Happy Families

Our school is subscribed to the Happy Families School Membership. Owned and run by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, the membership offers a wealth of parenting education and resources, including weekly Insight Articles and four live Webinars a year. ‘Emotional Regulation: A Heart-Centred Apporach to Supporting Your Child” is the most recent webinar provided by Justin Coulson. This presentation will equip parents with a five-step emotion coaching process to build their children’s resilience, increase wellbeing for the while family and develop healthier humans.

You can access the Happy Families resources at any time using the following link and membership details:

  1. Visit: https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/mshs
  2. Enter the school password: happymshs

Student services

Student Services team

Guidance Officers

Penny Budge, Graham Hockless, Leanne Jarvis, Tracey Sidoti and Tasha Stone

Guidance Officer, Student Wellbeing

Victoria Bardon (Tuesday – Friday)

Chaplain

Sue Murphy (Tuesday – Friday)

School-Based Youth Health Nurse

Ellie Corbett (Monday, Tuesday and alternative Wednesdays)

Save the Date

QTAC applications open on Tuesday 5 August 2025

Mansfield’s MyPath Day Career Expo is on Wednesday 6 August 2025

Options Career bulletin

The latest Options Career bulletin (Edition 6) is now available for download via the Options Careers app (Apple or Android) to parents and students, using the access code: Mansfield.

This fantastic, user-friendly app allows you to find the topics of interest to you, instantaneously, and is highly recommended. Students can also download the latest edition of the bulletin from the Student Share Point page on the Guidance tab.

The latest edition contains many useful downloadable career resources. Some of the many topics include; assisting your child’s career journey, career options after Year 12 and alternative entry pathways using VET qualifications. This great resource is worth exploring.

University presentations

We welcome Year 10, 11 and 12 students during these times to listen to our guest presenters from our interstate universities talk about their course offerings in 2026 and beyond.

University of Melbourne

Friday 18 July

12.55pm until 1.30pm

University of Sydney

Monday 21 July

12.55pm until 1.30pm

Adelaide University

Tuesday 22 July

12.55pm until 1.30pm

Brisbane Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo

The Brisbane Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo is being held at the Royal International Convention Centre (RICC) at the Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June.

Learn more online via the link below.

eSafety Parents

Parents site provided advice for parents and carers to help young people have safe experiences online.

An excellence article is screen time. Help your child achieve a healthy balance in their online and offline activities.

P&C Association

The next P&C meeting will be held Tuesday 26 August as an online meeting. All are welcome and further information will be distributed closer to the date.

Joining the P&C is a way to mingle with other families, meet new people and stay informed within the school community. Joining is easy, just fill out the online 2025 Membership Application form.

Any enquiries about the P&C can be emailed to  info@mshspc.com.au.

May Music Concerts

Thank you to our amazing 48 parent volunteers and 6 students who over two fantastic nights at our May Music Concerts worked together to serve our music students:

  • 2,928 biscuits
  • 4,112 slices of pizza
  • 9 whole watermelons
  • plus apples, mandarins and cordial!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success. It was especially wonderful to see so many new Year 7 parents getting involved, enjoying the experience, and already looking forward to the next event!

Details of our next events can be viewed online at 

Canteen 

Cash top-ups onto student cards can only be done at the pre-order pick-up window in A Block before school. Please also note that no change is given – the total amount is added to the card.

EFTPOS top-ups onto student cards are available at:

  • Coffee Shop till
  • A Block Canteen – only before school or in the final 15 minutes of first break.

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is stocked with pullovers, scarves, tights and trousers/slacks to keep students warm through the cooler months.

Reminder: If you've placed an order online, please come in to collect it. Some orders have been waiting in the shop for quite a while.

Service at Mansfield

Welcome to Service at Mansfield, a place where students can develop their leadership skills, enrich their school and local community, and most importantly create a culture of belonging which is our student school theme for 2025.

Emmanuel City Mission

A big thank you to our volunteers on Saturday 17 May for spreading the love to the wider community.  Thank you to our school staff and our students; everyone got straight to work on making 200 hot meals, a million cappuccinos with 4 sugars or in the clothing section.  And when the service slowed down, everyone pitched in to get the cleaning done or supplied the music to clean to.

It's amazing how the dedicated ECM volunteers greet us when we come in, always with a 'We love Mansfield'!  This time we also got heaps of praise from the visitors and 'thank you's for our smiles.

 There's been much disruption in the West End community on top of the Paniyiri Festival, but one amazing thing that is happening for the neediest is that ECM will begin to house people overnight, starting with one night a week.  This might just be a life-saving venture as winter approaches.

We look forward to delivering over 2,000 items to Emmanuel City Mission in the coming weeks as our annual Homeless Drive ends. It has been an amazing year with many SDPs working together to help the community.

