Bulahdelah Central School

1 

BULAHDELAH CENTRAL SCHOOL 

Est. 1868 

Strive to Achieve 

20/02/12 

Issue 2 

A PRIDE School 

(Participation, Respect, Innovation, Determination, Excellence) 

Delivering Quality Education 

Teaching for today, educating for tomorrow 

SECONDARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL 

(See report on page 6) 

Getting ready – up goes the shelter 

Instruction time 

All in continuous swim 

Supporters posing for the camera 

Serious stuff 

Fun times 

with the Dancing 

Newtons 

Our mission is to strive to achieve in all endeavours in a happy, caring and supportive environment.

2 

OUR PRINCIPAL’S REFLECTIONS: 

A Big Thankyou 

I would like to thank the community for their support and understanding whilst our Deputy Principal, Roger 

Horton has been on leave caring for his late wife Jeannette McCluskey. Roger will remain on leave for a 

short while longer and I know he has also appreciated the offers of support and support during this sad and 

difficult time for him and his family. 

Priority Schools Program Survey 

The week of 5-9 March 2012 is survey week for identifying Priority Schools for the next funding period. 

The Priority Schools Program provides additional funding, staffing and consultancy services to identified 

schools. The schools identified for priority schools programs are known as Priority Schools. These Schools 

are those which serve communities with the highest concentrations of low socio-economic status families 

and receive additional resources for literacy, numeracy and participation programs for students. 

Bulahdelah Central School has participated in the survey on previous occasions but has been unsuccessful 

in gaining any additional funding and/or support. We believe it is appropriate that we again participate in the 

survey as we do have a number of families that fall into the category of low socio-economic status and any 

additional support the school can gain will make a big difference to all our community. 

A new list of Priority Schools is identified every four years by a voluntary survey of families. The next 

funding survey of families will occur in March and we will be sending out the survey forms to parents/ 

caregivers and need every family to return these forms if we are to be successful in getting the additional 

funding that is available. 

The information provided on the survey form is confidential and the survey form is returned in a sealed 

envelope. No-one at the school can read the response of any family. No-one who opens the envelope at 

the scanning company knows which family it came from. 

The survey form itself is short and only takes up one side of a single piece of paper. Only essential 

questions are asked and it is easy to complete. 

What does the survey ask about? 

The survey measures: 

type of occupation of parents/caregivers 

educational qualifications of parents/caregivers 

proportion of sole parent families in the school community 

unemployment in families 

proportion of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander families in the school community 

Why use a survey? 

Up-to-date information 

Direct information from school families only 

Confidential and accurate 

Strong data – over 90% response rate 

A number of variables which cross-check with each other 

Rigorous, high level, statistical analysis gives a highly accurate result 

Final Words… 

“What teachers know, do, expect and value has a significant influence on the nature, extent and rate of student 

learning. The powerful phrase „teachers make the difference‟ captures the key role that professional educators 

play in shaping the lives and futures of their students.” 

(National Statement from the Teaching Profession on Teacher Standards, Quality and Professionalism, May 2003) 

Don Hudson, Principal 


3 

OUR PRIMARY DEPUTY PRINCIPAL BRINGS YOU THE NEWS: 

The calm and smooth start to the year continues. The majority of our students are making the most of the 

learning opportunities offered to them. I have enjoyed visiting classrooms and witnessing students who are 

engaged, prepared for work and who are prepared to take risks with their learning in order to improve their 

achievement of learning outcomes. All students had the opportunity to visit the Life Education Van, last 

week. This event is always received favourably by the students. I would like to thank the P&C Association 

for their continued support of the program by subsidising the cost per student. 

Our garden classes have commenced and our Stage 3 students have been busy preparing the beds ready 

for planting. Hopefully this will commence this week. Our Year 3 and 4 students have already participated 

in a kitchen class, in preparation for our community volunteer meeting, to be held on Thursday. (See 

notice in this edition of the newsletter.) 

Another exciting project which commenced today is the Active After School Communities Program. 

Eighteen primary aged students have enrolled to participate in this healthy fitness program. They will enjoy 

a healthy afternoon tea of fruit before participating in a variety of sporting activities, each Monday and 

Thursday afternoon between 3:30 and 4:30pm. Miss McKenzie is coordinating the program. There are still 

some spaces available, so if you would like your child to be a part of this program, please contact the 

school. 

