Byron Breeze

Last week, we had the pleasure of visiting our local partner primary schools as part of our ongoing Transition Program. I was joined by 3 outstanding Year 7 students, Nina A, Finn B and Finn D H, who represented our high school with enthusiasm and maturity. They spoke confidently about their experiences starting high school, shared insights into daily high school life, and answered thoughtful questions from the Year 6 students about subjects, routines and settling in.

It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our partner primary schools, gain a deeper understanding of their unique contexts and spend time in their welcoming learning environments.

We were warmly received by staff and students alike and it was clear that strong relationships between our schools continue to support a smooth and positive transition for students. We look forward to welcoming the Year 6 students to our school on 11 March or 18 March, where they will experience a taste of high school life, meet teachers and students and begin building confidence for the exciting journey ahead.

Mrs Kelly Todoroska - Relieving Deputy Principal | Years 7, 9 and 11

Byron Youth Band

A great new opportunity for student musicians

Byron Bay High School (BBHS) is hosting a proposed new Byron Youth Band! The aim is for the band to perform at the BBHS Winter Arts Festival in June. This opportunity is open to student musicians in Years 6 to 12, from Byron Bay High School, and our local public partner primary schools. The Band will be led by local professional musicians Elena Marcigot & Chelsea McNelliey.

• Rehearsals - Tuesdays (from Tuesday 28 April), 4-5pm, at Byron Bay High School.

• Cost - $100 for the term (10 sessions). Payment will be required before the first rehearsal.

• Instruments include - Flute, clarinet, trumpet, sax, trombone, euphonium, other brass and woodwind instruments, percussion, bass, and rhythm guitar.

If your child is interested in applying, please email Byron Bay High School at byronbay-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au by Friday 20 March.

In your email include:

• Your child's name
• School
• Parent contact details - email and phone number
• Your child's instrument
• Your child’s musical experience

The new Byron Youth Band is a joint initiative of Byron Bay High School, Geoff Spargo, (former Principal of Byron Bay Public School) and Dr Ray Moynihan.

For more information, or with any questions, please call or email Geoff Spargo (0417 274 476) or Dr Ray Moynihan (0411 433 185; raymond.moynihan@sydney.edu.au)

Year 7 and 11 Camp highlights

Teamwork, challenges, and lots of fun at the Gold Coast Recreation Precinct

What a fantastic experience the Year 7 students and their Year 11 Mentors had at their Camp held at the Gold Coast Recreational Precinct in Tallebudgera! Over 3 action-packed days, we immersed ourselves in a variety of exciting activities designed to build skills, confidence, and camaraderie.

From canoeing in the estuary and enjoying games on the beach, to mastering the high ropes course and practicing orienteering skills, the students were continually challenged and inspired. Engineering talents shone through in the catapult-building sessions, while team challenges strengthened their ability to work together and solve problems.

A huge highlight was the leadership shown by the sensational Year 11 Peer Mentors. These Senior students encouraged, cajoled, supported and laughed along with the Year 7 students every step of the way!

Our teachers were proud to accompany such a wonderful group of Year 7s and admired the maturity of the Year 11 Mentors involved. After 3 days away, we are home at last - exhausted and happy, taking with us memories that will last a lifetime!

Ms Charlotte Connell - Year 7 Year Advisor

Emu Gully Camps

Each year, our Year 9 and 10 students eagerly anticipate the opportunity to attend an Emu Gully Camp. Located in Helidon, Queensland, Emu Gully is an outdoor education provider known for its unique approach to student development. The camp’s activities are inspired by the ANZAC spirit, incorporating challenge-based experiences that often involve mud and water, designed not only to test physical endurance, but also to develop essential life skills such as resilience, courage, and mateship.

The enthusiasm and positive feedback year after year highlights just how much our students love the Emu Gully Camps — making them truly a cherished tradition in our school community.

Here's some highlights from this year's camps...

