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Since its first year in 1892, Haileybury has always been an aspirational school with an aspirational community. It is one of the key elements that has enabled the school to evolve and change to meet the expectations of each generation of students.
This edition of the Haileyburian highlights the bold aspirations of our students and their families, our staff, and the School itself across all of One Haileybury’s different campuses and schools.
One example is the Haileybury/Swinburne space partnership which for the sixth time has seen a group of Year 11 students put an experiment onto the International Space Station. This year it is a fungi experiment that has further developed the students’ mushrooming interest in, and engagement with, science.
Just as some of the students working on the space experiment will head off to leading international universities, so will some of our fine sports competitors. Indeed, eight students who have graduated from Haileybury’s highly successful basketball program are currently studying at US universities on scholarship programs. This is on the back of a remarkable four boys basketball premierships in a row. This is a record in the 33 years that boys basketball has been an APS premiership sport.
Girls basketball also has an outstanding record with three premierships in the last six years. The first Haileybury girls’ school captain, Dayna Schinz, was also the first girls’ basketball captain. Dayna has been teaching at Haileybury for 12 years and is a wonderful example of Haileybury’s aspirational teachers. She is now leading
the way as a Digital Learning Leader, Senior School and teaching at Haileybury Pangea – a part of Haileybury’s ambition to be a leading online school catering for the many and varied needs of students today. Another of Haileybury’s Digital Learning Leaders, Dominika Kaputska, won the Education Rising Star Award at the Australian Education Awards. Dominika is hugely inspirational for her students but also set herself the goal of working at Haileybury when she moved to Australia from Canada. We are very glad she was successful in this goal!
As a school we are always focused on the opportunities for all Haileybury students and the commitment to the concept of One Haileybury – operating under a shared set of values. A fine example of One Haileybury was the school equestrian championships which were held in Townsville this year. Haileybury had six students competing, representing both Victoria and the Northern Territory and coming from Haileybury Rendall School, Darwin, Haileybury Melbourne and Haileybury Pangea. It is a lovely story about the breadth of the Haileybury community. A second example is the wonderful story of the 20 students from Haileybury Rendall School who spent time at Haileybury Tianjin. Friendships were forged, fun was had and as Louis from Haileybury Tianjin said “it felt like we were not just sharing knowledge, but also building a deeper connection across borders.”
There are many more stories in this Haileyburian including wonderful Old Haileyburians such as Oscar winner Adam Elliot (OH 1989). I hope you enjoy reading about our marvellous, aspirational, One Haileybury community.
Derek Scott CEO | Principal
Welcome Matt Dwyer
Haileybury’s sports program is one of the largest school sports programs in the country.
However, there’s always room to improve the player experience, as well as expand the range of sports on offer, so every student can be part of a program they enjoy at a level that suits them.
As part of his role, Matt Dwyer, Haileybury’s newly appointed Head of Sport (One Haileybury), is bringing significant grassroots, national and international sports expertise to build on Haileybury’s existing sports program across campuses.
Matt’s goal is simple – to ensure every student has a memorable and enjoyable sporting experience, whether they aspire to become an elite athlete in traditional or competitive sports, want to exercise to keep active, or wish to pursue a passion like yoga or rock climbing. He also wants to make the sports program rewarding for the staff who coach and support students.
Matt is leading the development of a five-year sports strategy for Haileybury that will cement what the program already
does well and build and broaden those strengths. It will take onboard the views and ideas of students, their families, and the staff who already deliver 38 sports across year levels and campuses. It is about providing more choice and wider opportunities for Haileybury students.
“We want all students, parents and teachers to have strong and happy memories of their involvement in sport at Haileybury. The sports program is already expansive and inclusive and we want to continue building on that and ensure there are always opportunities to advance and evolve what sport means to Haileybury.” shared Matt.
“We’re keen to find out what students, families and staff specifically want from sports, so we can build a program for everyone. Some of our students will have a goal to be an Olympian or to play soccer or cricket for Australia or to play in the AFL and AFLW. What role can Haileybury play in helping those students towards that goal?
“We also want to support students who simply want to play the sport they love as best they can, and equally, we want to
recognise students who want to be active and who don’t want to pursue traditional team sports and find activities like pilates, golf or rock-climbing more to their liking.”
Matt joins Haileybury after decades in senior sales, marketing and sponsorship roles with major consumer and sports organisations including Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). As the inaugural Chief Tennis Officer with Tennis Australia, Matt was accountable for growing and improving tennis participation in Australia from grassroots to Grand Slam level.
Choosing to work in education, rather than to continue his career in the corporate or sports world, is a proactive career switch that Matt is passionate about.
Matt is also intent on ensuring the new sports strategy means teachers receive the support and professional development they need to build their own coaching skills and confidence. He also hopes a greater range of sports experiences will help create memories for young people with their families.
Haileybury’s staff and students continue to exceed expectations year after year, making strides across all areas of the school and setting a high standard for the future. While we could fill volumes with the incredible achievements of the Haileybury community, here is just a taste of some of the amazing things accomplished this year.
Haileybury
Australian Education Awards
In August, at the 2024 Australian Education Awards, Haileybury claimed the title of Primary School of the Year (NonGovernment) for the fifth time.
Dominika Kapustka
Australian Education Awards
Dominika Kapustka (Teacher and Middle School Digital Learning Leader) was awarded the Education Rising Star of the Year, recognising her significant contributions to and influence on the school community. (Turn to page 24 to read more about Dominika and her teaching career.)
Vinay (Year 12)
Science Olympiad Trifecta
In July, Vinay achieved High Distinctions in all three Science Olympiads: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Completing three intensive exams within four days is no easy feat, but his outstanding results place him among the top students in Australia, and earnt him an invitation to the Australian Olympiads Summer School.
“It feels really good to have received a high distinction in the three Olympiads. Each Olympiad had some challenging questions, but I thought the problems were interesting and enriching to solve. I am looking forward to the chemistry summer school and learning more about chemistry and potentially being selected for the national team” said Vinay.
Kayla (Year 11)
Plain English Speaking Award (PESA)
After only participating in the first round in 2023, Kayla was awarded runner-up at the 2024 PESA competition, a national event for students aged 15–18.
“I decided to take part again due to my past experience and love for public speaking. I saw it as an amazing opportunity to be able to address current issues and educate others on topics I’m passionate about,” she shared.
