Denison College - Bathurst High Campus

Bathurst High Campus Students Shine in TAFE Tasters Nursing Program

Four enthusiastic students from Bathurst High Campus—Meaghan Justin, Chloe Yow, Bonnie Ulbricht, and Rachel Hunter—have recently completed the TAFE Tasters in Nursing program at Orange. Their dedication and hard work throughout the course did not go unnoticed, with their instructor expressing great admiration for their efforts and commitment.
TAFE Tasters provide invaluable opportunities for students to explore potential career paths and gain hands-on experience in various industries. Programs like the Nursing TAFE Taster help students better understand the demands and rewards of the profession, allowing them to set clear, informed goals for their long-term futures. Early exposure like this is essential in guiding students toward careers that align with their passions and strengths. A special mention goes to our incredible Careers Adviser, Brett Hartmann, who has been a steadfast supporter for Meaghan, Chloe, Bonnie, and Rachel. Brett travelled with the students each week to Orange, offering guidance and encouragement throughout the course. His support has been a key factor in the students’ successful experience—thank you, Brett, for your outstanding commitment! We congratulate Meaghan, Chloe, Bonnie, and Rachel on completing their TAFE Tasters journey and look forward to seeing where their ambitions take them next. Programs like this truly make a difference in shaping confident and capable future professionals.

Ken Barwick OAM | Principal

Year 11 Food Technology Students Impress with Fresh Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls

Chris Hickey’s Year 11 Food Technology class continues to excel as they develop their culinary skills with a focus on fresh and flavourful Vietnamese rice paper rolls. The students crafted these delicious snacks using marinated cooked chicken and a vibrant mix of finely cut fresh ingredients, including capsicum, carrot, vermicelli noodles, fresh bean sprouts, and fragrant garden mint. Not only did the students master the technique of rolling delicate rice paper, but they also showcased their creativity and meticulous attention to detail through a variety of presentation styles. This friendly competition within the class highlights their growing confidence and passion for food preparation and presentation. The exceptional quality and presentation of these rice paper rolls are a testament to the students' dedication and skill development in Mrs Hickey’s Food Technology class. Their enthusiasm promises exciting culinary achievements ahead!

Ken Barwick OAM | Principal

Bathurst High Campus Stage 5 Work Experience Program: Celebrating Student Success and Growth

Our Stage 5 Work Experience Program at Bathurst High Campus continues to provide fantastic opportunities for our students to explore diverse career paths and develop essential workplace skills.
This week, several students have made great strides in their placements, demonstrating enthusiasm and professionalism:
• Will Hatton is engaging in a five-week placement at Westpoint IGA, gaining valuable hands-on experience in retail operations.
• Kael Delbridge is also completing a five-week placement at Glenray Laundry, where he has received excellent feedback from staff, highlighting his strong work ethic and reliability.
Poppy Radstone recently completed a week at the Hospital Café, where she contributed positively to the team in a fast-paced environment.
• Katherine Mena and Emmenuella Addo have both been involved with St Catherine’s Nursing Home, showing great enthusiasm and compassion in the healthcare field.
• Brianna Smoother wrapped up a week working in the kitchen at Panthers Bathurst, gaining valuable experience in hospitality.
Congratulations to all students and staff involved in continuing to make the Stage 5 Work Experience Program a rewarding success! Your dedication and commitment help open doors to future career opportunities.

Ken Barwick OAM | Principal

Year 10 Food Technology Students Shine in New Food Service and Catering Unit

Mrs Chris Hickey’s Year 10 Food Technology class has enthusiastically kicked off their exciting new unit: Food Service and Catering. The students demonstrated impressive culinary skills by creating delicious Mini Croissants, showcasing both sweet and savoury varieties. The sweet croissants were filled with rich chocolate and beautifully finished with a dusting of icing sugar, distinguishing them from the savoury counterparts. The savoury croissants featured a delightful combination of ham, tasty French Dijon mustard, and cheese, highlighting the students' flair for flavour pairing. This practical task not only allowed students to develop their pastry-making techniques but also served as an introduction to food presentation and differentiation, key skills for café service. As part of the unit, students will soon complete a Café task, applying what they've learned in a real-world context by preparing and serving food items like these impressive croissants. Mrs Hickey commended the class for their enthusiasm and skill, looking forward to seeing their continued growth in the Food Service and Catering unit.
Ken Barwick OAM | Principal

Spotlight on Sporting Excellence: Xavier Mason Hits the Strikes at National Level!

Bathurst High Campus is delighted to celebrate another incredible star in our midst. Xavier Mason, a talented Year 8 student, is making waves in the world of Ten Pin Bowling, having just been selected to represent New South Wales at the Australia National Championships this August on the Sunshine Coast. Ten Pin Bowling is far more challenging than most people realise. It demands precision, concentration, and strategy, as well as ongoing physical and mental discipline. Every pin, every frame, and every strike requires skillful technique and steady nerves. Success isn’t just about throwing the ball down the lane—it’s about reading the oil patterns, adjusting angles, and continually honing your approach under competitive pressure. Mastery of the sport takes years of dedication and countless hours of practice. Xavier stands out not only for his impressive bowling achievements, but also for his commitment in balancing the demands of training with his academic responsibilities. His determination and enthusiasm are a true inspiration to his fellow students and our school community. As Xavier prepares to compete against the nation’s best, all staff and students at Bathurst High Campus proudly stand behind him. We wish him every success as he takes on this exciting challenge, and look forward to seeing what he achieves next!

