Byron Breeze tERM 1 | wEEK 9 2025

Current events that require action are:

• Year 9 Emu Gully Camp - due TODAY Friday 28 March
• Year 10 Emu Gully Camp - due TODAY Friday 28 March
• Year 7 and 11 Camp - due TODAY Friday 28 March
• Year 9 Outdoor Education Brunswick River Paddle - due Monday 31 March
• Year 12 Sydney History Study Tour - Booking flights | final cost to come
• Cross Country | Carnivals 2025 - due Thursday 3 April
• Year 11 Thredbo Ski Trip - Consent and deposit due Friday 4 April
• Year 11 Geography Local Waterways Study - due Tuesday 6 May

Reminders for BBHS families

Here are some important reminders for parents, carers and students as we head into the last few weeks of Term 1:

What to do it your child needs to leave school early

If your child needs to leave school early for any reason, we ask that parents/carers write us a short handwritten note stating your child's name, the leaving time, a reason why they are leaving and who will be picking them up. Your child will present your note to their Deputy Principal before 9 am and a Leave Slip will be generated. Then, at the approved pick-up time your child can leave their classroom and meet you at the car!

Our office does not accept email requests for early leave. If you did not have the chance to write a handwritten note, please come into the office to collect your child, allowing time for our staff to get your child out of class.

Please note: Students can only leave school with a parent/carer or a person who is listed as an Emergency Contact on their enrolment form.

What happens if you are planning on going away?

Families are encouraged to travel during the school holidays. If travel during the school term is necessary and your child will be away for 5 or more school days, you will need to submit an Application for extended leave - travel form at least 1 week prior to departure.

Absences relating to travel will be marked as leave on the roll and, therefore, contribute to your child's total absences for the year.

Students will also be required to complete an additional form to accompany the application. To complete this form, they will need to speak to each of their teachers to determine what work or assessments they will miss while they are away and organise extensions. This form must accompany the Application for extended leave - travel form when submitting your application to our school office.

From Mr Cronin

Our Deputy Principal

Last week, we hosted 2 events that allowed us to strengthen the connections and ensure a positive, supportive environment for our current and future students.

Year 7 2025 Welcome BBQ

On Tuesday 18 March, we welcomed our current Year 7 parents and caregivers into our school, to meet our staff and other families in the Year 7 cohort. Everyone who attended enjoyed live music, a BBQ sausage sizzle, and also some sweet treats from the Year 12 fundraising stall.

Year 6 to Year 7 2026 Information Evening

On Wednesday 19 March we hosted our annual Year 6 to Year 7 2026 Information Evening for prospective families, providing them with a great opportunity to meet and connect with everyone here at Byron Bay High School.

The evening featured speeches from our Principal, staff, and current students, who gave attendees an overview of all of the great things we do at Byron Bay High School. Details about key enrolment and orientation activities can be found in the flyer below.

Thank you to everyone who joined us — we look forward to a successful year with our current Year 7 students and their families, as well as a successful transition for the new Year 6 students into our high school.

Enrolling for Year 7 in 2026

If you are interested in enrolling your child at Byron Bay High School for Year 7 next year, please take note of the 2-step process for enrolment:

1. Complete an online Expression of Interest through your child's primary school (NOW OPEN)
2. If your child's Expression of Interest is successful, complete an online enrolment form and provide the necessary documentation within 14 days of receiving the confirmation email (this will take place between June and September).

Mr Murray Cronin - Deputy Principal (Years 8, 10 and 12)

South Passage sailing adventure

Last week, a group of very lucky Year 9 and 10 students embarked on a 4-night adventure on the South Passage 100ft gaff-rigged schooner.

Our sailing adventure was filled with excitement, teamwork, and unforgettable moments.

From mastering sailing techniques and navigating with nautical charts to braving sea sickness and competing in knot-tying challenges, each day brought new experiences.

Highlights included swimming near the Tangalooma shipwreck, spotting dolphins and turtles, and trekking the towering sand dunes of Moreton Island—where some spectacular (and hilarious) tumbles took place! Evenings were spent enjoying hearty meals, playing card games, and reflecting on our journey.

With leadership positions allocated for the final sail home, our crew is ready for the next adventure!

Mr Minton & Ms Healey - BBHS teachers (and fellow sailors)

Harmony Day

Last Friday, BBHS participated in the celebrations of Harmony Day - a day about putting aside our differences. Harmony Day was created in 1999 by the Australian government after a study on racial discrimination. The day was made to promote respect and unity. Harmony Day was inspired by the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is also celebrated on 21 March.

