Corinda State High Archives - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Corinda State High School students took part in their first mountain biking competition in Toowoomba, joining the Darling Downs Schools event hosted by Rocky Trail Academy.

Corinda Enters Darling Downs Competition

For the first time, Corinda State High School participated in the Darling Downs Schools Competition held in Toowoomba on Friday, 8 August 2025. The event was hosted by Rocky Trail Academy at Jubilee Mountain Bike Park, Mount Lofty.

Competition Format and Tracks

The race involved three timed stages, with riders completing up to five runs per track. The fastest time on each stage counted toward individual results. Bonus points were awarded for top-four finishes. The points accumulated contributed to the Champion School title. Tracks were designed to test endurance, speed, and technical ability across junior, intermediate, and senior divisions.

Corinda’s Performance

Corinda was represented by six students who competed across the three tracks. In the Junior division, a Year 8 student, Ethan, secured fourth place overall, marking a strong debut for the school.

mountain biking — Photo Credit: Corinda State High School/Facebook

Support and Organisation

The school’s participation was supported by staff and parents, with roles including marshalling and course assistance during the day. The event also involved multiple schools from the region, with a focus on fostering participation and school spirit.

Event Operations

The Darling Downs Schools Competition ran from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The entire event included rider briefings, race rotations, and podium presentations, concluding the day. Food and coffee vendors were onsite. There were also volunteers engaged in safety and support roles. Weather conditions were partly cloudy during the event. The temperatures were ranging between 10–15°C.

Outlook

The event formed part of Rocky Trail Academy’s 2025 series. The event aims to engage students in outdoor recreation while developing cycling skills. Corinda’s first appearance highlighted new opportunities for its riders in future school competitions.

Published 18-Aug-2025

The move to ban students from using their mobile phones on campus in 2019 has sparked positive changes at Corinda State High School, according to Executive Principal Helen Jamieson.

Ms Jamieson said that since adopting a proactive approach to students’ personal technologies use, the kids have become more engaged with their peers and are taking full advantage of the school’s programs and facilities. The students are busier than ever at the sports fields or at the library where they may also play chess and Lego.

Lunch times at school also have students talking and engaging. No one is looking down and fiddling on their phones whilst ignoring their schoolmates.

Ms Jamieson said that the social culture at Corinda State High School has shifted since the students have been required to keep their mobile phones, earphones, and smart watches inside a Yondr pouch provided upon enrolment.

The Yondr pouch has to be tapped to activate a mechanical lock before the students enter the school, and they tap this again to unlock the pouch when they go home.

HOW IT WORKS

Per the school’s policy, the students may only be allowed to take out their phones “under the strict supervision of a teacher if they are used for educational purposes.” Laptops and tablet computers, however, are not included in the ban.

Ms Jamieson said that one of the key factors in enforcing the ban, which received immense support from the parents, was to help curb mobile phone addiction among impressionable teenagers. They also wanted to protect curious students from the dangers of the internet.

The ban, however, was not without any incidents as there were teenagers who tried to slip their phones in between classes. However, students who were caught violating the ban have been dealt with stricter consequences such as being monitored for a month. Repeat offenders have been subjected to weekend community programs.

Tag: Corinda State High

Corinda Students Compete in Darling Downs Mountain Biking Event