20 June 2025

From the Executive Principal’s desk

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

Leadership

Associate Principals

Deputy Principals

Heads of Year

Heads of Department

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Student services

Student Services team

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.

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.

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