Filter Content
- Executive Principal's Welcome
- Key Dates
- QGSSSA Sports & Girls' Activities
- GPS & Boys Activities
- Sponsorship
- Compass Education Platform
- Enrichment Program
- Beyond State High Program
- Enrolments
- Music
- Symphony Orchestra
- Drama
- Physics
- Ancient History
- Debating
- LEAP into BSHS and Beyond
- Readers Cup
- Student Achievement
- P&C News
- State High Foundation
- BSHS Community Notice
Dear Parents and Guardians
Thank you for your ongoing support for Brisbane State High School throughout Term 1, which is now coming to a close.
An example of this is your acceptance to adapt to the new student management communication system ‘Compass’. Other examples include in many cases a practical commitment to the vital extra-curricular program at Brisbane State High School and trusting the communications regarding the opening and closing of the school during a weather event.
In any term, at Brisbane State High School there is a dynamic environment occurring which involves an ongoing multitude of students and year level assessments together with a wide range of extra-curricular events and activities. This term has been no different and, in this newsletter, you will see details of many outstanding achievements by our wonderful students.
Highlights have been many including the following;
- Focused approach to all four NAPLAN assessments from our Year 7 and Year 9 cohort.
- Year 11 and Year 12 prepared very well for their respective QCE assessment weeks, producing consistently impressive results.
- Premiership Title for ‘Debating’, for the second consecutive year.
- Undefeated girls premier Cricket team.
- 3rd Placing in GPS ‘Head of the River’ regatta, this is the best result for over 45 years.
- Significantly increasing numbers of students involved in Rowing, Debating, and Dance Troupe.
- 3 out of 6 Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Young Instrumentalist’ finalist are from Brisbane State High School.
- Highly aligned and effective student leadership.
- Students from a range of all cultures (Brisbane State High School has over 80) celebrated their identity and the school’s diversity during ‘Harmony Day’ in Week 8 of this term.
The core values of Brisbane State High School of ‘Excellence, Learning, Respect and Inclusivity’ of state education are definitely at the core of our ongoing success, together with highly committed staff, with a range of professional expertise.
I hope that you get to have some quality family time during this upcoming term break.
We look forward to welcoming back all students fully refreshed and recharged at the start of a very busy Term 2.
Warm regards
Mr Greg Pierce | Executive Principal
Term 1, 2025 |
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Week 10 |
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Friday 4 April |
QGSSSA Autumn Fixtures - Round 3 Last Day of Term 1 |
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Term 2, 2025 |
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Week 1 |
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Wednesday 23 April |
ANZAC Day Ceremony QGSSSA Cross Country - Meet 1 |
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Thursday 24 April |
QGSSSA Autumn Fixtures - Round 4 GPS Cross Country |
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Friday 25 April |
ANZAC Day Public Holiday |
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Saturday 26 April |
GPS Football - Round 1 GPS Tennis - Round 1 |
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Week 2 |
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Monday 28 April |
Interhouse Cross Country |
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Wednesday 30 April |
Parent Teacher Interviews QGSSSA Cross Country - Meet 2 |
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Friday 2 May |
QGSSSA Autumn Fixtures - Round 5 GPS Cross Country - Meet 4 Music Camp |
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Saturday 3 May |
GPS Football - Round 2 GPS Tennis - Round 2 QFA Fencing - Round 1 Music Camp |
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Sunday 4 May |
Music Camp |
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Week 3 |
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Monday 5 May |
Labour Day Public Holiday |
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Tuesday 6 May |
Music Camp 2 |
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Wednesday 7 May |
QGSSSA Cross Country - Meet 3 |
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Friday 9 May |
GPS Cross Country - Pre Meet 5 |
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Saturday 10 May |
GPS Gymnastics Inter School Girls Chess GPS Football - Round 3 GPS Tennis - Round 3 QFA Fencing - Round 2 |
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Week 4 |
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Tuesday 13 May |
Year 10 Immunisations |
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Wednesday 14 May |
QGSSSA Cross Country - Meet 4 |
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Friday 16 May |
QGSSSA Autumn Fixtures - Round 6 GPS Cross Country - Pre Meet 6 |
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Saturday 17 May |
GPS Football - Round 4 GPS Tennis - Round 4 |
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Week 5 |
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Thursday 22 May |
GPS Cross Country Championships QGSSSA Autumn Fixtures - Round 8 QLD Youth Music Awards - Vocal Ensembles |
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Friday 23 May |
QGSSSA Autumn Fixtures - Round 7 QLD Youth Music Awards - Vocal Ensembles |
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Saturday 24 May |
GPS Football - Round 5 GPS Rugby Trials GPS Tennis - Round 5 QGSSSA Cross Country Championships QFA Fencing - Round 3 |
QGSSSA Sports & Girls' Activities
I am always very grateful to the numerous people involved in making our program function and achieve the success we are renowned for – parents/guardians, students, staff, supporters, coaches, officials and all other volunteers. Thank you!
