In this newsletter, we would like to introduce you to some of our new key staff members.

Ms Amanda Chamberlain – General Manager

I was welcomed to the Queensland Department of Education after relocating to Brisbane back in 2010. Prior to our move across the border, I was raising my three children in the idyllic waters of Byron Bay. As they say, “all good things must come to an end”, and their educational needs outweighed my desire to watch the whales swim by.

Upon arrival in Brisbane, I commenced my first administration role at Sherwood State School. Ten years later, after numerous school appointments, I have the privilege of leading the Corporate and Administrative Services of Queensland’s largest (and best) State High school.

I could not have chosen a better time, this being our centenary year, and all the great celebrations that entails. It is wonderful to be able to pay homage to the fantastic history of our great school knowing that I will be part of creating its exciting future direction.

Mr Jamie Hunt: Deputy Principal – Junior School Year 7 & 8

This year, I am excited to take up the position of Deputy Principal for Year 7 and 8 at Brisbane State High School. For the past nine years, I have been based at Kirwan State High School in Townsville, where I was a classroom Drama and English teacher, Head of Creative Arts and then a Deputy Principal. A highlight from my time in Townsville was directing and producing the annual school musical; these productions were well-received by the school community. I have always been passionate about supporting students to experience and achieve success in their schooling and look forward to fostering positive relationships with the students at State High.

Mr Matthew Thornton – Deputy Principal – Year 9 & 10

I am very excited to have taken on the role of Deputy Principal for Year 9 and 10 at Brisbane State High School. I have been part of the State High community for the past six years and in that time, I have worked directly with our students in the role of Head of Year. I am passionate about students challenging themselves to achieve, both inside and outside the classroom. I enjoy real estate development and have a keen passion for sports. Teaching is the most rewarding job in the world, and I can’t wait to challenge myself in this new role and working with our wonderful students.

Mrs Michelle Rivadeneyra – Deputy Principal – Year 11 & 12

After spending the last 11 years working on the Gold Coast, I am excited to be back in Brisbane and join the State High Family as the Deputy Principal for Year 11 and 12. My passion in learning and leadership led to me completing a Masters of Education majoring in Leadership and Management at QUT. In 2019, I was awarded the Bond University Excellence in Secondary Education Leadership Award and proceeded to be successful in obtaining a scholarship to complete the Advanced Leadership Program at the National Excellence in School Leadership Institute (NESLI) in 2020. I am thrilled to work with such a dedicated and enthusiastic group of students and staff in 2021. As a Canadian who now calls Queensland home, I love taking my dog (a Rhodesian Ridgeback) to the beach and spending time outside in the glorious Australian weather.

Mrs Rebecca Johnson – Head of Year 7

I am absolutely thrilled to be the Head of Year 7 in 2021. I joined the State High family in 2015 as Head of Year 9 and, since then, I have enjoyed working with students, parents/guardians, community groups and universities in my role as Head of Partnerships and Transitions. I am passionate about the holistic development of all students and I look forward to watching our new Year 7 students soar in 2021. In my spare time, I love taking our camper out with the family and enjoying the great outdoors. 

Mr Graeme Harding – Head of Year 8

I am really excited to have joined the team at State High in its centenary year as the new Head of Year 8. I have been working in state education for 15 years with roles in the Student Support space for six years at schools on both the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. I feel privileged to be a part of a team committed to students achieving holistically, so I am excited about supporting a new generation of young people to flourish, become all they aspire to be and develop a sense of belonging in a place where they experience positive emotions, positive connections and feel valued. “Pursue what is meaningful. Not what is expedient”.

Ms Abby Green – Head of Senior English

I am excited to have stepped into the role of Head of Senior English here at Brisbane State High School. I have worked as a part of State High’s English faculty over the past five years and, in that time, I have enjoyed being part of a dynamic and highly skilled teaching team. Prior to joining State High, I spent nearly a decade living and working in Central Queensland, where it wasn’t unusual to step out of the classroom to see kangaroos grazing on the school oval. No matter where I have worked, I have always felt that being a part of a student’s journey through their senior schooling phase is a privilege and I look forward to working with the Senior English team and our impressive senior cohort in 2021.

Ms Carly Simpson – Guidance Officer – Junior School (Year 7 & 8)

I am thrilled and excited to be joining the Student Services team as the Junior School Guidance Officer for Year 7 and 8 in 2021. I have been a Drama, Art and English teacher at State High for many years and have spent the past two years as a part of the wonderful Learning and Enrichment team. I am passionate about working with young people to help support them with their social and emotional barriers to learning. I love working as part of a team to assist students to have a positive and fulfilling high school experience. I look forward to supporting our Year 7s with their transition to high school.