Principal's report
From the Principal
As a School community, we are very proud of how we promote all aspects of national reconciliation throughout Haileybury Rendall School.
From the Principal
As a School community, we are very proud of how we promote all aspects of national reconciliation throughout Haileybury Rendall School. Our guiding framework is our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which we introduced in 2019 and have updated via several iterations since. You can view the 2024-2025 RAP on myHRS at Reconciliation Action Plan-Haileybury Rendall School.
RAPs, supported by Reconciliation Australia, have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation since 2006. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect, and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
At HRS, we understand that reconciliation is best driven by our non-Indigenous community members working with our Indigenous colleagues, while NAIDOC week is led by our Indigenous staff and students. To ensure that our RAP is dynamic, ongoing, and meaningful, we have established the RAP Working Party, which is made up of HRS staff and sometimes students and community members. The RAP Working Party is coordinated by the Chair, who is currently Mr Anthony Barker. This is a significant leadership role in the School previously held by staff such as Jye Strugnell and Ian Smith. Over 20 staff attend regular meetings of this group.
One of HRS's key actions is developing a program each year for National Reconciliation Week (NRW), which runs from 27 May to 3 June. This week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. This year's theme is "Bridging Now to Next," and you can explore this more at the official website at Home—Reconciliation Australia. Our program for NRW this year has many highlights, and it will be released via MyHRS notices closer to the date. One highlight will be the opening concert on the morning of Tuesday, 27 May, which parents are welcome to attend.
Andrew McGregor
Principal
Take note
Save the Date
|
Career's Week
|
May 12-16
|
|
Year 6 Camp Group 1
|
May 14-16
|
|
Year 12 Pool Party
|
Friday, 16 May
|
|
Middle and Senior School Examinations Begin
|
Friday, 16 May
|
|
Year 6 Camp Group 2
|
May 19-21
|
|
Year 7-11 Student Free Day
|
Friday, 23 May
|
|
ELC and Junior School Athletics Carnival
|
Friday, 23 May
|
|
Semester 2 Begins for Middle and Senior School
|
Monday, 26 May
|
|
National Reconciliation Week
|
May 27- June 3
|
|
AMEB Exams
|
Tuesday, 3 June
|
|
King's Birthday Public Holiday
|
Monday, 9 June
|
|
Middle School Academic Awards Assembly
|
Wednesday, 11 June
|
|
Junior School Academic Assembly
|
Friday, 13 June
|
|
Year 12 Formal
|
Friday, 13 June
|
|
GAT Test
|
Tuesday, 17 June
|
|
Senior School Academic Awards Assembly
|
Wednesday, 18 June
|
|
Junior School Connection Day
|
Friday, 20 June
|
|
Term 2 Concludes
|
Friday, 20 June
|
|
Term 3 Commences
|
Tuesday, 15 July
|
|
The Addams Family - The New Musical
|
September 12 & 13
|
Camp Australia @ HRS
We’re back for Term 2 after an exciting time at Rocketeers! It was full of fun activities like crafts, painting, dancing, cooking, and science experiments. The best part was spending the whole day at OSHC with my friends and our outstanding educators!
Guess what!? We have a new Service Leader named Falguni! Her name means ‘Springtime’ because she was born in spring – how cool is that! We also have some new educators who have shared many incredible stories. We love learning about them!
This week, our new educators helped set up the OSHC room, and we’ve started a new routine for After School Care. When we arrived at OSHC, we gathered for group time with Miss Falguni. We talk about our day, share our thoughts and ideas, and learn how to be kind and gentle to each other. Miss Falguni explains everything well, and the other educators are always there to help. Thank you, Miss Falguni and all the educators, for taking such good care of us!
Last fortnight, we celebrated ANZAC Week and Family Week. We learned so much about our country, history, and the importance of families. Coming up, we’re going to have Big Art Week and Animal Week—how exciting is that!
Thank you, Miss Falguni and all the educators, for your hard work and care. And a big thank you to all the parents and teachers for helping us get to OSHC!
