Junior School Captains 2023

On Friday 25 November,  we celebrated our Year 9 students on their completion of Junior School at our 2022 Junior School Graduation.  At the ceremony, we were entertained by our Junior Choir and Chamber Strings ensemble and the BSHS Rock Band who all performed outstandingly.  Our students were delightful and it was great to have parents join us in the room and online.

At the ceremony, we introduced our 2023 School Captains:

 I celebrated with this group of student leaders with lunch together on Thursday 1 December.

2023 Junior School Captains at lunch with Mr Wade Haynes

David Sutton Award 2022

In the last newsletter, I announced the 2022 recipient of the David Sutton Award for All Round Excellence and provided a brief overview of Chanel Li’s achievements. I felt it was important to expand on this information to share Chanel’s many achievements:

In 2018, Chanel was a Griffith University STEM Ambassador.

In 2019, Chanel completed her Cello Associate Diploma (AMUSA). She has also completed her Theory of Music Grade 6 exam.  

Chanel was a Peers for Academic Success volunteer tutor in 2021 and 2022. She was allocated to the literacy program and paired with junior students. Her commitment to the literacy of these students saw their school results improve over 2021.  

Through these community and leadership roles, Chanel also led and promoted a learning culture. Chanel also had a significant extra-curricular commitment in addition to her STEM commitments including the Student Representative Council, choirs, instrumental music groups, debating, badminton, netball, cross country, as well as media and photography teams.

Chanel has participated in the following competitions and achieved highly in all of these pursuits:

• Queensland Regional Titration Competition: 2021
• Australian Mathematics Competition: 2021 (High Distinction), 2020 (Distinction), 2019, 2018, 2017 (Prize Winner)
• ICAS Mathematics Competition: 2020 (Distinction), 2019 (Distinction), 2018 (Distinction), 2017 (High Distinction)
• ICAS Science Competition: 2020, 2019, 2018 (High Distinction), 2017 (High Distinction)
• Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers Problem Solving Competition: 2022, 2021, 2020
• Australian Intermediate Olympiad: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

In 2022, Chanel was a Peer Supporter and was selected as a Prefect. Chanel was also the 2022 Badminton Captain. 

At the completion of Year 12 internal assessment, Chanel was on 100% for all subjects (Chemistry, French, Methods, Specialist, Physics), with the exception of Literature where she has obtained 74/75. 

Chanel is was part of the school’s Medicus program. Prior to this, Chanel applied for and won a holiday research program through SPARQ-Ed.

In her final year of high school, Chanel was the recipient of the 2022 Peter Doherty Award for Senior Student STEM Excellence.

Chanel was awarded an All-Rounder Scholarship through the Australian National University (ANU).

Chanel is also a joy of a human who is caring, friendly, warm, kind and humble.

Congratulations to Chanel on these outstanding achievements throughout her six years at Brisbane State High. We wish her the very best with her future endeavours.

Staff changes for 2023

I would like to extend my thanks and best wishes to these staff:

I’ll introduce our new staff in the first newsletter of 2023. We had the pleasure of working with many of them for a day this week.

Key dates | Term 1, 2023

Please note the following key dates during Term 1 of 2023. We are currently working on populating our website events calendar and aim to have 2023 key dates available by the commencement of Term 1. I encourage you to keep checking our website events calendar for the most up-to-date details.

Reminder: Student Start 2023

Our Year 7 students, together with our 2023 Prefects and Year 11 Peer Supporters and leaders, will commence the 2023 school year on Monday 23 January. All other year levels (Year 8 – 12) will commence on Tuesday 24 January 2023.

A reminder: If it is not possible for your student to attend from the first day, parents are required to seek approval from the school prior to the end of this school year.

Students not returning until after Thursday 2 February 2023 are required to provide documentary evidence of travel or other arrangements that preclude the normal start dates. Without this documentation, we will not hold places in classes. Please provide us with early advice so we can attend to these arrangements with you.

Thank you

This is our final newsletter for 2022. I wish all our students and staff a safe and happy holiday and look forward to working together in 2023. I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone in our community for your support, feedback, input, ideas, volunteering, financial support and encouragement. It is all greatly appreciated.

View the photo gallery for a snapshot of key events and student achievements at State High in the year that was 2022!

As we are finalising our enrolments for 2023, please advise the school if your child will not be returning to Brisbane State High School next year.

If your child will not be returning, please advise by completing a short survey via www.surveymonkey.com/r/7HQC57P.

Your advice is appreciated and will assist with our planning for next year.

What an amazing finish to 2022! It has been an absolute privilege to work in a public school that produces quality sporting teams that are competitive on a national level. It has been well worth the drive to Carrara to watch the most talented, physically gifted, and cohesive team of players I have ever seen in my career. Congratulations to the GPS Basketball Firsts who finished 3rd at the National Basketball Schools Championships. The GPS Tennis Firsts also shining brightly in Albury with their fourth position in the National Tennis Championships. This week, the GPS Firsts Volleyball compete in the National Volleyball Champion Schools and the GPS Firsts Cricket teams compete in the National Five Highs Competition.

