Term in Review - 25 June 2021

From the Senior Leadership Team

As Term 2 comes to an end, we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate some of the important work we are engaging in as we continually strive to ensure QASMT is truly the best educational experience we can offer students.

IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) 
We are extremely excited to announce that QASMT is now fully authorised to offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). In our final report on our verification as an IB MYP school, we received glowing commendations for the progress we have made in the implementation of the IB MYP across Years 7 to 9. Our Director of Middle Years, Sandy Davey, led the submission and online visit by the IB for verification, and we thank her for all her work in this. Please refer to her Term in Review article (From the Director of Middle Years section) for further details on the many commendations we received for our work.

School Reviews
2021 is an important review year for our Academy, with the IB MYP authorisation being the first of three reviews. This term (and in fact over the last year) we have been working on our submission for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) evaluation process which occurs every five years. We will receive important feedback from the IB on our implementation of the DP and we look forward to sharing the outcomes from that report later this year.

Our third review will occur in Term 3, as every Queensland state school is reviewed by the Education Improvement Branch (EIB) at least once every four years. The reviews play an important part in how the department supports school improvement. They provide schools with independent feedback, tailored to their context and needs. Further information is available below.

UQ Partnership
We would like to share the latest in our important partnership with The University of Queensland (UQ). This term we established two new committees with UQ to engage in strengthening and expanding this valued partnership. An Executive Steering Committee and an Advisory Committee have been established, consisting of a number of UQ and QASMT staff, under the leadership of UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), Professor Doune Mcadonald, and our Principal, Kath Kayrooz. The UQ appointed Relationships Manager for QASMT has been integral in strengthening our partnership with UQ.

Our unique STEM Futures Program in Year 9 and 10, endeavours to achieve the vision of a ‘a future-focussed STEM curriculum that engages passionate, innovative learners capable of creating positive and sustainable change'. The curriculum is comprised of STEM Futures electives, written in collaboration with university/industry links to provide a challenging and engaging curriculum designed to enhance students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in STEM and global citizenship. We are currently engaging with UQ exclusively to develop our Year 10 electives and are excited about the richness this collaboration will bring to our partnership and our students’ preparation for the Diploma Programme - whilst achieving the vision for this uniquely STEM focussed curriculum.

Dedicated QASMT Bus Route - Roma Street Bus Station to QASMT
We would like to share an important development that will benefit students and a wonderful achievement for the QASMT community. After significant negotiation, the Brisbane City Council have confirmed the commencement of a new QASMT bus route from the beginning of Term 3. The new route, S744 service, will operate between Roma Street Bus Station and QASMT from Monday 12 July 2021.

The morning service will depart the Roma Street Busway Station - Platform 2 at 7.25am, and collect passengers at King George Square Station – Stop 2A, Cultural Centre Busway Station, Go Between Bridge, then travel via Coronation Drive (omitting the 'Cribb Street. bus stop), High Street, connecting with train services at Toowong Village, and terminates in the QASMT turnaround in Bywong St, at approximately 7.53am. The afternoon service will depart the QASMT turnaround in Bywong St at 3.30pm and travel via Toowong Village, Coronation Drive, Go Between Bridge, Cultural Centre Busway Station, King George Square Station – Stop 1F, and terminate at the Roma Street Busway Station at approximately 4.02pm. For more information about the bus network changes, please visit TransLink website or phone 13 12 30.

With the commencement of our new dedicated bus service it is timely to remind parents that the only drop-off and pick up zones available are the Miskin Street entrance and the limited street zones on Bywong Street. Please note that the Bywong Street bus turnaround must not be used - it is an area used by buses and BCC may fine cars stopping in this area.

In closing, we wish all students and families a relaxing and refreshing end of semester break and look forward to welcoming you back in Term 3.

Kath Kayrooz – Principal, Kerry Bullock – Deputy Principal Enhancement, Tanya Haggarty – Deputy Principal Academic, Russell Hams – Director of School Operations, Jane Manwaring – Director of School Culture

From the Director of Senior Years

The end of term gives us the opportunity to reflect and take stock of all we have achieved over the past 10 weeks. 

For our Year 12 DP2 students, Term 2 marked a very significant milestone with all IA submissions completed leaving only a few additional assessment items to complete before the November exam session. I encourage our Year 12 students to appreciate the amount of time and effort they have dedicated this term to achieve this significant feat and encourage them to take some time to truly relax and recuperate during the holidays.

The Year 11 students have had a forward focused term, with the Year 11 leadership camp taking place during Week 6. These students used time spent at camp to consider how they would give back to and shape our school community as they prepare for their final year of study.

Our Year 10 students continue to make consistent progress through the diploma preparation program and have successfully completed their first set of block exams. I would like to commend our Year 10s for their engagement and conduct throughout these exams.

Senior Honours Program (by Jessica B, Year 11 student)
Over the course of Term 2, the Senior Honours Program (HP) students have been involved in a variety of amazing activities, which have helped us develop our knowledge and skills in the sciences.

In Week 3, we spent a day at the Translational Research Institute doing activities run by SPARQ-Ed to learn about proteins in biomedicine. It was a hands-on day, where we worked in an enclosed laboratory investigating a protein called GFP and how it can be used to separate and analyse biological mixtures. We also heard from a researcher, PhD student Michelle Cestari, on her work with GFP in Mac Green Mice. It was a great opportunity to expose ourselves to a real lab setting, improve our lab skills, and learn about working in translational biological research.

We were then given two opportunities to interview eight science PhD candidates/graduates at length, about their scientific research and find out more about their life and career experiences. This helped us develop a better understanding of the path to a science career, as well as what life as an academic in the future could entail.

Finally, some Honours students participated in a pilot collaboration with the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy to develop STEM workshops for Year 4-6 students. The first of these was run in Week 6, where three other students and I planned out and ran a workshop exploring the Physics behind Viking warfare tools, such as catapults, swords, and shields. This was a great success, and showed us the effort required to put a small lesson together, while teaching us good on-the-fly teaching skills!

Overall, the Senior HP students have had a great time being exposed to a variety of STEM experiences this term, and look forward to more experiences to come.

Rebecca Skarshewski, Director of Senior Years

From the Director of Middle Years

It’s official! QASMT is now an authorised IB World School for the Middle Years Program (MYP)! 

We have always known what a sensational school we all belong to, and now it has been verified! We are officially, a World School for the International Baccalaureate, Middle Years Program (MYP.)  As an IB World School offering the MYP, we join a global community of schools committed to developing knowledgeable, caring young people who will be ready to negotiate their futures successfully!

The process has taken a number of years, culminating with a two day virtual school verification visit, in early Term 2 2021. The purpose of the visit was to ensure that the educational principles, standards and practices, on which the IB program is founded, are maintained and developed at our school. Interviews were conducted with representatives of our school community, including faculty staff and Heads of Department, House Deans, the Senior and Executive leadership teams, our school support staff, parents, MYP students and Education Queensland regional representatives.

Receiving the Letter and Statement of Acceptance from the Global Head of Authorisation was a momentous occasion, as it is a significant event in the life of our school. In addition, the IB global office provided us with an extensive report based on the findings of the visit and the data and documents provided to the visiting team.

The report evaluated over 80 practices in review of our suitability. We are pleased to share with you that:

• A total of 16 commendations that relate to school practices that are considered to far exceed the requirements for authorization and are considered to be of extreme benefit to the implementation of a Middle Years Programme (refer below). Commendations are determined on a global scale to ensure consistency.
• We received no matters to be addressed - an outstanding achievement.
  

IB Statements of Commendation (a snapshot taken from our 33-page final report)

• The school has developed an obvious culture of open communication based on mutual understanding and respect. The school’s approach to communication is consistent and effective and takes-into-account the ethos of the school community, the relationships between parents, students, teachers and school leaders, and their need for accurate and plentiful information.
• The principal, the pedagogical leadership team and especially the MYP coordinator demonstrate collaborative, systematic and knowledgeable pedagogical leadership, specifically aligned with the philosophy of the IB and related to the implementation and teaching and learning of the programme.
• The school has developed a comprehensive system and a team approach, based on collective responsibility to provide social, emotional and learning support to students throughout the programme
• The school has allocated funding to facilities that enhance the implementation of the MYP at the school beyond the requirements for authorization and enable students to have authentic learning experiences in specialized learning environments.
• The school has collaboratively developed an extensive ‘Approaches to Learning’ chart that links the MYP to the Diploma Programme in a coherent progression of learning. This planning of approaches to learning skills is used by teachers in all subject groups in planning their units.
• The school utilises MYP Statements of Inquiry to engage students in inquiry across and within each subject group and supports teachers to do this by providing a pedagogical framework and a toolkit of strategies that are focused on inquiry and thinking.
• Teaching and learning incorporates a diverse range of equipment and resources that allow students to carry out authentic and sophisticated projects and investigations and that facilitate flexible, collaborative and self-paced learning.
• The school has built a stimulating learning environment based on understanding and respect throughout the school community.
• The school community, including parents, understand and support MYP assessment philosophy and procedures. There is a shared understanding of the role that well-informed reflection on the MYP assessment criteria plays in supporting students’ achievement.
• The school has a well-articulated focus on looking at data as a key strategy for school improvement and the promotion of student learning, including established systems to regularly analyse assessment data to inform teaching and learning. This occurs in all subject groups across the curriculum.
• Teachers in all subject groups regularly provide opportunities for students to participate in, and reflect on, the assessment of their work.

Well done to the QASMT school community! We make an excellent team when we all work together!

