrating the generosity of donors and the transformative impact their support has on the lives of our 32 Haileybury Foundation Scholarship students. Held in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the event brought together a gathering of donors, current and former beneficiaries of Haileybury Foundation scholarships, their families and senior Haileybury staff. 

Guests were treated to an evening of delicious canapés and drinks while connecting with fellow members of the Haileybury community. The highlight of the evening was a series of heartfelt speeches delivered by current and past students who have directly benefitted from the generosity of Foundation supporters. Each speech was a reminder of how these scholarships open doors to an exceptional education and life-changing opportunities. 

The student speakers shared personal stories of how Haileybury’s educational experience has shaped their futures, highlighting the critical role that donors play in making these journeys possible. From enhanced academic pathways to co-curricular opportunities, the scholarships have left a lasting impression on their personal and professional growth. 

We thank our alumni and student speakers for their contribution: 

Haftu Strintzos (OH 2018) – former Haileybury Foundation Scholarship recipient 

Britastina Heiskari (OH 2024) – HPFK Scholarship 

Ryan Zhang (OH 2024) – Gary Bailey Memorial Scholarship 

Senior Haileybury staff also expressed their gratitude to the donors, underscoring how this continued support ensures that the School remains accessible to talented students, regardless of financial background.  

The Haileybury Foundation Thank You event was a true celebration of giving
and its profound impact, leaving all attendees deeply connected to the ongoing mission of transforming students’ lives through education. 

Members of the Haileybury community who are interested in learning more about Haileybury Foundation can contact Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Russell Davidson at russell.davidson@haileybury.com.au.  

Volunteers are the heartbeat of countless Australian organisations, devoting their precious time to enrich communities and expand the reach of all sorts of efforts. Research shows that volunteering brings deep personal rewards, volunteers tend to feel more connected to their communities, are less prone to loneliness, and enjoy benefits like lower stress levels and even reduced risk of cognitive decline. Interestingly, volunteerism often runs in families, with many volunteers inspired by parents who led by example.  

A 2022 study by Volunteering Australia revealed the top reasons people volunteer: to make a difference, to help their community, for social connection and to use their unique skills. We see all these reasons reflected in our current volunteers, who support students across our campuses in countless ways. From encouraging young readers, arranging community events, sewing costumes for the musical, to manning the barbecue in the early morning chill, or even preserving school history in our archives. These people are not only volunteers — they are the spirit and backbone of Haileybury’s legacy. 

In the Haileybury Heritage and Archives Department, we are eager to make volunteering not only accessible but truly rewarding for those who join us. In 2025, the Heritage and Archives Department is launching new, meaningful volunteer experiences. To do this, we are actively listening to the needs of prospective volunteers and crafting opportunities that benefit both our volunteers and the school community. We want everyone involved to feel that their time with us is enriching, purposeful and fulfilling. 

The Heritage and Archives Department is an important resource documenting Haileybury’s history in the form of photographs, recounted stories, old uniforms, artwork, books, sports equipment, trophies, student and alumni achievements, records of events and so much more.  

Nina Kamenev (OH 2014) volunteered for the archives team after graduating from the School. “It was an incredibly rewarding experience. Having the opportunity to give back to the school that I graduated from by helping preserve its history for future generations was incredibly important to me,” she said. 

“My time there not only strengthened my connection to the School’s legacy, but the variety in the scope of work allowed me to solidify my own research, organisation and project management skills. The opportunity played a strong part in my decision to complete my masters and career change into information management. I came away with a deeper understanding of the important role Haileybury played in so many graduates’ lives and a strong sense of pride in being part of the preservation of its story.”

The Heritage and Archives Department at Haileybury is thrilled to be enhancing and growing our volunteer program. For those who have already expressed interest, we thank you. In early 2025, we will be sharing even more about how you can join us. Together, let’s preserve and celebrate Haileybury’s rich history for future generations. 

If you are interested in getting involved please email:
Matthew Wootton (Chief Archivist)
matthew.wootton@haileybury.com.au. 

