600 Student Nights Under the Stars at Lake ArgyleLast week, the Outdoor Education Department wrapped up an incredible month-long adventure at Lake Argyle, marking the successful completion of our Year 9 Outdoor Education program. Across three weeks, our Year 9 students spent six days immersed in the spectacular Lake Argyle environment. Students journeyed by sea kayak and canoe to remote campsites, where they set up camp, fished for their dinner and cooked meals over the fire. There was plenty of swimming, laughter and encouragement, including many students taking the leap of faith off jump rock. Beyond the adventure and excitement, the program provided students with countless opportunities for growth. Throughout their journey, students developed greater confidence and knowledge in camping, caring for themselves, each other and the environment. They demonstrated incredible resilience, stepped up into leadership roles and strengthened their connections through teamwork, encouragement and shared experiences. Most importantly, students and staff had an absolute blast! The memories, challenges and achievements shared on the water, around the campfire and under the stars will undoubtedly stay with our students for years to come. We would like to extend our enormous thanks to all the staff who contributed to making this experience such a success. Their dedication, energy and commitment made it possible for our Year 9 students to have such a memorable and meaningful experience. What an incredible way to finish Haileybury’s progression of Outdoor Education! Gabrielle Barry |
Mangrove Connections Mural Officially UnveiledHaileybury Rendall School proudly unveiled Mangrove Connections, a collaborative student mural celebrating reconciliation, connection to Country and the strength found in working together. The completed mural is the culmination of a project that began on 27 May, when students from the Reconciliation Action Committee, led by Mr Barker, and the VET Tourism class, led by Mr Johns, participated in a cultural learning experience at East Point with Larrakia Elder Trent Lee. Students learned about the significance of Larrakia Country, participated in traditional activities including spear throwing and fire making, and developed a deeper understanding of Larrakia culture and the continuing connection of Larrakia people to land and sea. Inspired by the stories, landscape and coastline of East Point, students returned to school and participated in a collaborative design workshop. From their ideas, Mangrove Connections was developed, with Miss Polly guiding students through the design and painting process to bring their individual contributions together as one finished mural. The mangrove was chosen as a powerful symbol of connection. Mangrove ecosystems are made up of many interconnected parts, each contributing to the strength, health and wellbeing of the whole. In the same way, reconciliation requires all of us to contribute, listen, learn and work together. This message connects strongly with Haileybury Rendall School's All In philosophy. Everyone belongs, everyone contributes and everyone has a role to play in reconciliation. The unveiling also marks the beginning of a larger vision for the space. Each year, the intention is to add another two painted pillars, gradually creating an evolving outdoor gallery that celebrates reconciliation, connection to Country, diversity and inclusion. Mangrove Connections is a lasting reminder of what can be achieved when students, staff and community come together to listen, learn, create and connect. Polly Johnston |
Celebrating the amazing Elijza — A voice going places
It has been an incredible year for our talented Year 11 student, Elijza, whose exceptional vocal talent continues to gain recognition beyond Haileybury Rendall School.
Following her standout opening performance at the Darwin Star Gala Ball in May, Elijza caught the attention of Precedent Productions Directors Steve Loe and Chris Jamgotchian and has now been invited to perform at the NT Business Awards in September.
With decades of experience producing and delivering major awards programs across Australia, Steve and Chris were quick to recognise Elijza’s talent, noting that she came “highly recommended.” Their recognition is a wonderful acknowledgement of Elijza’s ability and potential as a performer.
Elijza’s success is also a reflection of her dedication and commitment to developing her craft, supported by the expertise and guidance of her vocal tutor, Ms Weike Li.
We are incredibly proud of Elijza and excited to see where her talent takes her next. Congratulations, Elijza!
Weike Li
Head of Vocal
NASA Space Camp
I recently returned from an incredible 10-day NASA-run space camp program in Huntsville, Alabama. The program was designed to replicate genuine astronaut training activities while exploring the evolution of space technology.
Some of my favourite activities included SCUBA diving, where we learned to compensate for buoyancy to simulate lower-gravity environments, being spun in every direction on the Multi-Axis Trainer, and participating in a simulated manned mission to Mars. I worked in Ground Control, where I was responsible for the calculations required to support the mission. We also built and launched model rockets and designed heat shields.
The campus was home to the world’s largest space museum, which showcased the fascinating history of the Space Race and featured technological giants such as the Saturn V rocket that carried humans to the Moon.
One of the highlights was meeting real astronaut Robert ‘Hoot’ Gibson, who flew several Space Shuttle missions and piloted the first American spacecraft to dock with a Russian space station.
The experience concluded with a graduation ceremony, where I was honoured to receive a scholarship to the University of Alabama in Huntsville to pursue a scientific field of my choice. It was an incredible conclusion to an unforgettable experience.
I highly recommend the program to anyone with an interest in space, science or engineering. It is an experience I will never forget.
