This term, our students have excelled in both national assessments and our school’s celebration of mathematics. Both NAPLAN and Pi Day highlight the significance of numeracy in education, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving across all year levels.
Defence provides work experience program to secondary students who are interested in a career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The program is nationally coordinated with placements offered at various Defence establishments throughout Australia.
The Band of the First Brigade is particularly looking for students interested in finding out about life as a musician in the Army, either full time or as a Reserve. Please see below for details of the work experience being offered and a QR code to apply.
Last year, Year 10 students Mahu and Amelia participated in this 8-week program, culminating in the Darwin Carols by Candlelight performance at the Darwin Convention Centre. Please speak to Mahu, Amelia or Mrs Martin for further details about this unique and valuable experience.
Our Strings Program guides students from their first notes in Year 2 Safari Strings through to Animato Strings and finally Chamber Strings. Across each level, students build technique, teamwork, and confidence while discovering the joy of making music together. With new skills, new repertoire, and plenty of “I can do it!” moments, our young musicians are thriving this year.
Our Year 2 Safari Strings students have jumped into their musical adventure with great enthusiasm. They’re learning how to hold and play their instruments with growing confidence and having lots of fun exploring pizzicato, plucking bright, happy sounds from their strings. They’ve also begun learning music reading and theory basics on their violin, viola or cello, proudly recognising notes and rhythms as they play. Each week brings new skills and plenty of excited “I can do it!” moments. It’s only the beginning, but their energy is contagious and we’re excited to see where their Safari Strings journey leads next.
Our Animato Intermediate Strings students have had a great start to the year. They’re learning some new pieces with some tricky counting, plus strengthening their bowing shapes, and ensemble ears. They’ve especially enjoyed working on a fun circus themed piece that brings lots of energy to rehearsals. The group is growing stronger each week, and it’s wonderful to see how much they’re enjoying making music together.
Our HRS Chamber Strings group has had a fantastic start to the year, building skills and confidence while working on three exciting new pieces: Clumsy Sailor, Pizzicato Popcorn, and Momentous. Students have enjoyed a mix of fun rhythm games, sectionals, and full ensemble playing, all helping them listen, lead, and play together with growing confidence. It’s been wonderful to see their energy, teamwork, and musical spark shine through each week!
Ilona Martin
Head of Music
If you visited the library on a Thursday lunchtime, you may have noticed it filled with music and vibrant energy. This is due to our Cushion Concerts, where instrumental students are provided with the opportunity to showcase their talents in a relaxed and supportive environment. Audiences have enjoyed a diverse range of performances, including cello, violin, piano and vocal pieces, presented by soloists, duos and ensembles.
Learning an instrument offers so many benefits, from supporting brain development and improving memory to building confidence through live performance. Events like this give students the chance to grow not only as musicians, but as confident individuals.
We are incredibly proud of our young instrumental students for their bravery, effort and willingness to perform and share their music with the HRS community. The Cushion Concerts continue to be a fantastic space for students to take those first steps in performing, surrounded by the encouragement and support that makes our community so special.
Please keep an eye out for future Cushion Concert dates, we would love to see even more of our instrumental students involved next term.
Laura Mau
Music Teacher
The Unit 3&4 VCE Biology students recently completed the pGLO transformation practical, giving them the opportunity to see genetic modification in action. During the investigation, students introduced a small circular piece of DNA into bacteria that contained the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene from a jelly fish.
After completing the transformation and incubating their agar plates for 2 days, students examined the bacterial colonies under UV light. Colonies that had successfully taken up the jellyfish gene glowed bright green.
The investigation provided a clear and engaging demonstration of how DNA can be transferred from one species to another. It was a great opportunity for students to connect their understanding of DNA manipulation and biotechnology with real laboratory techniques. The glowing bacteria made the results particularly memorable.
Linda Hartskeel
Head of Senior School Teaching & Learning
On March 5, students from Miss Polly’s Art Making and Exhibiting classes (Units 1-2 and 3-4), along with students from Mr Poulter’s Visual Communication Design Unit 3-4 class, attended an inspiring excursion to the EXIT Art Exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).
The visit began with an engaging floor talk from curator Noam O’Reilly and exhibition designer Annika Toohey. Students were given valuable insight into the curatorial process, including how exhibitions are conceptualised, designed and presented within a gallery space. Hearing directly from industry professionals helped students deepen their understanding of how artworks are selected, arranged and interpreted for audiences.
Following the talk, students explored the exhibition, which showcases outstanding artworks created by Year 12 Visual Arts students from 2025. The diverse range of works demonstrated impressive creativity, technical skills and thoughtful ideas.
Students found the experience both inspiring and informative, gaining a greater appreciation for the possibilities within contemporary art practice and exhibition making. It was a wonderful opportunity to see high quality student artwork presented in a professional gallery environment.
