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 2
- Sun 27 Jul to Wed 6 Aug - Japanese exchange students at BBHS
- Mon 28 Jul to Fri 1 Aug - Year 11 Hospitality placements
- Thu 31 Jul - Parent Teacher Interviews | Evening 1
- Fri 1 Aug - Year 7 and 8 Debating
- Fri 1 Aug - Preliminary Biology and EES mandatory field work
- Fri 1 Aug - Japanese students and hosts visit Bangalow Public School
Week 3
- Mon 4 Aug to Tue 19 Aug - Trial HSC exams
- Mon 4 Aug - Japanese students and hosts Dreamworld excursion
- Tue 5 Aug - School tour with the Principal | 9:30 am
- Tue 5 Aug - NAIDOC Assembly | Whole school
- Tue 5 Aug - Year 10 into Year 11 student subject talks | Period 4
- Tue 5 Aug - Fizzics Education STEM Career Roadshow
- Tue 5 Aug - Parent Teacher Interviews | Evening 2
- Wed 6 Aug - Surround Sound performance workshop
- Thu 7 Aug - Byron Writer's Festival Secondary Schools Day
- Thu 7 Aug - Year 11 Marine and Maritime Jobs excursion
- Fri 8 Aug - NAIDOC Activities Day | Years 7-9
- Fri 8 Aug - Year 10 Interview Day
- Fri 8 Aug - FNC Futsal Boys 14-16s Championships | BISC
- Sun 10 Aug - Year 11 Snow Trip departs
Week 4
- Mon 11 Aug to Tue 19 Aug - Trial HSC exams continue
- Sun 10 Aug to Fri 15 Aug - Year 11 Snow Trip
- Mon 11 Aug to Wed 13 Aug - First Nations Camp
- Mon 11 Aug - Bay FM Pride group workshops
- Tue 12 Aug - Year 8 into Year 9 student subject talks
- Tue 12 Aug - FNC Futsal Girls 14-16s Championships | BISC
- Thu 14 Aug - Year 8 subject selections close
Week 5
- Mon 18 Aug to Tue 19 Aug - Trial HSC exams continue
- Tue 19 Aug - P&C Meeting | 7 pm in the Library
Week 6
- Thu 28 Aug - Year 12 Geography GTA Study Session
- Fri 29 Aug - PRIDE MUFTI DAY | Wear purple or rainbow
- Fri 29 Aug - Italian Exchange students arrive
No loudspeaker announcements during the Trial HSC exam block
The Year 12 Trial HSC exams will take place from Monday 4 August to Tuesday 19 August. We wish all of our Year 12 students the very best as they head into these important exams.
We ask our school community to please be aware that our office staff will not be able to make announcements over the loudspeaker during an exam.
If you have a child in Years 7-11 and arrive at school to collect them unannounced during the recess or lunchtime breaks, we may not be able to call them over the PA if there is an exam in progress.... and you may have to wait.
To help us during this time, it is particularly important that you adhere to our school's Early Leave Process by sending in a handwritten note with your child at the beginning of the day, where possible. If you know your child needs to leave school for any reason, pre-arranging an Early Leaver Pass will ensure that your child can meet you at the gate at the nominated pick-up time. Please remember that we do not accept leave requests via email.
We thank you for your cooperation.
Reminders for Year 12 students and their families
Trial HSC examinations
A reminder to our Year 12 families about the upcoming Trial HSC Exams, which will run from Monday 4 August to Tuesday 19 August (Weeks 3, 4, and 5). Information has been sent to you previously, but I would like to highlight some points:
- During the Trial HSC exam block, Year 12 students only need to attend school for their nominated exams/assessments.
- Students will be required to present to their examination venue at least 15 minutes before the start of the exam and may leave after the exam has finished.
- Allow plenty of time to get to their exam in case of traffic and car parking delays.
- They must come prepared with all the necessary equipment (pens, ruler, calculator, etc.) for the exam.
- Students are expected to return to normal timetabled classes from Wednesday 20 August (Week 5).
- From Week 5 to Week 9, teachers will continue to deliver important course content, revision activities, and exam preparation. After the Trial HSC exams, classes are NOT over... students must continue to turn up to all classes. This period is a valuable opportunity for students to consolidate their learning and seek support before the final HSC exams.
Parents and carers, we appreciate your support in ensuring students attend and engage fully with their lessons during this critical time.
What happens if your child wakes up sick on the day of an exam?
If your Year 12 student is going to miss a Trial HSC examination, you must telephone the school prior to the commencement of the exam, so their absence can be registered.
On their return to school after the illness, and within 2 days, your child will be required to complete an Illness/Misadventure form, and provide accompanying documentation, such as a Doctor’s Certificate. It is the student’s responsibility to see their Deputy Principal (Mr Cronin) to collect the Illness/Misadventure form and to organise the possibility of rescheduling the examination.
Further information relating to the Illness/Misadventure process can be found in the BBHS Year 12 HSC Assessment policy:
To all our Year 12 students and their parents and carers who are supporting them, we wish you the very best over the coming weeks as these important exams get underway.
