The Weekly Bulli-tin
Term 3 Week 7
Principal's Report
External Validation
We could not be prouder of the recognition our school has received through our recent External Validation.
Every four years, NSW public schools participate in External Validation — a rigorous process where schools present evidence of their teaching, leadership and improvement practices against the 14 elements of the School Excellence Framework. An independent panel of experienced educators then reviews this evidence and validates the school’s assessment of its strengths, areas for growth and the impact of its work.
The last time BHS underwent External Validation, in 2021, our school was recognised as Excelling in 5 of the 14 elements.
We are incredibly proud to share that recently, BHS was externally validated as EXCELLING in 13 of the 14 elements!!!
To see this growth over the past five years is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to our entire school community.
For us, the numbers tell only part of the story. What makes us most proud is the incredible work behind them. Every day, our teachers, leaders and support staff give so much to our students and to each other. Their professionalism, collaboration and belief in what is possible have driven this improvement, alongside our exceptional students who inspire us to continually strive for excellence.
Thank you to every member of our staff for all that you contribute. This recognition reflects your commitment, your care and the difference you make every day.
And to our students, families and wider community, thank you for your support, encouragement and belief in Bulli High School.
We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved, and even prouder of the people who make our school what it is.
Donning of the Jackets
On Tuesday, we formally welcomed our new student leaders for 2027 at our Donning of the Jackets ceremony.
The presentation of the leadership blazers is an important tradition at Bulli High School and marks the beginning of a new chapter for these students as they prepare to take on their leadership roles.
It was wonderful to have parents and extended family members join us to celebrate this significant milestone. We are grateful for the support and encouragement they provide to our young people.
Thank you to Deputy Principal Mr Davidson, Year Advisor Mr Sartori, and SRC Coordinators Mr Ansen and Mrs Schilbe for supporting our student leaders and helping to make the occasion so meaningful.
To our incoming student leaders, congratulations. We look forward to seeing you grow into your roles, represent your peers and make a positive contribution to our school community in 2027. We are very proud of you and excited for what lies ahead.
Southern Stars
Last Friday, our students had the exciting opportunity to perform as part of Southern Stars, and what an incredible experience it was!
Our student dancers were absolutely fantastic. Their energy, talent, commitment and confidence were on full display, and they represented Bulli High School with great pride.
Performing on such a large stage alongside students from across the region is a wonderful opportunity, and our students embraced every moment.
A very special thank you to Ms Merola for her dedication, encouragement and the countless hours she gives to support our students and provide opportunities such as this.
To our dancers — congratulations! We are incredibly proud of your performance and the way you represented our school. You were fantastic!
HSC Visual Arts Exhibition
Our HSC Visual Arts Exhibition was held on Tuesday, with hundreds of family members, friends and community members attending to view and celebrate the outstanding work of our Visual Arts students.
The exhibition was a wonderful showcase of the creativity, skill, imagination and talent of our young artists. It was particularly special to see our students proudly sharing their work and to have so many members of our community there to support and celebrate their achievements.
A huge thank you to our Visual Arts staff, especially Mr Cabassi and Ms Scott, for the care, expertise and encouragement they provide to our students. The quality of the work on display is a wonderful reflection of both our students' talent and the dedication of the staff who support them.
Congratulations to all of our HSC Visual Arts students. You should be incredibly proud of what you have created. We certainly are!
COS Cultural Connection Day
Last week, our Aboriginal students took part in a very special Community of Schools (COS) Cultural Connection Day at Waniora Public School.
Our students had the opportunity to mentor and work alongside primary school students, sharing their knowledge, experiences and encouragement. These opportunities are incredibly valuable, allowing our students to develop their leadership skills while building connections with younger members of our local community.
A big thank you to Ms Hicks, Uncle Kevin and Aunty May for their support and guidance throughout the day, and to our students for being such positive role models. We are very proud of the way our students continue to embrace opportunities to lead, mentor and contribute to our broader community.
Student Support Recognition Week
This week, we have taken the opportunity to celebrate and thank the incredible student support staff who play such an important role in the life of Bulli High School.
Our support staff work alongside students, teachers and families every day, providing care, encouragement, guidance and practical support in so many different ways. Much of what they do happens quietly and behind the scenes, but their impact on our students and our school community is significant.
Whether supporting students in the classroom, helping families, providing wellbeing support, assisting with learning needs or simply being there when a student needs someone to listen, their contribution is invaluable.
On behalf of our whole school community, thank you to our student support staff for the patience, compassion, professionalism and care you show every day.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people supporting our students. This week is a small opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the very big difference you make.
Mrs 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
Friday 4th September
Literacy and Numeracy week
Snow Sport Interschools
7th - 11th September
History Week
9th - 11th September
CHS Athletics
Thursday 10th September
R U OK Day
Tanzanian Partnership Visit
Girls on Fire Australian - Careers Excursion
Friday 11th September
Highlight Zone Concern
14th - 18th September
HSIE Virtual Exhibitions
14th - 25th September
Year 11 Exams
Wednesday 16th September
Netball NSW Schools Knockout
Friday 18th September
Warhammer Excursion
Student Leadership & Sport Leadership Teams
Congratulations to our newly elected School Captains Lilla and Isabella, as well as our 2027 Student Leadership and Sports Leadership Teams.