We had a very successful swimming carnival on Friday 10 th February. It was great to see so many 

students participating in all of the events. Congratulations to all competitors, on the day. Special 

congratulations to our age champions and to the winning house, Melba. I would like to thank Mr. 

Backhouse for his organisation of the day. He always does a very thorough job. Thanks also to the many 

parents who assisted on the day. Extra-curricular events, such as carnivals, would not be possible without 

parental support. Thank you!!!! 

There have been a couple of cases of Impertigo in the school. Please read the information sheet in this 

newsletter and act accordingly if your student shows signs of having what is commoningly referred to as 

“school sores”. 

Some dates for your diary: 23rd Feb Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden volunteer meeting @ 1:30pm, 

27 th Feb ASSEMBLY 9:10am to 9:45am. ALL WELCOME!! 

- Sally Thompson, Primary Deputy Principal. 

WHOLE SCHOOL INFORMATION 

P & C ASSOCIATION INC. REPORT 

The first meeting for 2012 was held on 13 th February and the president welcomed several new members. 

Items discussed included the M/C Class, staffing, Trade Training Centre (come along to the next meeting 

for a walk through), Annual School Report, Stephanie Alexander Garden, Active after School Community 

Program as well as the usual general business. The next meeting is the Annual General Meeting, set 

down for 3:30pm Monday 12 th March in the BCS common room. The following month the meeting will be 

held on Monday 2 nd April at Tea Gardens Library at 4:30pm. 


4 

INFORMATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT 

ALL AGES: Update your details: Have you moved, got a new email address or changed phone numbers? 

Please inform your school administration office of any changes in your living situation so we can contact 

you if the need arises. (Remember, we need the family email address to be able to contact you. Just 

ensure that the staff enter the address under “family” on the enrolment details.) 

Beat the heat: Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Remind your child to protect 

themselves from sun and heat exposure while at school by: 

reducing their exposure to the sun, wherever possible; 

wearing broad-brimmed hats in the playground to protect the face, neck and ears; 

playing in shaded areas, particularly during peak times of UV levels; 

drinking plenty of water and 

using 30+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. 

Reduce, reuse, recycle: Australians throw away 3.3 million tonnes of food every year – up to a quarter of 

the country's food supplies - mainly because we purchase too much. Consider planning your meals and 

only buy what you need. Reduce packaging in your child’s lunchbox and use re-usable containers rather 

than plastic wrap where possible 

Accident insurance: To insure your child against any medical costs of accidents arising at school you are 

strongly advised to take out private health insurance or check if your school is covered for school accident 

insurance available via your school’s P&C Association. Parents are reminded that the department does not 

provide accident or medical insurance for students enrolled in government schools. The only cover 

provided by the state government is through the Supplementary Sporting Injuries Benefits Scheme, which 

covers all students permanently injured or killed while participating in authorised school sporting or athletic 

activities. The scheme does not cover dental injuries, reimbursement of medical expenses, legal expenses 

or costs. For more information go to http://www.sportinginjuries.nsw.gov.au/ or call 02 4321 5392 

PRIMARY SCHOOL: Selective high schools placement test – 15 March: The selective high schools test 

is held annually for Year 6 students wishing to enter a selective government high school. For key dates, 

online applications and more information for parents, see www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learning/k- 

6assessments/shsplacement/index.php 

Summer water safety: Being in, on or around the water is an enjoyable part of living in Australia. However, 

drowning is one of the leading causes of preventable death and permanent brain injury in children under 

five years of age, with more than 50 children between one and 15 drowning every year. Drowning is tragic 

and preventable. If your children are not water confident or are not able to swim, consider enrolling in 

certified swimming classes held throughout the year in public pools around the state. Sport and Recreation 

offers Swim and Survive courses in the summer months. http://www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/swimandsurvive/ 

Royal Lifesaving Society Australia offers valuable courses in resuscitation and rescue as well as fact 

sheets on water and pool safety, and translated resources. If you live near the coast, contact your local Surf 

Lifesaving club for healthy and fun water activities such as Nippers: www.sls.com.au/ 

SECONDARY SCHOOL: Time to get fit: It’s summer, so encourage your teen to get outdoors and get 

moving. The five top ways to maintain a healthy body mass index and reduce the chance of lifestyle 

induced health problems are to: 

