Principal's report
From the Principal
We are well into Term 3 now, and I want to thank each and every member of our school community for the wonderful spirit of support and togetherness that has shone through this term.
From the Principal
We are well into Term 3 now, and I want to thank each and every member of our school community for the wonderful spirit of support and togetherness that has shone through this term.
Today, we are just hearing that we have been rated by a comprehensive analysis by the Murdoch Media Group as the 89th School in Australia and the #1 School in Australia with a substantial Indigenous cohort. We will celebrate this wonderful form of affirmation as more data becomes available. You can read more about that here.
It was also great to see our Senior School Captains, Felix and Stephanie, recognised in the NT News as future leaders.
More exciting news is that Haileybury Rendall School is welcoming our first-ever Study Tour from China from 10- 24 August, when 40 international students from Years 7 - 9 will join us in our boarding house and at school, creating memories and building friendships that will last well beyond the journey itself.
We have also recently enjoyed sharing stories and information about our School at the Barunga Festival and at the Katherine, Alice Springs and Darwin Shows, where our students and staff represented the school with pride.
This week, we have enjoyed our inaugural student-led Sustainability Week, reminding us of the small but powerful ways we can each contribute to a better future for our planet. It was inspiring to see our students so engaged and passionate about caring for the world around them.
Looking ahead, there is much to be excited about. Our school musical, the Addams Family, is progressing extremely well and in mid-September promises to be a wonderful celebration of creativity, teamwork, and talent. Book your tickets on the DEC website now!
And in Week 6, we will come together for the traditional HRS NAIDOC Week — an important time to honour, learn from, and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
I am proud of what we have achieved together this term. Thank you to our brilliant staff, students, and families for the many ways you each contribute to making our school such a warm and vibrant community. I look forward to all that Term 3 will bring.
Andrew McGregor
Principal
Take note
Save the Date
|
Term 3 concludes
|
Friday, 19 September
|
|
Term 4 Commences
|
Monday, 6 October
|
|
Picnic Day Public Holiday
|
Monday, 4 August
|
|
Twilight Concert
|
Thursday, 7 August
|
|
Junior School House Activities
|
Friday, 8 August
|
|
Unit 3 / 4 Trial Exams
|
August 8 - 12
|
|
Science Week
|
August 11 - 15
|
|
The Addams Family - The New Musical
|
September 12 & 13
|
|
School Tour
|
Saturday, 16 August
|
|
HRS Teacher Open Day
|
Saturday, 16 August
|
|
NAIDOC Week
|
18 - 22 August
|
|
Musical Recital
|
19 & 20 August
|
|
Bookfeast
|
Thursday, 21 August
|
|
Junior School House Activities
|
Friday, 22 August
|
|
Junior School Father's Day Breakfast
|
Thursday, 4 September
|
|
Junior School House Activities
|
Friday, 5 September
|
|
ELC Father's Day
|
Friday, 5 September
|
|
School Tour
|
Friday, 5 September
|
|
Tournament of the Minds Finals
|
Saturday, 6 September
|
|
Junior School Parent-Teacher Interviews
|
Tuesday, 9 September
|
|
Junior School House Activities
|
Friday, 12 September
|
|
Year 5/6 Thrive Showcase
|
Monday, 15 September
|
|
Middle & Senior School Parent-Teacher Interviews
|
Tuesday, 16 September
|
|
Online Parent-Teacher Interviews Junior, Middle, Senior School
|
Wednesday, 17 September
|
|
Boarders Travel Day
|
Friday, 19 September
|
|
Junior School House Singing
|
Friday, 19 September
|
|
China Study Tour
|
Friday, 19 September
|
|
Canberra Trip
|
Friday, 19 September
|
|
Book Week Parade
|
Wednesday, 20 September
|
The Addams Family - tickets on sale now!
Senior School news
Welcome back to Term 3!
A warm welcome to all our new Senior School students, including five international students from China and our two Year 12 exchange students from the UK, Ellie and Bradley. They’ll be with us in Darwin for three weeks before heading to Melbourne for the final leg of their exchange at Haileybury. We also welcome three Year 10 students from Melbourne – Lachlan, Jessica, and William – who have joined us on the Principal’s Exchange and will spend the entire term in Darwin. In return, Aidan and Molly have travelled south to Melbourne and we wish them all the very best for their exchange experience.
