31 October 2025

Principal Address

In my previous Deputy Principal’s Address, I highlighted the initiatives we’ve been undertaking with Steve Francis from Happy Schools. As part of this initiative, each House is taking the lead in key areas of school culture and student development. In this newsletter, I wanted to highlight the work that has been started by the Dibbil and Yarraman House Masters. 

In a school of over 2,000 students, the number of new students joining our community each year is equivalent to the entire enrolment of many smaller schools. No matter which House our students join, it is important that they feel fully part of the Corinda family. Ms Andrews, the Yarraman House Master has been developing a student mentoring program where the vertical nature of our Houses can naturally be used to support new students. The program is being shaped with extensive student input on what matters most to them, supported by research and guided by QUT student ambassadors. The major difference between this program and those that we have had before is the direct student input and the level of training and development the students will receive before they begin any mentoring.

Ms Malan, the Dibbil House Master has been working with our student leaders to continue to support and develop our student leadership program. The difference is already evident, as the new incoming leaders benefit from having a mentor and support. We will be finishing the year with a three-day leader retreat where the students will examine leadership and plan with the Student Council for next years' student leadership opportunities.

A highlight of this Term has been our Arts nights. The upcoming Evolve exhibition will be another successful event, following the impressive performances at Drama and Dance nights. These events showcased the incredible talent of our students, supported by their dedicated Drama teachers, while Dance night once again exceeded expectations, leaving audiences thoroughly impressed. The inclusion of local primary schools has been a fantastic success, with the standard of Dance rising each year. Our award-winning students, teachers, and routines make for such a memorable evening that it always seems to end too quickly. With so many highlights—and maybe just one lowlight—sorry, Mr 'Jackson' Bailey!

The year 12s are completing the end of the first week of their external exams. This year is looking promising with lots of confident students exiting each exam. Our students and staff were outstanding on the first day of exams, as we welcomed three local high schools that were unable to open due to a power outage. Many were deeply grateful that Corinda could provide a safe and supportive environment for these young people during such an important and stressful time in their schooling. 

Regards, 

Andrew Noble 

Deputy Principal Year 7 & 10. 

Key dates

Some of our best

Students from Saitama, Japan visit Corinda SHS

In Week 2, Corinda SHS welcomed the final study tour group for 2025, a delegation of students from Urawa in Japan’s Saitama Prefecture. Over two days, 70 visiting students were paired with more than 40 Corinda buddies to share learning and culture through specialised Maths and Science lessons and a visit to the Smart Farm. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for students to practise their Japanese, connect with international peers, and create lasting memories. 

Shia G takes her classroom learning to Shanghai

Over the recent school holidays, Year 9 student Shia G embarked on an exciting, fully funded two-week trip to China as part of the prestigious China: Lotus Creative Arts Prize.

During her time in Shanghai, Shia immersed herself in Chinese language, arts, and culture. She participated in traditional workshops, sampled local cuisine, and formed new friendships along the way.

Reflecting on the experience, Shia said:
"Travelling to Shanghai opened my eyes to Chinese language and Arts in ways I never imagined. Navigating cultural differences taught me confidence and curiosity. Each moment pushed me to grow and deepened my appreciation for global connection. This trip has inspired me to continue exploring Chinese culture, language, and art."

Shia’s journey not only highlighted her talent and dedication but also offered her a unique opportunity to experience China’s rich cultural heritage firsthand.

Queensland podium finish for boys’ junior tennis

After taking out the Met West Tennis Australia Under 15 Teams final against St Peters Lutheran College, our Boys’ Junior Tennis Squad advanced to the State Championships in Rockhampton to compete against the best schools in Queensland.

The talented team — Atharv, Bastian, Dylan, Euan, Leo, and Olam all delivered outstanding performances throughout the competition, finishing an impressive third in the state, losing to just one team out of six.

Corinda SHS Tennis Excellence Coach, Mr Linyard, commended the students for their determination and teamwork, saying, “I am proud of the boys and their resilience to fight for every point right till the end.”

A fantastic achievement — congratulations to our Junior Tennis Squad!

Student takes learning to the next level with university subject

Year 10 student Sarah W has successfully completed a university subject in Graphic Design and Industrial Art through the University of Southern Queensland, gaining valuable experience beyond the classroom.

Reflecting on the program, Sarah said it was “such a great opportunity — I would strongly recommend it to others.” She explained that the course not only deepened her understanding of graphic design and industrial art but also helped her decide on her senior subjects, building on the skills she had already developed at Corinda.

Sarah’s achievement highlights the opportunities available to students eager to challenge themselves and explore their passions in real-world learning environments.

Year 11 student explores pathways to an Air Force career

Stefanie B recently participated in the Women in Aviation Program at RAAF Base Amberley, part of the Defence Work Experience Program. The initiative gives young Australians the opportunity to explore a wide range of careers across the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Public Service.

During her two-week experience, Stefanie gained firsthand insight into life in the Air Force, exploring around 50 different roles and engaging with pilots, aircrew, loadmasters, engineers, and more. She experienced flying in a KC-30 aircraft, watched a working dog demonstration, visited medics to see their deployment setups, and shared meals in the mess with military personnel. Stefanie also took part in physical training sessions to understand the demands of Air Force training.

The program provided Stefanie with a unique perspective on the variety of careers available, the teamwork involved, and the opportunities for young people within the Defence sector.

School news

SchoolTV Resource: Substance use and addiction are complex issues that can affect young people in many different ways. While some may experiment out of curiosity or peer influence, others may use substances as a way to manage stress, anxiety or emotional pain. What may begin as occasional use can sometimes become a pattern that impacts mood, motivation and wellbeing. The developing teenage brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, vaping and drugs, making early use more likely to lead to harm.

For many families, understanding substance use means looking beyond the behaviour to what might be driving it. Risk-taking is a normal part of adolescence, but for some young people, it can also be a signal that they are struggling to cope. Substances can offer temporary relief, but they can also mask underlying issues such as loneliness, low self-esteem or poor mental health. When left unrecognised or unsupported, substance use can interfere with school performance, relationships and emotional development, leading to more serious challenges later in life.

This edition of SchoolTV guides families to help young people develop resilience, self-awareness and the skills to make healthy, informed choices that protect their wellbeing into adulthood.

Here is the link to the full article: https://corindashs.eq.schooltv.me/newsletter/substance-use-addiction-au

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.