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 4 2025
Week 1
- Mon 13 Oct - STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY | Staff only
- Tue 14 Oct - First day back for students | Timetable Day 4
- Wed 15 Oct - Term 4 Sport begins | Years 7-10
- Wed 15 Oct - Year 10 'Grow Up' production | Mullumbimby
- Thu 16 Oct - HSC exams begin
- Fri 17 Oct - ASX 'Ring the Bell' excursion | Sydney
- Fri 17 Oct - TAFE NSW Youth Engagement Strategy Program
Week 2
- Wed 16 Oct to Mon 10 Nov - HSC exams
- Tue 21 Oct - P&C Meeting | Library at 7 pm
- Fri 24 Oct - TAFE NSW Youth Engagement Strategy Program
Week 3
- Wed 16 Oct to Mon 10 Nov - HSC exams
- Tue 28 Oct - FNC Beach Volleyball | Cabarita
- Tue 28 Oct - NC Futsal Finals | Coffs Harbour
- Tue 28 Oct - School Tour for prospective new families | 9:30 am
- Tue 28 Oct - Catch up Vaccinations | NSW School Vaccination Program
A busy Term 3 draws to an end
As Term 3 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on a particularly busy yet incredibly successful time at Byron Bay High School. This term has been packed with activity and we've seen some really amazing student achievements. Our students have shown incredible dedication and energy in the classroom, on the sporting field and in The Arts, building memories, strengthening friendships, and tackling challenges with determination.
With Term 4 on the horizon, there’s plenty to look forward to - more adventures, challenges, and moments to celebrate.
Goodbye Year 12
We celebrate and farewell our amazing Class of 2025!
Year 12 2025 Graduation Breakfast and Presentation Assembly
Yesterday was a day of celebrating achievements, saying goodbyes and looking toward new beginnings. The day began with our Year 12 students, their families and teachers gathering for the traditional BBHS Year 12 Breakfast.
Blessed with beautiful weather, everyone enjoyed an array of food, set amongst the trees on our school grounds.
The morning was filled with many little surprises that made the morning all that more special for the students and their families, all organised with love by their dedicated Year Advisor, Mrs Caoyonan. Parents and carers were presented with moving letters of gratitude written by their child, and each student was given a sunflower, with a photo of them in Kindergarten, to grow and nurture over the coming years.
After Breakfast families moved into the hall for the Year 12 Presentation Assembly where we recognised and celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025. This assembly holds a special place in the hearts of our school community and marks the end of our graduating student's formal schooling. It is safe to say there wasn't a dry eye in the hall as Mrs Caoyonan (Year 12 Year Advisor) paid homage to her students that she has nurtured and guided over the past 6 years.
During her Principal's Address, Ms Marcus celebrated the Class of 2025's resilience and tenacity, emphasising:
"Year 12, we know what a rollercoaster you've had during your high school years, starting Year 7 in 2020... it was a time when our world tilted a bit, and I don't think the world has quite been the same ever since. What I want to celebrate is your resilience, all the things you've overcome and the fantastic human beings you've become as you exit our school. You've had many ups and downs, and spins... it was no small feat that at the beginning of your high school journey you had to overcome so many changes."
Congratulations to our major awards recipients for 2025:
- Citizen of the Year for community involvement - Oscar T
- John Collins Award for continual improvement - Caleb P
- Garimaa (Respect) Award - Ryan T
- Wahngma-wahng (Resilience and Work Ethic) - Shannon A
- AMPOL Best All-Rounder Award - Daniela B C
- Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award - Max H
- Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award - Tess K
- Rueben F Scarf Memorial Foundation Award for Commitment - Leo R
- Working Towards Excellence Award - Rhea S
- Joanna Timms Memorial Award for Excellence in English - Max H
- The 'Bromo' Award for excellence in HSIE - Tex B
- Sportsperson of the Year - Ryan T
- NSW Premier's Sporting Challenge Awards - Indigo S and Jere I
- Dux Award for 2024 - Zev S
The entire Byron Bay High School community wishes Year 12 the very best of luck in their next stage of life’s journey, and with their upcoming HSC Examinations.
We know these students have exciting futures ahead of them and we are so incredibly proud of them all!
The HSC starts on Thursday 16 October and the Year 12 Farewell Formal will be held on Tuesday 11 November.
Heartfelt thanks to Mrs Caoyonan
Guiding the Class of 2025 cohort with care and commitment
As the Year 12 journey comes to a close, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to Mrs Caoyonan, our dedicated Year 12 Year Adviser. Her unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement has made a significant difference in the lives of our students throughout their high school journey.
Mrs Caoyonan has been a constant source of inspiration, helping her cohort navigate challenges, celebrate achievements, and prepare for their future beyond school. Her commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment has truly shaped the Year 12 experience.
In her speech, Mrs Caoyonan paid tribute to her Year 12 cohort:
"What I learned along the way is that anything worthwhile takes time. Relationships take time. Investing in them, nurturing them - it pays off. And, over the past 6 years, I've had the priviledge of getting to know 98 of you. What a journey it has been..."