Reconciliation Week Movie Screening
Over 100 students attended the free movie screening of Hidden Figures, organised by Year 9 students, Harkanwar, Aika and Neola. Below is a segment of the heartfelt address they made in opening the evening:

“In the famous, I have a dream speech, Martin Luther King once said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

When I am looking around SMT, I see special bonds being created across different cultures because of our like-mindedness. We do not judge each other by the colour of our skin, but by the content of our character and I think that is very valuable. This opportunity allows us to grow as people in so many ways. And for that, we are forever grateful.

In so many places, people are not treated equally or provided the same opportunities as others because of their ethnic and socioeconomic background. It is often perceived that racism is violent, but it can be as subtle as exclusion. Although there is not one solution, one magic wand to wish it all away, there are small things everyone can do that collectively make a large impact.

Simple things like common human decency, being open-minded and not applying stereotypes make a big difference. A once heartless ignorant community has the ability to transform into a dynamic vibrant environment. By embracing our differences, our school community becomes stronger as we become more unified.”

Have a restful and well-deserved holiday break! It is hard to believe that Term 3 is nearly upon us! I look forward to seeing all our students on our return to school!

Sandra Davey, Director of Middle Years

From the Department of Language and Literature

I am proud to celebrate and congratulate a number of student achievements this term from creative writing to debating. 

Congratulations to our Year 8 documentary winners who successfully transformed a documentary proposal into a fully-fledged product. The names of the winners of the teacher-voted and student-voted prizes will be engraved in the perpetual shield. A special mention to Senior Creative Writing Club student, Kira C, who has become a published author - fantastic! Kira entered the 2021 Write for Fun Short Story Competition and her short story Serenity in the Storm has been selected and will be published in the 2021 anthology The Write Note.

There has been some amazing units of study this term in our Middle Years Program in Years 7 to 9. Year 7 students investigated the legend of Ned Kelly to determine whether he should be haled a hero, victim or villain. Our Year 8 students explored the allegorical text Animal Farm to understand the effect of power on individuals and society. 

In addition this term, 100 lucky students attended the theatre performance of Animal Farm at Queensland Performing Arts Centre. And, our Year 9 students investigated a challenging satirical text The Hullaballoo in the Guava Orchard and produced character vignettes as part of a creative writing response.

As a school, we have certainly enhanced our reputation as a strong debating school competitor, largely thanks to the dedicated work by our students, coaches, volunteers and the tireless efforts of our coordinators, Mr Stewart Moore and Mr Jeremy Isaac. There are over 100 students involved in Junior and Senior Debating at our school.

Our Brisbane District Girls Association Debating Competition has also come to a close and am I pleased to announce that our Junior team finished on top of the ladder with the most number of wins - congratulations!  

We have a number of teams in the QDU competition who have progressed through to the finals – this is a significant achievement.

We hope that our students and families enjoy the well-deserved break. The efforts and achievements of our students this term has been simply amazing - congratulations!

Zachary Lurje, Head of Department Language and Literature

From the Department of Language Acquisition

ようこそ! Wilkommen! Bienvenue! Bienvenidos! salvete! Welcome!

As Term 2 winds down, it is a great opportunity to reflect on what has happened over the last 10 weeks. Year 12 students of German should be congratulated on finishing their language course. It always is a great relief to achieve major milestones and these students should be commended for their efforts. Flora Lewis once famously said: “Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.” It is with this thought in mind that we are hopeful that in their future pathways, our students are able to see many doors open for them. 

International Mindedness
During Week 5, the International Mindedness team ran a series of dance workshops and activities for QASMT students. These workshops were conducted during National Families Week to raise awareness for a ‘Dance for Sick Kids’ event run by the Ronald McDonald House Charity. In addition to raising awareness for this charity, our goal was to show students different styles of dance from around the world. On Monday and Tuesday, Year 12 K-pop and Bollywood experts taught students the choreography to popular songs. This event was also a fun way to get students moving during a stressful time of term. We hope this event continues to run in the future, as it was great to see students from different year levels dancing together and fearlessly trying new moves for a good cause. We even had a rousing chorus of ‘Dynamite’ by BTS at the end of the K-pop workshop and saw some fantastic moves in the freestyle dance session at the end of the Bollywood workshop. On Thursday, students learnt about the Maypole European folk festival. A maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European (Germanic Europe) folk festivals, around which a maypole dance often takes place. The festivals often occur on 1 May.  A presentation was organised to broaden student knowledge about this cultural celebration and a workshop was on offer for students to make their own mini maypole.

Year 7 Zoo Day (by Yvette J and Lottie W, Year 7 German students)
On Tuesday of Week 8, the Year 7 German students went on a Zootag (Zoo Day) to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to utilise new German vocabulary learnt throughout the term and on the day.

We saw many süße animals around the zoo. They included the koala, dingo, kangaroo, wombat, Tasmanian devils and many more. It was a fun and interactive way to learn more German as we were able to learn about animals at the same time.

We were able to go, thanks to the Goethe Institute for running the event and our teachers who took us. There were many interesting and fun vocabulary-building activities to do throughout the day moving around the zoo. There was also a competition where we had to draw and label a fantasy animal and two groups from QASMT won first and third prizes.

This was a very fun and educational excursion teaching us about many new things we would not have learnt in the classroom.

Year 11 Cultural Evening (by Alexeia H, Year 11 German student)
On the evening of Thursday 10 June, my Year 11 German class went on a cultural excursion. We firstly stopped at the Brisbane German Club where we enjoyed some German meals, including sauerkraut, red cabbage and chicken schnitzel. We were then treated with dessert of apple strudel, chocolate roll cake and cheesecake.

We left the restaurant and went to QPAC, where we watched the play, A German Life. It featured an old woman sitting in a bedroom setting, telling the life story of Brunhilde Pomsel, with intervals of video footage and a cello accompaniment. Pomsel was born in Germany in 1911. She grew up indirectly surrounded by war, her father was always away when she was young, going as far to describe him as a ‘stranger’ to her and her brothers. Throughout her working life she eventually found herself working as a secretary in a Nazi propaganda ministry. When the war was lost, she received news that Hitler had committed suicide. Soon after, the minister she worked for also committed suicide with his entire family.

The atmosphere of the play made this incredibly impactful, and for the first time I understood how shocking it would have been to hear of Hitler’s suicide. She concluded her story by explaining that she felt no guilt for her involvement in the Nazi regime, explaining that the propaganda had worked on her as well. If anything, she considered herself stupid for believing. She had no remorse for her actions, and now that she lives in a nursing home, she is simply waiting to die.

The humanity of the entire experience made me see the Germans as people for once, instead of the cruelty that is so often portrayed. While I will never support their causes, I now understand how so many people fell for the propaganda and lost themselves to their own ignorance. These people never wanted to be involved in such a horrific historical event, but they were simply unaware of what was going on around them. The overall performance was astounding, it was impactful and educational, and it gave me a perspective of the war that I had never seen before.

Upcoming Holiday
After the end of exams, it is good to enjoy a restful holiday. Students in France, Spain, Germany and Japan, along with other northern hemisphere countries, celebrate their long summer holiday starting this month.

Students in Europe typically enjoy a six week break in summer with some having more. Most students in Europe fly south for the summer to enjoy the Spanish and Italian beaches and lake districts. Students spend most of their holidays relaxing and playing outdoors with friends and relatives. In the region of Valencia, Spain, the night of San Juan is a festival that celebrates summer. It's the one night of the year that locals can light bonfires on the beach, barbeque, and later everyone jumps over the fires and waves to make a wish. Valencia and Alicante have the biggest congregations of local partiers, with celebrations in Alicante lasting several days and culminating in huge papier-mâché figures being burnt on the night of 24 June.

This is in direct contrast to Japan, where students have a shorter break. Although most European students spend their time relaxing and enjoying the holiday, in Japan they enjoy a more rigorous schedule. In Japan, homework is often given so students will not forget what they learned in the first term. While the homework given to middle school students is focused on exercises and drills in Japanese, Maths and English, they are also required to write essays and create artworks. For sixth graders who want to attend a national or private middle school and ninth graders who plan to go on to high school, the summer before graduation is a very hectic time as they prepare for the exams. A lot of them brave the sweltering heat to attend summer cramming sessions and to take mock exams to gauge their academic skills.

A holiday you can celebrate in Brisbane this winter break is Bastille Day (French National Day). Bastille Day is a day of celebration in French culture. From morning to night, a wide selection of exceptional events make this anniversary an especially festive one.

Bastille was a medieval fortress and the old jail of Paris. This national holiday celebrates the storming of the Bastille on 14 July, 1789, by the Parisian revolutionaries and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Louis the 16th's Ancient Regime was absolute and the jail was a symbol of his regime. Therefore, this battle became a landmark event for the French Revolution and remains the symbol of the people's revolt. The people signalled that the King's power was no longer absolute: power should be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers. The French call this event “le 14 Juillet”, but is worldwide known as “The Bastille Day”. This day is a national day in France: it’s a day of celebration for the French culture with a symbol of “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, which are principles of articles in the “Déclaration des Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen” (The Declaration of the rights of Man and of the Citizen). There is a large military parade in Paris in the morning of 14 July. The French President of the Republic opens the parade and greets the troops with thousands of spectators present.

Every year, Brisbane celebrates “Le Festival”. Due to some COVID restrictions, this year it will be celebrated in “Four Seasons”; however the same “joie de vivre” is guaranteed! For more information you can visit the website.

またね ! Bis später! A bientôt! Hasta la vista! valete! See you soon!

