7 March 2025

Deputy Principal's Address

Dear Parents and carers,

As we reflect on the last few weeks at Corinda State High School, it’s evident that our school community has been alive with energy and filled with exceptional opportunities for our students to grow, learn, and shine. From cultural celebrations to exciting leadership events, it has been a memorable few weeks.

In Week 4, our school celebrated Chinese Language Week, immersing students in the rich traditions and cultural heritage of China. A highlight of the week was the spectacular Chinese Lion Dance performance, which captivated both students and staff, bringing energy and excitement to the celebrations. A big thank you to our Languages team for their dedication in making this event a success.

Chinese Lion Dance performed by the International Wu-Shu Academy

The start of Week 5 saw our Year 12 Geography students embark on their field trip to the Port of Brisbane, applying their classroom knowledge in real-world environments. Our students represented the school with great maturity and enthusiasm. In the sporting arena, Round 1 of the Schools Premier League (SPL) against Cavendish Road SHS set the tone for a competitive season. With our Junior and Intermediate Boys both taking the victory (4-3 Win and 6-2 Win respectively), our three other teams all had narrow losses by only one goal. Our students displayed excellent sportsmanship and teamwork, and we wish them continued success in the rounds ahead.

Last Tuesday was a special day for our Year 12 cohort, as they gathered for their Year 12 Breakfast, followed by Leadership Day. This event provided a valuable opportunity for our senior students to reflect on their roles as leaders within the school community. Their engagement and drive to leave a lasting impact on our school were truly commendable. Wednesday saw the Met West Swimming Regionals, where our athletes showcased their talent and determination in the pool.

To round out Week 5, our Year 11 students took an important step toward their futures during Careers Day, exploring pathways and opportunities that will help shape their post-school journeys. This event plays a crucial role in guiding students as they begin making informed decisions about their next steps.

Finally, over the past few weeks, primary school students from our catchment area and beyond participated in our Tennis, Dance, and Culinary Golden Opportunity Days, seizing opportunities to gain hands-on experience before they begin their high school journeys.

As we continue through the term, I encourage all students to embrace the opportunities available to them, both inside and outside the classroom. The dedication and enthusiasm shown in recent weeks are a testament to the vibrant and dynamic spirit of our school community.

Thank you to our staff, students, and families for your ongoing support. We look forward to another exciting few weeks ahead!

Warm regards,

Trent Crausaz
Deputy Principal - Year 8 & 11

Key dates

Some of our best

Year 12 blast off into their final year

Our Year 12 students launched into a "Galaxy of Possibilities" at the annual Year 12 Breakfast in the Assembly Hall. Tables were beautifully decorated in a space theme, with stars, rockets and cosmic designs setting the stage for this special occasion. Students enjoyed a delicious breakfast, featuring sushi, pastries, and sandwiches - a special treat to celebrate this milestone as they begin their final year of school. It was a perfect moment for reflection, connection, and looking ahead to the exciting journey that lies ahead.

The highlight of the morning was a powerful address from our special guest speaker, Patrick Onek founder of The African Next Door, who shared his incredible story of resilience. Born in Sudan amidst civil war, Patrick overcame the hardships of life in a refugee camp and ultimately moved to Australia, where he earned a Bachelor of Business and Master of Management. His inspiring journey reminded students of the limitless potential within them to reach for the stars.

Chinese Lion Dance amazes students and staff!

What an incredible week we have had celebrating Chinese culture for Chinese Language Week! From delicious Chinese food at the tuckshop to an exciting screening of Mulan 2, our week was filled with memorable experiences. The table tennis competitions kept everyone on their toes and the highlight of the week was the incredible and immersive Lion Dance performance by the talented team from International Wu-Shu Academy. It was a spectacular sight that brought together students and staff!

A huge thank you to our amazing Chinese language teachers, Ms Zhao and Ms Yip, and Head of Languages and International, Ms Thompson, for organising such a memorable week.