Kayla’s entry addressed pressing issues on the topic of domestic violence. “I recognised the extremely toxic nature of male platforms that were actively promoting violence against women. Fundamentally, I believe every person should be in a respectful and healthy relationship without violence or fear of violence,” she said.
Karshin (Year 12)
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
In October, Year 12 student Karshin completed the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This is the highest level of a program designed to build skills, resilience and leadership. Participants design their own program to fulfil a variety of activities and experiences.
Karshin’s program included weight training for physical development, website programming as a skill, and leadership roles in his local youth and STEM clubs for community service. To complete the award, Karshin embarked on a multi-night expedition to Wilsons Promontory – a walk in the park for a Gold DoE recipient!
Alexis (Year 11)
Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Haileybury’s production of The Addams Family has recently received a number of nominations from the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria, earning callouts in over 20 categories for their production back in May.
Alexis, who played Alice Beineke, received recognition for an impressive four categories including Best Supporting Female Performer, Highly Commended Performer, Best Solo Song, and Best Performance in a Supporting Role.
The category winners will be announced mid-December, where Haileybury is also due to receive a special award for original and creative artwork design for The Addams Family.
BIOTech Futures Award
Winning Bee Health App
A team of students from Keysborough campus have won the Victorian stage of the BIOTech Futures Challenge with their innovative smartHive, a futuristic beehive equipped with sensors and cameras.
Designed to combat the threats posed by Varroa mites to Australia's bee population, the smartHive provides beekeepers with real-time information on hive conditions and automatically detects parasites.
Team members Vinuka, Joshua, Saad and team leader Brandon, all in Year 10, highlighted the urgent need for such technology, as Varroa mites have devastated bee colonies in New South Wales and were recently detected in Victoria.
On Friday, 18 October Haileybury Pangea celebrated the graduation of their second ever cohort of Year 12 students. In a ceremony held at the David Bradshaw Chapel at Haileybury’s Keysborough campus, 20 of the graduates attended alongside their families and teachers, followed by a Valedictory Dinner in the Langford Pavilion.
Joanna Baker, Head of Campus at Haileybury Pangea, shared her excitement of the evening with us. “It was delightful to see our students and families gather to celebrate our Haileybury Pangea Class of 2024 at Haileybury’s Keysborough campus. Each of our graduates has had a unique journey through their final years of schooling, and it has been an honour to share in this journey and see students
grow and flourish. We can’t wait to see what they do next.”
VCE can be demanding, requiring hard work and perseverance. However, with a determination to succeed, it can also be filled with unforgettable moments. For this group, some of their best memories included meet ups in the Year 12 virtual common room, and looking forward to particular classes with great classmates. The General Achievement Test (GAT) and the following soiree that evening were also highlights, where the students had a chance to connect with faces that, until then, they had only seen through the screen.
Next year, many of the graduates will be undertaking tertiary studies in a variety of
areas, including commerce, engineering, law and the arts, whilst others aspire to study abroad, start their own business, or continue pursuing sports on the national and international stage.
Looking ahead to 2025, Haileybury Pangea already has 33 Year 12 students ready to begin their final year of studies, with this number likely to grow in the coming months.
Congratulations and well done to the Haileybury Pangea Class of 2024.
Head over to the digital edition to hear what some of our graduates are getting up to in 2025
On Wednesday, 25 September,
Haileybury Senior School Tianjin (HSST) welcomed 20 students and four staff members from Haileybury Rendall School (HRS) for a shared experience in language, learning and connection. This inaugural nine-day China study tour for HRS students offered a deep dive into Chinese history, language and culture, with a three-day, two-night visit to the Tianjin campus. Though brief, the visit left a lasting impact on students from both Darwin and Tianjin, sparking friendships that have continued to grow.
For a day, the students shared classes, mealtimes and even some extracurricular activities. The students from both campuses were thrilled with the connections they made and enjoyed noting down the similarities and differences in their day-to-day school lives.
“My buddy from HRS is Kong Seng (Year 9). I am glad I could introduce him to Haileybury Tianjin. Together we experienced a whole day of being a HSST student. By the end of the day, he complained to me that the mathematics tasks were too hard for him. When we ate I tried to teach him how to use the chopsticks, but I found out that he knows how to use them already!” remembered Ryan (Year 10, HSST).
“When it came time to leave, we gave each other our email addresses and we are still contacting each other now.”
Charles (Year 12, HRS) said, “Since many students at Haileybury in Tianjin do the VCE just like us, their classes were incredibly similar to how ours are administered. However, what I really took note of was the fact that there were designated sections of the school that were ‘English only.’ I was also pleasantly surprised by the proficiency of the students’ English, and we were able to effectively communicate with each other in both English and Chinese.”
Zoe (Year 10, HSST) said, “I spent a wonderful time with my buddy, Maria (Year 10, HRS). She shared with me the culture of Australia and I taught her some Chinese. I took her to taste noodles in the cafeteria and taught her how to use chopsticks. Although the process was difficult, the result was good. We went to a band activity class and even sang together. This was a truly unique experience.”
At 4.00 pm, after classes finished for the day, it was time for an AFL lesson from the Aussies.
“We all went out to the sports area and taught our new buddies how to play AFL, which was much harder than expected. Handballing was a new concept. Despite a few hiccups with the rules, we had plenty of fun with what turned out to be a mix of NRL/AFL since Tianjin doesn’t have any goal posts,” shared Hayley (Year 10, HRS).
Louis (Year 12, Haileybury Tianjin) had the pleasure of sharing the two days with Charles and William (Year 12, HRS). “We bonded over meals of delicious Chinese food, laughed and sweated together while playing AFL and engaged in meaningful conversations about each other’s cultures. It felt like we were not just sharing knowledge, but also building a deeper connection across borders. To commemorate, we exchanged souvenirs — small tokens that now carry the warmth and joy of our friendship. This experience will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
Kong Seng summed up the visit in one clear sentiment. “Leaving Tianjin was bittersweet, as we had made so many friends, learned so many things and seen and experienced a different culture in such a rich way.”
At Haileybury’s Early Learning Centre (ELC), children experience a wide array of learning opportunities throughout the year, often driven by their curiosity. This emergent curriculum allows students to explore topics that interest them. This year, a simple observation of bees sparked questions that led to an exploration of the vital role bees play in our environment.
It all began when the children noticed bees busily working around the gardens. Their natural curiosity led to discussions about bees — where they live, what they do, and why they are so important. Eager
to find out more, the children set out on a bee hunt, crafting theories about where they might find bees around the expansive Keysborough grounds. The adventure quickly revealed a fun fact: bees don’t seem to enjoy playgrounds, as they were never spotted on the slide or swings!