Oscar
Year 10 Student
Music Recitals Celebrate Student Skill and DedicationOn 18 and 19 August 2026, our school community came together to celebrate the hard work, dedication and musical achievements of forty talented students across two memorable recital evenings. The first evening highlighted the versatility and artistry of Drums, Woodwind, Piano and Guitar, with students demonstrating their developing technical skills, musicality and confidence through a diverse range of performances. The second evening celebrated the String program, featuring Violin, Viola and Cello students whose performances showcased impressive growth in technique, musicianship and expressive playing. The program featured works by renowned composers and artists including Antonio Vivaldi, Ludwig van Beethoven, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin. From beloved classics such as Für Elise and Clair de Lune to energetic rock performances, the recitals reflected the wide range of musical interests and talents within our school community. Both evenings were filled with excitement and pride as students shared their music with family, friends and staff. The recitals not only celebrated musical achievement but also highlighted the growth, perseverance and confidence students developed throughout the year. Most importantly, every student who took to the stage demonstrated courage, commitment and determination. Congratulations to all involved on their outstanding performances at the 2026 HRS Musical Recitals, a wonderful celebration of music, learning and student achievement. Ilona Martin |
Pearl - Aged Care Visit
On Thursday the 10th of September, Alice, Nikita, Abbey and Dylan visited Pearl for the last time for Term 3, which also happened to be R U OK? Day. The session was spent engaging in rich conversations, painting watercolour on canvas and playing Jenga. One highlight of the session was when we first arrived, the residents who were waiting for us, all started smiling and saying “we missed you!” It has been inspiring watching these Year 9 students develop meaningful connections with the residents, and we look forward to returning to Pearl in Term 4. A big thank you to the parents and guardians of these Year 9 students for supporting this initiative.
Phoebe O’Loughlin
Deputy Head of English
Strings ProgramTerm 3 was another highly successful term for the HRS Strings Program, marked by strong student participation, continued musical growth, and outstanding achievements. The confidence, teamwork, and musicianship demonstrated across all ensembles reflect the positive culture and ongoing success of our program. A major highlight was our Book Week performances, including lunchtime concerts and a combined Strings Assembly featuring 49 students performing together. Students performed with confidence and enthusiasm, receiving wonderful feedback from staff and the wider school community. The Year 2 Gold Strings celebrated their first ensemble performance and have made excellent progress in bow hold, posture, arco playing, and ensemble skills. The newly formed Min Min Strings successfully presented their first public performance, demonstrating beautiful legato bowing and accurate pizzicato technique. Marrakai Strings continued developing their repertoire and preparing the exciting work Attack for future performances. Mindil Strings refined their ensemble skills, focusing on musical expression, balance, intonation, and ensemble awareness while preparing for their performance of March of the Titans. Students demonstrated growing confidence, teamwork, and musical maturity throughout the term. Students also benefited from valuable learning opportunities, including masterclasses with members of the Australian Youth Orchestra. We were delighted to welcome Myfanwy Bramble, Head of Strings at Haileybury Melbourne, who worked with students through workshops and rehearsals, providing inspiration and strengthening connections within the wider Haileybury music community. A sincere thank you to my amazing colleagues Rebecca Harris (Cello) and Irene Doucas (Violin/Viola) for their dedication, expertise, and ongoing support. They have played an integral role in the continued growth and success of the HRS Strings Program. We look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead in Term 4. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable holiday. Sarah Ladd |
New places, new perspectives
A Top End exchange gave visiting students Zoe, Ella and Tilly the confidence to step beyond the familiar, embrace boarding life and discover the strength of the HRS community.
Arriving in Darwin for Term 3, the three Melbourne students were quickly immersed in life at Haileybury Rendall School and its boarding community. What began as an opportunity to experience something different soon became a transformative experience.
Each student was motivated by the chance to challenge themselves. Ella hoped to build independence and develop practical life skills, Zoe was excited to try something new, and Tilly wanted to step outside her comfort zone and experience a different environment.
The students were immediately struck by the warm welcome they received. “Everyone was so welcoming. We have such good friends now because people were genuinely friendly to us,” said Ella. Zoe was equally impressed by Darwin's relaxed atmosphere, while Tilly reflected on how quickly an unfamiliar place could begin to feel like home.
A highlight of the exchange was connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and learning about the unique cultures and communities that make up the Northern Territory. “It has broadened my perspective in a way that could not happen in a classroom,” Ella said. Through boarding life and everyday interactions, the students formed lasting friendships and gained a deeper appreciation for community.
The experience also helped each student grow in confidence. Zoe discovered she was more independent than she realised, while Tilly found she was more adaptable and resilient, saying the exchange taught her to be “comfortable with the uncomfortable” and more confident in unfamiliar situations.
As they prepare to return to Melbourne, Zoe, Ella and Tilly leave Darwin with unforgettable memories, new friendships and a broader understanding of the world around them. Their advice to future exchange students is simple: “Definitely do it. Try something new and go in with an open mind.”
Their final message to their Darwin friends is equally heartfelt: “We will miss you, and we will stay in close contact.”
Brendan Evans
Director of Activities
