It all began in 2020. As 'One Community', we recognised the need for a school mascot – a mascot that would build a sense of belonging and school spirit. A mascot that we could truly connect with. In the 'Vale spirit, we listened to staff and student voice.
Were we going to be the Helensvale Hammerheads, the Helensvale Raptors, the Vale Vipers, the Helensvale Hunters or the Home of the Hawks? Our votes landed on the Hawk.
In 2021 the logo was designed and the story behind the Hawk was written.
In 2022 we enlisted a very talented ex-student, Emma Dillon-Lee to design a costume which would bring the Hawk to life.
The making of the Hawk costume, as well as a plushie toy version, took a bit of back and forth in 2023. We needed to get it right. The Hawk's first appearance was at the commencement of the 2024 school year and we haven't looked back since.
The Hawk is often seen at events, greeting visitors and wandering around the school. The Hawk always brings a smile to people's faces.
In 2023 another significant change in the life at the 'Vale occurred.
We shifted to Learning Communities which included a review of our House system.
Whilst we are proud of our sporting alumni, which our houses are currently named after, the spirit of the Hawk recognises that we are proud of all of our students and their individual achievements – big or small.
Our high achieving alumni have excelled in a broad range of fields, locally, nationally and globally. We have doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs. We have those that have excelled in the arts and in media, technology and vocational pursuits, news readers, lawyers, teachers and of course our sporting heroes, just to name a few. These legacies serve as inspiration to our students because like them, these alumni built their foundation at Helensvale State High School. It was from here they spread their wings and launched onto the pathway that led to the dizzying heights of their success.
Our house structure is designed to build a learning environment that is inclusive of all, a learning environment that is underpinned by a strong sense of belonging, that recognises the interests, skills and qualities that all students require for success during their time here and beyond.
Together, we are creating a learning environment that supports and empowers students to soar towards their chosen career paths. The concept of our students taking flight, as confident, mature young citizens ready to make their mark on the world, inspired our school mascot, the Hawk.
This year staff, students and community members collaborated on what our house structure might look like in 2025.
There were 6 possible names: Colours, Constellations, Kombumerri Dreaming, Mythical Hawks, Local Parks and Yugambeh Elements. After extensive consultation we are now ready to make the final announcements. The top three, in no particular order, are Constellations, Mythical Hawks and Colours.
The moment you have been waiting for. The big reveal is here.
The Story Behind The Hawk
At Helensvale State High School, anything is possible.
Helensvale has created an environment that supports and empowers students to soar towards their chosen career path.
Beyond the solid education Helensvale provides, students are taught the importance of determination and resilience – qualities essential to achieving in any post school pathway.
Inspired by these valued traits, Helensvale State High School is proud to announce the hawk as its school mascot.
The hawk represents strength, courage, stamina, power and, of course, determination and resilience.
For more than 30 years Helensvale SHS has set a standard of excellence, clearly demonstrated in our high achieving alumni. At Helensvale, we are proud of all of our students and their individual achievements – big or small – yet some of our students have become household names, excelling in their chosen field.
From the sports arena there's Michael Shelley – Commonwealth Games gold medallist in distance running; former world number ne tennis player Samantha Stosur; and Sally Pearson - former World and Olympic medallist in hurdles. Deon Savage went on to become an accomplished Channel 7 Gold Coast News journalist and newsreader; and Shane Carr made a name for himself as a highly successful game developer.
Like the hawk, these individuals harnessed their strength (mental and sometimes physical), stamina (by never giving up), and intelligence to achieve in their career choice.
As author Charlie Wardle says: “A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because its trust is not on the branch but on its own wings."
A Helensvale education encourages students to reach their full potential through one of the four pillars of opportunity: learning, sport, the arts and community. We feel we can best prepare our students for the future by developing literate, numerate, motivated, creative, sceptical, respectful, responsible, ethical, healthy and resilient learners.
Choosing a mascot that embodies strength, power, resilience and intelligence will serve – we hope – as a symbol and inspiration for all of our students to soar – and achieve.
House Vision Statement
Helensvale State High School is 'One Community' where a deep sense of connection and belonging is a key to success. School spirit in and beyond the classroom unites staff, families and our local community, engaging students to experience personal growth and high levels of achievement. Participation, enjoyment and healthy competition flourish at Helensvale State High School.