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.
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.
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