Celebrating Max's incredible success!

Year 12 student Max B is a true example of resilience, determination, and optimism. Known for his bright personality and sharp sense of humour, he approaches every challenge with a fierce drive to succeed.

Max recently attended the Boccia Australia National Training Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, where he was recognised as an emerging talent in the BC3 class. He received coaching from Australia’s high-performance coach and mentorship from Paralympic silver medallists Dan and Jan. Max also won The Harrison Creevey Award at our recent Academic Awards of Excellence, highlighting his outstanding academic achievements.

Our Principal, Ross Bailey (pictured with Max), commended him for his incredible accomplishments, both in sport and academics. Max continues to inspire everyone around him, and we can’t wait to see what he achieves next!

Professor Peynot's engaging session on space robots

Our students had the incredible opportunity to hear from Professor Thierry Peynot from QUT (Queenslend University of Technology Centre for Robotics! He shared some exciting insights about Australia's role in the space program, where robots like the upcoming Roo-ver will soon be heading to the Moon!

Students were engaged and inquisitive, learning about the future of Lunar and Mars Rovers and the groundbreaking research happening right here in Australia. The QUT team is working on developing intelligent and autonomous robots for exploration, science missions, and even tasks like preparing construction sites for future human bases!

Are you a student interested in robotics? Join the Robotics Club every Monday afternoon from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the RIC, where you can keep learning and maybe one day help take robots to the Moon or study with experts like Professor Peynot at QUT!

Shannon thrives at Lions Youth of the Year competition

Year 12 student Shannon van der Sluys represented Corinda at the Lions Youth of the Year competition, showcasing his leadership, academics, and community spirit. Competing against top students from Centenary SHS, St Aidan’s, and QSMAT, he impressed the three judges with his speech on “Online Scams” and quick thinking in the impromptu speaking round.

While St Aidan’s claimed the top prize, Shannon did Corinda proud - especially his English teacher, Mr Fallon! Well done, Shannon! Year 11 students interested in competing in 2026 can speak with Mr Fallon in the English staffroom (E02) to get a head start on next year’s competition.

UQ's Dr Soumeh leads fascinating poultry science workshop

Our Senior Agricultural Practices students had the incredible opportunity to attend a poultry science workshop led by Dr Elham Assadi Soumeh from The University of Queensland (UQ).

Dr Soumeh, a Senior Lecturer at UQ's School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability shared her expert knowledge on poultry nutrition and production. The students learned about the structure of eggs, including the yolk's position, the chalaza that keeps the egg centred, and how the shell membrane and albumen affect egg quality. They also explored the crucial role of calcium in eggshell strength, with Dr Soumeh explaining the importance of balancing calcium levels for optimal shell quality.

Students had the chance to test eggs for factors such as shell strength, shape, and weight, deepening their understanding of egg production. We're grateful for Dr Soumeh's insights and the hands-on learning experience she provided our students!

Highlights from our Culinary GO Day

We were thrilled to welcome over 20 Year 6 students in our catchment and beyond to our exciting Culinary Golden Opportunity Day! The experience was filled with hands-on cooking and delicious creations! The students had a blast making homemade hot chocolates, pasta with fresh veggie sauce, chocolate button biscuits, and fruit kebabs.

A big thank you to our Culinary GO Day sponsor, The Lion Richlands, for making it all possible! Also, a special shoutout to teacher Ms Williams and our incredible Year 7 Culinary Excellence students Fynn, Oskar, Eloise P, and Peyton T for their help in making the day a success!

Celebrating International Women's Day

International Women's Day is here, we are excited to celebrate the incredible achievements of women everywhere especially the amazing women on our team totalling over 130 who work across teaching, administration, facilities and more! A reminder that our International Women’s Day breakfast has been rescheduled to Friday 21 March and we look forward to continuing the celebrations then. Let’s come together to empower, inspire, and celebrate the achievements of women - today and every day!

