Byron Breeze tERM 1 | wEEK 4 2025

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.

Term 1 2025

Week 5

  • Sun 23 Feb to Sat 1 Mar - Year 12 Heron Island excursion | POSTPONED
  • Mon 24 Feb - Year 9 Swimming Program | classes 9PEA, 9PEY, 9PES
  • Tue 25 Feb - School Photo catch-up day
  • Tue 25 Feb - FNC Swimming Championships | Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre
  • Thu 27 Feb - Year 8 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 8PEJ, 8PEA, 8PEL
  • Fri 28 Feb - Year 9 and 10 Outdoor Ed | Kayaking
  • Fri 28 Feb - Year 8 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 8PEU, 8PEM, 8PES

Week 6

  • Fri 28 Feb to Fri 7 Mar - Year 12 Overland Track hike | Tasmania
  • Tue 4 Mar - Year 9 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 9PEJ, 9PEI, 9PEG
  • Tue 4 Mar - School Captains, SRC and House Captains Induction Assembly | 12:55 pm
  • Tue 4 Mar - P&C Parent Information Evening | 6:30 pm, PAC

Week 7

  • Mon 10 Mar - Year 8 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 8PEJ, 8PEA, 8PEL
  • Tue 11 Mar- Year 7 Vaccinations
  • Tue 11 Mar - NC Swimming Championships | Kempsey
  • Tue 11 Mar - Year 8 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 8PEU, 8PEM, 8PES
  • Tue 12 to Mon 24 Mar - NAPLAN testing window
  • Thu 13 Mar - Year 9 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 9PEJ, 9PEI, 9PEG
  • Thu 13 Mar - Year 7 2026 Information Evening | 5:30 to 7 pm
  • Fri 14 Mar - Year 9 Swimming Program | classes 9PEA, 9PEY, 9PES

Week 8

  • Mon 17 Mar - Fri 21 Mar - Year 9 and 10 South Passage excursion
  • Tue 18 Mar - Year 7 2025 Welcome BBQ | 5 pm
  • Tue 18 Mar - P&C meeting | 7 pm, Library
  • Thu 20 Mar - Year 8 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 8PEU, 8PEM, 8PES
  • Fri 21 Mar - Year 7 2026 Taster Lessons Day

Improving our learning environment

Can you help your children's school?

Would you like to make a donation to help improve the quality of the learning environment for our students? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation now by clicking on the button below:

How to make a donation:

  • Click on the link above
  • Select the ADD OTHER ITEMS button on the Online payment portal screen
  • Tick the DGR Building Funds (222401) option
  • Then press the ADD ITEMS button, where you will be taken to another screen to enter the amount you are donating
  • Select the PAY NOW button
  • On the next screen, please fill in your details (select either 'Business' or 'Other' in the 'Payment Type' drop down menu)
  • Press the PAY button and you will be redirected to the Service NSW online payment gateway to complete your payment.

Year 7 2025 - their first weeks of high school

Congratulations to our Year 7 students on a fantastic start to high school! We know that life at high school is very different to primary school, and we are very proud of how confidently they have hit the ground running.

During their first week, Year 7 engaged in a 3-day Orientation Program at school, spent a fantastic day at Broken Head as a part of their Stage 4 Geography unit, and participated in their first whole school swimming carnival. It was definitely a very busy first few days!

Students have now begun their formal Year 7 classwork and are getting to know their teachers and learning how to read their new timetables. Here's some feedback from some of our teacher so far:

  • The Year 7 students look great in their new uniforms!
  • They actively and enthusiastically participated in a range of activities to get to know each other and the school.
  • The Year 11 Mentors are to be congratulated on their commitment to helping the Year 7 students settle in.
  • Year 7 have learnt a lot of important things about high school life, including how to read their timetables and make it to class on time.
  • They did such a fantastic job adapting to the online Sports Selection Process and selecting their Term 1 Sport.
  • Now Year 7 are in their classes and settling into learning, and are getting to know their their way around the school.

Congratulations Year 7! We look forward to a valuable year of learning ahead.

Year 7 Broken Head Geography excursion

A huge congratulations to our new Year 7 students for their exemplary behaviour and enthusiasm during the recent Geography excursion to Broken Head. Their curiosity and respect made the day truly special!

Students engaged in a range of activities, including an inspiring talk by Aunty Delta, who shared her deep Indigenous connection to country through the stories, land, sea, and sky. They also practiced their geographical skills by drawing a field sketch of the headland and learning about the vital role of NSW National Parks in protecting marine life, plants, and animals.

The day was filled with hands-on fun, from sand sculpting and beach games to a scenic walk back to school along the shoreline.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing teachers for their professionalism, warmth, and teamwork in making this excursion a resounding success!