Camp Australia
Email: nthaileyburyrendall@oshccampaustralia.com.au
Junior School news
Fun in Junior School
The Junior School has been a hive of activity at the start of the term, with students and staff alike relishing the opportunity to reconnect with their friends, classmates, and colleagues. I’ve enjoyed spending time in classrooms across the Junior School this term, where student engagement in lessons has been fantastic. From our Transition students gaining more independence each day to our Year 6 students stepping up as role models and beginning preparations for Middle School, I’m incredibly proud of the involvement and enthusiasm our students bring to school life.
Last week, the Transition classes were abuzz with excitement as they participated in a Teddy Bear Picnic. This fun event provided an excellent opportunity for students to bond with their peers and served as a prompt for their classroom writing, focusing on recounts. I’m looking forward to reading some fantastic pieces in the coming weeks.
The Year 5 camps also took place last week, and by all accounts, the students had an amazing time. I was fortunate to spend a day at the camp, and it was wonderful to see the students in a different setting—interacting with peers they might not usually engage with and participating in a variety of activities such as bushwalking, swimming, spear throwing, and even holding snakes.
I’m looking forward to the Year 6 camp in the coming weeks. We also eagerly anticipate the Mother’s Day Breakfast this Friday and hope to see you there!
Lisa Doyle
Head of Junior School
Magenta magic
Excitement is building in Year 2 Magenta as our young musicians bring home their string instruments for the first time! After a term of exploring foundational techniques and developing their skills, they are eager to share their musical progress with family and friends. The students are proudly getting ready for their debut assembly performance in Week 6 — their first time playing as a string ensemble before the school. They are putting in great effort to ensure they’re performance-ready.
It’s an excellent opportunity for them to showcase what they've learned and their teamwork, focus, and joy in making music together.
We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with the school community and cheering on our talented Year 2 students as they take the stage!
Wan-Ling Chang
Music Teacher
If you go down in the woods today, you'd better go in disguise…
Last Friday, the Transition classes enjoyed a delightful tradition to celebrate the beginning of the Dry Season— the Teddy Bear Picnic! Students arrived at school with their favourite stuffed companions, ready for a fun morning. The play area was transformed into a magical picnic ground, where students and teddies ate recess under the shade of a 'ginormous' tree. The students enjoyed introducing the name of their teddy to the cohort and sharing a story about them. Safe to say, everyone is very excited for the next Teddy Bear Picnic!
Marley Downey
Junior School Teacher
Senior School news
A busy and inspiring start to Term 2 at HRS
Term 2 has begun with energy and enthusiasm across all year levels at Haileybury Rendall School.
Our school was proudly represented at the Darwin ANZAC Day Dawn Service, where Prefects laid a wreath on behalf of the HRS community. A big thank you also goes to all students who entered the ANZAC Biscuit Competition and to our dedicated judges—Mr Nowak, Mr Barker, and the Prefects—for their serious approach to taste testing!
We congratulate Abigail (Year 12), Sam (Year 11), Isaac (Year 11), and Peta (Year 12) on being selected to represent the Northern Territory at the National Debating Competition in Sydney. This is a fantastic achievement, and we wish them the best of luck.
While Year 10 students prepare for their work experience in Term 3, a special mention goes to Alex, who showed initiative by completing a four-day placement with B Company, 1st Military Police Battalion. He gained valuable insights and practical skills in military policing.
Our Inter-House Athletics Carnival was a highlight of the term so far, with wonderful participation and school spirit on display. Congratulations to Baru House for taking out the win and to all students for supporting one another throughout the day.
Congratulations to Abigail (Year 12), who attended the 30th National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra, representing the NT with pride among 119 students nationwide. This event brings together senior students from across Australia to explore and debate key constitutional issues in a parliamentary-style setting. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with civic education, hear from experts, and experience democracy in action at the national level.
As we approach mid-year exams and final Unit 3 assessments, we encourage all students to practise consistent revision, use feedback effectively, and maintain strong study habits. Good luck to all students as they complete their exams.
