Term Ahead - 7 February 2025

From the Senior Leadership Team

A very warm welcome to both our new and returning families as we embark on an exciting 2025 school year! We hope your summer break was both enjoyable and rejuvenating. 

Tuesday marked an exciting milestone for our Year 7 and new Year 10 students as they officially began their journey at QASMT. Walking through the gates on their first day, they experienced a blend of excitement and nervous anticipation. Our Commencement Assembly set a welcoming tone, followed by a day of orientation where students explored their new surroundings, met teachers, set up their lockers, and forged meaningful connections with their peers. House Deans played an essential role in guiding them, ensuring they felt at home from the very start.

Wednesday saw the return of our entire school community, celebrated with our beloved clap-in tradition. As our new students entered the auditorium, they were met with cheers and applause, symbolising the warmth and inclusivity of QASMT. During the assembly, we unveiled the theme for 2025: Selflessness - a guiding principle encouraging kindness, community support, and putting others before oneself. Additionally, we welcomed our new teaching staff, whose passion and expertise will undoubtedly inspire our students throughout the year.

Thursday was a particularly significant day for our Year 7 students as they took part in their Pledge Ceremony, officially joining the QASMT community. Reciting the SMT Oath, they pledged to uphold the Academy’s core values - integrity, curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. Receiving their QASMT badge marked a moment of pride and commitment, signifying their place within a thriving community of learners, innovators, and future leaders. Watching them take these first steps was an inspiring reminder of the bright journeys that lie ahead.
It has been wonderful meeting our new Year 7 and Year 10 students, who are already embracing the QASMT culture and settling into the IB learner mindset. Starting a new school year brings a mix of anticipation, optimism, and excitement. We are eager to foster positive and supportive relationships with all members of our school community throughout the year. 

At QASMT, we believe in equipping students with the tools of positive psychology to help them navigate challenges with confidence and resilience. Dr. Peter L. Benson, a leading expert in child development, underscores the importance of relationships in shaping young lives. We wholeheartedly share this belief, prioritising a nurturing environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

Hans Christian Andersen’s words, "Just living isn't enough," said the butterfly. "One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower," beautifully capture our philosophy at QASMT. Beyond academic success, we are committed to fostering an environment where students can thrive in all aspects of life.

Reflecting on key themes from 2024, we continue to emphasise the importance of wellbeing. Our whole community Wellbeing Framework, ‘Learning to Flourish, Flourishing to Learn’, remains an integral part of our school culture. This framework supports students and staff by defining key roles within our community and providing teachers with essential resources to enhance wellbeing both inside and outside the classroom. For further details, we encourage you to explore the QASMT Wellbeing Framework.

Our Strategic Plan reaffirms QASMT’s commitment to flourishing. Our vision ‘Inspiring great minds through the provision of a world-class education that nurtures personal excellence and develops young people who can contribute positively to an ever-changing world’ guides everything we do. Central to this vision are the 10 Attributes of an IB Learner, which represent more than just a set of values; they are the foundation of our students’ holistic development. We strive not only for academic success but also for a deep commitment to personal excellence.

At QASMT, we value continuous growth over the pursuit of perfection. While high standards are important, an overemphasis on perfectionism can sometimes hinder personal fulfillment. Instead, we encourage students to embrace learning from challenges and setbacks, fostering resilience and long-term wellbeing.

Confident Learners
Nurture personal excellence to ensure every student is able to flourish and pursue their future pathway of choice.

Collective Efficacy
Shared commitment to our collective capability for optimal student learning and wellbeing.

Collaborative Culture
Promote positive school culture through collaboration and authentic partnerships.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Congratulations to all the students stepping into leadership roles in 2025! Your commitment to taking on this responsibility is commendable, and we are excited to see the positive impact you will make. As role models, your leadership will help foster a strong, supportive, and inclusive QASMT community. Your dedication and enthusiasm will undoubtedly inspire your peers and contribute to an enriching school environment. Below is the list of our student leaders for 2025.

OUR 2024 ACADEMY CAPTAINS

Middle Years Academy Captains: Virat Krishna Kumar and Abbie Pont

Senior Years Academy Captains: Milana Plekhanova and Jessica Swift

We acknowledge and welcome our leadership team for 2025, including those stepping into new roles, and we look forward to working together for a successful year ahead. We also welcome our new staff members joining QASMT this year. Your skills and experience will be valuable additions to our school community. Our Lead Parent Representative and Year Level Parent Representatives play a vital role in fostering strong connections between families and the school. They provide valuable support, enhance communication, and contribute to a positive school environment. We appreciate their dedication and look forward to working together to strengthen our QASMT community.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 graduates from last year and their outstanding achievements. Their dedication to the IB program and commitment to QASMT have set a high standard, not just for themselves but for the entire student body. The strong support from our staff has created an environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential.

Playing a key role in supporting student success, our dedicated House Deans provide guidance, track progress, and mentor students throughout their academic journey. Their commitment helps create a supportive and structured learning environment. Additionally, our Guidance Officers have worked closely with students to navigate their QTAC preferences, ensuring they are well-prepared for their next steps beyond QASMT.

This exceptional cohort holds a special place in our school’s history as our inaugural Year 7 students, the first to study the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the first to graduate from QASMT’s six-year program. They achieved remarkable milestones, including the largest number of students ever offered places in medicine and a record-breaking performance in the Extended Essay. Their IB results were outstanding, with all mean diploma score and mean subject grade exceeding Australian and global November IB averages, as well as the second-best percentage of students scoring 40+ in our history. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our students and the ongoing support of our community. Our results reaffirm QASMT as one of Queensland’s top-performing schools, and we could not be prouder of this success.

There are a number of important operational reminders. The Research Centre hours are 7:30am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday. It is important to note, that at all times, the Research Centre is designated as a quiet study space including lunch times. Students can book a collaborative working space at the Research Centre reception. The Refectory space is open to Year 12’s only and will be monitored by CCTV. 

From 2024, in line with all other Department of Education schools, mobile phones must be ‘away for the day’ and students are not permitted to use mobile phones during school time. ‘Away for the day’ will support schools to maintain a strong focus on educational achievement, and student wellbeing and engagement by:

• providing optimal learning and teaching environments
• encouraging increased face-to-face social interactions between students
• promoting the health and wellbeing of students through increased social interaction and physical activity
• reducing the potential for students to be exposed to the negative impacts of the digital world, resulting from unsafe or inappropriate technology use.

Mobile phones may be brought to school however, they must be switched off and not be visible at any time throughout the school day. Notifications on wearable devices, such as smartwatches, must be switched off so that phone calls, messages and other notifications cannot be sent or received during school hours. This also applies to student attendance at school activities, such as school sport, excursions and camps, unless otherwise determined by the principal. Students are not permitted to bring any mobile phone or wearable device into an examination.

Students are permitted to bring mobile phones and wearable devices to school to:

• support safe travel to and from school
• make contact with parents, friends and part-time employers outside of the school day

During school hours, urgent communication between students and parents should be directed through the school office. Non-urgent communication between students and parents should be done via email. More information can be found in the policy Responsible Use of Electronic Devices and Mobile Phones.

In 2024, we saw a decline in student attendance due to families taking holidays during term time. Unfortunately, most of these absences were deemed unauthorised which impacted on students engaging in extra-curricular activities such as international and domestic tours, sporting, robotics, debating and other school representative competitions. While we understand the challenges of recent years, we have now returned to standard school operations. As per the Department of Education’s absence criteria, leave during term time will only be approved in cases of genuine emergency. Holidays, family visits, and personal events should be scheduled during official school breaks. The school will continue to support leave requests for academic and sporting competitions.

Ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and duty of care for our students and school community stands as our foremost priority. On behalf of QASMT, we extend our sincere appreciation for your continued commitment and cooperation as we commence the new school year. We kindly request your adherence to our safety protocols, including the suspension of handshakes and the option for individuals to wear masks.

For our families embarking on their QASMT journey this year, we are confident that you will swiftly become integral members of this exceptionally caring community. As we move forward into 2025, our journey of continuous improvement remains a priority. We are committed to supporting every student in achieving personal excellence and look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Kath Kayrooz, Principal; Kerry Bullock, Associate Principal; Kate Oxenford, Deputy Principal Performance; Sam Weston, Deputy Principal Academic; Jane Manwaring, Deputy Principal Engagement

From the Deputy Principal Senior Years

I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year, and a very Happy Lunar New Year!

I hope all our returning families have had a restful break, and are ready for another wonderful year at SMT. A very warm welcome to our new families and students, I hope your first official week at SMT was successful and that you are beginning to settle in. If you have any concerns or questions, remember to reach out to your House Dean as a first person to contact, they are a wonderful source of support for your time here at school.