Ms Annie Murray - HSIE teacher

Year 7 2025 Welcome BBQ

Tuesday 18 March, from 5 pm to 6 pm

We invite all our current Year 7 families to join us on Tuesday 18 March, for a Welcome BBQ in our beautiful school grounds. Come along and meet your child's teachers, as well as other families in your child's Year 7 cohort.

There is no need to RSVP, simply turn up on the evening. A vegetarian option will be available.

Swimming Carnival 2025

BBHS turned the swimming pool into a sea of excitement!

Photos courtesy of Tarryn Wilson

Last Wednesday, our school turned the Byron Bay swimming pool into a sea of excitement as students and teachers gathered for our annual Swimming Carnival. The sun was shining, the water sparkling, and the beats were pumping!

From serious competitors racing for a spot at the Far North Coast (FNC) Championships to fun novelty events like the boat race or the salmon run, there was something for everyone. Participation rates were at a high this year, so much so, we almost ran out of time for our famous belly flop comp… almost.

Photos courtesy of Tarryn Wilson
A huge thanks to all the students for their participation and for making it a fun day for everyone. Whether you swam, cheered, or just enjoyed the sunshine, it was a fantastic day of school spirit.

A special acknowledgment goes to our Year 12 students for their outstanding role as motivators and sources of fun for the Junior years. A particular shout-out to our new House Captains for their efforts in organising teams for our much anticipated boat relays. Their dedication added an extra layer of excitement to the carnival festivities.

Photos courtesy of Tarryn Wilson

Congratulations to our Top 2 swimmers in each event who made the BBHS school swimming team, qualifying for the FNC Swimming Championships. An email with the details for the championships has been sent to these parents. If your child will not be attending or is travelling privately to Murwillumbah, please let Mrs Caoyonan know ASAP.

Swimming Age Champions for 2025

Congratulations to our age champions for 2025:

Boys age champions

  • 12 Yrs Boys - Isaac F
  • 13 Yrs Boys - Levi H
  • 14 Yrs Boys - Dylan J
  • 15 Yrs Boys - Lawson K
  • 16 Yrs Boys - Jonathan M
  • 17+ Yrs Boys - Kai P

Girls age champions

  • 12 Yrs Girls - Freya B
  • 13 Yrs Girls - Giorgia B
  • 14 Yrs Girls - Kaia R
  • 15 Yrs Girls - Eva B
  • 16 Yrs Girls - Juliet P
  • 17+ Yrs Girls - Daniela B C

Our new record holders

  • Freya B (Dolphins) - Girls 12 Yrs 100m Breaststroke (1:49.22)
  • Lawson K (Dolphins) - Boys 15 Yrs 100m Backstroke (1:12.95)
  • Lawson K (Dolphins) - Boys 15 Yrs 50m Freestyle (26.46)
  • Freya B (Dolphins) - Girls 12 Yrs 50m Fly (57.32)
  • Giorgia B (Tallows) - Girls 13 Yrs 50m Fly (40.31)
  • Kaia R (Pass) - Girls 14 Yrs 50m Fly (39.34)
  • Lawson K (Dolphins) - Boys 15 Yrs 50m Fly (29.38)

House Points

  • Tallows - 331, swimming carnival winners!
  • Dolphins - 290
  • Wategos - 193
  • Pass - 166

2025 Belly Flop Champion

  • Allira S (Year 7)

See you all next year—same place, same time, and with even more fun!

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

Year 7 2026 Information Evening

While we are busy welcoming our new Year 7 2025 students, we are also beginning to think about enrolments for the Year 7 2026 cohort. If you know of a child who is currently in Year 6 and is interested in attending Byron Bay High School in 2026, please bring them along to the information session on Thursday 13 March, from 5:30 to 7 pm in our school hall.

While this session will mainly be for families transitioning into Year 7 in 2026, anyone who is interested in learning more about Byron Bay High School is welcome to attend.

  • Find out about what Byron Bay High School has to offer
  • Meet our Principal and staff
  • Learn about the Year 6 to 7 transition process
  • Tour the school campus

Year 12 Valentine's Day fundraiser

Love was in the air last Friday!

Valentine’s Day brought a little extra joy to Byron Bay High School as our Year 12 students spread the love with special deliveries, heartfelt songs, and even face-painted kisses for students and teachers alike!

A huge thank you to all the students, staff, and even some sneaky parents who took the time to send a message to their "special person"—it was wonderful to see so many smiles around the school.

Well done Year 12, for stepping up and making the day one to remember!