This term is packed with exciting initiatives and learning opportunities. Week 3 will see our Sustainability Week, led by Sustainability Prefect Charlotte Williams and the Sustainability Committee. A range of activities will raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage students to consider how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. The week will conclude with a fundraising BBQ and a whole-school casual clothes day themed “A Touch of Green.”
Our Year 10 students are currently out on work experience – a fantastic chance to explore career pathways and gain valuable insight into the professional world.
Year 12 students were formally introduced to the Old Haileyburians Association (OHA), learning about the lifelong connections and opportunities available through the alumni network. The session concluded with food trucks, which were later enjoyed by our Year 10 and 11 students as well.
Best of luck to all students for the term ahead!
Kylie Mobilia
Head of Senior School
Year 12 Art Excursion
Year 12 Unit 4 Visual Arts students recently visited the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) to experience the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA). This valuable excursion provided students with the opportunity to explore the diverse and powerful range of contemporary Indigenous artworks on display. With a focus on the presentation of artworks, students analysed how curatorial decisions—such as lighting, placement, and space—enhance the meaning of artworks.
As part of their learning, students were also given rare access to MAGNT’s conservation and care archive rooms. Here, they gained insights into the behind-the-scenes processes involved in preserving cultural heritage, including techniques for storage, handling, and climate control. This experience helped students understand the importance of conservation in ensuring the longevity and integrity of artworks for future generations. The visit enriched their critical thinking about both the visual and contextual elements of art and deepened their appreciation for the care involved in maintaining museum collections. This hands-on experience will directly inform their own studio practice and written assessment responses, as they reflect on the relationship between artistic intention, presentation, and preservation in the professional art world.
Anne McMaster
Visual Arts Teacher
In the News
Welcoming our new International Students
Over the Term 2 break, Haileybury Rendall School eagerly prepared to welcome six new international students from China. These students arrived safely, thanks to the support of HRS staff, who escorted them from Singapore Airport, ensuring a smooth journey to Darwin. They officially joined our school community at the start of Term 3, ready to embark on an exciting academic and cultural adventure.
As a key part of Haileybury Rendall School’s global vision, our international student and staff exchange programs continue to grow in importance, fostering cross-cultural connections and enriching our school’s diversity. Under the guidance of our dedicated Principal, teachers, and staff, these students have seamlessly transitioned into life in Australia, supported every step of the way.
We look forward to sharing their stories as they settle into studying and living in Darwin. Stay tuned for updates on their experiences and achievements at HRS! Additionally, we are preparing to host 43 students and four staff members from Guangzhou Foreign Language School for a two-week Study Tour experience in mid-August. This program marks the first-ever Inbound Study Tour at HRS, setting a new standard for global educational exchanges.
Lei Shangguan
Head of International Relations
Debating Club Returns to Middle and Senior School!
After an absence, it is exciting to announce that the HRS Middle and Senior School debating Club is back! Following their success at the Australian School debating competition, where they represented the NT Debating Team, Abigail (Year 12), Sam (Year 11), and Isaac (Year 11) have kindly volunteered to train and lead the debating team. This term, they will be running engaging mock debates and teaching debating skills. Abi, Sam, and Isaac are also reinvigorating the NT School Debating competition and hope to have it back up and running this year.
Everyone is welcome to join; no prior experience is required. Join us every Friday lunchtime.
On Friday, 1st August, we’ll kick off the club with a lively discussion on the topic: “That Australia should lower the voting age to 16.”
Bring your ideas, your voice, and a willingness to get involved.
See you there!
Sophie Forsterling
Head of Inclusion & Support
Grinning HEARTS
Congratulations to our AFLW Team HEARTS for their victory in last night's game against O'Loughlin Catholic College. It was a close match with a final score of 30-23!
Well done!
Simone O'Brien
Sports Coordinator
Emerging Matildas
Congratulations to Karys (Year 8) and Stella (Year 10) who were selected to represent the NT in the Emerging Matildas Competition in Sydney!
The Emerging Matildas Competition is a flagship youth event in Australian football (soccer), bringing together the top teams from across the country to compete for the national title and showcase their skills to national team coaches.
Karys was announced as the NT U15 Girls Captain!! An amazing achievement for a 13-year-old as she competes in her first football (soccer) Nationals!!
ConNect – Darwin
The 2025 ConNect Darwin workshops were a fantastic event, with several HRS students across Years 6–12 proudly taking part in the two-day intensive music program, held at Darwin Middle School.