Kylie Mobilia
Head of Senior School
Geography studies
As part of their Unit 3 Geography studies, students recently conducted a fieldwork investigation in the Eerimah North Development Area. This fieldwork aimed to collect primary data to monitor the drivers and impacts of land use change in the region. Students observed current land uses, recorded evidence of development and environmental change, and conducted surveys to understand better the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing the transformation of this area.
A key focus of the fieldwork was collaborative knowledge development, with students working as a team to gather, share, and interpret data. By combining their findings and perspectives, students built a richer understanding of the complexities of land use change and developed their critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. This hands-on experience has helped students apply key geographical skills and concepts to a real-world context.
Matthew McKenna
Humanities Teacher
Careers Discovery Day 2025!
Our recent Careers Discovery Day was a fantastic success, instilling a sense of excitement about their future in our Year 9, 10, and 11 students. The event featured a range of industries, each running engaging six-minute activities designed to give students a taste of different career paths. Students rotated through these hands-on stations, learning new skills and gaining valuable insights into various professions.
Not only did our students enjoy the experience, but the visiting industry representatives were equally impressed by their positive energy and interest. Many expressed how much they enjoyed the day and looked forward to returning next year.
The positive feedback highlighted how meaningful and fun the day was for everyone involved. Adding to the spirit of the day, our teachers joined in on some of the activities, showing their competitive streak and enthusiasm. It was an afternoon full of learning, laughter, and inspiration for all.
Debbie Middleton
Careers and VET Coordinator
Boarding news
Now that we are well into Term 2 and it looks like the rain is leaving us, we welcome a new chapter in opportunities for Boarders in our dry season to do different activities or have greater access to the Outdoors. I am very excited to announce that fishing items have been ordered, and I am hopeful we will be casting our reels into the waters around Darwin very soon. Already, 22 Boarders have expressed an interest in fishing, and I am also exploring the possibility of procuring four bicycles for boarders. There are a lot of excellent cycling pathways, and it is a great opportunity for groups of students (and myself!) to go out for bike rides!
Regular routines are the key to the success of a boarder's week. Ensuring that a boarder returns before nightfall after a weekend of being away can make all the difference. This gives the students enough time to ensure that their uniforms are ready, laptops are charged, rooms are tidy, they catch up with their friends, and information updates from staff are passed on for the week. It is terrific for students to have opportunities to be signed out over weekends with family or approved adults and to have balanced routines for students, so they are settled during school weeks for learning.
Congratulations to Sonny (Year 11), who recently attended an AFL academy in Melbourne with other specially selected players from the Northern Territory. Sonny is a respectful, kind, and thoughtful young man, and watching his development at school and now boarding school is a humbling experience. It is also a testament to Sonny’s dedication to training hard, attending practices and games, and not letting his teammates down. Finally, I look forward to visiting different communities this term, seeing where our students hail from, and learning more from families and guardians about their homes. In the coming weeks, I will be in the Katherine area, Nhulunbuy, and the Alice Springs Red Centre, and I welcome a chance to say hello to any interested parents and families of our boarders.
Nick Eddy
Director of Boarding
In the News
Seabreeze
We are excited to have entered a stunning art piece in the Jetty Artspace competition at this year’s Seabreeze Festival, and we need your support to win! The more votes we receive from the Haileybury Rendall School community and festival attendees, the greater our chances of success.
You can cast your vote for your favourite artwork, including our impressive large sculptural dugong, between 9 May and 11 May. Voting will be open on Saturday from 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm and Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Look for our art at the Jetty Artspace, located near the Jetty. Your vote can make a difference, and voting can only be done on site at the Jetty Art Space, next to the Jetty!
Thank you for your support!
2025 | Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival
Marianne Foster
Visual Arts Teacher
The Addams Family Musical – Rehearsals Underway!
