The Weekly Bulli-tin
TERM 3 - Week 10
Principal's Report
Congratulations and Farewell Year 12
Today we gather to celebrate you and acknowledge your achievements and successful completion of 13 years of schooling.
In 2012, when you began your schooling in kindergarten, the world was gripped by the belief that the apocalypse was imminent on December 21st, as predicted by the Mayan Calendar. However, the world did not meet its fiery end.
Instead, a different kind of explosion took place on YouTube as “Gangnam Style” became the first video to reach one billion views, captivating audiences worldwide.
It was also the year when “The Avengers” movie premiered, smashing box-office records and earning over $1.5 billion globally.
While 2012 may have escaped the clutches of an apocalypse, it left an indelible lineup of music tracks that defined the year.
From the heartfelt tune “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye to the electrifying beats of “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen.
You may remember playing with the following toys in 2012:
- Hot Wheels
- Lego Friends
- Web Shooting Spider-Man
- Monster High dolls
- LeapPads
- and who could forget Furby!
Jumping ahead six years to 2019 when you began “big” school:
- Another Avengers movie, this time “Avengers Endgame”, was the year's highest grossing film
- Record-breaking single "Old Town Road," featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, was the number 1 Billboard Hottest 100 song
- Jennifer Aniston joined - and promptly broke – Instagram
- Scott Morrison was Prime Minister
- Kanye West became the biggest attraction at Coachella despite not even being on the official line-up
- Emojis became a cultural phenomenon, shaping the way we express ideas and emotions across languages, friends, and generations
- A catastrophic fire engulfed Notre Dame cathedral in Paris
- Ash Barty won the French Open. There was also a Whole New World of interest in Ash Barty's Wimbledon press conferences as the world number one dropped Disney references into her answers.
- Australia retained the Ashes.
- Sam Kerr kicked four goals in the World Cup game to send the Matildas through to the Round of 16.
So much has happened since then and today, we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in your lives.
I first had the pleasure of meeting you in 2021 when I began at Bulli HS and you were in year 9. It was in-between the two lockdowns and a challenging time for us all to navigate. I got to know some of you more than others and could see the impact that the lockdowns had on you as a year group. It has been humbling to watch you mature throughout that experience to become the caring individuals and successful year group sitting here today.
I was recently speaking with some of you about your first memories of high school. Nicola told me that on the first day of year 7, she pretended that she was in a Harry Potter book and that Bulli High School was in fact, Hogwarts. That enabled her to see high school as a magical adventure rather than an intimidating and overwhelming place.
Year 12, just like Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts, you’ve faced challenges, formed friendships, and discovered your own unique paths.
You’ve had exams that felt like dragons to be slayed, late-night study sessions that rivalled any potion class, and moments of doubt that may have made you question your abilities. Just like Harry faced Voldemort, you’ve faced your own fears, learning that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the determination to move forward despite it. Be open to the unexpected adventures that life has in store. There will be detours, and sometimes, you’ll find yourself in places you never imagined. Embrace those moments; they are where the real magic happens.
You’ve also experienced the true magic of friendship. Hermione, Ron, and Harry taught us that support and loyalty are powerful spells in their own right. As Hermione wisely noted, “It’s the friends we choose that make our lives truly magical.” As you go into the world, carry that spirit of camaraderie with you. Cherish the bonds you’ve built at Bulli HS; they will be your support system in the challenges ahead.
Remember the importance of choice. Dumbledore wisely said, “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that every choice you make shapes your journey. Choose kindness, choose curiosity, and choose to follow your passions, no matter how daunting they may seem.
As you leave this chapter of high school behind, take a moment to reflect on the lessons you’ve learned. Whether it’s the importance of hard work, the beauty of diversity, or the strength found in community, carry these lessons like a well-worn spell book.
Year 12, I would like to congratulate and thank you for contributing to our Bulli High School story. I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the parents and families who have supported you and our school along the way.
I acknowledge the work and care of Ms Schilbe who has served as your Year Adviser, always putting your needs before her own. Her drive and dedication to provide the very best experiences for you is truly admirable. I would also like to recognise Ms Hicks who stepped in as Year Adviser when Ms Schilbe was on leave. I thank Mr Lane who has had the honour of being your Deputy Principal during your time in Year 12 and pay my gratitude to Mr Neave as our special guest this afternoon, who worked closely with you in the five years before.
