Harmony Week 2024

Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.​ At BDC we celebrated Harmony Day last Friday with an assembly focused on the theme ‘PEACE”. Our Human Rights Group prepared and orchestrated the assembly that included singing, Bollywood dancing and ‘On the Couch’ questions about what peace means to you.

Betty Tesfamariam in Year 12 delivered her ‘Senior Spotlight’ and with her permission you can read her journey to where she is today:

"Hi everyone,

I’m Betty, as you all should know, this week is Harmony Week, a time to celebrate the diverse cultures within our community which is what I will be doing today. My family is from Eritrea, a small country located in the Horn of Africa in the northeast. Although both my parents were born in this country, my siblings and I were born and raised in Sudan until we moved to Australia when I was 3 years old. As refugees we found it difficult at first to adjust to the Australian lifestyle, although the humidity was familiar. When we arrived in 2010, we were shocked to find out we were the first Eritrean people in Coffs Harbour. With no cultural connections close by, the diversity surrounding us was overwhelming. The language, food, customs and trends were all new and different. I remember one of the first times I experienced culture shock when I realised how laid back Australians were, responding with ‘she’ll be right’ to any inconvenience regardless of its magnitude.

Apart from the foreign attitudes, school was a big shift. While I was fortunate enough to start school after a couple of years in Australia, my older siblings had to begin their education without knowing any English. Growing up as one of the only Eritreans in my class, or even my school at first, was a challenge and a massive change from being surrounded by my culture and family 24/7. However, I was lucky enough to be around so many other kids from different backgrounds. Learning from my peers, I got to understand and appreciate their cultures and in turn, embrace my own. The diversity of the people around me allowed me to make connections through shared experiences and build friendships.

But, unfortunately not everybody is open to accepting diversity as I was from a young age. I often got weird looks when I pulled out my lunch, people always had comments about my hair and the way I looked because that was ‘different’ to them. For a 6 year old I was confused why my peers treated me that way, because in my eyes we were all the same, the concept of race was still developing in my brain. I learnt the hard way that not everyone is taught to be accepting and some people can’t help but judge anything that's different to them. Over the years I have become familiar with the ignorant remarks and judgement people say when they think you can’t hear them. And for that reason, I hope the adversities I have overcome in my life are not ones my family never have to face in the future.

So, if there is anything you can take away from this speech it’s to appreciate the diversity and cultures around you. Try to learn about what makes others different rather than judging them. Because, by creating a more inclusive environment within our school we could really make a change.

Thank you for listening!"

Students were encouraged to wear traditional cultural dress, or they could wear the colour orange as it represents peace and harmony.

During lunchtime the Human Rights group also ran a ‘Bake Sale’ where students were able to buy baked goods from various cultures.

All money raised during the day goes towards STARRTS Coffs Harbour

Kokoda Challenge News

Our second training session for the Kokoda Endurance event was another remarkable session held on Sunday, 24th March. Despite the wet weather and the unexpected company of leeches, our spirited group of students, parents, and teachers ventured up the tracks of Mt Coramba with unwavering determination.

Preparations for the Brisbane Kokoda event on 1st June are well underway and we are proud to announce that our students and teachers have formed their teams. However, alongside physical training, we also have a fundraising target to meet. Each team is required to raise between $350-$500, and this money will be directed towards supporting disadvantaged youth in our community.

To support our teams in achieving this goal, we invite you to contribute to their fundraising efforts. Below is a list of teams along with the link to their fundraising page. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

Additionally, mark your calendars for our first whole school fundraising event—a sausage sizzle on the last day of Term 2 (Colour Run). Our students will be hosting the sizzle on Friday, 12th April, offering delicious sausages at $2 each and refreshing poppers at $1. It promises to be a delightful way to support our Kokoda teams while enjoying some tasty treats! Our second fundraising event is at the end of Week One. All students will be invited to wear casual clothes and bring a gold coin donation. As well as a delicious bake sale provided by all students participating in this event.

Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement as we work towards our Kokoda Endurance goals. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Read the latest newsletter here.

Optic Grand Opening

Will Bursle had the honour of reciting the poem 'The Light-Keeper' by Robert Louis Stevenson at the official opening of the optic housing at Coffs HarbourJetty on Friday night. The optic was then switched on for 15 minutes, 144 years to the day from when it was first turned on in the South Solitary Island Lighthouse in 1880. The optic is a stunning piece of craftsmanship. It was a very special moment to be a part of.

Will had been invited by Friends of South Solitary Island Lighthouse (FOSSIL), who have spent much time and effort on this project.

Science

Year 12 Biology - Plant adaptations

During the last few weeks the senior Biology students have been looking closely at plant adaptations. Native Australian plants have some amazing adaptations that enable them to not only survive but thrive in the harsh Australian climate. Pictured is Mrs Fisher revealing some of these adaptations under the microscope for the year 12 students to observe.

Year 12 Chemistry Titrations

Titration is a common laboratory method of quantitative chemical analysis to determine the concentration of an unknown substance, by reacting it with a measured amount of a known substance. Accuracy is key, in titrations, so all measurements must be as exact as possible, with every drop of liquid needing to be accounted for. The equipment used is very fragile and it takes practice to master the art of its use. Pictured are the year 12 Chemistry students practising these very challenging techniques.

iHub Matters

Harmony Week

Week 8 of term was Harmony Week, and we saw the iHub filled with images, displays, and messages of good-will and hope. Biographies of amazing people that inspire us with their stories and challenges, political and historical texts, cultural celebrations of food and fashions from around the World. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful collection of books at BDC, to inform and enrich young minds!

Researching the Past - the ANZACs

One of the most valuable ways to gain understanding, and learn some key concepts about Australia’s involvement in WWI is to read and hear accounts of the conflicts and the era you are studying. Leading up to ANZAC Day, and a History task due in term 2, our Year 10 library research sessions turn to investigation of WW1 records using the Australian War Memorial site, and other valuable historical resources.

Students gain skills in searching reputable online databases, where they research the WWI service of one Australian soldier, sailor, or nurse. They discover that there are many archives, Museums, and historical organisations that gather information that can provide context and understanding for their study. Using Primary and Secondary sources of information, hopefully our students develop a better understanding and empathy for this time in our history.