The BDC Way has really been in action over the last 2 weeks with students, staff and parents contributing in so many ways. The Flood Blitz Appeal has been an example of this, in the space of only four short days, the community announced, collected, organised and delivered thousands of items to support flood victims and also raised thousands of more dollars through the Anglicare North Coast Flood Appeal. 

Watch the NBN report here.

Student Successes

Student Success has been celebrated across all forums of the campus:

Molly Williams (Yr 9) has recently been selected to represent NSW at the National U15 Girls Hockey Championships.

Daniel Williams (Yr 9) was selected  in the NSW Athletics team after his victories in under 16 boys 800m and 1500m events. 

Peyton Lee (Yr 7) and Zara Harris (Yr 5) placed 5th and 6th in their respective divisions in the NSW Pony Club State Tetrathlon Championships.  

Ruby Ensbey (Yr 12) won seven medals at the Surf Life Saving NSW County Championships in both the U19 girls and the Open Women’s categories.

Kate Clerkin (Yr 12) recently shared her Senior Spotlight speech on secondary assembly and this message is worth hearing so watch below. 

Amber Hundle (Yr 8) achieved a personal best in 4 of her 6 athletics events. She gained 1st in the 400m, Long Jump and Triple Jump, 2nd in the Javelin, and 3rd in the 80m Hurdles and the 200m Sprint. Amber will now compete at the LANSW State Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park last month.

Connor McMillan (Class of 2021) - top 40 in the state in the HSC major works for Textiles. Connor’s work is now on display in Sydney at Gallery76. 

World's Greatest Shave

Our Year 12 World's Greatest Shave team have already raised almost $7000 for this very worthwhile charity - a huge thank you to Mr Blythe, Imala Whitlock, Keira Williams, Jimmy Rothacker, Phoebe O’Grady, Jack Johnson, Mr Norberry, Matt Kramer, Reece Allen, Jewelian Presser-King, Ruby (and Camble) Scott, Mr Graham, Tom Rhodes and team captain Matilda Close. If you still wish to donate please visit ->https://worldsgreatestshave.com/

Click on the big GREEN donate button and search for BDC 2022.

Mrs Sue O’Connor, Ms Pearson and Year 12s Kate Clerkin, Matilda Close, Mikal Tesfamariam and Rylee Caruana represented the college at the International Women's Day Breakfast at Pacific Bay Resort. One of our mums, Lorrain Gordon, was the keynote speaker. Lorraine is the Director of Strategic Projects at Southern Cross University. 

Year 12 student and Academic Captain, Mikal Tesfamariam was recently selected to be one of only 18 state-wide representatives in the Regional Youth Taskforce. “I want to ensure that a range of young people’s voices are heard and am keen to provide advice on issues that affect young people living in regional NSW.” stated Mikal to Coffs Harbour Member, Mr Gurmesh Singh. Congratulations Mikal, this is an outstanding achievement. 

Adventure Playground Update 

We are excited to be commencing works on the Adventure Playground in the coming weeks, with phase 1 (earthworks and drainage) and phase 2 (installation) due for completion by the end of Term 2. The final phase, including the connection to outdoor classroom, pathways and construction of the gaga pit and yarning circle, will complete the Playground ready for use. 

The Adventure Playground is manufactured in Australia utilising recycled HDPE plastics, recycled timber, aluminium sections, roto-moulded slides and panels. The ropes are constructed in Europe. 

AISNSW Perspectives Survey

The last whole school survey was conducted in April 2020 (just before COVID). We will be surveying again in March-April 2022, including all parents, staff, College Council and students in Years 5, 7, 9 and 11. The data from this survey feeds directly into the School Improvement Plan for the following year. The survey will be emailed to all parents in the next two weeks. Please keep an eye out for further communication, and we encourage you to participate in this critical feedback tool for the future development of our school. 

BDC Parents’ and Friends’ Association Meeting

The second meeting of the year will be held at the Roger Oates Centre on Monday 21 March at 6pm. The P&F are looking for parents to support some key community-building events over the next two terms. Please come along or contact parentsandfriends@bdc.nsw.edu.au to find out how you can get involved. 

Enrolments for 2023 and 2024

Enrolments for 2023 and 2024 are being organised at present and I encourage families who have not yet informed the college about their plans for 2023/24 to do so before the end of Term 1. If you have family or friends wishing to join the college please encourage them to organise a tour with me this term so that the enrolment process can be organised in a timely fashion. Kindy and Year 7 classes for 2023 are close to full already.

Open Days - Date Claimer - Saturday 21 May and Tuesday 24 May 

Our college Open Day is always a highlight in our calendar and if you missed it last year I would encourage you to find the time to visit and maybe bring a friend as well. We will be showcasing our signature teaching and learning programs as a key part of the program for 2022.

Scholarships for 2023

Applications for scholarships with a special focus and the Noel Jackson Memorial Bursary commencing in 2023 are now open. These applications close at the end of Term 1. Please submit applications through the college website:

Scholarships with a Special Focus

Noel Jackson Memorial Bursary information is at the bottom of this link.

Nick Johnstone
Principal