I wish all State High families a safe and enjoyable term break. A reminder for students that the school holidays are a good time to improve or maintain your level of fitness and skills. Finding 20 - 30 minutes in your day to practise during the holidays can add up over time and help improve the development of your skills and fitness.
Here is a summary of some more great results we have seen, what has been happening over the past fortnight, as well as what’s coming up in early Term 2.
Over the Past Fortnight
- Swimming – 4th place in the Aggregate Championships. 12 years age group were CHAMPIONS!
- Cricket – Open Premiers and Division 1 Premiers. Well done to our 2nd Open team who played in the top division against other schools’ best sides.
- AFL – Runners up in the Open Division.
- Basketball – Open, 10A, 9A, 8A, 8B, 7A and 7B undefeated.
- Football – Open, Intermediate, Junior A and Junior B undefeated.
- Touch Football – Open, Senior A, 10A, 9B, 8A and 7A undefeated.
- Rowing – Congratulations to our National silver medallist, Chelsea Skipper (Year 11).
- Autumn fixtures – In Round 2 vs St Margaret, we were successful in 15 out of 19 matches with 2 draws.
- Cross Country – We hosted the first QGSSSA Invitation Meet at Yeronga in true cross-country weather with lots of rain!
Special thanks to Mr Damon Giles and Mr Matthew Langmack who took many of our Cross-Country girls and boys on a 3-day camp at the Gold Coast Recreation Precinct.
Congratulations to the following students on their representative selections:
- Australian Cricket – Chelsea Sonter (Year 11) and Aya Stafford (Year 10)
- Australian Rhythmic Gymnastics – Emily Du (Year 10)
- Australian Volleyball – Maeve McCowen (Year 11)
- Queensland Triathlon – Victoria Huang (Year 7)
- Queensland Academy of Sport Football – Rina Ichino (Year 8) and Mackenna Magill (Year 11)
Upcoming in Term 2
Week 1 |
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Wednesday 23 April |
QGSSSA Cross Country Meet at UQ QGSSSA Autumn Fixtures| Round 4 vs Clayfield College (Home) |
Week 2 |
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Monday 28 April |
Composite District Cross Country at Fursden Road Playing Fields |
Wednesday 30 April |
QGSSSA Cross Country Meet at Brisbane Girls Grammar School (Rangakarra) |
Friday 2 May |
QGSSSA Autumn Fixtures | Round 5 vs Moreton Bay College (Away) |
Athletics Update
Congratulations to all girls who competed at the Queensland Champs during March. There were some excellent performances with numerous athletes qualifying to represent Queensland in Perth in the school holidays.
Gold Medal Winners
Saskia Josipovic – Under 20 Discus (Year 12)
Georgie Burg – Under 17 1500m (Year 10)
Genesis Sa’u – Under 17 Discus (Year 10)
Faith Aghayere – Under 16 Triple Jump (Year 10)
Madden Henry-Purcell – Under 15 Shot Put (Year 9)
Madden Henry-Purcell – Under 15 Discus (Year 9)
Sienna Haynes – Under 13 Long Jump (Year 7)
Ana Hsu – Under 13 100m (Year 7)
Ana Hsu – Under 13 200m (Year 7)
Audrey Goh – Under 13 80m Hurdles (Year 7)
– Mr David Miles | Director of QGSSSA Sports and Girls' Activities
AFL
AFL has kicked off to an amazing start for the senior side of the program with participation higher than ever. Coming from having two senior teams to four has really contributed to the spirit and livelihood of the program and girls sport in general.
It is wonderful to see the uprise of participation, particularly from girls who have never played AFL in the Senior B and Bii teams. It has also been greatly rewarding as a longer-time state high AFL player, to see their progression and enjoyment within their teams.
Across the senior cohort, the rapid improvement in skills and game awareness is very impressive, especially with the limited amount of experience and training that some teams have had. Results are improving across senior teams each week and we are becoming even stronger as a program towards the pointy end of the season which is super exciting for our girls.
Over the course of the season the Opens have had a strong start in working towards securing premiership contention in the final round, only two weeks remaining until they come up against St Peters. The sense of State High pride has been electrifying on the field, showcasing the sheer skill and team dynamic between the girls. The debutants from Year 10 have meshed into Opens level incredibly well, bringing their energy and high-level footy experience, putting an impressive number of goals into the mix. With only three schools left to verse the Opens are hungry for redemption.
The girls who participate at any level, know that the community within BSHS AFL is unlike any other sport and the spirit between and within teams is outstanding. The senior season has set a high precedence for the junior season (in Term 4) including the introduction of merit entries for AFL, which is set to contribute to the exposure of women in sport.
Football
Two weeks ago marked the beginning of QGSSSA football as we took on St. Margaret’s, with impressive performances from all of our teams. Our Open Girls made a strong statement by winning 2-0 and securing the first points of the round, while our Junior A squad demonstrated our school’s prowess and dominance even in the junior divisions.