Thank you to all V@M, Rauchle Service Club students and prefects that are helping out with the Homeless Drive this term.

‘Helping others is the way we help ourselves.’ – Oprah Winfrey

Interact

Mansfield’s new Interact Club launched into action this term with a series of engaging workshops held over Weeks 4 to 6. Our enthusiastic Interactors (Year 7–9) were placed into groups and paired with dedicated mentors from the Rauchle Service Club Executive (Year 10–12), kicking off their journey of leadership through service.

In Week 4, mentors and mentees spent time getting to know each other while exploring one of our key leadership foundations; teamwork and presentation skills. Week 5 saw the groups workshop creative ideas for a new Friendship Week stall, guided by their mentors’ support and insight. Finally, in Week 6, the Interactors delivered their pitches, showcasing their developing public speaking skills and collaboration.

The results were nothing short of outstanding. We were blown away by the confidence and creativity on display, and we couldn’t be prouder of the leadership shown by both our junior Interactors and senior RSC mentors.

School events

House Cup Term 2

Our Term 2 House Cup events have included Senior Volleyball where Hammarskjold took out their first win for the year, defeating Schweitzer and Junior Volleyball where U Thant defeated Hammarskjold in the final.

One of the highlights of our House Cup events for the Term was Mansfield Idol. Always popular with the audience, our students took to the stage on Student Council Day with a wide range of performances. Our winners were:

  • Senior Winner, Jasmine (Year 12)
  • Senior Runner-up, Sharna (Year 12)
  • Junior Winner, Lily (Year 9)
  • Junior Runner-up, Isara (Year 7)
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Meet a Scientist

“Meet a Scientist” presentations are informal scientific talks that offer students the opportunity to meet passionate scientists and ask all types of intriguing questions. These presentations are free and all students are always welcome. Our last two presentations covered significant topics.

Each year, 16,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma, and 20 times that number are diagnosed with other types of skin cancer. These cancers are potentially lethal. On Thursday 22 May, Professor David Whiteman (QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute), a medical epidemiologist, discussed the causes of skin cancer, and how we can prevent it.

On the Thursday 29 May, Professor Peter Mumby (School of the Environment, UQ) discussed the impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world. Climate change is causing ever more frequent heat waves that damage corals and impact biodiversity. Professor Mumby presented potential solutions that will help the Reef.

We encourage all students with an interest in Science to come along to one of our Term 3 presentations from 3.00pm in the Science Centre.

Key dates

Term 3

Thursday 7 August

Professor Bruno Van Swinderen

UQ

QBI
Sleep

Thursday 4 September

Dr Nathalie Dehorter

UQ

QBI
Neuronal development

Term 4

Thursday 16 October

Dr Taylor Dick

UQ

School of Biomedical Science Musculoskeletal modelling

Extracurricular events

STEM Ambassadors

Our STEM Ambassadors joined an international meeting (Japan Gifu Satellite conference) to kick off an exciting student-led satellite mission in partnership with the International Space Station. The experience was both inspiring and energising, offering a rare glimpse into real-world space collaboration alongside schools from Japan and Europe. Highlights included school introductions, cultural exchange, and hearing from the team who built the satellite itself. With the mission soon to launch, there’s a shared sense of excitement among the Ambassadors. Being part of something this innovative and globally connected promises to be a truly unforgettable journey into the world of space science.

In the words of one of our current ambassadors "If you want be a STEM Ambassador to join in on cool and interesting things like this, make sure to fill in the form next year!" Aaryan, Year 12.

Learning

Year 9 Market Day

Our Year 9 students brought the school grounds to life during their exciting Market Day, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit. As part of their Economics and Business studies, the students took on the challenge of planning, launching, and managing their very own food stalls; and what an amazing job they did!

From sizzling BBQ, loaded fries, iced tea and pizza to refreshing bubble tea and the crowd favourite; Dubai Chocolate, the variety and quality of food on offer were impressive. Students worked tirelessly to develop their brand, budget their resources, and attract customers. Our school community responded with enthusiasm and very hungry appetites! This hands-on experience is more than just a fun day; it gives our students a valuable opportunity to experience the rewards and challenges of running a small business.

They learned to manage finances, make quick decisions, and work collaboratively under pressure, all while engaging with real customers. Congratulations to all the students for their hard work and to the teachers who supported them. We can’t wait to see what Market Day in Semester 2 will bring!

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Peter and the Star Catcher

At the end of Term 1, our Year 7-10 Drama students had the exciting opportunity to attend Peter and the Starcatcher at QPAC. Despite the rainy weather, spirits were high as students immersed themselves in the magical prequel to Peter Pan. The performance was a spectacular blend of comedy, creativity, and theatrical brilliance, leaving everyone inspired. It was a fantastic experience to be out and about, enjoying live theatre together, rain and all!