Presented by the Open Conservatorium (Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University), the program brought together young musicians from across the NT. Students participated in specialised workshops for strings and voice, working alongside an outstanding team of educators from the Queensland Conservatorium.
The event concluded with a showcase concert on Sunday afternoon, celebrating the students’ progress and achievements.
Well done to the following students for their performance;
- Zhi Shen - Soprano Year 5
- Bert - Violin Year 6
- Ezekiel - Violin Year 7
- Philippa - Viola Year 7
- Darcie - Cello Year 8
- Michael - Cello Year 8
- Helen - Violin Year 8
Our students were praised for their excellent manners, positive attitude, and strong work ethic throughout the weekend. A special mention goes to our two Year 7 students, who showed great commitment and focus—despite only returning from their school camp two days prior to the workshop.
Wan-Ling Chang
Music Teacher
Careers news
Exciting times for Careers!
Three of our senior students recently completed a successful work placement with Jordan Plumbing and DCOH as part of their VET Certificate II in Construction. The placement provided students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting and gain a deeper understanding of the construction and plumbing industries. The team at Jordan Plumbing and DCOH provided excellent mentoring and support, helping the students build their practical skills and confidence. The placement also provided students with a clearer idea of what to expect in a trade career. It helped them develop key workplace skills, such as communication, teamwork, and safety awareness. Work placements are an integral part of the VET program, providing students with valuable insight into potential career pathways and the opportunity to explore their interests in a hands-on environment. We thank Jordan Plumbing and DCOH for supporting our students and providing such a positive and professional learning experience.
We have the following Universities joining us during Week 5 to present to students!
- Presentation from James Cook University in the Careers area
Monday 11 August 12.30 pm - 1.10 pm
- Presentation by the University of Melbourne in the Auditorium
Wednesday 13 August 12.30 pm - 1.10 pm
- Presentation by Monash University in the Auditorium
Wednesday 13 August 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Parents are welcome to attend. - Presentation from WA Universities in Dumabudla
Friday, 15 August- Year 9 & 10 Students - period 3
- Year 11 & 12 Students - period 4
Debbie Middleton
Careers and VET Coordinator
From the Principal - Issue 07
We are well into Term 3 now, and I want to thank each and every member of our school community for the wonderful spirit of support and togetherness that has shone through this term.
Today, we are just hearing that we have been rated by a comprehensive analysis by the Murdoch Media Group as the 89th School in Australia and the #1 School in Australia with a substantial Indigenous cohort. We will celebrate this wonderful form of affirmation as more data becomes available. You can read more about that here.
It was also great to see our Senior School Captains, Felix and Stephanie, recognised in the NT News as future leaders.
More exciting news is that Haileybury Rendall School is welcoming our first-ever Study Tour from China from 10- 24 August, when 40 international students from Years 7 - 9 will join us in our boarding house and at school, creating memories and building friendships that will last well beyond the journey itself.
We have also recently enjoyed sharing stories and information about our School at the Barunga Festival and at the Katherine, Alice Springs and Darwin Shows, where our students and staff represented the school with pride.
This week, we have enjoyed our inaugural student-led Sustainability Week, reminding us of the small but powerful ways we can each contribute to a better future for our planet. It was inspiring to see our students so engaged and passionate about caring for the world around them.
Looking ahead, there is much to be excited about. Our school musical, the Addams Family, is progressing extremely well and in mid-September promises to be a wonderful celebration of creativity, teamwork, and talent. Book your tickets on the DEC website now!
And in Week 6, we will come together for the traditional HRS NAIDOC Week — an important time to honour, learn from, and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
I am proud of what we have achieved together this term. Thank you to our brilliant staff, students, and families for the many ways you each contribute to making our school such a warm and vibrant community. I look forward to all that Term 3 will bring.