Beyond the results, the tournament sparked new friendships and a vibrant community spirit in Blue Red Blue, with our Year 7s getting their first taste of competitive play. “I enjoyed every second of the game and can’t wait for what is to come,” said Tori Lawrence, one of our junior players, after a fantastic match. The smiles on every player’s face truly highlighted the camaraderie and passion for both the sport and the team.
Despite the recent wet weather, nothing could dampen our girls’ determination. Monday mornings found our Junior and Intermediate teams gathering in I Block for extra strength and conditioning training—running up the stairs and pushing their limits—while Thursday gym sessions were filled with energy. Although our match against BGGS (Brisbane Girls Grammar) was rained out, both schools shared the spoils with a well-earned point.
As Term 1 draws to a close, the girls continue to train hard as they gear up for our first game in Week 1 against Clayfield. The effort and dedication from everyone shows that our program has never looked stronger. If you’re feeling FOMO or want to get involved, there are still spots available across all levels—from juniors to seniors (Years 7–11). For more information or to join, please get in touch with our coaches or MIC—there’s always room for more talent in our football family.
We would also like to acknowledge Queensland Pelvic Floor Centre for their platinum sponsorship of the program in 2025! This sponsorship has allowed all girls to play for FREE this year!
Zara Moore (Year 11)
Lexi Underhill (Year 9)
Pippa Bromley (Year 9)
Courtney Boyce & Mia O’Kane (2025 Football Captains)
Girls Rowing
Congratulations to the tremendous achievements by BSRA students in Tasmania at the Australian Rowing Championships last week.
The achievements by the girls again highlighted that the BSRA is the best schoolgirl rowing competition in the country, producing more competitive athletes than any other region. Further, the number of alumnae representing in clubs, or as coaches (not fully recognised below) is a testament to the ongoing dedication to the sport and the broader rowing community in Queensland.
- ISWY8+ “Youth Eight”: Sophie Malcolm (BSHS)
Individual Achievements
- Chelsea Skipper (BSHS) U17x Second
- Sophie Malcolm (BSHS) U232x First, U234x First, ISWY8+ Second
Cricket
This season BSHS is celebrating 30 years of girls’ Cricket. This program aims to develop quality players and sportswomen and they have not missed the mark.
This year, the integration of young Year 7s and inexperienced players through teams from division 2 to Open Seconds, has strengthened the community within the program. It has been wonderful to see the older girls step up into leadership roles to guide these girls through the start of their BSHS cricket journeys.
The pride in this 30 year milestone for girls Cricket has been shown in many ways. Last week, the Open First team were presented with their baggy caps that they will wear proudly during their fixtures and hold valuable for their years after State High Cricket.
As well as this, Open Firsts Co-Captain Rebecca Storrs organised the printing of personal ribbons for the entire program (shown in images). It has been wonderful to see these ribbons around the school with girls from all age groups showcasing their spirit toward the program.
The progression of skills and understanding as well as the improvement of results across teams has been amazing to see. The Open First team is undefeated with run totals skyrocketing each week and the open seconds have been continuously working to follow in their footsteps. The Division 1 team is at the top of their ladder and both Division 2 teams closely trail BGGS in a top three position.
Basketball
Our girl's Basketball program has had an outstanding start to the 2025 QGSSSA season, with rounds 1 to 3 showing great promise for the remainder of the season.
Leading the charge, our Opens team remains undefeated with a dominant 3-0 record, winning all games by convincing margins. They aim to maintain this momentum for the remainder of the QGSSSA season and secure the premiership title.
The Senior A team has also had a strong start to the year with a 2-1 record, showcasing impressive skill and determination. Meanwhile, the Senior B team has faced a challenging start with a 0-3 record but continues to improve each game. They’ll be working hard to turn their season around and secure some well-earned victories.
The 10As team has matched the Open’s success, also starting the season undefeated, going 3-0. This highly skilled team features the future stars of Brisbane State High School who will lead our opens team in the near future.
Our 10Bs team, despite a 0-2 record, is making steady progress, learning new skills, and embracing each game with enthusiasm. With their continued development, they’ll be striving to improve their record as the season unfolds.
Overall, it has been a strong start to the QGSSSA season for our senior Basketball players. Each team is focused on improving, securing more wins, and, most importantly, enjoying the games!
The Years 7 to 9 Basketball QGSSSA teams have shown incredible dedication over the first three weeks of the season. Their hard work at training and on game days, supported by our amazing coaches and volunteers, has been outstanding. The Year 7A and 7B teams have had a fantastic start, remaining undefeated in their first season, (3-0 and 2-0). The Year 8 teams have also secured wins across the board for both the teams (3-0 and 1-0), while the Year 9 girls displayed great spirit, with wins for the As (3-0) and a hard-fought match for the Bs (0-1). State High’s culture continues to thrive, as we look forward to the remainder of the season in Term 2.
Sharni Reisinger (Captain) & Isabella Daly (Junior Captain)
Touch Football
We are honoured to be named the 2025 Touch Football Captains! We are so excited for the season this year, with so much talent across the board, and lots of our teams having a great chance at winning the premiership.
