The Weekly Bulli-tin

On Wednesday we held our Combined Executive Conference with Head Teachers, Deputy Principals and Principals from Bulli, Corrimal, Keira, and Woonona High Schools. We began the conference by hearing from a panel of student leaders from each school as well as ex-students and current university students. The panel talked to staff about assessment, the HSC experience and what they are looking forward to in the years ahead. We appreciate their feedback as we are always looking at ways we can enhance our teaching and learning to support students though the senior years of schooling. A key insight from students was the need to start a study plan well before year 11, and to seek guidance with managing the demands of the HSC with other commitments such as sport. We thank Keira High School for hosting the event.

This week our Aboriginal students were invited to attend a Connecting to Country Camp at Stanwell Tops, and were also able to bring a friend each. I visited them for a short time and joined the girls as they learned about bush medicine with Aunty May. The following day, students from Bulli Public School joined our school and participated in some painting with Uncle Kevin. Thanks to Julie Street-Smith, Sharon Hanlon, Uncle Peter Button, Aunty May Button and Uncle Kevin Butler for their time and care with our students. I would also like to thank Leanne Hicks for her organisation and the teaching staff who attended to make this such a meaningful experience.

Yesterday I attended a Principals breakfast at the University of Wollongong Innovation campus. We were greeted by Professor Sue Bennett, Interim Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, who spoke about the reimagining of pathways for students. There is much change happening in this space and it was interesting to hear of some innovative approaches to future studying for students.

Head of School Education, Professor Penny Van Bergen, presented the keynote address on neuromyths regarding learning styles. Penny's research looks at how varying teaching pedagogy assists students learning in moving from working memory to long-term memory. She also updated us with the review into Initial Teacher Education.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge one of our Bulli HS Science teachers, Mr Kane Van Elsland. Mr Van Elsland has been asked to make the keynote address at a Graduation ceremony for students at UOW tomorrow. As an alumnus of UOW and an expert practitioner, we congratulate Mr Van Elsland on this honourable achievement. We are proud and grateful to have him as one of our Bulli HS staff.

All parents should receive an email this week seeking feedback through the Tell Them From Me survey. I encourage you to complete this so that we can celebrate our successes and learn areas for improvement.

Thanks to all parents and community members that attended our P&C Meeting this week. A reminder that our Spring Working Bee is on Saturday 9 November from 9am to 12pm. We would love to see you!

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.

Friday 1st November

Hospitality Work Placement

Rugby League Derby Day

White Card Training

11th - 15th November

Hospitality Work Placement

National Recycling Week

Monday 11th November

Remembrance Day

14th - 15th November

Transition Day – All my own work

Term 4 is always a busy term for exams and assessments. Year 7 to Year 10 students are working hard to finish off their Yearly examinations this term. Students are encouraged to refer to the assessment notification that was issued to them during class and to follow the explicit instructions outlined in the notification to prepare for the task. During Science classes, students will be taken through revision content and techniques to empower them for their upcoming assessment. In order to further prepare for the upcoming examinations, students are encouraged to develop concept maps that outline and link the subtopics within the overarching topic.

The examination period for our junior years is as follows

• The Year 7 Semester Two Examination on the Living World is scheduled for:

Friday week 5 - 15th November.

• The Year 8 Semester Two Examination on the Chemical World is scheduled for:

Friday week 5 -15th November.

• The Year 9 Semester Two Examination is on the Living World is scheduled for:

Thursday week 4- 7th November.

• The Year 10 Semester Two Examination is on Earth and Space is scheduled for:

Friday week 4- 8th November.

Examinations will be completed during timetabled Science lessons. Students are to ask their teacher if they are unsure of any coursework.

They must bring all equipment such as pens, pencils, ruler, eraser and calculator.

The coursework set for students on return to school is as follows:

• Year 7 and 9 will continue with their Living World module, moving on to the Ecology topic.

• Year 8 will complete the Chemical World syllabus and then will learn about Machines or Everyday Chemistry.

• Year 10 classes will complete the topic on Earth and Space and start Forensic Science module or will undertake extension Physics and Chemistry work. This will keep us busy all the way to the end of the term.

This week, Year 8 students sat the NSW online Science examination, Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID). This assessment can be used as a diagnostic tool to assist in improving student outcomes in science and as a tool for program evaluation. The test is linked to the science syllabuses, and assesses what students know and can do in science. It also provides useful information about student attitudes towards science. Results of the examination will be available during Term 1, 2025.

Photos are of Year 11 Biology dissection of a flower to distinguish between the male and female reproductive structures.