Kate Oxenford, Head of Department Language Acquisition

From the Department of Technology and the Arts

eLearning News - Introducing Audiobooks
This term, after a successful trial, we are excited to announce the addition of over 750+ audiobooks to our existing peer selected collection of 1,250+ eBooks in our Digital Library. Each semester, we continue to add to our collection in consultation with our Language and Literature Department and are informed by trends from our loan history requests from students. We encourage you to talk to your child about exploring our collection over the holidays and to take a break from screen time by downloading an audiobook on a mobile device and listen to stories on the go: while exercising, on a long journey or just relaxing in the fresh air.

BYOD Program
A reminder to parents and students that laptop devices must be Windows-based, and stylus enabled. We are unable to support iOS and Chrome devices for students on our network. Please note that students who bring devices to school where these minimum specifications are not met will be asked to purchase a more suitable PC or Tablet PC that meets the Academy requirements. Full details of our BYOD program including the minimum specifications can be found on our website.

Arts Showcase 2021 provided real-world experiences for students and staff to display Visual Art, Creative Writing, Dance and Music at an evening event on campus. The production students and staff worked closely with external industry experts to provide suitable sound and lighting. The Auditorium, K Block and the nearby open area was abuzz with excitement before the music program as the P&C cooked a hearty dinner amidst the fairy lights and candles.  Families were impressed at the array of displays with junior and senior Visual Arts students exhibiting their recent works in addition to our talented Creative Writing students who showcased their writing. On stage, music and dance performances were provided by students who auditioned and prepared outside of class time.

Feedback from a parent includes sentiments shared by many:
“I really appreciate the work that you’ve put in to give him this opportunity ….. Afterwards he couldn’t stop talking about it and making plans for future performances. It’s been such a great opportunity for him to meet new friends and work together as a team to achieve something".  

The Arts are alive and well at QASMT and we look forward to a thriving Arts community going into the future.

DPP and DP Visual Arts
It has been a very busy term for our Senior Visual Arts students. The Year 10 and 11 students spent the term investigating the notion of Localities – capturing a sense of place, whilst learning all about printmaking without a press. Students thought of home, ancestry and how COVID has irrevocably changed the idea of the holiday to elsewhere for some time to come. Our Year 12 students are speeding ever closer to their graduate exhibition with installation commencing in Week 4 next term. They are working hard to complete their independent final collection of eleven artworks for display and assessment, demonstrating a wide range of conceptual foci from Space to Discord and Strong Women abound. We are always thinking and questioning here in the Visual Arts department.

In Week 8, the Year 10, 11 and 12 Visual Arts students visited QAGoMA for an immersive experience in being with art and understanding curatorial decisions in exhibiting artworks. Students spent time in the William Yang, Abdul Abdullah, Gods and Gridlock and Creative Generation exhibitions. Each year, the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art recognises and celebrates the artistic achievements and creative talents of senior high school students from across Queensland. This exhibition showcases the work of the 37 excellence award recipients selected in 2020 from over 500 entries submitted by students from metropolitan and regional schools throughout the state. In 2020, three QASMT students; Michael Drelling, Ashjayeen Sharif and Elysse Kho were selected! This exhibition remains on until 8 August.

“Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colours flowers, so does art colour life.”
John Lubbock (1834-1913), “The Pleasures of Life”

MYP Visual Art
In MYP Visual Art, Year 7 students transformed their 2D drawings of hybrid animals into 3D sculptures and digital collage artworks. These 'improbable beasts', inspired by artist Madeleine Kelly, were designed to survive a researched environmental issue. Year 8 students extended their self-portrait expression by making mono prints and digital collages. They also interviewed and photographed a special person in their life, who was the muse of a portrait artwork, with influences from Archibald Portrait Prize winning artists such as Del Kathryn Barton and Tim Storrier. Year 9 students researched art history to discover traditional and contemporary approaches for making artworks with still life and appropriation. For acrylic painting on canvas, they investigated artists like Dutch Masters and Ricky Swallow, as well as artists like Brian Robinson and Ruth Cho to inspire lino cut printmaking.

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Visual Art Club
Students in Years 7 to 12 made artworks in response to the Arts Showcase themes 'Seasons of change' and 'Life below water'. Inspired by artists such as Ohn Mar Win and Pete Cromer, students experimented with mixed media like pencil, pen, ink, collage and paint (acrylic, watercolour).

MYP Music
Students in MYP Classroom Music are to be commended for demonstrating their ability to select, arrange, rehearse and perform pieces in groups for an audience. Year 7 students worked excitedly to present works from musical theatre for their peers and conceptualised a theatrical production from budgets, actors, themes, plots and sets, considering the historical context and cultural perspectives for their production. Year 8 students enjoyed re-imagining pieces using the musical concepts and technical innovations, performing, and presenting performances to the class. Students explored Mozart to Mambo, the music of Bach and the reinventions of his work, particularly by Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin. The study of the history of music provided insight into the effect of technological advances on the production, complexity and accessibility of music across the globe over time.

MYP Drama
In Drama this term, the Year 8 students have been busy investigating the statement of inquiry - “Presentations created through scientific and technical innovation are communicated through structural systems to audiences".  The students unanimously agreed that the highlight of this inquiry was when they were able to apply a 'hands on approach' to the technology of the past that humans have used to communicate with one another or used for entertainment. Many of the students were fascinated to see a gramophone and to actually wind one up. We were also lucky enough to listen to stories through listening posts, record players, and cassette players. Some of the students were very puzzled at first as to how to work these complicated machines. They thoroughly enjoyed exploring them and then having the time in class to listen to and enjoy them. We also explored transistors, radios, a Walkman, and MP3 files. Finally, the Year 8 students have learnt how to write their very own radio show and are about to submit these for their assessment and most importantly, for our class entertainment.  

In Drama this term, the Year 7 students have been busy investigating the statement of inquiry - “Cultural narratives and perspectives are understood by audiences, when genres and style are orientated in time and space". We have been particularly investigating and focussing on pantomime theatre, through fairy tale stories. The students have been excitedly planning their own humorous shows which they began presenting for their assessment task, yet more importantly for the classes entertainment. The creativity and wonderful slap stick comedy skills that the students have incorporated into these shows has been incredible and much needed during this stressful assessment period. We particularly loved taking the time out to watch each other’s shows, appreciate one another’s highly accomplished dramatic skills and have the opportunity to laugh and enjoy one another’s work. We are impressed with the high level of creativity and dramatic skill presented by our talented students.

Year 9 STEM Futures Electives

Introducing Exam Week
Our Year 9 students experienced their first exam block experience in Week 10 and have begun the transition from MYP-style in-class assessments to DP-style term exams. The exams were specifically designed using the language and style of questions that students may begin to encounter in Diploma Programme subjects: Computer Science, Digital Society, Physics and Business Management. The exams each comprised a series of unseen case studies where students were required to apply and transfer their learning from the semester to new situations. Our focus in Week 9 was to prepare students by reviewing their skills and knowledge through the lens of mini case studies and working through sample questions.

Disrupting the Market (Design and Business Management)
Students worked in teams to investigate various methods of customising a merchandise product that could be mass produced for clients in the QASMT community. The aim was to develop understanding of the potential for new applications of existing technologies to penetrate market niches that may be currently dominated by established businesses. Students designed customisable products in Adobe Illustrator and produced the products on the QASMT laser cutter. They used appropriate research methods to understand client and user needs and used primary and secondary data to evaluate the extent to which their product designs satisfy the clients’ needs and budget.

Future of Automation (Design and Computer Science)
Our Future of Automation students used their mechatronic skills to create a prototyped automated system for their chosen clients. They used their research skills to discover systems that could be improved around home and used microcontrollers in a prototype solution.

Biomedical Engineering (Design and Physics)
Our Biomedical Engineering students conducted a series of experiments to measure the physical properties of bone scaffolds such as strength and porosity and learned how to use statistical analysis tools in Excel to evaluate their results. In our second unit, students were asked to communicate an aspect of their learning by developing a question that they would then answer through the design of a digital artefact for a specific audience. We have an exciting array of videos, animations, infographics, posters and even blog posts that address questions such as: "What is the importance of 3D printers in relation to biomedical engineering?" and "How does regenerative medicine mitigate the effects of bone injury?" 

Computer Science
Year 10 Computer Science students can tell you how much is involved in coding an e-commerce website. They have learnt the fundamentals of accessing and updating data in relational databases and constructing back-end (server) and front-end (client) code. Year 11 Computer Science students continued their exploration of genetic algorithms. Along with this they determined how computer systems are integrated into a business, what is involved in changing computer systems, and the role of an end-user and client in the development of a system from Topic 1 of the Computer Science syllabus. Year 12 Computer Science students learnt about using recursion to solve simple and complex problems. They continued to explore genetic algorithms, as well as a theoretical and practical understanding of programming. In addition, they investigated resources within a computer (Topic 6) as well as control systems, including centralised, distributed, and autonomous (Topic 7) from the Computer Science syllabus.

Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS)
Databases are the backbone to many organisations. Year 10 and Year 11 students have been learning how to design, create, query, and update the data within databases using Microsoft Access. Year 11 students have begun their projects where they design an authentic digital solution for a client. Year 12 students have been focusing on Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and expert systems. In preparing for this year's case study, Our social media lives, students have been conducting primary research through surveys and comparing their findings with secondary sources as we unpack the challenges of social media that include - managing your digital footprint, echo chambers, FOMO (fear of missing out), the tendency for individuals to obtain news from social media and the impact of social media on the health and wellbeing of individuals.

Madeleine Brookes, Head of Department Technology and The Arts 

From the Department of Individuals and Society

Term 2 has been an extremely busy term for all students at QASMT.

Due to the Covid19 enforced Brisbane lockdown, the impacted assessment tasks had to be completed in the first week of this term, followed by Term 2 assessment. I hope all students use the mid-year break as a chance to reset the batteries, relax and have a fresh mindset ahead of Term 3.