After the first round being postponed due to the cyclone, all our teams had a great first game against St Peter’s, with the opens team, alongside many others, securing the win.
We look forward to some more wins ahead, and hope we can rally some support at our games on Friday nights! Thank you!
Jemma Forbes & Alexis Leota (Captains)
Cross Country
Eyes are on the Association Cup….. Can we make it 11 years in a row!
The 2025 Cross Country season is off to a flying start, with our Brisbane State High School athletes showcasing commitment, camaraderie, and competitive spirit in the 26th Edition of The Donnelly Dash which was run on Thursday 20March.
Congratulations to Emily Boyd on winning her first ever Donnelly Dash in a time of 5mins 4secs.
Over the weekend of Friday 28 March to Sunday 30 March, the team attended a high-energy preseason camp at the Gold Coast Recreation Precinct. The weather conditions were not the best, however, the girls completed a parkrun at Varisty Lakes, beach games, high ropes and indoor activities as well as a long run on the Sunday—laying a strong foundation for the season ahead. The atmosphere was one of positivity and purpose, and it’s clear the team’s culture is improving!
Earlier that week, on Tuesday 25 March, Brisbane State High School hosted our annual Cross Country Meet at Yeronga Memorial Park. It was a fantastic afternoon of racing, with our athletes rising to the challenge and producing impressive results:
- 12 Years: 1st – Zoe Raudino and 2nd – Zoe Henderson
- 14 Years: 3rd – Mya Heath
- 15 Years: 1st – Sasha Josipovic and 2nd – Zelmari van Loggerenberg
- 16 Years: 1st – Georgie Burg and 2nd – Emily Boyd
- 17 Years: 3rd – Zara Heath
Congratulations to all competitors for their determination and willingness to run despite the poor weather.
Looking ahead, our next QGSSSA lead-up meet will be held at The University of Queensland on Wednesday 23 April. With strong early-season performances and a solid training base, our team is primed to continue building momentum toward the QGSSSA Championships which will be held at John Paul College on Saturday 24May.
Blue-Red-Blue!
– Mr Damon Giles | MIC QGSSSA Cross Country
A massive thank you to all our MiCs, staff, coaches, volunteers, alumni, and parents.
Your dedication and support make our programs possible, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do!
As we approach Term 2, students should keep an eye on StudentNet and Team App for updates on our extracurricular programs. We look forward to an exciting and competitive term ahead, featuring Football, Tennis, Cross-Country, Gymnastics, and Water Polo.
Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to another incredible term of sport and activities at BSHS!
– Mr Keiron Goltz | Director of GPS and Boys Activities
Volleyball
State High Volleyball has seen incredible growth this season, with players showing commitment, resilience, and continuous improvement. Our coaches and staff have worked hard to create the best experience possible, and it has been rewarding to see both Seniors and Juniors immerse themselves in the BSHS Volleyball culture.
Being part of State High Volleyball in 2025 has been an honour. From Year 7s playing their first games to undefeated premierships, every moment has been special.
Although the First VI didn’t get the result they wanted, they displayed grit, humility, and leadership, setting a strong example for younger players. With a young and determined squad, the future looks bright, and we are excited to see this program continue to grow and achieve new milestones.
Taiki Butlin (Year 12) and Masyn Cheng (Year 12) – Volleyball Captains
Cross Country
The team has just completed 8 weeks of training as they prepare for the upcoming GPS Championships to be held on Thursday 22 May at Limestone Park. Despite all the challenges presented by the weather the commitment to training and racing has been impressive and has set the platform for the Term 2 racing schedule.
GPS Meet 1 Results
It was pleasing to see a full bus of students travel to ACGS for GPS Meet No 1. The team produced some impressive results with the U14 team placing first in their event with the team placing third. After the holidays the meets continue in the lead up to the championships. New runners are always welcome to join the team particularly in the U12, U13 and U16 age groups where the numbers are low. If you are interested, please join BSHS Boys Cross Country via Team App to keep up to date with all the latest information.
Age Group Placings
U13 – 4th
U14 – 1st
U15 – 3rd
U16 – 4th
Open – 4th
Donnelly Dash Race Report
On Donnelly Dash day at Brisbane State High we had just over 1 hour of sunshine. That was all we needed to dry out the course to allow the 26th edition of The Donnelly Dash to take place. And what a race we witnessed.
For 1500m the boys pushed themselves up, over and around the challenging terrain of the school block before finishing with the last surge towards the finish line on the school oval. Sebastian Croke (Year 10) tried to break his older counterparts by surging to the lead midway through the race, however Angus Brown (Year 12) and Sergio Arrivillaga (Year 12) refused to let him get a break. As they entered the school Angus held a slight lead over Sergio for most of the school oval, only for Sergio to unleash one last burst that resulted in him claiming the narrowest of victories in a time of 4 min 16 seconds.
