Filter Content
- Executive Principal's Welcome
- Key Dates
- QGSSSA Sports & Girls' Activities
- GPS & Boys Activities
- Student Culture and Engagement
- Beyond State High Program
- Partnerships and Transitions
- Year 9
- Drama
- The Arts
- Student Achievement
- Enrolments
- State High Foundation
- P&C News
- Community Notice
- YouFor2032
- Sponsorship
Dear Parents and Guardians
I trust you are well as we continue to make impressive progress throughout Term 2.
NAPLAN results are encouraging overall with over 90% of students across Year 7 and Year 9 achieving either ‘exceeding’ or ‘strong’ in all 4 categories of assessment:
- Grammar and Punctuation
- Reading
- Spelling
- Numeracy
There continues to be a focus on maintaining the progression in grammar and punctuation, reading and spelling from Year 7 to Year 9 as there is a slight decrease in the number of students ‘exceeding’ in all three of these categories.
Students in the Senior School have been tracking well and are comparative to the outstanding levels of attainment at a similar stage over the last two years. ARC teachers and academic mentors have collectively been engaging with students to monitor and support their goal setting and specific academic targets.
Attendance rates remain consistently in the mid 90% range across all year-level groups, which is impressive but needs to be maintained for the reminder of the year.
There has been a significant amount of work occurring since the start of this school year regarding reviewing our timetable/weekly structure. A more effective and flexible model has been supported by staff which will soon be communicated to yourselves after the Department of Education hopefully grants approval for community consultation. More details will follow accordingly over the next few weeks. The target is for this new model to be implemented at the beginning of the 2026 school year.
National Reconciliation Week was appropriately acknowledged this week in a variety of ways, e.g. a number of staff and students attended a reflective breakfast with thought provoking speakers. We all need to acknowledge the theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’ and ensure that we live in an inclusive, empathetic and supportive society in Australia.
We continue to track well with our 2025 Annual Implementation Plan regarding goals and targets. The outstanding extra-curricular life at Brisbane State High School continues with some of the highlights being:
- Chosen to host a Brisbane 2032 Olympic event with the International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission (IOC) President, Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President, and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President in attendance. This was very successful in all aspects and revealed the unique achievements of Brisbane State High School in the Olympic and Paralympic Games with over 40 Olympian alumni.
- Students from BSHS were placed first, second and third from the six finalists in the Queensland Young Instrumentalist Competition
- Student representation in the Australian Schools’ Physics team
- Student representation in the Australian Under 19 Rowing team
- Student winning the Under 16/17 National High Jump Titles
- State, GPS and QGSSSA Cross Country Champions
I really appreciate your ongoing support of our wonderful students as their success cannot occur without yourselves, staff and students working consistently and collaboratively in the same focused direction.
Warm regards
Mr Greg Pierce | Executive Principal
Term 2, 2025 |
||
Week 7 |
||
Wednesday 4 June |
Year 12 100 Days Celebration |
|
Thursday 5 June |
Year 8 Disco |
|
Saturday 7 June |
GPS Football - Round 7 GPS Rugby Trials GPS Tennis - Round 7 QFA Fencing - Round 5 GPS Gymnastics Championships Hamlet |
|
Week 8 |
||
Monday 9 June |
EC Photo Day - Firsts and Opens only Support Staff Week |
|
Wednesday 11 June |
Science Olympiad - Junior (Years 9 and 10) |
|
Thursday 12 June |
Hamlet |
|
Friday 13 June |
Science Olympiad - Junior (Years 7 and 8) |
|
Saturday 14 June |
GPS Football - Round 8 GPS Tennis - Round 8 GPS Rugby Trials QFA Fencing - Round 6 Hamlet |
|
Week 9 |
||
Monday 16 June |
Cleaners Day |
|
Tuesday 17 June |
Hamlet |
|
Thursday 19 June |
Choral Fanfare Regional Trials |
|
Saturday 21 June |
GPS Football - Round 9 (bye) GPS Tennis - Round 9 (bye) |
|
Week 10 |
||
Tuesday 24 June |
Tech Crew Dinner |
|
Thursday 26 June |
Year 12 Formal |
|
Friday 27 June |
End Term 2 |
|
Term 3, 2025 |
||
Week 1 |
||
Monday 14 July |
Commencement Term 3 |
QGSSSA Sports & Girls' Activities
Congratulations to our Girls Cross Country Team for winning their 11th consecutive QGSSSA Cross Country Championship on Saturday 24 May at John Paul College.