Rehearsals have officially commenced for this year’s school musical, The Addams Family, and excitement is building throughout the school! With students diving into singing, acting, and dancing, the energy and commitment in every rehearsal have been genuinely inspiring. This wickedly funny show is packed with outrageous comedy, toe-tapping tunes, and a heartwarming story about love, family, and embracing what makes us unique.
One of the most exciting aspects of this production is the incredible student leadership on display. From leading choreography sessions to supporting vocal rehearsals, our talented students are taking charge and showing outstanding initiative, teamwork, and creativity. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and they are setting a high standard for the entire cast and crew.
The talent, focus, and drive of everyone involved have blown away our dedicated and passionate staff production team. This show is shaping up to be something very special.
We can’t wait to bring The Addams Family to life on stage later this year, and we know it will be a performance to remember. Tickets are on sale now—secure yours early so you don’t miss out on this spooktacular event! Tickets can be purchased through the Darwin Entertainment Centre website: https://www.yourcentre.com.au/...
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey towards opening night
Emma McDonald
Musical Producer
National Reconciliation Week 2025: Bridging Now to Next
Each year, from 27 May to 3 June, Australians come together to mark National Reconciliation Week (NRW) - a time to learn about our shared histories, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and reflect on how we can all contribute to a more reconciled nation. The 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, invites us to honour the legacy of those who have walked before us while committing to action for a more just and unified future.
At Haileybury Rendall School, this week is an important opportunity to live out the values of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our RAP commits us to embedding truth-telling, cultural celebration, and relationship-building across the school. National Reconciliation Week is one of the most visible and powerful expressions of this commitment.
This year’s program is rich with learning, culture, and community spirit. A highlight of our NRW celebrations will be the Whole School Reconciliation Concert, held on the morning of Tuesday, 27 May—marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. We warmly invite parents and community members to join us on the shaded basketball courts (next to Mayoema) for this special event. Guests will be seated by 8:45 am. The concert will include performances from students, staff, and the Mer Peibre Dance Company (Torres Strait). It begins with a Welcome to Country from Larrakia Traditional Owners Mya and Trent Lee.
A centrepiece of the concert will be the whole school singing the iconic Australian song Solid Rock by Goanna. Written by Shane Howard, this anthem reflects on the enduring strength of First Nations people and the need for collective reflection and action. Over recent weeks, students have been learning the lyrics as part of their homeroom and music programs, exploring the piece's musical and cultural significance.
Throughout the week, our students will participate in a range of rich learning and cultural activities, including a Torres Strait Islander weaving residency, traditional food tastings, First Nations sports and games, guest speakers, and a poster competition that encourages artistic expression of this year’s theme. Staff and senior students will have the opportunity to attend a special lecture by a Senior Elder on Mabo Day and participate in a professional learning session led by Lukas Williams, founder of the Gan’na Healing program.
The week also features staff learning and reflection opportunities, including a special professional development session. Traditional foods prepared by the team in Mayoema will be shared throughout the week to honour and celebrate First Nations cultures.
In the spirit of this year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, we acknowledge that reconciliation is not a destination but a process that requires honesty, courage, and willingness to walk together. This week is not only about remembering the past but also about shaping a better future.
If you have any questions about Reconciliation Week or would like to know more about the planned events, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly-anthony.barker@haileybury.com.au .
Anthony Barker
Chair of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group
GRIP Leadership Conference
On 23r April, student leaders from Haileybury Rendall School attended a leadership conference in the city. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about leadership responsibilities and what that means for us at our school. We discussed how we can help and contribute, be a voice within our community, and inspire others! Serving our community is essential, and understanding the needs of others to promote change was highlighted. To help us understand these concepts, we played games and had fun interacting with many other students from NT schools.
Michelle Dancis
Junior School Teacher
Congratulations!
Elijza was recently presented with the Singing for Leisure Grade 5 Prize at the AMEB SA & NT Awards Ceremony for 2024 Candidates on 5 April 2025 in Elder Hall, University of Adelaide. This is an outstanding accomplishment, as Elijza is the first HRS student to win such an award. Professor Jennie Shaw, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), presented the award.