Senior Years Curriculum and Assessment

Year 10
Our Year 10 students have enthusiastically navigated a busy start to their senior schooling. They are now in their final STEM Futures subjects which run for the first semester, before all students embark on their Diploma Preparation Program (DPP) in the second semester. I would like to remind all our students of the importance of staying organised, setting your own personal goals and working hard to reach your potential. I would like to encourage our families to talk to your child to ensure they are in the right subjects, as next term we will start to think about subject level selections. As the year progresses, we aim to have all students in the subjects and levels that they intend to study in their IB Diploma Programme (DP) course. There are also a myriad of extra-curricular events and activities to get involved in – and inspired by – this term, so I encourage all students try to find something that will excite their curiosity.

Year 11 IB DP
Our Year 11 students have just embarked on their IB Diploma journey and it has been wonderful walking around classrooms seeing students already fully engaging with their chosen IB DP subjects. The 2026 Cohort IBDP Assessment Guidance Handbook will be emailed to all Year 11 students and parents in the coming week. Please make sure you keep this as a reference to refer to in conjunction with student assessment calendars which have already been emailed out. Students and parents will learn more about CAS, TOK and EE as we progress in the programme of study. I look forward to supporting all our students as they take part in the IB Diploma.

Year 12 IB DP
To our Year 12 students and families - welcome back to your final year of high school! Hopefully our Year 12 students have taken time to rest and spend quality time with family and friends during the holidays, and have come back prepared to undertake their final assessments. The 2025 Cohort IBDP Assessment Guidance Handbook was emailed out last year, but will be re-emailed out in the coming week with some minor updates - please make sure you use this as a guide to all upcoming IB assessment submission dates. A reminder to Year 12 students that effective time management, consistent study routines and an open-minded, balanced approach are key for success at this stage of the Diploma Programme.

As the year progresses, I will communicate regularly with all Year 12 students and families, and will provide important information on upcoming important IB dates, checkpoints and events – please look out for these emails. I have already emailed all Year 12 students with the first two compulsory IB assemblies for the year – in Week 2 I will be presenting on Academic Integrity in the Diploma Programme, and in Week 5 I will meet with the Year 12s to finalise their IB registration. All Year 12s must be present for these sessions, and if they miss one of these for any reason, they must make contact with me to understand what information they missed.

IB Learner Attributes and ATL in the Classrooms
At QASMT we proudly strive to support our students to achieve their potential through the embodiment of the IB Learner Attributes. We want, and support our students to be: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. We also seek to embed the IB Approaches to Learning (ATL) in our classrooms, where we purposefully support the development of student thinking, communication, social, self-management and research skills. At the end of this term, I look forward to reflecting with you which of these skills I have seen students using in classrooms, and which attributes I have noticed students demonstrating.

I wish all our families a wonderful term, filled with joy, new experiences and learning.

Esme Hatchell, Deputy Principal Senior Years

From the Deputy Principal Middle Years

As we commence the new academic year, I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome all students, parents and carers back to QASMT after what I hope was a relaxing break.

It was lovely to welcome our new Year 7 students into the QASMT community this week.  They have enjoyed a very full week of activities and informative sessions led by House Deans, specialist teachers and student leaders to best prepare them for their time at QASMT.

As always, 2025 will offer middle years students many opportunities to perform at their best and involve themselves in all that QASMT has to offer. I urge all students to take every opportunity that comes their way in an effort to enrich all aspects of their schooling life.

Term 1 has many middle years activities on the horizon. In the coming weeks we will have our student leadership induction ceremonies, school photos, parent information evenings and gala days. During this term our Year 7 students will also enjoy the Year 7 Camp and Middle Years students will listen to visiting guest speakers. All calendared QASMT activities can be found on DayMap. A reminder that our House Deans also send out fortnightly newsletters with important student and parent information across the year.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind our Middle Years students of safe road practices when walking to and from school. When walking to and from school it is important that students are always fully aware of their surroundings. When playing music in airpods, for example, it is difficult to hear oncoming traffic. To avoid an accident when crossing streets use pedestrian crossings where available; look left, right and then left again. Brisbane’s streets are very busy. Please take care.

I look forward to a very enjoyable term ahead.

Kirsten Baker, Deputy Principal Middle Years

From the Department of inclusion

Supporting the Wellbeing and Success of Every Student 

A warm welcome to the 2025 school year! I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Head of Inclusion and Wellbeing here at QASMT. Having spent the past 11 years teaching in the classroom at this wonderful school, I have developed a deep understanding of the unique social, emotional, and academic needs of our students. It is with great excitement that I now step into this role, working closely with an incredible Student Support Team dedicated to ensuring that every student thrives in all aspects of their school journey. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce these amazing individuals.

Ms Jane Manwaring is highly respected as the founder of the Wellbeing and Inclusion Program at QASMT. Although her role has now expanded to Deputy Principal Engagement, Jane’s wealth of experience continues to be incredibly valuable. Her warm and caring personality naturally allows her to build strong and positive relationships with students, and her contributions remain deeply appreciated.

Ms Tara Le Pla is an integral member of our team, each bringing their unique expertise to support our students. Tara continues to focus on providing tailored support to students requiring intensive Mental health and wellbeing support, ensuring that their individual needs are met with care and attention. 

Ms Katrina Judge is an integral member of our team, and offers invaluable career guidance, helping students explore their future pathways and make informed decisions about their academic and professional goals. Together, they play a vital role in ensuring every student is supported both personally and professionally.

Ms Naomi Feeney is the first welcoming face students encounter when they enter the Inclusion and Wellbeing space. With her warm and friendly demeanor, she creates an environment where students feel safe and supported. Naomi listens attentively to their concerns and helps guide them to the right person who can offer further assistance. As a teacher aide, she plays a crucial and valued role in our team, offering essential support to both students and staff.

Ms Denise Ko also known as Chappy Denise, offers a compassionate listening ear and a supportive presence for students facing difficult challenges. She helps them navigate issues such as family breakdown, loneliness, friendships, and mental health, guiding them toward healthier ways of coping. Employed by SU Australia, Denise is at QASMT every Monday and Tuesday, providing invaluable support to our students.

Ms Emma McNaughton is our School-Based Youth Health Nurse (SBYHN), employed by Children’s Health Queensland. Emma’s role at QASMT focuses on promoting health, providing health education, and offering private, confidential consultations with students regarding a range of health concerns. These include mental health, healthy eating, body image etc. It’s important to note that SBYHNs do not provide physical examinations, first aid, medications, medical treatments, or ongoing counselling. For more details, you can visit https://bit.ly/chqSBYHN. Emma is at QASMT every Tuesday.

Except for Ms Manwaring, who is located in Upper L-Block, the rest of us are based in the beautifully designed inclusivity space in A-block. This space has:  

• the refocused space with egg chairs that offers a comforting safe space for reducing sensory overload

• a de-escalation space with resources such as fidget toys, puzzles and weighted plushies

• the Prayer and Reflection Room: available for students seeking a peaceful environment for prayer or silent reflection

• the Sickbay and First Aid Room for students to rest or get some first aid care.

The school calendar is full of events, activities, and awareness days, and I encourage all families to regularly check what is happening at our Academy. This term we have Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Harmony Week, Valentines Day, and ANZAC Commemoration Assemblies just to name a few.  Keep your eye out on Instagram for information and celebrations of neurodiversity. 

I look forward to working closely with students, parents, and staff to ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or would like to learn more about the support available to students. Here’s to a wonderful and successful term ahead!

Saras Chetty, Head of Department Inclusion and Wellbeing

From the Department of Language and Literature

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." – W.B. Yeats

At QASMT, our Language and Literature, and Visual Arts curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity, foster analytical thinking, and develop expressive communication skills.  

Across all year levels, students engage with a diverse range of texts and writing forms - from historical and speculative fiction to poetry, podcasts, and global literature - each unit carefully crafted to deepen their understanding of language and its power. Through research, collaboration, and creative expression, they refine key ATL skills, preparing them to think critically, engage with global issues, and articulate informed perspectives. 

Our Year 7 students embark on their journey in Language and Literature with a Historical Fiction unit, where they will apply their Research, Thinking, and Communication ATL skills to bring history to life. By creatively reconstructing a pivotal moment in the life of a renowned mathematician or scientist, they will blend factual accuracy with narrative imagination, producing compelling and engaging texts.  

Year 8 students will explore the power of Speculative Fiction in response to the Statement of Inquiry: Imagined consequences of change have value. Through creative writing, they will consider the potential impacts of technological or environmental shifts, drawing on their Research, Social, and Thinking Skills to craft conceptually rich narratives within a timed examination setting. 

Our Year 9 cohort is engaging in a podcast project inspired by the Statement of Inquiry: People, Places, and Things empower people. Through collaboration, research into Australian poetry, a structured drafting process, and critical analysis, students will refine their Research, Self-Management, Thinking, and Communication skills while deepening their understanding of poetry’s role in shaping perspectives. 

