News

As always, the Haileyburian showcases the extraordinary opportunities that Haileybury students avail themselves of. Importantly, it is the breadth of opportunities which enables each student to find multiple points of engagement with school life.  

The breadth and depth of a Haileybury education have been recognised by News Corp, with the school being ranked as the number one co-education school in Australia.   

It was particularly inspiring to read the “Why we love school” section in this edition with comments from students, staff and families.   

Importantly, as well as the student anecdotes in this Haileyburian, it is clear that on a broader scale our students love school. This year’s Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) LEAD surveys are confirmation of that. 

Highlighting the breadth of opportunities that News Corp noted in ranking Haileybury as the top co-education school in Australia, the Years 5 to 11 student survey saw the students give an average of 8.50/10 for the question that “school provides plenty of opportunities for all students to participate in co-curricular activities.” The ISV average was 7.99. 

The survey saw the students give an average of 8.24/10 for “I am happy to be at this school.” The ISV average was 7.6/10. It was a similar result for “I am proud to be a part of this school” with Haileybury students 8.42/10, ISV 7.62/10.   

On the very important question of “My school is a safe place to learn,” the Haileybury student average was a pleasing 8.40/10 compared to ISV 7.96/10. 

The positive data from the student survey is reflected in the many wonderful stories told in this edition of the Haileyburian. I am sure you will enjoy reading it. 

Haileybury has celebrated a remarkable 2025, with both boys Football and Basketball teams and Girls Athletics winning APS premierships. 

Haileybury’s First Boys Basketball Team achieved the extraordinary milestone of winning five consecutive APS premierships. “This is an unprecedented achievement in APS basketball history,” says First Team Basketball Manager Duncan Berg.   

Under the guidance of coach Rhys Carter, the team finished undefeated, maintaining a winning streak that extends from August 2023. “Over the past five years, the team has compiled an APS record of 48 wins and just two losses, both by narrow three-point margins,” says Duncan. 

The journey was not without challenges. The 15-player squad, with students from Years 9–12, started the season with the challenge of replacing eight graduating Year 12s.  

A key moment was when the Haileybury team won by a narrow margin against a fast-finishing St Kevin’s College. “It served as a crucial reminder that we needed to play our best basketball every week to stay ahead of other talented and well-coached APS teams,” says Duncan. 

“We faced many other capable and skilled teams each week, but through holding ourselves to our own high standards and relying on one another on different weeks, we were able to stay together and undefeated across the APS season,” says Nick, Year 12, Captain of the Firsts Basketball. 

A focus on fostering talent and team building has helped build their success. “We identify young talent early and integrate those players into the program immediately,” explains Duncan. “I’d like to acknowledge our coach, Rhys Carter, who has led the team since January 2020. Rhys has continued to evolve as a coach, bringing fresh ideas and adjustments each year that have kept us ahead of the competition,” he says. 

The Football program, led by Head of Football Senior School (Boys) Peter Shakallis and Coach Matthew Lloyd, enjoyed a standout season, reclaiming the premiership after a narrow miss in 2024.  

The team’s success was the result of long-term hard work, with the squad of 40 players training twice a week since last November. 

The players faced intense challenges, with close-fought matches and injuries, but throughout the season they supported each other and were able to stick to their game plan, even under pressure. Highlights included a thrilling one-point win over Xavier, a premiership replay victory against Brighton Grammar on Anzac Day, and a comeback win against Melbourne Grammar, overturning a five-goal deficit to secure the title. 

“A clear and effective game plan, developed under the leadership of Matthew Lloyd and a trusted coaching team, has earned the belief and buy-in of the players, driving performance and unity,” says Peter. 

Team Captains, Louis and Jack, thanked all those involved. “We couldn’t be prouder of the effort, growth and camaraderie that defined this season.”  

A highly successful athletics season culminated in October with the Haileybury Girls Athletics team winning the APS trophy. On the day they secured victory in one of the closest contests in years, with just six points separating the top three schools. 

“On APS finals day, it was the team-based performances highlighted by personal bests and consistency in performing that helped to win us the day,” says Chair and Head of Athletics, Mark Reed.  

Over the season the girls also won medals in the Athletics Victoria Schools Relay Championships and Schools Challenge. It was a season distinguished by outstanding teamwork and genuine mutual support. Out of the squad of 120 girls from Years 7–12, many younger athletes stepped up to compete in older age groups with multiple students also achieving personal bests. 

“This triumph represents more than just athletic success, it symbolises the strength of Haileybury’s Athletics team culture, one that has been built over the past years with the commitment of its coaches, and the unity of a program built on a shared ambition,” said team captain, Angelia, Year 12. 

Haileybury athletes train year round, with up to ten athletics sessions each week across all campuses, primarily based at Keysborough 

“It was the best team performance I have seen in 36 years coaching at APS.  It was an experienced and caring group of coaches that brough out the best in our athletes,” commented Mark. 

In August Haileybury was honoured to be named the Primary School of the Year – Non Government in the prestigious Australian Education Awards. This was the sixth time that Haileybury has won the award. 

To celebrate we asked the school community to share what makes Haileybury so special to them. 

“I love reading groups and spelling because I love learning new words”, Sienna, Prep, City

“I love Art and Science because you do things like experiments,” Clodagh, Prep, City 

“I love it because my teacher Mrs Jackson is so kind and helpful. Another thing is that my friends and classmates are funny and dazzling.” Sebastian, Year 1, Castlefield (Brighton) 

“I love PE because it helps us exercise,” Destiny, Year 1, Edrington (Berwick) 

“I like choir because we learn to sing,” Aaron, Year 1, Edrington (Berwick) 

“I love Haileybury because of the kind-hearted people that work here,” Lena, Year 2, Newlands (Keysborough) 

“I love Haileybury because I get to go on very exciting excursions like the one up to Chesterfield Farm and they are very fun,” Jayden, Year 2, Newlands (Keysborough) 

“At Haileybury I like writing because I get to express my ideas,” Emily, Year 3, City 

“I love Haileybury because every time I go there my teacher helps me whenever I’m stuck with a question,” Eamon, Year 3, Newlands, (Keysborough) 

“I love PE because I love learning new games and building my running skills.” Eponine, Year 4, Castlefield (Brighton)

“All my teachers at Haileybury are very understanding and always make learning educational and fun.” Theo, Year 4, Castlefield (Brighton)

“Haileybury is not only academically strong but also attentive to students’ social, emotional, and physical development, while engaging families in the process. This holistic approach has made a very positive impact on our children and on our family as a whole.”  Huidi and Lifeng, Castlefield (Brighton) 

“What we appreciate most is that while academic excellence is fostered, equal emphasis is placed on ensuring that the students genuinely enjoy their time at school and develop a love of learning. The students work hard but also have moments of fun and new experiences.” Jonelle and Adam, Newlands (Keysborough) 

“We love  Haileybury’s Junior School for the way it nurtures both the academic and personal growth of our children. It’s a place where curiosity is encouraged, and learning feels exciting, meaningful and tailored for each of them. We know this from the excitement and joy they share at the end of the day on pick up.”  Michelle and Sam, City