The Weekly Bulli-tin

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Principal of Mawarra Public School, the school I attended as a child. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the significant role that public schools and educators play in shaping the lives and aspirations of young people.

As a student at Mawarra Public School, I was fortunate to be encouraged to explore my creativity and develop a passion for the visual arts. The experiences and opportunities I was provided with during my primary school years sparked an interest in art that ultimately led me to pursue a career as an art teacher.

Our meeting served as a reminder of the lasting impact that dedicated teachers and supportive school communities can have on students. It was a genuine privilege to reconnect with the school that helped inspire my professional journey and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education.

As Principal, I remain committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to discover their passions, develop their strengths, and realise their potential, just as I was encouraged to do many years ago.

This week, we held our inaugural ASPIRE Formal Assembly, a special occasion dedicated to recognising and celebrating students who have demonstrated excellence across the four High Potential domains: intellectual, creative, social-emotional, and physical.

The assembly provided an opportunity to acknowledge students who have received ASPIRE awards for their commitment, achievement, growth, and dedication within these domains. It was wonderful to see our students celebrated for the diverse strengths and talents they bring to our school community.

The ASPIRE program reflects our commitment to identifying, nurturing, and extending the potential of every student. We believe that all students should be encouraged to set high expectations for themselves, pursue their passions, and strive for excellence in all that they do.

Aspiration is more than achieving a goal; it is about developing the confidence, resilience, and determination to continually improve. We congratulate all award recipients and look forward to continuing to foster a culture where every student is inspired to reach their full potential.

All Year 12 students have now received their HSC Trial Examination timetables for examinations scheduled in Weeks 2 and 3 of next term. These examinations are an important assessment task and represent a significant milestone in each student's HSC journey. The trials provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning, refine their examination techniques, and gain valuable experience in formal examination conditions.

As we approach the end of the term, I encourage all Year 12 students to make the most of the time available to prepare thoroughly. Establishing a consistent study routine, reviewing course content, completing practice questions, and seeking guidance from teachers will all contribute to success. While the coming weeks will be demanding, they also present an opportunity for students to build confidence in their abilities and showcase the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their courses. I wish all Year 12 students every success as they prepare for this important assessment period.

This week, members of the Executive team participated in a professional learning presentation delivered by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). The session focused on current assessment requirements, quality assessment practices, and maintaining compliance with NESA policies and procedures.

As a school, we are committed to ensuring that our assessment processes are rigorous, fair, and aligned with state requirements. Opportunities such as these allow our leadership team to remain informed of best practice and support teachers in delivering high-quality learning and assessment experiences for all students.

Excitement is building as we prepare to cheer on the Socceroos in their match tomorrow. Students and staff are encouraged to show their Australian spirit by wearing green and gold and joining in the celebrations throughout the day.

To add to the festive atmosphere, a selection of Australian-themed treats, including delicious lamingtons, will be available for purchase. Students are encouraged to bring along some money if they would like to enjoy these special items.

At midday, students will have the opportunity to come together and watch the match, creating a wonderful sense of community as we support the Socceroos. We look forward to seeing a sea of green and gold across the school and sharing in the excitement of this special event.

Go Socceroos!

Our school is currently participating in the NSW Public Schools Survey, an important opportunity for students, staff, and families to share their experiences, perspectives, and feedback about our school community.

All staff and students have been encouraged to complete the survey, as student voice plays a vital role in helping us understand what we are doing well and where we can continue to grow. The feedback collected will help inform our school planning processes and support us in setting future priorities that reflect the needs of our learners and community.

The survey has also been shared with parents and carers, and I encourage all families to take the time to provide their feedback. Your insights are valued and will contribute to shaping the future direction of our school.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we continue to work together to strengthen our school community and provide the best possible opportunities for every student.

Mrs 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.