I am signing off and pulling up stumps on my teaching career and current role as Director of GPS Sports and Boys Activities. It has been a wonderful combined 20 years of being part of the State High culture. This extraordinary experience would not have been possible without the community surrounding and within the school. Working above and beyond to provide so many opportunities for State High students are the parents, guardians, teachers, support staff, groundsmen and executive team.

Thank you.

Ms Vicki Goodall – Director of GPS Sport and Boys Activities

GPS Basketball

Our Firsts Basketball team had a great finish to our week on the Gold Coast competing in the Championship Division of the Australian Schools Tournament.

Our boys showed great resilience and fighting spirit in the bronze medal game against The Southport School. After a disappointing loss the night before against Rowville Secondary College (Victoria) – who simply moved the ball extremely well and shot the lights out – our lads rallied to win by 30 points after being down by 16 points at half time. It was great to get a ‘chip’ – as the team have termed it – and also finish a very special year for State High Boys Basketball with a resounding win against one of our great GPS rivals.

Congratulations to Roman Siulepa (Year 10) who was chosen in the Tournament All Star 5!

All credit to our coaches – Mr Kris Robinson, Mr Adam Nicholson and Mr Brett Sue See – and, of course, to the team who remained focussed right from the beginning of the year and never forgot the goals that were set for 2022.

In addition, we congratulate the performances of our other teams in the GPS competition, especially our Year 9/10 CBSQ gold medallists and Year 7/8 CBSQ silver medallist team. This has been one of the most successful seasons in State High Basketball history.

Many thanks for the support of our players, families, volunteer coaches and managers, as well as Ms Leisa McGiffin, Ms Vicki Goodall and Ms Karlie Playne in the Sports Office. Also, many thanks to Mr Haynes and the BSHS Executive Team and our supporting staff for their invaluable contributions.

“Teamwork makes the dream work!”

Despite QDU competitions ending in August, State High debaters have been working hard to shore up our success for an outstanding 2023 season. Our students have been eagerly looking for opportunities to prepare themselves through participating in the Intraschool Competition, trials for 2023 team and attending our Staff-versus-Students Comedy Debate which was held during our End of Season Dinner.

Over the last five weekends, our debaters have had a strong showing at the trials for the 2023 Queensland State Debating Team. We had eleven State students making the top 48 and eight students making it to the top 24. After several gruelling rounds of debates and extensive feedback from some of Queensland’s best coaches and adjudicators, we are thrilled to announce that five of our students have been named in the top 12. Congratulations to Liam Cleary, Emma Fensom, Zoe Cartwright and Laura Gough in Year 11, and Zhexi Teng in Year 9 (the only Year 9 student to be in the squad) for their outstanding performances.

Over the next few months, these students will train and trial intensively in the lead-up for selection in March next year to represent Queensland in the National Schools Debating Competition. We know that, regardless of selection, these students – and State High Debating as a whole – will benefit tremendously from this rich experience.

After winning the State Team Titles in Rockhampton, our First IV squad travelled to the Australian Schools Team Tennis Challenge to compete over four days of play on the natural grass courts of the regional town of Albury on the NSW and Victorian border.

Noah Brownrigg (Year 10), Arjun Balakrishnan (Year 12), Daniel Lemmon-Warde (Year 9), Jason Lemmon-Warde (Year 9) and Asher Brownrigg (Year 8) did our school proud by battling against 12 of the top tennis schools in the nation to finish in 4th place. A gruelling schedule of matches saw our boys on court for up to 9 hours of play in a day. We posted wins over Prince Alfred College (SA), Westfield Sports High School (NSW), St Augustine’s College (NSW) and Palm Beach Currumbin State High School (QLD) in pool matches in the opening days.

The campaign overall was a great experience for a talented young side, who competed beautifully as a team against the best. To cap off the experience, team captain and graduating senior Arjun, was honoured with the sportsmanship award of the championships, voted by all players in the competition. Congratulations to Arjun and his team. Special thanks to team managers Mr Jay Pike and Mr Nick Brownrigg, who rode the highs and lows with our players on and off court.

Congratulations to all our Junior AFL girls for a great season! Each time our players took the field, they made us proud by demonstrating the State High Footy values of spirit, sportsmanship, teamwork and enjoyment.

Well done to the following award recipients: 

QGSSSA Basketball

The Open Girls Basketball team – made up of predominantly Year 9 and 10 students – competed against the top Open division schools at the 2022 Australian School Championships.

It was an incredible week of learning and development for our players. We look forward to watching them grow as a team over the next few years.

