Craigslea State High School Archives

The Chermside Choir That Made History Is Now Heading to the Sydney Opera House

Less than a year after becoming the first state school to win gold at the Queensland Youth Music Awards, Craigslea State High School‘s Chamber Choir is preparing for its next milestone: being part of the Australian International Music Festival, with a chance to perform at the Sydney Opera House and other superb venues.

The choir, which operates from Craigslea State High School, is raising funds through a community raffle to cover travel and participation costs for its members. Every ticket sold goes directly toward the trip, giving local supporters a tangible way to be part of what shapes up to be the most significant performance the ensemble has taken on.

“We’re raising funds to help these dedicated students travel to Sydney in July 2026 for an unforgettable International Music Festival experience at the iconic Sydney Opera House,” the school said in announcing the fundraiser.

The Work Behind the Moment

The Chamber Choir’s place at the Australian International Music Festival is not simply a participation opportunity. At the Festival, Youth and Adult Orchestras, Wind Bands, and Choirs will be selected by audition to perform on the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage.

As an outstanding music education and performance event, Craigslea’s participation is consistent with everything the group has demonstrated since it was formed just two years ago under the direction of music teacher Jennifer Pedder.

Craigslea State High School — Photo Credit: @craigsleashs/Instagram

The choir’s defining moment came in 2025, when it competed at the Queensland Youth Music Awards in the advanced Auditioned Secondary Choir category against some of the state’s most established and well-resourced school programmes, many fielding ensembles of 80 or more singers.

Craigslea entered with 17 voices and walked out with gold, becoming the first state school in the competition’s history to have its name engraved on the Perpetual Trophy for that category.

Choir member Thomas described the moment the winner was announced.

“I didn’t know that I could lose my voice in just 20 seconds,” he said. “We all jumped up and screamed, we were so happy!”

One of the adjudicators were particularly taken with the choir’s performance of Madonna’s Like a Prayer, with one judge noted as clapping along during the piece and admitting she had not managed to take any notes, having been too absorbed in the performance.

“There weren’t many of us, but we still filled the space with sound,” Thomas said.

Mrs Pedder said the win reflected more than a year of committed early-morning rehearsals.

“Choir members must audition to be part of the group and commit to practising every Monday and Friday at 7.30am,” she said. “Singers must be able to sight-read music and carry a harmony part on their own.”

A Festival That Takes Young Musicians to the World Stage

The Australian International Music Festival, now in its 37th year and organised by World Projects South Pacific, draws over 1,000 participants each year from Australia and international ensembles from the United States, China, Europe, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand.

Photo Credit: Australian International Music Festival

Performances during the week-long festival take place across Sydney’s most iconic cultural venues, including the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Angel Place City Recital Hall, Sydney Town Hall, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, St Andrew’s Cathedral and Darling Harbour.

Participating ensembles are adjudicated by an international jury and awarded gold, silver or bronze plaques based on their concert performances. Alongside the competitive programme, the festival runs educational workshops with world-class clinicians at the Conservatorium, rehearsal exchanges with other ensembles, and cultural experiences across the city.

For 17 students from a state school in Chermside West, performing on the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage alongside international ensembles is the kind of experience that does not come around twice.

Support the Choir Before They Go

The community raffle is open now. Tickets are available here, with online ticket sales available until 7pm of 16 May 2026. Prizes are drawn at 7:30pm in the same day and winners will be contacted via phone or email.

The Australian International Music Festival will run from 5-12 July 2026. For more information about the Craigslea State High School Signature Music Programme and the Chamber Choir, visit the school’s website or follow the school’s Facebook page.

Published 29-April-2026

Exploring the Traffic Box Gallery of Chermside and Wavell Heights

Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane

Residents of Chermside and surrounding suburbs are turning their daily commute into a cultural experience by transforming traffic signal boxes into vibrant displays of local history and imagination.

Youthful Perspectives

Local schools have taken a leading role in brightening the streetscape, using public infrastructure to tell important stories. Students from Wavell State High School have contributed multiple pieces, ranging from the somber “Honouring our fallen heroes of 1942” in Aspley to the adventurous “Space Kids” and historical “Polly in PNG” in Chermside.

Meanwhile, a group from Craigslea State High School—including Isobel Andrews, Rose-Marie Nicolia, Mia Sullivan, and Pinyade Tangchaitrakul—focused on heritage with their collaborative work, “Cultural Connection and Preservation,” at Chermside West. These student-led projects turn standard metal boxes into educational landmarks that reflect the values of the younger generation.