There are many others who have supported your school story, including our counsellors, support officers and our wonderful office staff.
I am also completely in awe of our teachers who give so much of themselves to provide you with the very best learning opportunities, both within and beyond the classroom walls. I would particularly like to thank Mr Hickey for his expert planning of events such as Clap Out, the Cockatoo Island Camp, organising your gowns, as well as his support of Ms Schilbe in her role as Year Adviser, and his support of many of you.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Year 12 Student Leadership team of Ava, Liam, Nicola, James, Liam and Brodie. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you as students, leaders and people over hot chocolates every Tuesday. You have brought a sense of purpose and fun to the school and to my office. I don’t think I’ve laughed as much as when I am with you – sometimes out of fear or shock, but mostly because of who you are as all round amazing humans. Your determination to make a positive impact on those around you is inspiring. You have demonstrated resilience, teamwork and compassion, always staying authentic to your beliefs. I look forward to hearing your stories, and perhaps singing some more karaoke with you in the future!
Year 12, now, you stand on the brink of a new chapter - your future. The pages are blank, waiting for you to write your stories. Each of you has dreams, ambitions, and unique paths to follow. Whether you’re heading to university, starting a career, or exploring new adventures, embrace the possibilities. Don’t be afraid to take risks, to rewrite a page if necessary, or to change the narrative completely.
As you pen your stories, consider the legacy you wish to leave behind. What impact do you want to have on our community and the world? Your generation has the power to inspire change, to advocate for what you believe in, and to create a future filled with hope and possibility. Make your chapters meaningful, filled with purpose and compassion.
On behalf of all the staff at Bulli High School, we thank you for your contribution to the story of Bulli High School and the magic you have sprinkled upon us. We are all the richer in heart and mind because of you.
Congratulations Year 12 Class of 2024! Remember that true magic lies within you. May your lives be filled with the spirit of adventure. Here’s to writing your story and making it extraordinary!
Social Networking Restrictions
The NSW Department of Education is making an important change to help keep students safe online, reduce the risk of cyber threats and make sure student email accounts are used for their intended educational purposes only.
Starting Day 1 Term 4, students won’t be able to use their student email address to sign up for, or recover access to any social media, gaming, instant messaging or similar accounts.
If students have signed up for a social media, gaming, instant messaging or similar account using their student email address, they will need to change to a personal email address on each platform by Sunday 13 October to make sure they don't lose access to the account. The department is making this change to ensure all student accounts are being used for their educational purposes, and to help protect students from risks online. Using their personal email address for these platforms instead of their student email address reduces the chances of someone gaining access to information in their school account.
Happy Holidays
I would like to congratulate Year 11 for their outstanding application and effort during the last two weeks of their Preliminary Exams.
The last day of this term is Friday 27 September, with students returning to school on Monday 14 October.
We wish year 12 students all the best in the HSC exams which begin on Tuesday 15 October.
Thank you for continued support of our students, staff and school. I hope that these regular newsletters have been beneficial in staying up to date with the amazing accomplishments of our school community.
Wishing you all a restful holiday break.
Denise James
Principal
Acknowledgement of Country
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.
Upcoming Events
Thursday 26th September
Year 12 Formal
Friday 27th September
Last day of Term 3
Monday 14th October
Students return for Term 4
Tuesday 15th October
15’s NSW Regional Finals Basketball Boys
Friday 18th October
15’s NSW Regional Finals Basketball Girls
Black Diamond Learning Centre
Welcome to Week 10!
Term 3 has been a hectic term in Black Diamond, with excursions, assessments, new equipment arriving, Year 8 Funday Monday and farewelling the Year 12 students.
Exciting New Resources Thanks to NSW Ports Grant!
We are thrilled to announce that our school has recently received a generous grant from NSW Ports, which has allowed us to purchase new equipment to enhance student learning across several subjects. With this funding, we have acquired practical chemistry and electrical science kits, keyboards for our music department, and sewing machines for Design and Technology classes.
These new resources have already had a significant impact on student outcomes. The hands-on experience provided by the kits and equipment has deepened students' understanding of key concepts in science, music, and technology. We are incredibly grateful to NSW Ports for their support and the difference it has made in our learning community.