Congratulations to all runners on their performances today. Age Group winners U12 Jack Kingsnorth, U13 Adam Langmack, U14 Oliver Jobbins, U15 Nick Kenos, U16 Sebastian Croke and Open Sergio Arrivillaga.
Donnelly Dash Personal Best Times
U13 – Adam Langmack, Grayson Vance, Sotaro Sagara, Oliver Van Camp, Justin Andrew
U14 – Oliver Jobbins, Ben Szakaly, Finn Southwell, Jamie Tooke, Eric Xu, Joseph Barlow, Aden White
U15 – Oakley Rose, Nathan Thomas, AJ Fleming, Gus Butland-McKeering,
U16 – Sebastian Croke, Cohen Aczel, Calvin Hsu,
Open – Sergio Arrivillaga, Angus Brown, Sonny Adam, Jett Snow, Jason McKenzie, Zale Clarke, Joseph Pearce, Aymann Sayeed
Upcoming Racing Schedule
Thursday 24 April |
GPS Meet 3 - Host BGS/GT |
Victoria Park, Herston |
Monday 28 April |
Composite District Cross Country |
BSHS Playing Fields, Fursden Road |
Tuesday 29 April |
Mt. Gravatt District Cross Country |
Sunnybank Rugby Club, Magregor |
Friday 2 May |
GPS Meet 4 - Host NC |
St Joseph's Nudgee College, 2199 Sandgate Road, Boondall |
Friday 9 May |
GPS Meet 5 - Host IGS/BBC |
Limestone Park, 42 Chermside Road, Ipswich |
Saturday 10 May |
QLD All-Schools Cross Country Championships |
St Joseph's Nudgee College, 2199 Sandgate Road, Boondall |
Monday 12 May |
BSHS Interhouse Cross Country |
BSHS Playing Fields, Fursden Road |
Friday 16 May |
GPS Meet 6 - Host BSHS |
BSHS Fursden Road Fields |
Thursday 22 May |
GPS Championships |
Limestone Park, 42 Chermside Road, Ipswich |
– Mr Matthew Langmack | MIC Boys Cross Country
Rowing
Johannes Victor (Year 12), Arthur Edmonds (Year 12), Darnel Taki (Year 11), Flynn O'Loughlin (Year 11), Scott McDonald (Year 11), Eoghan Johnson (Year 12) , Jason McKenzie (Year 12), Cook, Cox: Gus Butland-McKeering (Year 10)
Coach: Tom Ryals
– Mr Tom Herborn | MIC GPS Boys Rowing
Cricket
Congratulations to the 1st XI GPS Cricket team on achieving 4th place which is the highest position in over 10 years.
Well done to Charlie Hinze for being named in the GPS 1st XI team of the Year, and to Jordan Hook and Kethmin Meegasdeniya for being named as shadows to the team of the year.
Great effort boys!
– Mr Neil Holmes | 1st X1 Cricket Coach
Debating
Another outstanding year for the BSHS Debating Program! Our Senior A team secured the first-ever outright GPS Premiership, defeating Gregory Terrace and claiming the title.
The success continued across the program, with the 11.1, 9.2, and 9.3 teams topping their tables.
The entire program achieved an impressive 60% win rate, with nine teams placing in the top three—a testament to the hard work of our students and coaches.
Micole Devinuwara (Year 11), Zhexi Teng (Year 12), Tianyuan Wang (Year 12), Liam McCloud (Year 11) and Henry Campbell (Year 11)
We’re thrilled to welcome The Queensland Pelvic Floor Centre as a Platinum Sponsor for our 2025 Girls Football Program. Their incredible support is instrumental in empowering young female athletes, providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed both on and off the field.
The QLD Pelvic Floor Centre (https://qldpfc.com.au/) is a leading multidisciplinary and holistic centre dedicated to the conservative and surgical management of pelvic floor dysfunction in both women and men. The Centre offers comprehensive care, blending expertise across a variety of disciplines to address pelvic health concerns in a compassionate and personalised way.
At The QLD Pelvic Floor Centre, patients receive an initial bulk-billed assessment and consultation with an experienced nurse practitioner, ensuring they are guided through their journey with the utmost care and professionalism. Whether you're self-referring or seeking a referral from your GP, the Centre welcomes all patients looking to enhance their pelvic health.
Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. The Brisbane location is situated at Level 4, RiverCity Hospital, 401 Milton Road, Auchenflower QLD 4066.
For appointments or enquiries, contact 07 3193 7711 or email reception@qldpfc.com.au. An additional location in Nambour offers services at 62 Netherton Street, with on-site free parking.
The QLD Pelvic Floor Centre have kindly covered the cost of fees for all State High girls participating in the Girls Football Program in 2025.
Thank you QLD Pelvic Floor Centre!

Parent Teacher Interviews Term 2 - Bookings Open
Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held on Wednesday 30 April in a face-to-face format. On this day, all students will not be required to attend school to allow teachers and families to engage in meaningful discussions about student progress.
