Last week we held our first ever Donning of the Jacket ceremony for our incoming 2025 Senior Leadership team. Ike, Nadia, Christiaan, Ava, Theo and Ethan were all presented with their blazers by Mr Mackenzie and Ms Gardiner, in the presence of their families. This formality followed the issuing of badges by the outgoing Senior Leadership team in front of their peers.

I thank these six students for showing their care for the school, each other and the broader community by stepping into formal leadership roles. Caring enough about wanting to make a difference to the school is truly admirable and deserves acknowledgement through these significant ceremonies. “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” - Theodore Roosevelt.

It was great to see so many current and future parents last Wednesday evening at the presentation from Brad Marshall, which was organised by Austinmer Public School P&C. Brad (also known as the Unplugged Psychologist) has spent over a decade at the cutting edge of healthy screen use.

The use of social media by adolescents is currently receiving a lot of attention from the government as well as from media platforms themselves. Brad provided valuable advice and real strategies to parents about how to assist teens in managing technology and social media.

I would encourage you to read Brad’s book or watch some of his online interviews. We thank Austinmer PS P&C for organising this event for our Seacliff Community of Schools.

Last Thursday we hosted the Northern Illawarra AECG Meeting. Thanks to Leanne Hicks for coordinating and presenting the aims, opportunities and successes of our students and Aboriginal Education Committee at Bulli HS. Thanks also to Theo in year 11 for speaking to the guests about the significance of the Aboriginal Studies curriculum. As a school, we took the opportunity to thank Julie Street-Smith, Uncle Kevin Butler and Aunty May Button for the continued support and care they have provided to our school community.

This week has been the last full week of formal lessons for the Year 12 class of 2024 before they graduate next Wednesday afternoon at Wollongong Town Hall. It has been an absolute joy and privilege to be able to meet with the 2024 Senior Leadership team every Tuesday for morning tea to discuss our dreams and hopes for the school. We spent our last meeting together singing and dancing with karaoke in my office! I will truly miss these wonderful humans and leaders and look forward to hearing of their accomplishments.

Denise James

Principal

We would like to acknowledge country and the traditional custodians of this land who are the Wodi Wodi people of the Five Islands Dreaming, Dharawal Country and the Yuin nation.

We would like to acknowledge the country on which we meet and gather, near Sandon Point, the declared Aboriginal land rich in Aboriginal history and culture.

We thank the ancestors and Elders for passing down their knowledge of country and traditions which is the reason that Aboriginal culture thrives today.

At Bulli High School, it is our responsibility to preserve and respect the integrity of this significant site for future generations.

18th – 20th September

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Hike – Budawangs

23rd – 27th September

Year 11 Exams

Year 10 Work Experience

Monday 23rd September

Year 12 Clap Out

Tuesday 24th September

Year 12 Picnic Day

Wednesday 25th September

Year 12 Graduation

Thursday 26th September

Year 12 Formal

Friday 27th September

Last day of Term 3

Monday 14th October

Students return for Term 4

A heartfelt thank you to all the students who volunteered to help with the recent PSSA Gala days, including Soccer, AFL, and Ultimate Frisbee. Your positive attitude and dedication to every task were greatly appreciated by the primary teachers and students. We are incredibly proud of the way you've conducted yourselves, serving as fantastic role models for the younger students and representing our school with such pride.

Recent comment from PS -
I just wanted to say a big thank you. The students were amazing. They were on time, very polite and were great with the kids. There was not a single issue. I would be very happy to have them referee again.

Our students have been actively engaging in a diverse range of physical activities at school, contributing to both their physical health and social development. From target games to recreational activities, there's been something for everyone in year 9 to enjoy and learn from in a variety of practical settings.

Recently, Year 10 students have been exploring partner dancing, including styles like Samba and Cha Cha. These dances not only help improve coordination and rhythm but also encourage teamwork and communication as students work together to master the steps. The energy and enthusiasm they've shown have been fantastic to see.

Year 8 students have been putting their creativity to the test by designing their own dance routines. This creative dance experience has allowed them to explore movement in a fun and expressive way, helping them to develop coordination, rhythm, and confidence. By crafting unique routines, students are not only enjoying the art of dance but also learning to communicate and collaborate with others in a dynamic and engaging environment.

On the fitness front, Year 7 students have been experiencing a variety of fitness activities whilst discussing the FITT principle—Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type. These activities have provided a well-rounded approach to fitness, allowing students to explore different forms of exercise and understand how to balance various elements like endurance, strength, and flexibility. By engaging in a diverse range of workouts, they are learning the importance of incorporating different types of physical activity into their routines, building a strong foundation for lifelong health and well-being.

