Brisbane State High School eNewsletter

Greetings,

I trust that you are well and that hopefully your family can make the most of the upcoming school term break. All terms are busy, but this Term 3 has been extremely full of successful events and activities pertaining to the core aspects of school life.

All students in all year groups have been focusing on assessment completion as the term has drawn to an end. The consistent focus of both, staff and students, has been impressive throughout the whole of the term. At this stage the statistical academic targets set for all students and staff via our 2025 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) are on target and highly achievable. I will give you a specific summary of these in our next newsletter, after all the Term 3 grades have been completed and entered into our system.

I encourage you to visit our social media presence on Facebook or Instagram regarding the recent positive media coverage of student achievements at BSHS. Highlights of this term have included the following;

In Week 2 our annual ‘Athletics Carnival’ ran very successfully which was followed by ‘State High Day’ on Saturday, August 2nd, which was bigger and better than ever!
On Wednesday 30 July, the school celebrated ‘Foundation Day’, the original 1921 date, when the school was officially established. The theme of Past, Present and Future was reflected by speeches from a current Year 11 student Jocelyn Cosentino, alumna Dr. Ann Bennett, and myself.
’Support Staff’ week was well acknowledged in Week 4 and BSHS hosted the ‘Curriculum Showcase’ evening which attracted a significant turnout of parents and students.
BSHS is keen to continue to develop its reputation as a leading light in state school education and midterm we hosted an AI forum, which was attended by Senior Leaders representing the largest schools in the greater Brisbane area.
With regards to the recent consultation that occurred for the preferred timetable model for 2026, I am pleased to advise that this was overall very positive and the model has been approved by the Department of Education for approval to implement from the start of the 2026 school year. You will be kept fully updated regarding this process and the related improved changes.
ATAR tracking is remaining on course to produce academic results of a very high standard, which are consistent with recent years. NAPLAN results significantly exceed state averages in all categories.
In the latter half of this term, the Queensland Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Mr Tim Mander, together with other Olympic and Paralympic dignitaries and Paralympians launched a media event at BSHS, highlighting the fact that the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are now exactly 7 years away.
The best GPS result in Term 3 was the 3rd placing in Chess, while in QGSSSA, once again our premier Hockey team emerged victorious. Across all codes, activities, the depth is increasing, and the next few years will be very exciting.
In accordance with the 2025 AIP, the core targets are being realised. Job descriptions are being finalised for all staff and the reviews of ‘Extra-Curricular’ and the ‘Enrolment Office’ are being completed.
The International Food and Music Festival on Saturday 13 September was outstanding and very enjoyable! On 9 October, BSHS will host an inaugural Extra-Curricular Awards evening.

We are very proud of our accomplishments and the community’s collective ongoing contribution to the myriad of programmes on offer at this very unique school, Brisbane State High School, roll on Term 4!

Warm regards

Mr Greg Pierce | Executive Principal

Term 4, 2025
Week 1
Monday 6 October	KINGS BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Tuesday 7 October	Parent Teacher Interviews - no student attendance
Wednesday 8 October	Student return to campus QLD All School Touch Competition
Thursday 9 October	QLD All School Touch Competition Extra-Curricular Awards Ceremony
Friday 10 October	QLD All School Touch Competition GPS Track & Field - Meet 5
Saturday 11 October	QGSSSA Senior Badminton Championship
Week 2
Monday 13 October	Athletics Track & Field Campionships (Age 10-12 Years)
Tuesday 14 October	Athletics Track & Field Campionships (Age 10-12 Years) Year 10 Immunisations
Wednesday 15 October	Athletics Track & Field Campionships (Age 10-12 Years)
Thursday 16 October	Athletics Track & Field Campionships (Age 13-19 Years) Vocal Soiree (Vocal Ensembles)
Friday 17 October	Athletics Track & Field Campionships (Age 13-19 Years) Dance Showcase GPS Track & Field - Meet 6
Saturday 18 October	Athletics Track & Field Campionships (Age 13-19 Years) QGSSSA Junior Badminton Championships
Sunday 19 October	Athletics Track & Field Campionships (Age 13-19 Years)

View the School Events Calendar

Dates correct at time of publication.