1. get active every day; 

2. choose water as a drink; 

3. eat more fruit and vegetables; 

4. switch off the screen and get active and 

5. eat fewer snacks and select healthier alternatives 

Better still, set a good example yourself. For more tips and ways to improve your family’s health and fitness 

go to: www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/kids-teens.aspx 


5 

The A to Z of high school: Support your teen through the high school years with School A to Z. This 

online resource for parents contains study tips and homework help, information on dealing with exam 

stress, practical advice on health, wellbeing and cybersafety, plus lots more. Watch videos, read articles 

and listen to podcasts. www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au. Also check out subjects your child will be studying and 

the skills they’ll be developing at: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learning/index.php 

- Department of Education and Communities 

Message from the Premier 

“With the Reading Challenge now in its tenth year, I am delighted to see participation of students and 

schools continue to grow. In 2011, more than 169,000 students have signed on to accept the Challenge. 

Students are able to choose from an extensive and exciting list of books that offer all kinds of fiction and 

non-fiction reading adventures. In making your choices, I urge all of you to read as widely as possible. 

Explore the different categories and discover new treasures to enrich your reading experience. For those 

students who have not signed on, it is not too late. I encourage new participants to join the Challenge by 

visiting the registration page on the Premier's Reading Challenge website. Through books you will acquire 

knowledge, develop your imagination and improve your mind. Accept the Challenge and enjoy the 

adventure.” 

- Barry O'Farrell MP, Premier 

The Challenge runs from 1 st February to 1 st September 2012. Students who wish to participate need to 

obtain a permission note which, along with the rules and conditions for this Challenge, is available from the 

school library from PRC Coordinators Ms Kathryn Gresham or Mrs S Robards. 

CANTEEN – we are a HEALTHY canteen – GREEN for GO 

The BCS Canteen staff Sheryl Barry (Canteen Manager) and Christina Watt continue to provide a 

healthy and varied selection of foods for our students and staff. They prepare healthy one-off specials 

each week. These specials are publicised each fortnight in the school newsletter, on the school web site 

and the daily notices. Students and staff are invited to order from this list in addition to the Menu/Price List. 

Specials this fortnight are: 

DATE RECESS COST LUNCH COST 

20 Feb Goujons $ 3:00 Fish Burgers $ 3:00 

21 Feb Ham & Cheese Muffins $ 2:50 Vol au Vonts $ 3:00 

22 Feb Spring Rolls S/S sauce $ 3:00 Quiche & Salad $ 5:00 

23 Feb Banana cake $ 1:50 Seafood Basket $ 6:00 

24 Feb Chicken Wedges $ 3:00 Beef Strog. & Rice $ 3:00 

27 Feb Wedges S/C & S/C Sauce $ 3:00 Roast Beef & Gravy Roll $ 3:00 

28 Feb Nachos $ 3:00 Mini Pizzas $ 3:00 

29 Feb Chicken Wings $ 3:00 Calamari Salad $ 5:50 

01 Mar Savoury Dish $ 2:00 Chicken Caesar $ 5:00 

02 Mar Mini Chicken Wraps $ 2:50 Fish & Chips $ 5:00 

WORDS OF WISDOM 

“Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive: easy to govern, but impossible to enslave”. 

Peter Brougham 


6 

SPORTING HOUSE INFORMATION 

BCS has four sporting Houses: BRADMAN (Named after cricketer Sir Donald Bradman. House Colours Yellow 

and Black); KENNY (Named after Sister Elizabeth Kenny. House Colours Red and White); MELBA (Named after 

Dame Nellie Melba. House Colours Blue and White); WENTWORTH (Named after Sir William Charles Wentworth. 