Tertiary Experience Day at UQ

In late May, fourteen First Nations students from Mansfield State High School attended the University of Queensland’s Tertiary Experience Day at the St Lucia campus.

The day included an “Amazing Race” hands-on virtual reality campus tour and engineering sessions. Students enjoyed the interactive activities, made new connections, and appreciated the chance to experience university life in a fun and engaging way. The event also gave them valuable insight into the study options and support available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at UQ.

Year 9 Art

The GOMA buzzed with energy as Year 9 art students set out on an inspiring excursion to the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11). Held every three years, this landmark exhibition celebrates the rich diversity of artists from across the Asia-Pacific region. It provides a dynamic platform for emerging talent to shine, while offering visitors fresh perspectives and thought-provoking experiences.

For many students, this was their first visit to GOMA; and the moment they entered, their imaginations were ignited. They were immediately drawn in by the vibrant colours, bold artistic expressions, and innovative techniques that filled the gallery spaces, sparking a sense of wonder and excitement.

A major highlight of the day was the chance to explore an expansive exhibition featuring 70 artists, collectives, and projects from more than 30 countries. Guided by their teachers, students immersed themselves in the stories and inspirations behind the artworks, gaining insight into the creative process and the varied worldviews that shape contemporary art. APT11 explores a wide range of themes, including care for natural and urban environments, intergenerational experiences of migration and labour, and powerful modes of storytelling.

One particularly memorable installation showcased mixed-media textile installation  that explored cultural identity and belonging. Through layered narratives and symbolic imagery, these works offered deep reflections on personal and collective experiences, encouraging students to reflect on their own sense of identity and place in the world.

Other standout exhibits featured cutting-edge digital art, inviting students to interact with sound, motion, and visual elements. These immersive experiences highlighted the evolving role of technology in artistic practice and encouraged students to experiment with new creative possibilities.

As students departed GOMA, they carried with them a sense of excitement and creative confidence. APT11 was far more than a typical school outing; it was a journey through imagination and the transformative power of art. Inspired by what they saw and felt, these young artists are now ready to forge their own creative paths, fuelled by curiosity and a desire to explore new ideas; just like the spirit at the heart of APT.

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Children's Day

In May, our Year 7 and 8 Japanese language students celebrated 子供の日‘Kodomo no Hi’ (Children’s Day), a special Japanese holiday that honours the health and happiness of children. As part of the celebration, students created beautiful 鯉のぼり‘koi no bori’ (carp streamers) by creating many colourful origami Kabuto (Samurai Helmet). These carp streamers represent strength and perseverance, inspired by a legend of a carp swimming upstream to become a dragon. Through crafts and stories, students learned about the cultural importance of the day and how families in Japan display koi no bori to wish their children a bright future. It was a fun and meaningful way to explore Japanese traditions!

Year 9 Drama 

Year 9 Drama students had an incredible time in a hands-on workshop with the amazing Dead Puppet Society, where they crafted their own puppets and learned the magic of puppet manipulation. We were so lucky to work with such inspiring industry professionals; what a fun and unforgettable experience! 

Year 7 TIC

Our Year 7 Technology Integrated Curriculum (TIC) students spent Friday 13 June programming Spark Robots to complete tasks. Many students had not done this before, but very quickly they were able to program commands to make their robots respond. 

Careers in Tech event

Our Year 11 Digital Solutions students attended the Australian Computer Society’s Careers in Tech event on Tuesday 3 June at UQ. This enriching excursion provided students with insight into academic and professional pathways within the Informaton Technology sector.

Throughout the day, students engaged in a structured data collection task, forming the foundation for the development of web applications as part of their FA2 assessment task. 

The experience provided valuable exposure to real-world IT concepts and practices and was both educational and inspiring for all particiapants.

Year Chemical Reactions

Our Year 9 students are learning about chemical reactions with some hands on activities.

Year 10 Drama 

As part of The Scene Project with Queensland Theatre, our Year 10 Drama students have been diving into the creative process in preparation for their performance at the Bille Brown Theatre in Term 3. A highlight was a dynamic workshop with artist in residence Emma Black; an amazing opportunity to learn from an industry professional and spark fresh ideas! 

Proverbs

In celebration of the year 12 students completing the last of their IA2 assessments, the Japanese class enjoyed learning about Japanese proverbs. The students chose their favourite Japanese proverb and decorated a magnet to put somewhere special at home. Hopefully these magnets will be a nice reminder of the message each student felt they needed to hear to get them through the last two terms of Year 12.  

One of the favourites amongst the class was 七転び八起き(ななころびやおき) which literally means to fall down seven times, get back up eight, meaning to never give up!  Another one was 猿も木から落ちる (さるもきからおちる) which means ‘Even monkeys fall from trees’ or in English we might say ‘Even experts make mistakes’.