What they did notice, was that the bees really liked being around flowers. This realisation helped to start a conversation about flower pollination and how it is essential to sustaining our natural environment. Bee pollination helps plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another. Without bees, many
of the foods we eat — like fruits and vegetables — would not grow as well, leading to a drop in food production. If we did not have bees, we could lose important plants and food, which would hurt both the environment and us.
These discussions naturally evolved into a focus on the role of bee hives, and the ELC was able to tap into the unique resources available to them through Haileybury Hive.
The Haileybury Hive program, based at Newlands, consists of active hives managed by Middle School students and dedicated Hive Coordinators. The
children were able to visit the hives, observe how bees work and learn how to maintain hive health. These experiences gave them a first-hand look at the importance of supporting bees and their habitats. The students even discussed ideas like creating ‘bee corridors’ (a series of connected green spaces, like gardens, parks, or wildflower areas) and planting flowers that encourage pollination.
Returning from the hives, the ELC set to work preparing a show using all their newfound knowledge, called ‘1, 2, 3 Save the Bees’. Through lively songs the students performed for their families and friends, sharing important messages
about sustainability and the role everyone can play in protecting the bees.
This project has not only been fun and but has also encouraged the students to make real contributions to sustainability within their local environment. Through curiosity and hands-on learning, the ELC students have embraced the buzz and learnt valuable lessons about nature and their role in preserving it for the future.
t’s a common dream for many young people around the world to one day represent their country in the Olympics, and Haileybury has been lucky enough to see some of our Alumni and staff make it all the way. Back in August, Junior School students across Haileybury were exposed to a taste of all things Olympic as they took part in an Inquiry unit dedicated to understanding the history, values and significance of the games.
The unit was designed to cover several areas of focus: the history of the Olympics; the various formats of the games (such as Summer, Winter, and Paralympics); inclusion and equity; and Olympic values. The schedule was jam-packed with thoughtprovoking activities, from an exploration of fun facts about the ancient Olympics and comparing them to the modern games, to unpacking the personal stories of past Olympians, such as Cathy Freeman and Eric the Eel. The students researched the origins and symbols of the games, discussed costumes, traditions and performances of host nations, and even designed their own ideas for future Olympic sports.
Nicole Cunningham (Head of Junior School Inquiry) and Christine Pogue (Head of Junior School Wellbeing) were the forerunners of the unit. They told us that the primary goal was to engage students in a current and relevant event while building on their inquiry skills. By discussing Olympic news, watching highlights, and connecting classroom lessons with real-world events, students were able to bring their own knowledge into class conversations.
“There was a real buzz about the classrooms each morning as we caught up on the overnight updates. The unit really deepened the students’ understanding of how our core values of respect, kindness, empathy, honesty and trust reach beyond the classroom and have an impact on a much larger scale,” Nicole and Christine shared.
Each campus took the Olympic theme a step further, placing their own twist on the activities. At Edrington, a miniOlympics allowed students to put their
knowledge into practice. “We held a mini-Olympics event which was a huge success. Each class created their own class (country) flag which represented them. We had a torch relay, opening ceremony and of course a range of events. It was wonderful hearing our students discuss the different Olympics events they watched on television. They were incredibly excited about seeing Australia compete against the rest of the world” said Michele McGill (Head of Junior School at Edrington campus).
At Newlands, Year 4 students teamed up with their Prep buddies for their own Olympic Games. This gave the older students the chance to embrace mentorship, and it was superb to see them take their guiding and coaching role seriously.
A highlight of the unit came when Newlands campus welcomed three Olympians from Haileybury’s Old Haileyburians Association (OHA): Stuart Carruthers (OH 1987, Hockey Olympian),
Victoria Na (OH 2008, Badminton Olympian), and Josh Beaver (OH 2011, Swimming Olympian).
“The students were awestruck. The three Olympians recounted stories of their own experiences at school and how Haileybury had played an important role in their journey to success, not just in their chosen sporting field but in the development of character,” said Nicole and Christine. “The OHA Olympians loved being invited back to speak with our students, and we would like to thank Russell Davidson (Director of the OHA) for his help in making this happen.”
The Olympians even shared memorabilia, including medals and a replica torch, which thrilled the students when they were given the opportunity to hold these pieces of grandeur. And who knows, perhaps we will see some of those students on the world stage one day with their own medal.
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!
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
"What I enjoy most about equestrian is how special the bond is between a rider and their horse.”
Pearl (Year 9)
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.
Haileybury’s 1st basketball team has enjoyed an exceptional run of success over the past few years. This season, the team secured their fourth consecutive APS Premiership, a rare feat that has only been achieved once before by Haileybury during the 2002–2005 seasons. Not only did the 2021–2024 teams match history, they cemented their victory by remaining undefeated throughout the season with an impressive 11–0 record. Earlier in the year, they also claimed the Victorian Schools 3x3 championship and reached the finals of the Champions Cup.
It is safe to say the team dominated the APS season, winning their closest game by a 15-point margin. Standout players like Keyaan (Year 12), Nick (Year 11) and Thomas (Year 11) earned spots on the APS representative team, with Keyaan, in his third consecutive year on APS team, being named captain. He led his
squad to a comfortable victory over AGSV, capping off an incredible season.
Among the season’s highlights was the team’s ability to handle pressure in big games. Last year, they stumbled against Wesley College in the final game, missing out on an undefeated season and sharing the APS premiership. This year, the team returned with vivacity to make a statement, defeating Wesley by over 30 points.
Team Manager Duncan Berg attributes the team’s success to consistency and strong player development and has been watching the team develop for over 10 years.
“We had a group that was already very good in 2018 and 2019, the boys trained hard, and we entered 2020 confident that we had an excellent team. It was disappointing when that season was cancelled due to COVID-19. After a win in the shortened 2021 season, half of that team graduated, followed by the other half in 2022. To have gone through these transitions and still be successful is something we’re very proud of.”
Because of the continuous turnover, maintaining consistency in the message and teaching has been key to smooth transitions from one group to the next. Head coach Rhys Carter, who brings experience from his role as assistant coach with Melbourne United in the NBL, has been a major asset to the program. The students’ access to his high-level coaching, combined with a strong focus on discipline and respect, has helped establish a winning culture at Haileybury.