Our elective students have been diving into specialised areas of physical activity and sports. The Year 9 PASS (Physical Activity and Sports Studies) students have been focusing on the Olympics and exploring Australia's sporting identity. Through this, they've gained a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of sports in Australia, examining how the nation's achievements and values are reflected in the Olympic Games. This exploration has helped them appreciate the impact of sports on both individual and national levels.

Meanwhile, the Year 10 PASS students have been concentrating on sports coaching. They've taken on the role of coaches by selecting a specific skill to teach their peers. This hands-on experience has allowed them to develop leadership and communication skills, as well as a better understanding of teaching techniques and the principles of skill development. By stepping into the coach's shoes, they are learning how to effectively guide and motivate others, gaining valuable insights into the world of sports coaching.

It has been a busy two terms of sport with students competing in grade competitions against Keira High School, Woonona High School, Corrimal High School and Figtree High School. Students participated with sportsmanship and skill across a range of sports including basketball, oztag capture the flag, lawn bowls, netball, soccer and volleyball.

Special mention to the following teams who won their competition:

Bulli 1 junior boys oztag

Bulli 1 senior girls oztag

Bulli 2 junior boys soccer

Bulli junior boys basketball

Congratulations to the students for their achievements and thankyou to teachers for coaching teams and affording students this opportunity.

It has been another huge year for the Music Department. The current Music Staff of Mr Scott Brady, Ms Niki Donald and Mr Philip Trenaman have all worked very hard to achieve excellent outcomes for the students at Bulli High School.

The current Year 12 students are amid their HSC Practical Examinations being held in Music Room 2. Mr Brady has worked tirelessly to transform this teaching space into a modern studio to accommodate these students. As a special treat this class has been afforded extra rehearsal time under performance conditions on Thursday evening 12-9-24 at 5.30pm. Thank you Mr Brady and good luck to all involved.

Term 2 2024 saw the annual staging of our “Twilight Zone” concert series. This event allows students of all years to showcase their talent in a friendly and professional environment. Our performances this year were watched by every student in the school during the week and by community members at a Thursday evening show. Thanks to all involved and congratulations.

Everyone may remember a flood event that occurred at Bulli High School at the end of Term 1. It is great pleasure I can say the damage to the music department has now been fully repaired with all effected equipment replaced. Much to the appreciation of our wonderful student musicians.

Year 10 have recently chosen their subjects for 2025. This year will see a new music course being offered called “Music Industry”. We are very excited to offer this VET Course that is industry based without the pressures of other subjects. With no work placement, competency based, no written assignments, no ATAR and plenty of practical experiences to help our young musicians succeed in the industry we are hopeful of a big class.

Ms Niki Donald has been working closely with students from the Black Diamond unit to foster their connection to music. This has included an intensive drumming program and introductions to many varied instruments. Being a string player herself, Niki brings a lot of talent and dedication to our team.

I wish to thank everyone for all their support in helping our music students achieve their potential and we all look forward to seeing more awesome performances in the future. Good luck to all Year 12 HSC Music students and all staff are keen to work hard with the enthusiastic music students here at Bulli High School to reach their goals.

Spring is here! Our BDLC and Green Team have been working hard in our existing gardens and also establishing and planting new edible garden beds.

We would like to congratulate all these amazing Yr 7 students on receiving an A or B in ALL 9 subject areas in Semester 1. These students have been outstanding in either one or more of the following categories of the BULLI 5 - Collaboration, Citizenship, Think Critically, Creativity and Communication. Well done, this is a fantastic achievement!!!

Year 7 Enrichment classes went to Nan Tien Buddhist temple in Berkeley. The day consisted of a tour of the temple grounds, trying Buddhist cuisines, and taking part in Tai Chi and Calligraphy workshops. We learnt lots about the Chinese Buddhist culture and even got to see the architecture of the different Shrines on our tour of the grounds. After the amazing experience of being at the Nan Tien Buddhist temple, we headed off back to school and met the lovely Aboriginal Elder Uncle Peter. We then walked down to Sandon Point, where we heard many old stories as well as learning about the connection Uncle Peter has to Sandon Point. Uncle Peter taught us about the hidden Aboriginal middens found in Sandon Point.

We really appreciated the opportunity to experience the wonders of Nan Tien Buddhist temple and going down to Sandon Point. Many thanks to the teachers who took us there and the people who gave us the tour of the temple and also thank you to Uncle Peter who visited us and shared many stories with us, we really appreciate it.