Similar to our 10th Championship in 2024, we recorded the ultimate team performance, with victories in four out of six age groups (12, 14, 16 Years and Opens) with a 2nd place finish in the 13 and 15’s age groups. Our continued run of success is due to multiple staff, students and families who have contributed to the program over the past decade, and the school is proud to continue this great tradition of success in cross country.
Our BSHS Girls’ Cross Country MIC, Mr. Damon Giles, shows enormous dedication to this program and his support of all girls who represent State High in this sport is exceptional. We thank Mr. Giles for leading his team of staff and athletes through another successful year, which continues through the Met East trials this week and upcoming State Championships!
Today, Friday 30 May, the QGSSSA competition is hosting the annual Reconciliation Round. With Basketball games at our Indoor Sports Centre, Touch Football at Whites Hill, and Football at Fursden Rd, we are excited to be part of this significant event and look forward to participating in this round against St. Aidan’s Anglican College.
TERM 3 – WINTER SPORT
Please see below for the list of upcoming sports and activities that will commence preparations this term and competition in Term 3.
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Hockey
- Netball
- Rhythmic Gymnastics
- Rowing
- Tennis
- Volleyball
As the busiest term in girls’ sport at State High approaches it is important all students are aware of all information regarding sign ons, trials and upcoming training sessions. Most of this information can be found through our school TEAM APPS.
Please download the Stack Team App on your device and search for your sport: e.g. BSHS Girls Athletics. All sports have the same start (BSHS Girls…) so please insert your sport and sign up for all of the latest information.
– Mr David Miles | Director of QGSSSA Sports and Girls' Activities
Rowing
Football
The Queensland School Sport Football State Carnival was held from the 15 –18May.
Brisbane State High School had six girls selected into Met East teams across the two age groups. Tamani Skeers (Year 11), Violet Bonnell (Year 11), and Helena Prest (Year 11) played in the U19 Met East team. Pippa Bromley (Year 9), Lexi Underhill (Year 9), and Sophia Pareti (Year 9) played in the U15 Met East team that finished second.
From the carnival Pippa Bromley and Lexi Underhill were selected into the Queensland U15 team.
Pippa Bromley, Lexi Underhill, Sophia Pareti
U15 Met East Team
We would also like to acknowledge Queensland Pelvic Floor Centre for their Platinum sponsorship of the program in 2025! This sponsorship has allowed all Football girls to play for FREE this year!
QGSSSA Rhythmic Gymnastics
The 2025 Rhythmic Gymnastics season has officially begun!
After a fantastic trial session, our training is in full swing and our students are focused on learning their routines for this year's competition in mid-Term 3.
Additionally, parents and guardians will have the chance to witness the students’ incredible performances during a showcase evening, also set for Term 3.
More details will be shared via Team App.
– Ms Racheal Slorach | MIC QGSSSA Rhythmic Gymnastics
QGSSSA Cross Country
2025 QGSSSA Cross Country Championships – 11 Titles in a Row!
Brisbane State High School has once again solidified its position as the powerhouse of QGSSSA Cross Country, securing an incredible 11th consecutive Association Cup victory with a commanding 67 points at this year’s Championships, held on Saturday 24 May at John Paul College.
Despite stiff competition, 90 girls rose to the challenge, delivering another unforgettable performance. We secured the victory finishing ahead of Brisbane Girls Grammar School in second place on 59 points and Moreton Bay College in third place on 54 points.