- Ms Emma Roberts | Marketing & Events Manager

In QGSSSA Sport and Girls activities, Term 3 is undoubtedly the busiest time of our year. We have had 13 different sporting events operating in this term alone which can be a big challenge for students, staff and families.

We have an impressive range of activities available for our girls to participate in sport and I thank everyone involved for making these programs such a success. I would like to personally thank the Extra-Curricular staff in D Block who work collaboratively to support each other in these busy programs, particularly to Ms Ellie Slinger, Mrs Sasha Bartlett, and Mrs Narelle Edwards who I am fortunate to work with in the girl’s programs.

I wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday and hope you can enjoy a well-earned rest!

– Mr David Miles | Director of QGSSSA Sports and Girls' Activities

QGSSSA Athletics Championships

A huge congratulations to our 2025 Athletics team who won the QGSSSA Championship yesterday and brought home the Stephens Cup trophy for the first time since 2015. This win broke a 9-year winning streak for Moreton Bay and was one of the most dominant Athletics wins in QGSSSA history. The gap to second was 144 points and it was most points scored by a team in at least the last 10 years! Congratulations to our 12 Years, 13 Years, 14 Years and 15 Years on winning their age group championships!!

We will celebrate more results in next terms newsletter but for the moment please see the overall results below:

BRISBANE STATE HIGH SCHOOL 1083

St. Peter’s Lutheran College 939

Moreton Bay College 930.5

St. Margarets Anglican College 802.5

Brisbane Girls Grammar School 762.5

St. Aidan’s Anglican College 695

Ipswich Girls Grammar School 522.5

Somerville House 516

St. Hilda’s School 399.5

Clayfield College 344.5

– Mr David Miles | QGSSSA Athletics MIC

QGSSSA Sport MIC's

Saturday 13 September marked the end of our 2025 QGSSSA Winter season. At State High, we are truly fortunate to have a dedicated team of teaching staff and external coaching professionals who provide invaluable support to our students. I extend my sincere thanks to the Masters in Charge (MICs) of each sport listed below and congratulate them on a fantastic season:

AFL – Ms Monica Tracy
Badminton MIC – Mrs Ye Zhang
Hockey MIC – Mrs Natasha Adams
Netball MIC – Ms Ava Brieschke
Rhythmic Gymnastics MIC – Mrs Rachael Slorach
Rowing MIC – Mr Tom Herborn
Tennis MIC – Mr Sam White
Volleyball MIC – Mr Glen Kranen

Thank you also to staff who continue with their programs outside of their normal QGSSSA seasons and offer further opportunities for our girls to play sport:

Basketball MIC – Mr Cameron Conlon (CBSQ competition)
Football MIC – Mr Jesse Rigsby-Jones (UHL Sport Cup competition)
Netball MIC – Ms Ava Brieschke (Vicki Wilson Cup)
Touch Football – Mr Stuart Sprott (All School’s competition)

– Mr David Miles | QGSSSA Athletics MIC

Rowing

For the 100th season of State High Rowing, spirits were high, ribbons were tightened and competitiveness was amplified. We saw vast improvements from athletes in all age groups with every girl brand new or 5 years into the program, putting their all into every stroke.

We had the honour of naming the First VIII boat after John Hanson, a State High and BSRA legend, where this top boat put out State High’s best performance in 26 years and produced the fastest time ever in a BSHS girls VIII. Additionally, we had 3 crews on the podium showcasing their hard work from the season and a majority of our crews having their best races on Head of the River, seeing major improvements from Regatta 1.

Not only did this season build excellence in results, but it also fostered the overall growth of every athlete. The incredibly supportive community helped us build problem-solving skills and resilience, all while inspiring us to aim high. These attributes prove valuable outside the program both in school and life.