Booking
Bookings for interviews close on Monday 28 April at 9am and must be made via the Conferences section of the Compass App. To assist in managing your time effectively, teachers will indicate one of the following interview statuses for each student:
- Required– An interview is strongly recommended
- Not Necessary– No concerns at this time, but you may still book if desired
- Welcome– You are encouraged to book if you wish to discuss your child’s progress
Interviews will be held in I Block, and specific room locations will be updated in the Compass App on Monday 28 April.
Please be punctual to your appointment, schedules are tight and catch ups will not be possible.
For Year 7 and 8 students, please make 1 appointment for core subjects, Maths/Science or English/Humanities will be covered in the same 7-minute time slot.
As we continue our partnership with Compass we will look to deliver a hybrid model for the second round of Parent Teacher Interviews later in the year.
Availability
The following teachers will not be available for booking. If you require feedback on your students’ progress, please reach out via e-mail and allow up to 2 weeks for a response to help teachers effectively manage the many requests for progress information.
- Ashlee Buhagiar
- Kieron Goltz
- Maz Halai
- Rebecca Haskman
- Jeffery Jarrot
- Lynette Philpott
- Brooke Marfell
- Bronwyn Marler
- Lauren Miller
- Matthew Overland
- Sabina Rooney
- Pamela Turner
- Tharakie Senaweera
- Ashleigh Spencer
- Tyla Stolberg
Parking
It is important to note that parking is not available on the school premises. Car parking around both campuses is also limited. If you wish to park, the best options would be the Convention Centre or South Bank public carparks (fees apply). Please allow time to find a car park so you arrive promptly at your interview.
We encourage all parents to take this opportunity to connect with teachers and gain valuable insights into their child's learning.
Information to support the booking process can be found here.
Should you encounter any problems please contact Lachlan Miller lmill664@eq.edu.au
– Mr Arthur Cowell | Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
Our Monday Enrichment Program is back in Term 2 with a few changes and additions. This year Monday afternoons will include our Year 10 Future Focussed Extension Programs (Medicus, Engeniator, Justica and Scientia) which have been running at Brisbane State High School for several years.
Monday afternoon will continue to provide all students opportunities to engage in other enrichment activities that explore learning beyond the classroom and opportunities to connection with peers.
In Term 1, 2025 we have been able to offer Year 10, 11 and 12 students wanting to gain additional skills access to Certificate II courses through our partnership with the Southbank TAFE on a Monday afternoon. We currently have students completing a Cert II Sampling and Measurement and we are hoping to offer the Cert II in Sports Coaching in Term 2 for interested students.
For a seek peek at what we have coming up and to register your interest please click the link below.
https://forms.office.com/r/LBf1aTf1VC
- Ms Natalie Coleman | Deputy Principal Year 11 and 12
– Ms Julia Cottone | Year 12 Guidance Officer
Sporting Selective Entry | Year 7, 2026
Applications are now open for current Year 6 students entering Year 7 in 2026 to join Brisbane State High School under Sporting Selective Entry.
Please refer to the Enrolment Timelines as application closing dates differ for each sport.
For more information, please visit the school website.
The Instrumental Music Department at BSHS is excited to welcome Queensland’s Camerata Chamber Orchestra for a combined concert in PAC on the 28May starting at 7pm.
This professional ensemble, led by Dr Brendan Joyce, have been tutoring and rehearsing our Kurilpa orchestra since the start of Term 1. It has been a privilege for our students to work alongside fabulous musicians and an excellent learning opportunity for all involved.
Special thanks to the Patrons of Camerata who have made this project possible with their generous financial support and interest in fostering state school string students.
The focus for the concert will be a performance of the wonderful ‘Fantasy on a Thomas Tallis Theme’ for Double String Orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Our musicians will be playing alongside Camerata musicians during the concert.
Seating is limited, so please book early for what promises to be an inspirational evening of fine music making.
- Ms Gabrielle Quin | Director of Cultural Activities
Symphony Orchestra collaboration with Queensland Ballet
On Thursday 20 March, the BSHS Symphony Orchestra students had the exciting opportunity to attend the dress rehearsal of Queensland Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet.
This was a wonderful extension of the collaboration undertaken this year between Queensland Ballet and our Symphony Orchestra, an initiative facilitated by our orchestra conductor Ms Meg Robson in partnership with Ms Kath Cadd, Education Manager, Qld Ballet.
The BSHS Symphony Orchestra students are preparing to perform at the Thomas Dixon Centre on 14 May, as part of Qld Ballet’s School Immersion Experience.
– Ms Gabrielle Quin | Director of Cultural Activities
Drama
The Year 11 Drama students recently brought the full-length play 600 Ways to Filter a Sunset by Dan Evans to life with an outstanding performance on Tuesday 25 March.
This thought-provoking and emotionally charged production explored the complexities of identity in an imagined future where humanity has learned to clone and edit itself. The students delivered impressive performances that showcased their depth of understanding and skill.
Ms Moore is very proud of the students' performances. "This was a real team effort, and I’m thrilled with how the students embraced the challenges of the play. They really brought the script to life," she said.