Four of our age groups claimed first place – the 13 Years, 14 Years, 16 Years, and Open divisions – with two other age groups (12 Years and 15 Years) finishing a close second.
Individually, three of our runners claimed QGSSSA race victories (3km’s), showcasing their exceptional talent and determination:
- Victoria Huang – 1st place, 13 Years (10:23)
- Zelmari van Loggerenberg – 1st place, 15 Years (10:41)
- Georgie Burg – 1st place, 16 Years (9:49 – Course Record!)
These results reflect the resilience and dedication of our Cross Country team. The culture of excellence in our program is unmatched. Our girls train hard, race harder, and always lift for each other when it matters most. That spirit was on full display once again in 2025, with many runners stepping up to deliver for the Blue Red Blue.
A massive thank you goes out to our amazing staff, parents, and extra-curricular office for your support. Congratulations to every member of our 2025 Cross Country team – we are incredibly proud of your efforts. Here’s to another year of success and to keeping the streak alive in 2026!

Teen Queens Chess Tournament
We recently held the inaugural Teen Queens of Chess Tournament. This competition is aimed at supporting female chess players in a male dominated sport. Students from Years 5 – 12 and from schools across Brisbane competed in a seven-match tournament.
The day was a great success with students from several primary and high schools attending. Matches played on the day can contribute to attaining a Queensland Junior Chess Rating.
Results
Team
1st Somerville Team 1
2nd BSHS Team 1
3rd Somerville Team 2
Individual
1st Alex Yu – Somerville
2nd Alice Yu – Somerville
3rd Sarah Zhang – BSHS
Thanks to Mathew Gilpin from Somerville; Matthew King, BSHS teacher and Alex Pham alumni Vice-Captain 2024 who contributed their valuable expertise and time.
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 3, 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 Rugby, Basketball, Chess and Track & Field.
Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to another incredible term of sport and activities at BSHS!
– Mr Ben McKenzie | Director of GPS and Boys Activities
Cross Country
The GPS Cross Country Championships were held on the 22 May.
Our students battled through the tough conditions on the day and won the GPS championships by a massive 8 points. This is an incredible result from our students and staff and a testament to their hard work and perseverance that past term and a half.
Out of the 5 age groups our results were as follows:
· U13 – 4th Place
· U14 – 1st Place
· U15 – 1st Place
· U16 – 3rd Place
· Opens – 3rd Place
A massive congratulations to our students and special mention to the MIC Mr Matthew Langmack for his incredible dedication and support of our boy’s Cross Country program.
Football
Our GPS Football program continues to see incredible results throughout the season.
Our 1st XI is battling incredibly hard and this was showcased against IGS where the boys came back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw. A special mention to the 7D and 10B teams who remain undefeated moving into the last 3 rounds of the season.
Tennis
The BSHS boys Tennis teams continue to see some amazing results.
Our Firsts Tennis team have been winning a number of tight games with an amazing victory against BGS this past weekend. A special mention to our 9A and 9B Tennis teams who are still in the hunt for a GPS premiership.
Debating
GPS Cross Country Championships
Congratulations to the Boys Cross Country team on winning the GPS Cross Country Championships, held last week at Limestone Park.
The team finished on a total of 40 points, 8 points clear of Brisbane Grammar School in second on 32 points and Nudgee College in third on 29. Highlights on the day included winning age group premierships in the Under 14 and Under 15 age group. These victories combined with 3rd placings in the Under 16 and Open Age Group and a 4th place in the U/13 contributed to the overall victory.
Individually State High recorded thirteen Top 10 finishes, our highest number in several years. Tate Van Camp was awarded the Most Outstanding Performance at GPS in finishing in second position in the U/15.
A massive shout out of thanks to all the supporters who made their way out to the event. Your support was greatly appreciated and certainly made the difference.