The incredibly supportive community teaches you problem solving skills and a massive amount of resilience while still motivating you to shoot for the stars. These attributes are important within school and for years after the program. With this, we had a significant Senior / Junior network where girls taught and supported each other, embracing the community within this program.

This was a very successful season for State High Rowing and we are beyond excited to see how the girls continue this incredible momentum in 2026.

2025 Rowing Captains - Madeline Howard, Sarah Brittain (Vice), Bridgette Trembath (Vice)

A huge thank you to all our alumni, parents, staff, and volunteers who support our programs.

Your efforts behind the scenes—whether in coaching, managing teams, officiating, or supporting at events—are truly appreciated.

– Mr Ben McKenzie | Director of GPS and Boys Activities

GPS Chess

The GPS Chess team had an amazing season this year which was exemplified with our Senior A Chess team finishing in third place on the table.

All other teams finished either second or third which is an incredible achievement and shows the strength of the program.

– Ms Victoria Bond | MIC GPS Chess

GPS Rugby

The GPS Rugby has season has come to an end for 2025.

A massive congratulations to the 13A and 13B who finished second overall.

I would also like to thank the departing Seniors for their contribution to State High Rugby and our amazing subcommittee who without them Rugby simply wouldn’t be possible.

– Mr Ben McKenzie | MIC GPS Rugby

GPS Basketball

BSHS Basketball has come to the end for the 2025 season and it has been extremtly successful with five premiership teams including three A teams.

As we look forward we are excited for the upcoming CBSQ and National Basketball Tournaments to test ourselves against the best in the State and the Nation.

Firsts	8	2	6	0	4^th
Seconds	8	4	3	1	4^th
Thirds	7	1	6	0	6^th
11A	8	6	2	0	1^st
11B	8	7	1	0	1^st
11C	7	6	1	0	2^nd
11D	5	0	4	1	5^th
10A	8	5	3	0	2^nd
10B	8	3	5	0	5^th
10C	8	5	3	0	3^rd
10D	7	3	3	1	3^rd
9A	8	7	1	0	1^st
9B	8	5	3	0	3^rd
9C	8	6	2	0	2^nd
9D	7	4	3	0	3^rd
8A	8	8	0	0	1^st
8B	8	8	0	0	1^st
8C	8	7	1	0	2^nd
8D	7	6	1	0	2^nd
7A	8	7	1	0	2^nd
7B	8	1	6	1	7^th
7C	7	4	3	0	3^rd
7D	7	4	3	0	3^rd

– Mr Brett Sue See and Mr Matt Cochrane | MIC GPS Basketball

GPS Rowing

R U OK?

The rise of mental health concerns among young people, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm, is a pressing issue amplified by factors such as academic stress, social media, family dynamics and societal expectations. It is therefore crucial to prioritise early intervention, de-stigmatise mental health discussions, and provide accessible and effective support to address these concerns and promote the wellbeing of young people.

This year R U OK?Day was on Thursday 11 September, an annual National Day of Action and a reminder that every day is the day to check in with your friends, family and colleagues.

R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention year round by urging people to invest time in personal relationships and empowering informal support networks to identify signs of distress. Families are encouraged to engage in this initiative, emphasising the importance of authentic human connections and reminding everyone to ask the essential question, "Are you OK?"

Parents, caregivers and schools all play a vital role in shaping young lives. Participating in R U OK?Day goes beyond classrooms, showcasing a commitment to holistic student development. By initiating conversations about mental health, schools create safe spaces, where children feel valued, understood, and supported. Parents can help by fostering an open dialogue, normalising emotions, identifying support systems, teaching active listening and addressing any stigmas relating to mental health.

Many schools nationwide organise events for the R U OK? message, offering students opportunities to engage. Participating in R U OK?Day nurtures compassion and demonstrates our dedication to the wellbeing of the whole school community, reaffirming that together, we can make a difference!