This year we raised funds to provide schools in Vanuatu with resources. We raised over $430 for the developing schools so they can have desks, stationary and books.

Harmony Day is a day against discrimination, racisim and sexisim. A day where we realise that it should be every day that we treat others with respect, and live in harmony.

Written by Kian H - Year 7 SRC student

P&C 2025 Q&A wrap up

Thank you parents and carers for attending this wonderful informative evening! Thank you also to the panel - what a wealth of knowledge, empathy and professionalism!

On the night, there was a range of questions - from the easy to the more complex. We all came away from the event knowing that our students at Byron Bay High have multiple support systems in place to allow them to learn and grow.

Our teenagers behaviours are indicators that something is going on for them, and the best way to support them is to talk. If you notice changes, or the teachers notice changes, the first thing to happen is a chat. So please contact your child’s Year Advisor or one of the Deputy Principals, Kristy Collins (Years 7, 9 and 11), or Murray Cronin (Years 8, 10 and 12), sooner rather than later.

A current issue that was discussed was the proliferation of misogyny and toxic masculinity via social media and influencers such as Andrew Tate. This is very concerning and the school is seeing some disturbing behaviours. To combat this the school models respect and equality at all times, and will address any concerns swiftly.

For parents and carers it is conversations about values, the more you talk the better! It is also important to be aware and research this topic yourself. A good place to start is a documentary on SBS on Demand titled ‘The Dangerous Rise of Andrew Tate’ (45 min). Once again, thank you to all who attended.

The BBHS P&C Association

BBHS Cross Country Carnival

Friday 4 April

Our school's cross country carnival will take place next Friday 4 April, from Period 3.

All students are expected to take part in this whole school carnival. They can complete the course by running, jogging or walking along the beautiful Tallow Beach with friends.

The format for the Cross Country Carnival this year is to minimise the impact on our Senior students and to encourage all students to participate in this whole school event. It is designed for students to run, jog or walk the 3, 4 or 6 km course along the beach and then celebrate their efforts with a BBQ, a cool drink, some great beats from our bands and a Presentation Assembly.

Students wishing to compete for a place at Zone will be allocated the front row of their age group to give them the best chance of achieving their goal.

Parent/Carer consent

In line with Department of Education protocol, parent/carer consent is required for your child to leave the school grounds during the Cross Country Carnival. If you have not yet completed the 2025 Whole School Sporting Carnivals online consent form emailed out on multiple times this year, please action your consent ASAP. This online form covers give your child you permission to attend all of the 3 compulsory Carnivals in 2025:

• Swimming Carnival - Wednesday 12 February
• Cross Country Carnival - Friday 4 April, and
• Athletics Carnival - Tuesday 20 May

If you already completed this online form earlier this year, there is nothing more you need to do!

If your child is injured or sick

If your child is injured or sick and cannot participate, we will provide for them on the day. There is no need for them to take the whole day off school. Please send them to school with a handwritten note advising us why they are not able to take part.

Cross Country arrangements

On the day, Period 1, 2 and Recess will run as normal to accommodate Year 12 assessments. All students will go to Period 3 for roll marking and then teachers will walk them to the oval and be in position by 12.35 pm.

The Cross Country Carnival this year will run into lunchtime. Period 4 will become Lunch (1:40-2:20 pm). Once students complete the full course they will receive a ticket to a free sausage sizzle. Snow cones will also be available for purchase whilst they enjoy the beats from our Bands in the Quad. After the Presentation Assembly (2:20-2:40 pm), students will move to their normal timetabled Period 5 class.

Starting times and distances

Parents and family members are welcome to come along to support their child. There will an area for parents/family to watch near the finish area on the oval. Below are the approximate starting times for each age group:

• 18, 17 and 16 Years Boys - 12:45 pm (6km)
• 15 and 14 Years Girls - 12:48 pm (4km)
• 12 and 13 Years Girls - 12:51 pm (3km)
• 12 and 13 Years Boys - 12:54 pm (3km)
• 15 and 14 Years Boys - 12:57 (4km)
• 18, 17 and 16 Years Girls - 1:00 pm (4km)

For those students who qualify, the confirmed dates for the Far North Coast carnival is:

• FNC Cross Country Carnival - Friday 23 May at Byron Bay High School

We appreciate your support with this by encouraging your child to take part in the carnival.

Mrs Kelley Caoyonan - Sports Coordinator, PDHPE teacher and Year 12 Year Advisor

North Coast Swimming Championships

This week, our swimmers finally got to swim at the on-again off-again on-again North Coast (NC) Swimming Championships in Kempsey. It seems like the extra couple of weeks to train certainly paid off for our athletes!