Colours Green and Yellow). Leaders for 2012 are as follows: 

SECONDARY: 

BRADMAN: Captains Sam Rinortner, Tyson Mitchell; Vice Captains Kayla Tennyson, Tom Dee; 

Patron Brooke McKenzie 

KENNY: Captains Soffie Dorney, Mitch Johnson; Vice Captains: Liz Martin, David Dodd 

Patron Yvonne Mason 

MELBA: Captains Stacey Crampton, Keerin Fennell; Vice Captains Megan Chalker, Mitch Blanch 

Patron: Mike De Angeles 

WENTWORTH: Captains Jess Shultz, Mick Shultz; Vice Captains Katrina Mason, Eric Kemi 

Patron Georgina Cunich 

PRIMARY: 

BRADMAN: Captains 

Savannah Williams; Josh Dallas 

Vice Captains 

Elke Studdert; Josh Brown 

Patrons 

Stan Backhouse; Sally Thompson 

KENNY: Captains Cherise White; Fletcher Barclay 

Vice Captains: 

Chloe Pringle; Dean Buck 

Patrons 

Kathy Ottignon; Mellissa Murphy/Jodie Mostyn 

MELBA: Captains Kensley Nassif; Thomas Morgan 

Vice Captains 

Isabella Francis; Zac Fletcher 

Patrons 

Warren Gibbs; Carol Wills 

WENTWORTH: Captains 

Jessica Lyall; Matthew Barry 

Vice Captains 

Mary Bramston; Luke Taylor 

Patrons 

Tracy Fenning; Sonia McDonald 

SECONDARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL 9 th FEBRUARY 

After raining for the entire week prior to the day, the sun came out and the weather was perfect. 

Things heated up in the afternoon with letters and emblems appearing on the students’ skin where zinc 

cream had been applied. The pool deck was a mass of colours and balloons to mark the territory of each 

house and many supporters were showing their true colours. Year 12 erected a shelter, played music and 

generally got into the mood. The canteen workers, volunteers and the SRC provided delicious snacks, cool 

drinks and a healthy lunch. Thanks to all those who helped. 

First mention should go to Helga the Blue Viking, who in true Dame Melba tradition made a late 

and very colourful return to the pool. Not to be outdone were the Red Nurses of Kenny armed with special 

medicine – red cordial, red frogs and Redskins, to bribe, I mean encourage, the Kennites to enter events 

and swim fast...because we all know that “the red ones go faster”. Last, but no means least, were the 

Dancing Newtons dressed in the gold and green to represent Wentworth. Err Bradman....yellow and 

black, not very inspiring colours. 

Not to be outdone by the teachers, our students made a massive effort to dress for the day. Our 

Melba Smurfs, Wentworth Shreks, the Kenny Red Devil and the supermen of Bradman all made a 

massive effort in their costuming for the day. Stacey Crampton at one stage was so stressed out that the 

Announcer, Ms. Chapman, called for some “chill-pills”. Stacey replied. “No miss, it‟s all in my head - we 

have to win!‟ 

The competition started with the all in “continuous swim”, then we moved onto the more serious 

swimming events and at lunch it was time to get down to the real business of the day...the Great Belly 

Flop competition of 2012. The judges took this very seriously, awarding points for most pain, loudest 

cheering, biggest splash and best style criteria. Dean Evans and Jaimii Carrol scored well in the Its all 

about the pain criteria, with crowd favourites being Big Dog and Helga the Blue Viking drawing the most 

applause. One competitor had to be disqualified due to a technicality... a bomb is not a belly flop....better 

luck next year, Mr. Holt. The biggest splash went to 2011 winners Ray and Jamii who turned out to be the 

overall winners for the second year in a row. In the pool our best swimmers took on their class mates in a 

wide variety of events. Our seasoned swimmers had been training hard and at the end of the day this was 

evident in the final results. 


7 

Age Champions were: 

12 Jack Banks, Marley Mezi Cooper Bramston, Tegan Barr 

13 Ben Johnson, Tara Price Kayden Malone,Dylan Tooze , Bonnie Hay 

14 Mitchell Petrak-Swann, Hannah Rietveld Kyle Shultz,Tiffany Rinortner 

15 Karl Price, Ellie Gooch Adam Crampton, Kelsey Post 

16 Kimberley Hughes Alesha Evans 

17 Alex Barry, Brittany Dorney Mitch Johnson,Katrina Mason 

But it wasn’t just the champions who made such an effort. One of the youngest competitors was Year 

7 student Mathew Collins who tried hard all day. Thanks to Margaret King for her efforts as well. 

Overall Points: 573 Kenny, 582 Wentworth, 641 Melba, 643 Bradman 

Thanks to everyone who made this day so successful by dressing in house colours, cheering on their 

mates and swimming. And also to the teachers who manned stop-watches and recording tables, the 

announcers, the marshalls, the starters, the judges. 