For more information on R U OK?Day, access to FREE resources, here are some links you may find useful.

https://www.ruok.org.au/

eSafety

E-Scooter and E-Bikes

Does your child ride an e-scooter or e-bike? Did you know that only children 16 and over are allowed to ride e-scooters unsupervised? Is their e-bike legal? If your child’s device has any of the features below, it is illegal to ride in public, and they (or you) may be subject to significant penalties.

Click this link to get information on e-bikes and e-scooters

https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters

- Ms Rachel Hobson | Deputy Principal Student Culture and Engagement

Due to the huge amount of exposure and popularity of The Arts over the last few weeks, we will share these successes with you in the following Newsletter in Week 2 of Term 4.

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Congratuations to all the students in the Instrumental Music Program for a wonderful set of results at Music Fest 2025 during August.

Thank you also to their teachers and conductors, Dr Aitken, Mr Foster, Mr Jarrott, Mrs Neal, Ms Robson, and Mr Sharp, for all their efforts preparing their ensembles.

This preparation was also supported by the Instrumental Music Sub-Committee who assisted at, and provided resources, for the Intermediate Music camp in early August.

Platinum Awards:

Symphonic Band

Merivale String Orchestra

Concert Band

Gold Awards:

Wind Orchestra

Big Band

Cordelia String Orchestra

Concert Winds

Symphony Orchestra

Highgate Strings

Silver Awards:

Stage Band

Wind Ensemble

South Bank Strings

– Mr Bradley Ruben | MIC Instrumental Music

The BSHS Dance Troupes recently competed at both the Quota Beenleigh and Gold Coast Eisteddfods and achieved impressive results in a variety of highly competitive sections. We are incredibly proud of all the dancer’s achievements as well as our captains who were recognised for their exceptional choreography. All troupes results are below:

Quota Beenleigh Eisteddfod Results:

Junior Troupe - Musical Theatre - 1st place – choreography by professional dancer Grace Bartlett
Junior Troupe - Jazz – Highly Commended – choreography by students Lydia Du and Mary Mac Geraghty
Senior Troupe - Musical Theatre - 2nd place – choreography by BSHS alumni Julia Tetteris
State High Crew - 2nd place – choreography by captain Ella Greenwood
State High Crew - 3rd place – choreography by professional dancer Leah Geddes
Bollywood - 1st place – choreography by captain Nandini Anand
Bollywood - 3rd place - choreography by captain Nandini Anand

Gold Coast Eisteddfod Results:

Junior Troupe - Musical Theatre – 1^st place - choreography by professional dancer Grace Bartlett
Junior Troupe - Contemporary - 2^nd place – choreography by Erin Riley
Junior Troupe - Jazz – 3^rd place - choreography by students Lydia Du and Mary Mac Geraghty
Senior Troupe - Musical Theatre – 1^st place - choreography by BSHS alumni Julia Tetteris
Senior Troupe – Jazz – 3^rd place - choreography by captains Bella Parbery and Poppie Renshaw
Senior Troupe – Contemporary – Highly Commended – choreography by Erin Riley
Tap Troupe – 1^st place - choreography by captain Matilda Smith
Tap Troupe – 2^nd place - choreography by BSHS alumni Rhonda Binnie
State High Crew – 2^nd place - choreography by captain Ella Greenwood
State High Crew – Highly Commended – choreography by professional dancer Leah Geddes.

All of these routines can be experienced at the annual Dance Showcase on Friday 17October from 6pm. Tickets available on QKR soon!

- Ms April Williams | MIC Dance Troupes

Griffith University Law School High School Essay Competition

On Tuesday 16 September, Year 12 Legal Studies student Sybella Pattinson was awarded third place in the Griffith Law School High School Essay competition at an awards ceremony.

Sybella's essay focused on the legal issues surrounding automated facial recognition software/systems. Congratulations Sybella!

- Ms Christie Butler | 2IC Business, Innovation and Design and Legal Studies Teacher

Pets' Reading Competition

The WINNERS of our “Pets’ Reading” competition (and $10 tuckshop vouchers) are…..