In the Diploma Preparation Programme, Year 10 students are critically examining a selection of non-literary texts under the theme Texts With Agendas. Engaging with editorials, speeches, advertisements, and public service announcements, they will sharpen their abilities in analysis, evaluation, and interpretation, demonstrating their capacity to assess the value, impact, and effectiveness of persuasive texts. 

As they enter the first year of the IB Diploma Programme, our Year 11 students will delve into Chimamanda Adichie’s short story collection The Thing Around Your Neck, identifying Global Issues that transcend borders and resonate in everyday life. Concurrently, they will refine their analytical skills in preparation for the unseen Paper 1, where they will interpret non-literary texts and extract universal insights about the world. This dual focus will strengthen their Thinking and Communication skills, enabling them to articulate nuanced perspectives on literature and contemporary society. 

Finally, our Year 12 students are studying Anouilh’s Antigone as they prepare for their November 2025 external examinations. Drawing connections between this richly layered text - set in Nazi-occupied Vichy France - and themes of power, gendered social expectations, and rebellion, they will hone their Thinking and Communication skills while engaging with complex historical and philosophical ideas. 

Across all year levels, it is a privilege to witness our students not only develop their analytical and creative abilities in Language and Literature but also grow into socially aware communicators who support their viewpoints with informed reasoning. While the Queensland heat may press upon the QASMT campus, it cannot dampen the intellectual fire within our students - the spark of curiosity, critical thinking, and engagement that continues to burn brightly. 

David Bracken, Head of Department Language and Literature

From the department of Language aquisition – Modern and Cultural Engagement

The Language Acquisition Department warmly welcomes all students and families to the QASMT community.

A special welcome to our new Year 7 and new Year 10 students as they embark on their language-learning journey. We hope you enjoy discovering new languages and connecting with different cultures. Learning a language offers many benefits, from developing IB Learner Profile attributes to strengthening QASMT values. It fosters curiosity (inquirer) and open-mindedness, enhances knowledge of one’s mother tongue, and improves cognitive abilities (thinker). Language learners develop communication skills across different contexts, take risks in trying new language structures, and show care and support for their classmates. Students are also encouraged to be principled and reflective, setting goals, reviewing vocabulary weekly, and using resources with integrity.

Welcome to Ms Justine Martin and Ms Birgit Hofer.
This term, we are excited to welcome Ms Justine Martin, who joins us as a French and Chinese teacher - welcome, Justine! Last term, we farewelled Idil Gibson, who supported our German students and has now taken up a teaching position at Somerset College. We wish her all the best in her new role! Taking her place is Ms Birgit Hofer, who brings a wealth of language expertise to help students achieve their learning goals - welcome, Birgit!

Language Acquisition Assessment
MYP
Year 7 French, German and Chinese students have both their oral exam and their listening exam in Week 9. Year 8 French, German and Chinese students have their listening exam in Week 6 and their speaking exam in Week 9. Year 9 French, German and Chinese students have their listening exam in Week 6 and their speaking exam in Week 8.

DPP
Year 10
French, German and Chinese students have their speaking exam in Week 5 and their reading exam in Week 10 Exam Block.

DP
Year 11
French, German and Chinese students have their oral exam in Week 5 and their reading exam in Week 10 Exam Block.

Year 12
French and German students have their Mock Individual Oral in Weeks 6 and 7. Our Year 12 teachers are working hard to support them in their preparation, and we wish all students the best of luck! Their reading and writing exams are scheduled for Week 10 Exam Block.

Tips for success in language learning:

• Practice vocabulary in different methods: Flashcards, Education Perfect, Recall etc.
• Bring all materials to class
• Take good notes in class and revise them at home
• Start a study group
• Find a study buddy.

If you have any questions at all regarding your child’s language development, please do not hesitate to contact your Language Acquisition teacher or the Head of Modern Languages and Cultural Engagement, Fei Xue fxue5@eq.edu.au

Our first International Mindedness (IM) meeting of the year will take place on Monday 3 February 2025, and we are excited to welcome new member Dr Aileen Davis to our team!

Upcoming IM Events

🏮 Lantern Festival (Week 3) – Join us in the courtyard for a Lantern Riddle Competition, Chinese Calligraphy, and Paper Cutting activities!

🧡 Harmony Day (Week 8) – A vibrant celebration featuring performances, food, and cultural activities! These are just a few of the exciting events planned for the year. We look forward to making International Mindedness bigger and better than ever!

Happy Lunar New Year! 🎉🐍
Welcome to 2025! January 29 marks both the first day of school and the Lunar New Year, a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings observed worldwide.

This year, we celebrate the Year of the Snake (🐍) - a symbol of wisdom and transformation. A cherished tradition is the exchange of red envelopes (hongbao 🧧), containing "lucky money" given by elders to younger generations. To celebrate, our IM Ambassadors distributed red envelopes with New Year predictions on 29 January.

We encourage students to explore these traditions or create their own New Year’s menu!

Happy Lunar New Year! Gōng xǐ fā cái (wishing you prosperity)!

Fei Xue, Head of Department Language Acquisition – Modern & Cultural Engagement 

From the Department of Language Acquisition – Classical & Modern Languages

Welcome back to the start of what promises to be an exciting and enriching year!

We are thrilled to continue our shared journey in language learning and cultural exploration. This year, I am excited to take on the role of Head of Department Classical and Modern Languages, which includes the diverse languages of Japanese, Spanish, and Latin. Our commitment to providing a comprehensive and engaging language experience remains stronger than ever, and we look forward to exploring even more aspects of language and culture with our students this year.

Exciting Events and Celebrations Ahead
We have an exciting line-up of cultural events throughout the year, beginning with the celebration of Setsubun, an important event in the Japanese calendar. On Thursday of Week 3, students will have the chance to participate in various activities to mark this special occasion.

What is Setsubun?
Setsubun, which occurs on 3 February, marks the change of season from winter to spring in Japan. It is celebrated with a traditional ritual meant to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the coming year. The most iconic aspect of Setsubun is the custom of throwing roasted soybeans (mamemaki) to chase away demons (oni) and bring good luck. People also often dress up as oni, and it is a fun and festive way to embrace the new season. It’s a fantastic way for students to engage with Japanese culture while participating in an activity filled with tradition and symbolism. 

Language and Culture Go Hand in Hand
As always, learning a language is not just about mastering grammar and vocabulary; it’s about immersing oneself in the culture that brings the language to life. We encourage all students to engage with the many cultural activities we have both inside and outside of the classroom this year. From festivals and food to music and traditions, these cultural experiences are an essential part of becoming a more global citizen. It’s not just about speaking the language – it’s about living it, and developing an appreciation for the values and customs that shape the world.

Welcome to Ms Diana Dunne
We are thrilled to welcome Ms Diana Dunne to our Language Acquisition Department! She will be teaching both Spanish and French this year, bringing her passion for languages and diverse cultural experiences to our classrooms. Ms Dunne is excited to inspire students to explore new languages and global perspectives. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome to our school community!

Speaking Assessments: Let’s Get Talking!
This term, all year levels will have a speaking assessment, which is an exciting opportunity to showcase your language skills. To help you prepare, here are five tips to improve your speaking abilities:

1. Practice Regularly – speaking is a skill that improves the more you use it. Try to engage in conversation with classmates, teachers, or even language exchange partners outside of class.
2. Record Yourself – listening to recordings of your own speaking can help identify areas for improvement and build your confidence.
3. Expand Your Vocabulary – the more words you know, the easier it will be to express yourself. Make a habit of learning new words and phrases each week.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes – mistakes are part of the learning process! The more you speak, the more you’ll improve.
5. Listen Actively – listening to native speakers or recordings in the target language can help you pick up correct pronunciation and intonation.

Lunchtime Tutorials: Boost Your Skills
As always, lunchtime tutorial sessions will be available to all students. These sessions are an excellent opportunity to ask questions, receive feedback, and get extra practice. Be sure to check in with your teachers for the schedules and make time to attend – it’s a great way to boost your language skills and get the extra help you may need.

Looking Ahead to a Bright 2025
With the start of the new year, we look forward to a year filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and exploration. We encourage you to embrace the values of the IB Learner Profile throughout your studies – be inquirers who seek out knowledge, communicators who share ideas clearly, and open-minded individuals who appreciate different perspectives. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of language, culture, and success!

We look forward to a fantastic term ahead and wish everyone the best as we continue this exciting learning journey together.

Fiona Scarth, Head of Department Language Acquisition – Classical & Modern Languages

From the Department of Individuals and Societies – Social & Behavioural Sciences

Welcome to all new and returning students from the I&S Social and Behavioural Sciences (SBS) teaching team. 