“My goal is not to be better than anyone else, but to be better than I used to be.”
- Motivational author (100 million copies of his books sold) Dr Wayne W. Dyer

I encourage all students to adopt a growth mindset to their learning experiences this term and when they see their semester reports, to reflect on what they have done well and need to maintain and identify areas where they need to grow.

The following articles, written by both students and staff, are a selection of the exciting learning experiences I&S students have had in Term 2.

Lyle Fredericksen, Head of Department: Individuals & Societies

Year 7 I&S
In Term 2, Year 7 I&S students studied Geography in a unit called ‘Big-up Brisbane’! The focus was to add new skills to the students’ ‘geography toolkit’ by preparing observation walk maps, field sketches and collating primary data with the aim to enable students to assess the liveability of their own suburb. To prepare them for their assessment, and to give the students a point of comparison, all Year 7 students spent a day at South Bank carrying out fieldwork and analysing the different liveability features of an urban environment. They then spent several weeks in class preparing their reports, focusing on identifying a liveability feature from their own suburb requiring improvement and suggesting ways to achieve this.

Clare Tyler, Year 7 I&S Coordinator

Year 9 STEM Futures Forensic Psychology – linked to DP Psychology and Biology
(by Harrison V, Year 9 Forensic Psychology student) 
Forensic Psychology is probably one of the most interesting subjects I have ever done. There is so much interesting and fascinating content in psychology. From learning about different types of crimes, to how genes can affect how a criminal can be so aggressive. One of our topics was on upbringing and how the child is most likely to look up to their parenting figure and take after their parents. Even our assignments are incredible. For one of our assignments, we got to go to the lab and do DNA testing and analyse hair samples to pin-point the offender. We were also able to go on an excursion to the Boggo Road Jail and an ex-prisoner was one of our tour guides - I personally thought he was a jolly old man. Even recently, we had the great opportunity to be able to have a lecture from Professor Blake McKinney, a Forensic Psychologist who specialises in jury behaviour. Altogether, Forensic Psychology is just a really fun subject to do, it’s interesting, hands on, and I look forward to every lesson I take.

Year 11 IB Business Management
The Gen[in] competition is an innovation challenge open to all 14-24 year olds in Queensland. In February, Sally Adams from Study Queensland came and presented to all Year 10-11 Business Management students. There were three phases to the competition and over 200 student entries. One of the three groups from QASMT made it to the final 10 in the state. A marvellous achievement!

Khush P, Yessica S and Kanak R created a business concept called ‘Gifty'. It is an app/website where people who are shopping for a gift, but don’t know what to buy can go so that all their options are filtered. The team spent two days at UQ being mentored by the Ventures team and then presented a formal pitch. The feedback was extremely positive with the business concept being acknowledged as the most viable and having the largest market share from all 10 pitches. Unfortunately as the idea is still in the concept stage the students did not receive any of the $15,000 prize pool but vowed to return next year having learnt from the experience. QASMT looks forward to working with the UQ Ventures team more closely as we collaborate to develop of Year 10 STEM Futures subject “Show me the money” and will be entering more teams next year.

Lyle Fredericksen, Head of Department: Individuals & Societies

Year 11 IB Psychology (by George L, Year 11 Psychology student)
This semester in Psychology, we’ve focused on the biological approach, to look at the different mechanisms of the human physiology that make our brains work the way they do. We started with the brain. Neurotransmission and neuroplasticity affect how it grows and changes when we learn new skills and knowledge. Then, we moved on to hormones, and how chemical compounds like cortisol and testosterone can change the way we feel and act. Finally, we looked at genetics. Are our behaviours determined by the genes we were born with or does our environment mould our intelligence or aggression levels? Do we have the free will to become more than the genes we started with? All in all, we’ve learnt a great deal about how we think, feel and behave. It’s interesting as it helps us know ourselves and others.

Year 12 DP -  Economics
In the first part of this term in Economics we have been considering the implications of exchange rate movements, the current account balance and terms of trade, on the economic performance of a country. The second half of this term has been focused on the fourth and final unit in this subject, 'Development Economics', which considers the differences between economic growth and development, and the various indicators that allow development of countries to be compared and measured. This term also saw the submission of the third and final Internal Assessment based on International Economics.

David King, Year 12 Economics Coordinator

Psychology (by Jahan Patel, Year 12 Psychology student)
In Psychology this term, we first spent a few weeks on refining our Psychology IA to the finest levels with the help of our amazing teachers. Then we focused on learning a subset of Abnormal Psychology on the Aetiologies of Disorders. We explored various studies to learn about the origins of disorders from the three approaches: Biological, Cognitive and Sociocultural. Specifically focussing on Major Depressive Disorder and how it is diagnosed. The most interesting aspect I find in this topic is when culture is integrated within research as you get to explore how individuals of different cultures have different ways of thinking which lead to various reasons for stigmatisation.

From the ToK Coordinator David King

DP1 Year 11
This term saw the students consider one of the optional themes, Knowledge and Technology. This theme allows the students to understand the degrees of importance of technology and the various ways it impacts on knowledge production and sharing of knowledge. From this understanding, the students then prepared and submitted their second practice commentary of 350 words. In addition, we reviewed an Area of Knowledge; Natural Sciences which includes disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry and Sports Health and Exercise. We are looking at how the students acquire and share knowledge in these subjects and the implications of concepts such as truth and reliability.

DP2 Year 12
This term saw the students submit their draft Theory of Knowledge essay. They now have feedback on their work which should allow them to improve their essays. The final essay will be due in early Term 3. The essays are then submitted later this year for external marking. This is an important assessment as it comprises two thirds of their final grade in this subject.

From the Department of Physical Sciences

Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Titration Competition

Mr Pearce has been busy this term preparing students for the RACI Australian National Titration Competition. The competition is designed to encourage students who enjoy Chemistry, particularly its practical side, to develop their scientific skills and understanding. It provides students an opportunity to experience conducting an experiment in a laboratory environment and the chance to compete at a national level. This year, three teams of Year 10 students competed in the Queensland Regional Competition, held on site again this year due to COVID restrictions. Each team member performed two sets of acid-base titrations in order to determine the unknown concentration of a weak acid in a solution that is supplied to them. Results should be available next term, best of luck to all teams.

Students completing the RACI Titration Competition pictured below are Tom W, Amelie T and Zigi Z.

Astronomy Club Report
Dr Hogg and the Astronomy Club have had a stellar term, with 25 students across Year 7-12 attending Astronomy Club on Tuesday evenings. The school has four telescopes altogether and a number of students brought their own telescopes. They were able to view the Moon, stars, nebula, galaxies and satellites. The students had a great time learning how to use the two new Dobsonian telescopes purchased by the P&C in 2020. With these two extra telescopes, the students have much greater opportunity to view astronomical objects and learn how to use the equipment. The club was also able to host a special event to coincide with the total lunar eclipse. The Astronomy Club students were joined by their parents and siblings to watch the Moon eclipse and turn red over 90 minutes. Below are some photos taken by students using the telescopes this term.

In other astronomy news, during the first week of the holidays, Luna, Sophia and Angeleena from Year 11, will present the results of an Astronomy project at the Korean Science Academy Science Fair 2021. They have been photographing the Sun using a special UV filter to locate sunspots on the Sun’s atmosphere.

Chemistry and Art
Science and art go hand in hand as they both require creativity and imagination and the Chemistry Department has participated in a number of art related activities this term. Mrs de Freitas Pessoa and Dr Slessor conducted a 'Colourful Chemistry' workshop with the Young Einstein Club students early in the term. With their QASMT mentors, the Young Einstens investigated the chemistry of chromatography to separate colours, colourful magic milk and the chemistry of firework colours.

In Week 9, Dr Slessor hosted the Year 9 Visual Art students in the lab for the 'Art of Crystallisation'. Students explored crystal structures as an inspiration to create an artwork that expresses their ideas about chemistry and science. They were able to view the process of crystallisation in real-time on a microscope slide and learned about crystal structures in nature and the uses of crystallography in chemical analysis. The ABC Science YouTube channel has a brilliant crystallisation video for more inspiration.

RACI is currently accepting entries into their Chemistry and Art Competition, which is open to students from Prep to Year 9+. Students are asked to create a 2D image, no greater than A4 size, which depicts their thoughts about chemistry, chemists or the chemical industry. Entries are free and close Friday 30 July. Details about the competition and how to enter are on the RACI website.

UNSW Bragg Student Prize for Science Writing 2021
Year 7-10 students interested in STEM and writing might like to consider entering the UNSW Bragg Student Prize for Science Writing. The competition is now open, with entries closing on Friday 27 August. To enter, students must write an essay on the topic: The STEM in Everyday Life. In 800 words, the essay should explain the STEM behind something that’s directly relevant to their everyday life and how it is important to them, their family, their culture, or their region. The winner will be awarded a $500 UNSW Bookshop voucher. Two runners up will receive $250 book vouchers. The winning essay will also be included in the 2022 edition of NewSouth Publishing’s highly acclaimed anthology The Best Australian Science Writing, where it will appear alongside essays authored by some of the country’s leading science writers. Resources and information about past winning entries, how to enter, terms and conditions and parental consent forms are available online

Catherine de Freitas Pessoa, Head of Department Physical Sciences

From the Department of Life Sciences

From Life Sciences - Foundation
Term 2 has been a busy term for Foundation Sciences with lots of interesting content and inquiry.

