14 May 2025

From the Executive Principal’s desk

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Term 2 is away and we have jumped in without a backward glance. Just a few short weeks and already we have had so much to celebrate and commemorate.

Senior Formal

Yet again the Mansfield State High School Year 12s demonstrated what poise, glamour, maturity and pure gorgeousness looks like during their Senior Formal. This rite of passage is about so much more than getting dressed up. It’s about our young people stepping out into the world with a clear intention; to present themselves at their very best. How strange to see them in their Mansfield State High School uniforms one moment and striding through the Grand Ballroom like glamazons the next! I was absolutely floored by the magnificence of my beautiful darlings. I would like to thank our Year 12 Team for their tireless efforts in delivering an outstanding evening for us all.

ANZAC Day ceremonies

ANZAC Day is always filled with quiet reflection in a sombre environment. We remember those who have protected and helped us; men and women who have paid the highest price for our freedom. It has always filled me with immense pride to see the way in which our Mansfield students go about this very important commemoration. Across a series of ceremonies led by our student leaders, our defence forces were honoured with incredible music, thoughtful reflections and respectful silence. I am so proud of Mansfield State High School in these moments; our culture of belonging, steadfast reverence of traditions and respect for the sacrifice of others are on full display and it is outstanding. Well done to everyone. 

Lest We Forget.

The Ode
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

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Mother’s Day

I hope all our mothers and those in mothering roles were spoilt like queens over the weekend. Whilst my babies are now adults and scattered across the state, it felt very special to have received long phone calls, flowers, cards and all the other Mother’s Day things. I love it and still have the cards they made in primary school!

In my role as Executive Principal, Mother’s Day offers a chance to reflect on the profound impact mothers - and those who take on mothering roles - have in our school community and beyond. In the rush of our daily lives, it’s easy to take for granted the quiet, constant support of mums. From early morning routines and filled lunch boxes to late-night talks and school assessment rescues, mothers form the heartbeat of many families. And while parenting is a shared journey, there is something singular about the role of a mother. They are our cheerleaders when we feel overwhelmed, lonely or disheartened. We often know our child’s needs before they are spoken, we give unwavering encouragement and can offer comfort with just a glance or a hug.

Here at school, we see that influence every day. We see it in the confidence of our students, in their values and in the way they treat others. We see it in the tireless involvement of so many mothers in our community groups like the P&C. It’s there on early mornings and late afternoons as they wait to pick children up from rehearsals and practice. Their presence is felt deeply and appreciated immensely.

To all the mums in our community; thank you.

Only One Mother
Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky,
Hundreds of shells on the shore together,
Hundreds of birds that go singing by,
Hundreds of lambs in the sunny weather.

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one mother the wide world over.

George Cooper

Mrs Karen Tanks
Executive Principal

Leadership

Associate Principals

Deputy Principals

Heads of Year

Heads of Department

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 

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.

Student services

Student Services team

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.

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