Well done everyone. All in all - it was good fun, good times and a GREAT day! 

-Sue Cross, Organiser. 

Zone carnival is on Tuesday 21 st February (tomorrow) at Taree and all those swimmers who 

qualified have been notified. 

PRIMARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL 10 TH FEBRUARY 

Regardless of all the rain recently, the Primary Department managed to get through the whole program for 

the 2012 annual swimming carnival on Friday, 10 th February. The students are to be congratulated on both 

their participation and behaviour on the day. Thanks to the parents who became involved in the day’s 

activities. Your assistance is always appreciated. Special thanks to Ian Russell, Renee Richards and 

Maddison for setting up the pool before the students arrived. Results of the carnival are following. 

House Placings: Melba first; Wentworth second; Bradman third; Kenny fourth. 

Age Champions: 

8 Years Boy: Billy Watt 

8 Years Girl: Amber Cunningham 

9 Years Boy: Bailey Middleton; Blake Richardson (Equal first) 

9 Years Girl: Maddison Richards 

10 Years Boy: Brodan Nassif 

10 Years Girl: Jordyn Watt 

11 Years Boy: Brock Buchanan 

11 Years Girl: Brooke Towers 

12 Years Boy: Brandon Watt 

12 Years Girl: Jessica Lyall 

- Stan Backhouse, Organiser. 

SRC SCRIBBLINGS 

Although the Student Representative Council is quiet at the moment (they are planning their next 

adventure) they did provide a BBQ lunch at the secondary swimming carnival. It was quite a success as the 

smell of the BBQ cooking enticed students (and staff) to buy and $ 216 was raised. Thanks to all who 

assisted. 

- Cathryn Guthrie, SRC Coordinator. 

- 


8 

PRIMARY POINTS 

KITCHEN GARDEN COMMUNITY MEETING 

Stephanie Alexander, well-known chef 

and food writer, wants young children to 

learn how to grow and eat good food every day of their lives. 

This has been happening since 2001, at schools across Australia, 

and now we are bringing the Kitchen Garden program to 

Bulahdelah Central School. 

We invite you to come along and hear about this exciting program 

and how you can help us to inspire your children. 

We need your help 

We want the local community to share in the development of this project, through time & goods & 

trades to help improve the kitchen and build the garden to the long term support of the program. 

.Date: Thursday 23 February 2012 

Time: 1:30pm 

Location: Staff Common Room, Bulahdelah Central School 

For more information about this meeting, please phone Sally Thompson, 

Deputy Principal of Bulahdelah Central School, on 4997 4329. 

For more information about the Kitchen Garden Program, visit the website 

www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au. 


9 

SECONDARY SOURCES 

BIOLOGY EXCURSION 

On Thursday 16 February 2012 students enrolled in the Year 11 Biology course had the opportunity 

to participate in a field study at Seal Rocks with staff members Shane Nunan and Pam Brewer. The 

syllabus requires students to undertake a field study of terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems. Although school 

uniform was not required, students were asked to wear covered shoes, appropriate clothing, hat and 

sunglasses and bring sunscreen and water. Lunch was provided. 

DRAMA CAMP 2012 - COUNTRY KIDS ACT UP! 

This year saw 13 excited drama students from Bulahdelah 

plus 15 eager Dungog drama students combine as one group 

for performances, workshops and accommodation at 

Sydney’s Waldorf Hotel. The trip began with Miss Scott, 

navigated by Jarred Chapman, getting very lost on George 

Street. (“No Miss, the Rocks are not on the way to 

Parramatta.”) First performance was Pygmalian at the 

Sydney Theatre where Wendy Hughes and Kym Gyngell 

delighted us. Workshops included monologues with Belvoir 

Theatre where Damian shone, group devising at ATYP where 

Jess, Emma, Tysen, Keerin played extreme computer geeks 

and scriptwriting. NIDA’s workshop on physical theatre was 

fantastic, run by “Pommy Craig” and students learned dance 

routines, body rolls, leaps and use of gesture. Students 

toured Belvoir Theatre where they got to see a “bump in” and 

talk to a stage manager. During NIDA’s tour, students found 

out the qualifications needed to attend NIDA and checked out 

costumes, props, set construction rooms. The highlight of the 

trip was the unbelievable production of La Soiree, a freak 

circus show with a contortionist, acrobats and talented 

singers. Students enjoyed a Monologue Show at ATYP and 

witnessed a technologically amazing dance-inspired 

production of The Slap, called Never Did Me Any Harm. 