“Without doubt having a group of talented players has also been a big factor of our success. We have also been lucky to have a number of boys follow their brothers through the program. In several cases, as one boy is reaching the end, his younger brother is coming through and learning from successes, and mistakes, of past groups,” Duncan shared.
Another eight Year 12 students are set to graduate this year, but the squad has a number of Year 11s who have been successful over the past two years and are ready to step up and welcome fresh players.
One early loss from the team is Owen (Year 11), who will be heading to the U.S.A. later this year to complete high school, while Keyaan is already training with Melbourne United and will soon decide whether to pursue college basketball or follow a professional path.
Several graduate players from recent years have gone on to pursue basketball careers at U.S. colleges, including Kobe Williamson (OH 2019) at Seattle University, Leyi Adebayo (OH 2019) at Princeton, Bailey Nunn (OH 2022) at Sacramento State, Jensen Bradtke (OH 2022) at Montana State, Beau Tranter (OH 2022) at Oklahoma City University and Brody Nunn (OH 2020) who has recently returned from Seattle University and is now a development player with the Tasmania JackJumpers.
All in all, Haileybury’s basketball future looks bright, and the goal for next year is a simple one — clinching that fifth consecutive APS Premiership and the brand-new record that comes with it.
In mid-September, Haileybury City’s production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe transported audiences at the Malthouse Theatre straight into the magical world of Narnia. Performing three shows, students took to the stage bringing to life a story that blends magic, adventure, and bravery. But before one can step through the wardrobe, that wardrobe must be built!
Jane Marshall, Head of Drama at City campus talked us through the preparation that went into the show.
“My vision was to create the magic of Narnia and contrast it with the reality of the world the characters had just left. I wanted the audience to see the personal development of the characters and children as they explored the new land and faced challenges”.
Rehearsals started back in May, with auditions kicking off in Week 4 of Term 2. Over the months that followed, the cast and crew threw themselves into the work, steadily building the story, the set and their performances.
Of course, a show like this couldn’t come together without a lot of work behind the scenes. “We had a creative crew who worked every week on props and some set pieces. Three students then worked backstage each night assisting the students and staff” Jane shared.
Performing at the Malthouse Theatre was also an extremely exciting opportunity. The students were thrilled to be in such a professional space, and they treated it with the respect it deserved. “Seeing them perform on that stage, filled with energy and commitment, was an incredibly special experience” Jane said.
When asked for a glimpse into moments where the students had outdone themselves, Jane was quick to affirm “all the time! The battle was probably the biggest moment though, as the entire cast all marched on, lined up then fought. We had been working on creating sword fighting routines and to see it all happening at one time was amazing”.
The most challenging—and perhaps most impressive—scene was Aslan’s resurrection at the Stone Table. The table broke in half, with Aslan disappearing in front of the audience’s eyes, all thanks to some very clever puppetry and hidden cast members. It was a stunning piece of stagecraft.
More than anything, this production was a chance for the students to grow—not just as performers, but as individuals.
“As performers I hope they continue to use their imagination and work on developing their dramatic skills” said Jane. “As individuals, I hope they continue to build on their cross-age friendships they have made; they continue to apply kindness and determination to everything they tackle, and they remember to always be brave and support the people around them”.
Head over to the digital edition to catch a video spotlighting The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The 2024 Graduate Art Exhibition was more than just a showcase of final artworks — it was a celebration of resilience, growth and creativity. The exhibition displayed the works of Visual Arts students across the Senior School, and even showcased artworks by Haileybury Rendall School students in Darwin. From carefully crafted wooden products and detailed paintings, to contemporary architectural structures and snappy film masterpieces, the imagination, resourcefulness and ingenuity of Haileybury students never ceases to amaze. On Tuesday, 15 October 2024, Visual Arts Captains Sid (Year 12) and Eve (Year 12) took the stage to officially open the exhibition and share their reflections on the year.
Sid spoke initially about the space that Haileybury’s Visual Arts department has provided him and his classmates to push boundaries and find their voices. He acknowledged the challenges and moments of doubt that every artist faces, noting that it is often through these challenges that real growth happens. “Art is never a straight path,” he shared. “The creative process teaches us that it’s okay to make mistakes — it’s often in those mistakes where we find the most powerful inspiration.”
For Sid, this year represented a period of personal and artistic growth. He reflected on the influence of his teachers, particularly Mr Hicks, who has been a constant pillar of support for the class. “His guidance has shaped who I am both as an artist
and as a person,” Sid said, expressing gratitude on behalf of all his peers. Sid encouraged attendees to see the artworks not just as finished pieces but as the conclusion to a year-long journey.
Eve echoed these sentiments, adding her own reflections on the hard work that went into the evening’s exhibition.
“There have been a lot of late nights, Red Bulls, tears and emotions on the journey to finishing these subjects,” she confessed, “but the opportunity for us to share our work with those we care about made it all worthwhile. It means so much to me, not only as the Art Captain but as an art lover, that you’ve come tonight to celebrate our hard work.”
Eve also paid tribute to the teachers and technicians who played a pivotal role in supporting the students throughout the year. “For both of my teachers, Mr Hicks and Mr Delmenico, the sky was the limit for what I could do,” she said. She also extended her thanks to the dedicated art and media technicians — Miss Balletta, Mr McCormack and Mr Downward — who were instrumental in helping the students navigate their folio subjects.
Eve concluded with a final, simple statement “Our time together has been wondrous, and I’m so immensely proud of all of us. Our Friday afternoon classes will be a fond memory in the future.”
Dominika Kapustka currently teaches Year 5 Mathematics at Haileybury Pangea and serves as a Digital Learning Leader. She supports over 150 staff members across Haileybury’s four Melbourne campuses, helping them integrate technology into their teaching practices. Dominika also leads an AI Mastery Series, which is delivered through a blended learning model to staff working with students from ELC to Year 12 across Melbourne, Pangea and Haileybury Rendall School in Darwin. In 2024, she was the well-deserved recipient of Rising Star of the Year at the Australian Education Awards.
"Every student is a mathematician, nurtured, inspired to think deeply, and solve problems with confidence and curiosity."
What inspired you to become a teacher?
It was my Grade 3 teacher who truly inspired me to pursue teaching. Her approach centred on building strong
relationships, ensuring that every student felt supported in their learning. She became my role model, and I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps and make a similar difference in the lives of my own students.
How did you find yourself teaching in Australia?
After high school I undertook a Bachelor of Science and Education program in my hometown, Winnipeg, Manitoba. I was inspired by cooperating teachers’ stories about teaching abroad, and so explored international opportunities. In my fourth year, I became the youngest candidate accepted into the teacher exchange program. This opportunity allowed me to teach at the International School in Athens under expert mentors.