Well done to everyone who competed! A special mention goes out to the following swimmers who have qualified for the NSW CHS State Championships to be held in Sydney from 7 April to 9 April:

• 13 Years Girls Relay - Eva W, Freya B, Gracie-Rose C and Eve L
• 15 Years Boys Relay - Max G, Lawson K, Jax P and Albie P
• Albie P - 15 Years Boys 100m Breaststroke
• Freya B - 12 Years Girls 100m Breaststroke
• Kaia R - 14 Years Girls 100m Breaststroke
• Eva B - 15 Years Girls 100 Breaststroke and 100m Backstroke
• Lawson K - 15 Year Boys 100m Freestyle, 50m Freestyle, 200m Freestyle, 100m Fly and 100m Backstroke!

Best of luck to all our swimmers who are headed to Sydney!

Mrs Kelley Caoyonan - Sports Coordinator, PDHPE teacher and Year 12 Year Advisor

Upper North Coast Rugby League Team

Congratulations to Sunny T (Year 9) and Jed S (Year 11) who recently trialled for and were selected for the Upper North Coast Rugby League Team. The boys will travel to Coffs on 10 April to play against the Lower North Coast region.

From this game a North Coast team will be selected to play at the NSWCHS Championships.

Best of Luck boys! We know you will do BBHS proud.

Jere on the road to basketball success!

Year 12 student Jeremiah I has been selected for the Ausa hoops exposure tour in USA in July. The aim of the tour is to compete in USA basketball tournaments in front of college coaches and if Jere plays well he may be offered a scholarship in the USA!

Jere also recently competed in Melbourne where he was selected to join an elite AAU Basketball Under 21 team which competed in the FootLocker Summer Jam Championship, where they won the championship! Jere said it was the best experience of his life!!

Since Year 9 Jere has been playing for Byron Bay High School in CHS basketball tournaments and in 2024 was the highest scorer in the region from the Sydney to Tweed Heads (see the statistics photo attached below). To be recognised and invited to participate in the Summerjam competition is Jere's ultimate success to date.

We wish Jere all the very best of luck as he heads off to the USA in July, and look forward to following his further successes in the years to come. Go get them Jere!

CAPAL news

🎵Applications are now open for North Coast Music Camp!

• Sunday 25 to Wednesday 28 May 2025
• Coffs Coast Adventure Centre, Bonville
• Open to talented vocal and instrumental students from Years 5 to 12 who currently attend NSW public schools
• Applications close on Friday 11 April

Careers news

For students interested in studying Music at Griffith University

Griffith University's Music Audition & Tertiary Preparation Workshop (TPW) has been designed to ensure participants confidently approach theoretical and practical aspects of the audition process for entrance to a tertiary music institution.

This years program will be offered both in-person, at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University Brisbane City (South Bank), and online.

Participants will learn about requirements for tertiary study entry, improve their audition and interview skills, update their theory and aural knowledge and learn methods to overcome performance anxiety. Performance practice sessions, with Queensland Conservatorium staff, will enhance their preparation for upcoming auditions through personal performance feedback and observations.

For more information and the full schedule visit:

ANZAC Day March

Byron Bay RSL sub-Branch ANZAC Day March and Commemoration Service - Friday 25 April

The Byron Bay RSL sub-Branch invites all BBHS students and staff to participate in this year’s ANZAC Day March and Commemoration Service on Friday 25 April, from 10:30 am to approximately 11:40 am.

BBHS teachers Mrs Sergi and Mrs Farrar will meet all students who will be participating in the March at Apex Park at 10:10am. Students and staff will march together and arrive at the Byron Bay War Memorial, near the Recreation grounds, where the Commemoration Service will begin.

After the Service, veterans of the Byron Bay RSL Sub-Branch invite all participants to join them at the Byron Bay Services Club for a soft drink.

We look forward to seeing our school community participate in this important event on our nation's calendar. Please join us as we show our respect for the service men and women who have served our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations.

• Wear - full Byron Bay High School uniform
• Meeting place - Apex Park (across the road from the Beach Hotel), from 10:10 am, with the March stepping off at 10:30 am sharp.
• Collection point - Students will need to be collected from the Memorial Gates at the completion of the Service (Cnr Marvell and Tennyson Streets)

Please be aware there will be road closures in Byron Bay on the day - Tennyson Street and Marvell Street intersection between 4.30 am and 5.30 am (for the Dawn Service). Then again at approximately 10:45 am, when the parade reaches the gates for the main service.

Madelyn Sergi and Sammi Farrar - Student Representative Council Coordinators

Library news