Year 7 commenced the term learning about Earth’s resources and how we use them. They evaluated their sustainable practices weighing up their needs and wants when it came to consumer decisions. They investigated renewable energy sources and compared these to fossil fuels. Their interdisciplinary unit (with Mathematics) couldn’t have come at a better time with the ‘Super Blood Moon’ happening on 26 June and the students learning about phases of the moon. They should now be able to explain to you how this happened. Students revisited gravity and calculated how high they could jump on different planets. They connected axial tilt with seasonal variation, which then linked in with their assignment where they graphed some unknown temperature data to figure out where in the world it was.

Year 8 spent the term learning about the human body starting with cells and working their way up to organs and organ systems. Their approaches to learning focused on self-management and research, which guided their assignment. Students explored fascinating human body topics that ranged from what happens when you’re sleep deprived to why do we yawn? The students presented their research in the form of a video, which was evaluated by their peers. 

Science Ambassadors
The Science Ambassadors had another fun filled term, participating in STRM Week with several fun activities. Starting with the ever exciting, and much anticipated, watermelon implosion competition between the other ambassador teams. Unfortunately, Science did not win, with Maths taking out the top spot. Next, the Science Ambassadors spent a lunch time making sherbet and teaching students about the chemistry behind what is happening. The week finished with Mentos and Coke! Five bottles of Coke to be precise. The explosion was every synonym you could conjure for awesome, with it reaching a few metres into the air. Overall, combined with the other STRM activities, the week was a great way to portray what QASMT and QASMT students are all about.

“Learning is creation, not consumption.
Knowledge is not something a learner absorbs, but something a learner creates.”  
- George Couros (The Innovator’s Mindset)

Vanessa Bermingham, Head of Department Life Sciences Foundation

From Life Sciences - Biology

Term 2 has been another fantastic term – and there have been a number of science experiments happening across our laboratory classrooms!

Our Year 10 Biology students have spent the term delving into understanding how infectious diseases spread, as well as how our bodies protect us from the constant threat of invasion from pathogens.

It has been an extremely meaningful time to talk about our current pandemic caused by the SARS-coV-2 virus. In class we have focussed in detail on: how SARS-coV-2 has spread, how scientists have used bioinformatics to monitor the different variants of the virus, and how different vaccines work (including the very recently developed RNA vaccines).

Year 11 students have worked hard this term to complete their first Internal Assessment (IA), and I am very proud of the quality of their results and final written work – well done Year 11s! The labs were bustling with students collecting data during class, as well during other allocated laboratory times. Our Year 11 SL class has worked their way through their molecular biology topic this term, while our HL class has also covered replication, transcription and translation in great detail. Our Year 11s participated in their Group 4 planning day this term, where all students are working in cross-curricula science groups to develop a very exciting event to be held in National Science Week next term.

It has been a bumper term for our Year 12s, both SL and HL have been beavering their way through a significant number of human physiology topics. Our Year 12 SLs have finished their content for the entire diploma – congratulations Year 12 SLs! And our Year 12 HLs are not far behind, with only our biochemistry topic left to cover next term. All of our Year 12s are starting to move into the final phase of consolidation of their curriculum now, and it is wonderful to be able to have such high level conversations about complex biological concepts with our students.

This term we began our 2021 QASMT Science Seminar Series, where - over the course of the year - we will bring five eminent science researchers into our lecture theatre here at SMT. The aim is to hear and see amazing research, to think about science in a new way, and to further spark our curiosity about the world around us. It has been wonderful to be a part of developing this series, and we have had many students attend the first two inspirational talks. Our inaugural speaking scientist was Dr Michael Bermingham, a Senior Lecturer from the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at the University of Queensland (UQ), and our second speaker was Dr Melissa White, the Group Leader from the Dynamics of Morphogenesis Laboratory at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), UQ. Both of these talks were absolutely wonderful and inspirational. If you missed out this term - make sure you look out for the rest of the series over the course of the year!

To all our students: have a restful break, take the time to recharge, and we are looking forward to seeing you all again next term.

Esme Hatchell, Head of Department Life Sciences Biology

From the Department of Mathematics

Have you ever wondered what the relationship is between a side multiplier and the volume of a rectangular prism?

If so, you need to speak to a Year 7 student who could talk to you at length about this, after completing their investigating patterns assessment.

What else has been going on in Mathematics classrooms in Term 2…… In the current Year 8, “Money, Money, Money” unit, students have been working out the costs involved with starting an online business - marking up their product by 40% and trying to find out how many items they needed to sell in order to make a profit of $400. This project has allowed them to see the use of mathematics in real-life contexts. 

Investigating patterns that lead to completing the square, has been the focus for Year 9 students. They have completed a knowledge test in their first exam block during Week 10. Year 10 students have focused on algebra and trigonometry. They have completed one test and sat another during exam block. Both of these tests have been used to guide the students to Maths or Maths Extension classes next term. 

This term has been a busy one for Year 12 students who completed their final IA – a Maths exploration on a topic of their own choice. This is a substantial assessment that the students should be very proud of. Coursework has also been completed for all Year 12 courses.  

Mathematics Ambassador News
The Mathematics Ambassador team was very active throughout Term 2, organising events in STRM Week, and participating in competitions. At the beginning of Term 2, we had STRM Week, where we collaborated with the other portfolios. We exploded watermelons, hosted jelly bean guessing competitions, and taught the juniors about algorithmic thinking through puzzles like the Towers of Hanoi and 7 bridges of Koinsburg. It was quite different to normal classroom maths and allowed for students to have fun and learn about maths during their lunch breaks. The Desmos Art Club that started in STRM Week has gathered many students from across the cohort in which we have been guiding them on how to utilise mathematical functions to create beautiful ad elegant art. This club will then be leading to a competition at the end of Week 9 where participants will submit their project relating to the theme of Space.  Below are some samples of students work.

Jane Gorman, Head of Department Mathematics

From Education Outside of the Classroom (EOTC)

EOTC’s Term 2 highlight reel is packed with CCA, Sport, CAS and Curriculum activities, featuring the Athletics Carnival, a Met Finals championship, new CCA clubs and of course some great teaching and learning in our classrooms. 

Co-curricular Activities (CCA) Program
Our CCA club continues to grow, with our amazing teachers and volunteers offering some great opportunities for students to take risks, be open minded and give something new a go! This term, we welcomed back our lawn bowls club with students putting their knowledge of the physics behind bowls to the test. May the fourth was strong with our Astronomy Club group, hosting a Star Wars party whilst looking for galaxies far, far away! Our Zonta International club managed to complete 125 breast cushions which will now be passed on to patients in the post-operative phase of breast cancer treatment.  Lastly, after popular demand, our K-pop group got up and running – move over BTS!

Next term, we have nine brand new clubs including laser blazers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History Club, drone club and QASMT’s book club just to name a few! Lastly, as always, a huge thanks to all teachers who volunteer their time to provide opportunities to extend our students outside of the classroom.

Sport
Term 2 has been action packed for sport and QASMT students have been training hard for the up coming winter gala day competitions. In particular, volleyball, netball, football, Oz tag and basketball have been in full swing and our expert external coaches have been impressed with the dedication and skill improvement of students. Good luck to all gala day teams.

Term 2 saw the very successful Athletics Carnival and war cry competition. Once again, QASMT students showed their adaptability by participating in a range of activities such as shot put, long jump and 100m sprints, as well as some less traditional ones, such as a vortex throw and tug-of-war. The spirit and enthusiasm on display was excellent and some of the athletic endeavours were outstanding. Congratulations to Agnesi House for winning the day and Curie House for winning the war cry competition.

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Representative Sport
There has been a number of notable efforts in representative sport. Mia P did very well to make the 13-19 years Qld State Merit Squad after representing the MetWest region at the state school swimming trials. Euan F has excelled in Judo where he made the Qld State team to compete at National Schools Championship for Judo later this year. District and regional representatives for Term 2 are shown below:

Northern Eagles District

• Veeksha V – Tennis
• Milan S – Tennis
• Ella K – Cross Country

MetWest Region

• Maya S – Soccer
• Brandon L – Touch football
• Navreet K – Volleyball
• Ruby L – Volleyball
• Bruno R – Volleyball

Perhaps the most pleasing sport result was the Open Boys cricket team who won their gala day final in a nail bitter. They then went on to win the South East Qld Metropolitan final. This effectively means they are the best State School cricket team in South East Qld – well done!

Mr Sean Conway, Sports Coordinator

Curriculum – Year 8 and 10 Spotlight
This term, our Year 8s entered the realm of personal training, learning about the fundamentals of fitness. Planning and imbedding a personalised training program was a challenging way to emphasise the importance of fitness in many facets of their life, now and in the future.

In our Diploma Preparation Program, students have been getting a small taste of what it’s like to conduct research in the context of sport, health and exercise. They have been conducting field research on concepts surrounding components of fitness, sports psychology and nutrition. Completing research which will be compiled in a culminating project provides excellent preparation for the coming years, whilst engaging students in collaboration and communication skills that can be used beyond the classroom.

Overall, Term 2 was a great term for our MYP, DPP and DP students! 

Yanah Floridis, Head of Department Education Outside the Classroom

Duke of Ed and Bridge Camp
Students involved in both the Duke of Ed and Bridge Programs took part in an overnight adventure journey at Stanley River this term. It was a really great practice journey. On Day 1, 14 students went canoeing and 11 on Day 2. We had two glorious days of sunshine although it was freezing on early Sunday morning. We had a camp fire that took half an hour to light as there was a challenge for who could start the fire with one single match (great inquiry/problem based learning activity). The students developed their canoeing and navigation skills over the two days; taking four hours to cover 6.5km on the first day then four hours to cover 12km on the second day. Overall, we were very impressed with their resilience and determination to finish this journey, as it wasn’t an easy one!

