There's always something to celebrate at our school! From exciting events to proud moments and everyday wins, here are some of our highlights.
Southern Stars are Stars
Every year our team of Circus performers, dancers and musicians join thousands of students across the Illawarra and South-east to come together in the creation of the most incredible program of dancing and singing performances . Our students without doubt are a standout as a group and this year they enlivened the arena hanging from the ceiling with poise and experience. Tradition of dance and circus goes back many years and I want to acknowledge the expertise and passion of Sharon McCutcheon and Amanda Grady, this year assisted by Elyse Skinner. Every year our teachers commit time and extraordinary energy to prepare students for the event. My hat also goes off to the very dedicated students who also give generously of their time to contribute to the collective performance. The last item has over 3,000 students gathered and performing, it is extraordinary. Congratulations to all our students and teachers for another epic performance!
Excellence Assembly and Principal Awards celebrate our students’ efforts
Over 100 students last week were recipients of excellence awards for a broad range of achievements, in particular those students who achieved principals’ awards for their consistent efforts. We recognised the achievement of the Silver Medal for the Duke of Edinburgh Award indicating their incredible efforts to achieve this international credential. The assembly recognised many outstanding athletes from state champions in touch football, surfing, volleyball, cross country and athletics, along with the large team who competed in the Coondoo Mountain Bike Classic 2026. We had record breakers in both High Jump and Discus congratulations! We also recognised our Language Champions with Leo Howarth answering over 10,000 questions to be in the top 0.03% across Australia for his achievement and incredible effort. Top Geographers were also recognised for their efforts being in the top percentage across the state. It is remarkable to see students excelling in their chosen passion and the representation across all arenas. Students who had represented UHS at Youth Parliment in Canberra and also those who achieved recognition in the public speaking competition. Congratulations to all students for your efforts and your awards.
The Vision for the Upgrade of the Croobyar Road Education Precinct
NSW government plans to reopen the former Shoalhaven Anglican School site by 2027, with upgrades including a multipurpose hall, learning hub, VET kitchen, outdoor courts, and improved facilities. The update also invites the community to provide feedback on the names or other suggestions. The 2 names being considered for the education site: Budawang Education Centre and Didhul Education Centre. Feedback on the proposed names is open until 5 pm Monday 14 September 2026. We encourage everyone to have their say, this is your opportunity. You may like to add your suggestions of alternatives, as an example, Environmental Education Centre or other naming conventions. The Project Update and Former Shoalhaven Anglican College Site - Naming of facility survey are now available via the links .
Annie shines across NSW as 2026 NSW School-Based Trainee of the Year
Last week Sydney Town Hall, our School Captain and Big Picture student, Annie-Maree Martin, was named the 2026 NSW School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year at the NSW Training Awards. This is an outstanding achievement and reflects Annie’s hard work, determination, leadership and willingness to take every opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. Through our Big Picture, Annie has created a highly individualised learning pathway that has taken her well beyond a traditional school experience. She has spent time in the Northern Territory working and learning alongside remote communities, completed the Kokoda Track, undertaken workplace learning and training, and continued to build a strong connection between her education, her future and the communities she cares about.
Annie’s journey shows what can happen when a young person is given the opportunity to follow their passions, learn through real-world experiences and take genuine ownership of their education. Along the way she has balanced her role as School Captain, her Big Picture learning, workplace commitments, training and community involvement with maturity and an incredible work ethic. To stand on the stage at Sydney Town Hall and be named the best School-Based Apprentice or Trainee in NSW is something very special, and we could not be prouder. Congratulations, Annie-Maree. You have worked incredibly hard for this, and you thoroughly deserve it.2026 NSW School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Annie-Maree Martin! #NSWTrainingAwards #SkillsNSW #NationalSkillsWeek #SBAT #BigPictureLearning #VocationalEducation #UlladullaHighSchool #RegionalNSW
Our School Admin and Support team are GOLD!