Student experience at QUT

A group of our Year 12 Digital Solutions students attended the official launch of QUT’s new Bachelor of Information Technology with specialisations in Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence.  The two-hour seminar provided our students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with leading academic staff and researchers. Students explored the real-world impact of emerging technologies and gained a deeper understanding of the skills and knowledge required in these rapidly advancing fields.

The event offered valuable exposure to university-level learning and the potential pathways available in the IT sector. Our students represented the school with distinction, demonstrating curiosity, maturity, and a genuine interest in the topics discussed.  Our students really do make us proud.

La Fête de la Musique

Did you know that every year on 21 June, cities and towns all across France come alive with music for La Fête de la Musique (The Music Festival)? This beloved French tradition started in 1982 and has since become a worldwide celebration of music and creativity. On this day, professional and amateur musicians take to the streets, parks, and public squares to share their talent; and the best part? All the performances are free!

The spirit of the day is simple; “Faites de la musique!” (Make music!) Whether it's classical, rock, jazz, or pop, every style is welcome. It’s a joyful way to kick off the summer in France and bring communities together through the universal language of music.

Achievement

Creative Generation Excellence Awards 

Each year, the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art recognises and celebrates the artistic achievements and creative talents of senior high school students from across Queensland, in both State and Independent schools.

Across a diverse range of media, materials, and techniques, these young artists use art to give voice to the thoughts, feelings, and concerns of their generation. This year, there were 460 entries and only 40 winners selected. Mansfield is part of the Metropolitan region, which is the most populous; and the most competitive. Fourteen winners were selected from this region, and two of them were from Mansfield!

Crisa Bonifacio was successful with her work Bin Chicken and Kaytee Van with Weight of Excess. It is also worth noting that our other two entrants were shortlisted and received commendations. The winning artworks are currently on display at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in a beautifully curated exhibition that reflects the exceptional standard of the selected works. Both Mansfield entries demonstrate the diversity, innovation, and thoughtfulness of this young generation.

Crisa’s artwork explores humanity’s strained relationship with the natural world by using anthropomorphic birds and unconventional materials to challenge societal norms, highlight environmental impact, and advocate for acceptance of natural vulnerability. Kaytee critiques overconsumption and consumer culture by reimagining the handbag as a symbol of excess, highlighting the environmental impact of luxury and encouraging reflection on society’s material priorities. 

The exhibition opened on Saturday 31 May and runs until Sunday 31 August 2025. Entry is free, please check it out at GOMA. 

School notices

ICAS academic competitions

Students at Mansfield will have the opportunity to compete in the ICAS academic competitions in August with tests being held before school each Tuesday in August.

What is ICAS?

ICAS is an online competition that lets students stretch their thinking and test their skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies. Every student who takes part gets a printed certificate and results report. The top scorers also have the chance to win an ICAS medal.

Mansfield has a long tradition of students winning ICAS medals, recognising the very best academic performance in Australia.

Your can learn more about ICAS from their website.

How to join

If your child would like to take part, you must sign them up through the ICAS Parent Portal and pay the fee directly to ICAS. Mansfield does not collect payments or have access to the payment portal to make changes or refunds. ICAS is an optional activity that you may wish to consider for your child.

Before proceeding to sign-up, please be aware that:

  • Mansfield only permits students in Year 7-11 to compete
  • All ICAS tests are before school from 7.30am until 9.00am.

Sign-up link

shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps 

Access code

JBW734

Registrations close

11.59pm on Monday 28 July

Subject

Date (7.30am – 9.00am)

Cost

Digital Technologies

5 August

$20.95

Writing

5 August

$24.95

English

12 August

$20.95

Science, Spelling

19 August

$20.95 each

Mathematics

26 August

$20.95

For additional information please contact Mr Mark Redhead via email mredh2@eq.edu.au.

Leadership

Associate Principals

Mrs Emily Preston,
Associate Principal Learning
& Teaching

Mr Jeff Broadway,
Associate Principal
Students & Performance

Deputy Principals

Mr Jason English,
Deputy Principal -
Timetabling

Ms Allison Peel,
Deputy
Principal,
Year 7

Mr Matt Grant,
Deputy
Principal
Year 8 and 9

Mrs Caitlin Anghel,
Deputy
Principal,
Year 10

Mrs Kerri Hixon,
Deputy Principal,
Year 11

Mrs Joanne Hardie,
Deputy Principal 
Year 12

Heads of Year

Ms Anna Millqvist,
Head of Year 7

Ms Sam Armstrong,
Head of Year 8

Ms Terri Soteriou,
Head of Year 9

Ms Tracey Host,
Head of Year 10

Ms Alana Wallis,
Head of Year 11

Ms Madeline Wust,
Head of Year 12

Heads of Department

Ms Carissa Bladin,
English

Mr Kevin Connell,
English

Ms Natalie West,
Head of Special Education
Services (HOSES)