Megan Fordham and Matthew Madigan, Bridge and Duke of Ed Coordinators

From the House Dean of Agnesi

Winter has arrived in a short sharp burst and with it comes the end of Term 2. This is a fitting time to reflect on all the things that have been working well in Agnesi House during the term. It is always a worthwhile exercise to reflect on what has gone well, not only for Agnesi House, but also in our own lives and to realise that we are very fortunate.    

Agnesi House – QASMT Athletics Carnival Winners 2021
Agnesi House is the proud winner of the first/inaugural Athletics Carnival that has featured all eight Houses for the first time, and the first time the full school cohort of Year 7-12 students has participated. This is a tremendous achievement for Agnesi as we have not historically been known as the sporty House! Congratulations to every single member of the House for their participation, encouragement and determination, and their Agnesi 'zest'. There were numerous individual personal bests which, combined with year level triumphs in various events, helped contribute to this mighty victory. A huge thank you to Lachlan and Joel, our House Captains, the House InStep mentors for their support (who by the way looked particularly coordinated in their new House hats and shirts, below) and the Agnesi House Ambassadors for maintaining Agnesi focus throughout the day and showing that together the wolf pack can win.

Sustainability Week
The Agnesi House winning streak continued into Week 8 with an overall win in the Sustainability Fashion Parade competition. Agnesi InStep mentors and a dedicated bunch of InStep students worked together to produce eight individually designed and constructed creations. The entries had to adhere to some strict criteria to ensure House points were awarded. All eight Agnesi InSteps scored crucial House points. The judges were particularly impressed with Mr Ishii’s INA06’s entry; an intricate, yet subtle design, incorporating dozens of origami cranes attached to a sculptural foundation. This creation was modelled with aplomb by Charlie T, assisted by Kathy L. Way to go Agnesi!

Agnesi students in Year 8 PEP lessons have spent the term investigating how our day-to-day actions can have long-term impacts on the environment. Topics investigated included: the impact of overfishing on ocean life, use of used coffee grounds as fertiliser and how the planting of native trees can provide food to support native bird populations.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me via email adavi581@eq.edu.au.

Aileen Davis, House Dean Agnesi

From the House Dean of Curie

Wow, doesn’t time pass quickly!  

It only feels like a few weeks ago that the school year was beginning and we were welcoming our new Year 7 and 10 cohorts. Semester 1 is almost done and dusted, students are working hard to complete their final assessment items and staff, students and parents are looking forward with anticipation to the much needed upcoming winter break. Term 2 has almost burst at the seams, jammed packed with plenty of activities for students to immerse themselves in. It has been thrilling to see the students participating in the vast array of activities that are on offer and taking the time to pursue pleasures outside of the classroom and academic arena. Well done everyone on a great Semester! It has been fantastic to see you being risk-takers, getting involved and pushing your personal boundaries.

Athletics Carnival………and……….War Cry!
After the restrictions of 2020, it was fantastic to have a physical Athletics Carnival replacing the virtual event that took place last year. The day was full of colour, excitement, energy and an array of activities for the students to participate in. To start the day and give students an opportunity to showcase their House spirit, each House performed their war cry to a panel of judges. I am extremely proud to say that Curie won the war cry and rightfully regained our crown as war cry champions. Since the 2019 Athletics Carnival, Curie has won four out of five competition - unbelievable! Richard N and Sana S did an outstanding job. Along with their House Ambassadors, they worked to bring the House together, teach the new chorography and enable the House to stand proudly before the school to deliver a polished performance.

Once the war cry competition had finished, each year level worked their way through numerous activities such as dodgeball, shotput, 100m sprints, vortex throwing, long jump and tug-of-war. The weather was delightful, the students’ faces were gleaming and it was a very successful day for Curie. Thank you to everyone who participated and turned up decked out in pink! Although Curie came seventh in the carnival, winning the war cry and placing second in attendance, with 91% of the House taking part, many House points were added to our tally.

Athletics Carnival (by Jessica I, Year 8)
The Athletics Carnival was a fantastic day full of spirit and teamwork. It was really nice to have a break from our classes and spend time having fun with our peers. Some highlights of athletics day were tug-of-war, dodge ball and the war cry. When competing in these activities with my fellow Year 8 Curians, we showed great resilience and communication when competing against other Houses. Although we did not win in the athletics components, with Curie’s House spirit, we were able to win the war cry and come second in participation. Let’s go Curie!

Student Leadership Team Report (by Sana S on behalf of the Curie Student Leadership Team)
Term 2 was very eventful for Curie. The term was full of different House competitions in which Curie participated. There was consistent participation in dodgeball, the Mario Kart competition and the House collage competition. Then in Week 6, there was the Athletics Carnival. The whole Curie leadership team worked so hard towards the Athletics Carnival, reminding people to wear pink and constantly practicing the war cry. We made signs, practised lifts and made sure to keep running through the lyrics and dance moves with the rest of Curie. All the resilience and persistence definitely paid off when Curie won the war cry. Directly after the war cry, InSteps started piecing together recycled materials and refurbishing them into outfits. Walking into InStep 8 and seeing them collectively crush and string cans together was definitely a sight that exemplifies their victory. InSteps and their teachers really got into the House spirit for the Sustainable Fashion Parade and it was amazing to see our models so decked out. This last term has been a lot of fun, and Curie has definitely pulled off some great wins. The Curie Leadership Team can’t wait to see what Curie will achieve next term and are so proud of the war cry win.

Year 11 Camp
Making time for our students to come together as cohorts, to make new connections and strengthen existing relationships while trying new experiences outside of the classroom, is an essential part of each students’ journey.  The Year 11 cohort scaled the northern range and spent a few days at Mapleton for their leadership camp. The aim of the camp was to challenge each individual to step outside their comfort zone and consider how they are going to impact their school community as they become the leaders of the school next year. It was delightful to be able to take a break from the business of the school program and have fun. Thank you to Dani and Khush for sharing their camp experience.

In Week 7, in the midst of a busy Term 2, the Year 11 cohort was whisked away to Mapleton Camp, a lovely natural retreat on the Sunshine Coast. Although we all felt the burden of pending IAs and upcoming exams, as soon as we entered camp the pressure was slowly taken off our shoulders. We were soon distracted by the many fun activities, such as rock-climbing, abseiling, canoeing, the flying-fox, giant games, team-initiative activities, archery, and even had a cosy movie night. The delicious meals were always welcome after a long day, and allowed us to reflect upon the experiences of the day with our friends. Camp allowed us to reconnect with friends, look away from school work for a short break, and simply relax. I can safely say that many of us stepped out of our comfort zone, took risks, learnt new things, and most of all, made memories that we will cherish forever.
Dani S

Fun. Laughter. And the chilly evenings. These three phrases best summarise the experiences at camp this year. We abseiled, rock-climbed, canoed, tried archery, and even swam! But most of all, we made memories that will be forever etched in our lives as our last camp while at school. I remember the time when we did team initiatives and played various games challenging our teamwork. As this was my group’s first activity, we were reluctant to engage with other members whom we don’t normally talk to. Ultimately, we failed some challenges the first few times due to our lack of communication. However, by the third or fourth round, we could clearly identify where we were going wrong and implemented a strategy to overcome the challenge. This lesson stuck with me because I learnt that failure may be inevitable at times but what matters is how you react to it. Getting back up may seem hard but in the end, it will always work out. In addition, we have a fantastic cohort and teachers at QASMT to help us get through difficult times which I am very grateful for.
Khush P

Sustainable Fashion Parade
A key and much-loved event on the inter-House calendar, the annual fashion parade took place this year in Sustainability Week. In the past, the fashion parade has been aligned with the Melbourne Cup and has taken place on the first Tuesday in November. With the school’s focus on becoming carbon neutral and single use plastic free by 2023, the fashion parade presented the perfect opportunity for the school community to reflect on our daily practices and discuss how we can make small changes and reduce our footprint. The event took place on Thursday 10 June and the courtyard came alive as the models strutted their way along the catwalk. Look out Gucci, Chanel and Dior, and move aside Louis Vuitton! QASMT’s creativity came to the fore and was on display for all to see! The outfits which were created in InSteps were flashy, creative and hilarious. Well done to each InStep for working together and producing some high quality outfits. 

Congratulations to Year 12 student, Hayden G, who has been selected to represent Australia as part of the Earth Science Olympiad Team.

Hayden received excellent results in the Earth Science, Physics and Chemistry Olympiad exams in the Earth Science Olympiad Summer School in January. After being shortlisted for the team in February and completing additional course work, exams and projects, we are very excited to announce that Hayden has passed the final selection process.

Holidays – a time to relax, refresh and reconnect
I want to wish everyone well for the upcoming holidays. Balance is one of the IB Learner attributes and I believe the holidays provide a great opportunity for our students to prioritise activities that may have taken a back seat, when there was the pressure of exams and assessment. Make the most of the break and spend quality time with loved ones, doing the things you enjoy most.

I look forward to seeing you all again next term. 
If you need to contact me please don’t hesitate to do so at dfann6@eq.edu.au

Yours in pink,
Dean Fanning, House Dean Curie

From the House Dean of Da Vinci

Nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first understood -Leonardo Da Vinci

There were many firsts this term for all Da Vinci community members. Keeping with our Da Vinci spirit, we did not love or hate before we understood what each and every experience had in store for us. Instead, we demonstrated our Da Vinci flare by giving our all, participating and remaining open minded to the journey.