Students Power Up Learning with New Electrical Science Kits!
Thanks to the generous grant from NSW Ports, our students have been actively exploring electrical science in exciting, hands-on ways. Recently, in our science classes, we’ve been using the newly acquired electrical kits to study how electricity powers motors.
One of the key experiments involved testing how the amount of electricity affects the speed at which a motor spins and, in turn, how high a small fan attached to the motor can launch into the air. Jacob and Chase were captured in action during this experiment, adjusting the voltage and carefully observing how the motor’s speed influenced the fan’s height. Their focus and enthusiasm were evident as they measured and recorded their findings.
These hands-on experiences are helping students apply scientific principles in a practical setting, making learning engaging and impactful. Photos of Jacob and Chase working on the experiment truly showcase the excitement of discovery and the value of these new resources.
Spring has Sprung
Now that the weather has turned from chilly mornings to fragrant ones, the Green Team and the BDLC students have been busy planting some edible gardens and fruit trees to improve and beautify some ‘tired’ spaces and create some friendly environments for our native pollinators and birds. The students are loving gardening, and the schools is looking
Black Diamond Music
“Tell me, I forget; Show me, I remember; Involve me, I understand”- Carl Orff
As Carl Orff states in the quote above, an essential part of learning music is in its practice, so it has been imperative that students have the opportunity to try a range of musical instruments and study a number of musical styles. Students have been excited to try instruments including the double bass, violin, drumkit, electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, percussion instruments and this term we introduced a Bucket Drumming unit. The Sapphire and Amethyst music classes have studied the genres of Rock n Roll, Film Music, Instruments of the Orchestra and Australian Art Music. This semester the Amethyst class have listened to the music of Australian composers while learning about different forms of notation and they have learnt to read a musical score. The Sapphire class have learnt to play the 12 Bar Blues on the keyboard and have been using music technology to create a short composition for a spy or superhero story. It has been encouraging to see both classes develop their performance skills by playing as a rock group and exploring repertoire by bands such as The White Stripes and ACDC.
Ms Niki Donald (Music Teacher)
Work Education
Students from BDLC have had some great opportunities to experience a variety of workplaces in the Illawarra while also gaining some extra experience with travel training throughout the term. We had an amazing trip to Bluescope where we were taken on a private tour around the plant and through some of the factories where we could see first-hand how the products were prepared from natural resources. We got up close to the action and we all agreed it was an absolutely fantastic excursion. We also spent some days at Greenacres and Flagstaff that highlighted both work and social opportunities for our students. Between the two organisations we were given the chance to make candles, pizzas, cup cakes, a wooden candle holder as well as some fun team building activities. We had heaps of fun and appreciated the effort made by both organisations to provide such valuable and interesting experiences to our students.
Sport
Four Black Diamond students competed annual Ten Pin Bowling Competition run by Inclusive Schools Sport. The team played two games packed full of strikes, spares, loud celebrations and fun.
The team enjoyed competing against each other, often checking who was in the lead after each bowl.
Congratulations to Angus Clement-Bourne, Liam Gondek, Riley Gray and Elijah Russell on an enjoyable competition.
Year 8 Funday Monday
Over 130 students from Year 8 hit the bush at Cataract Scout Park for a full day of activities, cooking and fun. A huge shout out to Ms’ Fraser and Haines for their epic organisation of such a great day.
The photos below are from Groups 3 and 4, who I had the pleasure of assisting over the day. Thank you to the students for your exemplary behaviour (and to the parents for raising such great kids!). I am limited in the number of photos I can attach, so have kept it to the maximum of 10J (give or take!)
Archery Tag
Challenge Valley
Whip Cracking
Waterslide
Initiatives
Cooking Dinner
Followed by roasting marshmallows and The Rave Cave (night disco).
A huge thank you to the Black Diamond Adventure crew, who ran the activities and took the time to get to know the students in their group and keep everyone safe and happy.
To our Year 12 students sitting exams next term, study hard and good luck from all your teachers. Have a safe and relaxing break everyone, see you next term!