By Leyla and Saskia

Year 9 Marine Studies enjoyed their trip to the Sydney Aquarium.

We continue to provide additional support for all students with their learning. Students can access The Hub for additional HSC study skills support, through to help with Year 7 homework.

A big congratulations to Ella Compton and Liana Mitchell who have just launched their sea-inspired jewellery range at Thirroul+co.

The Year 8 students are the inaugural graduates of the Business@Bulli program that aims to launch Multiverse major works into the real world of business and commerce.

This partnership with Sheralee Elizabeth and new owner, Ally Thomas (2018 BHS alumnus) was a 12 month collaboration between Bulli High School and Thirroul+co. We are indebted to Sheralee and Ally’s vision, perseverance and generosity.

We look forward to launching more Multiverse students via Business@Bulli in coming months.

Drawing on the new 3D printers in D Lab, we are currently investigating the potential to mass produce the students’ jewellery to scale their project to new markets.

Hope you make a fortune, Ella and Liana!

Bulli High School is proud to participate in the 2024 Illawarra Convoy for the first time!!

The Science Faculty led by Mr Brankovic will be raising money to support the Illawarra Convoy and its mission to beat cancer!

We are also accepting alumni, parents and any community members who wish to participate and ride together. Please scan QR code below to register your interest!

If you are able and willing to make a donation please scan the Donate QR code OR click the link https://illawarraconvoy.com.au/individual/fundraiser-4627

An enormous thank you to Australian surf film director James Kates for working with our students recently as a cameraman on the feature-length documentary ‘The Point’.

This documentary about Bulli High Surf Academy should be screened in Illawarra cinemas by March 2025.

As the co-owner of Silhouette, James has already played a part in launching the music careers of Alara Livingstone and Penny Church.

Bulli High is so fortunate to be supported by the northern Illawarra art community in our various musical and cinematic endeavours.

So proud of our student photographers including Ella Phillips, Sam Humphries, Cameron Davison and Lara Hubscher who have submitted Multiverse entries for the upcoming 96-page ARE Media glossy magazine centred on Bulli High Surf Academy. The students' work will sit alongside that of world-renowned BHS ex-student, Ray Collins. A big thank you to CAPA teachers Mr Cabassi and Ms Moran for their excellent ongoing work with our BHS photographers.

A documentary is being shot this year about the inaugural Bulli High Surf Academy by Primbee filmmaker, Patrick Colozzi. The film will be edited by Kris Mileski whose most recent work was for the IOC at the Paris Olympic Games. The aim is to have this feature-length documentary in local cinemas by March 2025 after a premiere at Thirroul’s Anita’s Theatre.

Look out for ex-student Zoe Gelder exploring the wreck of the Brig Amy off the coast of Thirroul, and the sublime vocal of Year 9 student Penny Church in the theme song. An enormous thank you to parent Shaun Peterson for his excellent drone shots of Sandon Point.

We are proud to announce that following the success of our 2024 Artist in Residence program that our inaugural Scientist in Residence in Term 4 is Year 8 student, Angus Turton.

Angus is a highly intelligent, driven and ambitious young student who is currently designing the prototype for a BullRack at the Silicon Valley StartUp Club along with his peers and Ben Rennie from RENY.

He is furthermore exploring the potential of the School’s new XGO Mini robots and advising staff about how these robotics might be integrated into the new Stage 5 Science curriculum.

Congratulations to Angus Turton!

Mr Brankovic and Mr Van Elsland

The Bulli High Surfboard Design Contest has scaled this year into a NSW-wide competition.

In partnership with Hawaii-based AkuShaper, California-based Boardlams and NZ-based PocketQuiver, this Multiverse category offers prizes for TWO separate categories: Surfboard Engineers + Surfboard Artists.

• The winning shaper will have their 1980’s board design cut in Byron Bay and offered a 12-month online internship with AkuShaper San Diego as a surfboard engineer.

• The winning artist will have their 1980’s retro designs sold at Boardlams California and offered a 12-month online internship with AkuShaper San Diego as a surfboard artist.

Students may enter without charge via the AkuShaper website under ‘Events’:

We are proud to announce that our esteemed Bulli High School alumnus, elite junior surfer and board artist Zoe Gelder, has joined the AkuShaper competition as an Australian judge.

Look out for the designs of last year’s runners-up Ralfie Scott and Jett Blue who narrowly missed out on first place to Denim Budai in the shaping category.