Polly Johnstone
Head of Visual Art
During Week 8, our Year 3 students took part in a brand new, exciting and highly engaging web-based game released by the Australian Government eSafety Commissioner, Robo Raven and the Ancient Relics.
The interactive game includes a series of online safety challenges that help students learn how to stay safe, respectful and responsible online. Students loved the experience, sharing comments such as “We loved it!” and “It was so fun!”
While many students said they already knew how to stay safe online, the lesson reinforced that online safety is an important topic we need to continually revisit and remind our students as their digital experiences grow and change.
At the completion of the activity, students received certificates, which were placed in their Digital Journals as a sign of their understanding and commitment to safe online behaviour.
We are proud of the way our Year 3 students engaged so positively with this important learning.
Emily Connor
Digital Technologies Teacher
As we reach the end of a busy and eventful term, we take great pride in reflecting on the many achievements and contributions of our students. It has been a term defined by strong community engagement, leadership, and personal success.
Students were actively involved in a range of meaningful activities, including the International Women’s Breakfast, the Bombing of Darwin Commemoration Ceremony, Early Bird Reading, and the much-anticipated House Singing Competition. In addition, this term the Year 12 leadership re-established the Circle Time for Year 7 students, fostering connection and a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
We also celebrate a number of outstanding individual achievements. Sophia (Year 10) was selected for the Chief Minister’s Sharing our History, Securing Future Peace study tour and was recognised at Parliament House. Donna (Year 11) was nominated for NT Youth Achiever of the Year, Jayno (Year 12) was appointed Study NT International Student Ambassador, Macey was selected as the Ambassador for the recent NT Swimming Championships, and Lakhyah (Year 12) received the NT AFL Rising Star Award.
Our Prefects recently completed a public speaking program based on the Toastmasters model, culminating in a final presentation attended by parents, staff and students. Their growth in confidence, delivery and presence was exceptional.
We commend all students for their enthusiasm and involvement this term and wish our community a safe and restful holiday.
Kylie Mobilia
Head of Senior School
The Junior School has been a hive of activity over the past few weeks, and our students have done an exceptional job navigating the wet weather. Despite many indoor recess and lunchtime sessions, they have shown great resilience and adaptability.
Two weeks ago, our students completed NAPLAN, and we are very proud of the way they approached the assessments with a positive attitude and gave their best effort.
Our house clubs and activities continue to be a highlight of the term. Student participation has been fantastic, and these opportunities have proven to be both enjoyable and highly engaging for all involved.
Last week, we celebrated Harmony Day, and it was wonderful to see students wearing cultural dress and a touch of orange. The day provided a meaningful opportunity to learn about different cultures and reflect on the importance of inclusion. It was a great reminder that we all belong and that every individual plays an important role in our community.
Thank you for your ongoing support this term. It has been a fantastic start to the year, and we have much to look forward to in Term 2, including the Year 5 and 6 camps and many more house activities.
We wish all families a safe and relaxing holiday and hope you enjoy some well-earned time together.
Lisa Doyle
Head of Junior School
At the ELC, Harmony Day was a wonderful celebration of our vibrant multicultural community. Throughout the week, children enthusiastically participated in a range of art and craft activities, creating colourful projects that reflected the theme of unity and diversity. These creative experiences helped the children to express their ideas about inclusion and what it means to belong.
As part of our learning, the children participated in a range of activities about different cultures from around the world. These experiences sparked many conversations and encouraged the children to ask questions and share stories. Our educators also took the opportunity to talk about their own cultural backgrounds, sharing traditions, languages, and memories with the children, which helped everyone appreciate the rich diversity within our centre.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse community of children, families and staff at our ELC. This wonderful mix of backgrounds, languages and traditions brings a richness and vibrancy to our environment every day. The variety of cultures represented allows us to learn from one another and fosters a sense of respect and understanding. By sharing customs, foods and stories, we help our children develop an appreciation for difference and discover the many ways in which we are all connected. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and helps make our centre a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
Reception class enjoyed a shared sausage sizzle on Friday, bringing everyone together in a spirit of friendship and fun. Meanwhile, Preschool families contributed to a multicultural shared lunch, generously bringing dishes from their own cultures for everyone to enjoy. This special meal provided a delicious way for the children to experience a variety of tastes and learn about each other’s backgrounds.
Our foyer displays were a highlight of the week, featuring artwork, photographs, and messages that celebrated the idea that “we are all one, no matter where we are from.” These beautiful displays were a reminder to our whole community of the importance of respect, inclusivity and unity.
Harmony Day at the ELC was a meaningful and joyful occasion, reinforcing our commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of belonging for every child and family.
