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.
TC Alfred update
What a week we all have had! Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought chaos to our region with numerous schools from Brisbane to Yamba closed during the weather event. We are pleased to report that Byron Bay High School has come through it reasonably well. We came back to a lot of branches and leaves covering the campus, and thankfully we only lost one tree. Grizz, our General Assistant, has been busy this week cleaning up the grounds and restoring order again.
Our school also lost electricity for 3 days which meant that our canteen staff had to clean out all of the fridges and freezers, dispose of the spoilt food and restock. A big thank you goes out to our Canteen staff for all of their efforts to get our canteen back up and running again on Wednesday.
Term 1 2025
Week 7
- Fri 14 Mar - 'Undertow' drama show | Shock Therapy
- Fri 14 Mar - NAPLAN Year 9 | numeracy
Week 8
- Mon 17 Mar - Fri 21 Mar - Year 9 and 10 South Passage excursion
- Mon 17 Mar - Open Boys and Girls FNC Soccer trials | BCHS
- Mon 17 Mar - NAPLAN Year 7 | reading and language conventions
- Mon 17 Mar - Year 12 SLR beach fitness
- Tue 18 Mar - NAPLAN | Year 7 | numeracy
- Tue 18 Mar - Year 9 PASS beach fitness
- Tue 18 Mar - Year 11 SLR beach fitness
- Tue 18 Mar - Year 7 2025 Welcome BBQ | 5 pm
- Tue 18 Mar - P&C meeting | 7 pm, Library
- Wed 19 Mar - Year 10 Outdoor Education Brunswick River paddle
- Wed 19 Mar - Safe Drivers Course 1
- Wed 19 Mar - Year 7 2026 Information Evening | 5:30 to 7 pm NEW DATE
- Thu 20 Mar - Year 8 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 8PEU, 8PEM, 8PES
- Thu 20 Mar - Marine Studies introduction to snorkelling
- Thu 20 Mar - Year 11 SLR beach fitness
- Fri 21 Mar - Harmony Day | Mufti clothing day
- Fri 21 Mar - Year 12 SLR beach fitness
Week 9
- Sun 23 Mar to Sat 29 Mar - Year 12 Heron Island excursion | NEW DATES
- Mon 24 Mar - Year 9 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 9PEJ, 9PEI, 9PEG
- Mon 24 Mar - Year 10 PASS beach fitness
- Mon 24 Mar to Thu 27 Mar - Country as Teacher camp
- Tue 25 Mar - North Coast Swimming Carnival | Kempsey
- Tue 25 Mar - Year 9 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 9PEA, 9PEY, 9PES
- Tue 25 Mar - P&C Parent Information Evening | 6:30 pm, PAC | NEW DATE
- Thu 27 Mar - Year 9 PASS beach fitness
- Fri 28 Mar - Year 8 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 8PEJ, 8PEA, 8PEL
- Fri 28 Mar - Year 10 PASS beach fitness
- Fri 28 Mar - Year 7 Vaccinations | NEW DATE
Week 10
- Mon 31 Mar - Year 8 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 8PEU, 8PEM, 8PES
- Tue 1 Apr - Year 12 SLR beach fitness
- Wed 2 Apr - Year 9 Outdoor Education Brunswick River paddle
- Wed 2 Apr - Safer Driver Course 2
- Thu 3 Apr - Year 9 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 9PEA, 9PEY, 9PES
- Fri 4 Apr - Whole School Cross Country
- Fri 4 Apr - Year 12 SLR beach fitness
Week 11
- Mon 7 Apr to Wed 9 Apr - Year 9 Emu Gully Adventure Camp
- Mon 7 Apr to Wed 9 Apr - Year 10 Emu Gully Challange Camp
- Tue 8 Apr - Year 8 PDHPE Swimming Program | classes 8PEJ, 8PEA, 8PEL
- Wed 9 Apr to Fri 11 Apr - Year 7 and 11 Camp | Tullabugera
Year 7 2025 Welcome BBQ
Tuesday 18 March, from 5 to 6 pm
We invite all our current Year 7 families to join us on Tuesday 18 March, for a Welcome BBQ. 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. Year 12 students will also be selling desserts to raise funds for their Year 12 Formal. Please bring cash or card to purchase some of their goodies.
Transition to high school
New date for the Year 7 2026 Information Evening
Unfortunately, due to the recent weather event, we have had to move our Year 7 2026 Information Evening. The information session will now take place on Wednesday 19 March, from 5:30 to 7 pm in our school hall.
If you have a child who is currently in Year 6 and is interested in attending Byron Bay High School next year, please bring them along to this session.
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
No RSVP's required - simply come along!
Students will be holding a bake sale to raise money for their cultural exchange to Italy in 2026. Please come along and purchase some goodies with cash or card.
Maths news
Pi Day Competition - tomorrow!
The Maths Faculty is excited to announce our annual Pi Day Competition! Students are encouraged to join us tomorrow, Friday 14 March, at the beginning of lunch in Room 5, and put their memory to the test!
