Gold Coast Secondary Schools Alliance

📣 Do you know a young woman making a difference in your school community?

Every school has students who quietly inspire those around them. Young women who lead with courage, show resilience, support others, overcome challenges, champion important causes, and demonstrate incredible potential.

The 2026 Gold Coast Women in Business Awards are now open, and schools are invited to nominate up to four outstanding students for the Empowering Young Women's Award, proudly presented by Southern Cross University. 🌟

This prestigious city-wide award recognises young women who are already creating positive change through leadership, academic achievement, sport, volunteering, entrepreneurship, advocacy, community contribution, or personal perseverance.

For finalists and winners, the recognition can provide valuable confidence, leadership development opportunities, mentoring experiences, networking connections, and lifelong membership in the Women in Business Awards alumni community.

💜 We know our Gold Coast schools are filled with remarkable young women whose impact deserves to be celebrated.

Take a moment to think about the students who are leading by example and inspiring others every day. This could be their opportunity to be recognised on a city-wide stage. 📧 2026 nomination details have been emailed to all our schools.

Celebrate excellence. Recognise impact. Inspire possibility.

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🌟 Another inspiring Coombabah State High School alumni spotlight! 🌟
As part of Coombabah State High School's 40th anniversary celebrations 🎉, Cr Shelley Curtis is highlighting former students who have gone on to achieve great things.
Our second featured Principal is Ms Rachel Cutajar, Principal of Helensvale State High School 🏫💙. From her days as a Coombabah student to becoming one of our outstanding school leaders, Rachel's journey is a fantastic example of where hard work, passion and dedication can lead. 👏✨
👉 Click the link to read Rachel's inspiring story and learn more about her path to leadership.
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🎉 As Coombabah State High School celebrates its 40th anniversary, the community is taking a trip down memory lane and shining a spotlight on some amazing alumni! 🏫✨
Cr Shelley Curtis is featuring standout Coombabah graduates in a special Spotlight Series on her page, and we're proud to share that two of the featured alumni are now Principals to two of our member schools! 👏🌟
First up is Ms Jessica Keavney, Principal of Tamborine Mountain State High School. 📚🍃 From Coombabah student to school leader, Jess's journey is truly inspiring! 💙
👉 Click the link to read Jess's story and celebrate her achievements.
👀 Stay tuned! Later today we'll reveal the second Principal spotlight, another proud Coombabah State High School alumnus making a difference in education. 🎓✨
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☕✨ A full house and plenty of food for thought!

This morning's GCSPA Leadership Masterclass Breakfast brought together educators from across the Gold Coast for a morning of connection, conversation and future-focused learning at Links Golf & Wellbeing Centre.

Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast while hearing from two outstanding speakers, Dr Samantha Kilmartin from Experience Gold Coast and Madeline Panther from BOP Industries, who shared powerful insights into employability, workforce readiness and what today's educators need to know about tomorrow's students.

The room was buzzing with discussion, networking and fresh thinking as school leaders explored how we can better prepare young people for an ever-changing future.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the morning such a success! 🌅👏

🍲✨ Great food, great company, and outstanding student talent! Our Year 12 Hospitality students from Foxwell State Secondary College delivered an incredible dining experience for staff, showcasing their skills, dedication and professionalism. Well done on a fantastic achievement! 👏🎉

Huge congratulations to Nerang State High School's Drumline who have been crowned Overall National Champions at the National Drumline competition! Fantastic!!🤩👏🙌🥁

🎭✨ School musicals really do create memories that last a lifetime! ✨🎭 A huge congratulations to the talented students and dedicated staff at Merrimac State High School for bringing Bring It On, The Musical to life on stage! 🌟🎶 From the incredible performances to the hard work behind the scenes, it was a fantastic production that showcased creativity, teamwork and talent at its very best. 👏💙
Well done to everyone involved for putting on such a spectacular show and creating memories that will be treasured for years to come! 🎤🎬⭐ 🎭✨👏

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📢 Future leaders in action! ✨

Last Thursday, students and staff from 10 GCSSA member schools stepped beyond the classroom to take part in the Future Leaders Workshop at Southern Cross University .

Through hands-on activities, meaningful discussions and inspiring guidance from world record-breaking pilot and leadership speaker Lachie Smart, students were challenged to think differently, lead with confidence and discover the positive impact they can have on those around them. ✈️🌟

Throughout the day, students explored authentic leadership, built resilience and confidence, and developed practical skills to help them thrive both at school and beyond. They also had the opportunity to experience university life, connect with current students and learn strategies for personal and academic success.

Delivered in partnership with Southern Cross University, this free leadership experience continues to empower young people to grow as capable, courageous leaders within their schools and communities.

A huge thank you to Lachie Smart and the Southern Cross University team for inspiring the next generation of leaders. 👏

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Coombabah State High School Elanora State High School Merrimac State High School Nerang State High School Palm Beach Currumbin State High Robina State High School Tamborine Mountain State High School Varsity College

🎉 Lucky Door Prize Sponsor Spotlight 🍀

A special thank you to Officeworks for generously supporting the Gold Coast State Secondary Education Excellence Awards as our Lucky Door Prize Sponsor.

Your contribution added an extra touch of excitement to an already wonderful evening and helped create a memorable experience for our guests. Thank you for helping us celebrate excellence in education.

👉 Visit Officeworks to explore their products and services: https://www.officeworks.com.au/