For students who attend the best Visual Arts high school in NSW (which happens to share an ocean with Hawaii and California), this is your chance to get art designs onto the world stage. And monetise your talents in the United States.

Entries close on 1 November.

For any queries about the competition please contact multiversebhs@gmail.com.

MVC24: Dream Big. Work Hard. Network.

Yr 11 2025 Uniform Orders

It is time for the current Year 10 students to order their senior uniform for 2025.

You can place and order online at www.bullihighpandc.org.au Alternatively, students can visit the uniform shop during our opening hours or return a order sheet for delivery in January.

WHERE POSSIBLE WE WOULD APPRECIATE IF YEAR 11 2025 SENIOR UNIFORM ORDERS ARE PLACED BY OCTOBER 31ST 2024 This ensures that we have enough stock for next year.

We currently have a lot of senior uniforms in stock so we anticipate that we will be able to fill a lot of the orders placed this term. Any uniforms that are taken home can still be exchanged or returned in 2025.

If you need to collect part or all of your order next year, the pickup dates are as follows:

• Thursday 30th January 2025
• Friday 31st January 2025

There are no exchanges or extra ordering on these two days.

For those than can not make the dates, we will be open again for exchanges, uniform collection, new students and additional uniform purchases on the following dates and times:

• Monday 3rd, Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th February from 10am to 2pm
• Thursday 6th February from 1pm to 3:30pm

Our u14s girls took off up to Sydney this week to compete against the best of the best in NSW for the Rugby 7s State Championship after qualifying earlier in the year.

After a few tough games against Hunter Sports and Warialda High to start the day, our girls grew in confidence and found their rhythm. They had a convincing win over St John's Dubbo and a hard-fought draw with Mackillop Catholic College to finish off their day.

For a squad with minimal experience in Rugby 7s, coming up against the best schools in the State, they did themselves and Bulli High School extremely proud.

Well done girls

Mr May

The Rocky trails Cringila Mountain Bike Competition was a showcase of skill, talent, endurance, and sportsmanship, with our students excelling in the challenging conditions. Despite the hot, dusty tracks, each participant demonstrated impressive riding skills and determination.

A special congratulations goes to Daniel Scobie, who excelled in his division and clinched first place and an interview on WIN tv! His performance was a testament to his positive attitude and his passion for mountain biking. Not to be outdone, Tyrah Beckinsale put in an outstanding effort and secured second place in her division, proving her prowess on the rugged terrain. Additionally, Dan Tapp made a strong showing, finishing in fourth place—an admirable achievement in such a competitive field...

All our students rode exceptionally well, navigating the demanding course with both grit and determination. Their ability to perform so admirably speaks volumes about their ability, resilience and athleticism.

Congratulations to everyone who participated and made the competition a memorable event!

Congratulations to Ivy for her Bronze in the NSW CHS Athletics this week.

Our 15s Boys have done it again! Down 19-6 midway through the 2nd half of our final today, things were looking grim. But thanks to our commitment, desire & disicpline, we rallied back with a late 3 ball from Yr7 Chase then a game winning dime from Caleb to Zac attack at the rack to hit the lead 22-21 for the first time in the game with only seconds to go to book our spot in the State Top 20!

With only 4 top age players in our 20 man squad & an army of Yr7 future & rep stars in our ranks, the future looks bright.

More detailed match reports to come, but for now we get some rest before a South Coast Grand Final v Figtree High.

Coach Delaney

Spring Party is Coming!

Spring Party! Coledale RSL. Friday, 20 September. 6.30pm start. Tickets $25 at door.

All bands do so to raise money for our very own Alara Livingstone to have new single, ‘Because of You’ placed onto vinyl.

Don’t miss your opportunity to see Penny Church perform live. This is a kid whose star is on the rise.

Her sublime vocals on ‘The Point’ soundtrack song ‘Full Fathom Five’ have sent the Instagram views for the trailer through the roof. To give you a sense of her musical class, the film producers gave her a song without a reference key from Shakespeare’s final play ‘The Tempest’ and told her “good luck”. Her interpretation is so good that we are now considering releasing it on our own BullsEye Records label as a single.

This follows the imminent vinyl release of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and Penny Church’s ‘Goodbye My Love’ in early December on our very own BullsEye Records label.

Humble thanks to BHS parent Mel Ellery for her generosity to offer Coledale RSL as the venue to fundraise for our Music Mentoring program.

Address: Dharawal Country, 17 Ursula Road, Bulli NSW 2516

Phone: 4284 8266

Email: bulli-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: https://bulli-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/