Ms Kate Flanagan,
Humanities

Ms Tammy Vallis,
Humanities

Mr Craig Healey,
Health Physical
Education

Mr Lance Simpson,
Industrial Technology
Design

Mr Alessio Di Bartolo,
Languages

Ms Amy Beckman,
Learning & Teaching

Ms Denise Barker,
Mathematics

Ms Robyn Spence,
Mathematics

Ms Kathrine Jacobsen,
Music

Mr Duncan Gordon,
Science

Mrs Liz Bridon,
Science

Ms Sue Pritchard,
The Arts

Mr Mark Redhead,
Students & Performance

From the Executive Principal’s desk

Mrs Karen Tanks,
Executive Principal 

Dear Parents and Caregivers

The chill of winter has finally settled over Mansfield’s campus, and it’s always a timely reminder of how important it is to stay the course. This time of year can feel long; dark mornings, frosty starts, and the fatigue that often sets in after a busy term. I know I’m finding it harder to get out of bed when the alarm goes off! In these last few weeks of the semester, it’s easy to become complacent and let some of those great habits we’ve worked so hard at, slide. But this is also a crucial time of term for our students; the final week is packed with opportunities for our darlings to shine. With assessment season upon us, the chance for every student to show what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and where their commitment can take them is right at their fingertips.

That steadfast commitment is one of Mansfield State High School’s core values; it sets the tone for everything we do! We see it daily when students arrive on time, dressed with pride in a perfect uniform. We see it when they bring their best selves into every lesson, every day. It’s in the way they prepare for lessons, ask questions, stay focused, and show respect to their peers and teachers. These behaviours don’t happen by accident. They are the result of our school’s consistent expectations, strong support at home, and a culture that encourages every young person to strive to be the best they can be.

When students commit, the results speak for themselves. Engagement improves. Classroom behaviour lifts. Learning outcomes are stronger for everyone. The energy in our school becomes even more positive and focused, and our culture of belonging even stronger. This collective push means every Mansfield student is positioned to succeed. It’s a powerful reminder that the little things, done well every day, make the biggest difference.

Of course, commitment doesn’t belong to students alone. I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank our incredible teaching and support staff for their tireless dedication. Their commitment to each student’s learning, growth and wellbeing is deep and unerring. It is because of our fantastic staff that Quality Learning in a Caring Environment happens every day. It’s the collective effort of our teachers, students and parents that builds the Mansfield State High School culture we are so proud of.

And after all the hard work, what better way to close out the term than with our Athletics Carnival? This is a highlight for me. I absolutely love the house colours and friendly rivalry, the fun of a day together and our students proving in seconds and metres just how much their commitment to training has paid off. It’s a fabulous day to celebrate, support one another and, quite literally, run out the term.

Let’s finish the term strong; We Are Mansfield!

Mrs Karen Tanks
Executive Principal

Happy Families

Our school is subscribed to the Happy Families School Membership. Owned and run by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, the membership offers a wealth of parenting education and resources, including weekly Insight Articles and four live Webinars a year. ‘Emotional Regulation: A Heart-Centred Apporach to Supporting Your Child” is the most recent webinar provided by Justin Coulson. This presentation will equip parents with a five-step emotion coaching process to build their children’s resilience, increase wellbeing for the while family and develop healthier humans.

You can access the Happy Families resources at any time using the following link and membership details:

  1. Visit: https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/mshs
  2. Enter the school password: happymshs

Student services

Student Services team

Guidance Officers

Mrs Budge, Mr Hockless, Ms Sidoti and Mrs Stone
We will welcome an addition two Guidance Officers later this term

Chaplain

Sue Murphy (Tuesday – Friday)

School-Based Youth Health Nurse

Ellie Corbett (Monday, Tuesday and alternative Wednesdays)

Options Career bulletin

The latest Options Career bulletin (Edition 6) is now available for download via the Options Careers app (Apple or Android) to parents and students, using the access code: Mansfield.

This fantastic, user-friendly app allows you to find the topics of interest to you, instantaneously, and is highly recommended. Students can also download the latest edition of the bulletin from the Student Share Point page on the Guidance tab.

The latest edition contains many useful downloadable career resources. Some of the many topics include; assisting your child’s career journey, benefits of work experience, study skills and wellbeing, career options after year 12, and alternate entry pathways using VET qualifications. This great resource is worth exploring.

National Careers week

National Careers week is being held between Monday 12 to Sunday 18 May.

Learn more online at  https://careersweek.com.au/

Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo

The Brisbane Careers and Exployment Expo staged with WorldSkills Australia is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday 12 June through until Saturday 14 June.