TAS
Industrial Technology Year 12 Major Projects
Our major projects are done, marked & on their way to a home near you. It's great to see that all the students have overcome some challenges to produce some cool, creative & functional projects & stay tuned for a display of the Multimedia projects & Design Tech projects coming soon.
Debating
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to our incredible Year 7 and 8 debating team, who have been crowned Zone Champions after an outstanding run in the Premiers Debating Challenge!
The team remained undefeated throughout Terms 2 and 3, demonstrating impressive speaking skills across every debate.
Please join us in wishing the team the very best of luck as they take on the first round of the finals in the coming weeks. We can’t wait to see what they achieve next!
Year 12 Visual Arts Graduating Exhibition 2026
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the incredible talent of our Year 12 Visual Arts students at their 2026 Graduating Exhibition! The evening was a very special celebration.
We are beyond proud of our amazing students and the creativity, skill, dedication and individuality showcased throughout the exhibition. What an incredible collection of work and a wonderful reflection of their artistic journeys.
A very special thank you to our dedicated and inspiring Art teachers for nurturing, encouraging and supporting our students every step of the way
Work Placement
Thank you to our Work Placement Hosts for sharing your time, skills and workplaces.
Southern Stars
Our Bulli HS audience supported all the amazing performers, including our very own Bulli High School dancers!
🌊 Blue Minds Workshop
Our Marine Studies classes and Surf Team recently had the opportunity to take part in a thought-provoking Blue Minds workshop with Kai Lewins.
The workshop explored the environmental impacts of human activity and, importantly, the growing anxiety and uncertainty many young people feel about the future of our environment.
It was a valuable opportunity for our students to openly discuss these challenges, consider their own relationship with the environment, and explore how knowledge, connection and action can help turn concern into positive change.
A big thank you to Kai Lewins for creating such an engaging and meaningful space for our students to learn, reflect and connect.
Warhammer Alliance
A select group of students were able to attend the first session of the Warhammer Alliance, at the Wollongong venue. Operated by Games Workshop as a free educational and enrichment initiative, Warhammer Alliance supports schools in running structured, engaging extracurricular clubs for students aged 12 to 18. Moving beyond traditional sports or academic formats, the program uses tabletop gaming—encompassing miniature assembly, painting, narrative writing, and strategic play—to promote student wellbeing, social connection, and multidisciplinary skill development.
Students did an awesome job on their first ever models, demonstrating impressive levels of concentration, determination and self-efficacy. A massive thank you to Games Workshop in Wollongong for supporting our students.
Well done to all involved!
Bulli High School's 70th Anniversary
🎉 Save the Date! 🎉
Join us as we celebrate 70 years of Bulli High School — honouring the memories, friendships, and achievements that have shaped our community over the decades.
More details to come!
Help Honour the Legacy of Bulli High School
As Bulli High School celebrates its 70th year, we are proud to launch a lasting project to permanently name selected school buildings and significant spaces in honour of individuals whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
This project recognises outstanding staff, alumni and community members whose service, leadership, achievements and enduring commitment have made a lasting impact on Bulli High School.
Honouring those who have shaped our school is already part of our history. Our gymnasium proudly bears the name Kerryn McCann Gymnasium, recognising Bulli High School alumna Kerryn McCann – a three-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games marathon gold medallist - whose courage, humility and sporting achievements continue to inspire our community.
Now, as we celebrate 70 years of Bulli High School, we have the opportunity to recognise more of the remarkable people whose contributions have helped shape our school's story.
We invite students, staff, alumni and members of our wider community to nominate individuals they believe deserve this lasting recognition.
Complete a nomination using the link below:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/QnnAc1QeNW
Together, let's honour the people who have shaped Bulli High School's proud history and ensure their legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
Calling our School Families
As part of our 70th anniversary celebrations, we are seeking families with multi-generational connections to Bulli High School.
If your family has a history at the school — whether as students, parents, grandparents, or staff across the years — we’d love to hear from you!
Share your family’s story and connection here: https://forms.office.com/r/dwLsSXAMda
We’re especially interested in:
• Families with 2+ generations who attended
• Alumni families spanning multiple decades
• Stories, memories, and school traditions
• Photos or memorabilia you may have preserved
Your contributions will help us celebrate the rich history and legacy of our school community.
Thank you for being part of our story
Past School Captains
Calling All Past School Captains of Bulli High School!
As part of the 70th Anniversary Celebrations, we are inviting all former School Captains to reconnect and be part of this special milestone.
We are also hosting a special morning tea for all past School Captains on Friday 27 November as part of our celebration day. This will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate your contribution to the school’s history.
Whether you served as Captain decades ago or more recently, we’d love to hear from you!
Register your details using the QR code or at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/aKXY1yRQwt
We look forward to celebrating with you and honouring the leadership legacy of our school community
70th Anniversary Jerseys
REMINDER - Don't forget to place your order!
