AEdition 1 | December 2024 www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au
Welcome to BCMP
S the principal of Principal at Chifley College Bidwill Campus since 2022 our core values have been of inclusion and connection - to make every student and their parents feel welcome at our school and understand their integral role in the success of our school and our community. And so, it is with inclusion and sharing as our driving values that we proudly introduce to the community of Bidwall and wider Blacktown region our first edition of the Bidwall Community Media project (BCMP).
BCMP has evolved from a belief. The belief that our school, and more importantly that our students have important stories of success to share, and that we have the students with the talent and passion to create them.
Stories in this edition give an insight to the rich diversity of student life at Chifley College Bidwill Campus. As a reader you’ll see examples of community collaboration, academic success, cultural celebration and more.
Each edition of the BCMP is published within the print and digital edition of Blacktown’s leading local media channel – The Blacktown News, our media partner. There is also a dedicated web page created at www.greaterblacktownnews.com. au where all editions are archived and can be shared.
BCMP is produced quarterly and in 2025 you can expect to see many fine examples of student journalism as we extend our engagement across business, sport, politics, with a focus on the expe-
riences and culture of the Mount Druitt Community.
We look forward to working with local businesses, community groups and the other schools in Mount Druitt to highlight the exceptional qualities of this community and the opportunities for success that it brings. We invite all our families and community to engage with us to provide feedback and perhaps suggestions for stories that our student editorial committee can consider.
Simply email us at bidwill@ accessnews.com.au
Nathaniel Doidge Principal at Chifley College Bidwill Campus
OUR TIME TOGETHER HAS BEEN IRREPLACEABLE
THE CLASS OF 2024
n PRESTON MCDEED
ON Wednesday, January 31st, 2019, 91 students entered Year 7, and here today on September 25th, 2024, only 55 walked out of this hall graduating. Going from girls to women, boys to men. Well, some of us are still boys... The 1415 days that we spent over these six years at the same place at the
same time has finally reached an end. But though we may not see each other as often anymore or maybe ever again after today, the genuine memories and tomfoolery that we got up to is irreplaceable.
Whether that be Kevin ripping his pants doing a push up in Yr 10 Science, Kuulani, Matrix and co’s tomfoolery in business studies, the unethical business ideas in Biology, Nelson’s Wrestle Mania rip o in the library, Irfan, Judy,
Blake and the Physics kids trying to calculate the propulsion force of how to leave Yr 12 Physics, Jonathan and the Math Advanced kids trying to read why X is equal to multi-dimensional force of Maccas monopoly, Work Studies kids studying anything but work, Modern History's conspiracy theories, Society and Cultures constant need for a free feed...it’s all priceless.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to do
a lot of the things that would’ve been promised to us, because of things like covid and other unprecedented events. But somehow, we still managed to make the most out of it and create our own fun. One of the best memories for me personally was the first ever year wide excursion we had in Year 10 with the HSIE faculty. Shoutout to you guys,
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big preesh. For the first time we went out together as a year group, to none other than Pondai’s big brother, Bondi. Playing volleyball, footy and genuinely seeing everyone smiling and stu ng their faces with fish and chips was a sight to behold. Or even our own side quests we made spontaneously. The beach days, the hangouts, the volleyball era, the basketball era, the parties.
But before you leave today, I want you to take a moment to look back on everything, whether you’re graduating today, in the future or you already have. The memories and genuine connection you built in high school might be ones you never get again, you spend 6 years together, at the same place, at the same time, unless you're truanting Ms Singh’s class.
You see the same faces, places and all together you see the small bubble we
live in. As beautiful and as comfortable as it may be now, the world beyond here is so big, you could, and will, spend a lifetime exploring it. Leave this hall without a single tear, or just tears of joy, and be happy… be happy you came to Bidwill, be happy you woke up each morning, be happy your period 5 class got canceled. And most importantly, be happy we made it.
(P.S please keep in contact with me after school, because I know some of you are becoming tax agents and stu , I’m gonna need a discount.)
And to the unsung heroes of our lives, parents and teachers, from the start we wished you luck teaching us and helping us grow. But now I’m forced to wish you more luck when you drive home today, especially when people like Jayda and Irfan have their P plates. At this point they’re handing licenses out like participation awards.
But in all seriousness, words cannot describe the sheer amount of appreciation we have, whether the year group expresses it or not, deep down your work was meaningful. And no matter how much stress and frustration we left with you, consider it character development.
And let’s be real, you guys learnt quite a lot from us, whether it be GEN Z slang or sentences that would give you an aneurysm trying to decode, you’re now young again, you’re welcome. And be even more afraid, we are your future. In 20 years we may be your doctors, pyschs, accountants, real estate agents, checkout operators.
For those of you who are still here in 6 years I could be the psych at the end of the phone; many of us will go into construction so if you need your house built or repaired - who you gonna call? Just know your new house might be on an angle, and that if you need tax
agents, you’re probably going to prison for tax evasion. Safe to say, with us in charge of the future, you’re cooked.
