The Weekly Bulli-tin

This week, our school proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week with a special assembly that brought together our students, staff, and community in a spirit of respect, unity, and cultural appreciation. We were honoured to welcome students from Waniora and Bulli Public Schools, who joined us in marking this important occasion. A highlight of the assembly was the unveiling of a stunning new artwork by Uncle Kevin Butler, now on display in our front office. This powerful piece reflects connection to Country, identity, and community, and we are deeply grateful to Uncle Kevin for sharing his artistry and story with us. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Uncle Peter Button for conducting the smoking ceremony, as well as Leanne Hicks and our Aboriginal Education Team for their dedication and leadership in organising this meaningful event and for continuing to guide our school’s cultural learning journey. NAIDOC Week is a vital time to reflect, learn, and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I encourage families to continue these conversations at home and join us in fostering understanding and respect every day.

One of the highlights of the past week was our very first Principal’s Morning Tea. We held this event for years 7 to 10, and another for our senior students. It was a pleasure to welcome so many of you, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect and share in open, informal conversation. Thank you to all who attended—your involvement helps strengthen the vibrant partnership between home and school.

Our Twilight Zone Music Concerts were another standout last week, showcasing the exceptional talent of our student performers. From vocalists to instrumentalists, every performance demonstrated hard work, passion, and a love for the arts. Thank you to the staff and students who contributed to these inspiring events.

Academic reports for all year levels have now been published. I encourage parents and carers to read through them carefully with your child. Reports not only reflect achievements but also provide valuable teacher feedback and suggestions for future growth. Discussing these comments together is a great way to set meaningful goals for the coming term.

As we approach Term 3, our Year 12 students are entering a crucial period with HSC Trial Examinations on the horizon. These assessments are an important milestone in their final year, and I want to commend students for the commitment they have already shown. Many staff are generously offering holiday workshops and revision sessions, and I strongly encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities. Consistent study habits, balanced with rest and wellbeing, will go a long way in ensuring students feel confident and well-prepared for the weeks ahead. On behalf of the entire school, I’d like to wish our Year 12 cohort the very best in their preparations—your determination and focus are admirable, and we’re all behind you.

Tomorrow, we will farewell two of our valued staff members.

One of our wonderful School Administration Officers, Glenda Maciejowski, is retiring. Her dedication and energetic presence have been deeply appreciated. We wish her well in her next chapter including some overseas adventures!

Heather Gardiner, who has been part of our school for the past 17 years, first as Head Teacher English and most recently as relieving Deputy Principal, has been appointed as Deputy Principal at Bomaderry High School. Heather has made a lasting impact through her leadership, insight, and care for students and staff alike. We thank her for her outstanding service and wish her every success in her new role.

Thank you once again for being such an important part of our school. I hope everyone enjoys a safe, restful, and well-deserved break, and we look forward to another productive term ahead. Staff return to school on Monday 21 July for a professional learning day focused on curriculum. Year 12 will also commence their HSC Trial Examinations on this day, with exams scheduled over the following two weeks. We look forward to welcoming back students in Years 7 to 11 on Tuesday, 22 July, which will be Week A.

Denise James

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.

School Holidays

7th - 18th July

Staff Development Day

21st July

21st July - 1st August

Year 12 Trial HSC Exams

22nd July

CHS Cross Country Carnival

24th July

Zone Athletics Carnival

28th July

Parent Teacher Interviews - Years 8, 9 & 10

This term in science, students have been learning all about cells – the building blocks of life! We’ve explored the structure and function of both animal and plant cells, identifying key organelles and their roles. To bring our learning to life, students had the opportunity to create colourful 3D models of cells using playdough. This hands-on activity helped students visualise the parts of a cell in a fun and memorable way. Check out the fantastic creations in the photos below!

In Design and Technology, students have been busy designing and creating their own calico bags. Using a variety of materials such as felt, buttons, and fabric paint, they personalised their bags with unique and colourful designs. This project helped students develop their sewing skills, express their creativity, and learn about the design process from planning to final product. The results were fantastic – each bag a one-of-a-kind creation!

The year 7 and 8 students in BDLC have been studying

Medieval Europe, looking at society hierarchy, heraldry,

food eaten by different people in society, the Plague,

punishments and different castle designs.

As we wind up the term, the students have used cardboard

boxes to create impressive medieval castles, dungeons

and a church, complete with furniture and drawbridges.

