One particularly striking illustration of how a public institution can combine tradition with innovative thinking is Kedron State High School. Since its founding in 1956 to accommodate the demands of an expanding Brisbane, it has undergone constant change while staying true to its motto, Niti Est Nitere, which means “To Strive is to Shine.” Students are shaped to face the future with confidence by this ethos, which is not limited to speeches or mission statements but is mirrored in the everyday rhythms of classrooms, athletic fields, and creative spaces.
Graduates from Kedron have made their way from its halls to national and international platforms over the course of several decades. Prominent opera singer Jason Barry-Smith, celebrated baseball player David Nilsson, Brisbane Lions midfielder Ally Anderson, and AFL star Aliir Aliir all bear the school’s influence in their professional lives. One aspect of their success stories is remarkably similar: they both depict a supportive atmosphere where talent is identified early and given the freedom to develop while also receiving structure.
Kedron State High School – Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kedron State High School |
| Motto | Niti Est Nitere – To Strive is to Shine |
| Established | 1 January 1956 |
| Type | Secondary, Non-denominational, Public |
| Location | 34 Park Rd, Wooloowin QLD 4030, Australia |
| Principal | Shane Kiss (Acting, since 2024) |
| Enrolment | Approximately 1,750 |
| Campus Size | 33 acres (13 ha), Urban |
| School Colours | Black, Gold |
| Special Programs | EAL/D Support, International Program, STEAM & Robotics, Accelerated Learning, Hospitality |
| Notable Alumni | Aliir Aliir, Ally Anderson, David Nilsson, Rowena Wallace |
| Website | https://kedronshs.eq.edu.au |
One of the school’s most unique programs is its international student program, which excels at striking a balance between demanding coursework and cultural exposure. Kedron creates an atmosphere that is both global and intimate by accepting students from more than sixty different language backgrounds. Through well-run homestay programs, international students can learn English in a friendly, familial environment while getting a close-up look at Australian life. The school’s standing as a center for intellectual and cultural diversity has been greatly enhanced by these interactions.
With specially designed facilities, its dedication to STEAM education has significantly increased in recent years. The Makepeace room, which has laser cutting and 3D printing capabilities, the robotics labs, and the specialized hospitality kitchens turn theory into real-world expertise. This practical method is especially creative and reflects tactics used by globally recognized universities that educate students for fields that are changing at previously unheard-of rates. Kedron guarantees that its graduates are not only employable but also flexible by fusing technical know-how with innovative problem-solving techniques.
Sports are ingrained in the school’s culture. Wickham, Lutwyche, Bowen, and Griffith are the four houses that make up the system, which fosters fierce rivalry and devotion. For a lot of students, playing sports serves as a training ground for self-control, fortitude, and cooperation. The equally ambitious music program offers a very broad platform for artistic expression through classes in specialized percussion, vocal groups, big bands, and string ensembles.
The actual campus provides a unique blend of contemporary buildings and open green areas. Originally a racetrack beside Kedron Brook, it is now a motivating educational setting. Continuous improvements, such as the construction of a new performing arts center in 2026, demonstrate the school’s readiness to meet modern educational standards without sacrificing its historic character. Students benefit greatly from this blending of tradition and advancement since it gives them a sense of continuity while encouraging creativity.
At Kedron, community involvement is a defining feature rather than an afterthought. In addition to working with staff on projects that go beyond academic priorities, the Parents and Citizens Association is still very active. Students are guaranteed to grasp the concrete benefits of civic engagement through community-driven projects, career talks from business executives, and local business partnerships. With more than 95% of graduates enrolling straight into university programs, these relationships have contributed to a consistent increase in scholarship attainment and tertiary admissions.
The vision of Kedron’s leadership is remarkably clear. With the help of a group of knowledgeable deputy principals, acting principal Shane Kiss prioritizes upholding high standards while providing students with individualized learning paths. The strategy is very effective in terms of results and morale, whether it is implemented through accelerated learning tracks, resilience-building camps, or focused academic support. The focus on flexibility, compassion, and lifelong learning is particularly relevant in an era where jobs of the future may differ significantly from those of the present.
The ability of Kedron to incorporate values into all facets of school life is what really makes it stand out. Academic success is praised, but so are the development of curiosity, the bravery to take on challenging tasks, and the readiness to actively engage with different points of view. By molding young people in this manner, Kedron prepares them for life rather than just exams. With thousands of alumni leaving their mark across industries and continents, the motto “To Strive is to Shine” thus becomes more of a lived truth than an aspiration.