And to our year Advisors, Mr Hunter and Mr Varoodo, previously Miss Darmanin, we thank you for your attempts to try and do what you can for us. Even though you slacked o occasionally, you did your best and towards the end, you pulled your socks up and gave it your all.
Now, to end this o with a quote by Julius Caesar, changed a little by me. We found Bidwill when it was a city of bricks. We may not have left a city of marble but we left a senior room…now one final time.
Ladies and gentlemen. Put your hands together, for your sons and daughters, students and mentors, unfortunately your future… Chifley Bidwill’s class of 2024!
This graduation speech was delivered by Leader, Preston McDeed.
Scenes from the graduation event.
FIRST TIME IN WRITING DEMOCRACY COMPETITION
Students address local issues with MPs
THIS year for the first time five students participated in the Writing Democracy competition. Students were given 90 minutes to write a letter about current issues in the community that they are passionate about.
Layla Dunn won the prize of New Democratic Leader for her letter to NSW Mt Druitt MP, Mr Edmund Atalla in which she proposed some upgrades to the football fields at Bidwill as a means of fostering community spirit in the area.
Cooper Burton won the prize of Emerging Democratic Leader for his letter to Federal Chifley MP, Ed Husic for his proposal for road upgrades in the area as a means of prioritising safety. Layla and Cooper went to NSW Parliament on November 20 to participate in a writing mentoring workshop and had an awesome time.
They were also privileged to meet Prue Carr, Minister for Education, Courtney Houssos, Minister for Finance, and Liesl Tesch, Member of the NSW legislative assembly and Paraolympic Gold Medalist, and share their views about how to improve our local area.
Both wrote outstanding letters to our local mayor, and we are very proud of their e orts! Here below are entries in the 2024 Writing Democracy competition form Chifley College Bidwill Campus students.
Layla Dunn (Year 7) – our field needs a makeover
To the Hon. Mr Edmund Atalla
My name is Layla Dunn and this year I am in Year 7 at Chifley College Bidwill Campus. Here at Bidwill we have a ‘back oval’ which is outside of the school that the students use for cross country, footy training, school sport and PE, for example. However, we are starting to notice that our lovely field could use a makeover.
A few things that I suggest we could get upgraded for the betterment of the community include:
Lighting – After school when we go out with friends and use the field with the adjacent basketball court, play equipment and laneway that leads down to Bidwill shops we don’t want to be playing in the dark. It would be great if we could get a couple of light posts so that sporting groups could actually use it for what it’s for, which is to run proper sporting competitions between local teams to attract people to the suburb and build community spirit.
Seating – If we get tired after playing footy, basketball or soccer for example, we wouldn’t want to be standing around after the exhausting games we play. Also, with tables and chairs we could use the space as an outdoor area to study for exams in the natural environment. We could have a grandstand to show o the area and attract teams to using the venue for big matches as well.
Finally, with these improvements, can you imagine if in five years’ time the ‘back oval’ becomes so popular for footy and training that the two football fields and cricket pitch that are there wasting
To the Hon Mr Ed Husic, My name is Cooper Burton and I am in Year 7 at Chifley College Bidwill. I am writing because I and the community despise the state of some of these roads in the Mt Druitt area. There are so many potholes in the road that I’m floating like a roller coaster dropping off the highest point and crashing back down.
Roads are pitch black like darkness due to road reflections not existing and the extravagance of junk and litter beside the roads are in desperate need of attention. People mis administer the roads and leave
away get used the way they should?
Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the next Jerome Luai playing for the Panthers having the knowledge that they played and trained here at Bidwill? Picture hundreds gathering, filling up the (as yet unbuilt) grandstands watching some amazing local athletes and bringing the community closer and closer together, just because of a few upgrades that you made the area that my amazing community enjoy using?
Therefore, I strongly believe that with these investments we can encourage locals to come together to have fun in an environment that looks professional and that they feel safe in, putting smiles on young peoples faces and giving them the enjoyment of doing something they love.
Who knows, maybe even more businesses will come in to open more shops at Bidwill as well if we use what is already there to create a great place to be.
Yours sincerely, Layla Dunn
them to crumble as though they don’t comprehend that it’s possible that everyone in the area needs to use that road.
The reason I’m so passionate about it is because my poppy was cruising down Forrester Road on his motorcycle until he collapsed over his bike and sadly lost his life. My family felt like they need to speak out to renovate the road because you can’t just let any more people die on them.
My family visits the site of the crash, as well as the grave, often to give love and peace towards him respectfully.
So, I write for many positive reasons on behalf of my whole community and for all of Australia, really. Some outcomes could be:
• Repairs – prevent potholes from getting wider and deeper, leading to less accidents.
• Control – drivers can stay in control of their vehicles.
• Cost – car parts such as suspension damage are very expensive.
• Care – people will see that the government care for our lives.
Yours faithfully, I eagerly await your reply,
Yours sincerely, Cooper Burton.
Homeira Safari (Year 10) – we need different languages taught
Dear Mrs Prue Carr,
I am a Homeira Safari from the high school of Chifley College Bidwill Campus. I’m in year 10 and the reason I’m writing this letter to you is about education in schools. In my opinion there should be language / learning classes in schools right through to Year 12.