The challenge?
Recite as many digits of π (pi) as they can from memory. The student who recalls the most digits will be crowned the Pi Champion and win a free pie of their choice from the canteen!
Who has got what it takes?
The current world record is held by Suresh Kumar Sharma, who recited an incredible 70,030 digits of π in 17 hours and 14 minutes! We encourage students not to miss out on this fun and brainy challenge — and celebrate the magic of mathematics with us!
Year 7 are off to a flying start in Maths!
Our Year 7 Mathematics students have been actively engaged in learning about integers through a variety of hands-on activities. From vertical learning to collaborative group work, students have been developing their numeracy and communication skills in a fun and interactive way.
Ms Phoebe Kiddle - Maths teacher and Year 8 Year Advisor
Science news
Year 10 Science create pH rainbows
This term Year 10 has been studying Chemical Reactions in Science. After investigating acids and bases, including making our own Red Cabbage Indicator, 10SciG was challenged to make a pH rainbow using only Hydrochloric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide and Universal Indicator. They had to work in teams and were given just 10 minutes to make 6 different colours - indicating 6 different pHs.
“It was a stressful 10 minutes and yellow (with a pH of 3) was the hardest to create. Multiple attempts at blue turned into green but in the end we were successful!”
Year 10 student Hannah C
HSIE news
Our Outdoor Education elective classes take to the sea!
Early last week, both our Year 9 and Year 10 Outdoor Education classes were blessed with a near perfect day for our first excursion of the year. We were very lucky to get this excursion in before Tropical Cyclone Alfred hit our region!
After exploring the introductory and intermediate skills and theory within the class environment, these intrepid students embraced some moderate swell to paddle out with Go Sea Kayaks Byron Bay.
Students embraced the opportunity with good humour and a positive attitude to enjoy our amazing backyard here in the bay.
We look forward to venturing further afield into the future.
Mr Minton and Mr Powers - HSIE teachers
Term 2 Wednesday Sport Selections
Term 2 Wednesday Sport Selections open on Monday 17 March!
It's hard to believe, but it's that time again! Term 2 Sports Selections will open at 8pm on Monday 17 March.
Students in Years 7 to 10 will receive the Term 2 Wednesday Sports Selection note tomorrow - Friday 14 March, which will outline the list of the sports on offer for next term. Please have a conversation with your child about their sport choices before they make their selections.
The link to the Sports Selection Portal will be emailed to students on Monday morning, 17 March. The email will appear in their school email account, ready for access at 8pm.
NOTE: Please remember that the link will not work until 8pm. If your child logs into the portal before 8pm, they will need to refresh the page at 8pm to access the live link.
Sports selections will close on Wednesday 19 March at 3 pm. After this date, our office will send parents/carers a Sport Confirmation email - including a payment and consent link - for you to complete.
Computers will be available at lunchtime in the Library next week if students cannot access a phone/computer/internet at home.
Mrs Kelley Caoyonan - Sports Organiser, Year 12 Year Advisor and PDHPE teacher
NEW Sport coming in Term 2 - CrossFit!
Open to students in Years 7 to 10
What is CrossFit?
It's an infinitely scalable strength and conditioning program developed for everybody! Anyone from grandmothers to elite athletes can do it. CrossFit mimics movements we see in nature such as running, skipping, squatting, pressing, jumping, lifting, carrying. We then combine them into a challenging but rewarding and fun class.
CrossFit is designed to test and reward students who want to learn new skills, get outside their comfort zone, and get fitter and healthier!
Sport news
Save the date for the BBHS Cross Country Carnival!
Our school's cross country carnival will take place on Friday 4 April, from Period 3.
All students are expected to take part in this whole school carnival. Students can complete the course by running, jogging or walking along the beautiful Tallow Beach with friends. More details will be sent to parents and carers soon. Please keep an eye on your email inbox!
The North Coast Swimming Championships are back on!
New date - get your swimmers on and get ready to get back into the pool!
The cancellation of the North Coast School Sports Association swimming events was due to the potential impact of tropical cyclone Alfred, which could have made parts of the Association area unsafe for travel. The department's priority is always the health, safety, and wellbeing of students, families, and staff. With the cyclone's worst effects now behind us, they have revisited their decision to cancel. We are pleased to advise that the championships have been rescheduled to occur on the following date:
- Tuesday, 25 March - Secondary Swimming Championships - at the Kempsey Shire Council Swimming Pool.
The Department of Education will continue to monitor the situation closely and thank all school communities involved for their patience and understanding while they navigate this challenging situation.
All previous permission notes have been carried over to the new date. If any of the information you provided has changed or if your child will no longer be attending this event, please let Mrs Caoyonan know ASAP.
Far North Coast Netball Gala Day
The Opens Byron Bay High School netball team headed to the Cavanbah Centre to compete in the Far North Coast Netball Gala Day. The team consisted of players from Years 9-12. They started off the day with a tough game against Tweed River High School. They fought hard in both attack and defence but ended up losing the game 30-9. Their second game against Mullumbimby High School was even throughout the game but ended up losing the game, 18-10. Sorry we didn't take any photos!