Age Group Premiers
Under 14 – 1st
Oliver Jobbins
Alexander Hillardt
Jack Harding
Bendeguz Szakaly
Finn Southwell
Jamie Tooke
Under 15 – 1st
Tate Van Camp
Nicholas Kenos
Josh Tarr
AJ Fleming
Nathan Thomas
Benjamin Langmack
GPS Championships Top 10 Finishes
U/13 – Adam Langmack 8th
U/14 – Oliver Jobbins 3rd, Alexander Hillardt 6th, Jack Harding 10th
U/15 – Tate Van Camp 2nd, Nicholas Kenos 7th, Josh Tarr 10th
U/16 – Jack Jenvey 5th, Alex Butler 6th, Sebastian Croke 8th
Open- Sergio Arrivillaga 6th, Angus Brown 9th, Zale Clarke 10th
GPS Championships Outstanding Performance
Tate Van Camp 2nd U/15
Most Improved Awards
Cooper Beavan
Jamie Tooke
Nathan Thomas
Nikola Katrissios
Zale Clarke
Junior Supporter Trophy
Nathan Thomas
Senior Supporter Trophy
Sonny Adam
– Mr Matthew Langmack | MIC Boys Cross Country
Student Culture and Engagement
School TV
Due to State High's ongoing commitment to supporting youth wellbeing through our partnership with SchoolTV, we would like to invite parents, carers, grandparents, educators and school leaders to attend an exclusive webinar supporting primary and secondary students.
WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II)
DATE: Tuesday, 17 June 2025
TIME: 7:30 pm
Join us for an exclusive session with two of Australia's leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. They will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Topics in this webinar include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Misinformation & Algorithms
- Sexting and Sextortion
- Online Grooming
**** IMPORTANT ****
Please note, this webinar is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later.
Please note: Participants must register prior to the commencement of the webinar to gain access.
Alternatively, you may consider using the following link:
http://brisbaneshs.eq.schooltv.me/webinar/qld-digital-media-literacy-safety-part-2
We look forward to having you join us for this insightful and engaging session.
- Ms Rachel Hobson | Deputy Principal Student Culture and Engagement
– Ms Julia Cottone | Year 12 Guidance Officer
Our Monday Enrichment Program is in full swing this term, with a strong focus on future pathways. The Medicus and Engeniator programs have been a hit with our Year 10 students.
We’ve been fortunate to host presenters from QUT, Griffith University, MedEntry, and our own esteemed alumni and staff, all sharing valuable insights into careers in Medicine and Engineering.
Looking ahead to Term 3, students in these programs will enjoy some hands-on immersion experiences. We’re also excited to re-launch Justicia and Scientia next term, please look out for more details in the next edition.
A big thank you to our senior Maths Extension mentors for guiding students passionate about this pathway. We’re also proud to share that Ashwin, Danira De Silva, and Shukanya Prachi will be competing in the Australian Junior Scrabble Championship in Sydney this June and have also qualified for the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Malaysia this August.
What an incredible achievement, congratulations!
Our Year 11 and 12 Medicus and Engeniator programs continue to thrive with students engaging with experts from the industry throughout the term to broaden their understanding and with their future decision making. Year 11 Medicus had the wonderful Dr Gurion Ang from the University of Queensland, Faculty of Science deliver a presentation on the unique possibilities’ of studying at university.
We have been working in partnership with Holland Park State High School to provide students with opportunities to build skills through Vocational Education and Training (VET).
This term we have had Year 10 and 11 students attending the Holland Park SHS campus to complete the Cert II in Hospitality. This partnership provides us with more opportunities to support students with exploring pathways and cater for a wider range of students.
TAFE Queensland also has some fantastic School Holiday Workshops coming up, with programs in Architecture, Design, Engineering, Creative Arts, and more. It’s a great opportunity for students to explore different career paths. This is open for Years 9 to 12.
Click on the link below for more information:
https://tafeqld.edu.au/news-and-events/events/2025/june/school-holiday-workshops
Many of our senior students are taking up the opportunity of enrolling in a school-based university studies through the QUT START, UQ Enhanced Studies, and UniSQ UniPrep programs. These initiatives allow Year 11 and 12 students to experience university life by studying university subjects while still at school with face to face and online options available, providing insights into university learning, and building confidence in their academic futures.
