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From improving the rights of female refugees to space debris, Haileybury Pangea and Haileybury Rendall School students recently stepped into the world of international diplomacy during a Virtual Model United Nations (MUN) Summit.  

Supported by the Monash University International Affairs Society, the MUN allowed Haileybury Pangea students from Years 5–10 and Year 8 students from Haileybury Rendall School to debate real-world issues. 

The students were given a country to represent and presented arguments and amendments, negotiated alliances and voted just like real-life UN representatives. One topic was shared in advance to encourage research and preparation, while the second was revealed on the day, challenging students to think on their feet.  

The event enabled students to gain confidence and skills such as research, debate, teamwork and leadership.  

“It felt like there was a good half hour of no talking and then everyone was talking; when we got to the final resolutions there was an abundance of hands,” said Felix, Year 7. 

This is the first time that Haileybury Rendall School and Haileybury Pangea students have collaborated for an online MUN event. It follows on from another first when earlier this year Haileybury Pangea students collaborated online with Melbourne-based City and Berwick students to explore the geopolitical consequences of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. 

The events have encouraged the sharing of ideas and new connections. “The students were highly engaged and worked closely with one another to forge alliances and gather support for what their country was trying to achieve. As an intra-campus event the students were very collaborative and felt comfortable because they still had their campus peers around them,” said Chris McCullough, Haileybury Pangea teacher. 

 “I really appreciated the chat function in Zoom, as I could privately reach out to different countries,” explains Charlotte, Year 10. 

Chris hopes MUN will open new possibilities for the students, including potential career and study paths. “This is a stepping-stone event, opening up students to consideration of global issues and their solutions, the development of a global perspective and global citizenship.” 

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. 

Palmerston, NT, locals are being greeted by a burst of colour and culture when they catch the bus thanks to Year 8 student Karen. She entered her artwork in the prestigious Deadly Designs competition at the Palmerston Youth Festival in July with her design chosen to decorate a Northern Territory community bus.  

The Deadly Designs competition invited young artists to create NAIDOC-inspired artwork, celebrating both creativity and culture.  

Karen’s artwork was inspired by her cultural heritage, with her grandmother playing a large part in nurturing her interests. “My grandmother taught me how to use art to tell a story,” she explains.  

It is important to Karen to include symbols such as waterholes, rocks, meeting circles and water in her artwork. These elements, which also formed part of her winning piece, reflect her cultural heritage and the importance of storytelling through artistic expression.  

“I wanted people to feel inspired by my art and feel like they were a part of a journey,” she says about her design. 

Jacinta McFee, Deputy Head of Health and PE and House Coordinator explains, “What made Karen’s design stand out was the deep connection to culture and the way she explained the meaning behind her artwork. It’s not just about decorative patterns, it’s about sharing a story and honouring her community.” 

The moment Karen learnt her design had been chosen was unforgettable. “I was shocked and then I felt really proud,” she recalls. “I knew the bus would be driven around town and it could share my design, my story and my culture.” 

For Karen, this achievement is not just a personal milestone, but a proud moment for her family and community. 

Karen’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling though art, creativity and celebrating cultural identity.  

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