When I graduated I felt an eagerness to explore more of the world’s education systems. I wanted to teach in a schoolage setting, focus on either English or French-speaking communities, and—admittedly—find a place with nicer weather after 20 years of snow. One evening, I Googled, "What is the best school in the world?" and found Haileybury. Its focus on academic excellence and international outlook intrigued me. I landed in Melbourne just six months later.
Shortly after arriving a recruiter recommended me for a contract position at Haileybury, Berwick and my dream of teaching in a great-world school became a reality.
Can you share a memorable moment from your teaching career?
One of the most memorable moments in my teaching career happened during the Covid-19 lockdowns. My students, without me knowing, organised a surprise birthday party on Zoom. They decorated
their backgrounds with balloons and signs, and every single one of them wore birthday hats. It was such an unexpected and heartwarming gesture during a difficult time. Their thoughtfulness and really touched me and reminded me of the deep connections we can form as teachers, even in challenging circumstances.
How do you keep your teaching methods fresh and innovative?
I stay committed to keeping my teaching methods fresh by actively engaging in ongoing professional development. I also value feedback from my students; after trying new strategies, I always check in with them to see if they found the approach engaging and helpful. Lately, I have been particularly fascinated by the rapid advancements in AI, and I enjoy exploring how it can benefit both students and educators. One of my favourite uses of AI is generating images tailored to student interests, which I then incorporate into problem-solving activities.
What advice would you give to new or aspiring teachers?
Remember the reason you chose to become a teacher and hold onto your ‘why.’ There will be challenging days but keeping that purpose in mind can help you stay grounded. Don’t be afraid to try new approaches, make mistakes and grow alongside your students.
How do you like to spend your time away from the classroom?
Outside the classroom, I love taking on DIY projects around my home. One of my recent favourites was building a catio, allowing my cats to safely enjoy the outdoors without bothering my chickens! Dancing is another passion of mine — I take weekly tap, hip-hop and contemporary dance classes. It is the perfect way for me to unwind, move my body and clear my mind after a busy day.
Casey Marshall is one of our brilliant Junior School teachers and is currently the Deputy Head of Junior School for Pastrol Care and Administration Haileybury City. In 2024 Casey taught the Year 2 cohort at City campus.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
In 2015, I moved to Ballarat to play basketball for the local team. As part of the program, the CEO at the time liked the players to be active members of the community, either by studying at a local university or working in town. Through a turn of events, I ended up working at the Ballarat Specialist School as a teacher’s aide, assisting students with a range of additional needs to access the curriculum.
Within my first week, I had the privilege of working alongside a teacher in the Middle School. Each morning, the students would walk in from being dropped off, slowly walk to their classroom and enter. From the moment the students saw their teacher, however, their entire energy changed. Their smiles lit up the room, they suddenly began talking and laughing to one another, and the way they interacted with each other was incredible.
The environment that teacher created in his classroom completely changed the students’ attitude and outlook. He created a safe and inclusive environment where students of all ability levels could learn, laugh, make mistakes and, most importantly, loved coming to every day.
A year later, I started my Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching.
How do you create an engaging and inclusive classroom environment?
Creating an engaging and inclusive environment changes dramatically each year as it is so dependent on the specific cohort. What I have done this year is different to last year and although some aspects will be similar for next year’s class, I am sure there will be some new ones as well.
Two particular aspects that haven’t changed throughout my teaching career centre around care and focusing on the process, not the product, of learning.
There is a popular saying in education, ‘Children don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ It only takes a lesson or two to realise this as some of the most pivotal breakthroughs have happened after a check in chat or after linking the weekly writing topic to a student's weekend hobby.
Through focusing on the process of learning, students learn the importance of making mistakes, persevering through challenges and the power of reflecting on their own growth. These behaviours highlight that every student (and teacher) is at school to learn.
is the
Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of being a teacher is seeing the incredible amount of growth each student achieves each year. Although it is often more obvious to see a child’s academic growth by looking through their book work or their assessment data, seeing the development in their social skills or how they navigate through challenges is similarly wonderful to see and an aspect that will assist them throughout their lives.
What advice would you give to new or aspiring teachers?
Despite it being called teaching, I feel it is so important to continue to be a student of the profession. Whether it is observing other teachers teach, looking at patterns within assessment data, talking to other teachers about specific issues or seeking feedback, each little area of growth made in one's teaching practice is compounded throughout the following years.
Dayna Schinz (OH 2007) is a proud Haileybury alumni. She was the inaugural Haileybury Girls School Captain, and since graduating has spent 12 years teaching Maths, Science and Biology, most recently at Haileybury Pangea, where she teaches Senior School Science and VCE Biology alongside her role as Haileybury Digital Learning Leader.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
As a student, I cherished my time at school and adored the opportunity to ignite curiosity and nurture the same love for learning, especially in science, that I experienced throughout my education. I love the chance to create a positive and supportive classroom environment, where students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Can you describe what the role of Digital Learning Leader is?
As a Digital Learning Leader at Haileybury, we provide educational leadership to enhance the use of technology in teaching and learning. This includes supporting teachers with technological tools such as Office 365 and our Canvas LMS, while fostering a collaborative online environment across the school community.
How do you create an engaging and inclusive classroom environment?
I always aim to create a sense of belonging where every student feels valued and included. I am a warm and approachable person, and building strong relationships with students helps make them feel more connected and motivated, especially in my online classes. As much as possible, I try to engage students in active learning by using hands-on activities and practical experiments where students can experience the scientific theory being taught firsthand. As a Digital Learning Leader, I also enjoy integrating the latest technology to enhance student learning and make lessons more dynamic and accessible.
Can you share a memorable moment from your teaching career?
One of my most treasured memories was the opportunity to take a small group of Haileybury Science students to the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, South America. This experience was the pinnacle of my career as a biology teacher, allowing my colleagues and I to travel with like-minded students to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The Galapagos Islands played a crucial role in Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection and provided a real-world context to the study of evolution taught in Year 10 Science and VCE Biology. Our stay with a remote host community in the Amazon Rainforest, only accessible via canoe, was a life-changing experience for both staff and students.
What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher for you?
The joy of witnessing students’ development, both academically and personally, is unparalleled. As an old girl, knowing the school’s values and culture, I am so grateful to contribute to Haileybury’s legacy. It is so deeply fulfilling and rewarding to play a part in the growth and success of our incredible students.