Thank you to our hardworking, highly skilled School Admin and Support staff. This week we are celebrating our SASS staff (School Admin and recognition Week). When we think about it, who are the people (think – Front Office and Admin Staff, Lab Assistants, our Food Tech Assistants, our GA, our TSOs, our SLSOs, SSOs, and our canteen) who prepare the science experiments, sit beside students who might need individual support, the ones who keep students safe at outdoor education, give out the band aids and icepacks, call the ambulance, help parents connect to our Portal, greet our guests, organise catering, prepare practical classes, print the certificates, and help our students thrive. It is an enormous machine, finely tuned, where everyone has and does their job with care and dedication. Every day at our large rural school on any one day there are over 1100 students attending over 183 classes, with 100 teachers and 50 support staff, delivering a wide and diverse curriculum, from Agriculture, to VET Subjects, to Hospitality, so on. Behind the scene, our support staff are holding up this bubbling and energetic space. Thank you for your incredible efforts and grateful for your dedication! #happySASSWeek
High Country takes to the mountains!
It is a tradition at UHS each year for our year 9 students; to take to the high country, this year was no exception. A bus full of students, headed to Jindabyne and Perisher, visiting all the historical and geographical points of interest and learning. Arriving on snow, they got the lucky break and the snow was great, with each day better than the last. It is these experiences that cement life long memories and experiences. Like all our excursions, our teachers do a lot to make these happen, not just the teachers caring for year 9, but the many teachers who cover the classes back at school. It is through this ‘good will’ that excursions happen, without that support, our excursions would not happen, and we thank all our incredible teachers for their support. Our teachers believe that these experiences are transformative. #EducationTransformsLives
Jaya engaged as Gilmore’s Youth Parliament member
Ulladulla High School student Jaya Pimm is gaining a first-hand look at how Federal Parliament works this week as one of Australia’s first National Youth Parliament members.
Representing the electorate of Gilmore, Jaya is one of 150 National Youth Parliament members who will engage directly with civics and the Federal Parliament, through hands-on learning experiences, including simulated Parliamentary debates from August 16-20. On day one, Jaya took part in an unfurling of a massive Australian Flag on the roof of Parliament House, joined by her peers, Leader of the House of Representatives Milton Dick and MPs, including Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips. She told Mrs Phillips she was looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of how Parliament worked, and watching Question Time from the gallery. Jaya was motivated to apply for the National Youth Parliament because, she said, “the opportunity would help me grow and allow me to share knowledge”. Congratulations Jaya.
Gilmore’s National Youth Parliament member Jaya Pimm with Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and Speaker of the House Milton Dick on the roof of Parliament House on Monday, the start of a week of learning opportunities for senior students.
Serving Others - Our students dig in to help the P&C Fundraiser
Our Year 11 hospitality students, under the leadership of our HT TAS Jacquie Meacham, donated their time and efforts to assist the hardworking UHS P&C team last weekend. The students made slices and cakes, donated their time on the day of the stall, was both generous and gracious. A huge acknowledgement to Nyx Rogers, Holly Lines and Renee Dawson. Our students are commended on what a delight they were to work with, showing real maturity, a fantastic work ethic and plenty of enthusiasm & entertainment, particularly Nyx and Holly! A big thank you also goes to three Year 7 students, Brooke Patterson, Charlie Ward and Jesse Rolfe, who generously volunteered their time to help. All of these students demonstrated a wonderful willingness to assist, strong community spirit and were fantastic ambassadors for our school. It is this type of positive attitude that goes a long way in ensuring a fantastic and generous culture signifies our school. I wholeheartedly recognise and acknowledge the efforts of all of these students. The P & C reported it was such a positive outcome, despite the weather, the day was a great success, and the funds raised were well above expected. Well-done UHS!