PEP Program
Year 7 students are studying Healthy Habits, linking the neuroscience behind sleep, stress and exercise on learning habits. Da Vinci Year 7s also won the % attendance prize for the Athletics Carnival and remain some of our most spirited members. Keep up the great work. Year 8 students completed their inquiry unit on Sustainability last week. Their ideas were innovative and well presented, students completed a gallery walk where they presented their ideas to their peers, fellow House Deans and leadership. Year 9 students displayed acts of gratitude towards staff members. Each PEP class was provided with a list of staff and faculty, and students were tasked with creating gestures of gratitude. I was very proud of the effort and authenticity that our Year 9s displayed in this activity. Year 10 students worked on procrastination leading into exams. Our Da Vinci Year 10s have been some of our best attendees at House events and athletically very competitive. We look forward to seeing their leadership qualities shine next Semester. Year 11 students have been reviewing camp and preparing for leadership applications. Through CAS projects, many of our Da Vinci students have had opportunities to display quality leadership skills and positively impact their entire QASMT community through the Sustainable Fashion Parade and Crazy Sock Day. Year 12 students have completed their third CAS interview and are working towards completing this requirement.

Da Vinci Participates
Athletics Carnival – The PE department organised a full day event,  which was packed with new and exciting events. Da Vinci Year 12s, despite being runners up in tug-of-war, should be commended on an amazing display of spirit and effort. Our Year 11s won their age group, a great sign of things to come next year. Our sprinters were impressive and many of us lost our voice cheering them on. Thank you to all our students and staff for the sea of green, fun and excitement.

War Cry – As Mr Thompson said, you gave it 110%. Congratulations to our captains and ambassadors for making practice fun and engaging. This term, we started something new with our war cry and I look forward to building on this in the years to come.

Sustainable Fashion – Da Vinci House placed fifth overall with their impressive boat inspired fashion item. This project was very successful in teaching us about sustainable items and brought us together in InSteps. A big shout out to all Da Vinci Year 11s who organised an impressive event.

Arts Showcase - A perfect Friday night out, with student performances, creative writing, art and the P&C bbq all under fairy lights at QASMT. I enjoyed identifying self-portraits, interpreting mystical animal creatures and rocking out with the opening act, Yijing and her band. Well done to all our performers.

Year 11 Camp
Our Year 11 students attended the QCCC Mapleton Camp for three days. The camp was impressive and the staff provided us with wonderful activities, food and even an all-day fire to keep us warm! Highlights of the camp included the brave teachers and students who risked the freezing pool, the archery competitions and watching students attempt to hide a chicken while racing towards a finishing line. With all the fun and excitement, many of our Year 11s provided feedback on the opportunities they had to display and improve their leadership qualities. I look forward to helping the Year 11s with their leadership applications in Term 3.

I wish all the Da Vinci staff, students and parents a relaxing and energising holiday.

Yours in green,

Stacy Wallace-Cunningham, House Dean Da Vinci

From the House Dean of Franklin

Well done completing Term 2 Franklin House! It is great to see the consistent commitment to Academy life across all year levels.

I am privileged to have witnessed the cooperation between Franklinites young and old on the sporting field and the fashion runway this term. Our Year 12s have continued submitting IAs and have often been the recipients of extra support from our wonderful teaching staff. Prior planning and scheduling time for assessment tasks will always hold you in good stead.

Athletics Carnival
The Franklin war cry for the carnival set the standard for the other Houses. It was great to see our leaders in action after many war cry rehearsals within our House. The other Houses will never forget that ‘winning is in our DNA’ after such a spirited performance. Franklin was leading the point total throughout the day until Agnesi committed a stellar performance in the relays, the final event of the day. Certainly a solid foundation to build points on for next year’s Athletics Carnival.

Well done to the following year levels that demonstrated the highest Franklin attendance.

These Franklin cohorts won their age group category overall for points! An exceptional job and certainly explains our overall place of second for the Athletics Carnival. Well done.

Year 8
It was great to see Year 8 PEP present their infographics addressing the UN goals for sustainability this term. It is vital to raise awareness regarding improvements that can be made in our everyday lives to ensure we are the change we want to see in the world. To the right, is a fine example of the high standard of work that was presented at the recent infographic gallery walk.

Year 11
This year, students and staff attended the three day camp at QCCC Mapleton, on the Sunshine Coast. This was a great opportuniy for students to get to know each other better as well as exercise leadership. It was great to see the positive culture and communication between students and 'Show Respect' the QASMT way. Some activities required students to conquer their fears and it was great to see students encouraging one another.

I hope that everyone takes a well deserved break over the holidays and will be refreshed and full of energy for Term 3.

Ross Bray, House Dean Franklin

From the House Dean of Hawking

Half way through the school year… how fast has that gone?! Hawking has EXCELLED this term, I could not be prouder of you all. There are a huge number of things to be celebrated! Well done!  

Hawking Olympics
We started off the term with each InStep submitting their ‘Spirit Animal’. They had to decide upon an animal (real or fictional!) which best represents their InStep. I wasn’t sure how engaged students were going to be, but I was blown away by their creativity and engagement. It was a fantastic way for me to get to know the InStep a little better as well. 

Pancake Breakfast
What better way to start the day than with a pancake?! Students who finished Term 1 with 97+% attendance were treated to a pancake at the start of the term. I definitely took some learnings from this in regards to my measurements and quantities. This initiative will be continuing into Term 3, so will be another opportunity for me to reward you!

Athletics Carnival
Athletics Carnival was a HUGE event for Hawking House! It was our opportunity to turn up and show everyone what we were made of. You did a great job! We knew we would have it tough defending our war cry title and we lost out by one point to Curie, but Hawking, you were FANTASTIC! We had the best attendance (by far) on the day, which gave us a boost of House points. In terms of the actual events, I spent the day running round to each rotation and year level but I always found myself back at the tug-of-war. The reason? Because Hawking were DOMINATING! Out of six year levels, Hawking placed first or second in five of the competitions!

Overall we placed third which is OUTSTANDING! We were also the only House to place top three in all components (war cry, attendance and participation), which is SUPERB! Athletics Carnival was a big day but it didn’t finish there! We then had the Junior Dance which saw students dancing to the neon theme and having fun with some games.

House Charity – Eat Up
Last year we launched our House Charity – Eat Up. Eat Up is a charity which focuses on providing lunch to students whose families are unable to do so. One of the fantastic things about this charity is that rather than a gold coin donation, students are able to take part in a service event. We had our second event this year in Week 7 with our Year 9s and 12s taking part. It was perfect timing for these students with the Year 12s completing CAS and the Year 9s working on Service to Others in PEP. Thank you so much Year 9 and 12 for helping students less fortunate than yourselves.

Year 11 Camp (by Sophia R, Year 11 Ambassador)
In Week 7 of Term 2, Year 11s had the opportunity to go on camp. This camp acted as a means to develop leadership ability within the cohort. We participated in a variety of activities, including; archery, rock climbing, canoeing, abseiling, flying fox and team initiative. These activities enabled students - such as myself - to form new friendships and bonds with other students. Personally, I enjoyed the team initiative and flying fox activities, as it gave myself and others opportunities to express ourselves, learn in a new environment and stray outside our comfort zones. A highlight of this camp was definitely movie night and of course, the food. Despite being split into ten groups, a large portion of each day was spent in whole grade activities and free time, allowing for friendships to develop outside the school environment. Overall, camp was an invaluable opportunity to relax, amidst our assignments and upcoming exam block.

Sustainability Week
Sustainability Week was a big focus for the term with Year 8s working hard in their PEP lessons to complete research and present ideas based upon the UN sustainable development goals. There were some fantastic ideas expressed, with some real merit too. Outside of PEP, InSteps were working hard on their sustainable fashion item for the parade. Hawking you blew me away! Each design was beautiful and so many staff commented on how well you had done. A big congratulations to INH08 who made it through to the final round with their moon and astronaut design – I loved it! 

Tiger of the Term
Tiger of the Term is an initiative exclusive to Hawking House and is awarded to one junior student and one senior student each term. Students nominate one another via the suggestion box and I was inundated with nominations! It made choosing so difficult, but I am pleased to announce that the Junior Tiger of the Term went to Year 7 student Isabella H (INH04) for kindness. Our Senior Tiger of the Term is Year 12 student Der-An C (INH02) who was nominated for always turning up to every House event and for supporting all students during these. Such fantastic qualities, well done Bella and Der-An!

Do you want to be Tiger of the Term in Term 3? Think about how you can impress those around you!

Should you need anything please do not hesitate to contact me on rbrow477@eq.edu.au or extension number 382.

Rebecca Parker, House Dean Hawking  

From the House Dean of Hollows

What a busy Term 2 has been at QASMT!  A flurry of events and activities have occurred, and below is the summary of some highlights of the mighty Hollows Hawks House.  

Dodgeball Semi Finalists
Back in Week 2 of the term, the mighty Hawks did not make the grand final of the senior or junior inter-House dodgeball competitions, as they were narrowly defeated in the semi-finals. All players however, have sworn to train intensively over the holidays to be in tip top shape for the Term 3 inter-House Competition – Ultimate Disc!

House Charity – The Fred Hollows Foundation
This term, a group of Year 11 Hollows students (Kanak, Nic, Tiedan, Ali, John and Lisanth) were charged with the responsibility of planning and coordinating an educational campaign charity fundraiser for our House. In assemblies, they educated the Hollows students on the important work that the Fred Hollows Foundation does domestically and internationally. They encouraged all students to pledge an amount toward this important cause, setting a House target of around $180. Raising this amount of money would mean that 7/8 disadvantaged people could receive much-needed eye surgery. On Tuesday of Week 4 however, when the students collected and totalled all of the pledged money, the Hollows students had smashed that target, bringing in $776! This means our House will help 30 people have the important eye corrective surgery that they desperately need. Very well done to the students for initiating this collection, and a huge thank you to all Hollows students for supporting the Fred Hollows Foundation.  