Being a volunteer of a parents and friends group can mean juggling busy schedules, organising events, and always being ready to lend a helping hand. Yet, the rewards are immeasurable — creating lasting connections, positively impacting students’ experiences, and building a sense of unity among families, staff and students alike.  

Lenice Norris has done just that and has been an incredibly inspirational and long standing leader as President of Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough (HPFK). Lenice is a dedicated mother of two Haileybury alumni, Ethan (OH 2023) and Joshua (OH 2024).  

With her sons’ time at Haileybury now complete, Lenice is stepping down and passing on the reins. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and admiration for Lenice’s service and invite you to read some reflections from those who knew Lenice best.   

“As the Head of Campus at Newlands for 11 years, I was privileged to meet Lenice, firstly as a parent and then as the president of the Parents and Friends group. Initially this role was for the Newlands campus (HPFN) before expanding to include Senior School at Keysborough (HPFK). Lenice worked tirelessly in this huge role whilst holding a full-time professional career of her own. Her organisation skills were second to none, and she drove many initiatives including year level coffee mornings for parents, class events for families and the support of all school activities throughout the year with sausage sizzles, pancake days, Christmas stalls, presentation of graduation gifts and operating the uniform shop to name a few. 

“Lenice had two mantras: ‘Everything we do is about the students,’ and ‘We are friend raisers first; fund raisers second.’ This resonated with families at Haileybury Keysborough and many of the parent community embraced the opportunity to be involved as a committee member, to meet other parents and to assist at events. It is indeed a tribute to Lenice that we had the largest numbers of parent involvement in the Parents and Friends during her time as president. 

“Perhaps Lenice’s biggest legacy as the President of the HPFK is the establishment of regular, significant, financial contribution to a Foundation scholarship which allows students, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, to experience a wonderful education at Haileybury. 

“Personally, I am very grateful for all that Lenice achieved for the Keysborough campus and for Newlands in particular. Lenice was always positive about the School, and most importantly we had a lot of fun together creating an intentionally welcoming environment for the parents, staff and students at Newlands and Keysborough Senior School.” Jane Gibbs 

“Lenice was a truly dedicated and long-standing leader who always went above and beyond in her role, working long hours and welcoming everyone in our community. The committee was constantly busy supporting the School with numerous events, but nothing was ever too much for Lenice. We shared a lot of fun moments, and serving on the committee under her leadership was an incredible experience. It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside her.” Linette Grossi 

“Lenice stepped up to join the HPFK at a time when the entire committee was newly formed. She brought a much-needed renewed energy and fresh perspective to the role. Within months, she revitalized community engagement by introducing new events, enhancing social media presence and successfully launching new fundraising initiatives. She also took on the management of the Second-hand Uniform Shop, streamlining its operations and guaranteeing its continued success. 

“Congratulations, Lenice, on your success with the HPFK and the Second-hand Uniform Shop. You will be greatly missed, and your efforts have set a high standard for the future. Thank you for your years of service and care. Wishing you all the best in your next adventures.” Kate Smith 

Each year, more than 2,000 of Australia’s best young riders compete at the Australian Interschool Championships. The event is a showcase for the country’s most promising equestrians, with perhaps a future Olympian or two in the making taking to the arena. 

Three students from the Melbourne campuses and Haileybury Pangea took part in the 2024 competition in Tamworth, alongside three students from Haileybury Rendall School representing the Northern Territory. 

“The Haileybury equestrian team has had strong representation at this prestigious level for around 15 years, says Wendy Jeffree, Head of Equestrian. 

“The qualification process is rigorous and preparing two athletes – the horse and rider – to be fit and capable takes time and effort, and it is also very difficult to put on your best performance when you are coping with nerves and a new environment. The support of the riders’ families also can’t be under-estimated – it’s a vital part of the sport.”

Avril (Year 11) began riding when she was four-years-old and joined her local pony club. With her horse, Bella, Avril won the National Champion 2* Eventing title. 

“My parents were both involved with horses and my siblings rode, too, so I was bound to start riding at an early age. I aim to train most days after school and always compete or train on the weekends. The hardest part of competing was ensuring that Bella felt good after the 15-hour journey to Tamworth from home. Luckily, she travelled well and the highlight of the event for me was galloping around the cross-country course.”