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Launch of the Year 10 and 11 Drivers Ed ‘A program of excellence’
Standing in the MPC (our hall) with the current group of year 10 and year 11 students as they begin our Ulladulla Community Drivers Ed Program, reminded me of what an outstanding program we have in our town, that has helped protect our young people for almost 30 years. Thinking back to when this began, it was a group of community minded people, including parents, police, service groups, ambulance, and teachers who believed they wanted to do better to educate and protect the young people of our community. Knowledge, experience and mentorship was needed for our students to ensure they had the tools to be safer, more capable, and more aware when they got behind the wheel. Today, we have had more than 6,000 students from our school participate in our Drivers program and the group of 2026 will also have that same valuable experience. Year 10 and 11 will undergo, a myriad of learning activities about driving, the law, the statistics, the mechanics of cars and stories, with the program culminating in a hands-on driving course. Huge thanks to our local service clubs, the police, the ambulance service, the surf club, SES, the list goes on and the many volunteers. Huge thanks to Mrs Barry, who is incredibly committed to the organisation, the essence of the program, and the extraordinary support provided to our students. It is a big investment, but worth gold.
Young Archibald at UHS
Every year the Archibald, the Wynne and Sulman Art Prizes are judged at the NSW Art Gallery. The Archibald is one of the most prestigious prizes in the art world, many a famous Australian artist have launched their career as a winner of this prize. Swing back to UHS and we have our own prestigious Portrait Art Exhibition, our own young Archie. The UHS version is a challenging task set for Year 11 Visual Arts students to paint a portrait of a staff member of UHS. This year is no exception, this week the two classes set up their inspirational works, and again a fabulous range of portraits displaying all creative and skilful responses to the task. Both material practice and concepts fulfill the purpose of portraiture and in particular the Archibald. At its heart, the Archibald Prize is about storytelling. Who are the people our artists have chosen to paint and what do their portraits reveal to us? This is true of our UHS young Archie. Congratulations to all the students and their efforts in endeavouring to recreate both the inner and outer reflections of their chosen subject. Fun Fact: As a Visual Arts teacher at Rose Bay Secondary college (public school in Sydney’s east) I taught Owen Wynne for his HSC, the grandson of the Wynne ‘landscape’ Prize, no pressure!
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How can our students learn about Monetary Policy from the RBA
A chance conversation has led to an opportunity to collaborate with the lead Educator of the Reserve Bank of Australia and happens to be a local resident. Alex Symonds has worked alongside NESA in the development of the Economics new syllabus which launches in 2027, and to think Alex lives in our town. Our school is very unique, it is large, rural, and the only high school in a community. This is truly something worth celebrating, being large, provides opportunity to provide a diversity of subjects, one of which is economics. The pathway to Economics often begins by studying Commerce and leading into Economics. Our connection with Alex and RBA opens up the opportunity to collaborate with our teachers, provide connections to experts and encourage understanding, real world experience for our students across monetary policy, financial literacy and the deeper knowledge of the economy. Thanks to our team, Careers Advisors, Karyn Ingold and Julia Brooks, and Ben Barry who are looking forward to collaborating with the RBA to benefit our students. Thanks to Alex and RBA.
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What small difference can you make today – Good work Year 7
Every fortnight, one the most enjoyable parts of my role as a principal is to meet with all the year groups, to connect and understand what is big in their world. Last week seeing Year 7 new leaders step up and lead their year group assembly was outstanding. As you would know it is never easy to speak in-front of strangers, it is even harder to speak in front of your peers, it can be one of the most challenging experiences and audience. I congratulate the way in which the entire Year 7 group of students supported each other. Ensured that they were united in their support of students in their year group that need help, along with looking organised and ready to learn. Congrats to All Year 7.
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Investiture of New Student Leaders
‘Leadership in Action’
Leadership is for the courageous and the fearless. It is also for the kind and the generous, and it is for those who choose to serve others. Last Friday we inducted the 26-27 student leaders, from Year 7 to Year 11 into 12, it is both ceremonial, and significant. It is the handing over of the responsibility from one group of leaders to another, and it also sets the scene for what will be the culture of our school. The Year 12 students leaving have worked hard, to ensure that all students are respected and included, and the incoming team of leaders, also has set their vision high, they too represent an inclusive and diverse group of students. Sunny Wright, one of our Vice Captains, when asked what it takes to be a leader, he said, “it takes heart”, and along with his fellow student leaders, they have begun to set their goals, with their first meetings about clearly articulating what projects will serve the school best and what will the plan look like. Congratulations to all our newest school leaders. Essentially, you build the world you want to live in, or someone else will. Congratulations to the Leaders of 26-27.