Monday 29th June

NAIDOC Assembly

Wednesday 1st July

Sutherland Oztag Competition

Basketball Academy S & C Testing

1st - 3rd July

Silver Duke of Edinburgh

Thursday 2nd July

NSW Sports Dance Day for Disability - BDLC

Friday 3rd July

Last Day for Term 2

Tuesday 21st July

Students return for Term 3

Year 8 have worked really hard this term to consolidate their ability to speak about their family. This involves using different verbs, adjectives and numbers to convey their ideas individually. It is always pleasing at this stage of the course to see how well students can communicate their own ideas in French! Moving forward, students are encouraged to make more regular use of Language Perfect outside of class time to help them as the content continues to increase in difficulty. Our next unit on animals is often a student favourite as it allows students to talk about their much-loved pets!

Congratulations to the following students who received above 85 in the most recent assessment task. A truly commendable result!

Jade A

Lilly C

Grace C

Sunny C

Mila D

Luka F

Ciaron G

Izzy G

Maggie H

Lenny H

Rhiannon M

Emily P

Lenny R

Manu R

Kayden S

Nate S

Max T

Luke T

Bronte W

Year 10 have been working on a unit on Food and Health. This unit incorporates the conditional verb tense and many different grammatical elements. In their writing task, it was lovely to see some students use grammar from previous units to create a complex text independently! Students have also been learning about the future tense where they will now be able to talk about their aspirations and desires for the future. A fitting verb tense as we look to subject selection early next term!

Congratulations to the following students who received above 90 percent in one or both of their semester 1 assessment tasks:

Miranda B

Jemima B

Elske C

Connie D

Maria C

Phoebe F

Joao M

Year 11 have just completed their second prelim task. It covered listening and responding, and writing – two skills students often find most challenging. They worked hard in the lead-up and should be very proud of their progress in both these skill areas. As we move into our final term before the preliminary exam period, we will be continuing to work on all four skill areas as well as homing in on exam technique.

This week, Year 12 will sit their trial speaking exam. Some students have been working very hard on polishing their speaking in the lead-up to this final school-based speaking assessment before they have the real deal in August/September. All students have been notified through the NESA Schools online portal of the confirmation of the location (Smiths Hill High School), date (Continuers Saturday 22nd August and Beginners Saturday 5th September), and time (individual) of their HSC speaking exam.

As we move into the final term of Year 12, all students are eagerly awaiting the finish line. Please help us in encouraging all students to try their best to really lock in and make the most of the time they have in class and at home in their final weeks of school before their HSC.

I remain available to all language students to provide support both organisational and academic. I encourage students to come see me if there is any assistance they feel like I can provide. Please remind them that this is an option should they require it! I will also be offering a half-day study session during the second week of the holidays (exact day TBC). Please encourage your child to attend. We will be going through each section of the exam, working on sample answers, looking at different question types and reviewing the different text types.

Finally, a big thank you to those students who gave up their Saturday earlier this term to travel to Sydney at ridiculous o’clock (with trackwork further complicating the situation) to the NAFT study skills day at the Ascham School in Edgecliff. These days are such a wonderful opportunity for students to consolidate their exam skills through the lectures prepared and delivered by senior HSC markers. It is always reassuring to know that we are on the right track and to have the opportunity to further expand our knowledge in this area. Merci les élèves!

Term 2 has been a busy and active term across PDHPE, with every year group working through a full program of practical and theory lessons. Participation and effort have been strong right across the faculty, on the courts and fields and in the classroom alike.

Year 7 built their fundamental movement skills through catching, throwing and striking activities, and explored identity and self-awareness in their Knowing Me, Knowing You unit.

Year 8 developed their teamwork and game sense through territory games such as Touch and Oztag, alongside health lessons on getting along and building positive relationships.

Year 9 took to the court for territory games in basketball and netball, and examined respectful relationships in their health program.

Year 10 worked through a series of initiative and problem-solving games that challenged them to communicate, plan and cooperate as a team.

Our Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) students covered a great deal this term.

Year 9 PASS investigated the body’s systems and how we produce energy for physical activity before moving into nutrition and physical activity, all while developing their skills in Ultimate Frisbee and European Handball.

Year 10 PASS focused on enhancing performance — practice methods, technique and game strategy — applied across field, court and net games, finishing with tournaments in each unit.

A real highlight was the contribution of our Year 11 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) class, who assisted in running the school Athletics Carnival. They did a wonderful job supporting events and keeping the day moving, and their enthusiasm and professionalism did not go unnoticed.

