In the news

Middle School / Senior School Athletics Carnival

This year’s Athletics Carnival was filled with spirit, determination, and outstanding participation from students across the school. There were many highlights throughout the day, including the incredible costumes on display. From Australian icons like Vegemite to inflatable horses and dinosaurs, the creativity and enthusiasm brought so much energy and excitement to the carnival. Another standout moment was watching Year 12 student Mazlan clear an impressive 184cm in the high jump. Congratulations on achieving a new personal best — an outstanding achievement! The relays were also a highlight of the day, showcasing strong house spirit and teamwork. With many friendship groups spread across different houses, it created a fun and competitive atmosphere as friends raced against one another in good spirits. In the end, the relays were a memorable and exciting event enjoyed by everyone involved.

It was so exciting to see the participation levels throughout the day with so many students getting involved in as many events and activities as possible with the highest levels of participation HRS has ever seen! Whether students were competing on the track, taking part in field events, or cheering for their mates from the sidelines, everyone contributed to create the incredible atmosphere on the day, showing great enthusiasm and house spirit. Overall, the strong involvement from everyone helped to create an energetic and positive atmosphere, highlighting the strong sense of community and friendship within our school. We hope to see this outstanding level of participation continue to grow in the future.

The performances reflected the dedication and hard work of our students and staff throughout the semester. From the expressive and polished string ensembles to the vibrant choir performances and high-energy We are the Champions, each group brought confidence and enjoyment to the stage. Events such as the Seabreeze Festival provide valuable opportunities for students to develop their performance experience, build teamwork and connect with the wider community through music.

We are incredibly proud of all students who participated and represented Haileybury Rendall School so positively. Their commitment, resilience and passion for music were evident throughout the performance and were warmly received by the audience.

Thank you to our music staff, families and supporters who continue to encourage and celebrate our students’ musical journeys. Congratulations to all performers on a fantastic day of music-making and community spirit.

Ilona Martin
Head of Music

Cambodia Challenge

During the April school holidays, 24 students and three staff embarked on our inaugural Cambodia Challenge, an immersive experience combining cultural learning, service, and personal growth.

The group travelled through Phnom Penh before spending the majority of their time in and around Siem Reap, exploring a country rich in culture yet shaped by a complex and traumatic history. Students reflected deeply during visits to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the S21 Genocide Museum, while also experiencing the vibrancy of Cambodian life through a dinner cruise on the Mekong River and visits to the stunning temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon.

The program combined meaningful learning with engaging activities, including the Apopo Hero Rats initiative, Cambodia Wake Park, a Phare Circus workshop and performance, and a fast‑paced “Great Race” around Siem Reap. Students also embraced the opportunity to try a range of delicious local foods.

The defining element of the trip was the three days spent working with the NGO Husk in Kompheim village. Here, students moved beyond observation to genuine contribution. Together, they worked side‑by‑side to construct a home for a local family, gaining a deeper appreciation of both the physical effort required and the significance of secure housing. Equally powerful was their time in the classroom, where students planned and delivered English lessons to local children, building confidence, connection, and shared joy through learning. These experiences were described by students as the most meaningful of the trip — moments that were “rewarding and unforgettable” and “incredibly special.”

Students spoke of being inspired by the warmth of the community, noting that “the Cambodian people are warm, welcoming and beautiful.” Many reflected on the trip as “immersive, transformative,” and “a defining moment” in their time at school, with many students sharing a desire to “go back to Cambodia in the future.”

The Cambodia Challenge was an extraordinary experience — one that fostered gratitude, perspective, and a lasting sense of global citizenship. Our students now look to find ways to build upon their learning to support the people of Kompheim from Darwin through upcoming social justice initiatives.

Brendan Evans
Director of Activities