Michelle Shaw
Head of Early Learning Centre
Defence provides work experience program to secondary students who are interested in a career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The program is nationally coordinated with placements offered at various Defence establishments throughout Australia.
The Band of the First Brigade is particularly looking for students interested in finding out about life as a musician in the Army, either full time or as a Reserve. Please see below for details of the work experience being offered and a QR code to apply.
Last year, Year 10 students Mahu and Amelia participated in this 8-week program, culminating in the Darwin Carols by Candlelight performance at the Darwin Convention Centre. Please speak to Mahu, Amelia or Mrs Martin for further details about this unique and valuable experience.
Our Strings Program guides students from their first notes in Year 2 Safari Strings through to Animato Strings and finally Chamber Strings. Across each level, students build technique, teamwork, and confidence while discovering the joy of making music together. With new skills, new repertoire, and plenty of “I can do it!” moments, our young musicians are thriving this year.
Our Year 2 Safari Strings students have jumped into their musical adventure with great enthusiasm. They’re learning how to hold and play their instruments with growing confidence and having lots of fun exploring pizzicato, plucking bright, happy sounds from their strings. They’ve also begun learning music reading and theory basics on their violin, viola or cello, proudly recognising notes and rhythms as they play. Each week brings new skills and plenty of excited “I can do it!” moments. It’s only the beginning, but their energy is contagious and we’re excited to see where their Safari Strings journey leads next.
Our Animato Intermediate Strings students have had a great start to the year. They’re learning some new pieces with some tricky counting, plus strengthening their bowing shapes, and ensemble ears. They’ve especially enjoyed working on a fun circus themed piece that brings lots of energy to rehearsals. The group is growing stronger each week, and it’s wonderful to see how much they’re enjoying making music together.
Our HRS Chamber Strings group has had a fantastic start to the year, building skills and confidence while working on three exciting new pieces: Clumsy Sailor, Pizzicato Popcorn, and Momentous. Students have enjoyed a mix of fun rhythm games, sectionals, and full ensemble playing, all helping them listen, lead, and play together with growing confidence. It’s been wonderful to see their energy, teamwork, and musical spark shine through each week!
Ilona Martin
Head of Music
If you visited the library on a Thursday lunchtime, you may have noticed it filled with music and vibrant energy. This is due to our Cushion Concerts, where instrumental students are provided with the opportunity to showcase their talents in a relaxed and supportive environment. Audiences have enjoyed a diverse range of performances, including cello, violin, piano and vocal pieces, presented by soloists, duos and ensembles.
Learning an instrument offers so many benefits, from supporting brain development and improving memory to building confidence through live performance. Events like this give students the chance to grow not only as musicians, but as confident individuals.
We are incredibly proud of our young instrumental students for their bravery, effort and willingness to perform and share their music with the HRS community. The Cushion Concerts continue to be a fantastic space for students to take those first steps in performing, surrounded by the encouragement and support that makes our community so special.
Please keep an eye out for future Cushion Concert dates, we would love to see even more of our instrumental students involved next term.
Laura Mau
Music Teacher
The Unit 3&4 VCE Biology students recently completed the pGLO transformation practical, giving them the opportunity to see genetic modification in action. During the investigation, students introduced a small circular piece of DNA into bacteria that contained the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene from a jelly fish.
After completing the transformation and incubating their agar plates for 2 days, students examined the bacterial colonies under UV light. Colonies that had successfully taken up the jellyfish gene glowed bright green.
The investigation provided a clear and engaging demonstration of how DNA can be transferred from one species to another. It was a great opportunity for students to connect their understanding of DNA manipulation and biotechnology with real laboratory techniques. The glowing bacteria made the results particularly memorable.
Linda Hartskeel
Head of Senior School Teaching & Learning
On March 5, students from Miss Polly’s Art Making and Exhibiting classes (Units 1-2 and 3-4), along with students from Mr Poulter’s Visual Communication Design Unit 3-4 class, attended an inspiring excursion to the EXIT Art Exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).
The visit began with an engaging floor talk from curator Noam O’Reilly and exhibition designer Annika Toohey. Students were given valuable insight into the curatorial process, including how exhibitions are conceptualised, designed and presented within a gallery space. Hearing directly from industry professionals helped students deepen their understanding of how artworks are selected, arranged and interpreted for audiences.
Following the talk, students explored the exhibition, which showcases outstanding artworks created by Year 12 Visual Arts students from 2025. The diverse range of works demonstrated impressive creativity, technical skills and thoughtful ideas.
Students found the experience both inspiring and informative, gaining a greater appreciation for the possibilities within contemporary art practice and exhibition making. It was a wonderful opportunity to see high quality student artwork presented in a professional gallery environment.