What advice would you give to new or aspiring teachers?
A crucial piece of advice would be to build relationships with your students and colleagues, to not only create a supportive classroom but also a supportive working environment. As a teacher, it is also important to be firm but fair. To achieve this, you must establish clear expectations and boundaries with your students from the beginning and consistently reinforce them. This advice also comes in handy as a mother of a toddler!
How do you spend your time away from the classroom?
I live in a small town on the Mornington Peninsula and enjoy the lifestyle that the region offers. I love spending time outdoors and at the beach with my two and a halfyear-old son who keeps me very busy. I am so grateful to be able to teach online at Haileybury Pangea and the flexibility it affords me to blend my professional and family life.
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.
Jane Gibbs, Head of Newlands campus 2012-2022
“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.”
Linette Grossi, HPFK volunteer
“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.”
Kate Smith, HPFK volunteer
“Lenice stepped up to join the HPFK at a time when the entire committee was newly formed. She brought a muchneeded 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."
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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 lifechanging 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
If you would like to support the Haileybury Foundation through a donation, please scan the QR code.
MILLIE HOGBEN (OH 2013)
President of the
Old Haileyburians Association
As the calendar fills with a flurry of events and the year draws to a close, we reflect on another successful year at the OHA, with the introduction of new services and programs to enhance our member experience. The OHA Study Relocation Fund supported 39 Haileybury Graduates from the Class of 2023 in relocating to 19 universities. We continued our support for the Haileybury–Rendall Exchange Program, assisting four families visiting their children on exchange. Our Hearts on Fire program continues to build momentum in its second year, connecting current Year 12 girls with recent graduates.
The newly launched Community Grants Program offers financial assistance to alumni facing hardships, health challenges
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
Russell Davidson (OH 1986)
russell.davidson@haileybury.com.au +61 3 9904 6140
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
OPERATIONS LEAD
Kylie Phillips
kylie.phillips@haileybury.com.au
+61 3 9904 6615
and family crises, as well as grants for volunteer projects and charitable initiatives. Our OHA Clubs had a successful season, with the OHA Women’s Hockey team winning the 2024 Premiership and the OHA Football Club winning the 2024 VAFA Premier B Premiership.
We also launched the OHA Stay Connected Award, recognising Year 12 students for their outstanding contribution to the Haileybury community. We are pleased to announce our inaugural recipients as Tom Gale and Kate O’Dwyer for embodying the essence of the ‘stay connected’ principle. We eagerly anticipate presenting the awards for Haileybury Rendall School and look forward to expanding the award across Pangea next year.
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE EVENTS
COORDINATOR
Cristina Zannoni
cristina.zannoni@haileybury.com.au +61 3 9904 6141
DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT AND DATA COORDINATOR
James Green
james.green@haileybury.com.au +61 3 9904 6000
OHA COUNCIL
President: Millie Hogben (OH 2013)
Vice-President: James Kemper (OH 2012)
Treasurer: Ian Clydesdale (OH 1977)
Councillors: Melissa Allen (OH 2009)
Pavneet Arneja (OH 2006)
Clayton Ford (OH 1991)
Brenton Loughnan (OH 2012)
Simge Ozkul (OH 2015)
Brad Petry (OH 2001)
Shankar Pillai (OH 2006)
Zara Scammell (OH 2022)
Looking to the future, we are excited about upcoming initiatives, including our Entrepreneurship Program to kickstart fledgling businesses of Haileybury graduates, and an Internship Program to support young alumni in gaining valuable industry experience. The reignition of our Young Ambassador Program will engage and seek feedback from our young alumni, providing opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills.
As our alumni association continues to innovate, we encourage you to reach out, share your story, and know that we are here to support you. Remember to ‘stay connected.’
OHA SOCIALS
@oldhaileyburians
@oldhaileyburians
@haileyburyschool
The Old Haileyburians Association are community focused allies of the School, passionate in staying connected with Alumni and the broader Haileybury Community beyond the School Years. Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.
Staying Connected: Physically, emotionally and virtually by caring for community beyond Haileybury.
Supporting Dreams: Through mentorship, networking and connection.
Providing a Home: With a place of belonging and purpose giving meaning to like-minded members.
Beau was only seven or eight years old when he started singing lessons and taking classes in musical theatre. He soon took his first steps on stage, too, at his local performing arts school.
“I played a very enthusiastic starfish in some numbers from The Little Mermaid!” says Beau.
He has come a very long way since that first on-stage experience and Beau was recently revealed as the lead in the Australian premiere of the Tony Awardwinning Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen.
The achievement is the result of years of hard work, with Beau routinely performing and touring Australia and New Zealand, and later working in the UK after graduating from Haileybury in 2020.
“My family have always been extremely supportive, taking me to classes and sacrificing their time for me. I’m very happy to be bringing this show to Australia where my friends and family can see me perform.” says Beau.
Dear Evan Hansen is the powerful coming-of-age story of a socially anxious high school student who finds himself
in the spotlight when he inadvertently creates a role for himself at the centre of a local tragedy. It has won six Tony Awards. Beau will play the shy and timid highschooler who is ashamed of his social anxiety.
Beau received a call at three o’clock in the morning telling him he had won the lead role.
“I’d been studying in London at the time and was completing my MA in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music. I answered the phone and my team here in Australia gave me the good news. Even though I had a long day of work ahead of me, I didn’t get any more sleep that night,” says Beau.
“It’s a very vocally demanding show, so at the moment I am just building up my stamina and singing the show’s material six days a week. I want to become very familiar with it so I can play with that material when I’m in the rehearsal room with the very talented and creative cast,” says Beau.
While his focus is now firmly set on bringing Evan Hansen to life, Beau also has strong and fond memories of his performing arts experiences at Haileybury.
“I played Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at Castlefield, and Emmett Forest in Legally Blonde during Year 11 at Keysborough,” he says.
“However, a standout for me is probably a production that unfortunately never saw the light of day due to COVID-19. It was a parody play of Harry Potter called Puffs and while we were looking forward to putting that on, everyone had a great time during the rehearsal period.”
The opening night of Dear Evan Hansen was held in Sydney on 17 October and arrives in Melbourne at the Playhouse Theatre in December.
ADAM ELLIOT, FILM-MAKER (OH 1989)
In his latest animation, Memoir of a Snail, Academy-Award winning writer and film-maker, Adam Elliot (OH 1989), continues to champion the misunderstood and life’s misfits.