Mrs Kelley Caoyonan - Year 12 Year Advisor

CAPAL news

BBHS 2025 Musical announcement…!

We are thrilled to be running another musical theatre program in 2025. The show chosen for this year's production is the school edition of FIREBRINGER!

NOTE: Please note that the original version of this show was designed for an adult audience, so we ask that any students interested in researching the show look up the SCHOOL FRIENDLY version.

Set in the Stone Age, Firebringer tells the story of a tribe learning how to survive during the dawn of humanity. Without any creature comforts, these cave-people must learn to get along if they’re going to survive. A comedic look at the human condition, Firebringer sheds light on how humans relate to each other, their inherent connection with nature and what can happen if that gets neglected, as well as the importance of expressing yourself and of being part of a tribe you can count on.

The program will again be led by Meg from Umbrella Theatrical Productions, assisted by Ms Wooltorton, and will take place in Terms 2, 3, and 4, with performances in November. There is a $75.00 fee to participate, and all costumes etc will be provided by the school. Students are required to audition for role allocation, and we are capping numbers at 30 participants this year.

We are also continuing to run Musical Theatre Dance Sport in Term 1 for any interested students (no audition needed), at a cost of $30 per student for the term.

While the routines covered in the Term 1 sport will focus on dances from Firebringer, you DO NOT need to participate in the sport to be considered for a cast role in the musical, nor do you need to audition for the musical if you wish to participate in the sport only. The purpose of the Term 1 Musical Theatre Dance sport option is to build strength, fitness, endurance and skills, and is open to all interested students.

For more information about Firebringer, students are welcome to join a lunchtime meeting in the PAC with Ms Museth and Meg, on Monday 24 February, at 1:15pm sharp.

Cast auditions and crew interviews for Firebringer will be held in March, with details announced soon, so stay tuned

Adrienne Megan Lester - Managing Director Umbrella Theatrical Productions

ARTEXPRESS exhibition

Byron Bay High School’s EXPRESS path to success!

At the end of last year, Byron Bay High School’s 2024 graduates, Sophia SHC and Juniper S, were selected for ARTEXPRESS 2025, a prestigious exhibition showcasing outstanding HSC Visual Arts works. From today, their pieces are on display at Lismore Regional Art Gallery - from 21 February to 20 April, 2025.

ARTEXPRESS highlights the finest bodies of work submitted for the 2024 HSC Visual Arts examination across New South Wales, celebrating artistic excellence and innovation. This achievement is a testament to their creativity, dedication, and talent in the field of visual arts and we are very proud of the girls.

Their BBHS Art teacher, Tarryn Wilson, who worked closely with them throughout Year 12, praised the girls’ achievements, stating: “I am incredibly proud of the girls for their hard work, dedication, and the well-deserved recognition of their exceptional artistic abilities.”

If you are in Lismore, please drop into the Lismore Regional Art Gallery and have a look at Sophia and Juniper's amazing artworks. 

An article featured in this week's edition of The Echo

Far North Coast Senior Dance Ensemble

Calling for interested students in Years 8 to 12

The Far North Coast Senior Dance Ensemble is for talented dance students from NSW public schools in Year 8 to Year 12. This ensemble is aimed at high potential dance students who display a high level of technical skill and performance quality and wish be involved in the choreographic process to create, learn and perform a dance work at the Far North Coast Dance Festival.

Successful applicants will be working collaboratively with Anouska Gammon to create a contemporary dance work. Anouska Gammon is an active choreographer for NSW State Dance Ensembles and festivals, and a lecturer in Creative and Performing Arts in Education at Southern Cross University.

Membership is by audition only and is open to students attending NSW public schools living across the Far North Coast. Boys are strongly encouraged to apply. Students must have the endorsement of their principal to apply.

Applications for the ensemble are now open and will close on Friday 28 February. Visit The Arts Unit webpage for more information on how to register:

Sports news

Far North Coast AFL

Congratulations to Zahven B, Suryan R, Phoenix B, Zen M who were recently selected for the Far North Coast (FNC) Under 15s AFL team. The boys will be a part of the FNC team that will play at the North Coast trials on Monday 3 March.

Good luck boys!

Far North Coast Hockey

Congratulations to Kyra W who recently attended the Far North Coast Hockey trials in Ballina. She was selected as a member of the Far North Coast Open Girls Hockey team who will play at the North Coast trials on 5 March.

Well done Kyra and best of luck at the next level. It is wonderful to see BBHS being represented this year in Hockey!

Interschool Queensland Dressage

Something that our school hasn't been involved in for quite some time, is back in 2025 with one of our new students, Zali G (Year 11), competing in Interschool Queensland Dressage.