Year 7 will turn their attention to nutrition and how food fuels movement, paired with get active games, gymnastics, dance and skipping.

Year 8 will take on target games — bocce, finska, cornhole and darts — before moving into social dance, with healthy relationships the classroom focus.

Year 9 will explore resilience and bouncing back from setbacks while enjoying target and recreational games including badminton, frisbee and traditional Aboriginal games.

Year 10 will put on their dancing shoes for the samba and cha cha before finishing the term with net games in volleyball and tennis.

In PASS, Year 9 begins a unit on Australia’s Sporting Identity, examining the role of sport in shaping our nation, alongside tag games and World Games on the field. Year 10 PASS moves fully into Coaching and Skill Development, planning and delivering their own coaching sessions in the lead-up to a peer coaching assessment.

Our Stage 6 students return to a busy start, with Trial HSC examinations scheduled for Weeks 2 and 3 — we wish all of our senior students the very best in their preparation. Our Year 12 SLR class is also finalising its coaching unit, having spent recent weeks coaching some of our junior PDHPE classes. It has been terrific to watch our seniors step into leadership roles and pass on their knowledge to younger students.

As always, we thank our students for their effort and our families for their continued support, and we look forward to another active term ahead.

Nick Wilkinson

HT - PDHPE

As part of their study of Module 8: Non-Infectious Disease, our Year 12 Biology students had the opportunity to conduct a cow eye dissection, allowing them to investigate the structures of the eye up close.

This practical experience helped students connect their theoretical knowledge to real anatomical structures, deepening their understanding of vision and the impact of non-infectious diseases on the human body.

Well done to our Year 8 debaters Saffron, Jack, Zofia and Bronte, who won their first Premier's Debating Challenge, arguing for the case that 'group assignments should be banned'.

All four students showed excellent team work and courage. Congratulations on a fantastic achievement!

Please join us in sending Isabella your well wishes and words of encouragement as she takes on the semi-finals of The Plain English Public Speaking Award.

Goodluck Isabella!

Recently, our History Extension students had the privilege of attending a special early morning lecture presented by Professor Sharon Crozier-De Rosa from the School of Creative Arts & Humanities. Professor Crozier-De Rosa, who is also Deputy Editor of Women’s History Review and a committee member of the Irish Studies Association of Australia and New Zealand, shared her expertise on the concept of Constructing History.

The session focused on the relationship between history and memory, encouraging students to consider how individual and collective memories influence the ways history is interpreted, recorded and understood. The lecture provided valuable insights into key concepts studied in the History Extension course and challenged students to think critically about how historical narratives are constructed in the modern world. We are extremely grateful to Professor Crozier-De Rosa for generously sharing her time and knowledge with our students.

Mrs Jennifer Wilkinson

HSIE

Twilight Zone is underway! What a great first day, with an amazing array of songs and talented students sharing their work. We’re looking forward to a fantastic week of performances.

The ITEC Trade Readiness course has seen fantastic participation, teamwork, and enthusiasm this week.

Students spent 3 days learning and applying a range of foundational construction skills as they worked towards building a shed as their final project. They have been highly appreciative of the opportunity to take part in this practical, hands-on learning experience, helping them make informed decisions about future careers in the trades.

LIVE MATCH VIEWING

Period 3 & Period 4

Wear your GREEN & GOLD with pride! (top half only Shirt/ Jumper/ Scarf, while maintaining the correct school uniform on the bottom half (regular pants/shorts/skirt and school shoes)

• Support Yr 12 Fundraiser and bring some cash or coins and purchase Popcorn and Baked goods
• Cheer on Australia as they take on the world!
• A chance to cheer for the Socceroos together!

GO SOCCEROOS!

Further information and booking details will be shared via SchoolBytes in the coming weeks.

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Year 10 into 11 Pathway Information Night. Come along and find out about the many Pathways available after school. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and make confident decisions about your future. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please check your Schoolbytes email for further information.

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!

Before smartphones, streaming, and social media, Bulli High School students were making memories that still make us smile today. Who remembers these days?

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

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

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!