Learn more online at https://careersemploymentexpo.com.au/Brisbane.html

Brisbane Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo

The Brisbane Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo is being held at the Royal International Convention Centre (RICC) at the Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June.

Learn more online at https://www.careersevent.com/event/brisbane-tsxpo/

MyPath and Careers Expo

Mansfield’s annual MyPath day will be held on Wednesday 6 August. Closer to the date, information about MyPath interviews and student attendance will be made available. On this day, a MyPath Careers Expo will welcome a variety of universities to discuss course offerings in 2026 and beyond.

Save this date and check emails for further updates.

eSafety Parents

How to support a child experiencing cyberbullying

It’s more important than ever that parents, carers and schools have the skills to talk to children and young people about their online experiences (both good and bad) and let them know they can come to you for help.  

If your child is experiencing online hate or bullying, resist the urge to take away their devices – that can mean they miss out on important experiences and can make social isolation worse.

Help your child collect evidence like screenshots or show them how to report abuse to the game, app or social media service where it’s happening.  

If the cyberbullying is severe and the platform doesn’t help, report to eSafety and and we can help remove content online and provide additional support.  

You can also support your child to get help from counselling services like Kids Helpline.   

Even as the government works towards effectively implementing the social media minimum age legislation, talking to your child about their online experiences remains as important as ever.

P&C Association

Mansfield’s P&C Association represents the parent community at school and are governed by a volunteer Executive, who oversee the management of P&C businesses including the school canteens and Uniform Shop.

All parents in the school community are encouraged to join the P&C Association as a way of keeping in touch with what is happening at school, and to have a voice in matters that may arise. Unlike the experience at primary school which is heavily focussed on volunteering, our P&C does not ask for a large time commitment, but rather encourages all parents to join as it is a great way to connect with other families, meet new people and stay informed within the school school community. Joining is easy, just fill out the online 2025 Membership Application form.

Any enquiries about the P&C can be emailed to  info@mshspc.com.au

Next P&C General Meeting

The next P&C meeting will be held at 7.00pm on Tuesday 27 May in the School Assembly Hall.

Meet your P&C Executive

Our P&C Executives are parents who have made a greater commitment of their personal time to represent our parent community.

Meet the P&C President, Kate Williams

Kate has lived in Mansfield for more than 20 years, having grown up on the bayside of Brisbane. Kate has two children who attended Mansfield Primary where she served on the P&C in a several roles over many years and is humbled to be a life member. Kate’s oldest child graduated from Mansfield High in 2024, and her youngest is currently in Year 11. In her day job Kate is a university academic in the areas of health and education. Kate’s goal in her P&C role is to add value to the strong base built by prior executives, ensuring a high quality culture within the P&C businesses, and in partnership with the school make a visible and positive impact for students and staff.

Meet the P&C Secretary, Steph Austen

Steph originally grew up on a farm on the Darling Downs.  She moved to the Mansfield area in 2005 and all three of her children attended Mansfield State Primary School, where she also held the position of P&C Secretary.  Her youngest child currently attend Mansfield and is in Year 10.  Steph works as a Personal Assistant to the Senior Partner in a defendant insurance law firm in the city which she enjoys.  Steph joined both the Primary School and the High School P&C both in order to build relationships with the school and other parents as well as, in some small way, to contribute to the school her children are attending.  She has been blessed to be able to work in partnership with the school to provide facilities and services for the students.

Meet the Vice President, Steve Creevey

Steve has lived in the Mount Gravatt and Holland Park area for the past 16 years and grew up in the Moreton Bay Region. He has worked and volunteered for a variety of not for profit organisations and State and Local government services across the South East. He has worked within the child protection and social services sector for the past 25 years. Steve continues to work in the sector as a public servant. He is excited to be part of the Executive team to support and contribute to the P&C’s services, vision and goals. Steve has been an active member for the past 5 years and has a daughter in Year 11.”

Meet the Vice President, Emily Fidge

Emily has been actively involved in the Mansfield school community, taking on multiple P&C roles at both Mansfield High and Mansfield Primary, where she still has a child attending. With three of her four children currently at Mansfield High in Years 7, 9 and 11, she has supported their interests in music and drama through her involvement in the Music Parents Support Group and the Musical Parents Support Group.

Outside of school, Emily works in recruitment in the public sector and looks forward to working alongside the Executive team to continue keeping Mansfield as  a school of choice.

Service at Mansfield

Welcome to Service at Mansfield, a place where students can develop their leadership skills, enrich their school and local community, and most importantly create a culture of belonging which is our student school theme for 2025.

Eggstravaganza

Eggstravaganza was another great event for Mansfield with many guessing the eggs in a jar and buying chocolates. Easter Bunny made an appearance, and our enthusiastic Rauchle Team also ran activities – you’ve got to love an egg and spoon race!

