High School Notices

Portraits in clay were sculpted by the students in the sculpture elective in Term 1 by students of Classes 9 and 10. Working from a 2D picture into a 3D form is challenging and the face is only one of 5 hands that make up the total space of the head – so a lot of hair to cover the skull and only a relatively small area to create the features of the face. Gesture and mood was emphasised. Ceramics in Term 2 was a mixture of handmade work and students learning to use the potters’ wheel. Centring the clay takes a student into the centre of themselves where there is the still centre of the turning world… only then can a bowl or cup or vase be magically thrown. Students loved this challenge. The work was decorated using underglaze colours and a clear glaze over the top.
Like the bodies and brains of these young 14, 15, and 16-year-olds, clay is a wonderfully malleable, forgiving material but it never forgets how it was treated, made and formed – such is the importance of a well rounded educational experience, especially with all these elective options that students can choose from.

Teacher Denis Hopking.

In the high school right now, Class 10 students are busy giving thought to and selecting their subjects for senior study next year in Class 11. A highlight of this process is the Student Forum, where current Class 11 and 12 students share their perspective on their studies of each subject – Drama, Legal Studies, D&T, Physics, Visual Arts, and so on. The vibrancy and maturity of discussion always makes it a great afternoon. Thank you to everyone who was involved for another great year and for your time, insights and focus.

Olympia – 1627 pts
Crete – 1362 pts
Sparta – 1305 pts
Athens – 1185 pts

This term kicked off with the House Cross Country at Brunswick Heads on a fine sunny day.

After the cancellation of last term (Byron COVID), it was worth the wait as students swarmed in numbers at the starting line at Torakina Park.

Many students were pleasantly surprised with their performances. In the end, it was Olympia who were crowned victors. This raised eyebrows for veteran staff, as it has been a long time for Olympia’s moment to come.

Samuel Knopke was first over the line and has now found a new passion for running, joining the local Byron Bay Runners Club. Jasmine Ruthven put in an excellent run and was 6th overall, outstanding for a Year 7 student. Both students represented the school on the NCIS Cross Country Day and were successful in gaining selection for Sydney, with Sam and Jasmine finishing 7th and 5th respectively.

Tim Waller

Class 7 enjoyed a week-long camp out west near the town of Bingara. We visited the Myall Creek Massacre Memorial where we were given a tour and learnt how the descendants of both perpetrators and victims were able to create the redemptive power of reconciliation. We stayed at The Living Classroom which is a sustainable agriculture education centre in the town of Bingara. We explored amazing geological features such as Sawn Rocks with its geometrical lava flows and the Glacial area of Rocky Creek where we swam in the chilly freshwater. One of the highlights was riding horses through the river and travelling with the whole class on horseback through the bush. It was great fun and an insight into an inland country town, it’s past, present and potential future.

Matt

Class 7 Guardian

In term one the SRC organised an event in the High School to celebrate Harmony Week. Harmony Week celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.

After the initial buzz last year, the CBRSS Chess Club has now settled into a quiet routine of meeting every Tuesday and Friday during lunch with a small core of enthusiastic players playing a game or two while enjoying the companionship and honing their skills. Frequently, other students drop by to watch or enjoy a game themselves with a friend or anyone. It’s a good place to connect with others in this unique way of largely non-verbal interactions over a game of chess.

With the help of a generous community donation, the school has been able to fulfil an old dream of purchasing a giant chess game for our students to play during their breaks. – Many thanks!

We now award House Points for every game played during Chess Club and many points have already been earned. In Term 3 we are planning to run an in-school Tournament with the intention of creating local inter-school chess events soon after.

Warm regards

Manuela