Reception for the Centenary of Brisbane State High School

Your Honour; Brisbane State High School Executive Principal, Mr Wade Haynes; Chair of the School Council, Mr David Gillespie; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentleman; students, staff and supporters of Brisbane State High School.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

Kaye and I are delighted to be taking part in the centenary celebrations for Brisbane State High School, and warmly welcome you all to Government House this afternoon.

The centenary of this remarkable Queensland institution is a major event in the social and educational life of our State. Consistent with its significance, Kaye and I would have loved to have held this afternoon’s event inside Government House – unfortunately, we could not escape the current restrictions, so we gather outside in the Governor’s Courtyard.

As an exemplar of our State’s public school system, State High not only represents excellence in formal education, but is also renowned for reaching the highest pinnacles in all areas of learning, including the arts, technology and sport – producing an impressive crop of Olympians!

I know you are all immensely proud of what this School stands for and the rich history that underpins its success. 

One hundred years is a significant milestone. And on this historical occasion, I recall the words of my predecessor, Sir Matthew Nathan, when in 1922 he addressed State High’s inaugural speech day: “it is the threads of human nature…that tie us to the past…”

Indeed, State High is a School built on the accumulated strengths and efforts of the many thousands of people who have entered its doors over the years—the principals, teachers, staff, students and parents—who have had the collective vision to constantly strive for excellence.

Every step of State High’s development across the century, and each accomplishment across the widest spectrum of endeavours, has relied on this spirit of shared determination.

Now, in 2021, despite being a School almost seven times larger than that of its first year and now covering two campuses, State High continues to encourage every individual student, from all backgrounds, to become the best they can be.

It is a School that values an extensive array of extra-curricular activities, to enrich the learning experience, and to help forge life-long friendships. As if to underscore the point, we are delighted the School’s String Quartet is performing for us all today. 

In fact, the late Prince Philip himself visited the school in October 1973 to present recipients their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and endorse the School’s commitment to personal-development.

The distinctive State High approach has produced generations of outstanding alumni who have spread the School’s positive influence further and wider, across multiple disciplines and pathways.

The most stellar of these past students have been recognised as “Legends of State High”. I am pleased some of you could join us today. Your outstanding contributions motivate future graduates to follow their dreams, and I commend you all for your tremendous achievements.

I also warmly thank the Brisbane State High School Foundation, chaired by Mr Ross Perrett, for the wonderful philanthropic support provided to the State High community, so it can continually be enhanced for the benefit of all.

Finally, my congratulations go to Executive Principal Mr Wade Haynes, the dedicated staff, parents and friends’ association, student leaders, and indeed all past and present students, for honouring the legacy established over the past one hundred years.

As State High heads into its second century, your marvellous celebration of tradition and innovation will see the school continue to thrive.