National Reconciliation Week
As we begin Semester 2, we are already in Week 6 and celebrating Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next,’ encourages reflection on how truth-telling and healing can lead us toward a more just and inclusive future.
Our school has embraced this message through a rich week of events, including the Reconciliation Concert featuring students and staff performing ‘Solid Rock’, the theme song of National Reconciliation Week. Other highlights include a fundraising BBQ, a weaving workshop, a Larrakia Artist Residency with Naomy Briston, a storytelling session with Senior Elder Douglas Bon on Eddie Mabo, and performances by Torres Strait Dancers. We also warmly welcomed 10 Haileybury Melbourne Prefects to our celebrations—enormous thanks to Mr Anthony Barker and the RAP Committee for their dedication and hard work.
Congratulations to our students, Sam, Abigail, Peta, and Isaac, who proudly represented the NT in the National Schools Debating Competition in Sydney. Despite limited experience and no formal NT school debating competition, they held their own against top debaters from across the country. A special mention to Isaac and Sam, who were selected to chair the grand final debate – a tremendous honour. Beyond the competition, our students received the “Most Social State” award – a testament to their kindness, curiosity, and connection with others.
Kylie Mobilia
Head of Senior School
VET Sport & Recreation students in action!
Haileybury Rendall School student Mazlin (Year 11) had the opportunity to put the skills he is learning as part of his VET Sport and Recreation studies into practice when he went back to community. He was able to take on a leadership role at the local sports centre, facilitating group sports sessions for a wide variety of age groups. He assisted in carrying out the activities and managed the resources being used. He confidently reported back to his trainer, Nadine Ives, that his studies at school had given him the confidence to volunteer for the role.
Hear from Mazlan below.
On Monday, 26 May 2025, during the holidays, I returned home to Lajamanu and gathered the Northern Warlpiri senior football team. I ran a warm-up session that involved dynamic stretching, followed by some fundamental drills.
I led a senior team that involved older football players. Although they were older than me, I was confident enough to run the training session, they all enjoyed it and trusted me to do so. The older men weren't doubtful of me running the session because they knew I had experience with footy and knew a bit more than most of them. I feel I have gained the confidence and knowledge to demonstrate and instruct physical activities through my VET Sport and Recreation course alongside my physical education classes and playing football over the years. Doing this made me very confident and trusting, so next time I do something like this, I will take another try and do it again, and you should too.
Mazlan
Year 11 VET Sport and Recreation
Year 11 Reconciliation Projects
Year 11 Personal Development Skills students have been exploring Health and Wellbeing, and the role that Reconciliation can and could improve respectful relationships in this country. Groups have been busy working on small projects aimed to improve overall wellbeing and that share Indigenous culture. These stunning bookmarks, designed by Jessica and Sonny, were gifted to the Library and are available to students. The game of Edor with the Ochre classes released important endorphins through laughter and connection, and made the most of the beautiful dry season sunshine. Spending time in the Transition classrooms sharing hand-drawn colouring sheets representing the animals of Milingimbi and Minyerri was another fantastic relationship builder.
Felicity Pearson
Deputy Principal