Year 12 Geography visit the Port of Brisbane

Year 12 Geography students recently embarked on an immersive excursion to the Port of Brisbane, traveling aboard the aptly named vessel Inspiration. Guided by the Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre, they explored the mangrove forests and witnessed firsthand how changing land cover impacts our coastal environments.

Using modern geographical techniques, students investigated how these unique ecosystems protect shorelines and sustain local wildlife, forming the basis of their IA2 assessment - a perfect blend of hands-on learning and real-world relevance.

Meet our Smart Farm's eggstraordinary residents

Playground duty looked a little different for Mr Gilroy last week when he took a stroll through the Smart Farm and met some of our most eggstraordinary residents! Students proudly introduced him to their feathered friends, and he was absolutely amazed by their creativity when it came to naming them.

Meet Chelvis (Chicken Elvis) rocking his stylish quiff, the mysterious Fake Jemima, the fearless Cluck Norris, and the ever-delightful Milkshake! Who knew chickens could have so much charac-cluck?

School news

Preparing for NAPLAN

Dibbil Dodgeball House event

Year 11 Blazer Ceremony

Year 11 families are invited to join us on Thursday 13 March, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Assembly Hall for an important evening that marks the beginning of their student’s Senior school journey. The event will feature a Parent Information Session, where families can gain valuable insights into the QCE, ATAR, subject pathways, assessments, and student support. Additionally, the evening will include a Blazer Ceremony, a special moment where students will be officially welcomed into their Senior years and presented with the Silver Corinda Pin. Light refreshments will be provided, and families are encouraged to attend. 

Aussie Anthems evening rescheduled to Friday 14 March

Join us for a fantastic evening of iconic Aussie rock and pop hits, performed by Year 7, 8, and 9 Instrumental Music Excellence students, along with special guests! Aussie Anthems will now take place on Friday 14 March with gates opening at 5:00 PM at the Quadrangle (entrance via Gate 1 on Lynne Grove Avenue). If you have already RSVP'd, your registration remains valid, and we are excited to see you then! If you have not RSVP'd, you can still join us by signing up here: https://corindaconnect.com.au/AussieAnthems.

Don’t forget to bring your camp chair and mosquito repellent! Enjoy delicious food with bratwurst from Brat Haus and drinks from Backstage Brew Cafe. In case of rain, the event will be relocated to the Assembly Hall. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of great music, food and fun!

International Women's Day breakfast rescheduled to Friday 21 March

Join us for a morning of inspiration as we celebrate International Women’s Day with a special breakfast featuring guest Jess Pugh MP for Mount Ommaney, and other remarkable women from our community. They’ll share their experiences, challenges, and insights on building a more inclusive future.

Our event is now rescheduled to Friday 21 March from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM in the Assembly Hall. If you are unable to attend on the new date, please contact us at info@corindashs.eq.edu.au for a refund. If you would like to join us, tickets are still available here for $15 per person: https://corindaconnect.com.au/IWD

All students and their families are welcome to attend! Let’s come together to empower, inspire, and celebrate the achievements of women.

P&C Membership Applications open now

Applications for 2025 P&C membership are now open! By joining the P&C Association, you’ll be helping to promote the interests of our school, support the development of educational programs, and foster closer cooperation between parents, students, and staff.

The P&C plays a vital role in providing financial support to our school through donations, funding, and resources. If you’d like to be part of this important community, simply complete the Membership Application form and email it to pandccorindashs@gmail.com or drop it off at Administration. We’re so grateful for the continued support of our P&C, and we thank our sub-committees and executive for their hard work and dedication!

For the P&C Membership Application form click here. 

To find out more information about the P&C Association click here.

