Teaching and Learning
Curriculum Day Term 3 (planning for 2026)
In Term 3, BYCS staff came together to plan for school improvement, with a particular focus on strengthening the school’s approach to Respectful Relationships. This work aims to embed a culture of respect and equality across the entire school community. As part of this process, staff undertook an audit of current practices and approaches, and explored how a consistent, whole-school approach to Respectful Relationships can be embedded in all work with young people. This includes ensuring that strategies designed to build and promote gender equity in relationships, and to challenge gender stereotypes, are reflected consistently across teaching, learning, and everyday interactions at BYCS.
Richmond Camp (including Ballarat Wildlife Park)
I had fun watching Matt’s damper taking a long time to cook and Matt’s damper was very dry but mine was good as it had jam in it. I had billy tea and Matt was addicted to it and I had 2 billy teas but Matt wanted more. - Jasper (Year 8)
At the Ballarat Wildlife Park we had encountered an array of animals including reptiles mammals and a range of amphibians some of the more interesting animals we had seen where an enclosure of tigers and even a congregation of alligators the largest of which being ten feet in length and a favourite of most that had gone on the self led tour. - Tarquin (Year 8)
Fishing excursion
In the last week of term, students went to Albert Park for a fishing excursion.
The bus ride for the year 7 and 8 class to their fishing trip was quite enjoyable. On the ride to the fishing pier the class listened to songs by bands such as metric, will wood and more having an amazing sing along experience. Everyone learnt to cast rods, we caught a weird looking rock or sea sponge we couldn’t tell, we went to fish and chips and had a group photo. It was a once in a lifetime event that no event could replicate the joy! - Chon, Year 7
While fishing I thought I caught a fish but my hook was stuck on a big rock. It took my bait and was really annoying, I couldn’t reel the line back in and so someone else took my rod and messed it up more, eventually it came out though. I also fished out another person’s line that they lost. I was shivering because it was FREEEEZING!!!!!!!!! I was quivering in my boots even!!!!
Quivering I tell you!! - Evan (Year 7)
Community Rally
A report by the students of the VCE Vocational Major 2 Class at Coburg:
One of our activities for the Coburg PDS class this term was to study what a common issue of community focus. We studied that one of the most topical issues is the ongoing Palestine rallies and decided to observe one. After looking online we eventually found one that was happening during school hours on Wednesday the 10th of September. This was both a strike as well as a protest called 'Stop work for Palestine Rally'.
After filing a request that was approved we did a risk assessment and listened out to see if there was going to be a counter protest as, if so, we were prepared to cancel our attendance. When the day came we found out that no counter protest were happening so we went ahead and took the tram into the city.
We arrived at Melbourne Central, since the rally was at the State Library, and had lunch first and when finished the rally started and, from a reasonable distance, we observed speakers explaining both cause and effect and the issues that are currently happening in Palestine.
While there was no counter protest, the weather forced us into the State Library in which we walked around for a bit and when we came back out, the rain had cleared and the protesters started going on a march around the city which involved chanting, banners/flags and music. However, we had spent too much time in the library and that forced us to call it there and head back to school via train.
Overall I would call this a successful engagement with the community. Even though we observed, we still gathered general information as well as learning how a rally works and what it looks like. - Coburg student
Work Experience
Recently, our Year 9 and 10 students across our campuses have gone out into the world of employment to undertake work experience. Students undertook their work experience with a diverse range of workplaces - primary schools, reptile centres and everything in between. Here is Jackson, from our Coburg campus, looking the part behind the reception desk at Oxygen Youth Space.
These past couple of weeks i have been doing work experience which was and is locksmithing and currently barbering which is very easy compared to picking locks and re keying them so far i have cut my dads hair even though his has nothing on his bald head and i also have a very good teacher his name is nazz and he has 6 barber shops and has taught over 45 people to be successful barbers and some work for him or have there own shop. - Aidan (Year 8)
The Big Float: A Hands on Learning Adventure
Last week, our Hands on Learning class set sail to (and at) the Fitzroy Gardens dolphin fountain for "The Big Float" event.
