OUR VISION
Byron Bay High School delivers a collaborative learning environment where students achieve excellence through our connection with community and land, creating holistic leaders of the future.
Contact us
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions:
- Email - byronbay-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
- Phone - 02 6685 8188 (8:20 am to 3:40 pm)
You can also find important school updates and further information on our website, School Bytes portal and app, and Facebook page:
- Website - https://byronbay-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/
- School Bytes Parent Portal - School Bytes | Log in to the parent portal
Term 3 2025
Week 5
- Fri 22 Aug - FNC Basketball 15s Boys knockout | BISC
Week 6
- Wed 27 Aug - Year 7 and 8 Debate vs MHS
- Thu 28 Aug - Year 12 Geography GTA Study session | 9 am to 12 pm
- Thu 28 Aug - Year 12 Students vs Staff Touch Football showdown
- Thu 28 Aug - Opens Boys Basketball Friendly match
- Fri 29 Aug - PRIDE MUFTI DAY | Wear purple or rainbow
- Fri 29 Aug - Italian Cultural Exchange students arrive
- Fri 29 Aug - Year 7 & 8 Round 3 Debating | BBHS Team B
- Sun 31 Aug - Tournament of the Minds Regional tournament | Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School
Week 7
- Fri 29 Aug to Tue 9 Sep - Italian Cultural Exchange students at BBHS
- Mon 1 Sep - Year 10 PASS Tennis courts visit | Miss Dale's class
- Mon 1 Sep - Italian Cultural Exchange | Lighthouse visit
- Tue 2 Sep - Year 12 Geography GTA study session | 9 am to 12 pm
- Tue 2 Sep - Italian Cultural Exchange | Natural Arch excursion
- Wed 3 Sep - P&C Trivia Night fundraiser | Byron Bay Golf Course
- Thu 4 Sep - Italian Cultural Exchange | Gold Coast excursion
- Fri 5 Sep - Year 10 PASS Tennis courts visit | Mr Browne's class
- Fri 5 Sep - Italian Cultural Exchange | Minyon Falls excursion
- Fri 5 Sep - TAFE YES Program Taster Day | Selected students
Week 8
- Fri 29 Aug to Tue 9 Sep - Italian Cultural Exchange visit continues
- Mon 8 Sep - Year 12 Business Studies Qantas Case Study presentation
- Fri 12 Sept - Year 9 Outdoor Education Brunswick River Paddle
- Fri 12 Sep - TAFE YES Program Taster Day | Selected students
Celebrating NAIDOC 2025
This year’s NAIDOC celebrations at BBHS were a vibrant and meaningful recognition of First Nations culture, history, and achievements. Our students engaged in a wide variety of workshops including music, dance, firemaking, boomerang making, weaving, painting, First Nations games, and cooking.
These hands-on experiences gave students a chance to learn traditional skills, connect with culture, and celebrate the theme of NAIDOC Week: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.
Many thanks to cultural custodians Kaitlyn Clark, Mitch King, Benja Slabb, and Aunties Deb Cole and Sonya Breckenridge who came into the school to enrich our cultural knowledge and experience. We are incredibly grateful for their sharing.
A formal NAIDOC Assembly was a highlight of the week. We were honoured to welcome Traditional Owner Delta Kay, who shared her knowledge and wisdom with our school community, speaking movingly about her ancestors’ stories and connection to this land. The assembly also featured a moving musical performance by our First Nations Cultural Leader, Ryan T and his Year 12 allies, and an inspiring address by Mr Pietens, reminding us of the importance of respect, strength, and legacy.
Special thanks must go to our wonderful student assembly hosts Bella F, Cassius R, Ruby R, and Leo N, whose maturity, warmth, and confidence helped create a welcoming and respectful atmosphere for all.
We are also proud to acknowledge Gemma R, who was recently recognised with a First Nations Leadership Award – an outstanding achievement that reflects her commitment to community, culture, and leadership.
The success of NAIDOC 2025 at BBHS would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our staff. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all who helped plan, coordinate, and deliver such a rich week of learning and celebration.
First Nations Cultural Camp
Lake Arragon, Yaegl Country
In addition to NAIDOC Week, students and staff recently attended a First Nations Cultural Camp at Lake Arragon on Yaegl Country. The camp was an opportunity to connect deeply with culture and country, and to learn more about ourselves, one another, and the land around us.
