Veteran Corinda Principal Resigns Unexpectedly Mid-Term

Helen Jamieson, the long-serving principal of Corinda State High School, unexpectedly resigns halfway through the third term of the academic year. Jamieson, who has led the school for nearly two decades, informed staff, students, and parents of her decision via email on Monday, July 29, 2024.



Jamieson, known for being one of Queensland’s first principals to implement a comprehensive mobile phone ban in schools, stated that her last day would be August 23. She cited a new career opportunity as the reason for her departure, revealing that she will be taking up the position of chief executive/director at International House at the University of Queensland.

Photo Credit: eq.edu.au

In her email, Jamieson expressed mixed emotions about leaving, writing, “It is with a heavy heart that after 18 years at Corinda, I have made the decision to move on. This has been a difficult decision as I am so invested in this amazing school and the direction we are heading.”

The principal assured the school community that she believes the institution is in “an exciting place” and expressed confidence in continued strong student outcomes. She also mentioned that her position is being advertised for a permanent replacement.

Jamieson’s tenure at Corinda State High School has been marked by innovative policies, most notably the introduction of a blanket mobile phone ban. She humorously referenced this in her farewell message, stating that she didn’t want to be carried out with “a Yondr magnet on her chest” — alluding to the lockable devices used to secure students’ phones during school hours.

Photo Credit: Yondr

The departing principal emphasised her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, stating that she would “remain on task and committed” until her last day, aiming to leave the school “well positioned and ready for new leadership to take it next level.”



This unexpected resignation has caught the school community by surprise, coming in the middle of the academic term. As Corinda State High School prepares for this significant change in leadership, the search for Jamieson’s successor is already underway.

Published 2-August-2024

3 Corinda State High School Staff Recognised at Australian Education Awards

Corinda State High School in Queensland is celebrating after three staff members were named as Excellence Awardees in the prestigious 2024 Australian Education Awards.



Principal Helen Jamieson, deputy principal Tom Bates, and secondary school teacher Nicki Crerar have all been recognised in the awards, which are in their seventh year.

Photo Credit: Educator Awards

The awards span 29 categories and showcase the best of Australian education in 2024. Excellence Awardees will be formally recognised at a black-tie gala event on Friday, 9th of August at the Star Event Centre in Sydney. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of Australian schools, principals, department heads, and teachers.

Photo Credit: Educator Awards

Jamieson, Bates, and Crerar were selected from a competitive pool of nominees across the country. The Corinda State High School staff members join other awardees from schools in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory.

Prime Super, an independent profit-to-members superannuation fund, is partnering with The Educator for the 2024 awards. 

Photo Credit: Educator Awards


Prime Super’s National Sales Manager, Corporate Super, Billie Atanasova, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting members in the education sector, stating, “As a super fund, we have a strong affinity with the teachers, principals, and support staff in schools who are working every day to elevate the futures of others.”

Published Date 16-May-2024