This year, funds were raised for Red Frogs. They voluntarily come to school during the year and bake pancakes which the students love. The total raised was $601.61. Thank you to all those who donated chocolate eggs and those who participated and purchased eggs. Congratulations to Yvonne Smith from the library who was a hamper winner.

Our new Interactors had their very first opportunity to watch their Rauchle Service Club mentors run an event and got involved by drumming up participation, advertising the event around the school and even helping to run some of the fun Easter-themed games. Overall, the event was a smashing success.

Mother’s Day

Thank you to all our Mother’s Day helpers at Mansfield Primary School.  They worked very hard to make sure everything was beautifully decorated and deliciously presented. 

In other Service news, the Homeless Drive has started! We are collecting items to donate to Third Space and Emmanuel City Mission.  Donations will be accepted until Monday 9 June (the Monday before Chappy Day).  We know that “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” here at Mansfield, so if everyone brings a pull-top can of wholesome food, we could make a dent in hunger caused by homelessness in Brisbane.  And if intrinsic motivation isn’t enough, remember that the SDP with the most donations wins a pizza party!

Thank you to all V@M & Rauchle Service Club students and prefects that are helping out this term. Life just seems to get busier.  Please throw your support behind Chappy Sue on Chappy Day in Week 8 by lending a hand wherever possible. 

‘If you see someone without a smile, give ‘em yours.’ – Dolly Parton 

School events

Year 12 Formal

Our Year 12 students were a picture of elegance as they attended their Formal on Friday 2 May at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. They arrived in style, looked stunning and celebrated as they danced the night away. They created special memories with their friends and teachers that will no doubt stay with them as a significant milestone in their final year of school.

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Women in STEM

Our Mansfield Science teachers have started Term 2 with a bang!  Especially the Year 10 Prep Chemistry teachers!

We have already had the pleasure of meeting three scientists this year, plus an astronaut!  However, our most coveted Science event, is our Women in STEM afternoon which will be held on Monday 9 June.

Every year, Dr Emmanuelle Buecher Hall organises a showcase of our own future STEM professionals, an EXPO from local Universities, and a engaging panel of female speakers.  Panelists are selected for their wealth of knowledge spanning a multitude of industries and the interesting career pathways they have pursued.

Save the date

Event:

Women in STEM

Date:

Monday 9 June 2025

Time:

3.00pm until 5.00pm

This event will include a showcase of student works from 3.00pm until 4.00pm with university ambassadors from the three major universities on hand to answer questions on STEM study pathways and careers.

From 4.00pm, our panelists will hold an open discussion on the participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Five incredible women have been invited to participate in this roundtable. They will share their passion; explain why they chose a career in STEM and what advice they could give to women seeking to enter a STEM field.

Our 2025 panel includes:

  • Associate Professor Jacqui Romero (School of Mathematics and Physics, UQ)
  • Ms Pauline Fetaui (Director of ACS Labs including River City Labs, Founder of somethingtech.com and Co-Founder of Seven Sisters Foundation)
  • Taylah Griffin (Aerospace Engineer)
  • Dr Jess Crawshaw (School of Mathematical Sciences, QUT)

Our event moderator is Alise Fox (Fisheries Scientist, University of the Sunshine Coast).

This event is always well attended by students and parents and our Science Department is proud to offer such an esteemed opportunity to celebrate women in STEM.  Remember, you don’t need to be a woman to celebrate one.  This event is free and open to all students, parents, carers and staff.

For more information contact Dr Buecher Hall via email eabue0@eq.edu.au

Meet a Scientist

On Thursday 3 April, Professor Michael Milford (School of Electrical Engineering and Robotics, QUT) presented some of his lab research to our students. He brought a Rangerbot; a robotic submersible that surveys the reefs around the world and helps with mapping, especially for marine pests. Professor Milford answered the many questions students had about robotics, AI, robot cars and humanoid robots.

At the start of May, we welcomed Dr Richard Bade (Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, UQ) who presented his research on wastewaters. He is conducting epidemiologic studies by analysing wastewaters from around the world. His results can reveal not only the use of illicit drugs in a community but also the effects of big events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. His findings influence the introduction of new laws.

Our next Meet a Scientist presenter is Professor David Whiteman (QIMR Berghofer). He is a world specialist in skin cancers. His talk will focus on the causes of skin cancer and how it can be prevented. Interested students are invited to attend on Thursday 22 May from 3:00pm in SC06.