Despite the cold weather, spirits remained high as participants took part in cultural knowledge sessions and survival skills workshops. Activities included traditional trapping techniques, plant identification, and hunting games, all of which offered valuable insights into First Nations knowledge systems and practices.
The camp was a time of reflection, learning, and laughter – a wonderful celebration of Australian First Nations culture and a genuine act of reconciliation in practice.
Students returned with new skills, lasting memories, and a stronger sense of connection to each other and to Country.
A very special thanks goes to Mr Pietens, Ms Lowe, and Mrs Connell, whose organisation, energy, passion, and knowledge made the camp such a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved. We would also like to sincerely thank the local businesses who generously sponsored the camp with donations of produce – Byron Bay Muesli Company, Brookfarm, Bay Grocer, The Source, Woolworths, and the Agriculture Department BBHS - their support was both welcomed and deeply appreciated in making the experience possible.
What a powerful reminder that NAIDOC is not just a week of celebration, but a way of deepening our shared understanding, respect, and commitment to reconciliation.
Mr Eli Pietens - English teacher
Year 11 conquer the slopes
Snow much fun!
Our Year 11 students recently returned from an unforgettable snow trip to Thredbo. Across the week, students experienced both skiing and snowboarding, with many seeing snow for the first time.
A light snow shower added to the magic of the trip, making the mountain even more memorable.
Under the guidance of skilled instructors, everyone improved their abilities on the slopes, whether they were complete beginners or more advanced riders. The days were physically demanding, with students returning sore and exhausted each evening, but the effort was always rewarded. The bounty of food provided at our accommodation was exactly what was needed to fuel hungry bellies after long days in the snow.
The trip would not have been possible without the support and dedication of our teachers. A huge thank you goes to Mr Herbert, Mr Humphreys (Year 11 Year Advisor), and Miss Dale for being absolute legends in making this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.
Debating news
Years 9 & 10 BBHS Team A are Zone Champions!
On Monday 18 August, our Years 9 and 10 BBHS Team A formally debated The Rivers Secondary College, Lismore High Campus, online, arguing the topic: That graffiti should be decriminalised.
BBHS effectively incorporated all the feedback they have received this season and achieved a clear victory over the opposing team.
Each of our speakers argued for a sustained 7 minutes, providing a range of points, examples and convincing rebuttals. This 3rd win now makes them Zone Champions!
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all team members: Xavier, Naomi, Erin, Frankie, Archie and Sonia. As well, I would like to thank Kian and Maddy (Year 7 Debaters) who contributed as Time Keeper and Chairperson. Congratulations!
Ms Smotlak - English teacher
TAS news
Eastpoint Joinery timber donation
As part of the Technological and Applied Studies Faculty (TAS), we would like to express our warm gratitude to Steve and Toby from Eastpoint Joinery - Byron Bay for the donation of timber this week!
We have been lucky enough to receive a mix of hardwood species that will benefit our Technology Mandatory, Industrial Technology and Design courses.
We would like to thank Toby for generously jointing the timber (squaring two sides) and having it easily accessible for pick up. We value businesses that donate to the school and appreciate the financial cost and effort that has gone into making this possible for our students here at BBHS.
Mr Tristam Horn - TAS teacher and Head Teacher Administration
Don't forget to buy your P&C Trivia Night tickets !
P&C 'Spring Fling' Trivia Night Fundraiser
Wednesday 3 September
Planning for our first major fundraiser of the year is well underway. Thank you to everyone who has purchased tickets so far. Get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and friendly competition!
If you are keen to attend, please get in quick. Tickets can be purchased via the Humanitix link below.
The Byron Bay High School P&C Association raises money to supplement the resources in our school. This year, we are aiming to raise funds for a state of the art audio visual system for the newly refurbished school hall.
The Spring Fling Trivia Night will be on Wednesday 3 September from 6 pm at the Byron Bay Golf Club. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased via the Humanitix link or QR code below.
The fabulous Mandy Nolan will be our host for the evening and we have some fun games and prizes to be won. Remember to bring a pocket full of gold coins for the coin toss and $10 for the 100 squares game!
Dinner will be served by Tom and Keelin from BowerBird Dining.
There will be a lucky door prize and a special gift for the best dressed Spring fashion.
Book a table of friends or let us add you on to a Year table. We'll have tables for Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 families. There will be a maximum of 10 people per table. Please let us know your preference by emailing bbhspandc@gmail.com to arrange.