This can be a challenging time, so please remember to look after yourselves — rest, stay positive, and reach out if you need support.
Mrs Kelley Caoyonan - Year 12 Year Advisor
Increased demand for school carparks
Please park safely
We are currently experiencing an increased demand for parking spaces in our school carpark. With more students driving to school, it is essential that everyone follows the guidelines to ensure the carpark remains safe and accessible for all users.
A reminder that anyone parking a vehicle or bike on school premises (staff, students or parents) does so at their own risk.
Students are reminded to only park in clearly marked spaces. If a space does not have painted lines indicating it is a designated car spot, it is NOT a valid parking space. Parking outside of these lines can block other vehicles, prohibit access, reduce visibility, and create serious safety hazards for pedestrians and drivers alike. Allow yourself time to find an alternate car park in a nearby street if the BBHS carpark is full.
Parents and carers, please do not bring your car into the carpark during peak drop off and pick up periods. Having extra cars trying to enter and leave the carpark puts a big strain on this small space.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school carpark safe and functional for everyone.
Mr Murray Cronin - Deputy Principal (Years 8, 10 and 12)
School uniform price increases
Advice from School Locker
School Locker in Ballina has informed us that, effective 1 October 2025, they will be applying a 4% increase to the retail price across all uniform items.
This increase will assist in offsetting the ongoing impact of rising operational and supply chain costs, including increases in raw materials, production, freight, and broader inflationary pressures.
The price increases are detailed in the spreadsheet below:
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Celebrating Gemma's NAIDOC Award
Congratulations to Year 10 student Gemma R, who was recently honoured with a Goonellabah Education Office NAIDOC Award. Recognised as a young emerging leader, Gemma truly embodies the 2025 NAIDOC theme: The Next Generation – Strength, Vision & Legacy.
Our school is very proud to celebrate Gemma’s achievements, and it was wonderful to see so many supporters from Byron Bay High School in the audience.
Well done, Gemma, on this well deserved recognition and for inspiring those around you with your leadership and strength.
Mr Murray Cronin - Deputy Principal (Years 8, 10 and 12)
Welcome to our visitors from Japan!
Okutama Exchange Program
Byron Bay High School is delighted to extend a heartfelt welcome to students and teachers visiting from Okutama High School. From the moment our Japanese guests arrived, the school has buzzed with energy and curiosity.
We are especially grateful to the homestay families, whose generosity and warmth have made this experience truly memorable. Their kindness has fostered a meaningful cultural exchange and strengthened bonds between families, students, and communities.
Already, they’ve been busy sharing and exploring new experiences including, making ANZAC cookies in Food Technology, learning the Nutbush dance in PE, tackling coastal management projects in HSIE, joining Year 12 for a spirited music concert, folding origami pieces in Japanese class, and discovering hidden gems across the school in an ESL scavenger hunt. Not to mention the daring flips and swoops at Circus Arts Byron Bay! What brilliant bravery on the trapeze! Okutama staff were also treated to a sneak preview of performances from this year’s musical group!
But wait, there’s more to come! The students and their homestay buddies have yet to complete the lighthouse walk, a visit to Killen Falls, a collaborative day with Bangalow Public School, an exciting excursion to Dreamworld next week, and art workshops and beach games to end their stay.
From Simone Museth, Harry Humphreys, Cathy Walkden-Brown, and myself, we want to extend a big thank-you to everyone involved - students, teachers, staff, and especially our homestay hosts - for making this exchange such a special and unforgettable experience.
Ms Jireh Dixon - Japanese Teacher
Lawson smashes it at Nationals Swimming!
2025 School Sport Australia (SSA) 13–19 Years Swimming Championships
A HUGE congratulations to Year 9 student and resident fish, Lawson K, who recently competed at the Nationals School Swimming Championships in Brisbane.
Lawson competed in the 15 years Boys 50m Fly and placed 7th in Australia! His team also came 3rd in the 4x50m relay!!!
Well done Lawson... your commitment to training, competing and recovering from a massive injury has been inspiring to us all. Keep up the fantastic work! We are all behind you here at BBHS and are very proud of your success.
Mrs Kelley Caoyonan - Sports Coordinator, PDHPE teacher and Year 12 Year Advisor
Rugby NSW Secondary Schools 7s Competition
Our Girls and Boys Under 14s Rugby Union teams recently participated in this year’s Alex Gibbons Cup. The day was all about developing the student's team and individual skills, as well as their knowledge of rugby, and how to adapt it to the 7’s playing format, through a series of games against other schools in the region.
Both teams came up against quality opposition throughout the day, rising to the challenge with determination and effort. Our players continued to improve their skills with each game, applying feedback and adapting to the fast-paced and physical nature of 7s rugby.
The tournament provided a fantastic opportunity for our developing players to gain valuable game experience, grow their confidence, and deepen their understanding of Rugby Union.
Congratulations to all involved!
Northern Rivers Careers Expo
Year 10 explore career pathways in Lismore
Earlier this week, our Year 10 cohort attended the Northern Rivers Careers Expo at the Lismore Showgrounds, joining many other schools from across the region.