A special mention also goes to our Tech Crew, whose hard work behind the scenes was crucial to the production's success.
Overall, the Year 11 Production was a resounding success, with both the cast and crew displaying incredible teamwork, skill and professionalism.
– Ms Katrina Hasthorpe | 2IC The Arts
HAMLET: SAVE THE DATE!
Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark…And it is not just Trump’s play for Greenland!
The BSHS Drama Department’s Shakespeare Ensemble have been exploring the world of love, loss, revenge, ghosts, skulls and poison over this term and will be bringing an amazing adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet to the PAC on Thursday 12 June to Saturday 14 June with a matinee on the Saturday 14 June.
Make sure you mark the date in the calendar and prepare to be thrilled by the talented BSHS Drama students and Tech Crew!
– Ms Gabrielle Quin | Director of Cultural Activites
Don’t we love physics? Certainly, BSHS students do!
Dedicated Physics students, Quin Marsh, Kye Marsh, Parham Rahmani and Hian Phang, have spent the last few months investigating various Physics Problems, ranging from the behaviour of springs, water bottle rockets, projectiles and leaking faucets! Their hard work and dedication culminated with their participation in the International Young Physicists’ Tournament Australia Challenge from 28 - 30 March, hosted by Brisbane Girls Grammar School.
During the competition they opposed highly talented students from six other schools across Australia and demonstrated their excellence in “debating” physics! After 3 rounds of intense debating their solutions to the various Physics problems, BSHS Blue (Parham Rahmani, Y10 and Hian Phang, Y10) achieved a High Distinction and BSHS Red BSHS Red (Quin Marsh, Y11 and Kye Marsh Y12) was awarded Bronze, narrowly missing out on making the final by just two points!
State High is currently looking for students interested to participate in the Junior Young Physicists’ Tournament (JYPT) 2025.
The spirit of seeking knowledge lives on!
– Ms Tiffany Sproles | Physics and Engineering Teacher
Last Thursday, Year 10 and 11 Ancient History students visited the Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition at the Queensland Museum Kurilpa. This was a rare opportunity, as it is only the third Egyptian exhibit to ever visit our museum.
After a stroll through the Brisbane humidity, students guided themselves through the dark and ethereal spaces of the exhibit with great respect, curiosity and care. It was wonderful to see the students so touched by the past. One such student commented that the stonework on the relics were so powerful he could feel the artist reaching out to him across time; another was enthralled by a simple letter written on papyrus, wondering what insight it must have provided into the daily lives of these almost mythic people.
A highlight for me was a student of Greek heritage who could actually read parts of the replica Rosetta stone. The day ended with a stroll through the museum and some late snacking in the shadow of the famous T-rex.
– Mr Luke Grimish | Modern and Ancient History Teacher
It’s been an outstanding start to the 2025 Debating season, with record-breaking student interest and strong results across all year levels. This year, we have our largest cohort of debaters ever, with 49 teams and over 220 students representing BSHS in the GPS, QDU and BGDA competitions. In Year 7 alone, over 100 students trialed, contributing to 21 teams across Years 7 and 8. This reflects the incredible enthusiasm and growing popularity of debating at Brisbane State High.
The BSHS community has played a key role in creating a supportive and inclusive debating environment. We were proud to host the Year 7 and Year 8 QDU rounds on campus, welcoming students from across Brisbane and showcasing our students' enthusiasm and commitment. Our Year 7 GPS students have also made a strong debut, demonstrating both skill and teamwork in their first season of competitive debating.
In the GPS competition, our Senior A team has once again achieved premiership success, taking out the title for the second consecutive year. After sharing the premiership in 2024, this year marks the first time BSHS has won the title outright. Congratulations to our Senior A team members: Henry Campbell, Liam McLeod, Micole Devinuwara, Tommy Wang and Zhexi Teng, whose outstanding efforts earned this historic win. We’re also incredibly proud to share that Liam McLeod and Zhexi Teng have been selected for the Queensland State Debating Team – a remarkable achievement that reflects their dedication and talent.
We also congratulate our GPS 11.1, 9.2 and 9.3 teams, who ranked first on their ladders this season – a fantastic effort by all students and coaches involved.
Our students have also had the opportunity to engage in debating beyond the classroom. On Monday 31 May, twelve of our debaters visited Parliament House to support Micole Devinuwara, who was invited to participate in a special debate to commemorate International Women’s Day. Micole delivered a thought-provoking speech exploring the moralities of being apolitical, representing BSHS with maturity and insight.
In Term 2, we’re excited to launch our Debating Masterclass Program, which will be open to all students – not just current debaters. More information will be published on StudentNet early in the term
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to a successful and inspiring Term 1 for debating at Brisbane State High School. QDU, BGDA and our Masterclasses are only just beginning. The continued growth of our program would not be possible without the ongoing support of our students, staff and alumni volunteers. Their dedication helps ensure that debating at BSHS remains accessible and enriching for students of all year levels.