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Youth Parliament for Frankie
Miribi Bunbal continue to impress across our community
Over many years, in particular on my return I have come to learn how important the members of our Didge group value their opportunity and how proud they are to belong to a strong vibrant culture. To the boys, the Didge group reflects their values, and to be a member requires maturity, deep responsibility, and the full commitment of time and effort. In 2026 our Didge group is the largest it has ever been, with over 20 of our Aboriginal Students making up the core of Miribi Bunbal and they have been performing the house down. They opened the assembly for our Korean Visitors, they opened NAIDOC, will feature in a film for the South Coast Deputy Principals, they have been featured on Triple J Unearthed and they provide the lead music for our acknowledgement. As their mentor and musical leader, Hamish Richard, he tells the story, that playing the didge is only half of the learning. They have learnt teamwork, understanding rhythm, connecting to country, respecting each other and the list goes on. Congratulations! Most recently they have truly impressed our local community. I congratulate all the boys for their outstanding efforts and their brilliant performances. This is what our community had to say:
“I was very impressed by a group of Indigenous young men from Ulladulla High who were at Narrawallee Beach this morning. They were playing their didgeridoos while being filmed for an educational video. Their behaviour was exemplary, and it was wonderful to see the respectful and positive way they interacted with one another and with their teachers. One young man, in particular, stood out for his quiet leadership. He made a point of ensuring everyone was included and engaged, showing kindness, encouragement, and genuine respect for those around him. It was a lovely quality to see. The students were wonderful ambassadors for their school and community. Congratulations It was a pleasure to witness and a great way to start this beautiful day.”
- Community Member of Narrawallee
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The Annual Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge once again provided Ulladulla High School with a valuable opportunity to witness the growth and emergence of young leaders within its student body. This year, 16 dedicated students from Ulladulla High took on the Challenge by submitting thoughtful and heartfelt essays. In their writing, they reflected deeply on their personal connection to the ANZAC legacy and explored how the spirit of the ANZACs—characterised by courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice—continues to hold relevance and inspire today's generation. Each essay was exceptional, reflecting the students’ maturity, insight, and respect for Australia's military history. From this impressive group of 16 applicants, 8 students were shortlisted and invited to present their ideas in front of a panel made up of representatives from the Ex-Servos and RSL sub-branch. The presentations delivered by these students were nothing short of outstanding. They spoke passionately about how the physical and emotional challenge of walking the Kokoda Track would not only develop their own leadership skills, but also enable them to return and uplift others in their school and community through the values they had embraced. A huge congratulations goes to the three students who were selected to take part in this life-changing journey on the Kokoda Track: Zara Clegg, Taylah Craig and Grace Donnelly. Their achievement is a testament to their commitment to leadership, service, and the enduring legacy of the ANZAC spirit.
Tahlia Gorter and Sienna Whiteman Graduate with Distinction from UOW
We are proud to recognise the exceptional achievement of Tahlia Gorter and Sienna Whiteman, who have completed the University Entrance Program through the University of Wollongong, graduating with Distinction. During Term 4 and throughout the school holiday period, they travelled to Wollongong each week, attending classes two days per week across 14 weeks. The program requires university level research, academic writing, critical thinking and independent learning. It demands discipline, maturity and the ability to manage complex workloads. Throughout this period, Tahlia and Sienna continued to meet the full expectations of their Big Picture program and IBPLC requirements. They balanced internships, project work and exhibitions while also leading and contributing to Social Action initiatives, including their involvement in the Sow Good Festival and other community based projects. Their ability to sustain this level of commitment across multiple responsibilities reflects significant organisation and resilience. Tahlia will commence a Bachelor of Psychology part time while completing her IBPLC. Sienna has been accepted into a Bachelor of Primary School Teaching and has chosen to defer until 2027 in order to complete her IBPLC with focus and intention. Their work ethic, independence and commitment to both academic excellence and community contribution set a powerful example for our school community. We congratulate them on this outstanding milestone.
