19 September 2025

Principal Address

Corinda SHS has been alive with energy and school spirit over the last few weeks. The wide variety of excellence and achievements has highlighted the strength, talent, and compassion that lies at the heart of our community.

Our Father’s Day Absurd Olympics event was a fun and light-hearted celebration, recognising the important role fathers play as role models in the lives of young people. I was proud to see so many families join us for an afternoon of team challenges, laughter and friendly competition. These moments remind us of the powerful connection between home and school, and the shared role we have in supporting the success and wellbeing of the emerging generation of leaders. I would like to express my gratitude to our sponsor Renegade Roasters for their generous prizes and support in bringing this event to life.

Music in the Night showcased the extraordinary talent of our music students. Across ensembles and year levels, the standard of performance was exceptional. It was also a showcase of the skills developed both at school and at home. What stood out to me the most, was the culture of excellence and togetherness of our instrumental music program. I am exceptionally proud of the student achievements and the dedication of our team, who nurture and inspire our performers. Congratulations to everyone involved in creating such an outstanding night.

R U Ok? Day reminds us to reflect on the little things we can do to look after each other, and prioritise a culture where wellbeing is at the core of everything we do. Our students played a leading role in conversations and activities, reminding us all of the importance of asking, listening, and supporting one another. The day puts the spotlight on messages of compassion and connection.

Our Football program aims to foster excellence both on and off the pitch. We were exceptionally proud of the performance of our team performance over the duration of the recent competition. Our Under 14 Boys team claimed the ISS Cup, while our Senior Boys brought home the uhlsport Cup – making Corinda the first school to win both trophies in the boy’s division. Our Senior Girls Football team capped off an excellent campaign for Corinda, with a win over Brisbane State High School in their uhlsport Cup final.  I thank our parent community for their support of our students through all of the ups and downs of another successful year of football and wish our students well on the upcoming European Football Tour.

Our Basketball program recently enjoyed a unique opportunity, training at the new Brisbane Bullets High Performance Centre at South Brisbane under the guidance of Patrick Ewing Jr. This experience provided an inspiring glimpse into what it takes to succeed at the highest level. I’d like to wish our basketball students well for the upcoming CBSQ Tournament in Term 4 (please see full story further in the newsletter). 

Our graduating Year 12 students celebrated an unforgettable night at the Senior Formal. The event was filled with pride, excitement, and anticipation for what lies ahead. It was a fitting way to honour their journey at Corinda and the Galaxy of Possibilities that await them. Our largest cohort of Corinda students ended their school year in style (please see full story below). 

Finally, Corinda student excellence is everywhere this week. We wish our Dance students well at the Australian Dance Festival in Sydney, our Futsal teams well at the State Championships, and we’ll be behind our Tennis students at the State Finals. The Corinda Carnivale wrapped up the end of Term 3 in style, with students enjoying a full day of activities, food trucks, and finishing on a high with the Colour Run.

Corinda is an incredibly special place to work and learn. Opportunities abound for students to shine, and the strong sense of community togetherness provides the platform for it all. I would like to extend my gratitude to the staff, students, and families who continue to make being part of the Corinda community so special. I thank you for your efforts and support this term.

Hodie Quoque Cras – Not only for today but for tomorrow also.

Ross Bailey
Executive Principal

Key dates

Some of our best

Formal celebrations for the class of 2025

On Monday, our Year 12 students celebrated their formal at the iconic Brisbane City Hall. It was a night to remember, marking a special milestone in their final year of schooling.

Students arrived in style, greeted by family, friends, and staff before stepping into the grand ballroom. The evening was filled with laughter, music, and plenty of dancing, creating memories that will be treasured long after graduation.

Brisbane Bullets partnership brings NBA expertise to students

Our basketball students recently visited the new Brisbane Bullets High Performance Centre in South Brisbane, where they participated in an intensive training session led by professional basketball coach and former NBA player, Patrick Ewing Jr. Patrick is currently the head coach of the Southwest Metro Pirates in the NBL1 North.

This session gave students a unique opportunity to learn elite-level basketball skills and techniques firsthand. The experience was made possible through our partnership with the Brisbane Bullets which is proudly supported by Motorama Ford.

Student voices shape Brisbane’s Olympic legacy

 Year 10 students, Arsema H (Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council representative) and Ella T (Dibbil House Leader), took part in the Brisbane: Making our Mark – Youth Legacy Speaking Event. They contributed their ideas on how Brisbane can create a lasting legacy from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Arsema had the opportunity to meet and converse with Cr Sandy Landers, Chair of Council and the Lord Mayor’s Representative for Multicultural Communities, pictured below. 

Through the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, students have a strong platform to influence Council policies, local laws, services, and programs that impact young people.

Elite athlete Nicole heads to nationals

We are proud to recognise the achievements of Year 8 elite athlete, Nicole D, who recently competed at the 2025 Queensland State Gymnastics Championships. Nicole excelled in both club and individual events, with the following results:

• Club Events: 1st in Group Club and Group Ball; Interstate Challenge Winners

• Individual Events: 2nd in Hoop, Ribbon and Clubs; 6th in Ball

With a total score of 73.40, Nicole placed second overall, securing her qualification for the National Championships in September. Congratulations, Nicole - an outstanding accomplishment and a reflection of your dedication and talent.

Pathways beyond the classroom

Our annual Wellbeing Expo connects students with opportunities beyond the classroom—whether through fitness, teamwork, or part-time work. One highlight is our partnership with AFL Queensland, showcasing umpiring pathways.

Last year, Year 9 student Eli J, who also plays for Sherwood Magpies AFC, began boundary umpiring. In his first season, he was selected for the Women’s Division 2 Grand Final. This year, he made his Division 1 Men’s debut and recently umpired the Division 3 Men’s Grand Final alongside our School Chaplain, Jeff Thomson. AFL officials, including Nicola Stevens, praised his talent and see potential for him in the VFL or AFL.

Eli’s journey shows how the Wellbeing Expo can open doors—combining fitness, growth, and real career pathways.

School news

Secure your Dance Night tickets here: https://brushfire.com/riverlife/corinda/613271

School TV: Youth Wellbeing Course 

The SchoolTV Academy – Youth Wellbeing Course is a curriculum-aligned, online program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand, recognise, and respond to mental health concerns, in themselves and others.

Delivered in four short, engaging sessions, it builds mental health literacy, conversation confidence, and practical peer support strategies. With no additional teacher training required. Students receive an accreditation Certificate in Youth Wellbeing, along with the skills to make a real difference. SchoolTV subscribers can access the course at a discounted rate of $29 per student (standard price $40 per student). Click the link below to register. 

Looking after your student's wellbeing

As we move through the change of season, we’re still seeing influenza lingering in the community. We kindly remind families that if your student is feeling unwell, please seek medical advice and allow them the time to rest and recover at home.

Please see the Queensland Health infographic below for more information on staying healthy.

Community news

Train like a champion – your chance to go behind-the-scenes at the QAS

Ever wondered how Queensland’s elite athletes train for success? Now you can experience it for yourself! The YouFor2032, Train like a Champion Competition, presented by the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and RACQ, is giving five lucky Queenslanders an exclusive high-performance training experience at the QAS - plus a $500 sports equipment voucher.

How to enter: download the YouFor2032 app and complete the tests in the app. Additionally, you can click the link below. Entries close: 28 November 2025.