Byron Breeze tERM 4 | weEK 5 2025

A very special congratulations goes to Leo R and Indigo S. Their HSC Visual Arts bodies of work have been nominated for consideration in ARTEXPRESS 2025!

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition that showcases the very best HSC artworks in NSW, and it is an incredible achievement to be selected at this level.

Leo and Indigo's artworks will now be couriered to Sydney for consideration by the curators of AGNSW and the other regional and city galleries that have been selected to show these exhibitions throughout 2026.

Well done Leo and Indigo! You are representing a talented group of artist peers and we could not be prouder of your commitment and technical application that has showcased your considerable talents.

Leo Rodd - Painting: 'Where my Shadow Lies'

Indigo S - Painting: 'Daughter of a Woman: After Magritte'

Mrs Margo Simpson - Visual Arts teacher

Showcasing innovation

HSC Design and Technology HSC projects

This year, our Year 12 Design and Technology students tackled a diverse range of real-world needs and problems, each uniquely addressed through their individual design briefs. Their projects demonstrated creativity, innovation, and practical problem-solving skills, all thoroughly documented within their portfolios. Below is an overview of some outstanding student work, highlighting the depth and variety of their design solutions. We are proud to share these examples of our students’ dedication and ingenuity.

Mr Mark Hernage - TAS teacher

Combined Schools Musical 2026

Calling for student nominations for this event in 2026. It is literally on our doorstep next year and it will provide untold possibilities for our students!

Following the success of Shrek the Musical JR in 2025, The Arts Unit invites schools to participate in the 2026 Combined Schools Musical production of Mary Poppins JR. The program offers students a high-quality staged musical experience.

• 📌Murwillumbah High School - Monday 24 to Friday 28 August 2026 (Term 3 Week 6)

School Ensemble opportunity

Schools can register to be part of the School Ensemble, learning choreography and music using the provided tutorial videos before joining the full company for a single day of rehearsals and performances. The program is open to both primary and high school students.

Participation fees are $36 per student, which includes a performance t-shirt and access to the digital resources. Applications are now open and places will be filled on a first-in basis.

Lead Cast opportunity

Individual students may also apply to be part of the Lead Cast, engaging in a series of intensive rehearsals at Murwillumbah High School in the lead-up to performances. This provides an engaging opportunities, allowing students to extend their skills in singing, acting and dancing while working and connecting with other like-minded students from across the North Coast. Applications for lead cast close on Friday 28 November 2025.

For more details and to apply, please visit The Arts Unit website or click on the links below:

Year 7 scientists dive into classification

Our Year 7 Science students have been getting hands-on with their learning as they explore how living things are classified. As part of this unit, students conducted a fish dissection using pilchards to examine external and internal features. By observing structures such as gills, fins and organ systems, students were able to link form and function to the characteristics that group organisms into scientific categories — bringing the theory of classification vividly to life.

Students also investigated the microscopic world by observing hay infusions under the microscope.

This activity allowed them to discover a range of microorganisms, identify their unique features, and appreciate the incredible diversity of life that exists beyond what the eye can see. These practical experiences have helped deepen student understanding and spark curiosity about the interconnectedness of living things.

Mr Kai Connell - Head Teacher Science

Empowering Year 10s with Life-Saving Skills

Year 10 First Aid course

This week, 30 of our Year 10 students successfully completed a First Aid course at school. On Monday, students completed the theory component of the course, learning essential knowledge about how to respond in emergency situations. Then, on Thursday, they put their learning into practice during the practical component, demonstrating their new skills and confidence in providing First Aid.

Well done to all the students who took the initiative to upskill and gain these valuable, potentially life-saving abilities!

Sandy showdown

Our students compete at FNC Beach Volleyball

Last week, a group of our students hit the sand and represented Byron Bay High School at the FNC Beach Volleyball competition in Kingscliff.

While we didn’t take home the win, our teams were competitive across all matches and showed great sportsmanship throughout the day.

The sun was shining, the vibes were high, and we played with determination. The best part of the day was the cool off! Well done to all players for giving it their all and making it such a fun and memorable day.

Ms Kelley Caoyonan - Sports Organiser and PDHPE teacher

Make Bullying History

Year 8 presentation with Brett Murray

On Monday 7 November, Year 8 students at BBHS attended the Make Bullying History presentation delivered by guest speaker Brett Murray.

Drawing on his personal experiences and extensive research, Brett spoke passionately about the importance of treating every individual with honour, dignity and respect.

The engaging session helped students understand what bullying truly is - and what it is not - while exploring the reasons behind such behaviour and practical ways to stop it. Brett also addressed key topics of self-worth and self-esteem, highlighting how these influence our actions and relationships.

Through inspiring stories and real-life examples, Brett encouraged students to recognise their own intrinsic value and to set positive goals for their future. His message was clear: every person deserves to be valued, and we all have a role to play in making bullying history.

Ms Phoebe Kiddle - Year 8 Year Advisor

'Firebringer' - Only 2 shows left!

The final weekend of our two-week season

We’re on the home stretch now! The bittersweet straddle weekend of a 2-week season has emotions running high and excitement brewing for what’s still to come.

Our director Meg is proud beyond words of all the students (and teachers/volunteers!) involved. Ms Wooltorton - TAS teacher, band leader and vocal coach, says: “The live band brings a fresh dynamic energy to the performance making it such an exciting experience for both the audience, the performers and the cast.

The presence of the band not only elevates the overall sound quality, giving the show a rich, authentic feel, but it also provides a unique learning opportunity for the students. It fosters a sense of collaboration and camaraderie as students from different disciplines come together to create a dynamic and cohesive show.”

If you haven’t already, secure your tickets now to this family-friendly show – this is your last chance! This musical rocks … on so many levels!!!

Performance dates - in the BBHS PAC

• Friday 14 November - 6:30 pm
• Saturday 15 November - 1 pm

Tickets

• Adult (14+) - $25
• Child (13 and under) - $15

For more details, contact Meg (Director) on 0422 570 346

Adrienne Megan Lester - Managing Director of Umbrella Theatrical Production

Springboard 2025 coming soon!

Saturday 22 November @ the YAC

Come along to this FREE event, from 12 pm on Saturday 22 November, at the Byron Youth Service.

Springboard collaborates with Byron Youth Service, Byron Music, and Byron Bay High School to provide emerging bands and musicians a platform to showcase their talents, sharing in a secure, supportive space.