Adam Elliott sat in the theatre at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival earlier this year and nervously waited for the audience reaction to his latest film, Memoir of a Snail. It was the film’s world premiere and as the credits began to roll, the audience rose to their feet to applaud Adam’s story of Grace – a hoarder with a passion for snails.
“The standing ovation was a real shock because we had no idea how the film was going to be received and animation fans can be very critical and analytical,” says Adam.
“The film that premiered the night before got a standing ovation, deservedly so, and I thought ‘Gee, I’ve never had one of those. That would be nice!’ For everyone to stand in a thousand-seater audience was quite incredible. I didn’t know where to look! A lot of my crew were there and it was very emotional, rewarding and a huge relief.”
Adam joined Haileybury’s Keysborough campus in Grade 6 and says his time at the school was ‘formative’.
“I wouldn’t be doing this interview had I gone to another school. Haileybury gave me so many opportunities – from drama performances to doing the cartoons for the school magazine and I had wonderful art and drama teachers like Stewart Bell, Graham Bennett and Janet Strachan,” he recalls.
“I knew from an early age that I wanted to do something creative with my life and I did Art and Drama to Year 12. I was terrible at sport and I was forced to play football and cricket, which I loathe! But so many facets of Haileybury gave me confidence and I felt supported and encouraged the whole time.”
After graduating, Adam studied animation at the Victorian College of the Arts and discovered stop-motion – where handmade figures and props are meticulously moved and photographed one frame at a time to eventually create a seamless story on screen.
“It allowed me to make my first feature film but it was a hard act to follow. It made me feel a bit of a fraud and insecure and terrified that I wouldn’t be able to do it all again. So I tried not to think about awards and focused on writing the best script I could which resulted in Mary and Max. I work one film at a time and remember my Dad’s advice which was ‘make them laugh, make them cry.’ That’s my simple ambition with each film.”
“At the same time, I rediscovered some old notes from my journals about a friend of mine who was born with a cleft palate and I was going to make a short film about her because, as an adult, she became a very confident and extroverted person. However, as a child she was extremely shy and bullied and teased and I was interested in how she transformed herself. About 16 drafts later, these things merged together.”
“Make them laugh, make them cry”
Adam Elliot
Adam’s latest film, Memoir of a Snail, follows that same ambition. It charts the challenges and tribulations of Grace Pudel, a lonely hoarder who collects ornamental snails and books. Separated from her twin, Gilbert, at a young age, Grace is then beset by anxiety and hardships. But life takes a welcome twist when she begins a lasting friendship with an elderly eccentric called Pinky whose lust for life is infectious.
Adam writes from his home in the CBD and aims to write a page a day, which translates to about a minute of screentime. He is naturally drawn to creating characters like Harvie and Grace who aren’t natural heroes.
Adam toiled away at his craft but became a household name in 2004 when he won the Oscar for best animated short film with Harvie Krumpet.
“Until then, I’d made three short films all under 10-minutes long and they won prizes, but when Harvie won the Oscar, suddenly I lost my anonymity. I never thought it was possible for someone like myself to win an award like that and it completely changed my life,” he recalls.
Sarah Snook, Jacki Weaver, Kodi SmitMcPhee, Jacki Weaver, Eric Bana, Magda Szubanski, Tony Armstrong and Nick Cave all lend their voices to the stopanimation’s quirky characters.
“The film is an amalgamation of a few people in my life – my mother is a mild hoarder and when my Dad passed away, he had three sheds full of stuff, so he was a bit of a collector, too. I’m fascinated by people who collect things they don’t need but attach sentimental value to them,” says Adam.
“I’m more interested in people’s imperfections and in underdogs who are perceived as weird or eccentric but who learn to embrace their imperfections. I want the audience to put themselves in my characters’ shoes and to have empathy and to start to understand what it might be like to be born with a cleft palate or autism.
“We all have a flaw we wished we didn’t have that we have to learn with. In Mary and Max I wrote the line ‘you’ve got to love your warts and all’ and I still believe that. There’s no point wasting time in feeling sorry for yourself and trying to fit in. We all have to embrace our weirdness.”
We were thrilled to celebrate OHA Week in August once again with our vibrant school community.
OHA Week is a cherished week for our Pre-Senior and Senior School students, providing them with the opportunity to connect with their alma mater, reflect on the achievements of those who have gone before them, and explore the benefits of their OHA membership for life beyond Haileybury.
Throughout the week, students enjoyed a variety of carnival games, interactive activities, engaging presentations and the ever-popular tasty food trucks. The goal was to raise awareness of the OHA brand and facilitate connections with alumni across diverse fields. This initiative was a tremendous success.
A highlight of the week was the presentation of the OHA Outstanding Young Alumni Awards. We proudly celebrated the accomplishments of six exceptional alumni across five fields of expertise:
> Arts: Lincoln Hilton (OH 2010)
> Business: Jess Abraham (OH 2018)
> Sport: Tory Taylor (OH 2015) represented by his brother, Ashton
> Sport: Oscar Piastri (OH 2019) represented by his mother, Nicole
> STEM: Kenji Fujihara (OH 2013)
> Community: Lily Ford (OH 2019)
These recipients have excelled in their respective fields, demonstrating outstanding achievements and embodying the values of youth today. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tory, Oscar and Kenji for their inspiring video messages.
The OHA Generations Breakfast at the Haileybury Brighton campus was another memorable event. It was heart-warming to see grandparents, parents, students and staff come together to celebrate Haileybury’s rich history. The morning was filled with delicious food, family portraits and the beautiful music of our talented String Quartet. Our Hearts of Fire event was a standout success, providing current Year 12 students with invaluable insights from alumni about post-school life, from university pathways to gap year opportunities. A special thank you to Jess Abraham (OH 2018), Melissa Allen (OH 2009), Freya Stills-Blot (OH 2022), Mackenzie Liddell (OH 2023), Jorgia Mellon (OH 2023), Ruby O’Connell (OH 2022), Zara Scammell (OH 2022) and Sarah Tan (OH 2023) for their generous contributions.
The Class of 1994 had a fantastic time celebrating their 30 year reunion at the Haileybury City campus. It was wonderful to see old friends reconnect, reminisce and relive fond memories.
The OHA Mornington Peninsula Lunch provided a spectacular conclusion to OHA Week. Sixty members of our community gathered for a delightful three-course meal and drinks at Jackalope, one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most picturesque vineyards. The stunning views, excellent food and lively company made it an unforgettable event.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our volunteer alumni and OHA Council members, whose dedication shapes the future of our Association.
Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.
The Class of 2004 celebrated their milestone 20 year reunion 1 2 3 5 8 9 4 6 10 7
1. OHA Tasmania Chapter dinner
The Tasmanian Chapter dinner at the Landscape Restaurant in Hobart commenced the back half of our 2024 event calendar. It was a wonderful occasion, and our alumni had a fantastic time catching up with each other while enjoying a delicious three-course dinner. One of the reasons we love hosting events is when we receive positive and unsolicited feedback: “The best part of the night was networking and reflecting on our experience of the School and how it has changed.”
2. OHA Week
celebrations in Darwin
We had a fantastic time celebrating OHA Week at HRS in July. Senior School students enjoyed a range of interactive activities, including a silent disco, a photo booth, captivating presentations, and a variety of delicious food trucks. The day provided awareness of the OHA brand and demonstrated to our students that the Haileybury community will always be there for them.
We concluded the day with a memorable chapter dinner, welcoming alumni living in Darwin along with senior staff from HRS.
3. OHA City campus
Generations Breakfast
It was wonderful to see grandparents, parents, students and staff come together and celebrate their history at Haileybury. Families enjoyed a delicious breakfast, family portraits, beautiful music of our talented String Quartet, and a competitive fast paced kahoot on Haileybury’s history.
4. Sursum Corda Society evening
The annual Sursum Corda Society gathering was held this year in the magnificent West Tower Suite at Sofitel Melbourne. It was a marvellous networking opportunity for CEOs, business owners and members of the Haileybury Society. With over 60 attendees joining us, the night was filled with inspiration and valuable connections.
Thanks to our guest speakers: Ghislaine Entwisle, Managing Director and leader in technology consulting and business performance improvement
Adam Beavis (OH 1993), CEO at Databricks
Jithma Beneragama (OH 1994), Strategic Advisor at Amazon Web Services
5. London event
Old Haileyburians thoroughly enjoyed connecting globally at the OHA London Event with Haileybury CEO | Principal Mr Derek Scott.
6. OHA Perth Chapter dinner
Lamont’s Bishops House was an ideal venue to catch up with our Perth Chapter. Members enjoyed a delightful threecourse dinner while catching up with fellow alumni. It was a beautiful evening filled with laughter, connection and great company.
7. OHA Golf Day
A massive thank you to the 120 players who participated in the annual OHA Golf Day at Southern Golf Club in challenging blustery conditions.
Congratulations to Ben Murdoch (OH 2023), who won the Hattam-Metherall Trophy, and to our runner-up Jai Elcock (OH 2019).
We also extend our applause to our winning group: Archie Barrie (OH 2023), Arthur Wernham (OH 2023), Ben Murdoch (OH 2023), and Cooper Ford (OH 2023).
A special shout-out to Scott Doran (OH 1984) and Tim Doran (OH 1984) – Forty Years on winners, Mark Lockwood – Staff winner and Hayden (current student) – Best Young Player.
We are incredibly grateful to Mercedes-Benz Berwick and KPA Lawyers for their generous sponsorship and to all the players for making it such a fabulous day.
8. Class of 1989 – 35 Year Reunion
There was a fantastic turnout for the Class of 1989’s 35 year reunion at True South in Black Rock. It was a fabulous afternoon filled with laughter and nostalgia. Memories to cherish forever.
9. OHA and Archives event
Over 30 Haileyburians attended our second OHA and Foundation Archives event at Haileybury’s Jim Brown Centre in Keysborough. It was a journey through time as we showcased our extensive archives collection, and enjoyed captivating presentations, a guided school tour and a special morning tea and lunch.
10. Class of 2004 – 20 Year Reunion
at the magnificent City campus. Special thanks to current staff member Mr Philip Crowe for attending. Attendees thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting and reminiscing with one of their favourite teachers.
Our graduates, young and old, living around Canberra joined together for a delicious dinner at The Wine Bar. It was terrific having four former students from HRS and three graduates from the Class of 2023 enjoy a fantastic opportunity to strengthen networks in the nation’s capital.
The Sydney Chapter gathering was hosted by our amazing Sydney Chapter Ambassador, Giles Borten (OH 1985) and wife Nicole, at his stunning home. It was a fantastic opportunity for Old Haileyburians to reunite and relive special moments together.
The Class of 1974 thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting at their milestone 50 year reunion with a delightful morning tea and tour of the Keysborough campus before being formally welcomed into the Clark Club.
What a marvellous afternoon the 14th annual Clark Club Luncheon was, celebrating the life of Brian ‘Weary’ Clark with those who had graduated more than 50 years ago. With 190 Old Haileyburians in attendance, it was particularly poignant as we paid tribute to Brian’s widow, Gweneth, who sadly passed away two weeks beforehand.
One gentleman from the Class of 1962 offered the following: “Thank you for the work and energy you expended in ensuring such a wonderful event at Kingston Heath on Friday last. This was my first attendance at the Clark Club luncheon and won’t be my last — most impressed with the warmth of the welcome we received from all we encountered from the moment we entered the facility together with the mood of the whole of the attendees, very much what Haileybury is all about. It was pleasing to note the number of comments I received regarding the wearing of my 1962 blazer. It obviously brought back many memories.”
Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.
Shehani Fernando (OH 2010) and Maruthan were tickled pink with the birth of Shyla Mary on 15 March 2024.
Kristie Cyza (née Kakavoules) (OH 2014) and Jeremy announced the safe arrival of their baby girl, Lucy Magdalena, on 28 May 2024.
Kenneth Allan (OH 1957)
In 1970 Ken joined Victoria Police where he rose to the rank of Chief Inspector. He served in several roles including as a Detective and a Police prosecutor before retiring in 2001. Ken’s was a life well lived.
Grace Parish (née Stanton) (OH 2017) and Darcy welcomed their baby boy Tommy Leo to the world on 13 July 2024.
Courtney Nguyen (née Alexander) (OH 2011) and Kevin were delighted to share the birth of their first beautiful baby, Zoe Susan, on 22 July 2024.
Massive congratulations to:
Stephanie Karavasil (OH 2012) and Jordan
Tayler Kennedy (OH 2015) and Jake
Andrew Creek OAM (OH 1961)
James Douglas (OH 1970)
John Guthrie (OH 1957)
Adam Martin (OH 1983)
Dean Nottle (OH 1970)
Rodger Moore (OH 1962)