Year 9 students conquer the 'Adventure' Camp

Building new friendships, learning valuable life skills

During Week 5, 60 of our Year 9 students attended an unforgettable 'Adventure' Camp at Emu Gully, just outside Toowoomba – and what an experience it was!

From the moment they arrived, students were immersed in the camp’s powerful ANZAC-themed program, carefully designed to challenge both body and character. Stepping well beyond their comfort zones, our students were separated from their usual friendship groups and placed into new teams. What unfolded over the week was genuinely inspiring. Through mud, sweat and unwavering teamwork, they tackled demanding obstacles, encouraged one another through physically and mentally grueling challenges, and discovered new strengths within themselves and their peers.

The growth across the week was remarkable. New friendships were forged, existing relationships strengthened, and students gained a deeper appreciation of resilience, courage and mateship. They also took shared responsibility for the wellbeing of the group – cooking meals, serving one another, and ensuring cleaning duties were completed. Obstacles were never conquered by individuals alone, but by teams working collaboratively with determination and mutual support.

It was clear that this outstanding group of young people are developing into capable, compassionate future leaders.

Amid the intensity of the program, there were also moments of celebration and fun. Each afternoon, the rope swing drew eager crowds, with students launching themselves into the water and enthusiastically competing for the most impressive backflip. After a particularly demanding 2nd day, the well-earned downtime was embraced wholeheartedly. Laughter echoed around the campfire as students relaxed, reflected and enjoyed simply being together under the evening sky.

Students returned home fulfilled, proud and certainly exhausted – a sure sign of a camp that challenged them in all the right ways. We are incredibly proud of the way Year 9 embraced every aspect of the experience and represented our school with maturity, gratitude and enthusiasm. It was a truly memorable week.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our teachers, Ms Healy, Mr Humphreys, and Mr Black, who joined us on camp and shared in these exciting adventures. Their support and guidance played an important role in making this experience a memorable one for our students.

Ms Phoebe Kiddle - Year 9 Year Advisor

Year 10 take on the 'Challenge' Camp!

Stepping outside their comfort zones

Year 10s recent visit to Emu Gully for the 'Challenge' Camp provided students with another valuable opportunity to grow beyond the classroom.

Throughout the camp, our students took part in a range of physical and team-based challenges designed to build resilience, leadership, and cooperation. Whether navigating obstacle courses, tackling problem-solving tasks, or supporting one another through demanding activities, they were consistently encouraged to step outside their comfort zones.

What was most pleasing was to observe was the strong sense of encouragement and teamwork that developed across the group!

Students showed determination when tasks felt difficult and demonstrated a growing maturity in the way they communicated and worked together. Many discovered new strengths within themselves, while others quietly emerged as supportive and dependable team members.

Experiences such as this play an important role in shaping confidence, character, and a deeper understanding of personal responsibility. We are proud of the way our students represented Byron Bay High School and are grateful for the positive spirit they brought to the experience.

Mr Drew Minton - Year 10 Year Advisor

Celebrating sporting successes!

Far North Coast Rugby League

Congratulations to Year 10 students, Sunny T and Adam P, who recently represented our school at the Far North Coast (FNC) 16 Boys Rugby League trials.

The standard at these trials was exceptionally high, with many participants already involved in the Titans Pathway program — including Sunny and Adam.

We are proud to share that both boys were successful on the day and have been selected to progress to the Greater FNC Regional trials, where they will compete alongside top players from the Northern Rivers and Far North Coast.

Well done Sunny and Adam — and good luck!

Girls League Tag Training

Last Wednesday, our 14s and 16s Girls League Tag teams were fortunate to take part in a specialised training session with NRL coach Phil, who shared valuable tips and insights ahead of our upcoming Gala Day.

Phil, who coaches high-performance Women’s Rugby League on the Gold Coast, guided the girls through a range of sport-specific drills designed to sharpen their skills and game awareness.

It was a fantastic opportunity for our players to learn from an experienced coach working at an elite level.

A huge congratulations to the girls for their outstanding effort, especially in the hot conditions. Phil was very impressed with the girls' attitude and effort.