Celebrating the Success of Our 2025 HSC Students
We are delighted to share the outstanding achievements of our 2025 HSC cohort. Once again, our students have delivered strong results, with many attaining impressive ATARs. Chloe Grabia led the cohort with an outstanding ATAR of 92.2, closely followed by Ivy Lawson with 87.9. Across the group, students achieved 7 Band 6 results and an exceptional 104 Band 5 results—an impressive reflection of their dedication and commitment to learning. We also celebrate the six students who earned places on the 2025 Distinguished Achievers list, including two recognised across multiple subjects. Congratulations to Amy Bruce, whose HSC Visual Arts Body of Work, L’art de Pondering, was selected for ARTEXPRESS. This is a remarkable honour, showcasing Amy’s creativity and skill at a state level. The work is a film featuring our very own Mrs McCutcheon performing multiple roles, including a priest, and will be exhibited at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and tour regional locations for months. Selection for an HSC showcase is an extraordinary achievement and a proud moment for our entire school community. While these results are impressive, they represent more than academic success alone. They reflect the perseverance, courage, and sustained effort of our students, supported every step of the way by our dedicated teachers. Each student has worked hard to achieve their personal best, and we are incredibly proud of them all. As many of our high-achieving graduates begin the next stage of their journey at university and beyond, we extend our warmest congratulations to the entire Class of 2025. Your determination and commitment have truly paid off, and you leave our school with much to be proud of.
Glen Kingsley Relieving Principal
Welcoming our newest Students
Welcome back to all our returning students, and a sincere welcome to our new Year 7 students. We’re pleased to have you joining our school community as you begin this next stage of your education. Starting a new school year is an opportunity to reset, refocus, and approach learning with a fresh perspective. It’s a time to set realistic goals, build good habits, and gradually challenge yourself both academically and personally. As the year unfolds, there will be many chances to develop new skills, form connections, and discover interests you may not have explored before. We encourage everyone to approach the year with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a sense of responsibility for their own progress. We look forward to working together and supporting all students as they navigate the year ahead.
2026 ISER Selection
Ulladulla High School is proud to announce that three UHS students—Katie Henderson, Kiah Condie and Loki Smart—have been selected for the 2026 ISER Performing Ensemble.
The Illawarra South East Regional (ISER) Performing Ensemble is a touring group of talented performers who present a musical variety show for schools and community groups. The ensemble features a stage band, dancers and vocalists.
Performance tours are held once per term over three days in various public schools. The ensemble also presents special performances upon request, which may involve an additional evening or daytime commitment.
Congratulations to Katie, Kiah and Loki on this outstanding achievement!
Welcome Back to School
Welcome back to a new school year at Ulladulla High School. I hope all students, families and staff enjoyed a safe and refreshing break and are feeling positive and ready for the year ahead. As a school community, we begin the year with a strong sense of optimism and excitement about the opportunities before us.One of the most exciting developments for our school is the significant investment in our learning environments. Over the coming months, a number of key infrastructure upgrades will be completed across the school. Our science laboratories and industrial arts rooms are being upgraded to provide modern, well-equipped spaces that better support practical, hands-on learning and innovation. In addition, many existing classrooms will be refreshed with new paint, new carpet and the installation of air conditioning, ensuring comfortable and contemporary learning spaces for both students and staff. We are also very pleased to share progress on the construction of 11 new classrooms, including a purpose-designed three-classroom Support Unit hub. This development will further enhance our capacity to support the diverse learning needs of our students and reflects our commitment to inclusive, high-quality education for all. These upgrades represent a significant step forward in creating learning spaces that match the high standards of teaching and learning that occur at Ulladulla High School every day. They also reflect our shared commitment to continuous improvement and future-focused education. As we begin the year, we continue to be guided by our school motto, “Strive for the Summit.” This value underpins the way we learn, teach and work together as a community. It reminds us to set high expectations, embrace challenge and persist in the pursuit of personal excellence. By striving for the summit, we encourage every student to be the best version of themselves and to take pride in their growth and achievements. I look forward to working closely with our students, staff, families and wider community throughout the year. Together, we will make the most of the exciting opportunities ahead and continue to build a school we can all be proud of.