After school Student Tutoring

Need a little extra support with your study, assignments, homework, or exam prep? Corinda SHS teachers are here to help! Our after-school tutoring sessions provide the perfect opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance in a supportive environment. The sessions take place in the Library (Level 2 in the RIC) from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Tutoring is available on Wednesdays for English and Humanities, and on Thursdays for Maths and Science. No bookings are required - just drop in and get the help you need! All students are welcome.

Golden Opportunity Days for primary school students

Primary school students in the Corinda State High School catchment are invited to experience our highly regarded Golden Opportunity Days! These special days give students a taste of our Excellence and enrichment programs, focusing on higher-order thinking, critical thinking, and collaboration.

It’s also the perfect way for young learners to feel more comfortable in a high school setting while exploring a variety of unique subject areas. Limited spots available – only the first 25 students per program will be accepted! Click here to register your interest or scan the QR code below.

Registrations are open for Girls FEX trial

Is your student interested in trialling for our Girls Football Excellence (FEX) program for 2026? We are hosting a girls only FEX trial on Tuesday 18 March. To register, scan the QR code below or click here.

SORA reading app available for all students

Open a world of reading with Sora - the student reading app! Sora provides the quickest and easiest way to get started with digital titles from our school. Students can simply log in using school credentials and instantly access over 100,000 eBooks, audiobooks, read-along books and magazines. The eBooks Digital Library is available 24/7 at home, at school, on your PC, laptop or mobile device. Get started today by downloading the free Sora app for Android or iOS, or visit https://soraapp.com/library/eduqueenslandau

Job opportunities at Corinda SHS

Do you want to work in a dynamic environment at one of Brisbane's leading co-educational public schools? Corinda State High School is seeking to employ teachers across multiple areas in 2025. Our current priorities throughout the year are English, Humanities, Languages, Maths and HPE. At Corinda SHS, we inspire students to achieve personal excellence in their academic pursuits and character. Our community values these high standards, fostering a culture of success and achievement.

With a pathway for every student to thrive, we offer 10 fully accredited Programs of Excellence in the arts, sports, hospitality, and academics. Our world class Languages Department boasts five language offerings, ensuring the creation of truly global learners. At Corinda, there are unparalleled opportunities for students and staff alike. Please email Mrs Rebecca Gilroy, Deputy Principal at info@corindashs.eq.edu.au with your CV and cover letter if interested in this opportunity.

Parent resources

School TV Webinar

SchoolTV are excited to invite families, educators, and school leaders to an exclusive webinar: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part 1) on Tuesday 18 March at 7:00 PM. This session, presented by SchoolTV and led by youth wellbeing and cybersafety experts Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and Susan McLean, will provide valuable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely.

Topics will include new regulations on social media, cyberbullying, exposure to hate speech, online safety and fraud. Please note, this is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later, so be sure to join in live! To register, simply scan the QR code or click here.

Community news

Calling all dancers for an amazing cheerleading opportunity!

AASCF is proud to launch a groundbreaking collaboration with the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, creating an elite dance pathway for Australian dancers to achieve their professional dreams.

This is a first-class pathway for our Australian athletes to perform with the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders one of the most iconic professional sideline teams in the NFL.  This is your chance to be part of the very first intake of these extraordinary dance workshops and discover what it takes to become an LA Rams Cheerleader. 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to elevate your skills, build your confidence, and gain insights from some of the most talented professionals in the industry!

Led by Keely Fimbres, the Director of Cheerleaders for the Los Angeles Rams, these workshops are expertly designed to inspire and empower dancers aged 16+. You’ll receive invaluable guidance, learn professional routines, and develop techniques that are showcased on game day by the world-class Rams Cheerleaders.  Keeley's aim from these workshops is to identify Australian dancers with the skills and talent to one day be invited to the LA Rams Cheerleaders auditions to become an LA Rams Game Day Cheerleader.

Click the link to register: https://aascf.snapforms.com.au/form/elite-athlete-pathway-2025-la-rams-workshop-registration 

For any enquiries please reach out to: rachelle@aascf.com.au