Mrs Jenny Kennedy
HT Black Diamond Learning Centre
HSC Encore Nomination
We would like to celebrate and Congratulate Lara's HSC Encore nomination for her outstanding music performance.
Congratulations also to her teacher Mr Brady.
Mathematics Competition
Congratulations to Spencer on achieving a High Distinction in the Australian Mathematics Competition. An amazing result and achievement.
Physics
Physics! Students were analysing the principles of physics, such as gravity and friction, by experimenting with the dynamics of eating waffles, exploring concepts like momentum when flipping a waffle and the impact of syrup viscosity on flow rate.
Visual Arts
We would like to thank all of those members from our local community who came out to support our graduating Visual Arts classes of 2024.
The hard work and outstanding achievements of these students deserve to be recognised and celebrated.
It was very pleasing to see the students on the night take pride in what they have done over the past twelve months and to celebrate this with family, friends and the wider community.
The Hub
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.
Illawarra Convoy
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
Multiverse
Bulli High Surf Numbering Project
A final call to all surfers who ever represented Bulli High School in regular competition either as an individual or else as part of a Bulli HS team. As opposed to School Sport.
And yes. Thank you. We understand the difference between scholastics and team events. We are keen to make the list inclusive. If you ever competed as an individual in an organised school surfing competition while studying at Bulli HS, we will include you in the list. You were representing us indirectly as a student of Bulli High School.
As we understand it, BHS began officially competing as a surfing school under Paul Blanton in 1986 after the tremendous work of Jim Bradley at Warilla HS, and that of Steve Davis and family at BHS.
If you believe that you surfed as an individual in an organised schools-based event prior to 1986, please let us know. NSW school meets began in 1980.
This is NOT a ranking system of our greatest surfers. It's about when you debuted as a competition surfer in school meets.
Please email multiversebhs@gmail.com by Tuesday, 1 October if you can see that your name is missing, out of order, or else contains the wrong spelling.
If you believe you can see a name which belongs to a non-BHS surfer, please let us know. That said, we have a deadline for the magazine with the publishers and need to go with the list we have on 1 October.
The names are likely out of order - some horribly so - even in the wrong decade perhaps. Let us know. Official records were not kept until recently.
Thank you to the northern Illawarra surfing community for your support this year as we attempt to wrestle back our proud history.
Jake Spooner
Steve Davis
Evan Stray
Steven Elliott
Paul Holmes
Daniel Stone
Chad Ryan
Jordan Wheatley
Matt Fitzgibbon
Mark Hoyland
Grant Pilon
Dave Fitzgibbon
Mark Fitzgibbon
Sandie Dryden
Scott Winch
Mark Wooldridge
Mark Spooner
Karl Lavis
Jason Gava
Kim Wooldridge
Christian De Clouett
Tom Dryden
Jay Monagle
Rakesh Gover
Nicole Cartwright
Jess Broadfoot
Bec Thatcher
James Hughes
Adam Thomas
Dylan Perese
Parrish Byrne
Taylor Byrne
Adam Goode
Tom Wrice
Brett O'Reagan
April Broughton
Chad Hobby
Connor Riordan
Kane Richardson
Kasey Martin
Ben Jarvis
Greg Beattie
Simone Dixon
Jade Air
Rhys Drury
Jo Costello
Rochelle Costello
Mat Morton
Jackson Forbes
Benny Wakeling
Jayson Robinson
Liam Davison
Ben Duncan
Jasper Jordan
Jesse Ahtong
Adam Swan
Kane Organ
Rodney Morgan
Joel Forbes
Cade Dallas
Cameron Steele
Ben Jarvis
Dean Park
Chris De Jong
Jason Park
Tye Hunt
Josh Morgan
Andrew Madison
Kylie Fitzgibbon
Arthur Montgomery
Grant Pilon
Daniel Marczuk
Luke Wrice
Joel Wood
Billie Melinz
Dylan Brusic
Keanua Miller
Billy Banyard
Zoe Gelder
Darci Air
Oscar Hargreaves
Cooper Smoley
Karne Blackwell
Kasey Hargreaves
Amira Rankin
Jed Ashton
Lennox Golding
Eddie Hamaty
Yaan Keller-Bergman
Charlie Kelly
Bonnie Moston
Jett Blue
Jai Robson
Jarvie Robson
Lachlan Groves
Will Crossley
Finn O’Connor
Keelan Rankin
Kye Kulmar
Leyla Blue
Maddie Davies
JJ Lowrie
Marlie Moston
Kalani Paxton
Kyran Paxton
Oliver Keed
Ralfie Scott
Leif Petersen
Sam Kornek
Multiverse News: Journalism
An enormous thank you to Luke Kennedy, editor of Australia’s most famous surf publication, Tracks Magazine.