Ken Barwick OAM | Principal

Savannah Auvaa's Remarkable Silver at Oceania Athletics Championships

We are bursting with pride to share the outstanding achievement of our very own Year 8 athletics sensation, Savannah Auvaa, who has just returned from the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin with a shining silver medal in the Under 16 shot put event. Leading up to the Championships, Savannah was already making headlines after her stellar performances at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships. Her selection to represent Bathurst High and NSW on this international stage was a testament to her exceptional talent, strength, and determination. Competing against some of the region's strongest young athletes, Savannah faced extraordinary challenges. Battling a severe case of influenza and feeling worse on competition day, she showed incredible resilience and courage by stepping onto the field despite intense symptoms. Without access to medication due to competition restrictions, Savannah's grit shone through, especially considering she was competing against older athletes in a tougher two-year age group bracket. Her silver medal performance is not just a victory in sport but a remarkable demonstration of perseverance and commitment. After her event, Savannah headed straight back to the motel to rest, underscoring the physical toll she endured. This competition marked her first international event, making her success even more inspiring.
On behalf of everyone at Bathurst High and our wider community, we extend our congratulations to Savannah Auvaa. Your determination, resilience, and talent continue to inspire us all. We eagerly look forward to following your future successes on the athletics field and beyond! Well done, Savannah—Bathurst High is incredibly proud of you!

Ken Barwick OAM | Principal

⏰ IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER!

2026 Denison College Career & Employment Expo
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12, along with their families, are reminded that registrations are still open for the Denison College Career and Employment Expo:
📍 Bathurst Panthers
🗓 Monday 15 June 2026
⏰ 6:00pm-7:30pm
This event offers a valuable opportunity to explore post-school pathways, gain practical advice, and connect with a wide range of industry representatives.
👉 Registrations are still open — don’t miss out.
Please register your attendance via the link below.
https://forms.gle/Sn6SR3yAv3Dn7zBK7

Craig Luccarda | Principal Denison College

Celebrating Our Canteen Ladies – Mandy Irwin and Darlene Macri, and All Our Wonderful Volunteers!
As we gear up for Celebrate Canteen Week 2026, taking place from Monday 25th to Friday 29th May 2026, it’s the perfect time to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible people behind our school canteen at Bathurst High Campus. Every day, Mandy Irwin, and Darlene Macri feed around 1,000 students with warmth, care, and dedication, ensuring that our students receive nutritious and delicious meals. These amazing ladies are the heart and soul of our canteen, quietly supporting our school community and contributing significantly to student wellbeing and school culture. Celebrate Canteen Week was launched by the Australian School Canteen Association (ASCA) twelve years ago to thank canteen managers, staff, and volunteers nationwide who keep school canteens running seamlessly. It’s a week to appreciate their tireless work and acknowledge the vital role they play in nourishing both body and spirit. At Bathurst High Campus, we also want to celebrate our wonderful team of volunteers who support Mandy and Darlene daily. Together, they create a welcoming and friendly space for our students and offer support that goes well beyond meals. During the week, we will be presenting Certificates of Appreciation to Mandy, Darlene, and our volunteers. A huge thank you to Mandy Irwin, Darlene Macri, and all canteen volunteers for their incredible contribution to our school community. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed – you truly are the unsung heroes of Bathurst High Campus! Let’s all join together this week to celebrate, recognise, and say thank you to the amazing canteen team that nourishes our minds and bodies every single day. Happy Celebrate Canteen Week 2026!

Ken Barwick OAM | Principal

🌟 iXplore Transition Program: Discovering Bathurst High Campus

This week, we were excited to welcome our first group of Year 6 students to Bathurst High Campus as part of the iXplore Transition Program.
Students spent the day exploring our campus, meeting teachers and student leaders, and gaining their first insight into high school life. It was fantastic to see so many students approach new experiences with curiosity, confidence and enthusiasm as they began building familiarity with their future school environment.
The iXplore program is designed to support a positive transition to high school, and this first visit was a wonderful start to the journey ahead.
A sincere thank you to our dedicated campus staff for creating such a welcoming and supportive experience for our future Year 7 students.
Mr Thurgood and Mrs Setright | Year 7 2027 Year Advisors

Bathurst High Campus Student Cafe: A Growing Success Story

This week, the Year 11 Cookery class at Bathurst High Campus rose to the occasion, showcasing their culinary skills under the expert guidance of their long-term Hospitality teacher, Mrs Leanne Batchelor. The students were put to the test as they prepared delectable Croque Madame, Croque Monsieur, and Reuben Sandwiches for staff, delivering a truly mouth-watering experience. Mrs Batchelor’s ability to engage and inspire her students is a key ingredient in their success. Her hands-on approach not only develops their cooking skills but also prepares them for employment beyond school, instiling professionalism, confidence, and work-ready attitudes that will serve them well in the hospitality industry. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Year 11 Cookery class for their hard work and impressive results. A big thank you also goes to Mrs Batchelor, whose dedication and expertise continue to inspire and challenge our students, helping them excel in the kitchen. Adding to the excitement, our very own famous General Assistant, Rocky, generously gave up a Rocky BBQ sandwich to queue up and purchase from the student cafe, showing his support and belief in the team's efforts. Great work across the board! Keep up the fantastic effort, Bathurst High Campus student cafe is certainly a place to watch.

Ken Barwick OAM | Principal