Andrew McGregor
Principal
Take note - Issue 07
Save the Date
|
Term 3 concludes
|
Friday, 19 September
|
|
Term 4 Commences
|
Monday, 6 October
|
|
Picnic Day Public Holiday
|
Monday, 4 August
|
|
Twilight Concert
|
Thursday, 7 August
|
|
Junior School House Activities
|
Friday, 8 August
|
|
Unit 3 / 4 Trial Exams
|
August 8 - 12
|
|
Science Week
|
August 11 - 15
|
|
The Addams Family - The New Musical
|
September 12 & 13
|
|
School Tour
|
Saturday, 16 August
|
|
HRS Teacher Open Day
|
Saturday, 16 August
|
|
NAIDOC Week
|
18 - 22 August
|
|
Musical Recital
|
19 & 20 August
|
|
Bookfeast
|
Thursday, 21 August
|
|
Junior School House Activities
|
Friday, 22 August
|
|
Junior School Father's Day Breakfast
|
Thursday, 4 September
|
|
Junior School House Activities
|
Friday, 5 September
|
|
ELC Father's Day
|
Friday, 5 September
|
|
School Tour
|
Friday, 5 September
|
|
Tournament of the Minds Finals
|
Saturday, 6 September
|
|
Junior School Parent-Teacher Interviews
|
Tuesday, 9 September
|
|
Junior School House Activities
|
Friday, 12 September
|
|
Year 5/6 Thrive Showcase
|
Monday, 15 September
|
|
Middle & Senior School Parent-Teacher Interviews
|
Tuesday, 16 September
|
|
Online Parent-Teacher Interviews Junior, Middle, Senior School
|
Wednesday, 17 September
|
|
Boarders Travel Day
|
Friday, 19 September
|
|
Junior School House Singing
|
Friday, 19 September
|
|
China Study Tour
|
Friday, 19 September
|
|
Canberra Trip
|
Friday, 19 September
|
|
Book Week Parade
|
Wednesday, 20 September
|
The Addams Family - tickets on sale now!
Senior School - Issue 07
Welcome back to Term 3!
A warm welcome to all our new Senior School students, including five international students from China and our two Year 12 exchange students from the UK, Ellie and Bradley. They’ll be with us in Darwin for three weeks before heading to Melbourne for the final leg of their exchange at Haileybury. We also welcome three Year 10 students from Melbourne – Lachlan, Jessica, and William – who have joined us on the Principal’s Exchange and will spend the entire term in Darwin. In return, Aidan and Molly have travelled south to Melbourne and we wish them all the very best for their exchange experience.
This term is packed with exciting initiatives and learning opportunities. Week 3 will see our Sustainability Week, led by Sustainability Prefect Charlotte Williams and the Sustainability Committee. A range of activities will raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage students to consider how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. The week will conclude with a fundraising BBQ and a whole-school casual clothes day themed “A Touch of Green.”
Our Year 10 students are currently out on work experience – a fantastic chance to explore career pathways and gain valuable insight into the professional world.
Year 12 students were formally introduced to the Old Haileyburians Association (OHA), learning about the lifelong connections and opportunities available through the alumni network. The session concluded with food trucks, which were later enjoyed by our Year 10 and 11 students as well.
Best of luck to all students for the term ahead!
Kylie Mobilia
Head of Senior School
Year 12 Art Excursion
Year 12 Unit 4 Visual Arts students recently visited the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) to experience the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA). This valuable excursion provided students with the opportunity to explore the diverse and powerful range of contemporary Indigenous artworks on display. With a focus on the presentation of artworks, students analysed how curatorial decisions—such as lighting, placement, and space—enhance the meaning of artworks.
As part of their learning, students were also given rare access to MAGNT’s conservation and care archive rooms. Here, they gained insights into the behind-the-scenes processes involved in preserving cultural heritage, including techniques for storage, handling, and climate control. This experience helped students understand the importance of conservation in ensuring the longevity and integrity of artworks for future generations. The visit enriched their critical thinking about both the visual and contextual elements of art and deepened their appreciation for the care involved in maintaining museum collections. This hands-on experience will directly inform their own studio practice and written assessment responses, as they reflect on the relationship between artistic intention, presentation, and preservation in the professional art world.
Anne McMaster
Visual Arts Teacher
In the News - Issue 07
Welcoming our new International Students
Over the Term 2 break, Haileybury Rendall School eagerly prepared to welcome six new international students from China. These students arrived safely, thanks to the support of HRS staff, who escorted them from Singapore Airport, ensuring a smooth journey to Darwin. They officially joined our school community at the start of Term 3, ready to embark on an exciting academic and cultural adventure.
As a key part of Haileybury Rendall School’s global vision, our international student and staff exchange programs continue to grow in importance, fostering cross-cultural connections and enriching our school’s diversity. Under the guidance of our dedicated Principal, teachers, and staff, these students have seamlessly transitioned into life in Australia, supported every step of the way.