Polly Johnstone
Head of Visual Art
During Week 8, our Year 3 students took part in a brand new, exciting and highly engaging web-based game released by the Australian Government eSafety Commissioner, Robo Raven and the Ancient Relics.
The interactive game includes a series of online safety challenges that help students learn how to stay safe, respectful and responsible online. Students loved the experience, sharing comments such as “We loved it!” and “It was so fun!”
While many students said they already knew how to stay safe online, the lesson reinforced that online safety is an important topic we need to continually revisit and remind our students as their digital experiences grow and change.
At the completion of the activity, students received certificates, which were placed in their Digital Journals as a sign of their understanding and commitment to safe online behaviour.
We are proud of the way our Year 3 students engaged so positively with this important learning.
Emily Connor
Digital Technologies Teacher
As we reach the end of a busy and eventful term, we take great pride in reflecting on the many achievements and contributions of our students. It has been a term defined by strong community engagement, leadership, and personal success.
Students were actively involved in a range of meaningful activities, including the International Women’s Breakfast, the Bombing of Darwin Commemoration Ceremony, Early Bird Reading, and the much-anticipated House Singing Competition. In addition, this term the Year 12 leadership re-established the Circle Time for Year 7 students, fostering connection and a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
We also celebrate a number of outstanding individual achievements. Sophia (Year 10) was selected for the Chief Minister’s Sharing our History, Securing Future Peace study tour and was recognised at Parliament House. Donna (Year 11) was nominated for NT Youth Achiever of the Year, Jayno (Year 12) was appointed Study NT International Student Ambassador, Macey was selected as the Ambassador for the recent NT Swimming Championships, and Lakhyah (Year 12) received the NT AFL Rising Star Award.
Our Prefects recently completed a public speaking program based on the Toastmasters model, culminating in a final presentation attended by parents, staff and students. Their growth in confidence, delivery and presence was exceptional.
We commend all students for their enthusiasm and involvement this term and wish our community a safe and restful holiday.
Kylie Mobilia
Head of Senior School
The Junior School has been a hive of activity over the past few weeks, and our students have done an exceptional job navigating the wet weather. Despite many indoor recess and lunchtime sessions, they have shown great resilience and adaptability.
Two weeks ago, our students completed NAPLAN, and we are very proud of the way they approached the assessments with a positive attitude and gave their best effort.
Our house clubs and activities continue to be a highlight of the term. Student participation has been fantastic, and these opportunities have proven to be both enjoyable and highly engaging for all involved.
Last week, we celebrated Harmony Day, and it was wonderful to see students wearing cultural dress and a touch of orange. The day provided a meaningful opportunity to learn about different cultures and reflect on the importance of inclusion. It was a great reminder that we all belong and that every individual plays an important role in our community.
Thank you for your ongoing support this term. It has been a fantastic start to the year, and we have much to look forward to in Term 2, including the Year 5 and 6 camps and many more house activities.
We wish all families a safe and relaxing holiday and hope you enjoy some well-earned time together.
Lisa Doyle
Head of Junior School
At the ELC, Harmony Day was a wonderful celebration of our vibrant multicultural community. Throughout the week, children enthusiastically participated in a range of art and craft activities, creating colourful projects that reflected the theme of unity and diversity. These creative experiences helped the children to express their ideas about inclusion and what it means to belong.
As part of our learning, the children participated in a range of activities about different cultures from around the world. These experiences sparked many conversations and encouraged the children to ask questions and share stories. Our educators also took the opportunity to talk about their own cultural backgrounds, sharing traditions, languages, and memories with the children, which helped everyone appreciate the rich diversity within our centre.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse community of children, families and staff at our ELC. This wonderful mix of backgrounds, languages and traditions brings a richness and vibrancy to our environment every day. The variety of cultures represented allows us to learn from one another and fosters a sense of respect and understanding. By sharing customs, foods and stories, we help our children develop an appreciation for difference and discover the many ways in which we are all connected. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and helps make our centre a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
Reception class enjoyed a shared sausage sizzle on Friday, bringing everyone together in a spirit of friendship and fun. Meanwhile, Preschool families contributed to a multicultural shared lunch, generously bringing dishes from their own cultures for everyone to enjoy. This special meal provided a delicious way for the children to experience a variety of tastes and learn about each other’s backgrounds.
Our foyer displays were a highlight of the week, featuring artwork, photographs, and messages that celebrated the idea that “we are all one, no matter where we are from.” These beautiful displays were a reminder to our whole community of the importance of respect, inclusivity and unity.
Harmony Day at the ELC was a meaningful and joyful occasion, reinforcing our commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of belonging for every child and family.
Michelle Shaw
Head of Early Learning Centre
In the spirit of reconciliation, Haileybury acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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