We had one Year 12 student, Lillyanna Edwards who played her final game for State High in this tournament and we thank her for her contribution over the last 6 years.

Thank you to Mr Steve Edwards, Ms Char Notoa and Mr Ben Tierney for their dedication to coaching the team this year. 

The inaugural Year 10 Medicus Program has run throughout Term 4 and given students, aspiring to study medicine or dentistry, a series of enhanced learning experiences. The Medicus Program supports and challenges students pursuing a pathway in medicine or dentistry. Through a series of masterclasses, immersion experiences, and alumni connections, the Medicus Program aims to:

• provide information and training on pathway options
• connect current students with medical alumni
• develop communication skills required in the medical profession
• provide team and problem-based learning experiences which are integral to learning in medical degrees
• challenge and empower students to be the changemakers of tomorrow in their chosen career, with strong principles, ethical grounding and global awareness.

Icon Group Partnership

The Year 10 Medicus Program was largely delivered in partnership with Icon Group, Australia’s largest dedicated cancer care provider. Students learned about the multidisciplinary nature of cancer treatment through masterclasses run by Icon Group’s leading radiation therapists and medical physicists, and an immersion experience visit to the Icon Group Head Office in South Brisbane. Special thanks to our partner, Icon Group, who is committed to engaging the next generation of health professionals.

QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

A highlight of the Year 10 Medicus Program this year was an immersion day at QIMR Berghofer and The University of Queensland’s Integrated Pathology Learning Centre (IPLC). QIMR Berghofer is one of Australia’s most successful medical research institutes, translating discoveries from bench to bedside for a better future of health. Medicus students worked in a laboratory alongside scientists on experiments related to disease and antimicrobial drug discovery.

The IPLC is dedicated to maintaining and developing The University of Queensland’s human pathology collection, ensuring its ongoing use in the study of disease, and promoting an understanding of health and disease. Through a series of workshops, students explored the pathology underlying health problems and disease prevention. They were challenged to investigate the effects of behavioural and environmental factors on health and think critically about personal and peer attitudes to contemporary health issues.

Ms Clancy Strickland – Head of Partnerships and Transitions

Congratulations to our first ever graduating cohort of Assistants in Nursing! These Year 11 students took part in the first year of the Allied Health Program and are looking forward to taking the next steps in launching their career in the healthcare industry. They have completed their Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, which qualifies them as Assistants in Nursing with the knowledge and skills needed to work in a range of assistant-style roles in health, as well as the experience they need to communicate with respect and care.

As part of their Term 4 learning program, students visited our partner universities: The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University to learn about different pathways and programs in health.

At UQ, students enjoyed using Virtual Reality (VR) goggles and being taught by UQ academics about how VR technology is used in a wide range of healthcare training including anatomy study in medicine, dentistry and allied health. BSHS Alumni and UQ academic, Associate Professor Allison Mandrusiak, then met with students to give them insight into pathways in physiotherapy, as well as occupational therapy and speech pathology, and how these disciplines work together. Armed with this information about how these allied health professionals work to care for patients, students spent the afternoon in UQ’s simulated ward with an actor playing the role of patient to guide students through case studies.

On the visit to QUT, students engaged in a simulated emergency experience on the ward in the School of Nursing. They participated in a range of activities in the podiatry clinic and learnt about what it means to study health information management and radiation therapy.

At Griffith University, students were immersed in a physiotherapy experience that challenged them to collect and analyse data on human movement. They also learned about pathways to physiotherapy that allow students to transition into physiotherapy through exercise science.

In 2023, we look forward to students in Years 10 and 11 participating in the Allied Health program.

Ms Clancy Strickland – Head of Partnerships and Transitions

Online Consent

In 2023 we will be moving to Online Consent Management to gain permission for student activities including excursions and extra-curricular activities. An invitation to join QParents will be emailed to all parents/guardians early in 2023.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to sign up for QParents as a matter of priority once the invitation is received. QParents gives parents/guardians access to online consent, report cards, timetables, attendance as well as viewing and paying invoices.

This online channel helps parents/guardians save time by giving them access to information about their school-aged children via a secure, online portal using their computer or mobile device.

You will be able to log in to QParents via their computer or mobile device to access a range of information about your child, including:

• Report cards and assessment
• Timetables and class times
• Attendance
• Finance
• Student consent

For more information:

• View the QParents fact sheet
• View the QParents quick reference guide
• Call 13QGOV (13 74 68)
• Email qparents@dete.qld.gov.au

Payment of Fees and Levies

Levies apply to all students, irrespective of the category of enrolment in which they are enrolled. It is essential that subject fees are paid so that resources can be provided to teachers in the classrooms. This school ensures that classrooms are resourced well, and to a high standard. This cannot happen without your support.