I hope you have all had a pleasant break and are looking forward to a year of reaching for personal excellence in all areas of the IB programmes we offer at SMT.

From Term 1 onwards this year, our focus in all Year 7-12 classes is supporting students to develop quality notetaking and academic written skills, including TEAL (Topic, Evidence/Example, Address the command term, Link) paragraph writing. These skills are instrumental in supporting students’ development as IB learners, with I&S SBS particularly focused on using evidence from quality sources to support logical and cohesive arguments. We have a range of very interesting units of study in all I&S SBS classes this term.

Our new Year 7 cohort will explore Geography in the real world, looking at foreign case studies and comparing experiences of liveability around the world. Students will put their inquiry and research skills to the test, exploring the statement of inquiry “Change must be sustainable and reflect culture”, with assessment that invites them to compare their own suburbs alongside some of the greatest cities in the world, and explain their own vision for a better Brisbane.

This term we are excited to be rolling out all new content for our Year 8 I&S course, focusing on “The Long Nineteenth Century” which looks at global development from the Industrial Revolution through to World War I. Throughout this unit, students will develop a caring approach to History, with the development of key creative thinking skills and self-organisation as they conduct their own inquiry in response to the inquiry statement, “Scientific and technical innovation can intensify conflict and cooperation in global interactions”.

In Year 9 FGC we will integrate greater detail in our approach to Political Theory in the Future of Global Cooperation course, with students developing nations in class to test the claim that “the identities of citizens are represented by their relationships with political systems”, all while exploring the potential outcomes of political decision making in a virtual platform.

The Year 9 the Forensic Psychology team is continuing to deliver an engaging course exploring the relationship between psychology and the law, with plenty of engaging case studies, interesting theories, and testing of physical evidence. Students will be inspired by the different methods and approaches used in psychology, learning how “behaviour and cognition influence change in human nature” along the way!

Meanwhile, in the Senior Years, the 10-12 Psychology and Business teams are busy preparing for visits from guest speakers and excursions later in the year, with planning for UQ trips already underway for Term 2. Our Senior students will be encouraged to continue improving and striving for personal excellence, with lessons designed to encourage the further development of a range of IB Learner Profile Attributes and ATL skills now that these students are engaging with the Diploma Program. We are particularly looking forward to seeing the growth in Communication Skills for our Year 10 cohort, Thinking for our Year 11s and Self-Management and Research in our Year 12s.

Ms Veronica Fortune, a long-standing I&S teacher at QASMT, returns to us this year. I’d like to welcome her back.

I’m very excited to return to QASMT and once again be part of an amazing school community. It’s been fabulous to return to campus this week, to hear all about the exciting developments, continued excellence in pedagogy and brilliant IB results. It’s a tremendous privilege to work in such a vibrant and dynamic learning community. 

I look forward to seeing our students again rise to the rigor and challenge of I&S this year. It will be another outstanding year of student achievement.

We wish all students a very productive term ahead.

Elin Williams, Head of Department Individuals and Societies – Social & Behavioural Sciences

From the Department of Individuals and Societies – Global Systems and Design

The newly formed Individuals and Societies – Global Systems and Design department would like to welcome new and returning students back to 2025. 

This oversees Year 7/8 Design, Year 9 Disrupting the Market and World in Your Pocket, Year 10 Living in a Digital Society and Tragedy of the Common, Year 11 and 12 Digital Society and Economics, in addition to Theory of Knowledge.

A warm welcome back to Brian Scutter who has returned to QASMT. I would also like to welcome two new staff members to the teaching team and below is a short message from each of them.

Matthew Trethewey – Economics/Theory of Knowledge

My name is Matthew Trethewey and I teach Business, Economics, and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) at QASMT. Originally from Wales, UK, I relocated to Queensland after a rewarding teaching career in Hong Kong, where I worked in three international schools, including an IB World School. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a profession I love, and I’m passionate about supporting students and fellow educators in achieving their academic and personal goals. Outside of teaching, I’m an avid endurance athlete, competing in long-distance running events, often tackling races of up to 100 kilometers or more.

Zuki Dolovac – Design/Digital Society/Theory of Knowledge

My name is Zuki Dolovac and I’m excited to be joining QASMT as a Design, Robotics and Digital Society teacher. In addition to teaching at QASMT, I am most looking forward to helping out the school Chess club this year. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, snorkeling, and cycling.

Below is an overview of our learning journeys for each of our course offerings in Term 1.

Year 7 Design
Our Year 7 students are exploring the Statement of Inquiry (SoI) ‘Human-centred design drives the development of products by engaging with the design cycle to explore the concepts of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) to design a prototype mobile app for their client’. A particular focus will be on listening to the client’s needs and seeking feedback on designs as they explore questions such as, “how do modern apps appeal to customers, ensure effective functionality and address usability issues associated with both?”. These ideas are key to success for modern applications.

Year 8 Design
Our Year 8 students are engaging with the design cycle to create a promotional website for a client as they explore the Statement of Inquiry (SoI) ‘Design choices influence how others perceive our identity’. Students will consult with clients through interviews and develop the technical skills required to create the website.

Year 9 Disrupting the Market
In Term 1, students will learn how to use the laser cutter through a series of skill development activities and design challenges. This is a subject where students develop business management knowledge and experiences alongside design skills.

Year 9 World in Your Pocket
This term, students will explore the role of entrepreneurs in Business and Economics, learning how they identify opportunities, make decisions, and build wealth. They will examine different types of entrepreneurs, the risks and rewards of business, and key financial concepts such as income, expenses, and budgeting. Students will also study funding sources, investment strategies, and business tools like market analysis models. The course culminates in an assessment, where students apply their learning through an infographic project. This subject equips students with valuable financial literacy and critical thinking skills for the future.

Year 10 Living in a Digital Society
What is a data scientist? What do they do? How do they shape the modern world with their skills? These questions are the backbone of this term’s learning. Big data has taken on a massive role in advertising, planning, preparation, and running of big businesses and it is all due to the efforts of data scientists around the world. Students will explore this field and the modern concerns and benefits of this technology, as well as the impacts this data collection has on people and products.

Year 10 Tragedy of the Commons
This term, students will explore key economic principles, focusing on scarcity, opportunity costs, and how different economic systems address resource allocation. They will analyse demand and supply, competitive markets, and economic efficiency before examining market failures such as externalities. The concept of the Tragedy of the Commons will be a major theme, highlighting how overuse of shared resources - like fisheries, forests, and water - leads to depletion. Students will explore case studies on climate change, space junk, and pollution.

Diploma Programme

Year 11 Digital Society – Higher Level
This term students will focus on the key concepts, such as power, identity, expression, which we use as a lens to unpack and explore existing and emerging digital systems, such as ChatGPT. Our focus this term is to learn about the underlying technologies and concepts upon which systems are developed, such as algorithms, networks, the Internet, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Year 11 Economics – Higher Level
This term, students will explore fundamental economic concepts, including resource allocation, market structures, and price mechanisms. They will analyse demand and supply, elasticity, and market equilibrium. The course also examines government intervention, such as taxation and subsidies. Through class activities, case studies, and assessments, students will apply economic models to real-world scenarios. The term concludes with a structured exam assessing their analytical and application skills in economics.

Year 12 Digital Society – Higher Level
Our students will explore how digital systems are changing our world and transforming how we think, communicate, collaborate, and create. As partners in inquiry, students and teachers explore the impacts and implications of digital systems for people and communities in diverse real-world contexts. Students are empowered to become citizens who not only participate in digital society but lead it as well. Furthermore, students develop as ethical, empathetic, and creative people who address the world with individual and shared understanding, imagination, and action.

Year 12 Economics – Higher Level
This term, students will review macroeconomic policies, including monetary and fiscal tools, and analyse conflicts between macroeconomic objectives. They will explore supply-side policies, trade benefits, and protectionist measures like tariffs and quotas. Topics include economic integration, exchange rate systems, and their global impacts. Students will also work on their Internal Assessment (IA) Macro Draft, developing analytical skills through a global commentary. The term concludes with exam preparation, reinforcing critical economic thinking and application.

We look forward to a creative and critical term of learning.

Josh Kiehne, Head of Department Individuals and Societies – Global Systems and Design

From the Department of Physical Sciences

Welcome back to school everyone! I hope that you all had a lovely break and are recharged and ready to go for another busy year.  

Also, for students and parents, who are new to the school, a very big welcome! Despite introducing our new timetable structure for the first time, Week 1 saw a smooth start back for everyone and I’m sure by the end of the term it will be second nature to all of us. The coming weeks are important for us to set out our classroom expectations and to develop strong relationships with our new students and our previous students.