Library

Artist: Junipah Harrison Location: Chermside (B0326)

Appropriately titled for a community hub, this artwork pays homage to the power of reading and education. Located in the bustling area of Chermside, “Library” likely serves as a colourful reminder of the worlds that can be explored through books, turning a standard street utility into a celebration of literacy and imagination.

Every Piece Matters

Artist: Olivia Donaghy Location: Chermside (B0361)

This artwork carries a powerful message of inclusion and unity. The title “Every Piece Matters” suggests a visual metaphor—often using puzzle pieces or mosaics—to represent how individual members of the community fit together to create a complete picture. It stands as a vibrant statement that everyone in Chermside has a role to play in the neighbourhood’s social fabric.

Live Fast Pie Yum

Artist: Daniella Doherty Location: Chermside (B0130)

Bringing a dose of humour to the streetscape, Daniella Doherty’s “Live Fast Pie Yum” plays on the classic phrase “Live Fast Die Young.” Instead of a rebellious rock-and-roll message, this artwork celebrates the simple, delicious joys of life—specifically, the humble pie. It is a fun, lighthearted addition to the suburb that likely brings a smile to hungry commuters.

Celestial Critters

Artist: Chloe Burr Location: Chermside West (B0180)

In this imaginative piece, Chloe Burr looks to the skies, blending the natural world with the cosmos. “Celestial Critters” suggests a dreamlike scene where animals float among the stars, turning a grounded metal box into a portal to a magical universe. It adds a touch of whimsy and wonder to the streets of Chermside West.

A Backyard Oasis

Artist: Libby McArdle Location: Chermside West (B8032)

Celebrating the green, suburban charm of Chermside West, Libby McArdle’s artwork captures the tranquility of a personal sanctuary. “A Backyard Oasis” likely features lush foliage, flowers, or garden scenes, offering a visual “breath of fresh air” for pedestrians and drivers passing by the concrete infrastructure.

Our Beautiful Home

Artist: Ravenna & Joshua Ren Location: Chermside West (B8032)

This collaborative piece by Ravenna and Joshua Ren is a tribute to the place they call home. Whether depicting a specific house or the broader local environment, “Our Beautiful Home” reflects a deep sense of pride and belonging. It serves as a warm, welcoming marker for residents returning to their neighbourhood at the end of the day.

The Good Fortune Cat

Artist: Amelie Turner-Francis Location: Chermside West (B0156)

Drawing on the symbol of the Maneki-neko (beckoning cat), this artwork brings a symbol of luck and prosperity to the street corner. Amelie Turner-Francis’s design acts as a friendly greeter to the community, wishing good fortune to anyone who passes. It is a bright, cultural icon that adds character and positivity to the local intersection.

Nature and Whimsy

Beyond the schools, individual artists have brought a sense of fun and natural beauty to the area. Daniella Doherty adds a touch of humour to the streets of Chermside with “Live Fast Pie Yum,” while Amelie Turner-Francis brings luck to passersby in Chermside West with “The Good Fortune Cat.”

Nature is a strong theme across the suburbs, with Jessica Taylor’s “Alive and Active Waterway” and Kassandra Marsh’s “Parkland” in Geebung reminding locals of the green spaces nearby. In Chermside West, Libby McArdle depicts a relaxing scene with “A Backyard Oasis,” offering a visual break from the busy traffic.

A Community Canvas

The Artforce Brisbane program continues to showcase the diversity of the community through these scattered artworks. Pieces like “Every Piece Matters” by Olivia Donaghy and “Our Beautiful Home” by Ravenna and Joshua Ren highlight themes of inclusion and belonging.

Others celebrate local groups and hobbies, such as Eileen O’Hely’s tribute to the “Chermside-Burul Scouts” and Junipah Harrison’s “Library,” which sits near the local shops. Whether it is Chloe Burr’s “Celestial Critters” or the historical nod in Bree McDonald’s “Newman Rode the Waves,” each painted box adds a unique chapter to the visual story of Brisbane’s northside.

Published Date 31-December-2025

Craigslea High in Chermside Elevates Volleyball with New Multi-Million Dollar Volleyball Centre

Photo Credit: Craigslea State High School

Did you know that Craigslea State High School is now home to a multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art Volleyball Centre of Excellence? The Chermside West school has one of the longest running volleyball programs in QLD through its top-ranking Craigslea Volleyball Academy.

The state-of-the-art Volleyball Centre of Excellence, which officially opened in February 2025, replaces the school’s previous 50-year-old venue. This significant improvement was made possible by an $18-million investment from the State.

The opening ceremony saw Principal Mick Leigh, alongside The Honourable Tim Mander MP, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and the Arts, celebrate the new centre.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Craigslea Volleyball Academy (CVA), founded in 1988 by Randel Robertson, has a long-standing reputation as one of Australia’s top volleyball schools. A key annual event for the academy is the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup (AVSC), where athletes compete against the best schools nationally.