Key dates

Date

Presenter

Institution

Department / School
Topic

Thursday 22 May

Professor David Whiteman

QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

Skin cancer: A big problem, but we now know how to prevent and cure it

Thursday 29 May

Professor Peter Mumby

UQ

Faculty of Science
Centre for Marine Science
Management Coral Reef

Thursday 19 June

Dr Daniel Rawle

QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

Virus-host interactions

Term 3

Thursday 7 August

Professor Bruno Van Swinderen

UQ

QBI
Sleep

Thursday 4 September

Dr Nathalie Dehorter

UQ

QBI
Neuronal development

Term 4

Thursday 16 October

Dr Taylor Dick

UQ

School of Biomedical Science Musculoskeletal modelling

Extracurricular events

QRC Women in Mining Awards

As part of Mansfield’s partnership with the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, three students were invited to attend the QRC Women in Mining Awards and International Women’s Day Lunch. This prestigious event celebrated the outstanding achievements of women in Queensland’s resources sector and highlighted the importance of fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued.

We extend our gratitude to Mrs Crispin for accompanying our students and congratulate them on their accomplishments both in and beyond the classroom.

Mansfield debating

It was Mansfield as the affirmative team versing John Paul College at Villanova College on Wednesday 23 April. The topic was:

“That as the feminist movement, we would actively advocate for men working in traditional female industries (e.g. teaching, childcare, nursing etc).”

Congratulations on your win Mansfield.

Learning

French Film Festival

In Week 9 of Term 1, the Year 8 and 9 French Immersion classes attended the French Film Festival. They saw a film called ‘All Stirred Up’ (Tous Toqués) which was a comedy made in Quebec, the French speaking region of Canada. This is the largest selection of French language films and the longest running festival outside of France. We are delighted to provide opportunities for our students to experience the language in a setting outside the classroom.

C'était une expérience très amusante, et j'ai aimé y 'aller avec mes amis.

(It was a very fun experience, and I loved going there with my friends.) As said by a year 9 student.

Inspiring insights

On Tuesday 29 April, 19 of our amazing Digi Girls from Year 9 and 10 had the opportunity to listen to the inspiring story of Kimberly Valenny, a manager at Deloitte. Kimberly shared her journey from school to university and her career path, providing valuable insights into the world of business and information technology.

The students were fascinated by Kimberly's experiences and the challenges she faced along the way. She spoke about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and continuous learning, and shared tips on how to always be there to volunteer when opportunities arise.

Kimberly's presentation was engaging and relatable, and the students were able to ask her questions and gain a deeper understanding of the industry. Many students stayed on after the event feeling motivated and inspired to ask more questions from our special guest. pursue their own career goals.

The visit was a great opportunity for our students to learn from someone who has achieved success in their field. We are grateful to the tireless efforts of our Digi Girls Coordinator Mrs Nicola Picton for her amazing work to secure and prepare for such an inspiring speaker, and we especially thank Kimberly for sharing her story and inspiring our students to strive for excellence.

Achievement

Cisco Cybersecurity Challenge

Congratulations to our Digital Solutions Year 11 students on their outstanding performance at the recent Queensland University of Technology and CISCO Cybersecurity Challenge on Thursday 1 May. The team of six students demonstrated exceptional skills and knowledge in the field of networking and cybersecurity, impressing the judges and industry experts.

The event, designed to promote STEM education and careers, saw our students competing together with other schools in a real departure from the traditional school against school approach. Their dedication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities shone through as they tackled complex challenges and presented innovative solutions.

This achievement is a testament to their hard work in Digital Solutions and Mansfield’s commitment to providing opportunities for students to develop their skills and interests in Technology. We would also like to acknowledge Mrs Nicola Picton for her coordination of this opportunity.

School notices

2025 Open Days

Our final Open Day for Year 7 students enrolling in 2026 will be held on Thursday 19 August 2025. It will commence at 9.00am in the Assembly Hall. Bookings are not required.

Enrolment applications for 2026 are now open. Please read the preparing to enrol in Year 7 2026 guide before completing the Year 7 2026 enrolment application pack. All enrolments must be fully completed and accompanied by original documents, copies and a Statutory Declaration. Applications must be lodged in person with the Enrolments Officer, between 8.00am and 2.30pm on school days.

Programs of Excellence

Applications for enrolment into a Program of Excellence for Year 7 in 2026 will close on Friday 30 May 2025. Late applications cannot be accepted.

Information on applying, including key dates for applicants are included on the school website.

Senior pathways for Year 10 students

In Term 2, our Year 10 students will be exploring their senior pathway, including the careers they desire to pursue post school. During SDP lessons students will be engaging with a number of future pathway questionnaires and surveys so they are able to explore the various options available to them. As they do this, they will refer to the Year 11 and 12 Prerequisites and Recommendations for Senior subjects. Early in Term 3, our Year 10 students will select their senior subjects as part of their SET Plans. This process is compulsory for all students to complete and meetings will occur on Wednesday 6 August 2025.

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