Over the holiday break our 2024 Year 12 students received their final IB Exam results. I wanted to take this opportunity to personally congratulate all of these students, but, in particular, any students who sat exams in the physical sciences. We hope that their next steps are fruitful and rewarding!

Already this year we have had three Year 11 students travel overseas on a science fair in Thailand. The International Students Science Fair (ISSF) was successfully hosted by QASMT in 2023. This year it was held in Thailand with the opening ceremony being attended by her Royal Highness, the Princess of Thailand. The theme of ISSF 2025 was; ‘Exploring a Visionary Future in Sustainability, Humanity, and Technology’. Our three students in attendance, James, Dami and Isaac, presented their research on the use of organic, dye- sensitised, photo voltaic cells (Gratzel cells) to convert radiant solar energy to electricity without any CO₂ emissions. The three students had a great time and got to experience what it’s like to travel overseas and present their research to scientists from many corners of the World.

If you have a student who is currently in Year 10 and want to know how they could take part in this program, keep a look out for correspondence that I will send out early in Term 2 in relation to our STEM Research Project Program 2025-26.

I always like to finish these articles with a quote. My personal focus for 2025 is on ‘balance.’ How do we achieve great outcomes while still staying balanced? It’s an example I want to set for all those around me.

“The calm and balanced mind is a strong and great mind.”

(Wallace D. Wattles)

Robert Hughes, Head of Department Physical Sciences

From the Department of Life Sciences

A very warm welcome to our new Year 7 and 10 students and welcome back to all our returning students at SMT this year!

I am extremely excited to be returning as your Head of Department for Life Sciences for 2025. I have been teaching Biology for 20 years with 15 of those years in the International Baccalaureate Programme, teaching both Diploma and Middle Years. I have been at QASMT since 2020 and am proud that we offer a world class STEM education where personal excellence is nurtured.

I am so excited for all our new students joining the SMT family.

STEM Futures

Year 9 Sustainable Futures is an MYP Science course that is part of the pathway to IB DP Environmental Systems and Societies. They investigate the natural environment with a focus on sustainability and maintaining biodiversity. Students will be learning and developing fieldwork skills before and during their excursion to Toohey Forest, where they will investigate and compare data for two different sites, dry sclerophyll and wet sclerophyll. They will use the data collected from their field study for their Term 1 assessment, which is a scientific report.

Year 9 Biomedical Engineering is an MYP Science and Design course that gives students some experience with Biology and Physics in medicine combined with Design. Students are assigned different patient case studies, all of whom require a hip replacement. They explore the problem scientifically and from a design perspective in order to help their patient. They work in groups to research what their patient needs and develop a design brief as part of their individual Term 1 assessment.

Year 10 Blue Planet is also part of the pathway to IB DP Environment Systems and Societies. Developed in conjunction with UQ, this subject aims to give students exposure to real life issues in our local environment, while also giving them a ‘bigger picture’ global perspective. With a focus on the marine ecosystems, students will be exploring the abiotic and biotic factors of the different marine ecosystems. They will investigate different impacts on aquatic ecosystems, looking particularly at natural impacts that our weather systems bring, and invasive species. This knowledge will help them prepare for the excursion in Term 2 to Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre.

Year 10 Medical Biotechnology is a fascinating subject with a pathway to IB DP Biology. Students will be learning about the discipline of medical biotechnology, which uses novel techniques to produce pharmaceutical and diagnostic products that help treat and prevent human diseases. They will first learn about the structure of DNA and some of the biotechnology available to analyse genes, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis and CRISPR. They will also have the opportunity to understand the scientific, social and ethical challenges that accompany these technologies.

Diploma Programme

Biology
Year 11 Biology students have just started their Diploma journey learning about the relatively new syllabus, which aims is to teach Biology conceptually for deeper understanding and application rather than teaching students to memorise facts and theories. They will start with molecular biology that will then lay a foundation and lead to cellular biology.

Year 12 Biology students are finalising their Internal Assessment this term, and we will be moving through a cycle of drafting and final IA submission over the term. It is important that students read through their teacher’s written feedback carefully so they have questions to ask during scheduled verbal feedback time. This will maximise their understanding and ability to apply that feedback. In their class studies, the Year 12 cohort will be continuing with human physiology, whilst also learning about plant physiology, including disease, viruses, muscles, animal and plant reproduction ending with overall homeostasis. It’s going to be a big term!

Environmental Systems and Societies
Up until now, IB ESS has been offered as an SL only subject and is classified as either Group 3 (I&S) or Group 4 (Science). The Year 11 ESS cohort will be the first to start the Higher Level Programme, building their foundations in the subject by learning about different perspectives, what it means to have a systems thinking approach, human populations, and urban air pollution. Embedded within the course are HL lenses focused on Environmental ethics, economics and law, which will be a focus throughout the course along with additional HL content. We are very excited to start the HL version of this relatively new subject at SMT.

Year 12 ESS students will be starting their data collection for their final IA this term as well as submitting their draft towards the end of Term 1. This SL cohort will be the last to sit the external exams for this syllabus. Following their IA data collection, students will be learning about human population dynamics, resource use, solid domestic waste, the different layers of the atmosphere and climate change. It will be a big term for them as well. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification if you need it. Our amazing ESS teachers, Ms Richardson and Ms Kocherla, will support you all the way.

Personal Protective Equipment
It is a requirement that all science students have their own PPE, which consists of an SMT lab coat and a pair of safety glasses. Students have been instructed to clearly label their names on their lab coats and safety glasses and ensure they keep these in their lockers (unless dirty and need to be washed). We have a number of these ending up in lost property and these are required during practical lessons. We would hate for students to miss the practical component of science because they have lost their PPE.

What else is happening in Term 1?

Scanning Electron Microscope
We are so fortunate to be able to hire a Scanning Electron Microscope for two weeks in Term 1. Dr Slessor will be running sessions for any Science classes that would like to have their students learn about what an SEM can do. The Microscope Club will be able to use it as well. Here are some images that students have taken with the SEM.

Lord Mayor’s Young Environmental Leaders Network

Three Year 10 students will be representing QASMT and working with Green Heart Schools to develop an environmental project that will address the school’s sustainability issues.

Their orientation session will take place at City Hall later in February and their first workshop will be in early March, where they will get the opportunity to meet and network with representatives from other schools in Brisbane.

I am looking forward to working with our representatives this year and seeing what inspiring project they develop.

STEM Girl Power

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of STEM Girl Power, which aims to provide students with a range of unique experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, encouraging students to participate in STEM at school and consider STEM-related career pathways.

This year-long program is run by the Department of Education and starts with virtual activities in Term 1. Congratulations to Arianna B for being selected to participate in the 2025 STEM Girl Power program.

Saengdao Philavane, Head of Department Life Sciences 

From the Department of Mathematics and robotics

The Mathematics Department extends a warm welcome to all new and returning students and their families.

Term 1 is shaping up to be filled with engaging lessons and challenging enrichment opportunities. This year we are delighted to welcome Ms Sue Gillingham, Ms Rachael Li, and Mr Amila Amarakoon to our Maths teaching team.

In Maths lessons we want our students to be active participants in the search for concepts and relationships. They should ask questions about how mathematics is applied in the world as well as enjoying the exploration and discovery of patterns. Mathematics promotes students to be INQUIRERS, one of the ten IB learner profile attributes. We want them to be enthusiastic, curious and learn independently and with others. To ensure they are ready for this, we ask that all students come organised with a fully charged stylus enabled computer and their calculator for every lesson, as well as a growth mindset attitude. 

In the classroom

Year 7 classes will be considering “Is fairness always equal?” through their study of whole numbers, integers, fractions and decimals through a lens of probability. “A little bit of history repeating” unit for Year 8, will see them investigate equivalence while studying fractions, decimals, Pythagoras Theorem and congruence. Algebra and index laws will be used by Year 9 students in their unit “How’s it work?” where they will get the chance to apply this knowledge to investigate patterns.                          

Year 10 students will focus on GDC (graphic calculator) skills, matrices, linear modelling, triangle trigonometry, algebra and surds in readiness for an investigation and then a test. In the Diploma Programme, both Year 11 and 12 students will be working on their Internal Assessment (IA), an exploration of a mathematical topic. As this is a practise for Year 11, students they will be looking at components of the IA separately, but the Year 12 students will be working on their final IA.

I would like to introduce and congratulate our mathematics captain and ambassadors on their leadership positions.

Mathematics Captain: Katherine Lu
Mathematics Ambassadors: Siddharth, Isaac, Ruhin, Jessie, Bhavy, Kashvi, Daisy, Keyuan, Ethan, Dennis.

This group will be working with Ms Josey and have already made plans for Term 1, a message from the Maths Ambassador below.