Year 7 – Hena Park and Amelia Stephensen

Year 8 – Casper Dixit

Year 9 – Juno Telfer

Year 10 – Jennifer Che

Year 11 – Cavan Lau

Year 12 – Julia Pung

Staff – Justin Virly

Congratulations and thanks for entering!

Sophia Davis, Ella Howard, Hisha Thyadaraj and Celine Li - Year 7

Picking new Manga for the Library

Alistair, from Brisbane Manga store, Zombster dropped by to interact with students on Wednesday 10 September. Students were keen to contribute to what books needed to be included in our already huge, Manga collection!

Author Visit with Sophie Beer

We were fortunate to welcome past State High student, author and illustrator, Sophie Beer to the school last Tuesday 9 September.

Sophie’s book for middle school students, “Thunderhead” was nominated this year as a notable book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book Week awards this year. It has also been named as a finalist in the Queensland Literary Awards!

She spoke to some of our Year 7 and 8 students about disability, inclusion and equality and all were enthusiastic and interested in her story.

Student Book Clubs

We had a great turnout for Book Club this week with students in Years 7 to 11. Robust discussions were held about our favourite genres; why we love reading and the titles of books we’ve read and enjoyed. Students also volunteered the titles of books they would like the library to purchase.

In the last week of this term students will vote for the book they would like to read during the holidays and discuss next term. As usual, we enjoyed some snacks and drinks! It was an enjoyable meeting for everyone.

Book Kahoots in the Library

Everyone loves a kahoot and chocolate, so when both were on offer last Monday, many students came up to the library. Childhood memories of favourite books helped add to the fun.

– Ms Nicole Slinger | Librarian Teacher

2025 Cassandra June Carter Bursary ($1000)

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

This is the 11th year of the perpetual Cassandra June Carter Bursary award which is presented to students who demonstrate academic potential.

The Bursary is funded from the proceeds of a bequest made to the school by the Carter family, in honour of Cassandra who graduated from State High in 1962. Cassandra completed a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, was a Fulbright scholar, and a UQ Poetry Prize winner.

A bursary, unlike a scholarship, intends to assist a student whose family may be experiencing financial limitations which preclude students from being able to participate fully in all aspects of school life (eg: extra-curricular activities etc.).

This year we will award 5 x $1,000 bursaries. Students currently in Years 7 to 11 can apply. Application forms and further information is available through the following links:

Cassandra June Carter Bursary - Brochure

Cassandra June Carter Bursary - Application Form

Applications close on Sunday 9 November 2025. Recipients will be announced at the Leadership and Learning Ceremony in Term 1, 2026.

- Ms Natalie Loye | Alumni & Community Engagement

Join the P&C Association

The P&C is a volunteer, membership-based organisation that is open to all who support

the State High community and the students at State High.

To find out how to join the P&C, or to inquire about what we are all about, please visit the P&C website. We hope that you will find information on this website useful to support you and your child’s journey through secondary school and to maximise your family’s experience.

If you would like to become a P&C member, please complete the P&C Membership Form (download via the button below) and return it via email to admin.officer@bshspandc.org.

2025 Membership Form

2025 Membership Form 782.98 KB

Consider joining the P&C Executive Committee in 2025:

2025 Executive Roles

2025 Executive Roles 347.34 KB

Executive Committee Nomination Form 2025

Executive Committee Nomination Form 2025 1.58 MB

P&C General Meetings

Monday 27 October 2025

Monday 24 November 2025

MIFF Raffle

Win exclusive prizes while supporting Brisbane State High’s Music & International Food Festival From luxury getaways to unique local experiences, every ticket helps raise vital funds for our young musicians.

This is your chance to win amazing prizes including travel and lifestyle experiences, while directly supporting Music education at BSHS. Every ticket purchased contributes to enriching student opportunities, building creativity and strengthening our school community through music.

Funds raised through the MIFF raffle go directly to expanding student opportunities, enriching music education, and inspiring a lifelong love of the arts at Brisbane State High School.

https://rafflelink.com.au/bshsmusicmiff2025

State High Day

Thank you to our amazing State High Day sponsors!