Izzie’s Castle, complete with banquet!

Our Year 9 and 10 students studied the Holocaust this term. As part of the unit, we read the book “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”. To finalise our unit, we attended the excursion to the Jewish Museum in Sydney, where our knowledge was extended by our guide, whose grandparents survived the Holocaust, and then attended a seminar given by a Holocaust survivor!

The team competed admirably throughout the day using good communication skills to develop strategies. They started the day confidently, building an 11 – 0 victory in their first game. While the balls didn’t roll their way all day, the team eventually finished third in the region. Each student had their fair share of great play throughout the day, they represented the school and themselves in a very mature and respectful manner.

Congratulations to Kathy, Lachlan and Joshua for competing in the annual School Sport Unit Upper South Coast Secondary Boccia Competition on May 29.

We had a wonderful day competing in many events at the 2025 athletics carnival.

Jenny Kennedy

Special Education Head Teacher

Year 8 have just completed their assessment on our unit entitles La Famille. This assessment is done on Language Perfect and really tested students’ knowledge of family vocabulary, adjectives and their agreement, possessive adjectives in addition to their numbers from 0-69. We have now begun our new unit on animals which is an opportunity for students to extend on their knowledge and understanding of adjective agreements and exceptions as well as learning numbers up to 100. Halfway through mandatory language. Keep it up classe 8!

Year 9 have been working on their sports and leisure unit. Learning lots of new vocabulary in this space and also learning how to use the close future and past tenses. We had our first big listening task this term and I was so pleased with how well they responded as a whole. Listening is often the hardest skill so they should be proud of what they were able to achieve.

Year 10 are at an exciting time as they are making choices about subject selection for next year. Did you know that French Continuers is the only HSC subject with a prerequisite? That means the only people eligible are the current year 10 French students. We have a large percentage of students considering Continuers which is great to see. If your child is in year 10 and they would like to pick French up for their HSC, they can do so by way of the French Beginners course. Any year 10 student who would like any information about either of the courses is encouraged to drop over to the language block to speak to us!

Year 11 just completed their first listening and writing assessment. These skills are often the most feared amongst students, but it was great to see them rise to the challenge. The only way for these skills to become easier is by exposure. Encourage your child to watch a French film, to find some French online content that interests them, to listen to French music or a French podcast. There is a list of suggestions on their Google Classroom to guide them in finding different things that might be of interest to them. I have also told students that at any time, they can submit writing samples to me for feedback and marking – encourage them to do this on a regular basis as this is how they can progress. This term, Continuers were introduced to the subjunctive – this is always a tricky grammatical element, and they have been working hard to start adding this element into their writing too. Our introduction to the subjunctive takes the form of a workshop. See the students all working hard in the photos attached!

Year 12 have been busy like bees, working to improve their complexity in all skill areas as they prepare for their trial exams early next term. I am so pleased with those who are showing up on a Tuesday and Thursday morning for writing practice. Their efforts are definitely paying off. I hope that they all find some balance over the holidays as they take time for themselves and also set themselves up for success by studying and reviewing for their trials

We have a number of year 10 students preparing to leave on exchange over the coming months which is so very exciting! Exchange is one of the most enriching and formative experiences that anyone can participate in and we are so proud that year on year, more and more students from BHS are choosing to leave for parts unknown and challenge themselves in this way. International exchange is not right for everyone and some of our students opt to do immersion experiences available more locally to build their confidence and competence in French. Please reach out if you have any questions about exchange and immersion experiences for your child.

Speaking of exchange, we have just farewelled our French exchange student who was here with us at BHS for just under a year. An amazing achievement and a very sad goodbye. She had this to share with you all.

• The best thing about exchange was meeting new people and discovering a different way of life.

• The hardest part about exchange was being away from my family and adapting to a new school system.

• The best thing about Bulli High was how friendly and welcoming the students and teachers were.

• The strangest thing about Bulli High was wearing a uniform every day – it felt very different at first!

• I loved the Illawarra because of its beautiful beaches and nature – and I loved going on hikes!

• I would recommend exchange because it helps you grow, become more independent and open-minded.

We marked her last lesson with a class petit dejeuner. She will be missed!

Ms Schilbe and Ms Arvela

Language Teachers

It’s hard to believe that we are about to complete another term.