Ilona Martin
Head of Music
From the Principal - Issue 04
As a School community, we are very proud of how we promote all aspects of national reconciliation throughout Haileybury Rendall School. Our guiding framework is our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which we introduced in 2019 and have updated via several iterations since. You can view the 2024-2025 RAP on myHRS at Reconciliation Action Plan-Haileybury Rendall School.
RAPs, supported by Reconciliation Australia, have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation since 2006. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect, and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
At HRS, we understand that reconciliation is best driven by our non-Indigenous community members working with our Indigenous colleagues, while NAIDOC week is led by our Indigenous staff and students. To ensure that our RAP is dynamic, ongoing, and meaningful, we have established the RAP Working Party, which is made up of HRS staff and sometimes students and community members. The RAP Working Party is coordinated by the Chair, who is currently Mr Anthony Barker. This is a significant leadership role in the School previously held by staff such as Jye Strugnell and Ian Smith. Over 20 staff attend regular meetings of this group.
One of HRS's key actions is developing a program each year for National Reconciliation Week (NRW), which runs from 27 May to 3 June. This week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. This year's theme is "Bridging Now to Next," and you can explore this more at the official website at Home—Reconciliation Australia. Our program for NRW this year has many highlights, and it will be released via MyHRS notices closer to the date. One highlight will be the opening concert on the morning of Tuesday, 27 May, which parents are welcome to attend.
Andrew McGregor
Principal
Take note - Issue 04
Save the Date
|
Career's Week
|
May 12-16
|
|
Year 6 Camp Group 1
|
May 14-16
|
|
Year 12 Pool Party
|
Friday, 16 May
|
|
Middle and Senior School Examinations Begin
|
Friday, 16 May
|
|
Year 6 Camp Group 2
|
May 19-21
|
|
Year 7-11 Student Free Day
|
Friday, 23 May
|
|
ELC and Junior School Athletics Carnival
|
Friday, 23 May
|
|
Semester 2 Begins for Middle and Senior School
|
Monday, 26 May
|
|
National Reconciliation Week
|
May 27- June 3
|
|
AMEB Exams
|
Tuesday, 3 June
|
|
King's Birthday Public Holiday
|
Monday, 9 June
|
|
Middle School Academic Awards Assembly
|
Wednesday, 11 June
|
|
Junior School Academic Assembly
|
Friday, 13 June
|
|
Year 12 Formal
|
Friday, 13 June
|
|
GAT Test
|
Tuesday, 17 June
|
|
Senior School Academic Awards Assembly
|
Wednesday, 18 June
|
|
Junior School Connection Day
|
Friday, 20 June
|
|
Term 2 Concludes
|
Friday, 20 June
|
|
Term 3 Commences
|
Tuesday, 15 July
|
|
The Addams Family - The New Musical
|
September 12 & 13
|
Camp Australia @ HRS
We’re back for Term 2 after an exciting time at Rocketeers! It was full of fun activities like crafts, painting, dancing, cooking, and science experiments. The best part was spending the whole day at OSHC with my friends and our outstanding educators!
Guess what!? We have a new Service Leader named Falguni! Her name means ‘Springtime’ because she was born in spring – how cool is that! We also have some new educators who have shared many incredible stories. We love learning about them!
This week, our new educators helped set up the OSHC room, and we’ve started a new routine for After School Care. When we arrived at OSHC, we gathered for group time with Miss Falguni. We talk about our day, share our thoughts and ideas, and learn how to be kind and gentle to each other. Miss Falguni explains everything well, and the other educators are always there to help. Thank you, Miss Falguni and all the educators, for taking such good care of us!
Last fortnight, we celebrated ANZAC Week and Family Week. We learned so much about our country, history, and the importance of families. Coming up, we’re going to have Big Art Week and Animal Week—how exciting is that!
Thank you, Miss Falguni and all the educators, for your hard work and care. And a big thank you to all the parents and teachers for helping us get to OSHC!