For more information and to register your spot visit the Trivia Night Humanitix page:
The Byron Bay High School P&C Association - proudly supporting our children's education
ASX Sharemarket Game update
Byron Bay High is off to another flying start!
Byron Bay High School students are again sitting at the top of the national leaderboard in the second ASX Schools Sharemarket Game of 2025.
So far 75 students have invested their $50,000 of virtual funds into a portfolio of Australian shares, with more still to trade. In the first week of the Game a number of our students are sitting at the top of the national leaderboard! Currently among NSW traders, Byron Bay High School students make up 9 of the top 12 positions, including 1st and 2nd place.
While profits are the goal, losses are also an important teacher about the realities of the financial markets and all traders should be congratulated on their efforts.
The ASX Schools Sharemarket Game gives our students the opportunity to learn about investing in shares and we pride ourselves on being a national leader in the Game, with our school achieving comprehensive success in winning all of the national cash prizes in the first game of 2024.
Any students interested in trading in the ASX Schools Sharemarket Game should see Mr Stevenson in the HSIE staffroom. There is still time to become involved and to test your skills in investing in shares.
Mr Dale Stevenson - HSIE teacher
Canteen news
We are so lucky at Byron Bay High School to have a wonderful canteen that provides healthy and delicious food options for students. Our canteen is open every day for breakfast (8:40 am to 9 am), recess and lunch.
The canteen accepts cash or card. If paying by card, students will need to bring in a physical EFTPOS/credit card as cards on mobile phones are not accepted.
Items can be purchased by lining up at the canteen during the breaks, or to avoid the lines, students can place an order at the beginning of the day. We recommend that students pre-order specials for recess or lunch as they often sell out quickly.
To place an order, students should visit the canteen prior to 9 am and fill out their choices on a paper bag.
You can always find the current canteen menus on our school website on the About our school - What we offer page:
From the Careers Advisor
Southern Cross University - Gold Coast Open Day this Sunday!
From Byron Shire Council
1000 Voices Byron Shire – Share Your Ideas, Shape Local Action!
Our school community has been invited to take part in 1000 Voices Byron Shire. A community-led initiative that invites everyone in the Shire to share their ideas, experiences, and perspectives on homelessness. Meaningful change begins with listening to those who live, work, learn and care in this community, including the families, carers, educators, and young people of our school.
Parents and carers are warmly invited to complete the survey. If you feel it’s appropriate, you may also support your child or young person to share their ideas.
The survey is anonymous, takes 10 minutes and all demographic questions are optional.
Together, we can shape real local action that truly reflects our Byron Shire communities. By listening to families, children, and young people, we ensure that what we plan, the services delivered, and decisions we make are guided by what matters most to those connected here.
Complete the survey online here:
Keen to know more or interested in supporting 1000 Voices? Reach out to Sarah Neeves, 1000 Voices Project Officer, on mobile 0437 155 108, or check out the webpage:
What's on at The YAC
Safer Drivers Course for Learners
- Cost - $140 (free course for Concession Card holders)
- Date - Tuesday 26 August, 4 pm to 7 pm
- Where - Byron Youth Activity Centre (The YAC) - 1 Gilmore Crescent Byron Bay
To attend the course learner drivers need to:
- have a valid learner licence
- be under 25 years of age
- have completed at least 50 log book hours of on-road driving (excluding any 3 for 1 bonus hours)
- have included night driving in some of those hours.
Register for the Safer Driver course via the YAC website:
For more information, call 6685 7777 or email info@bys.org.au
Kick Back at The YAC
A place for young people to create and thrive!
Every Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm, Byron Youth Service hosts Music 101 workshops for students keen to learn all things music — from live sound and lighting to electronic music, self-promotion, and booking gigs.
The YAC offers:
- Rehearsal rooms and electronic music labs
- Chill-out spaces and basketball courts
- 8-ball tables and friendly competitions
- Transport options for those who need it
You can find the YAC at 1 Gilmour Crescent, Byron Bay. For more info, contact Ryan at ryanm@bys.org.au or call 0492 989 659.
In the community
Credits:
Cover photo Photo by Timothy Hales Bennett on Unsplash Created with images by Beton Studio - "Medical mask, Medical protective masks on blue background. Disposable surgical face mask cover the mouth and nose. Healthcare and medical concept. Long web banner coronavirus covid-19 concept" • takasu - "ビジネスイメージ―タイムマネージメント"