"For every student sitting here, your parents can be assured they've done an incredible job. You are all kind, resilient, selfless, polite, talented, funny, at times slightly annoying as expected at your age... intelligent, creative, ready to laugh at yourself, up for a genuine conversation and most importantly, ready to go out into the world and live life your own way."
"You've been a truly special Year group to walk alongside, and I can't wait to see what each of you will go on to achieve... I wish you all very good lives."
As a heartfelt parting gift, Mrs Caoyonan organised a surprise song for the Year 12 families. The students, alongside Mr Baker, rehearsed this special performance—their very own ‘swan song'. It was a memorable moment filled with emotion and celebration, marking the end of an incredible journey for our Year 12 students.
We hope you enjoy Year 12s song 'Unwritten', by Natasha Bedingfield as much as we did! Check it out below:
The Byron Bay High School community thanks Mrs Caoyonan, for her passion, patience, and tireless efforts. Her impact on our students will be remembered long after their final exams.
Acknowledging our incredible P&C committee
During yesterday’s Presentation Assembly, Ms Marcus paid tribute to the dedicated members of our Byron Bay High School P&C Association. Special recognition was given to the Executive Members for their outstanding commitment and support throughout the year. Their efforts continue to make a positive impact on our school community.
Particular recognition goes to our out-going members, Michelle Pullen (President) and Sarah Aldridge (Former Secretary). Now that their children have graduated BBHS, their time on the P&C is coming to an end. Our school is a much better place because of their years of tireless service and dedication to our community.
Their commitment has made a lasting difference, and we sincerely thank them for their invaluable contribution.
HSC ENCORE music nominations
🎶 Two ENCORE Showcase nominations for BBHS! 🎶
A HUGE congratulations to Tess and Leo on their HSC ENCORE Showcase nominations!
ENCORE celebrates outstanding major works by HSC Music students across NSW, including performance and musicology. Both Tess and Leo have been nominated for possible inclusion in the ENCORE showcase concert which will be held at the Sydney Opera House next year.
This is an incredible achievement and we are immensely proud them!
Year 12's final excursion together
Paintball....!
To mark the end of their schooling, Year 12 students celebrated with a brutal day of paintball. In the lead-up, there was no shortage of discussion about “taking on the teachers, (a.k.a Mr Russell)” and they certainly made the most of the opportunity.
Students took to the battlefield with some serious strategy and glimpses of fortnite training in action. The day was full of fun, laughter, and plenty of stories to take away — along with a few harmless bruises and some high 5’s as they landed their well planned shots on their targets.
It was another great day with this Year 12 group to celebrate 6 awesome years together. The bruises will fade, the memories will remain along with my PTSD from being under fire…
Mrs Kelley Caoyonan - Year 12 Year Advisor, Sports Coordinator, PDHPE teacher
Year 12 leaves a colourful mark
Our bins got a fresh new look!
Our Year 12 students have brought a vibrant splash of colour to the school grounds by painting the bins across the school. As a bit of fun and to leave their mark, this creative initiative also promotes a message of sustainability and community pride.
Each bin is dedicated to one of their favourite teachers.
This project reflects the spirit, creativity, and commitment of our Year 12 cohort, leaving a lasting legacy as they prepare to graduate. Whenever we see these bins around the school we are going to think of and remember the Class of 2025!
Keep an eye out around the school and enjoy the colourful marks left by our talented Year 12 students.
Rocking the Folded Festival
The Grannie Smyths WOW the crowds in Ballina!
Our very own Grannie Smyths performed an awesome set at Ballina’s Missingham Park Skate Bowl last Saturday afternoon for the annual Folded Festival, hosted by local mental health charity The Healthy Minds Club.
A sizeable fan club of friends, family and Byron Bay High School staff came along to support Marley P, Ziggy N, Ahlia B and Eva W-S, as they belted out an impressive variety of retro covers, clearly enjoying every minute of their time on the stage. And... they sounded fantastic!
Well done, girls, we can’t wait to see you perform again at the YAC in Term 4.
Ms Simone Museth - Head Teacher CAPAL
Year 10 Drama to take to the stage
Live Theatre Production rehearsals underway for Orientation Day
Our Year 10 Live Theatre Production students have been working hard on directing and rehearsing the play 'High School - You Got This', which was devised by the BBHS Year 10 Drama class of 2021.
The play was built on research and survey data about what Year 6 students are feeling most nervous and excited about as their time starting high school approaches.
It addresses concerns, dispels myths and aims to encourage our 2026 Year 7 intake to feel positive and welcomed as they approach the beginning of their high school journey.
Keep up the hard work, Year 10. We can't wait to see you on the stage!
Ms Simone Museth - Head Teacher CAPAL
NSW Public Schools State Dance Festival
Alera shines in Sydney!
Year 7 student, Alera T, recently performed at the Seymour Centre in Sydney as part of the NSW Public Schools Senior Far North Coast Dance Ensemble. She featured in 'A Letter to My Future Self', a stunning piece choreographed by Anouska Gammon.
The 2025 NSW Public Schools State Dance Festival showcased 1,899 students over 5 nights, with 106 inspiring dance works that celebrated the creativity, artistry, and dedication of young performers from across the state.