I really want to learn di erent languages in schools. Honestly, I want to learn Spanish more than other languages. I can speak Persian, Turkish and English, and think that this is also very important and really good for education and for the future of students as well. There are some positives I want to share with you: First of all, that helps students to develop the critical thinking analysis and problem-solving skills. It also teaches students about other people‘s
ideas and way of thinking. In addition, it makes the school more attractive and disciplined because language learning has various goals which are determined by the individual. Overall teaching goals include self-self-development cognitive abilities and as a means of communicating with individuals from various backgrounds.
By the way, it also improves memory and brain function. Learning a language strengthens the area of the brain which is responsible for memory, speech and sensory perception. I’m sure that this idea will be great for students.
Thank you for taking your time to read my letter, I’ll be waiting for your reply.
Yours sincerely, Homeira.
Layla and Cooper.
Cooper Burton (Year 7) – too many potholes on our roads
OUR DIVERSITY ON SHOW FOR ALL TO EXPERIENCE Showcasing cultures of the world
n MIZACHRO KOKO
ON Saturday, November, 23 my school and I were invited to the Elevated Culture Festival at Federation Forest Reserve.
I am Mizachro Koko, I am 13-yearsold in year 8 with Samoan heritage and attended the Elevated Culture festival which was a big opportunity to show the diverse cultures amongst each school.
Now, this was our first ever time participating in the Elevated Culture Festival and it was a pleasant experience, just knowing that the diversity around the area is awesome, and interesting.
There were 20 schools included in the festival, the 20 were a mix of primary school and high school. It was so nice to see the little kids learning other cultural dances and to get an understanding about the dance and the reason behind it and it just shows a lot of respect.
The festival started with a smoking ceremony, which is a cleansing ritual.
Then there was a prayer to bless everyone before the festival started, the day was also going to be very hot so staying hydrated was advised by the MC’s.
The MCs were really good and entertaining. And entering the field was truly amazing, being greeted by one of the event sta and getting a program and just seeing all the stalls there. In total there were 40 stalls, and among those stalls, I think the best stalls there were the ones that sold Polynesian food.
This is because some non-Polynesians don't know what the Polynesians cultural food was and they didn't know what they had because some resources were limited, and we just wanted to give those people a opportunity to try it and just give it a chance and see what they think about our food.
The performances were on point! They were really amazing. The MCs were also doing giveaways to the little kids.
Also, the event organisers decided to give away a PS5! Which was so cool, because they didn't really want to give vouchers out or money.
Look, money would be good, but they wanted to give away something the kids would most likely use to play games, which came out of the event orgainiser’s group wallet.
There were also free haircuts, a police stall, a PATHE stall (pasifi ka achievement to higher education), and more other interesting stalls, but as an islander, it feels great seeing people showing o their culture to the world because it's important to let people know what your home land.
Images form Elevated Culture Festival at Federation Forest Reserve.
n BLAKE MEARNS
WE have had a lot of fun events happening this year and I would like to talk about some of them here.
For example, we had the BIFA (Bidwill International Football Association) World Cup in futsal which is just our version of the FIFA world cup, which the PE sta run here every year.
Two other great events from this term were the Bidwill Blokes Breakfast, which is a half day event celebrating Father’s Day and the CAPA showcase where our creative students show their artworks and do musical performances.
The BIFA World Cup is my favorite event that anyone can join in. The winners all get a trophy, and it takes place in the gym. Although my Futsal team hasn't won the tournament in my two years here, I always look forward to
FROM DADS TO CULTURE AND FOOTBALL Re ecting on a year of great events
it because it’s so much fun and exciting to compete.
The Bidwill Blokes Breakfast has returned this term after being cancelled in the past because of Covid, but it was a fun way to celebrate Father’s Day, including rock climbing, cool cars, go karts, a campfire, sports like touch football, tug of war, egg and spoon races, sack races and gym activities such as rowing, plus our farm teacher brought a cow and a sheep with his tractor that he let students ride.
And of course, there was also a free breakfast plus parents in the community got a gift bag. We had a lot of parents attend but I would really like to see this happen on a weekend so that even more parents would be able to come.
The last event I wanted to mention was the CAPA senior showcase. Every year
the seniors make artworks to put on display or sing and the whole school and parents are invited. This year was my favorite.
Even though the artworks were really good, from drawings and paintings to elaborate sculptures and videos, I also liked the performances. There were so many people singing lots of old songs, but my favourite was a student who sang ‘It's not unusual' by Tom Jones. It seems like every term there's a new event and all the events are really fun, like last term we had two whole day events which were our Cross Country and our Multicultural Day. I also love the subjects and how we can choose some of our subjects for years 8, 9 and 10 so that they are interesting and di erent every year.
The teachers also make the subjects fun as well, like in English my
teacher is always making jokes and in Science our teacher preps us for our tests so we can do our best.
Blake Mearns is a year 8 student Chifley College Bidwill Campus.
Scenes form Bidwall Blokes Day.
Images from some of the many events in 2024.