Mrs Canvin

It’s been a breath of fresh air in Year 10, where students explored the respiratory system by measuring lung capacity. The class competition was stiff [see Eli Bartlett] , but Kade Taunton blew everyone away with his record-breaking lung power, setting a new benchmark for lung capacity at close to 5L! (a nod to his bike riding).

Meanwhile, Year 8 was igniting their curiosity with a demonstration of the existence of oxygen. Using magnesium they / [Jacob Patterson] showed that oxygen was a bright idea as the magnesium burned in oxygen, the intense light left students in no doubt about the power of chemical reactions. This really was illuminating chemistry!

Stay tuned for more discoveries and memorable moments as our students continue to explore the amazing world of science!

Mr Allen

The Department of Education's My Say My Way project is developing a suite of accessible student voice tools to collect data on the educational experience and wellbeing of students with disability and/or complex learning needs. This will provide students and parents/carers with a voice to help shape decisions across the school system. One of the tools includes a survey for parents/carers, seeking insights from your perspective as advocates for your children.

The project team would like to get your thoughts on the draft parent/carer questions via a short survey that will take approximately 10 minutes. The department would greatly value your input to ensure that the end product is fit for purpose and easy to use. Please follow the link to have your say! tinyurl.com/My-Say-My-Way

In continuing with our plans to expand our BYOD program, we are now able to ensure all students in Year 7-11 will have the opportunity to engage with our school wide BYOD program from the start of 2025.

As previously communicated, we will be extending the BYOD program to support our students next year. From the start of 2025, all students in Year 7-11 will be expected to have access to a device, whilst Year 12 (current Year 11) are recommended to bring a device to support their learning. We ask that parents please review our Bulli HS BYOD Portal as this contains information regarding the technical requirements required for devices, as well answers to frequently asked questions and parental supports around safe online use.

Our BYOD Hub can be located via our school website and provides information about the following:

1. Device Specifications & Purchase Portals

2. Software Needed

3. Connecting to Wifi

4. BYOD Policy

5. Parent Support

6. FAQ

7. Contact or Assistance

Parents are welcome to purchase devices anywhere. There is no preferred platform at Bulli HS. Parents should purchase a device that suits their child's needs and family circumstances.

However, to assist parents that require some additional guidance, we have partnered with both HP and Learning with Technologies to provide support in selecting and purchasing a suitable device. Included in this newsletter is a promotional flyer from one of our partnership providers.

If you have questions about the BYOD process that can’t be answered on this site, then please contact the school front office for support. Please also be aware that;

· All Students & Parents will be issued with an updated electronic BYOD User Agreement and Charter via School Bytes. This will be issued early next term, and all parents and students will be asked to sign and return this document.

· If you require financial support or assistance acquiring a device, then please contact the school and communicate these concerns. Limited devices are available for families that require additional support.

· Students are regularly reminded about their expectations and responsibilities in ensuring they have a device, ready and charged each day. Your support in ensuring that your child brings a fully charged device is appreciated.

Congratulations to our Year 11 students - Ronan Duggan, Marley Valls, Jindi Elith, Tom Favelle, Thea Fox, Ike Stroud, Amber Keers, and James Schofield. They recently completed all theoretical and practical components of the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadets Program in three packed days under the expert tutelage of experienced volunteer RFS firefighters and salaried staff from Bulli, Austinmer, Farmborough Heights, Gerringong, Illawarra Support, Loftus and Sutherland Commands.

In their final challenge, the BHS crew had to manage a simulated incident, which meant carrying out emergency response protocols with newly acquired firefighting knowledge and skills. As a part of this assessment, the students were transported to Slacky Creek Reserve in fire trucks from Bulli and Farmborough Heights Stations. They were then tasked with preserving the area by using a range of firefighting equipment, radio-controlled communications and team coordination techniques.

Our students can be proud of their time at Bulli Rural Fire Brigade. They proved to be exemplary cadets and leave with skills that will support their future career paths.

Sincere thanks go to the champion RFS volunteers without whom this opportunity would not have been possible. They generously gave over 20 hours of their time to our students and deserve a medal.

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.

Student exchange organisation, World Education Program (WEP) is currently looking for a family from the Bulli High School community to volunteer to host our French exchange student from November this year! C. from France attends Bulli High School.

By hosting an exchange student, you're not only providing them with a place to stay; you're welcoming them into your family, sharing cultural experiences, and building lifelong connections. You will experience Bulli through the eyes of an overseas visitor, re-discovering your own backyard in the process!

If you would like more information and to view C’s student’s profile, please contact Donna from WEP at donnalack@wep.org.au or on 03 9598 4733.

Just a friendly reminder that Term 4 is Summer uniform. In Terms 1 & 4, the BHS track pants are only to be worn on Wednesdays and during PE lessons. Please refer to our uniform policy on our website:

https://bulli-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/uniform.html

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/