Recently, Zali and her new horse, JR Frau Bobbi Sox, represented Byron Bay High School competing in their very first competition together at the Stuartholme Equestrian Dressage IQ Qualifying Event.

Despite Bobbi being only 4 years old and it being her first outing, Zali and Bobbi came 5th, securing their first qualifier to hopefully be able to compete at the State Championships later this year. Join us in wishing Zali and Bobbi all the best for their upcoming events and in making the State team!

P&C news

BBHS P&C free Q&A session for parents and carers

  • Tuesday 4 March
  • 6:30 to 8:00 pm
  • BBHS Performing Arts Centre (PAC)
  • Register via the Humanitix link provided below

The wonderful members of our BBHS P&C Association invite all parents and carers to attend a FREE Q&A session about teenage wellbeing and school support systems. Come along an hear about a range topics and insights. No topic is off limits and can be submitted anonymously ahead of the night via the link below:

Please register your attendance via Humanitix:

Year 7 vaccinations

NSW School Vaccination Program 2025 | Tuesday 11 March

As a part of the NSW School Vaccination Program, the Year 7 Vaccination Day (and Year 8 catch-ups) will be Tuesday 11 March. The following vaccines are offered free of charge to all Year 7 students (boys and girls) at school:

  • diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (1 dose)
  • human papillomavirus (HPV) (1 dose)

Year 8 students who missed being vaccinated last year are eligible to register for catch-up vaccinations on 11 March.

Vaccinations will only be provided at school if a parent/carer has granted their consent to NSW Health.

If you ARE NOT granting your consent for vaccinations, please DO NOT contact the school to let us know. The school does not coordinate the School Vaccination Program. NSW Health nurses from the School Immunisation Team, North Coast Public Health Unit coordinate this program and will attend on the day with a list of the students who have parent/carer consent. Only these students will be vaccinated.

Parents/carers, please refer to the email that was sent to you on Thursday 20 February for more information about the Year 7 Vaccination Day. To grant your online consent, please access the NSW Health portal:

ASX Schools Sharemarket Game

Interested students please register now for Game 1, 2025

Yes, it is time for Byron Bay High School students to embark on another round of successful share trading on the national stage! Last year we won all of the national and state prizes in Game 1 and became known across Australia for our success in the ASX Schools Sharemarket Game.

The ASX Schools Sharemarket Game opens for trading on 13 March, but it is important for students to enrol right now with Mr Stevenson if they are keen to develop their skills at investing in shares. All Business Studies and Commerce students will automatically participate in the Game in class, but every student in Byron Bay High School is invited to play the Game.

Participating students will receive $50,000 of virtual funds and can buy shares from a list of around 360 traded securities on the Australian market.

Mr Stevenson will contribute his knowledge and skills, and hold lunchtime meetings to educate and assist students in making their decisions in which shares to invest in. An information session will be provided at the beginning of the Game.

Please see Mr Stevenson in the HSIE staffroom now to register for Game 1.

Library news

The New Roblox Threat No Parent Can Ignore

Join Safe on Social for a webinar no parent of a child using Roblox should miss

  • Monday 3 March, at 7 pm
  • What’s really happening inside Roblox?
  • The hidden risks no one tells parents about!
  • Why can’t you “lock it down” with parental controls, and what should you do instead?

Community news

Up and coming events in our local community

The Black Dog Institute webinar

The Black Dog Institute is offering a FREE webinar to all parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in supporting the mental health of teens in their care.

  • Topic: Teen Mental Health Matters: For Parents and Carers
  • Date and Time: Monday 3 March, 6:30 pm
  • Description: Webinar focused on providing strategies and resources to help you in supporting your teen.
  • Co-hosted by: A Clinical Psychologist facilitator, and Black Dog Institute lived experience presenter
  • Register here:

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At the YAC

FREE workshop on autism & neurodivergence

Byron Youth Service is offering a FREE workshop for parents, carers and professionals working with young people. Designed to increase our communities' capacity to support neurodivergent young people, the workshop will be led by Jodi Rodgers (you may know her from the series ‘Love on the Spectrum’?).

Byron Shire Rebels

Byron Bay Junior AFL

Girls teams

Women’s AFL is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia. Its a super fun game where you can meet new friends, learn new sports skills and enjoy the fitness benefits. Byron Bay Junior AFL has dedicated girls teams in u9s, u11s, u13s and u15s. We have a great bunch of girls currently playing and we are looking for more players to come and join us. Training is on Tuesday and Thursday at 5 pm on the back AFL oval at the Cavanbah Centre.

Come along to training and have a try to see what you think. Any questions please call Damien Bray on 0410 056 287.

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