Snapshots from the week
2025 Horizons Academy
Wednesday afternoon, local member Di Farmer, P&C President Raelene James and Jeannine Freeman Uniform Shop Coordinator, gathered with 30 parents and friends of the 2025 Horizons Academy to hear a presentation outlining the incredible work of our students this year.
The inquiry question for investigation this year was “How can Queensland high school students build clothing circularity in their schools?” The impact of students’ work highlighted in group’s closing remarks: ‘We hope our idea helps to change the future’.
One of several emails from attendees sums up the exceptional capacity of our young people to face ‘real world problems’ head on and make a difference.
“Today we had the privilege of attending the end of year presentation by the Year 7 Horizon Group. What an impressive group of young people we listened to today.
Congratulations to their teachers who have guided them this year, and congratulations to each and every one of the students. Amazingly intelligent young people! Australia is in good hands when we have such bright and enthusiastic young people in our community.
We wanted to thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful learning experience.”
Barb and Brian
Ms Maddie Bell
Horizons Coordinator
Year 11 Honours Night
Last Thursday we celebrated student success of the year 11 students. Students who were awarded academic distinctions, excellence in effort and behaviour or leadership, received invitations to attend the inaugural Honours Night, at the Flight Centre building rooftop bar.
Students we treated to roaming canapes, mocktails, photo, live DJ, fairy floss machine and desert station, and magnificent views overlooking the Brisbane River and City. The night was topped off with students maintaining the Australian party tradition with a brilliant rendition of the Nutbush.
All students looked amazing and had a great time, we wish to again congratulate students on their success at school and look forward hosting next year’s year 11 cohort to celebrate their achievements.
Work Experience Feedback Continues!
What an incredible work experience journey for Year 10 student Alexandra! 👏
Alexandra recently completed her placement with Santos, where she explored the world of engineering and energy management.
During her time there, she analysed real-world industry data in Excel, learned automation skills, presented her project confidently to a professional engineering team, and attended meetings on topics like AI in gas compressor management, corrosion modelling, and integrity planning.
Her mentors described Alexandra as “charmingly chatty, engaging, and an absolute delight to welcome into the team.” 🌟
We’re so proud to see our students taking on real-world challenges, learning from industry professionals, and gaining valuable experience that inspires their future careers.
Year 10 Hospitality
Our Year 10 Hospitality students are shaking things up in their Festive Food & Drink unit — learning real-world bar and service skills!
🍹On the menu: frozen margaritas, watermelon mojitos, peach piña coladas, and Pimm’s cocktails (mocktail style, of course!).
Year 11 Arts in Practice Workshop
The Year 11 Arts in Practice class had the privilege of completing a workshop with local artist Dr Ann Russell — a professional artist, educator, and writer who specialises in mixed media across both 2D and 3D forms. Dr Russell’s work explores liminal spaces and her felt connection to nature.
During the workshop, students experimented with watercolour and natural materials to inspire and create pieces for their upcoming Year 12 assessment task.
Learn more about Dr Russell’s work at annrussellart.com.
Year 11 Visual Art Excursion
Our Year 11 Visual Art students recently visited GOMA and QAG as part of their preparation for Year 12. The excursion provided valuable inspiration for their upcoming body of work, helping students explore different artistic styles, themes, and techniques to develop their own creative ideas.
Study Tour - AJSP Hiroshima Secondary School
We were delighted to welcome students and staff from AJSP Hiroshima Secondary School to Balmoral State High School this week!
Our visitors spent time connecting with Balmoral students, sharing cultural experiences, and learning about life in an Australian school. Their generosity and kindness truly stood out — they even presented our Principal with a beautiful gift as a token of friendship, created by their Principal, Gohara Miyo.
Thank you, AJSP Hiroshima, for visiting our school and helping strengthen the bond between our two communities.
Teachers v Students: Netball
Today was the next edition of our Teachers v Students series, as we took to the Sports Hall for Netball!
Students showed impressive speed and skill, but the teachers weren’t backing down easily — proving that experience (and maybe a few sneaky tactics) can still make all the difference!
Rumour has it, the final score was a resounding win to the teachers, 15-2, leaving the series looking like it could get away from the students this year, currently sitting at Teachers 4-1 Students!
Year 12 Diploma of Business
After two years of dedication and hard work, we are thrilled to congratulate the Year 12 Diploma of Business students on the successful completion of this qualification.
Their efforts have will open doors to exciting opportunities—whether looking to continue with further tertiary studies or the ability to now step confidently into the workforce. The Diploma provides a strong foundation for career progression and future academic pathways.
Well done, graduates!
Celebrating 125 years of Norman Park State School
This week, Principal Barraud had the pleasure of visiting Norman Park State School to help celebrate their incredible 125 years of education.
It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the community, reflect on the school’s rich history, and celebrate the legacy of learning that continues to shape generations of students across Brisbane.
Congratulations to Norman Park State School on this remarkable milestone!
Creative Generation Excellence Awards
Last week Kiki Marino and Margot Zmarzly represented Balmoral state high at Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art. Their work was showcased amongst 186 artworks. Huge congratulations on their first art show! Miss P was one of the coordinators for the show and she captured the before, the during and the after of the show.
Year 10 Fashion
Year 10 Fashion students have created fully lined ‘Upcycled’ bags with decorative straps, using materials from donated jeans and unwanted clothes. A fantastic sustainable project completed in just 3 weeks!
Basketball Awards
Congratulations to all our Basketball Award recipients and to every player who represented Balmoral State High School this year. Your dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship have been outstanding both on and off the court!
Year 10 Psychology
Year 10 Psychology students recently travelled to the Queensland Police museum for a day of learning how police use forensics and psychology to solve crimes.
Students particularly enjoyed chatting with Inspector Richardson about everything from using pepper spray to the most interesting crime she’s ever solved.
Special shout out to Alexis and Emily who obtained the high score on the AR crime scene!
Anything but a bag!
Today our students (and even some staff!) got creative for Anything But a Bag Day — carrying their school essentials in everything from laundry baskets and prams to toolboxes and ice buckets!