- Ms Natalie Coleman | Deputy Principal Year 11 and 12
Scott Darlow Inspires Year 9 Students Through Story and Song
This term, our Year 9 General English students are studying The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf, a speculative fiction novel by Ambelin Kwaymullina that explores themes of power, resistance, and Indigenous identity. To complement their learning, students were fortunate to spend time with musician, speaker, and proud Yorta Yorta man, Scott Darlow.
Scott shared powerful stories from his life as an Indigenous man growing up in Queensland, speaking with honesty and humour about the impact of history, the importance of reconciliation, and the need to amplify First Nations voices. His message of educate, don’t discriminate echoed many of the ideas students have been unpacking in their reading of the novel.
In between speaking, Scott performed original songs that blended rock and didgeridoo, captivating the students, and bringing his message to life through music. The session prompted rich discussion, thoughtful questions, and a deeper appreciation of the importance of voice and perspective in storytelling.
This visit provided an invaluable connection between classroom learning and real-world experience, leaving students inspired and challenged to think more critically about justice, identity, and the stories we choose to tell.
The BSHS Drama Department and the 2025 Shakespeare ensemble presents...Shakespeare’s famous play: Hamlet.
Witness a Hamlet as you’ve never seen before!
A murdered King’s ghost stalks the cold halls of Elsinore..will the young prince revenge his father’s untimely death? Ghosts, poison, drownings, fencing bouts and more!
Join us for 90 minutes of powerful theatre in the PAC
Thursday 12 June - 7pm
Friday 13 June - 7pm
Saturday 14 June - 2pm and 7pm
Tickets available NOW via QKR!
$5 Concession
$10 Full
We are very excited to welcome Farren McRae as a sponsor for our student production of Hamlet. Thank you to Alison and the team at Farren McRae.
“At Farren McRae Workplace Lawyers and Consultants, we are proud to be a national practice providing trusted guidance on all aspects of workplace and employment law. Renowned for delivering clear, practical advice, we support both employers and employees across Australia.
Our services include workplace investigations, mediations, and strategic consulting, helping organisations manage risks and resolve disputes effectively. Our clients value us as their safe pair of hands - a trusted partner who offers practical solutions with a deep understanding of both legal and operational workplace complexities.
With decades of experience across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, we handle sensitive and complex matters with professionalism and integrity.
Discover our trusted approach to workplace matters at farrenmcrae.com.au”
– Ms Gabrielle Quin | Director of Cultural Activites
Over the last few weeks, our Arts classrooms have been bustling with real-world learning experiences, with a diverse variety of arts industry professionals sharing their expertise with students in our Arts classrooms.
You might also have seen our Media Arts classrooms on ABC News showing how media education and media literacy is fundamental to active citizenship!
- Ms Aimee Gust | Head of Department - Arts
2025 Australian Athletics Championships
Congratulations to Year 11 student Ethan Gration who recently won the U17 Men’s High Jump with a jump of 1.97m at the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships held in Perth in April.
This added to his U16 Men’s High Jump win (PB 2.00m) at the 2024 Australian Athletics All Schools Championships, to win both national championships for the 2024/25 season.
Well done Ethan!
It's with great excitement that we congratulate Owen Zhai (Year 12), who has recently been awarded a Silver medal at the 2025 Asian Physics Olympiad earlier this month in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Each year Australian Science Innovations and the Australian Mathematics Trust jointly host a presentation ceremony to formally announce the students representing Australia at the forthcoming International Science Olympiads in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Informatics Mathematics, and Physics.
Making a national Olympiad team is a huge achievement, and our students represent some of the brightest young minds in STEM.
“I love physics because it allows us to formalise our intuition of the everyday world and how we can use this information to ensure that how we interact with the world is best.” - Owen
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.
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 Natalie Loye | Alumni and Community Engagement

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
State High Day 2025