- Mr Zachary Mansfield | MIC of Debating
We are excited to launch LEAP, Learning Enrichment Afterschool Peer to Peer Mentoring Program, designed to support all students in their educational journey. LEAP merges through PAS, SAS, and RAS, and is facilitated by LEAP Student Leaders and the Learning Enrichment LSOs Team.
LEAP offers a welcoming and supportive environment where all students at all stages of their learning can receive learning assistance. LEAP will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3pm to 4pm on Level 2 of D Block. For Term 2 LEAP will commence Term 2 Week 2 Tuesday 29 April.
Each day, LEAP provides tailored support through three distinct areas:
- 1-on-1 Senior-Junior Mentoring: In one room, senior students will mentor junior students to offer personalized guidance and support.
- Senior-to-Senior Collaboration: In another room, seniors will work together, fostering peer-to-peer learning and academic growth.
- Independent or Small Group Study: The third space is dedicated to supervised independent study or small group mentoring sessions.
LEAP is designed to meet the diverse needs of students from all year levels, with an open-door policy that welcomes both consistent participants and those simply seeking support for specific subjects or assessments. Whether students need ongoing assistance or just a little extra help with a particular area, LEAP is here to support their success.
We encourage all students to take advantage of this valuable resource as they LEAP toward their academic goals.
For more information about LEAP contact: leap@brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au
– Ms Liz Enfantie | Head of Learning and Enrichment
The Runners’ Up at our school competition will represent us in Term 4 at a District competition held for Year 7s. These talented boys included Percy McDonald, Sherwin Mooten and Lucas Chang.
Thanks to the English and Library staff as well as the Year 9 leaders who helped make sure everything ran smoothly.
– Ms Nicole Slinger | Teacher Librarian
Congratualtions to Year 8 student Otto Chan on his recent success in competitive climbing.
On 22 March, Otto placed first in the Victorian Youth Lead Titles, and on 29 March he secured third in NSW Youth Lead Titles. Otto will next compete in the QLD titles in August. A special mention to this twin brother Ethan who also performed admirably in both events.

Year 7 Family Picnic - Rescheduled
Friday 9 May | 5pm to 8pm | Kurilpa Concourse, I Block

Insurance Notice
The BSHS P&C Association has a proud history of supporting our students to reach their full potential. Each year, the P&C makes a significant financial contribution to the school to assist with this.
Previously, the P&C has provided additional student protection insurance to the students of BSHS. This is not a requirement of P&Cs Qld, nor of Education Queensland. It is also not a requirement of BSHS participation in GPS or QGSSSA sporting activities. This year, and in line with several other society cost of living increases, the premium for this insurance policy has risen dramatically.
The BSHS P&C has investigated options and uptake of this policy and concluded that the cost of the policy premium exceeds the benefits to the school community. As such, at the July General P&C meeting, the membership voted to not renew the student insurance policy for 2025 and to redirect those funds to support the school in other ways.
Please be aware that the current student insurance policy provided by the BSHS P&C Association will expire on Saturday 1 March 2025 and will not be renewed going forwards. Thank you for your ongoing contributions to the BSHS school community.
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.
Consider joining the P&C Executive Committee in 2025:
P&C General Meetings
Uniforms for Sale
New Executive Board Members for 2025
We extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks for your invaluable contributions and unwavering support throughout your time here. Your dedication, leadership and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the community and fostering growth. We are truly grateful for the impact you have made and for being such exemplary role models.
State High Day 2025
Diamond Plaque
Is your child graduating in 2025? Celebrate their State High Journey with a Commemorative Diamond Plaque!
$$$ DIAMOND PLAQUES ARE FULLY TAX DEDUCTIBLE $$$
A Diamond Plaque is a wonderful way to celebrate your child's time at State High. Available in various sizes to suit individuals and families, these plaques make a lasting tribute while also supporting the State High Foundation fund vital school projects and facilities.
Orders placed now will be installed in Term 2 and displayed permanently along the Kurilpa Concourse.
Order Now:
For further information please contact Natalie Loye - Alumni and Community Engagement nloye0@eq.edu.au or (07) 3291 4230
– Ms Natlie Loye | Alumni and Community Engagement
BSHS Culture Group
Our Cultural Group came alive during both the Senior and Junior assemblies on Monday showcasing the vibrant traditions of Pacific Island cultures through song, dance, and storytelling.
Students from all different Pacific backgrounds came together to unite and show pride in their heritage, and with more performances to come throughout the year, this first performance definitely set the tone.
The Siva Samoa performed by the girls tells stories through graceful movements, energetic beats, and the vibrant colours of the ie lavalavas (Samoan name for cloth people wear wrapped around themselves). More than just a performance, this was a statement, a reminder of the deep cultural roots that connects students to their ancestors and traditions.
Throughout the year, the group will continue to share and strengthen their culture through workshops, events, and community engagements, ensuring that the spirit of the Pacific continues to thrive within the school.
Hayley Rogers & Laila Kefu