From supporting a children’s carnival to mentoring younger students, Haileybury students are stepping up to make a genuine difference in their community, while gaining invaluable life lessons along the way. 

“While students are making a positive impact on others, they’re also sparking a cultural shift within themselves,” explains Bronwyn Harrop, Head of Social Justice. “They are building new perspectives, deepening their empathy, and expanding their understanding of the world around them.” 

At the heart of this growing culture of service is Haileybury’s Hearts & Hands committee, a group of student volunteers from Years 9–12, across all Melbourne campuses, who want to be involved in hands-on community engagement. Working alongside the Fundraising Committee, these programs are designed to raise awareness of societal inequities and inspire students to be part of the solution.  

In March, more than 40 students supported ‘The Biggest Playdate’, an event organised by a Haileybury family to raise funds for the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre. Students donated chocolate treats for stalls and volunteered their time to run games and activities for children and families at the Aspendale Community Centre. 

“The best part of the day was being together with students from across all campuses to put a smile on the faces of kids and parents,” said Cooper, Year 12.  

Students were proud to contribute to the collective effort, which raised an impressive $86,000 for the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre. 

“It was great to give back to the community and inspiring to see that we can make a difference,” added George, Year 12. 

Haileybury’s commitment to giving was also recognised through its success in the NAB Schools Challenge, with students invited to attend the Channel 7 Telethon for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Students led fundraising initiatives, and with support from the Old Haileyburians Association and the wider community, $13,453.00 was raised. 

Beyond one-off events, students are committing to sustained impact through The Smith Family’s student2student program. “This evidence-based initiative improves literacy and confidence for younger students through structured, peer-to-peer mentoring,” explains Bronwyn. 

This year, after receiving training, 32 Haileybury students have volunteered to provide twice-weekly online reading support over an 18-week period for children who are behind in literacy.  

The program allows students to make genuine contributions to closing the educational gap for disadvantaged students while developing their own communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 

Central to these experiences is the philosophy of ‘Be the Change’ which encourages students to take initiative and responsibility in improving their communities. “Through ongoing reflection and action, Haileybury students are becoming socially aware and ethically driven individuals, equipped to make a meaningful difference,” says Bronwyn.