For several weeks, students in HoL have been working in groups to design and construct small boats, applying practical skills in planning, team work, and problem-solving. The Big Float was the culmination of their hard work, as well as a chance to celebrate the year with a picnic and our annual HoL awards.
The morning was filled with excitement as each boat was launched onto the pond. However, things took an unexpected turn when "Jenny," crafted by Billie, Django, and Harley, became entangled in weeds in the middle of the pond. Despite our best rescue efforts, we reluctantly had to return to school, leaving Jenny stranded (upside-down).
It was looking like Billie, Django, and Harley would no longer be able to display their hard work at the Showcase. However, Yarra City Council came to the rescue, sending a plumber to wade through the pond to successfully retrieve Jenny. The boat's return to school was met with cheers and disbelief.
Jenny was displayed proudly at the showcase—a reminder of the students’ effort, teamwork, and the unexpected turns that made The Big Float one to remember.
Museum Excursion
On the 28th of October, Hannah took the 7/8 class to the Melbourne Museum. It was FULL of interesting things to see, feel, and look at, but there was a snake skeleton in a glass case that freaked me out a little bit. My favourite part was the Arctic Fox and how they can dig so fast in the snow to hide from prey and to get food. It's really cool how they can quickly go into the water and back with a fish. - Matt (Year 7)
Coburg Frog Pond
The frog pond constructed this past semester at our Coburg campus is a wonderful example of student-led environmental action. Students successfully secured a grant to fund the plants and materials needed to create a purpose-built habitat for native frogs. As frogs are important indicators of a healthy ecosystem, this project provides valuable learning opportunities while contributing positively to our local environment. We hope the pond will become a home for the threatened Growling Grass Frog as well as the native Pobblebonk Frog, and we look forward to hearing—and perhaps even seeing—these friendly amphibians in our student-built pond.
End of Year Camp
Our end-of-year camp to the Walkerville Foreshore, held from December 1 to 5, was a truly memorable five-day experience for everyone involved. With 13 students and 8 staff attending across the week, the group was immersed in a wide range of activities, including stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, beach walks, surfing, sports and recreational activities, group games, and shared cooking experiences. Adding to the sense of adventure, students also encountered some friendly local wildlife, including wombats, echidnas and the occasional snake.
It was a joy to witness the smiles, laughter and sense of achievement students experienced while being away from the school environment. Camps such as this provide a valuable opportunity for staff and students to connect outside the classroom, share stories, create lasting memories and strengthen relationships that will continue to grow over time. For many students, the camp also involved stepping outside their comfort zones and facing personal challenges. It was inspiring to see our young people persevere through difficulties and gain confidence through these experiences.
A special thank you goes to Tiahna from our graduating class of 2025, who has been a valued member of our school community and a consistently positive presence on camp each year she attended. We wish her all the very best in the next chapter of her journey and hope to welcome her back in the future to hear about all she has been up to.
To all students and families, we wish you a safe and happy Christmas and New Year period and look forward to reconnecting in 2026.
Coburg Taster Day
As part of our Step-Into 2026 program, students from the Richmond campus travelled to Coburg to take part in a VET “workshop taster day.” This visit provided students with first-hand experience of the specialist facilities available at our Coburg campus. Throughout the day, students participated in introductory sessions in bricklaying, joinery and automobile servicing. Although the group was small, all students engaged positively, approached the workshops with enthusiasm, and made the most of the hands-on learning opportunities offered. Importantly, the day gave students a clear sense of the range of programs and pathways available at the Coburg campus, supporting informed decision-making for those who may choose to transition from Richmond to Coburg when they are old enough.
Wildlife Xposure Incursion
Students at the school were treated to an unforgettable experience on 8 December 2025, when a travelling wildlife education team arrived in the MPR downstairs at Richmond to kick off the first day of end-of-term activities. Instead of heading to their regular classes, students spent the day learning about—and even handling—creatures from around the globe.
The session showcased an exciting range of animals, including a Japanese spider crab, fresh water crocodile, port jackson shark, frilled neck lizard, green tree frog, and a particularly huge python that required eight students to hold it safely. The hands-on experience allowed students to get up close, ask questions, and discover fascinating facts about each species.