Visual features and movement were brilliant. OnStage scripts 

enacted by hilarious local actors, and thought provoking short 

films showed us what HSC students are capable of. OnStage 

performances about love, newspapers, abuse, the internet, 

promotion, explorers, South Africa made us laugh and cry. 

OnStage Camp was a blitzkrieg of performances, tours and workshops. Students were run off their feet, 

making their own meals, dressing up in theatre clothes and creating their own performances. Tutors 

commented on how nice our students were, “the best class in two years!” and yet again, it was a pleasure 

to take Bulahdelah kids to the city. It was great to see Dungog and Bulahdelah forging strong dramatic 

bonds and many future plans were made….”We love Sydney”. 

- Vanessa Shultz, Organising Teacher 


HOUSEKEEPING INFORMATION 

10 

AMENDMENT TO OFFICE HOURS: Your school’s administration office is now open from 7:45am to 

3:30pm each day of the term. The exception for term 1 is THURSDAY 15 TH MARCH when the office will 

close at 3:00pm. Please mark this information on your home calendar. 

MOBILE PHONE NUMBERS: The office staff have become aware that many of the mobile phone numbers they 

have on record are not correct. If you have changed your number or just wish to verify that the school has the correct 

number please inform the school by ringing 49974329 during office hours. (Please advise any change in your contact 

details.) 

SCHOOL PHOTOS: set down for Monday 19 th and Tuesday 20 th March – more details next newsletter 

NEXT NEWSLETTER Monday 5 th March – Issue 3: BCS distributes the Tall Timbers newsletter by 

FAMILY EMAIL. Please ensure that your family email is entered correctly on our records. Newsletter 

distribution dates for term 1 are 5 th & 19 th March and 2 nd April. Please mark these dates on your home 

calendar. 

UNIFORM PURCHASES: As detailed in the first newsletter of the year, some uniform items are available 

from the school administration office. In addition, skirts and shorts can also be purchased from In Vogue in 

Stroud Street Bulahdelah. Sizes range from 2 to 18. Skirts $25. Shorts $37. Long trousers will also be sold 

there from mid-term. 

FITNESS CENTRE: Deanne Allen opens the centre from 3:15pm to 6:15pm Monday and Wednesday of 

each week during school terms. The cost for community members is $2 a session and passes are available from the 

school admin. office during office hours. 

BCS BILLBOARD 

Dates are correct at time of publication. Please do not hesitate to contact the School Administration Office if 

you have any queries. 

Feb 24 Middle School Assembly Yrs 5-7 (Period 3) 

27 Primary Merit Assembly (Period 1) 

March 06 Yrs 11 & 12 Maths GATS days 

07 Yr 7 Camp Elim up to and including 9th 


12 P & C AGM followed by monthly meeting 

14 MLC Sports Day 

15 School Office closed at 3pm 

19 School photos (and 20 th ) 

22 Yrs 7 & 10 injections 

23 Stephanie Alexander Garden program Volunteers Meeting 1:30pm; 

Middle School Assembly Yrs 5-7 (Period 3) 


April 01 Daylight Saving ends 

05 Last day of term 1 

COMMUNITY CHATTER 

KARATE FOR KIDS - with the Bulahdelah Shotokan Karate Club. Kid classes every Wednesday from 

5pm – 6pm at the Old Cricket Shed, Bulahdelah Show Ground. Children aged between 4 and 12 years are 

invited to participate at a cost of $4 per child. (The first two lessons are free.) Students will be taught 

the nine basic life skills: focus, self-control, memory, fitness, teamwork, balance, discipline, 

coordination and respect. Students will also learn how not to use the skills they acquire. For more 

information please contact Cath Guthrie on 0422540592. 

TENNIS COACHING BULAHDELAH – Monday afternoon for Juniors. 3pm till late. Contact 

Darcy on 65592231/65549120 for bookings or more details. 


11 

BULAHDELAH SOCCER CLUB AGM 5 TH MARCH 6:30pm Bulahdelah Bowling Club followed by club 

meeting. 