By Lily Flanagan - Year 10
AFL North Coast team selection
Congratulations to the following BBHS students who were recently selected to represent the North Coast (NC) team at the upcoming NSW CHS Championships! Students from all over the North Coast trialled to be a part of this team, with some extremely talented players trialling for a position on the team.
- Bronte S
- Ava H
- Jet R
- Phoenix B
- Suryan R
This is a huge effort by our students to make this team. They will be playing against the best of the best at the State Championships!
Year 12 needs your help!
As Year 12 approaches the final months of their schooling journey, we are excited to begin preparations for their graduation events. These events will be special celebrations of the Year 12 student’s achievements, and a memorable send-off as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
This year, the goal is to raise $20,000 to put towards the Formal and reduce the cost of tickets for the families.
To help achieve this, Year 12 is organising a fundraising raffle and are seeking donations of prizes from local businesses, organisations, and individuals.
They kindly ask for your support by reaching out to any businesses or people you may know who would be willing to donate prizes. Contributions can be in the form of gift vouchers, products, experiences, or any other prize that may encourage ticket sales and help them reach their fundraising goal.
If you, or someone you know, can contribute please contact our amazing Year 12 parent helpers Wandy Hochgrebe and Emma Rolley by Friday 21 March:
- Wandy Hochgrebe - wandy@underwater.com.au
- Emma Rolley - emmajrolley@gmail.com
Every donation, big or small, will make a difference and will be greatly appreciated by our Year 12 cohort.
Mrs Kelley Caoyonan - Year 12 Year Advsior
Careers news
UCAT & Medical Entry
Important information for Year 12 students!
Registrations and bookings to sit UCAT ANZ 2025 are now open! The UCAT ANZ 2025 testing will take place between 1 July and 5 August 2025.
UCAT stands for University Clinical Aptitude Test. It is a computer-based test which assesses a range of mental abilities identified by universities as important to practicing in the fields of medicine and dentistry. IUCAT is one of 3 main criteria used by most universities in Australia and New Zealand to select students into high demand health related careers such as medicine and dentistry (the other two criteria being performance in final high school exams and interviews).
The first time a candidate is eligible to sit the UCAT is during their final year of school, that is, Year 12 (in Australia) or Year 13 (in New Zealand). Candidates can repeat the UCAT yearly and the testing is only conducted once a year.
Students who are considering a career in medicine or dentistry please make careful note of the UCAT 2025 important dates:
UNSW Law Admission Test (LAT)
LAT Plus, is Australia’s leader in Law Admission Test preparation for students who are sitting the UNSW Law Admission Test (LAT). The LAT Accelerator Program, which has helped many students strengthen their critical thinking and persuasive writing skills which are key components for success in the LAT.
Designed and led by lawyers who are UNSW alumni, this program provides expert guidance tailored to the demands of the exam. Please refer to the flyer below for more information.
P&C news
BBHS P&C free Q&A session for parents and carers
RESCHEDULED DATE - Tuesday 25 March
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.
The new date for this session will be:
- Tuesday 25 March
- 6:30 to 8 pm
- BBHS Performing Arts Centre (PAC)
All registrations that the P&C has received so far will be carried over to the new date. New registrations can be made via the Humanitix link provided:
No topic is off limits and can be submitted anonymously ahead of the night via this link:
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
Year 7 vaccinations
NSW School Vaccination Program 2025
NEW DATE Friday 28 March
The new date for the Year 7 (and Year 8 catch-ups) vaccination clinic will be Friday 28 March. All existing consents received for the original postponed date will be carried over to this new date. If you have not yet granted your online consent and you would like your child to be vaccinated on 28 March, please access the NSW Heath online portal in the original email provided below.
If you do not have internet access or you are unable to complete your consent online, our school office has some paper consent forms available.
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 run 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.
To grant your online consent, please access the NSW Health portal:
Safer Drivers Course
Additional course at Byron Bay High School
Wednesday 2 April, 1:30 to 4:30 pm
The Byron Bay YAC is offering a Safer Drivers Course for Year 11 and 12 students on Wednesday 2 April. The course will be held at Byron Bay High School and comprises of theoretical and practical training for young learner drivers.
Learner drivers gain 20 bonus logbook hours on completion of the course, and it includes two 1-hour in-vehicle coaching sessions.
To attend the course Learner drivers, need to:
- have a valid learner licence
- be under 25
- have completed at least 50 logbook hours of on-road driving (excluding any 3 for 1 bonus hours)
- have included night driving in some of those hours.
Cost: $140 - includes Modules 1 and 2 (exemptions are available for Concession Card holders).
Module 1
- Venue: Byron Bay High School (run by the Byron Youth Service)
- Date: Wednesday 2 April
- Time: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Module 2
Consists of a driving lesson, which will be organised during Module 1.
To book your child’s place in this course, please use the link below:
At the YAC
Credits:
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