The highlight of the day was our very own Year 10 band, The Grannie Smyths, performing live on the SAE stage.
At the expo, students explored a wide range of exhibitions showcasing career and study pathways, gaining valuable insights into industries, training opportunities, and future possibilities. The experience helped many students to begin thinking more confidently about their future directions and subject choices. The free merchandise was also a big hit!
Mrs Madelyn Sergi - Teacher and Careers Advisor
P&C Trivia Night tickets on sale NOW!
BBHS P&C 'Spring Fling' Trivia Night Fundraiser
We are excited to announce our first major fundraiser of the year - the Spring Fling Trivia Night!
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.
Get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and friendly competition!
The 'Spring Fling' Trivia Night is 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 2 of 2025
Registrations are now open
Registrations for the 2nd ASX Schools Sharemarket Game of 2025 are now open. All students have the opportunity to invest $50,000 in Australian shares, choosing from over 350 companies. All students from Year 7 to Year 12 are invited to register to play the Game. Commerce and Business Studies students will play the Game in class.
The Game starts on August 14 and there will be lunchtime meetings held in Room 16 on August 7, 12 and 14 to prepare for the Game. During the Game there will be weekly meetings held.
Mr Stevenson will provide education and tools that have made Byron Bay High School a leading school in the country for share investment. If your child is interested in participating, please encourage them to see him in the HSIE staffroom or email dale.stevenson@det.nsw.edu.au.
From the Office
An important whole school reminder
BBHS Mobile Phone Policy
“Off and away for the whole day!"
Mobile phones must remain off and out of sight for the entire school day
In line with the current state-wide NSW Department of Education policy, all student's mobile phones must be switched off and stored in their bags before they enter the school gates.
Any student phone seen out during the day (including recess and lunch breaks) will have to be handed in to a Deputy Principal (DP) and collected at the end of the day. This also includes electronic devices and earpieces which students use to listen to music. Parents/carers will receive an email advising them if their child has breached the Mobile Phone/Electronic Device Policy.
Refusal to hand in a mobile/electronic device to the Deputy Principal when requested may result in the student being placed on a Deputy Principal Monitoring Card and the student will be required to hand in their phone each morning to their Deputy Principal until the Monitoring Card has been completed.
PLEASE NOTE: Students need to bring a physical EFTPOS/credit card or cash to use at the canteen. The canteen will not accept cards on a mobile phone.
Students must not to use their phones to contact their parents during the day. If your child is feeling sick at school, our procedure is for them to report to the Office and our Sick Bay coordinator will contact you.
If you need to get a message to your child throughout the day please phone our school office on 6685 8188 or email byronbay-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au and we will be happy pass the message on to your child.
For more information about the BBHS Mobile Phone Policy please refer to our school website:
From the Careers Advisor
Southern Cross University Open Day
Griffith University Open Day
SAE to cease new enrolments for the Byron Bay Campus
SAE and ACAP University Colleges have made the decision to cease enrolling new students into our Byron Bay campus. The Trimester 2 2025 intake was the final student cohort enrolled at the Byron Bay campus, and from there they will begin a carefully managed transition to wind down campus operations, with the campus scheduled to close in February 2028 at the latest.
The Byron Bay campus has been a creative hub for more than 20 years and SAE remains proud of the contribution their staff, students, and alumni have made to the Byron Bay and Northern Rivers region. However, international student demand has shifted, and domestic enrolment in the region is no longer sufficient to support future operations. With their lease concluding in 2028, this marks a natural end to SAE's time at the Byron campus.
SAE remains committed to supporting students in regional areas who want to build careers in the creative or care sectors. To ensure that connection continues beyond 2028, they will be launching a new bursary to support prospective students from the Byron Bay and Northern Rivers community. This will help local students access creative media or care qualifications at other SAE or ACAP campuses across Australia.
Reminders for Learner Drivers
Many of our Year 10 students are now reaching the age where they can apply for their learner driver’s licence – an exciting and important milestone!
For those who don't know, Transport for NSW has made getting your Ls more convenient and accessible. Last year they launched the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) Online – a 4 to 6 hour interactive course you can complete from home or anywhere with internet access. Once you have passed the test, and you are 16 years or older, you can apply for your Learners Drivers Licence. To apply you'll need to visit a Service NSW Centre, mobile service centre or council agency. You do not need to make a booking.
In addition, the Byron Youth Service supports young people on their journey to getting their licence by offering learner driver training. For more information, call 6685 7777 or email info@bys.org.au
Mr Murray Cronin - Deputy Principal (Years 8, 10 and 12)
What's on at The YAC
Safer Drivers Course for Learners
- Cost - $140 (free course for Concession Card holders)
- Date - Wednesday 6 August or 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
Barista Course
- Cost - $100 (free course for Concession Card holders)
- Date -Tuesday 5 August or Tuesday 26 August, 4 pm - 7 pm
- Where - Byron Youth Activity Centre (The YAC) - 1 Gilmore Crescent Byron Bay
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"