Benowa State High School

Success Has Many Stages 🎶

When people think about school achievement, they often think about academics or sport.

But this year's Gold Coast Eisteddfod highlights another area where Benowa students continue to shine.

Across choirs, strings, wind orchestra, concert bands and contemporary music ensembles, our students have earned an impressive collection of Gold Awards, Silver Awards, placings and commendations against strong competition from schools across the region.

Some highlights so far include:
🏆 First Place - Benowa Strings
🥇 Multiple Gold Award-winning ensembles
🥈 Second Place performances in Strings and Premier Wind Orchestra divisions
🎶 Recognition across junior and senior ensembles from Years 7-12

What we're most proud of isn't the awards. It's seeing students grow in confidence, work together towards a common goal, and represent Benowa with pride on stages throughout the Gold Coast.

Congratulations to all of our performers, conductors and music staff on these outstanding achievements. ❤️🕷️

The silver medals aren't the most impressive part of this story.

What stands out most is what happened before they were won.

Our Senior Girls battled through an incredible semi-final match that stretched for 2 hours and 15 minutes, eventually winning by just two points in the fifth set to secure a place in the gold medal match in Queensland's highest school volleyball division.

At the same time, our Year 11 Boys went undefeated throughout the tournament before a hard-fought grand final.

In the end, both teams finished with silver medals.

But these results represent much more than a place on the podium.

They reflect the determination to keep going when the pressure is at its highest, the commitment to a team goal and the courage to compete against some of the strongest volleyball schools in Queensland.

We are incredibly proud of the way these students represented our school.

Congratulations to all players and coaches, and best wishes as preparations begin for the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup later this year. 🔴⚫

Volleyball Australia Volleyball Queensland

The most important thing a homestay family provides isn't a bedroom. 🌏

It's belonging. 🔴⚪🕷

For international students studying far from home, a simple family dinner, a friendly conversation after school, or someone asking "How was your day?" can make all the difference.

We're currently seeking homestay families for our January intake and would love to hear from families who are interested in opening their home and making a genuine impact on a student's experience in Australia.

Because sometimes the smallest acts of welcome create the biggest memories.

📩 email [email protected] to find out more.

The most important thing our students gained from this visit wasn't a new activity. It was a new perspective. 🌏

When we welcomed students from Yokosuka High School, our sister school in Japan, for a day of cultural exchange, connection and shared experiences.

Yes, there were ANZAC biscuits, AFL, netball and plenty of laughter.

But the real value was seeing students build friendships across cultures, learn from one another and discover just how much they had in common.

Experiences like these help young people develop confidence, empathy and the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds, skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Thank you to our Japanese visitors and everyone who helped create such a memorable and meaningful day. ❤🕷

Because education isn't just about learning about the world.

It's about learning how to be part of it.

Kinda chic to wear the latest trend. ✨

But do you know what's really kinda chic?

💙 Including someone who feels left out.

💙 Standing up for a friend.

💙 Choosing kindness.

💙 Helping everyone feel like they belong.

For Bullying No Way week, our students explored how the smallest actions can have the biggest impact on school culture.

Because creating a place where everyone feels safe, welcome and valued doesn't happen by accident.

It happens through everyday choices.

Small acts. Big impact.

We’re fortunate to have Mr Peter West (JP) available at school on, Wednesday 19 August, from 2.00pm–3.00pm in the Library.

A Justice of the Peace can assist by witnessing legal documents, statutory declarations, affidavits, and certifying true copies of original documents.

📧 To book an appointment, please email Lisa McInnes – [email protected]