The Mathematics Leadership team are excited for another year to help foster a spirit for maths within the school community! In Term 1, we'll be busy organising and running events for our biggest solo event of the year, Pi Day! We'll be celebrating Pi Day one day earlier than the rest of the world on Week 7 Thursday 13 March. We'll be hosting a variety of activities, including our annual Pi Baking competition, Pi Trivia contest, Pi estimation competition, and of course… the famed Pi Recital Competition! Last year, we hit a record of 394 digits, so get practising!

We'll also be hosting our termly Escape Rooms in Week 4 and 5, and continuing our Questions of the Week where students and staff have the opportunity to try their hand out at some fun Olympiad-style questions and even win a prize!

We wish everyone a wonderful start to the year and we hope to continue to bring maths to QASMT students and staff in exciting and innovative ways throughout 2025.

- Your Mathematics Ambassador Team

From the Robotics Team
Last December, three teams competed in the First Tech Challenge Nationals Championships in Sydney. We are pleased to report that all teams did well and came away with some awards.

Team Shabsters, consisting of Bhavy, Layla, Aya, Stas, Bella, Devna, Ayush, and Basavarajappa, were awarded the Judges Choice, which goes to a team that scores very highly in all judging categories.

The Connect Award was won by ACE Robotics; this is awarded to the team with the widest range of connections within the robotics and STEM community and other organisations outside of the STEM community. In other words, that spreads the joy of learning robotics to others.

Juan, Ben, Bilal, Reef, Disath, Isaac, Nevaan, Hugo, Mehul, Theo, and Shainthra are all members of the ACE Robotics team.

Team VegeMight achieved a second place in the Motivate Award for their team spirit and engagement; congratulations go to Mariah, Yvette, Caleb, Charlie, and Bella. 

Trial and Error, a rookie Year 9 team scored the highest of the QASMT teams in the rankings. Congratulations to Lucas, Joshua, Evan, Eason, Ryan, and Ian.

All up, we are very proud of all our teams work so far!

The Deep Dive season continues to July, and we are excited by the possibility that some teams will compete in the Australia Pacific Open Championships - a prestigious international event.

Senior Robotics also continues to develop our community links, with our arrangement with UQ Innovate becoming a regular excursion. Our Senior Robocup students have been able to engage in mentoring with UQ engineers for printed circuit board design and manufacture, soldering and circuit building training while the FTC teams have been using the fiber laser cutter to make their bespoke robot structural elements.

FLL and Robocup continue to go from strength to strength and we are looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

Helen Bebbington, Senior Robotics and Ambassadors Coordinator

Maths Enrichment
The enrichment opportunities offered by the Maths department include the following:

AMO (Australian Mathematics Olympiad)
This year we have two students (Siddharth and Eason) who have been invited to compete in the Australian Mathematics Olympiad Competition on 11-12 February. This competition involves sitting two four-hour tests over two days. It is an outstanding achievement to be invited to participate in this competition. We wish Siddharth and Eason every success.

UQ/QAMT Problem Solving Challenge
Pi Day is March 14 every year. The Annual QAMT/UQ Problem Solving Competition is always held around this time. However, this year it is on 24 April to accommodate the change in NAPLAN dates. It is open to all students in Years 7 - 12 and is a very challenging competition. It is a two-hour competition with approximately 10 challenging questions that require full working out. The Year 11 results are taken heavily into consideration in the choice of Queensland students to be offered places in the National Mathematics Summer School, held in Canberra each January. Please keep an eye on your emails, as I will be calling for interested students early next month.

Kangourou Sans Frontieres Competition (30 March 2025)
This 75-minute online quiz made up of 30 questions will be again offered to students in Years 7 - 12. More details will be sent by email to students closer to the date.

Maths Challenge
This program offered by AMT (Australian Mathematics Trust) runs for four weeks and comprises of six challenging questions. Details of this program will be advertised soon.

Australian Mathematics Competition and ICAS Mathematics Competition
As per usual, we enter all students into these competitions and there are no extra fees to pay for these competitions. Students will be informed in Term 3 when they will be sitting these competitions. Results from the Australian Mathematics Competition are taken into consideration when offering students positions to enter the Australian Mathematics Olympiad.

Please keep an eye out for an email where you can sign up to the Mathematical enrichment activities that you like.

Russell Hams, Head of Department Mathematics and Senior Robotics

From Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)

Meeting the EOTC Team

I am delighted to introduce our Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) team, a group of dedicated educators committed to fostering student growth through sport, music, and our PHE and SEHS courses. Our team includes:

• Marc Wheeler – Head of Education Outside the Classroom & SEHS Teacher
• Vanessa Elmore – School Sports Coordinator & PHE Teacher
• Sean Conway – Representative Sports Coordinator & PHE Teacher
• Dale Meyer – PHE, SEHS, and STEM Teacher
• Joao Vasco – Bridge Program Coordinator, PHE, STEM, and Languages Teacher
• Lissa Sullivan-Ward – Music Program Coordinator, Classroom Music Teacher, & Instrumental Music Teacher (Woodwind, Choir)
• Teena Sullivan – Instrumental Music Teacher (Strings)
• Alice Emor-Kan – Instrumental Music Teacher (Percussion)
• Lisa Alleley – Instrumental Music Teacher (Brass)

Together, we are committed to providing students with enriching and enjoyable experiences beyond the classroom. Read on to discover the exciting EOTC opportunities planned for this term!

What is EOTC?
At QASMT, Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) extends beyond traditional learning spaces, integrating curriculum-based activities across the MYP and DP while also offering a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities. We strongly encourage students to engage in these experiences, enriching their journey at QASMT and fostering a sense of belonging within our school community.

Our program offers major sporting opportunities, including our weekly Sports Program and larger events such as Cross Country and Gala Days. As Head of EOTC, I oversee our extensive Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) Program and Club Program, which provide students with dynamic opportunities to explore their passions, discover new interests, and extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Additionally, our Music Program offers students countless opportunities to engage in music, including weekly instrumental lessons and ensemble rehearsals, as well as Music Concerts and Workshops, fostering creativity and musical excellence.

Beyond extracurricular involvement, our comprehensive Physical and Health Education (PHE) curriculum and Sport, Exercise, and Health Science (SEHS) course equip students with the knowledge and motivation to make informed, healthy lifestyle choices. We also offer a classroom Music curriculum for Year 8 and 9 students, providing them with the opportunity to develop their musical skills and appreciation as part of their academic journey.

At QASMT, we believe that a strong body supports a strong mind, reinforcing the connection between physical well-being, creativity, and academic success.

CCA Program
The Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) Program is all about giving students the chance to explore their passions, try something new, and step outside the classroom in a fun and meaningful way. Held every Friday from 2:00pm - 2:45pm, starting in Week 3, the program offers a wide variety of activities designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and encourage personal growth.

Whether it’s developing new skills, tackling challenges, or connecting with like-minded peers, students gain so much from their CCA experience. The program also promotes teamwork, leadership, and community involvement, giving students the opportunity to make a difference while doing something they love.

Due to the program's structure, students can sign up for only one CCA - so we encourage them to choose wisely! At QASMT, we want every student to get the most out of their time here, and the CCA Program is a great way to discover hidden talents, form lasting friendships, and make school life even more rewarding. It is also an excellent chance for our Diploma students to accumulate valuable CAS hours!

CCA Activities in Semester 1

• Service-Learning Tour
• Robotics Program – Middle Years Robotics (FIRST Lego League)
• Robotics Program – Middle & Senior Robotics (RoboCup)
• Robotics Program – Senior Robotics (First Tech Challenge)
• Debating Program
• Chess Program 1 (Beginner to Intermediate Players)
• Chess Program 2 (Intermediate to Advanced Players)
• Knit a Square CCA
• Model United Nations (MUN) CCA
• TED-Ed Student Talks CCA
• Environment and Biodiversity CCA
• Drone Racing CCA
• Zonta Service Learning CCA
• Net Zero CCA
• Eco Marines CCA
• Pickleball CCA
• Rotational Games CCA
• Festival of Creativity Dance CCA
• Gardening CCA

Club Program
At QASMT, students have even more opportunities to get involved through our Club Program. Unlike the Friday CCA Program, clubs run throughout the week - before school, at lunch, or after school - giving students extra flexibility to dive into activities they’re passionate about.

Whether it’s exploring a hobby, developing a new skill, or simply connecting with like-minded peers, the Club Program offers something for everyone. It’s a great way for students to pursue their interests, build friendships, and make the most of their time at QASMT. It also provides another opportunity for our Diploma students to accumulate valuable CAS hours!

