22 August 2025

Deputy Principal's Address

It has been an exciting and eventful few weeks at Corinda SHS, with our students once again showing just how talented, creative, and community-minded they are. This year’s Ekka was a real showcase of Corinda spirit. Our Corinda Cavaliers and Dance Troupe filled the showgrounds with energy, while our Farm Team delivered some outstanding results: third in the Schools’ Breeders Group with Maverick, Alice and Truffle; third in Dairy Goat Judging (well done Ava!); and a highly commended to Edward Smith in the Senior Schools Sheep Handlers. Congratulations also to our Agriculture Assistant Mr Abell, and Year 12 students Cailin N and Abbey W, who claimed first place in the Flower Beard Beginners section - a competition as brilliant as it sounds! Perhaps the biggest highlight was our crowning glory: first place in the Tidy Pens Competition, making Corinda SHS the champion school for the fourth year running. A remarkable achievement!

Science Week in Week 5 brought daily experiments and interactive activities to the school. The theme this year was, Decode the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language, inspired both curiosity and creativity. Students delved into the mysteries of mathematics, physics, and quantum mechanics in ways that were both engaging and fun. Highlights included the Galaxy Virtual Reality experience, building erupting volcanoes, watching Mr Pilkington bravely set himself on fire (in the name of science, of course!), and the always popular rocket launch competition. It was a fantastic week of learning and exploration.

On Friday of Week 5, we held our Corinda Message Chain for Bullying No Way Week. Students and staff were invited to write their messages of support and add them to the growing chain. This powerful display of unity showed our community’s commitment to kindness, respect, and standing together against bullying. 

Book Week once again brought colour, fun, and creativity to the school. This year's theme was Book an Adventure. Students enjoyed library lessons with craft workshops, redesigning book covers, plus a book-themed treasure hunt across the school. Over 25 staff dressed up as their favourite book characters for the big Scavenger Hunt. Students used their Book Week Passports to locate as many teachers as possible. 

As we celebrate these highlights, it’s hard not to also get swept up in the excitement of the Brisbane Broncos charging towards the Finals. Just like our students, they’re showing what teamwork, resilience, and determination can achieve - and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.

Thank you to our staff, families, and students for the incredible effort and enthusiasm that make these events such a success. Corinda SHS continues to thrive because of the strength of our community.

Warm regards,
Trent Crausaz
Deputy Principal Year 8 & 11

Key dates

Some of our best

Early university success for Cara and Susannah 

We are proud to recognise the remarkable achievements of our Year 12 students, Cara and Susannah D, who have once again excelled in the start QUT program. This time, they successfully completed a university subject in Justice and Society, both earning Distinction results.

The start QUT program gives high-achieving senior students the opportunity to study university subjects while still at school, gaining a real taste of tertiary education and developing the skills needed for future academic success.

Reflecting on their experience, Susannah and Cara shared:
“Taking part in the start QUT program was such a rewarding experience. We were lucky enough to complete two units, one on campus and one online, which gave us a well-rounded insight into university learning. Experiencing both learning formats has made us feel much more prepared for next year, especially with future studies at QUT in mind. Being able to engage in study beyond high school was incredibly valuable and felt like a significant step forward, in which QUT was exceptionally welcoming and supportive throughout the experience.”

Cara and Susannah’s achievements reflect their perseverance, discipline, and academic excellence. We congratulate them on this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to following their continued success in future studies.

Corinda riders take on mountain bike school cup

For the first time, six Corinda students competed in the Darling Downs School Competition in Toowoomba. Our riders took to the trails, navigating three challenging, skill-based courses. Across five runs per track and three timed stages, students demonstrated grit, endurance, and teamwork while proudly representing our school. A special mention to Year 8 student Ethan’s impressive fourth place finish in the Junior Division. An outstanding achievement. 

This success would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of our Deputy Principal, Mr Noble (pictured on the course), INTAD teacher Mr Newberry, and the parent helpers who generously assisted on the day.

Max’s medal-winning debut at Boccia State Titles

Congratulations to Year 12 student Max B who had a successful experience competing in the Boccia Australia Queensland State Titles. In his first official competition, Max placed 4th individually, an impressive achievement for a debut performance. Adding to his success, Max won a silver medal in the Pairs BC3 competition, marking the first time he had ever competed in pairs. His remarkable results have earned him a ranking of 2nd in Queensland in the BC3 Class.

Max’s achievements have also led to his selection to represent Queensland at the Boccia Australia National Titles in Canberra next month. In addition, he will attend the National Training Camp on the Gold Coast in October, continuing his development as one of Queensland’s top para-athletes.

Max’s dedication, skill, and determination are a true inspiration, and we congratulate him on this fantastic success!

Corinda teams score big at CBSQ 

Our basketball teams recently showcased their talent and sportsmanship at the recent CBSQ tournament, over four days of competition, they displayed skill, teamwork, and determination on the court.

A huge congratulations to our Year 9/10 Junior Boys, who have earned a spot as one of only four teams advancing to the CBSQ major event in early Term 4! A special shoutout to our Open teams, whose strong performances and leadership helped mentor and motivate our junior teams to success. 

For our Year 12 students, this tournament marked their final games representing Corinda SHS. We are incredibly proud of all our students for their dedication and achievements. 

SPARQ-ED RUBY 

Year 11 student Ruby B recently returned from the SPARQ-ed Senior Research Immersion Program at the Translational Research Institute, where she spent five days immersed in hands-on biomedical research alongside professional scientists. 

Ruby contributed to a major project investigating mutations, gaining practical experience observing cells under a fluorescence microscope and even performing cell transfections herself. Her discoveries and new skills provide valuable insights that will enhance her biology studies at Corinda SHS. 

A big congratulations to Ruby on this exciting and rewarding opportunity to explore science at the cutting edge.

School news

Student leadership award nominations now open 

Corinda SHS recognises outstanding student achievement through the presentation of Special Awards at Graduation and the Academic Awards of Excellence ceremony held in Term 1 next year. From upholding school values to service to the Corinda community, students who have made an outstanding contribution throughout the year can self-nominate for the following awards:

• Ampol Best All Rounder Award - open to Year 12
• Australian Defence Force (ADF) Future Innovators Award - open to Year 10 and 12
• Australian Defence Force (ADF) Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork - open to Year 10 and 12
• Junior Secondary Leadership Award - open to Years 7, 8 and 9
• Principal’s Award for School Service - open to Year 12
• RSL Citizenship Award - open to Year 11 and 12

Award information including criteria and nomination process is available online via Daymap Student Notices. Nominations close COB Friday 29 August 2025. 

Community news

Oxley Chaplaincy Aussie Trivia Night

Get your team together and dust off your best Aussie outfit for the Oxley Corridor Chaplaincy Aussie Trivia Night on Thursday 21 August at 5:45 PM at the Sherwood AFL Club.

The event will raise funds for school chaplaincy at Darra SS, Oxley SS, Rocklea SS, Corinda SS and Corinda SHS. All event details are listed in the flyer below. Please register your team of 8-10 people through the QR code on the flyer or by clicking the link below.