One highlight of the presentation was learning just how enormous the Japanese spider crab can grow—up to 13 feet across, making it the largest arthropod in the world.
The visit offered students a chance to explore science in a fun, interactive way while building respect and curiosity for the natural world. Many described the session as one of the most enjoyable parts of the term. - Harley (Year 9)
Thank you to Wildlife Xposure (https://wildlifexposure.com.au/) for making this experience happen for the young people at BYCS.
Evening Showcase
Our inaugural Evening Showcase was held in mid–Term 4 and marked a memorable celebration of creativity, connection and community. Hosted in the Richmond Campus hall, the event transformed the space into a vibrant showcase of student artwork, alongside engaging music performances by both students and staff. A key highlight of the evening was the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our graduating students, making the event both reflective and forward-looking.
The showcase was warmly attended by families and carers, as well as kin and friends from across our extended school community, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. In the spirit of the occasion, staff and students were encouraged to dress in semi-formal attire, an invitation many embraced with enthusiasm, adding to the sense of occasion and pride.
School leaders were particularly appreciative of the high level of engagement shown throughout the evening, as well as the safe, respectful and positive behaviour of all who attended. The success of the event affirmed its value in bringing our community together, and we look forward to the Evening Showcase becoming a regular and much-anticipated feature of our school calendar.
Scienceworks Excursion
On the 14th August, the FLIP group visited Scienceworks in Spotswood, to learn more about the role science plays in our everyday lives. The excursion started with a tour of the general admission and Sportsworks areas, where students learned about the laws of physics and had the opportunity to race against a virtual Cathy Freeman. After a picnic lunch, the group visited the planetarium, which was impressive for its domed ceiling, which transformed during the presentation into the southern night sky, accompanied by a talk about our solar system. Thanks to the FLIP students who attended and staff members, Jojo, Phil, Gabby and Elsie who accompanied them.
Building a custom guitar (Hands on Learning)
Who was involved, and what happened?Harley, Charlie, and Molly teamed up this year for an ambitious project: building a premium, Telecaster-style electric guitar completely from scratch.
When and where did it take place?The project began earlier this year when Harley had a big idea—what if he could create his dream guitar through the school’s woodworking program? With guidance, planning, and help, the idea started taking shape.
Why is this important?Harley has been passionate about music for as long as he can remember. He’d long considered buying a dream guitar, but nothing on the market offered exactly what he wanted. Rather than compromise, he decided to design and build a guitar that matched his vision perfectly—an opportunity to combine creativity, skill-building, and his love for music.
How did it all come together?The woodworking program encourages students to work with a svariety of materials and follow their creative instincts. But the limited budget per student wasn’t nearly enough for a project of this scale. Determined to make it happen, Harley launched a GoFundMe campaign and successfully raised over $600. With that support—plus some of his own savings—he purchased a high-quality block of mahogany and began meticulously cutting, shaping, and carving it into what is now a beautifully crafted Telecaster-style body.
Now at the halfway point, Harley is excited and motivated to complete the guitar of his dreams. With help from Charlie, Molly, and the school program, his once-impossible idea is quickly becoming a reality. - Harley (Year 9)
McClelland Sculpture Park
On a warm December day, staff and students set out for a creative excursion to McClelland Sculpture Park (https://mcclelland.org.au/) in Langwarrin. Surrounded by bushland and expansive outdoor spaces, students wandered through the grounds, eagerly exploring the many interactive sculptures (while also attempting, with curiosity and enthusiasm, to engage with a few that were decidedly non-interactive!)
Particular delight was taken in some of the park’s more playful and quirky works, including a striking giant ram’s head and an impressively oversized garden gnome, both of which sparked laughter, conversation, and plenty of interest.
Indoors, students visited The Maquette: Sculpture Award exhibition, where they were invited to look closely at smaller-scale works and nominate their favourite piece for the People’s Choice vote. This experience encouraged thoughtful discussion, observation, and personal reflection on artistic style and intention.
Overall, the visit was a highly successful day, providing students with the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of large-scale sculptures and installations, while fostering curiosity, creativity, and an appreciation for contemporary art.