What a fantastic opportunity! Well done Alera.
Ace Moments
Recapping Term 3 Tennis action!
Game, set, match – Term 3’s tennis competition has wrapped up, and history has been made on our courts. For the first time ever, we have a female overall champion – the unstoppable Isabel D (Year 10). Tenacious, powerful, and absolutely fearless with her racket, Isabel has proven she can hit the ball so hard it practically needs a passport to return. She’s not only a brilliant competitor but also a role model for our younger players, commanding respect from everyone who dared face her across the net.
But Isabel wasn’t the only star to shine. Three other young women claimed division victories, showing just how strong the future of tennis is looking at our school:
- B Division Champion – Charlyze D (Year 8), who played with the kind of cool composure that makes you wonder if she has ice water in her veins.
- D Division Champions – Yes, champions, plural! A thrilling tie between Bethany C (Year 8) and Tait W (Year 10). Apparently, neither was willing to surrender bragging rights, so they’ll share the crown (and probably argue forever about who really “had the edge”).
- And let’s hear it for the lone boy among the girls’ domination – Reece H (Year 7). A first-time player and the only young man in the prize pool, Reece stormed into C Division victory with style.
Congratulations to all competitors for a fantastic term of tennis. The rallies were fierce, the sportsmanship inspiring, and the laughter plentiful. We can’t wait to see what Term 4 brings.
Mr Eli Pietens - English teacher
BBHS 2025 Musical: Firebringer
Tickets are on sale NOW... Don't miss our exciting new school musical
We are thrilled to be releasing tickets for our upcoming 2025 school musical, Firebringer.
This is shaping up to be one cracker of a season. Get in quick for your tickets - the performances for our musical last year SOLD OUT!
Stone Age antics come into play in this hilarious musical theatre satire, depicting just how far we have (and haven’t!) come since the dawn of humanity. With an exciting musical score and a rockin’ live band, the cast will take you through a journey like no other, exploring new territory and questioning what it means to be human, and to be lazy; the values and dangers found in standing up for yourself and being curious; and the value of working and playing together as a tribe!
Performance dates
- Friday 7 November - 6:30 pm
- Saturday 8 November - 1 pm
- Thursday 13 November - 6:30 pm
- Friday 14 November - 6:30 pm
- Saturday 15 November - 1 pm
Tickets
- Adult (12 years and up) - $25
- Child (11 years and under) - $15
Seating is limited! Get your tickets now... before they sell out!
Help Us Spread the Word!
Educating students why they shouldn't feed wild birds
With our school being situated in a national park and also by the beach, we are so lucky to have a variety of beautiful wild birds that call our school grounds home. To help protect the birds and keep them healthy, we are educating our students about why they should not feed the birds — both at school and in the wider community. Feeding birds can disrupt their natural diet and behaviour, so understanding this is an important part of our commitment to caring for local wildlife.
Many students are feeding the birds with good intentions, thinking that they are helping them, when, in fact, the human food is actually causing the birds harm.
We'd appreciate parents and carers chatting with your children about the need to protect our birds and wildlife and not feed them. Our HSIE faculty has put together the below information to assist you in your discussions.
Together, we can keep our local birdlife healthy and thriving!
New Social Media Age Restrictions
Coming in December 2025 - Parents, please be prepared
The Australian Government has introduced world-first social media age restrictions to better protect young Australians at a critical stage of their development.
From 10 December 2025, age-restricted platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from creating or keeping accounts. This aims to shield young people from harmful design features that encourage excessive screen time and from content that can negatively affect health and wellbeing.
The restrictions are expected to apply to major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (Twitter), and YouTube, along with others that meet the government’s definition of a social media service. Online gaming and standalone messaging apps are excluded, but apps with social media-style features may still be covered.
Parents, students, and schools are encouraged to stay informed and prepared as these changes approach.
Use this link to the ‘Ctrl Shft’ website (BBHS affiliate) to discover information that will assist in the facilitation of conversations around the social media ban/postponement:
More useful information can be found at the following sites:
Wellbeing and support services in our local community
Supporting young people in the Byron Shire
Black Dog Institute FREE webinar
Helping teens thrive online
What's on at The YAC
Safer Drivers Course for Learners
- Cost - $140 (free course for Concession Card holders)
- Date - Tuesday 14 or 28 October, 4 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
In the community
The Bright Lights Senior Musical Theatre troupe is proud to present ‘Beauty and the Beast Jnr’ for their 2025 Musical production. After sell out seasons of ‘Frozen Jnr’ 2023 and ‘Legally Blonde Jnr’ 2024. Bright Lights is excited to welcome you to watch the talented performers bring this tale as old as time to life. To quote Lumiere “Let us entertain you and BE OUR GUEST”.
This one-day event brings together musicians from community bands across the region – including Ballina, Lismore and Tweed – as well as school students from across the Northern Rivers for a mass concert band workshop and public performance. It’s a fun and supportive opportunity for young musicians to experience playing in a large concert band setting alongside experienced community players. Music charts and morning tea/lunch provided. For more information, visit:
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"