Gold Sponsor ($5000)

Ray White WEST END

Bronze Sponsor ($500)

Gladstone Road Garage

Donors

We’re grateful for all the generous donations contributing towards the success of State High Day!

Barbara O’Shea (State Member for South Brisbane) ($1000)
Trina Massey (Councilor for the Gabba Ward) ($500)
Deep Grey Photoshoot
Avid Reader Books Store
Gray Nicholls
SF Brands
Swiss Gourmet Delicatessen

Donations

Employment Opportunity

The P&C Association is seeking a community member to join the Canteen team on a casual term time basis as required.

The P&C operates 3 canteen outlets. This includes I Block/E Block and PAC canteen along with additional catering services.

Key requirements include, but are not limited to:

Blue card
Food Service and preparation experience (or willingness to learn)
Customer Service and Point of Sale experience
Lifting, restocking and transporting food between canteens
Reliable and punctual
Ability to meet the high the demands of student peak service times.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to mgr@bshspandc.org

Position description is available upon request.

Rowing Celebrating 100 Years

Brisbane State High School warmly invites you to a landmark evening celebrating 100 Years of Rowing.

This centenary event is more than a dinner - it’s a powerful moment for our entire rowing community to come together, honour the legacy of those who came before us, and help shape the future for generations to come.

Join Brisbane State High School's, current families, coaches, rowers and supporters for a night of connection and celebration.

Enjoy canapés, 2-course meal and 4 hour premium beverage package at the historic Tattersalls Club.

Whether you rowed, cheered from the bank, or simply believe in the power of this sport to shape young lives, we invite you to stand with us for this once-in-a-century celebration. Help us celebrate what it means to be a part of the warm and embracing community.

Tickets are strictly limited. Early bird pricing is now available.

Bring your crew, rally your old squad, and be part of this historic night.

https://statehighconnect.com.au/#action=showEvent&EID=E161

The social tile for the 100 Club is attached below as well.

Brochure: BSHS ROWING 100 CLUB BROCHURE

Direct ASF Link: BSHS – ROWING 100 CLUB

Thanks again for all your help and support, this event means a lot to our Rowing community.

Canteen Fundraiser

Link https://events.humanitix.com/save-our-canteen-fundraiser

Event Description

We know times are tough for many right now, which is why we’re so grateful for every bit of support we receive. Our canteen is more than just a place to eat – it’s a gathering spot, a place of connection and comfort. Unfortunately, our screens have seen better days, and we’re raising funds to replace them so we can continue serving our community in the best way possible.

Why are we fundraising?

Come October, Microsoft changes mean all our canteen screens will stop working - and replacing them isn't cheap. We need your help to keep the canteen running smoothly for our students and staff.

Here's how you can help

Every dollar goes directly to support our P&C, $5 or $8 or any amount you can spare. Buy a ticket today. We appreciate your support!

Brisbane State High School P&C Association

GIRLS_U12_U14_5.00PM_6.30PM_GIRLS_U15161718_6.00PM_7.30PM.jpg

PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE

The Department of Education does not have personal accident insurance cover for children/students. If a child/student is injured as a result of an accident or incident while participating in an excursion or activity at school, all costs associated with the injury, including medical costs are the responsibility of the parent/carer. Some incidental medical costs may be covered by Medicare. If the parent/carer has private health insurance, some costs may also be covered by that provider. Any other costs must be covered by the parent/carer. It is up to parent/carer to decide the type/s and level of private insurance they wish to arrange to cover their child. Please take this into consideration in deciding whether or not to allow the child/student to participate in excursions or activities whilst at school.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES INSURANCE

Brisbane State High School has made the decision to provide personal accident insurance to students who are participating in the school’s extra-curricular activities. The cost of this insurance will be included in the activity levy. Levies must be paid to be eligible to make a claim in the event of an injury.

Please contact our EC office in the first instance to initiate the claim process.

Thank you to our 2025 Rugby Sponsors

Thank you to our 2025 GPS Rowing

MAJOR SPONSORS