Camp Australia
Email: nthaileyburyrendall@oshccampaustralia.com.au
Junior School - Issue 04
Fun in Junior School
The Junior School has been a hive of activity at the start of the term, with students and staff alike relishing the opportunity to reconnect with their friends, classmates, and colleagues. I’ve enjoyed spending time in classrooms across the Junior School this term, where student engagement in lessons has been fantastic. From our Transition students gaining more independence each day to our Year 6 students stepping up as role models and beginning preparations for Middle School, I’m incredibly proud of the involvement and enthusiasm our students bring to school life.
Last week, the Transition classes were abuzz with excitement as they participated in a Teddy Bear Picnic. This fun event provided an excellent opportunity for students to bond with their peers and served as a prompt for their classroom writing, focusing on recounts. I’m looking forward to reading some fantastic pieces in the coming weeks.
The Year 5 camps also took place last week, and by all accounts, the students had an amazing time. I was fortunate to spend a day at the camp, and it was wonderful to see the students in a different setting—interacting with peers they might not usually engage with and participating in a variety of activities such as bushwalking, swimming, spear throwing, and even holding snakes.
I’m looking forward to the Year 6 camp in the coming weeks. We also eagerly anticipate the Mother’s Day Breakfast this Friday and hope to see you there!
Lisa Doyle
Head of Junior School
Magenta magic
Excitement is building in Year 2 Magenta as our young musicians bring home their string instruments for the first time! After a term of exploring foundational techniques and developing their skills, they are eager to share their musical progress with family and friends. The students are proudly getting ready for their debut assembly performance in Week 6 — their first time playing as a string ensemble before the school. They are putting in great effort to ensure they’re performance-ready.
It’s an excellent opportunity for them to showcase what they've learned and their teamwork, focus, and joy in making music together.
We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with the school community and cheering on our talented Year 2 students as they take the stage!
Wan-Ling Chang
Music Teacher
If you go down in the woods today, you'd better go in disguise…
Last Friday, the Transition classes enjoyed a delightful tradition to celebrate the beginning of the Dry Season— the Teddy Bear Picnic! Students arrived at school with their favourite stuffed companions, ready for a fun morning. The play area was transformed into a magical picnic ground, where students and teddies ate recess under the shade of a 'ginormous' tree. The students enjoyed introducing the name of their teddy to the cohort and sharing a story about them. Safe to say, everyone is very excited for the next Teddy Bear Picnic!
Marley Downey
Junior School Teacher
Senior School - Issue 04
A busy and inspiring start to Term 2 at HRS
Term 2 has begun with energy and enthusiasm across all year levels at Haileybury Rendall School.
Our school was proudly represented at the Darwin ANZAC Day Dawn Service, where Prefects laid a wreath on behalf of the HRS community. A big thank you also goes to all students who entered the ANZAC Biscuit Competition and to our dedicated judges—Mr Nowak, Mr Barker, and the Prefects—for their serious approach to taste testing!
We congratulate Abigail (Year 12), Sam (Year 11), Isaac (Year 11), and Peta (Year 12) on being selected to represent the Northern Territory at the National Debating Competition in Sydney. This is a fantastic achievement, and we wish them the best of luck.
While Year 10 students prepare for their work experience in Term 3, a special mention goes to Alex, who showed initiative by completing a four-day placement with B Company, 1st Military Police Battalion. He gained valuable insights and practical skills in military policing.
Our Inter-House Athletics Carnival was a highlight of the term so far, with wonderful participation and school spirit on display. Congratulations to Baru House for taking out the win and to all students for supporting one another throughout the day.
Congratulations to Abigail (Year 12), who attended the 30th National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra, representing the NT with pride among 119 students nationwide. This event brings together senior students from across Australia to explore and debate key constitutional issues in a parliamentary-style setting. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with civic education, hear from experts, and experience democracy in action at the national level.
As we approach mid-year exams and final Unit 3 assessments, we encourage all students to practise consistent revision, use feedback effectively, and maintain strong study habits. Good luck to all students as they complete their exams.