We look forward to sharing their stories as they settle into studying and living in Darwin. Stay tuned for updates on their experiences and achievements at HRS! Additionally, we are preparing to host 43 students and four staff members from Guangzhou Foreign Language School for a two-week Study Tour experience in mid-August. This program marks the first-ever Inbound Study Tour at HRS, setting a new standard for global educational exchanges.
Lei Shangguan
Head of International Relations
Debating Club Returns to Middle and Senior School!
After an absence, it is exciting to announce that the HRS Middle and Senior School debating Club is back! Following their success at the Australian School debating competition, where they represented the NT Debating Team, Abigail (Year 12), Sam (Year 11), and Isaac (Year 11) have kindly volunteered to train and lead the debating team. This term, they will be running engaging mock debates and teaching debating skills. Abi, Sam, and Isaac are also reinvigorating the NT School Debating competition and hope to have it back up and running this year.
Everyone is welcome to join; no prior experience is required. Join us every Friday lunchtime.
On Friday, 1st August, we’ll kick off the club with a lively discussion on the topic: “That Australia should lower the voting age to 16.”
Bring your ideas, your voice, and a willingness to get involved.
See you there!
Sophie Forsterling
Head of Inclusion & Support
Grinning HEARTS
Congratulations to our AFLW Team HEARTS for their victory in last night's game against O'Loughlin Catholic College. It was a close match with a final score of 30-23!
Well done!
Simone O'Brien
Sports Coordinator
Emerging Matildas
Congratulations to Karys (Year 8) and Stella (Year 10) who were selected to represent the NT in the Emerging Matildas Competition in Sydney!
The Emerging Matildas Competition is a flagship youth event in Australian football (soccer), bringing together the top teams from across the country to compete for the national title and showcase their skills to national team coaches.
Karys was announced as the NT U15 Girls Captain!! An amazing achievement for a 13-year-old as she competes in her first football (soccer) Nationals!!
ConNect – Darwin
The 2025 ConNect Darwin workshops were a fantastic event, with several HRS students across Years 6–12 proudly taking part in the two-day intensive music program, held at Darwin Middle School.
Presented by the Open Conservatorium (Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University), the program brought together young musicians from across the NT. Students participated in specialised workshops for strings and voice, working alongside an outstanding team of educators from the Queensland Conservatorium.
The event concluded with a showcase concert on Sunday afternoon, celebrating the students’ progress and achievements.
Well done to the following students for their performance;
- Zhi Shen - Soprano Year 5
- Bert - Violin Year 6
- Ezekiel - Violin Year 7
- Philippa - Viola Year 7
- Darcie - Cello Year 8
- Michael - Cello Year 8
- Helen - Violin Year 8
Our students were praised for their excellent manners, positive attitude, and strong work ethic throughout the weekend. A special mention goes to our two Year 7 students, who showed great commitment and focus—despite only returning from their school camp two days prior to the workshop.
Wan-Ling Chang
Music Teacher
Careers News - Issue 07
Exciting times for Careers!
Three of our senior students recently completed a successful work placement with Jordan Plumbing and DCOH as part of their VET Certificate II in Construction. The placement provided students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting and gain a deeper understanding of the construction and plumbing industries. The team at Jordan Plumbing and DCOH provided excellent mentoring and support, helping the students build their practical skills and confidence. The placement also provided students with a clearer idea of what to expect in a trade career. It helped them develop key workplace skills, such as communication, teamwork, and safety awareness. Work placements are an integral part of the VET program, providing students with valuable insight into potential career pathways and the opportunity to explore their interests in a hands-on environment. We thank Jordan Plumbing and DCOH for supporting our students and providing such a positive and professional learning experience.
We have the following Universities joining us during Week 5 to present to students!
- Presentation from James Cook University in the Careers area
Monday 11 August 12.30 pm - 1.10 pm
- Presentation by the University of Melbourne in the Auditorium
Wednesday 13 August 12.30 pm - 1.10 pm
- Presentation by Monash University in the Auditorium
Wednesday 13 August 3.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Parents are welcome to attend. - Presentation from WA Universities in Dumabudla
Friday, 15 August- Year 9 & 10 Students - period 3
- Year 11 & 12 Students - period 4
Debbie Middleton
Careers and VET Coordinator
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.
Follow us
Type on the line above then press the Enter/Return key to submit a new search query