I wish everyone a positive and successful start to the school year.
Glen Kingsley
Relieving Principal
A warm welcome to our ‘Friends of the School To our wonderful community of volunteers, supporters, advocates, mentors, coaches, and everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes, we offer our deepest gratitude.
Our 2025 ‘Friends of the School’ High Tea was truly exceptional. Guests were welcomed with expertly made barista-style coffee by our Year 11 Hospitality students, while our Year 10 Food Technology classes created an impressive array of savoury bites, cakes, slices, and specialty treats. It was a delightful morning, enriched by a strong sense of community and the joy of gathering together. Attendees enjoyed the very best of UHS hospitality as students and supporters shared in the occasion. We offer special thanks and congratulations to our Hospitality staff and students for their outstanding efforts, whose professionalism and skill ensured the event was an overwhelming success.
Celebrating our Sport Excellence Assembly 2025
Ulladulla High School proudly celebrated an exceptional year of sporting achievement at our annual Sport Excellence Assembly on Thursday 4 December. With over 200 award recipients, the event recognised the dedication, skill and sportsmanship of students across Years 7–12. From CHS State representatives to our weekly School Sport MVPs, the assembly highlighted the depth of talent within our school community and the commitment of our students to representing UHS with pride. A number of major awards were presented on the day, including the Marlin Medal, Regional Blue, Team of the Year, and our highly anticipated Sportsperson of the Year awards. Congratulations to Cheyenne Murray, recipient of the Outstanding Performance of the Year Award, Bodhi Charlton as Junior Sportsperson of the Year, and Annabelle Healey as Senior Sportsperson of the Year. We also celebrated the incredible achievement of the Open Girls Touch Football Team, crowned Team of the Year after an outstanding season finishing equal ninth in the state. The assembly also acknowledged an impressive group of Coaches Award recipients, recognising excellence across more than 40 different school and representative teams. Another highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of our 2025 Carnival Champions, with Daringyan winning both the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals, and Guruwin taking out Cross Country. The overall Winning House for 2025 was Gawura, celebrated with a spectacular lighting display and well-deserved applause. The event was also supported by two vibrant Year 10 Dance performances, adding energy and creativity to the celebration. It was incredible to celebrate the overwhelming talent and participation of our sporting students and see the growth in numbers over the years. We thank the PDHPE department, office staff, and other school staff, parents, and coaches for their support this year. A huge thank you to everyone whose behind-the-scenes efforts helped make this event possible. Your dedication and support are truly appreciated. Congratulations once again to all students recognised—your achievements are something our whole school community is incredibly proud of. We look forward to another exciting year of sport at Ulladulla High School in 2026.
CHS Beach Volleyball Success
Our students made history last Friday as they travelled to Newcastle for the inaugural Pilot CHS Beach Volleyball event. With limited spots available, the team showed incredible determination to get there, and Grace Donnelly and Myra Williams proudly stepped up to compete in the boys division. Liam Doherty and Elliott Owen completed the team and they were all outstanding, going undefeated all day in extremely hot conditions. Their hard work, weekend training and passion for the sport paid off, claiming 1st place in a thrilling final of the 9/10 competition. With beach volleyball pushing to become a recognised CHS sport - and some saying it’s the best sport there is - our students have certainly helped lead the way. Congratulations to all involved!
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Stories and highlights
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At Ulladulla High School, there's always something to celebrate at our school! From exciting events to proud moments and everyday wins, here are some of our highlights.