BULAHDELAH SHOW SOCIETY INC.AGM 12TH MARCH 7:30pm Shultz Shed, Bulahdelah 

Showground. 

NEW COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY CENTRE – located at the RTC, 63 Stroud St, Bulahdelah 

is offering two FREE sessions to assist school leavers and others under 55 years of age to learn 

or improve their computer skills. Places will be limited so please contact the RTC on 49974764 to reserve 

your place on either Tuesday 20 th March (12:30pm – 2:30pm) or Thursday 22 nd March (10am – 12 

noon). These sessions are for people who have never used a computer, people who have a home 

computer and want to learn how to use it or people who have a home computer and simply need to 

improve their skills. (Over 55? Two free sessions are being offered to you during Seniors’ Week. Just 

contact the RTC to reserve your place.) 

NOTICE RE: JUNIOR TENNIS - Regretfully, due to lack of players, the Friday afternoon Junior tennis 

competition will not be played this Term. I apologise to any of you keen players who have missed out this 

time, but we’ll certainly try to run another competition later in the year. In the meantime we will hold a 

casual tennis afternoon on Friday the 16 th of March for any juniors who would like a game, and if successful 

we’ll do the same in Term 2. So if you’d like to play a few sets, come along at 3.30pm on the 16 th . 

Bulahdelah has long tradition of great Junior Tennis and we’ll look forward to establishing keen competition 

again. - Meredyth Rae, Bulahdelah Tennis Club 


12 

IMPETIGO (SCHOOL SORES) INFORMATION SHEET 

What is impetigo? 

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection usually caused by either Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. 

It is most commonly found in children although it may also occur in adults. Impetigo may affect skin 

anywhere on the body but commonly occurs in the area around the nose and mouth. It first appears as a 

small itchy, inflamed area of skin which blisters. The blisters rupture, release a yellow fluid and develop 

honey-coloured crusts and form scabs. New blisters develop in the same area or in different parts of the 

body and may ooze fluid which is highly contagious. Impetigo is easily diagnosed by the doctor. 

Occasionally a skin swab may be taken to identify the bacteria responsible for the infection. 

How is impetigo spread? 

Impetigo is extremely contagious. It can be spread from one person to another through touch or shared 

items such as clothes and towels. However, a person can also spread it to another part of their own body 

through scratching or picking at the blisters and scabs. 

Who is most at risk of developing impetigo? 

Children are most at risk of developing impetigo. Children and adolescents may be more likely to develop 

impetigo if the skin has already been irritated or injured by other skin problems such as eczema, insect 

bites, skin allergy or recent cuts or abrasions. 

How long does it take until symptoms start? 

The incubation period will vary depending on the particular bacteria. It is usually 1–3 days for streptococcal 

and 4–10 days for staphylococcal infections. 

How is impetigo treated? 

Impetigo is most often treated with antibiotics, either orally or with bactericidal ointment. It is 

important to follow the recommended treatment and complete the course of antibiotics. 

Treatment involves washing the sores and crusts every 12 hours or as directed with the prescribed 

soap or lotion. After each wash pat dry. 

Healing should begin within 3 days and the infection eliminated in 7–10 days. 

If the sores spread and get worse despite treatment or the child becomes unwell with fever, see 

your doctor. 

Cover the sores with an airtight dressing if the child is returning to school in order to reduce the risk 

of spreading the infection. 

The child’s clothes, towels and bedclothes should be changed at least once a day. 

Always remember to wash your hands after touching scabs or sores or handling infected clothing. 

 

How long does impetigo remain infectious? 

If untreated, oozing sores remain infectious for as long as they persist. 

When can children return to school or child care? 

Children can return to school or child care after treatment has started and the sores are completely covered 

with a watertight dressing. 

How can impetigo be prevented? 

Encourage children to wash their hands regularly and always use their own towel and facecloth. 

Cut your child’s nails short and encourage them not to scratch scabs or pick their nose. 

Keep injured areas of skin clean and covered to minimise the chance of any bacterial infection, 

including impetigo. 

Always wash your hands after touching sores or scabs and use gloves if possible when treating 

infected children. 

Keep children with impetigo away from other children for the period of exclusion. This is until 

antibiotic treatment has commenced and the sores are covered with a watertight dressing.

Bulahdelah Central School

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