Craigslea has consistently been Queensland’s most successful school at this event, being the only Queensland school to attend all 36 cups and winning the overall ‘National Champion’ title in 1989. The CVA currently holds a state ranking of 1st and a national ranking of 2nd.

Modern Facilities for Future Champions

The newly opened Volleyball and Community Sports Centre enhances the success of the Volleyball Academy. It features two competition-standard indoor courts and two Olympic-size beach courts. These modern facilities offer improved spectator seating and a mezzanine viewing area.

*Photo Credit:* *Craigslea State High School/ Instagram*

Students say the new centre allows players to execute the game properly, addressing previous limitations such as low roofs and lack of space behind the service line. Fixed cameras in the venue will allow for game analysis, helping players work on technique and reach a higher level.

Principal Mick Leigh stated that the school now has an Olympic-standard stadium suitable for a champion school, acknowledging that the school has one of the longest-running volleyball programs in the nation.

Craig Marshall, National High-Performance Manager for Volleyball Australia, noted that the facility will boost participation in the sport, particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Games, and enable higher-level tactical and technical development for athletes.

Developing Athletes and Individuals

*Photo Credit:* *Craigslea State High School*

The CVA program extends beyond just volleyball skills, focusing on personal development. Preparing for the AVSC provides students with opportunities to develop essential personal, interpersonal, and life skills through teamwork. The program teaches students to handle both the excitement of success and the disappointment of defeat, creating lasting memories and friendships.

The academy provides athletes with opportunities to play both beach and indoor volleyball at state and national levels. It maintains strong connections with community partners, including Norths Volleyball Club, Volleyball Queensland, Queensland Pirates, Volleyball Australia, and the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Emerging Talent Program.

Program Structure and Achievements

Students wishing to join the CVA program must complete an online application detailing their sporting experience and participate in a trial afternoon. The program currently has around 230 players, supported by 15 teaching staff and over 20 alumni coaches. All CVA curriculum staff are qualified as Level 3 ‘Elite Coach’. Students in the program are expected to maintain high achievement and suitable behaviour across all subjects and attend extra-curricular sessions and tournaments.

CVA has a proud history of success, having been the Queensland Champion School every year from 2008 to 2023. Its alumni include three past students who represented Australia in the 2000 Olympics, one at the 2014 Youth Olympics, and two who became international beach volleyball coaches. Over 60 students have achieved national selection, and more than 200 have represented the state.

The academy has also secured eight National Schools Open Honours Division titles, including a rare three-peat for the Open Girls in 2012, 2013, and 2014, along with six National Schools Junior Honours Division titles. Many alumni continue their association with the school, returning as coaches and support staff.

Published Date 26-May-2025

Craigslea SHS in Chermside West Invites Generations Back for 50th-Year Celebration

In the early 1970s, a new school quietly took root in the leafy streets of Chermside West. Since then, Craigslea State High School has remained a steady presence in the lives of thousands. It became a place where friendships were made, lessons were learned and the odd lunchtime drama unfolded on the oval.

Now, 50 years on, the school is inviting everyone who walked its halls, and those who cheered from the sidelines, to come back and celebrate the legacy they helped shape.

A Full Circle Moment

On Saturday, 7 June 2025, the school grounds will once again fill with laughter and shared memories, this time for a different reason. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Craigslea SHS will hold a free community showcase that welcomes alumni, families and locals to revisit the past and see what’s changed. Classrooms will be open for guided tours, the stage will come alive with student performances and food trucks will line the grounds offering fuel for the walk down memory lane. The official welcome is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in the school hall.

In a symbolic gesture, a time capsule buried years ago will be unearthed. A new capsule filled with today’s stories, artefacts and inside jokes will take its place for the next generation to discover it.

The Dinner That Feels Like a Reunion

As the sun sets, the celebration will shift to Kedron Wavell RSL, where former students and staff are invited to an evening gala dinner. From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the event promises conversation, reconnection and a few “remember when” moments.

Tickets are available until 27 May 2025, and organisers are urging people to reach out to old classmates, even if it’s been decades since they last spoke.

GET TICKETS

Alice Long, a long-time volunteer with the P&C Association, said the school’s unusual name often trips people up. Craigslea SHS isn’t in a suburb called Craigslea, but in Chermside West, just behind Westfield Chermside. That detail has become more relevant than ever as the team tries to reach alumni who may have moved away, changed email addresses or simply lost touch.

Where Are They Now?