Kylie Mobilia
Head of Senior School
Geography studies
As part of their Unit 3 Geography studies, students recently conducted a fieldwork investigation in the Eerimah North Development Area. This fieldwork aimed to collect primary data to monitor the drivers and impacts of land use change in the region. Students observed current land uses, recorded evidence of development and environmental change, and conducted surveys to understand better the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing the transformation of this area.
A key focus of the fieldwork was collaborative knowledge development, with students working as a team to gather, share, and interpret data. By combining their findings and perspectives, students built a richer understanding of the complexities of land use change and developed their critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. This hands-on experience has helped students apply key geographical skills and concepts to a real-world context.
Matthew McKenna
Humanities Teacher
Careers Discovery Day 2025!
Our recent Careers Discovery Day was a fantastic success, instilling a sense of excitement about their future in our Year 9, 10, and 11 students. The event featured a range of industries, each running engaging six-minute activities designed to give students a taste of different career paths. Students rotated through these hands-on stations, learning new skills and gaining valuable insights into various professions.
Not only did our students enjoy the experience, but the visiting industry representatives were equally impressed by their positive energy and interest. Many expressed how much they enjoyed the day and looked forward to returning next year.
The positive feedback highlighted how meaningful and fun the day was for everyone involved. Adding to the spirit of the day, our teachers joined in on some of the activities, showing their competitive streak and enthusiasm. It was an afternoon full of learning, laughter, and inspiration for all.
Debbie Middleton
Careers and VET Coordinator
Boarding - Issue 04
Now that we are well into Term 2 and it looks like the rain is leaving us, we welcome a new chapter in opportunities for Boarders in our dry season to do different activities or have greater access to the Outdoors. I am very excited to announce that fishing items have been ordered, and I am hopeful we will be casting our reels into the waters around Darwin very soon. Already, 22 Boarders have expressed an interest in fishing, and I am also exploring the possibility of procuring four bicycles for boarders. There are a lot of excellent cycling pathways, and it is a great opportunity for groups of students (and myself!) to go out for bike rides!
Regular routines are the key to the success of a boarder's week. Ensuring that a boarder returns before nightfall after a weekend of being away can make all the difference. This gives the students enough time to ensure that their uniforms are ready, laptops are charged, rooms are tidy, they catch up with their friends, and information updates from staff are passed on for the week. It is terrific for students to have opportunities to be signed out over weekends with family or approved adults and to have balanced routines for students, so they are settled during school weeks for learning.
Congratulations to Sonny (Year 11), who recently attended an AFL academy in Melbourne with other specially selected players from the Northern Territory. Sonny is a respectful, kind, and thoughtful young man, and watching his development at school and now boarding school is a humbling experience. It is also a testament to Sonny’s dedication to training hard, attending practices and games, and not letting his teammates down. Finally, I look forward to visiting different communities this term, seeing where our students hail from, and learning more from families and guardians about their homes. In the coming weeks, I will be in the Katherine area, Nhulunbuy, and the Alice Springs Red Centre, and I welcome a chance to say hello to any interested parents and families of our boarders.
Nick Eddy
Director of Boarding
In the News - Issue 04
Seabreeze
We are excited to have entered a stunning art piece in the Jetty Artspace competition at this year’s Seabreeze Festival, and we need your support to win! The more votes we receive from the Haileybury Rendall School community and festival attendees, the greater our chances of success.
You can cast your vote for your favourite artwork, including our impressive large sculptural dugong, between 9 May and 11 May. Voting will be open on Saturday from 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm and Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Look for our art at the Jetty Artspace, located near the Jetty. Your vote can make a difference, and voting can only be done on site at the Jetty Art Space, next to the Jetty!
Thank you for your support!
2025 | Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival
Marianne Foster
Visual Arts Teacher
The Addams Family Musical – Rehearsals Underway!
Rehearsals have officially commenced for this year’s school musical, The Addams Family, and excitement is building throughout the school! With students diving into singing, acting, and dancing, the energy and commitment in every rehearsal have been genuinely inspiring. This wickedly funny show is packed with outrageous comedy, toe-tapping tunes, and a heartwarming story about love, family, and embracing what makes us unique.
