Term 3 has kicked off with fantastic momentum, setting a strong foundation for the weeks ahead. Our athletics carnival was a highlight, bringing the school community together in a vibrant display of house pride, friendly competition and school spirit. The introduction of new house war cries added extra energy and excitement, creating a powerful sense of unity among students. In addition, our NAIDOC Week activities provided valuable opportunities for students to engage with and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and respect. We also welcomed families on site for Parent-Teacher Interviews, which offered an important chance to strengthen partnerships and ensure every student remains supported on their learning journey.

Alongside these great events, it’s been pleasing to see students upholding our high expectations in day-to-day school life. Wearing the correct uniform with pride, arriving to class prepared and on time, and demonstrating a positive attitude all contribute to the strong culture we continue to build together. Maintaining these standards will help every student make the most of Term 3 and set themselves up for success.

Cath Pfingst

Principal

On Friday the 25th of July, our Senior Ancient History students had the opportunity to attend a research-focused excursion to the State Library of Queensland. The visit was designed to support their upcoming assessment task by equipping them with valuable research skills and introducing them to a wide range of academic resources.

Students participated in a tailored workshop delivered by an expert librarian, where they learned how to navigate the library’s extensive digital databases and catalogues. They also explored the physical collection, discovering a treasure trove of ancient history texts to support their individual inquiry topics.

The excursion enhanced their understanding of how to find and evaluate scholarly sources and also built their confidence in working independently with academic material. All students signed up for their own State Library membership, allowing them to continue accessing these resources from home.

It was a fantastic day of learning, and the students represented our school with maturity and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing these new skills reflected in their upcoming assessment pieces!

Madison Devonshire

Argo Teacher

CBSHS

Congratulations to Tanya Aylward of Bracken Ridge State High school.

Tanya is the first to complete all four components of the Clontarf Beach SHS, Professional Development & Upskilling welding club course.

Since June 2024 https://clontarfbshs.schoolzineplus.com/newsletter/article/1522?skin=1, a number of non-workshop teachers have picked up a varying range of welding skills in our Welding Clubs; however, Tanya took on the course with the clear intention of upskilling from hospitality teaching to engineering workshop teaching.

The four components are:

1. A general safety induction along with specific machine safety inductions.
2. Complete all the basic welding tasks set out on a display board with drawings & exemplars.
3. Complete a basic welding & fabrication project, being a standard (D6) six-sided dice.
4. Weld and prepare her own display board to take back to Bracken Ridge SHS to teach her students.

It has been a lot of fun for us both over the last couple of months, and I’m looking forward to hearing how her classes progress and the exciting projects her students get to make.

Jim Kettle

Teacher Engineering, Furnishing & Construction

Is your child starting high school in 2026?

Enrolments are open and we’re excited to welcome a new group of learners into our school community!

Please call 3480 4777 or email info@clontarfbeachshs.eq.edu.au to enquire.

Kate Carden  

Administration Officer

The Year 12 Biology class from Clontarf Beach State High School had the exciting opportunity to visit the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus for an immersive and inspiring day of hands-on science.

Hosted by Dr Gurion Ang from UQ’s School of the Environment, and supported by a team of enthusiastic undergraduate Biology students, the masterclass brought Unit 4 content to life in a real-world laboratory setting. Students explored advanced genetic techniques, including:

- Bacterial transformation

- Gene regulation experiments

- DNA extraction and amplification using PCR

- Gel electrophoresis for DNA analysis

The experience not only reinforced key curriculum concepts but also gave students a taste of university life and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the field of biological sciences.

The CBSHS Science Department extends its sincere thanks to Dr Ang and the UQ team for their generosity, expertise, and encouragement.

With such a positive and engaging introduction to tertiary science, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some of our students inspired to pursue undergraduate study!

Kate Phillips

Science Technician

Last week, we welcomed some brilliant young mathematicians from Hercules Road SS, Kippa-Ring SS, Clontarf Beach SS, and Scarborough SS for our Inter-School Mathematics Competition!

It was a fantastic day full of problem-solving, teamwork and quick thinking. A huge congratulations to all participants for giving it their all – the future of maths is in great hands!

Results:

1st Place – Scarborough SS
2nd Place – Kippa-Ring SS
3rd Place – Clontarf Beach SS

Well done to everyone involved – and a special thank you to the Year 7 Summit students who helped with the running of the day.

Belinda Edwards

HOD Junior Secondary

This year’s School Opinion Survey runs from 28 July to 22 August. Parents, carers, students in selected year levels, and staff have been emailed a link to participate. Your feedback will help us understand our school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Survey responses are confidential. Find out more on the School Opinion Survey webpage or contact school administration.

Parents of Year 8 and 11 students have been emailed a survey invitation for the school opinion survey. Completing the survey helps identify what we are doing well and understand where we can approve, so please take the time to complete the 10 min survey.

Rachel Barrett

Acting Deputy Principal

On Saturday the troupe performed at the Opening Ceremony for the School Sport Australia Games at KAYO stadium.

They performed to over 5000 people in their jazz dance and then performed in a combined finale with 5 other schools. They may have performed in rain, but they truly did our school proud!

Well done dancers and Mrs Cunningham and Miss Marshall!

CBSHS Performing Arts

From 4–10 August, it's time to shine a light on healthy teeth and happy smiles!

This year’s theme is all about helping kids reach every S-milestone — from their very first baby tooth ?? to looking after their grown-up teeth and beyond!

The School Based Youth Health Nurse is here to help students and families learn more about keeping those pearly whites clean and strong!

Let’s talk brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist— because healthy smiles = happy lives! 

For more information, visit: Dental Health Week (2025) | teeth.org.au

Or make an appointment to speak with your School Based Youth Health Nurse:

Email: nurse.clontarf@health.qld.gov.au

Self-Refer via this link

Visit your School Based Youth Health Nurse office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Alt Wednesdays

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/chqSBYHN

Mel

Clinical Nurse

Catherine Griffin

HOD Senior Schooling

Congratulations to our six Furnishing Skills students who represented the school at the Redcliffe & District Woodcraft Society competition at the Redcliffe Show.

Competing against Redcliffe and Deception Bay State High Schools, our students achieved outstanding results—securing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, along with the People’s Choice Award.

1st Place: Inigo 
2nd Place: Ben Cottier
3rd Place & People’s Choice: Aperila Ah Fook

Phill Morrison

HOD Practical Technologies

Next week, on Tuesday 5th August, the Senior Schooling team is holding our Senior Phase Subject & Pathways Information Evening, including QTAC information for Year 12s. The event starts from 5:15pm in our school Hall.

This evening will showcase internal and external exhibitors, including Subject displays for the Year 9 and 10 students and representatives from universities, Defence Force, TAFE and Apprenticeship/Traineeship organisations.

After the displays close each year level, and their parents, will be directed to a set location for a cohort presentation. Our staff and external representatives look forward to having meaningful discussions with students about their intended pathways and how we can help tailor their Senior Phase. Please see the flyer attached for times and locations.

Bel Smith

Industry Liaison Officer

CBSHS