Students can wear their jumper as part of the uniform for 2026 to celebrate 70 years of pride, community and school spirit.
The 70th Anniversary Jersey, is now available for purchase by current students and families, Alumni and the wider Bulli community.
Orders can now be placed online via:
Bulli High School 70th Anniversary Jersey Ordering Page - https://indigowolf.com.au/BulliHighSchoolAnniversaryJerse...
All sizing charts, instructions and reference images are available on the ordering page for easy access.
To place an order:
* Click on the jersey item on the front page
* Select your size and quantity
* Proceed to checkout and pay securely via credit card
* Choose your preferred delivery option before completing your order
* Ensure you receive an email confirmation with your order number and purchase details
The 70th Anniversary Knitted Rugby Jumper is priced at $85 incl. GST.
At checkout, you will be able to select one of the following delivery options:
1. Ship to Address
2. Free Collection at School
If selecting “Ship to Address”, please complete your delivery details and contact number so the correct postage amount can be calculated.
If selecting “Collection”, simply provide your name and contact number. Collection details will then appear, and your order will be available for pickup at the school once delivered.
We are proud to celebrate this milestone together and proud to be Bulli!
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.
Sport
Interschools Snowsports
Some snaps from our Interschools Snowsports State competitors.
Wishing our national competitors Lyla, Fletcher, Lenny, Louie and Verah Good Luck this week at perisher.
Sport Roll Call - Futsal
The Sport Roll Call were back at it again, bringing plenty of energy and competition to our second inter-house tournament — Futsal!
We had 16 teams battle it out in our four-on-four competition, before the finalists went head-to-head.
Congratulations to our champions, the Year 10s from Sandon House — Jem, Parker, Oisin & Cameron — who narrowly overcame the Year 12 McCauley crew to take home the canteen vouchers and some valuable house points!
Another great week of competition and house spirit — we’re already looking forward to the next one!
Woonona Shamrocks Rugby Club
Woonona Shamrocks Rugby Club are pleased to be once again entering teams in the Illawarra Friday Night Junior Rugby 7s competition.
Our club would be grateful if your school could help promote this through your school sport coordinator and communication channels to parents if possible. A flyer is attached for newsletters or school noticeboards etc.
Key details are below:
Woonona Shamrocks Friday Night Rugby 7s teams
📆 Date: Friday Nights 16 October - Friday 19 December
Duration: Teams will play every 2nd Friday for 10 weeks in Term 4
Where: Ocean Park, Woonona / University of Wollongong / Wollongong Vikings Rugby Club
Age Groups:
Girls: U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17s
Boys: U9, U11, U13, U15 and U17s
👕 Includes: Free Shamrocks Rugby Training t-shirt
®️ Submit an EOI to join a team: https://forms.gle/Xn9Qvr3v5Pr1FqEZ8
Please contact shamrocksjunior@gmail.com with any questions.
Thanks for your support.
Jono Wheaton 0406 864 512
Director, Juniors Rugby
Proud Supporters of the Year 11 Scholarship Program
Alumni Q & A
As we approach our 70th Anniversary next year, we’re excited to celebrate the stories of our former students and teachers and share them with the BHS community and beyond! Our NEW Alumni Spotlight series will highlight your experiences at BHS and the many diverse paths you've taken since graduation or leaving BHS.
We’d love to hear from alumni across all years and career pathways. If you're a former student or teacher, please take a moment to fill out our BHS Alumni Q&A and share your journey with us: https://forms.gle/Q6iw28gdrjYr9Pp9A
We’ll be featuring your Alumni Q&A's on our school Facebook page and in our weekly Bulli-tin. If you’d like to be part of the celebration, we’d love to hear from you!
We can’t wait to feature your story!
Community News
Scarborough Art Show Volunteering
The Scarbough Art Show is only a couple of months away, and we need your help! This show only happens because of volunteers - from building the gallery in the school holidays to wrapping sold artwork on Sunday afternoon.
This survey asks when you're free, and what you'd like to do. It takes about 7 minutes to complete.
Telling us you're available doesn't commit you to a shift. We'll build the roster from your responses and email your shift details as soon as we can. If something comes up and you need to swap or drop a shift, just let us know - it happens. We will need about 50 volunteers all up, so please offer whatever support you have capacity for. Every volunteer gets free BBQ food and a coffee, tea or soft drink on the day.
Please forward the survey to friends/family who might be interested in helping out too.
Questions? Email us at: volunteers@scarboroughartshow.com
More Information:
Website: https://www.scarboroughartshow.com/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarboroughartshow/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K-hBzFt03s
Thank you so much!
Film by Online
CApture Film Festival 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 Capture Film Festival!
Calling all Years 9 to 11 NSW public school students! This is your chance to bring your creative vision to life and showcase your filmmaking talent.
- Use Term 3 to create, edit and polish your film before submitting your entry.
- Applications close: Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 5 pm.
- Don't miss your opportunity to share your story with audiences across NSW!
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/