As part of Craigslea State High School’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, the school has been spotlighting standout alumni through a series of “Where are they now?” features on social media. One such graduate is Matt Moorcroft, a proud member of the Class of 2006, who has come full circle by returning to Craigslea as a teacher.

Matt rejoined the school in 2015, inspired by the “fantastic teachers” who guided him through his own education. Now a Highly Accomplished Teacher, he teaches Mathematics and plays a key role in Craigslea’s extracurricular life, including the annual ski trip to Queenstown, New Zealand, and coaching in the Craigslea Volleyball Academy.

Reflecting on his school days, Matt recalls formative experiences:

“I still have fond memories of Mr Randall Robertson’s Year 8 camp, Senior PE with Mr Bruce Mann, and the snow trip to Perisher with Ms Janelle Schloss and Ms Kay Braiden,” he said.

He also fondly remembers simpler pleasures, like:

“Eating a pie on a bread roll from the tuckshop at lunch and washing it down with a can of Coke and a Mars Bar from the vending machines in the hall.”

When asked what advice he’d give to current students, Matt said:

“Follow your passions and interests. If you do that, like me, you will find a path that is both enjoyable and rewarding.”

Matt’s story is one of many examples of how Craigslea’s nurturing environment and strong sense of community have shaped the lives of its students. As the school marks five decades of education, stories like his are a powerful reminder of the school’s lasting legacy.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

To support fundraising efforts, an online raffle is running until 7:00 p.m. on the day of the event, featuring over $3,500 in prizes. There’s also a commemorative yearbook: a 130-page keepsake filled with photos, stories and the milestones that defined each decade.

Organisers hope the day isn’t just about looking back, but also about building connections that carry forward. Whether you were part of the Class of ’75 or dropped off a student last week, the message is the same: come along, be part of it, and remember what made Craigslea special in the first place.

Published 26-May-2025

Chermside Kindy Fights for Play Area Amidst Controversy Over $18-M Expansion of Nearby School

In a classic David v. Goliath scenario, a small Chermside kindy finds itself embroiled in a battle to protect its play area against the $18-million expansion project of a local high school.

C&K West Chermside Pre Prep, the community kindergarten at the centre of the dispute, boasts a natural play area complete with chickens, beehives, and compost bins. However, the proposed three-story building, part of the high school’s expansion, is set to be erected just meters away from the kindergarten’s fence.

This has ignited a back-and-forth dispute between the kindergarten, various government departments, and the construction arm of the government, QBuild.

The director of C&K West Chermside Pre Prep, Robyn Whittaker, has been leading the charge in advocating for design changes that would mitigate the impact of the planned expansion. She is concerned about the noise, dust, and overall disruption that the year-long construction could bring to the kindergarten’s peaceful environment.

Ms Whittaker emphasized the kindergarten’s focus on natural play and sustainability, expressing concern that the expansion would replace trees and grass with buildings, disrupting the children’s outlook and experiences.

One of the key points of contention revolves around the buffer zone between the new building and the kindergarten. While residents on the opposite side of the building are set to have a 9-meter buffer, the kindergarten would only have a 3-meter buffer. Ms Whittaker has questioned why both sides can’t have a 6-meter buffer, highlighting the inconsistency and raising concerns about the impact of noise and disturbance on the children during school hours.

Craigslea SHS multipurpose sports hall — Photo Credit: QueenslandGovernment

Additionally, the Chermside kindergarten has expressed concerns about the footpath’s location, which would lead high school students past the kindergarten. Worries about inappropriate behavior like swearing or vaping have prompted the request for the footpath to be moved to the other side of the building.

While Ms Whittaker clarified that the kindergarten is not opposed to the high school’s development, she stressed the need for consideration of their unique needs. She highlighted that the families of the 44 children attending the kindergarten should also be given due consideration, especially in comparison to the three households on the opposite side of the building.

The dispute has led to communication with QBuild, with an email from a QBuild manager suggesting potential alternatives to address some of the kindergarten’s concerns.

The email indicated that the current location of the building cannot be changed but expressed a willingness to explore options for alternative access to minimize interactions between high school students and kindergarten children. The email also mentioned a review of landscaping opportunities to enhance privacy and screening between the two facilities.

The new building project is a collaborative effort between the Department of Education and the Department of Tourism, Innovation, and Sport.

The proposal for the multipurpose sports hall at Craigslea State High School originates from a commitment made by Bart Mellish MP during an election campaign.

“This upcoming facility is set to firmly establish Craigslea as a premier institution for volleyball in Queensland, thereby transforming the northern region into a pivotal hub for the advancement of volleyball,” Mr Mellish said. “I am eagerly anticipating witnessing some of the current students from Craigslea making their mark in the 2032 Olympic teams.”

Published 29-Aug-2023