One of the most exciting aspects of this production is the incredible student leadership on display. From leading choreography sessions to supporting vocal rehearsals, our talented students are taking charge and showing outstanding initiative, teamwork, and creativity. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and they are setting a high standard for the entire cast and crew.
The talent, focus, and drive of everyone involved have blown away our dedicated and passionate staff production team. This show is shaping up to be something very special.
We can’t wait to bring The Addams Family to life on stage later this year, and we know it will be a performance to remember. Tickets are on sale now—secure yours early so you don’t miss out on this spooktacular event! Tickets can be purchased through the Darwin Entertainment Centre website: https://www.yourcentre.com.au/...
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey towards opening night
Emma McDonald
Musical Producer
National Reconciliation Week 2025: Bridging Now to Next
Each year, from 27 May to 3 June, Australians come together to mark National Reconciliation Week (NRW) - a time to learn about our shared histories, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and reflect on how we can all contribute to a more reconciled nation. The 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, invites us to honour the legacy of those who have walked before us while committing to action for a more just and unified future.
At Haileybury Rendall School, this week is an important opportunity to live out the values of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our RAP commits us to embedding truth-telling, cultural celebration, and relationship-building across the school. National Reconciliation Week is one of the most visible and powerful expressions of this commitment.
This year’s program is rich with learning, culture, and community spirit. A highlight of our NRW celebrations will be the Whole School Reconciliation Concert, held on the morning of Tuesday, 27 May—marking the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. We warmly invite parents and community members to join us on the shaded basketball courts (next to Mayoema) for this special event. Guests will be seated by 8:45 am. The concert will include performances from students, staff, and the Mer Peibre Dance Company (Torres Strait). It begins with a Welcome to Country from Larrakia Traditional Owners Mya and Trent Lee.
A centrepiece of the concert will be the whole school singing the iconic Australian song Solid Rock by Goanna. Written by Shane Howard, this anthem reflects on the enduring strength of First Nations people and the need for collective reflection and action. Over recent weeks, students have been learning the lyrics as part of their homeroom and music programs, exploring the piece's musical and cultural significance.
Throughout the week, our students will participate in a range of rich learning and cultural activities, including a Torres Strait Islander weaving residency, traditional food tastings, First Nations sports and games, guest speakers, and a poster competition that encourages artistic expression of this year’s theme. Staff and senior students will have the opportunity to attend a special lecture by a Senior Elder on Mabo Day and participate in a professional learning session led by Lukas Williams, founder of the Gan’na Healing program.
The week also features staff learning and reflection opportunities, including a special professional development session. Traditional foods prepared by the team in Mayoema will be shared throughout the week to honour and celebrate First Nations cultures.
In the spirit of this year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, we acknowledge that reconciliation is not a destination but a process that requires honesty, courage, and willingness to walk together. This week is not only about remembering the past but also about shaping a better future.
If you have any questions about Reconciliation Week or would like to know more about the planned events, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly-anthony.barker@haileybury.com.au .
Anthony Barker
Chair of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group
GRIP Leadership Conference
On 23r April, student leaders from Haileybury Rendall School attended a leadership conference in the city. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about leadership responsibilities and what that means for us at our school. We discussed how we can help and contribute, be a voice within our community, and inspire others! Serving our community is essential, and understanding the needs of others to promote change was highlighted. To help us understand these concepts, we played games and had fun interacting with many other students from NT schools.
Michelle Dancis
Junior School Teacher
Congratulations!
Elijza was recently presented with the Singing for Leisure Grade 5 Prize at the AMEB SA & NT Awards Ceremony for 2024 Candidates on 5 April 2025 in Elder Hall, University of Adelaide. This is an outstanding accomplishment, as Elijza is the first HRS student to win such an award. Professor Jennie Shaw, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), presented the award.
Ilona Martin
Head of Music
Start the journey
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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