During Term 2, students and staff have been involved in many cultural experiences. I would like to look back at some of the events of the last ten weeks which include the Reconciliation Week Walk, Reconciliation Dragon Tag, NAIDOC Week Assembly and the

Year 12 Aboriginal Studies Major Project Presentation evening.

On Monday 26 May, during a whole school assembly we acknowledged Sorry Day and remembered and honoured the strength and resilience of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The same week we participated in the Reconciliation Week Walk hosted by Bellambi Public School. This was a great day that involved local elders and community, nearly 40 schools and over 2000 students. This year’s theme “Bridging Now to Next” emphasises building strong, respectful relationships by acknowledging the past and working towards a united future.

Truth telling in the classroom and participation in cultural activities

is pivotal to creating a united understanding.

Bulli High School students joined the walk and enjoyed cultural activities such as a smoking ceremony, talks by elders, cultural dance and singing.

Bulli High School also participated in the St George Illawarra Reconciliation Tag Day

held at Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow on the 12 June. This event was hosted by Corrimal High School and begun with a Smoking Ceremony followed by a day of league tag. Congratulations to Jermaine McGuiness who was awarded Stage 5 player of the day and Miles Ackerley, Stage 6 player of the day.

The students had a great day and were extremely competitive winning all their games.

Congratulations to Phoebe Freedman of Year 9 who has been nominated to attend the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Camp in August.

This is very much deserved, and we look forward to hearing about her trip next term.

NAIDOC Week is celebrated from the 6th to the 13th of July and is a time

for all people to reflect upon and recognise the Achievements of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2025 marks the 50-year milestone of honouring and elevating

Indigenous voices, culture and resilience.

This year’s theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’ celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead. It is about honouring where Aboriginal people have come from,

the strength of elders and looking boldly to the next generation

who will carry NAIDOC into the future.

Bulli High School was fortunate to have Uncle Peter Button, Uncle Kevin Butler, Waniora and Bulli Public School students, community members and representatives from Bulli PCYC in attendance.

The assembly was hosted by Cassia White, Brianna Taunton and Caitlin Kennedy. Congratulations girls on your efforts!

Uncle Peter performed a traditional smoking ceremony with assistance from Jermaine McGuinness and Nelson Waite.

We also unveiled the school’s new mural painted by Uncle Kevin Butler. This amazing piece of art will be on display in the front office. It encapsulates Bulli High School as a wonderful learning area situated on Dharawal Country.

I wish to thank the students from Year 11 and Year 12 that assisted in preparing the assembly. This included the setting up, cooking and serving the sausage sizzle and

helping to clean up.

A special thanks to the Aboriginal Education Team for your assistance on the day, especially Mr Mozejko and Ms Chazaretta.

I hope you enjoy a few of the images taken on the day.

On Tuesday the 24 June, Bulli High School held it’s first recognition evening of those students in the Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies class.

The evening was to celebrate the hard work, dedication and achievement of the current Year 12 students in completing their Aboriginal Studies Projects.

The major project makes up 40% of the school-based assessment and as you can see in the image below the students chose a variety of topics.

The standard of work completed this year was exceptional and this was showcased on the evening. The presentation of work included documentaries, reports, essays and slide shows.

It would be remiss of me to not mention the assistance of elders in providing students

with the community consultation required in the projects. This year students

were fortunate to have Aunty May Button, Uncle Kevin Butler, Julie Street Smith,

Deborah Mailman, Nathan Blacklock and our own Tanya Sandy assist them.

It is through their willingness to share their knowledge and history, which is often painful and traumatic, students develop a real understanding of Aboriginal culture.

I am very proud of the effort of all students in this class.

I look forward to sharing with you many more events next term and wish everyone a great winter break.

Ms Leanne Hicks

HSIE Teacher, Year 11 Advisor and Aboriginal Education Co-Ordinator

Sunshine and smiles as we complete day 2 of the Year 11 Life Ready camp.

Our Year 12 Physics class had an electrifying time at the University of Wollongong! They really got hands-on, delving into the charge to mass ratio of an electron, spinning into action with circular motion, and shedding some light on the photoelectric effect. Our students weren't just observing; they were truly engaged, working alongside the academic staff to tackle these practical activities head-on. It was a truly powerful experience!

Our Year 10 students have been immersing themselves in landscape painting, each choosing a location that holds personal meaning to them. Through this project, they’ve been developing their skills in acrylic painting — exploring composition, colour mixing, and brushwork techniques. We’re so impressed by their creativity and focus. Take a look at some of their amazing artworks!