Tracks has just offered a Bulli High student the rare opportunity to be published following our School’s unique efforts this year to produce a 96-page glossy. If a student’s proposed story has enough broad appeal, Mr Kennedy will pick it up and run with it. And launch a career.
Hats off to BHS parent Megan Rowe who has steered Surf Magazine Project from the outset this year and taken our kids into the very heart of ARE Media. Our next excursion to 54 Park Street, Sydney is on 22 October for up to 10 aspiring writers, photographers, editors and graphic designers.
Consider too that prominent ex-student Ray Collins also got behind Surf Magazine Project as one of the world’s leading ocean photographers. His work will feature alongside that of our own student photographers in Stage 5 and 6 electives expertly taught by Mr Cabassi and Ms Moran.
Next year Surf Magazine Project collaborates with Byron Bay HS and Mullimbimby HS among many other schools to produce an annual NSW publication and thereby talent-identify young journos.
We couldn’t have done it without the investment of our dedicated Bulli High parents and alumni. You care about our students and we deeply appreciate your continued involvement in our School. A special shout out to Petra Delaney, Sonya Broadhead, Ciara Kulmar, Renee Moston, Shane Kornek, Bryce Lowrie, Shaun Petersen, Jason Gava and Sam Dodds who have all contributed heavily this year to Surf Academy.
Surf@BulliHigh goes on sale this December in a limited print run of 100 copies. For reserve orders ($35 each) contact multiversebhs@gmail.com.
Multiverse 24: Dream Big. Work Hard. Network.
Spring Party
Thanks to the support of Bulli High musical acts Zion, Tropical Strength, The Summer Guppys, Penny Church and Alara Livingstone herself we raised $1400 last night to launch the sublime track ‘Because of You’ onto vinyl. The single will shortly be pressed at Melbourne’s Zenith Records with the support of prominent ex-BHS student and Farmer and The Owl owner, Jeb Taylor.
Heartfelt thanks to Mel Ellery and Dave Lynch at Coledale RSL for their generous hospitality to open their venue for the event. So great to see recent alumni and Year 12 turn up in such numbers. Take a bow Zion (Oscar Hargreaves, Daniel McNaughton and Hamish Bell) for bringing in the crowd. Thank you to Ryan Church for technical support and 2023 graduate Hayden Glass for his superb drumming on the solo acts. Music Mentoring leader Russell Webster coordinated the event brilliantly on behalf of Silhouette. New P&C Arts convenor Nicole Jakas stepped up once again after fundraising the Bohemian Rhapsody project in tandem with Ben Rennie.
Coledale RSL meet with Bulli High to discuss turning this event into a semi-regular band night with a presale ticket and dinner offer.
Thank you to the beautiful northern Illawarra community and extended family of Bulli High parents and alumni. See you at the summer gig!
Secretary's Commendation for Outstanding School Initiative for the Multiverse Challenge
We are proud to announce that Bulli High School has been awarded a 2024 Secretary's Commendation for an Outstanding School Initiative for the Multiverse Challenge. Congratulations to Mr Brankovic and Mr Strange for their vision and dedication. Thank you to Director, Educational Leadership for Wollongong North, Mandy Crocker, for presenting the commendation to the school.
Surfboard Design Contest
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.
Uniform Shop
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:
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
Proud Supporters of the Year 11 2024 Scholarship Program
Community News
Parent & Carer Webinar
An upcoming opportunity for Parents & Carers to attend a dedicated webinar hosted by UOW allied health professionals outlining the key services, supports and platforms available for students studying at UOW into the future. A great online event for families keen to learn about their child successfully setting up for confident and adjusted UOW commencement and study ahead.
Date/Time: Monday 14th October, 7-8pm
Who: Parents, carers, school staff
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration Link below
Contact Details
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/