2026 Dates for the School Vaccination Program at BHS

• Year 10: Thursday 23rd July (Term 3, Week 1)

Information has been sent out via Schoolbytes.

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.

Congratulations to the students who represented Bulli High School at the Stan Jones Tennis competition. Under the guidance of Mr Schafer, our students displayed excellent sportsmanship, determination, and skill throughout the event. They represented the school with pride and should be commended for their efforts both on and off the court. Well done to all involved on a fantastic day of tennis.

On Friday of Week 8, a number of Bulli High School students travelled to Willandra to compete at the South Coast Cross Country Championships. All students demonstrated resilience and determination as they tackled the challenging course against strong competition from across the region.

A special congratulations to Sophie M, Evie O, James H, and Kaja W, who have qualified to represent South Coast at the NSW CHS Cross Country Championships early next term. We wish them all the very best as they prepare for the next stage of competition.

On Thursday of Week 9, Bulli High School students competed at the Zone Athletics Carnival held at Beaton Park. Our athletes delivered outstanding performances across a range of track and field events, showcasing both talent and school spirit throughout the day.

We are proud to announce that Bulli High School was crowned overall Zone Athletics Champion School, a fantastic achievement reflecting the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.

Congratulations to all competitors, with several students earning the title of Age Champion. These students will be formally recognised and celebrated at our upcoming sport assemblies. Well done to everyone who contributed to such a successful carnival.

Students may check their event progression with Miss Gibbs in the PE staffroom in preparation for the NSW CHS Athletics carnival set to be held on Thursday 27th August.

Congratulations to Ivy Foster on her selection to represent NSW CHS at the All Schools Rugby 7s Championships. This is a significant achievement and recognition of Ivy's dedication, talent, and commitment to her sport. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment and wish her every success at the championships.

Congratulations to Destiny Air on her selection to represent the South Coast at the NSW CHS Touch Football Tournament. Being chosen to compete at this level is a testament to Destiny's hard work, skill, and perseverance. We wish her all the best as she competes against the state's best players and proudly represents both South Coast and Bulli High School.

Congratulations to Cooper Delaney who recently represented NSW CHS at the NSW All Schools Tri-series. Cooper led his team with precision & poise, rained down 3s & locked down on D like a seasoned pro. His NSW CHS team defeated the Combined Catholic state team 113-66 then fell just short of taking out the gold medal, falling to the Combined Independent state team 88-82.

Cooper was rewarded for his performance with selection in the NSW All Schools Merit Team for 2026. Congratulations Cooper, we are super proud of our school's Sports Captain

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!

Machines are getting smarter.

The thing they can't do? Care.

Checking in, standing up, saying something and paying attention - that's human work, your work, and it matters now more than ever.

We are feeling magical & excited to announce Abracadabra will be in this years show! We have 13 high schools in this item, out of over 130 schools!

Thank you to all of the schools returning from previous years and a big welcome to the schools who are joining us for the very first time. The continued support is greatly appreciated.

We can’t wait to have you all perform at the WIN Entertainment Centre on the 28th and 29th of August!

Stay tuned to see if your school gets announced next?

Ready to bring your stories to life on screen? Join our hands-on Filmmaking Workshops and develop your skills in:

• Camera operation
• Sound design
• Storytelling
• Film production

Led by specialist film educators, these workshops give students the opportunity to explore, create, and refine their filmmaking abilities in a fun and supportive environment.

Friday 14 August 2026 (Term 3, Week 4)

9 am – 3 pm

NSW Department of Education, 105 Phillip Street, Parramatta

$100 per student

Two intermediate workshops available:

• Years 5–8 Filmmaking Workshop
• Years 9–11 Filmmaking Workshop

Create. Collaborate. Tell your story.

Shellharbour Civic Centre

Wednesday 22nd July 2026

4:00pm -6:00pm

Event registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/f0dUdmDTPc

Free session for parents and carers, brought to families by the Educational Pathways Program.

For further enquiries, please contact; Michelle Hope – Head Teacher Careers (Educational Pathways Program), Mobile: 0460 030 606, Email: michelle.dunn4@det.nsw.edu.au

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/