Another successful debating day took place today as our talented Year 7/8 team went head-to-head with students from Wollongong Performing Arts.

Our students put their speaking skills to the test in two thought-provoking debates, coming away with one well-earned win and one closely contested loss.

A big congratulations to all involved!

Our apologies for the ordering webpage being down from the 17th to 20th June.

Our order for navy sloppy joes has arrived and are now in stock for all sizes.

Back orders have been filled and are ready for pick up.

The sports track pants will be here 1st week of term 3.

Penny and Maree

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.

Last Friday, 26 of Bulli's finest students and athletes competed in the Coondoo Classic teams mountain biking event. Students displayed exceptional sportsmanship, resilience, perseverance, and mountain biking skills to come home with a bunch of memories from such an excellent experience, as well as a range of trophies for the cabinet.

Thanks to Mr. Van Elsland for his endless support of the team and for helping all the students on the day, as well as keeping Mr. Sartori fed and hydrated. A big thank you to all the parents who came along to cheer on the students and offered support to the students and staff.

Lastly, a big thank you to all the students for the way they represented their school, teams, and families on the day. The group of young people who attended went above and beyond in every facet, from sportsmanship through to their efforts on the trail.

Some of the outstanding results:

1st Place - 7/8 Boys

Kalea

Ethan

Charlie

Finn

1st Place - Senior Boys

Daniel

Kailen

Kade

2nd Place - 9/10 Boys

Oliver

William

Nathan

Addison

2nd Place - 9/10 Girls

Isabella

Jessica

Tyrah

3rd Place - 9/10 Boys

Toby

Max

Tyler

Isaac

Fastest Lap Time - 11/12 Boys and overall - Daniel S

Fastest Lap Time - 9/10 Boys - Oliver B

Lastly, a huge shoutout to Daniel of Year 12, who has sadly ridden his last race as part of the Bulli High School Mountain Biking team. His leadership within the mountain biking group has been remarkable. Daniel has been an exceptional asset to our school mountain biking community and leaves us with an impressive record of achievements over the years. He went out with another bang, helping his team bring home 1st place, and scraping taking home the lap record for the day in his last lap, edging out fellow Bulli racer, Oliver.

It has been a busy couple of weeks for our Netball players.

Recently, they competed in the Netball NSW Schools Cup at Berkeley Netball Courts. With five teams competing in the competitive or social competitions, there was always a team to support. The Year 7 team progressed through to the finals, but it was a close game, and unfortunately, they did not progress to the next stage of the competition. Bring on 2026!

Yesterday, the Open CHS Team competed in the Regional CHS Knockout competition in Nowra. The netball team put on a fantastic performance this season, showing great skill and teamwork throughout. Having seven Year 12 students competing in their last Netball day, it was only fitting that they all played their final game together. As always, the minibus, laughter, ribbons, lollies, and memories - these are the days they will remember. Super proud of everyone, Mrs Powell and Miss Gibbs.

Tickets for the highly anticipated Schools Spectacular 2025 are on sale via Ticketek.

This year’s event centres on the theme Remarkable, celebrating the extraordinary talent and creativity of students from across New South Wales.

Until 31 July audiences can access a 10% early bird discount on ticket prices.

Audiences can expect a dynamic program featuring performances in music, dance and drama. The event will showcase a rich mix of traditional and contemporary styles, including original compositions and choreography.

The Schools Spectacular serves as a platform for over 5,500 students to demonstrate their hard work and passion, while also fostering a sense of community and pride among our schools.

Tickets are selling fast – don’t miss out! Grab yours early to enjoy the special offer and be part of this remarkable event.

Join us in celebrating the incredible talents of our students and help make Schools Spectacular 2025 an unforgettable experience for all involved.

We are thrilled to announce that student Isabella Laga'aia, who has been involved in the Schools Spectacular since 2022, she has created an original composition for the SpecFest Flash Mob. This year's theme Remarkable is the name of this piece. Isabella describes her song as a celebration of individuality, emphasising that while everyone may sometimes feel ordinary, we are all remarkable in our own unique ways.

Isabella started by thinking about the show’s theme. A keen songwriter, she used her guitar to create music and lyrics that celebrate how everyone has something special that makes them remarkable.

We look forward to seeing Isabella’s inspiring piece come to life at Schools Spectacular 2025!

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/