Clubs in Term 1

• Cricket Club
• Physics Olympiad Club
• Financial Literacy & Investment Club
• French Immersion Club
• Laser Cutting Club
• Sunflower Growing Competition Club
• VR Arts Studio
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Girls in Tech Club
• Microscope Club
• Bee Club
• Japanese Dance Troupe
• Newton House Charity Club
• MUN Skillz Club
• Stage Management Club
• 3D Printing Club
• Tools Workshop Club
• Club Francais De Conversation – French Conversation Club
• Programming Club
• Maths Problem Solving Club
• Festival of Creativity Club
• Art Club
• Senior Creative Writing Club

Sport Program
At QASMT, we’re proud to have a thriving Sports Program, with our teams consistently delivering outstanding performances. Term 1 is shaping up to be another exciting season - especially in volleyball and cricket, two of our standout sports. Please see the list below of the sports on offer:

Middle Years Sports (Years 7, 8 & 9) – Term 1:

🏀 Basketball – Boys & Girls
🏉 Touch Football – Boys & Girls
⚽ Futsal – Boys & Girls
🏐 Volleyball – Girls
🏏 Cricket – Boys

Senior Years Sports (Years 10, 11 & 12) – Term 1:

🏉 Touch Football – Boys & Girls
⚽ Futsal – Boys & Girls
🏐 Volleyball – Boys & Girls
🏀 Basketball – Girls
🏏 Cricket – Boys

Our program is all about getting students involved, helping them develop skills, build confidence, and experience the rewards of teamwork and competition. As part of the West Brisbane Senior Secondary Sports Association, we align our sports with the Gala Day schedule, giving students the chance to represent QASMT in their chosen sport.

With specialist coaches, a strong competitive spirit, and plenty of opportunities to get involved, 2025 is set to be a huge year for QASMT sport! Whether you want to meet new people, stay active, or take your game to the next level, the QASMT Sports Program has something for you. Get involved and be part of the action!

Volleyball Academy
We’re thrilled to announce that our volleyball program has been rebranded as the QASMT Volleyball Academy in 2025! Under the leadership of Sean Conway, our inaugural Volleyball Academy Coordinator, we’re building on our recent success and taking volleyball to the next level.

After an incredible 2024 season, we jumped seven places in the Queensland rankings - now sitting at 7th in the state, up from 14th in 2023! With experienced external coaches leading weekly training sessions, our Academy is set to keep the momentum going.

The Volleyball Academy officially kicks off in Term 1, starting with our Year 9 and 10 boys and girls. Selections begin in Week 4, with successful students receiving a formal offer and schedule via email.

For Years 7, 8, and Senior students, trials will take place in Term 2 - so stay tuned!

We can’t wait for an amazing year of volleyball and to see our teams continue to rise! 🏐🔥

Music Program
At QASMT, our Music Program is all about fostering creativity, collaboration, and a love for music. Whether you're an experienced musician or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, refine your skills, and take part in exciting performances throughout the year.

Key Events and Opportunities in Term 1:

🎸 Battle of the Bands (Week 4, Lunchtime Event) – Get ready for an electrifying lunchtime showdown as student and staff bands take to the stage to battle it out! This highly anticipated event promises great music, high energy, and plenty of school spirit, so grab your lunch and enjoy the show!

🎼 Instrumental Music Workshop (Week 7) – A special opportunity for our Music Program students to work with expert conductors, fine-tune their ensemble skills, and take their performance to the next level.

🎻 Weekly Instrumental Music Lessons – Students enrolled in the Instrumental Music Program will receive a 30-minute lesson each week, helping them develop their technique and confidence on their chosen instrument.

🎷 Weekly Ensemble Rehearsals – Our ensembles meet each week to rehearse, preparing for upcoming performances and honing their skills in a collaborative setting.

🎤 Choir Program – New for 2025, the Choir Program will be offered as a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA), giving students the chance to develop their vocal skills, sing in harmony, and perform at school events.

With so many incredible opportunities, 2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for music at QASMT! Whether you play an instrument, love to sing, or simply enjoy being part of a creative and supportive community, the Music Program has something for everyone. Get involved and let your musical journey begin! 🎶

Marc Wheeler, Head of Education Outside the Classroom

From the House Deans

Welcome back! We hope you’ve all had an amazing break filled with rest, reflection, and rejuvenation, leaving you ready to leap into a new year full of possibilities, growth, and excitement. 

As we start this fresh year, let’s aim to challenge ourselves, explore new passions, and build stronger connections - both within and beyond the classroom. But most of all, let’s aim to become the person we are proud to be. Remember, we are a community that thrives on support, accountability, and respect. 

While we hold close all the powerful IB attributes that define each of us here, remember the term’s focus on Caring – being empathetic and compassionate. To be selfless and understanding, offering support to those around us and always striving to make a positive impact. 

Together, we will continue to create a space where learning and growth happen daily. A place where we encourage one another to embrace challenges, push past obstacles, and discover better ways forward. This year, let’s be the critical thinkers and problem solvers that will shape the future. Let’s keep striving for more, not only for ourselves, but for the greater good of our community. 

House Dean Team 
We are excited to introduce Andrew Chen, Tyler Pearson and Serena Wanstall, who have recently joined the QASMT House Dean team. Their dedication, expertise, and care for our students will make wonderful additions to the dynamic Dean team. If you haven’t had the chance to meet your House Dean yet, we invite you to join us at the Year Level Parent Information Evening on Monday of Week 4, 17 February, where you can connect with them in person. As well as, finding out some further information on the new subject additions of IB Learner, Responsible Relationships, InStep and PEP. 

Other Important Reminders 

Attendance and Lates 
As a means of ensuring the best outcomes for QASMT students, we aim to maintain a 97% attendance rating. While we understand things happen, it has been demonstrated that a student in the classroom is more likely to thrive at school. Please ensure that students arrive on time to maximise their learning potential.

CAS Audits and Interviews (Years 11-12)
In Weeks 3 and 4, students in Years 11 and 12 will be conducting their CAS audits and interviews. Please ensure you’ve met your minimum CAS requirements and think about how to make future experiences valuable to both you and the community. 

Mobile Phones
Beginning last year, all Queensland state school students are required to keep their mobile phones turned off and stored away during school hours. This policy aims to enhance learning and foster more meaningful social interactions. Please review the updated 'Responsible Use of Electronic Devices and Mobile Phone Policy' available on the QASMT website. 

Uniform
Be sure to check your timetable and prepare your uniform in advance each day. If you are in the wrong uniform, please collect a Uniform Slip from any House Dean. All uniform expectations are clearly outlined in the Dress Code Policy on the QASMT website. If you are still unable to source the correct uniform, please notify your House Dean.

Timetables
Students should be able to view their term timetable currently, if you spot any errors (e.g., unfilled lessons or timetable conflicts), please reach out to your House Dean as soon as possible. 

Bus Safety and Seating
Be aware, be safe and be mindful of others. Students should maintain themselves in a manner which always embody the IB Attributes. So, if you see another passenger who could require a seat more than you, check in and see how you could help, and if your peers are unaware of the noise they are creating, politely let them know. Students should also be aware of the Safe School Travel policy and designated route for safe school.

Enrichment Policy 
As the year begins, it is important to note our Enrichment Policy. This document outlines the students' individual requirements should they wish to be considered for additional event invitations, workshops, leadership positions, and more. Please make yourself familiar with this document, as it can have a great impact on the opportunities available to students throughout the year. 

Stepping into 2025, we’re excited to embrace the new year with a renewed sense of purpose. This is a time for growth, challenges, and incredible opportunities, and together, we’ll support one another every step of the way.  

We’re thrilled to be back on campus and look forward to all we will achieve as a community in Term 1 and beyond. 

Aileen Davis, House Dean Agnesi; Serena Wanstall, House Dean Curie; Zoe Kirby, House Dean Da Vinci; Ross Bray, House Dean Franklin; Dean Aspland, House Dean Hawking; Andrew Chen, House Deans Hollows; Tyler Pearson,  House Dean Jackson; and Deva Prasad, House Dean Newton.

From the Guidance Officers

Greetings! What a wonderful time of year with fresh starts, and the opportunity to dream with a new year stretched before us.  

There are many ways to get involved in the Career Planning sphere this term to support our students and families. 

Career Breakfast
One of our major events for this term is our career breakfast, scheduled for 8:00am -10:00am on Wednesday 19 March. Each year we hold the SMT Career Mentoring Breakfast for Year 12 students, where academics and professionals from a range of fields come to the Academy to discuss their career experiences with the students. Students will be divided into small groups and will have the opportunity to ask mentors questions about their personal career experiences and pathways. Each group will have about 20 minutes before rotating so that students are talking to a variety of guests.