Pearl (Year 9) got her first pony when she was five-years-old and hasn’t looked back. She was awarded the National Champion 1* Combined Training title. 

“My Mum was a high-level eventing rider and I began competing myself when I was nine. I train every day for three to four hours with my coaches or on my own and I spend most weekends away from home at competitions. I’ve qualified for the Nationals for the past three years but this was the first year I was actually able to compete – last year, a week out from the event I had a bad fall while training and broke my collarbone. I was very happy to finally make it this year with my horse, Red Rue. At the beginning of the year, he had to undergo chemotherapy and had multiple hospital stays so I had less than two months to get him to peak fitness. What I enjoy most about equestrian is how special the bond is between a rider and their horse.”

While she received her first pony when she was eight, Annabelle (Year 8), who attends Haileybury Pangea, began truly learning to ride when she was 11-years-old and began competing a few years later. 

“I’ve always loved horses and now train for around 15 to 20 hours a week. Competing in my first Australian Interschool Championships this year with my horse, Willow, was very exciting and I was so proud to represent Victoria and to be able to compete at a national level. My training throughout the year helped prepare me for the Novice Intermediate Dressage event – that included consistent training and turning up to ride no matter what challenges or weather conditions I faced! There were a lot of highlights such as representing my state, making new friends and meeting Pearl and Avril for the first time.”

Each year, Haileybury’s hard-working equestrian team goes from strength to strength and the number of horse enthusiasts across Haileybury continues to grow. The team is always happy to accept budding new equestrians who would like to develop their skills in the arena and continue the school’s success in the saddle. 

Right now, somewhere on the International Space Station, there are mushrooms. 

They’re not for the astronauts on board to cook and eat for breakfast as they orbit 400km above Earth. These special fungi have been prepared as part of an experiment by Haileybury students who are keen to discover how the fungi will grow and adapt in space. 

They are carrying out the experiment in the latest stage of the Swinburne Haileybury International Space Station Experiment (SHINE) program. 

The program is now in its sixth year and brings together budding school scientists with astrophysicists from Swinburne University who work together to design, test and build experiments destined for the International Space Station. 

More than 40 Haileybury students have so far worked alongside researchers to develop experiments that have explored everything from the nutritional values of space-made yoghurt, the effects of microgravity on tooth decay, and how to grow microgreens in space.

In the latest experiment launched in August, excited Haileybury students watched a rocket payload containing their fungi – Lion’s Mane, Turkey’s Tail and Cordyceps – blast off on board the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of a NASA cargo resupply mission headed to the International Space Station. 

The experiment was featured on A Current Affair on Monday, 26 August and Haileybury students also feature in a new documentary about the emerging space industry called Fortitude. 

“I’ve been really interested in space for a long while, so I think being able to actually contribute to this investigation — it’s kind of a dream come true. I stayed up until 1.30 in the morning to watch the rocket launch and it was amazing” said Tana (Year 11). 

The fungi experiment is being led by Swinburne astrophysicist, Dr Sarah Webb, who is interested in exploring how fungi could support astronaut health for long-duration space missions. She believes mushrooms are not only a potential source of nutrition in space, but their root systems could also be compacted down and be used as building materials. 

She envisages a time and place in space when mushroom farms could appear on the surface of the moon or Mars. 

“Hopefully one day we’d have a little colony on Mars and  potentially all over the galaxy,” agrees Year 11 student, Jessie, who also helped develop the fungi experiment.  

Dale Murchie leads the SHINE program at Haileybury and says it attracts dedicated students from across the School who are fascinated by science and space. As part of the program, students also complete micro-units from Swinburne University that deepen their interest in space science. 

“Students help design the parameters of experiments for SHINE and we receive the scientific data back from the experiments and they then analyse and learn from that information,” says Dale. 

“The mushrooms will be in space for about a month and work is already underway on the next experiment that will launch into space in 2025. That will build on a previous experiment growing microgreens in space. In that experiment, students discovered that a certain type of clover grew better in space than it did on Earth and the next experiment will delve further into why that was the case.” 

To find out what happens to those mushrooms currently on the International Space Station, watch this space!