Primary News 2026 Term 1 Week 3

Kindergarten Update

Kindergarten has made a confident and positive start to life at BDC, stepping into this special milestone with courage, curiosity, and a growing sense of belonging. Our students are discovering what it means to be part of a caring and connected community, engaging in routines, friendships, and learning experiences that support both wellbeing and academic foundations. We are incredibly proud of the way they have embraced this transition, and we warmly acknowledge the role families have played in preparing their children for this big step.

As the weeks have progressed, students have continued to develop resilience, perseverance, and a positive learning mindset. They have been busy building early literacy and numeracy skills while exploring the excitement of a wide range of speciality subjects. A highlight for many has been meeting their Year 6 buddies, forming connections that create a sense of safety, encouragement, and belonging within the wider College community. Students are learning that challenge is a natural part of learning, and that effort, support, and time help us grow. 

We are looking forward to sharing more special moments with our Kindergarten families, including the upcoming Kindergarten Teddy Bear’s Picnic (details coming soon) and the opportunity to sit down together at Parent/Teacher Interviews later this term to celebrate your child’s learning journey so far.

Thank You

A huge thank you to Sarah Kerr (parent of Henry Hawkes) for bringing beautiful flowers from her garden into 1H and making bouquets with the students to take home for Valentine's Day last week.

Claude Taylor Receives the 2026 Bill Lockley Scholarship

Claude Taylor was the proud recipient of the Bill Lockley Award.

The Bellingen Youth Orchestra (BYO) was formed in 2007 with the support of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and two dedicated music teachers. With ongoing support from the local community and patrons David and Gillian Helfgott, BYO has grown significantly in both size, now over 80 students, and repertoire. The orchestra performs music at an intermediate to advanced level, featuring a diverse range of modern, contemporary, and classical works.

The Bill Lockley Scholarship for 2026 is offered annually during the Camp Creative season and provides a $1,000 scholarship to a Year 6 student living in the Bellingen Shire who is learning a stringed instrument.

Claude was selected for this award in recognition of his reliability, strong work ethic, and willingness to assist other members of the Bellingen Youth Orchestra. He has been rehearsing and performing with the orchestra with commitment and enthusiasm, demonstrating excellent musicianship and making a positive contribution to the ensemble.

Eido Roques Wins Inaugural PINK Saxophone Award

At Camp Creative in Bellingen, Eido Roques performed on hobo with the Café Latte Orchestra. He was awarded the inaugural PINK Saxophone for Most Improved Musician among 52 participants.

Camp Creative is a much-loved summer school that comes alive for one vibrant week each January, offering around 80 workshops across dance, music, art, and craft. The Café Latte Orchestra workshop has been led for over 25 years by Mark Walton, a highly respected figure in the Australian music scene. Mark is widely recognised as a leading clarinet and saxophone performer, teacher, and passionate music advocate.

The Café Latte Orchestra gathers two to three times each year in different locations around New Zealand to explore new repertoire and renew old friendships. Eido was the youngest member of the group and the only participant to play the hobo, making his achievement especially noteworthy.