Volunteers Needed!
I am seeking volunteer mentors and would appreciate hearing from you or anyone you know who might be interested in helping us. No preparation is required; just a willingness to answer questions about your experience. All fields are of interest but may include:

• Dentistry
• Design (artist, architect, creative director, industrial designer, etc)
• Engineering
• Hospitality (hotel management, event management, chef, etc)
• Actuary/Mathematician
• Business/Finance/Economics
• Law
• Political Science (Political analyst, diplomat, politician)
• Medicine
• Allied health fields

If you, or someone you know, would be willing to support our students by joining us as a mentor at our breakfast, please contact our Guidance Officer, Katrina Judge kjudg12@eq.edu.au  by Friday 14 February with a brief sentence or two about your role or career experience. This will assist us to ensure that we have mentors from a cross-section of workplaces and careers, and will enable us to provide students with information as they sign up for their group rotations.   

Career Planning Resources and Events

Information Sessions: throughout the year, Career Information Sessions will be held focussing on timely information for career planning. Sessions will have a target audience (eg. Parents or a specific year level) but others are welcome to attend.  Topics will include application processes, university specific information and study field focus sessions. During Term 1, the following sessions are scheduled:

• 17 February, 5:30pm; Within the Year 12 Parent Evening, University application processes
• 19 February, 2:15pm-3pm; University applications: How and When
• 26 February, 2:15pm-3pm; Interstate applications

UQ – Medicine Information Evening
Learn about studying medicine at The University of Queensland (UQ). Hear from UQ Medical School staff, UQ alumni and current students on the changing medical climate, how to apply for medicine at UQ, and tips for success.

In person: 18^th March, 2025; 6:00pm-7:30pm; UQ Centre (Building 27A) Lecture Theatre (Room 220), St Lucia.

Virtual: 19 March 2025; 6:00pm-7:30pm.

For registration and further information: https://study.uq.edu.au/events/medicine-information-evening

Australian National University (ANU)
Applications open 3rd March, close 15 May 2025. Apply directly to ANU from early March. Your application form will cover scholarships, student accommodation and admission. Your application will be assessed using Year 11 or Year 12 results, whichever is better. Early offers will be released 4 September 2025.

Note: Tuckwell Scholarship closes 14 April so ANU applications should be submitted in March to allow time for this application if desired.

Further details: https://study.anu.edu.au/apply/domestic-undergraduate/how-apply/early-offer-application

University of Oxford, Parent Webinar

A Parents’ Guide: Applying to Oxford is a weekend session to introduce parents and supporters to what their child can expect during the application process at the University of Oxford including advice for support and myth-busting.

Resources
There are many resources available to support our students’ career planning journey.

Guidance Office/Career Library (A block): a range of free resources available for students to access.

Options Bulletin: the Options Career Information App gives you convenient access to career information and key calendar dates which can also be great conversation starters when talking with your child. Simply download the app and sign in using our unique access code “QASMT” (for our Academy community’s use only). Switch on the App’s notifications and you will know when the latest bulletin is published. You will continue to receive further career information throughout the year.  Alternatively, the latest bulletin is available at https://optionscareers.com.au/welcome/QASMT/bulletin .

Study Work Grow: features include guides (eg. Entry to Medicine Guide, Pathways to Engineering, Co-op Scholarships Guide), weekly newsletters, a work experience database, a scholarships database, job spotlights and online tools.  Investigate at www.studyworkgrow.com .

QASMT Career Hub: for free access to Study Work Grow resources and local QASMT career documents and news - https://studyworkgrow.com/education/school/queensland-academy-for-science-mathematics-and-technology/

Looking forward to a productive and rewarding year ahead!

Katrina Judge, Guidance Officer Career Planning

Welcome to a fabulous start to 2025 at QASMT.

Starting off a new school year is always an exciting time for students, families and our staff. The new year brings with it new hopes and expectations of what lays ahead. For some, this can be a little daunting. A vital key in maintaining positive momentum and a grounded connection is setting up a practical and sustainable routine. Students have received a Guidance Wellbeing Newsletter during Week 1, with information helpful in Preparing for the new year - how to get back into school routines and friendship strategies. When developing routines, it is important to consider all aspects of our life, not just our study and learning time. Scheduled time for rest, family, socialising, health and fitness are also important.

Guidance Wellbeing Newsletter
Several times throughout this term, I will send out a Guidance Wellbeing Newsletter to all Students with articles, activities and resources to support their wellbeing. I invite Students and Parents to share with me any suggestions for future topics. If you have younger children in your home, ask your QASMT child to teach them some of the strategies suggested in the Wellbeing Newsletters - a great opportunity for our students to teach their younger siblings some important skills.

Strategy Spotlight
The whole QASMT community will explore strategies together. I will share with all Students, Staff and Parents, a weekly ‘Strategy Spotlight’. These weekly spotlights will focus on simple, fun and effective strategies to calm the mind and soothe the body. These strategies can be helpful for the whole family.

The first Strategy Spotlight for 2025 was: Floating

Using the imagination to generate relaxing scenarios is a common technique in many therapy methods, as well as those that focus on general relaxation and hypnotherapy (McNeilly 2016.) Floating is a pre-verbal and pre-cognitive experience for humans; something we all did in the womb, and many of us did a kids, and perhaps do even now in the pool or the bath or the sea… gently relaxing and letting the water carry us along. It’s a somatic experience that is the antithesis of worry, pressure and mental energy. Water can represent the emotions symbolically, so we can use this method to float, cleanse and exit into a more peaceful and uplifted state. This strategy is for slowing things down, relaxing, sleeping, clearing the brain, and increasing our ability to trust and go with the flow.

Wellbeing Seminar Series
Wellbeing seminars will continue this year to support the wellbeing and brain health of our Students and the Academy Community.

Parent and community Program
Headspace will be presenting two sessions during 2025. These family and community sessions will be presented during Term 2 and 3.

• Term 2 - Monday 12 May, 6-7pm. Perfectionism & Performance Anxiety.

• Term 3 - Monday 28 July, 6-7pm. How to identify my Childs wellbeing needs and where to access supports.

Both of these sessions will be virtual presentations due to popular demand and parent preference.

Topics this year will include ‘Motivation & Procrastination’ and ‘Perfectionism & Performance Anxiety’.

Details will be provided closer to event regarding registering your intention to attend.

Student Program
Student Programs will be offered each term. These online programs will run for six weeks (during Weeks 4 - 9), just one session a week (accessed at any time suitable for each student). The sessions will be weekly ‘bite sized’ learning opportunities. These learning opportunities include science-based strategies around an assortment of topics.

Term 1 program is Anxiety Bites. This program is aimed to provide students the opportunity to explore how they manage their own anxiety following a model that considers: events – thoughts – feelings – actions – results.

Students will receive information via email with details of the course and how to enrol.

Other Student programs offered this year may include the following topics based on cohort trends and needs:

• Emotional Grit
• Overcoming Perfectionism
• Master your emotions
• Panic Stations – Anxiety and Panic
• Anger – exercises and coping skills to better manage
• Eat the Frog! Overcoming procrastination
• Life Skills – How to master them

Gay, Straight Alliance
Our students have embraced the opportunities to practise positive engagement and wellbeing, with the majority of our students participating in our ever-growing programs across the school, as well as other events throughout the year that offer opportunities to practice gratitude and other wellbeing strategies. Our CCA program and Clubs have been designed to suit the needs of our diverse student body. One such opportunity that was introduced in Term 3, 2021 was the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). This CCA is coordinated by Tara Le Pla (Guidance Officer). The model for the GSA is based on the research and resources provided by the GLSEN organisation https://www.glsen.org/. This organisation’s mission statement states, “GLSEN believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTIQ+ inclusive K-12 education”. The GSA invites EVERY student to attend, no registration needed, just turn up.

GSA will meet once a term with additional opportunities for students to get involved as we engage with various events during the year. Students will be notified of details through an open invitation to all students to attend. The focus for students attending GSA in 2025 will be on preparation for our Wear It Purple event planned for Friday 29 August, during Term 3.

Accessing Guidance Officer: Student Support
Referrals for Students to Guidance Officer support are received through the House Deans. House Deans continue to be your first point of contact for accessing information and support. If there are sensitive matters that you or your child require Guidance Support around, I may be contacted directly. 

Appointments with me are available during school hours. To request an appointment, please discuss with your child’s House Dean first or email me to discuss appropriate support pathways tlepl4@eq.edu.au

School TV
This is an excellent resource that has been available to our parents for some time now – the response from parents and community who have accessed these resources have reported to find them extremely engaging and insightful.

Today parents face a multitude of modern-day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.

SchoolTV addresses this as a new online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies.

I invite you to take some time to explore each of the series listed below, they each include numerous topics. The resources section is also worth exploring, there you will find useful factsheets, apps, books, websites and other additional videos - all on one single topic!

Sections include:

• Cybersafety series
• Mental Health series
• School survival series
• Healthy body series
• Positive parenting series
• Special reports

This resource can be accessed through the Academy’s website: https://qasmt.eq.schooltv.me/

Have a wonderful term – be kind to yourself and each other.

Tara Le Pla, Guidance Officer Student Support