As per the Terms and Conditions of the User Pays Scheme Agreement signed by parents prior to enrolment:

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact our Accounts Management Officer on 3291 4213 early in the year to set up a Payment Plan. A Payment Plan allows you to pay fees gradually, however, must be paid in full by the end of Term 3 of the same year. By contacting us early, you can ensure your child's extra-curricular and recreational activities are managed responsibly.

This school has always operated under a ‘user pays’ system for all extra-curricular activities. In 2023 we will be enforcing the ‘no pay no play’ rule when it comes to participation in extra-curricular activities. No student with outstanding fees will be permitted to trial for any extra-curricular programs. Financial status will be checked prior to trial dates, based on EOIs for the following term activities so if you have outstanding fees from previous years, I recommend you contact our Accounts Management Officer as soon as possible to arrange a payment plan. 

Ms Amanda Chamberlain – General Manager

Brisbane State High School students interested in careers in Engineering enjoyed lunch at QUT on Friday 4 November. At the event, students met with Mr Volker Richter, Head of Total Vehicle Technology and Quality Management with BMW, and discussed pathways in Engineering and the future of the automotive industry. Students then toured the impressive QUT Faculty of Engineering department and met with QUT student ambassadors. Special thanks to Ms Tiffany Sproles for accompanying and sharing her expertise in Engineering with our students.

Ms Clancy Strickland – Head of Partnerships and Transitions

Recently graduated and didn’t get the ATAR you were hoping for?

Changing your preferences

If you’re rethinking your study path, there’s still time to change your QTAC, VTAC or UAC preferences after you have submitted your application. You can change your preferences up to three times for free—any further changes will attract a fee.

You might like to change your preferences if:

• you have changed your mind about your ideal degree
• your ATAR is higher or lower than you were expecting
• you want to include a pathway degree which you can use to upgrade in to your preferred degree later.

For more information, visit the QTAC, VTAC or UAC websites.

Ms Jess Hall – Guidance Officer (Year 11 & 12)

Your P&C is now on Facebook

To better reach and engage with parents, guardians, and citizens of the State High community, the BSHS P&C has established the 'Brisbane State High Parents & Citizens Association' Facebook page. Click here to like and follow.

Here you’ll find all the latest details about P&C meetings, events, fundraisers, updates from our award-winning canteens and uniform shop, and more!

Prefer to stay up to date using Team App for extra-curricular activities? Join the P&C TeamApp group now.

International Volunteer Day | Monday 5 December

Volunteers are the backbone of Brisbane State High. We have many wonderful parents and guardians who spend early mornings and late evenings giving their time for the benefit of our students. We are so grateful for our volunteers who contribute all throughout the year to the Blue-Red-Blue community. Whether it’s helping out at the sporting home games and events, State High Day, in our canteens, as our Executive and Sub-committee office-bearers, or in our uniform shop, we are thankful for the countless hours given so generously by so many!

Help send State High students to the World Cross Country Championships

In February 2023, Brisbane State High School athletes are travelling to Bathurst for the World Cross Country Championships.

This tour will provide around 20 students with the opportunity to compete in multiple races and represent BSHS, while also witnessing the world's elite athletes compete.

To assist with the cost of travel, accommodation and transport, the P&C Athletics and Cross-Country Sub-committee are seeking your support. You can provide a tax-deductible donation online here.

Thank you for your support in providing this incredible experience for our athletes!

Keen to support other P&C Sub-committees with their fundraising goals too?

Check out the Australian Sports Foundation for all current fundraising projects:

• Football
• Rugby
• Dance
• Rowing

Hundreds of new student uniform fittings have been underway at the P&C uniform shop ahead of a new cohort of Year 7s joining in 2023, and we are so grateful to everyone who has helped us so far. 

Fittings will be on again from Tuesday 10 January to Friday 20 January and we need more volunteers. If you’d like to help, please sign up by clicking here.

All you need to volunteer is a desire to help the school and a bit of common sense – we will provide you with everything you need to contribute, and any training required.

Why volunteer?

Volunteers from our parent and school community help the P&C to invest as much funding as possible back into the school. The P&C provides students with much-needed support including 100% of funding for the school's library resources, every student’s personal injury insurance for extra-curricular activities, maintaining our Fursden Road Playing Fields, and much more.

An exciting way to raise money for the school!

The P&C has partnered with iSponsor, an easy-to-use app which parents can download to make purchases, many at discounted rates. A percentage of the spend is then given to the school nominated, at no cost to you.

It is a great way to raise funds for the school community and we hope many parents will support us by downloading and using the app.

One of the great strengths of our school community is the partnerships we develop with our wider community. These partnerships allow us to build on our long traditions to enable our students to achieve their potential. To meet the needs of our unique school, State High relies heavily on the support of the community.

There are many sponsorship opportunities available to promote your business to our school community. These opportunities include sponsorship of our school, major events and ceremonies, sporting and extra-curricular activities, as well as festivals and parent functions.