House Games – Cup Stacking Champion - Amber W
In an effort to promote engagement and participation this term, the Hollows Ambassadors organised and ran an intra-InStep cup stacking championship. Over two days, there were some fast and furious rounds within the InSteps, providing a great laugh for all. After a nail biting semi-final between Amber W and Kayla M, the honour of the 'Hollows Cup Stacking Champion' for 2021 went to Amber W.  Well done Amber!

Chess Master - Kanak R 
Hollows has its own Chess Master! Kanak R competed in an inter-school chess competition with a team from QASMT, where they performed admirably and placed fairly well. As an individual though, Kanak placed third overall in the inter-school Chess competition, achieving a bronze medal for his efforts in this competition. Well done Kanak. 

Zonta Young Woman in Public Affairs – Andrea F
Andrea F has been serving the Zonta association for several years now and through her willing participation and practical work, has won an award - 'Young Woman in Public Affairs'. The award includes an all-expenses paid trip to Mackay for two nights as she will be a keynote speaker at a conference of over 200 women from around Australia. Andrea's presentation will be about the important role of Zonta and empowering women. Very well done Andrea.

Athletics Carnival – Fourth Place Hollows
The mighty fighting Hollows Hawks finished fourth this year in the annual Athletics Carnival. There were some gallant performances achieved on the dodgeball courts, in the long jump pit, the tug-of-war field and sprint races. Our Hawks placed very well in all of these events. Fourth place, out of eight Houses, was our final result for the day. Looking to next year however, each Hollows Hawk has committed to a solid 12 months of training, so we come back fitter and stronger for Athletics Carnival 2022.  

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Year 11 Camp
Our Year 11 Camp was a highlight this term with a focus on leadership, togetherness and engagement. The students had a great time doing activities such as canoeing, archery, abseiling, flying fox, rock climbing and team initiative challenges. The food was great and all students were able to try an activity that they had never done before. Many times, the external camp instructors at Mapleton, commented positively on how well our students got in and gave things a go. Thank you students for a great camp.  

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Sustainable Fashion Parade
Once again a highlight on the calendar was the annual Sustainability Fashion Parade where all InSteps design, build and assemble a piece of fashion for an elected model to wear on the catwalk. A judging panel awards points for creative design and sustainability themes. Very well done Hollows for your creativity and fashionable designs, and I hear many fashion magnates in Milan, London, Paris and New York are wanting to promote your lines in stores next season! 

Year 8 Sustainability Projects
In Year 8 Positive Education this term, students were working with the theme of sustainability and had to work in teams to design an infographic that highlighted a problem of a limited resource. They then had to propose a simple  and cost effective solution for the problem. Each team showed tremendous creativity and common sense in solving  their problems and I look forward to hearing more from these budding entrepreneurs in the future. 

Year 10 Teamwork
In Year 10 Positive Education, the themes emphasised included maximising study timetables and organisation. A real highlight occurred when groups of Year 12 students came into Year 10 lessons to share with them tips and strategies that were subject specific. They inspired, motivated and encouraged the Year 10s to implement successful habits and structure as they continue into their senior diploma journey. Teamwork has been a side focus in Pos Ed, and one of the brain breaks we had in Hollows, was a series of team challenges with the highlight being the ladder climb. Devan and Dishan represented their teams admirably in this battle, and I'm looking forward to further battles next semester. 

Year 7 Debating – Hollows Versus Hollows
What a sensational term of debating the Year 7s and 8s have had. Hollows entered two teams into the inter-House debating competition and after defeating all the other Houses in the rounds, found themselves competing against each other in the grand final. Congratulations to Siddharth, Aiyana, Angelica, Bianca, Prabha, Krithika and Haniyah for a great term of making solid arguments.   

Year 9 Pos Ed Service Projects
Year 9s have been searching for purpose, motivation and happiness in their Pos Ed lessons this term and one of the practical highlights has involved the Year 9s forming teams and undertaking mini service projects of kindness and gratitude to staff members in their House and school. The Year 9 teams have creatively made and distributed cupcakes, brownies, coffee and cake, soft drinks and strawberries dipped in chocolate. The students also designed and made cards of thanks to accompany the edible delights, which well and truly made the staff members day. These random acts of kindness help remind students of the importance of showing gratitude as 'service to others really matters'. Well done Year 9.  

Thank you Hollows for a great Term 2. Have an enjoyable holiday break and see you next term. Please don’t hesitate to email me at mjcol3@eq.edu.au if you have any concerns or questions. 

Michael Colquhoun, House Dean of Hollows

From the House Dean of Jackson

Term 2 has seen our ‘newbies’ become part of the Jackson House furniture, as our students have fully settled in to Academy life.

From inter-House competitions, intra-House competitions, activities for House points and activities for Jackson InStep points, Term 2 has seen enormous growth in Jackson House spirit.

Our term started off with our ‘flag design’ competition. As a new House, the students were tasked with designing our flag which visually represents us as a House. Designs needed to include Mary Jackson and our phoenix mascot. We thank the large number of students who put forward designs on which we recently voted. I can now announce a very big congratulations to Justin K and Evelyn G who designed our winning design! The idea behind their flag is for Mary Jackson’s silhouette and our phoenix mascot to be looking forward into the future, striving for a better, more peaceful world.

Jackson has worked very hard as a community to snare some more House points! Although we didn’t do as well as we’d hoped in the war cry, some individual victories in sprints, and team victories in the tug-of-war, as well as the final relays on Athletics Day, led us to coming fifth overall! Thank you to all of those that attended and participated as this also contributed to our large bag of House points!

In Week 8, our school community celebrated everything sustainable and all InSteps were involved in creating a fashion item made from only sustainable materials. A group of our globally-minded Year 11s then ran a very successful fashion parade where our models paraded their beautiful creations, as part of the House competition, in front of a panel with an eye-for-detail. From sustainable fairy phoenixes to totally recyclable robots, Jackson was very well represented.

A warm congratulations to Mr Leong’s InStep, INJ05, for being Jackson’s finalist and for coming third overall!

On top of all our inter-House events for House points, Jackson juniors remain unbeaten in the Battle of The Houses for a variety of voluntary House competitions. Having won volleyball in Term 1, they then went on to win dodgeball and our House collage competition! Goooo Jackson! But it is not just in House events that we participate and engage, Jackson students received the highest number of positive postcards which are rewarded for attributes such as kindness, curiosity and being balanced. What a gifted group of students we have on our hands and I look forward to seeing what they leave as a legacy to the Academy and to Jackson.

Speaking of legacy, Year 11s adventured in Mapleton this term on the Year 11 Camp aimed at developing positive leadership qualities in our students. It was great to see the students working together, whether it be in archery, trivia or team initiatives. They certainly understand what it takes to be a great leader and I am excited to read the applications for the future House Captains of Jackson!

I wish you and your families a restful break over this winter holiday - have some mindful moments, take time to appreciate those and the world around us and keep warm!

Victoria Snell, House Dean Jackson

From the House Dean of Newton

As Term 2 draws to a close, it is great to reflect on what has been an eventful and productive term. Engagement and House spirit were highly evident across all year groups and has resulted in several key achievements for our House.  

House Charity - Miracle Babies Foundation
It has been inspiring to see groups of students during InStep displaying their 'caring learner profile' to crochet beanies in support of our House charity. I acknowledge the effort and donations received so far and I encourage students to continue crocheting over the break. Every beanie counts!

Positive Education Update
The Positive Education Program (PEP) continues to teach our students the skills to flourish through the lens of positive psychology. Students in Years 7-11 have engaged in lessons focusing on practising empathy, sustainable initiatives, organisation and leadership skills, using character strengths to support authenticity and engagement. The Year 9 students, in particular, took part in actionable services and students in groups across all Houses presented gifts as a sign of gratitude to all teachers at the Academy.

Education Outside of the Classroom - Year 11 Camp
Skills taught in PEP classes were put to the test outside the classroom, as the Year 11 students travelled up to the Sunshine Coast for three days of outdoor fun and adventure. With several activities such as archery, rock climbing, canoeing and team building initiatives to name a few, the camp was a great opportunity for our senior students to hone their skills of independence, communication and risk-taking to prepare them for leadership roles next year. It was fun-filled, enjoyable and a highly successful camp.

House Captain Reports

From Chloe A, Year 12 House Captain
In Semester 1, Newton went above and beyond in inter-House events and made our House proud with their participation. The most notable success this term was our senior students taking home the trophy in the dodgeball competition. This created a great positive culture going into other events, especially for our Year 12 Newton cohort who had a 100% attendance at the Athletics Carnival. Although we didn’t end up victorious at the Carnival, it was still remarkable to see a sea of blue on the day and we came away with third place in the war cry competition, which the house worked passionately on throughout the term. Outside of the classroom and on the sporting field, our House has also been working hard on giving back to the community with our service initiative for the Miracle Babies Foundation. As a House, we’ve crocheted many woollen beanies for premature babies, and we hope to do even more next term. 

From Dominic J, Year 9 House Captain
This term Newton House has been striding forwards in our achievements. Our war cry and participation levels at the Athletics Carnival and the Sustainable Fashion Parade, have been outstanding. Everyone was there to win, and their efforts especially showed in our war cry placing and we will be hungrier for the win next year. Just recently, all of the InSteps created recyclable masterpieces to enter into the Sustainable Fashion Parade. We were extremely successful and were able to have INN01 come away with second place. Thanks to all of the Newton students for the past six months, we could not be prouder of you and your efforts so far. 

Congratulations

• Callum L (Year 10) and Elizabeth L (Year 9), received honourable mentions at the Australian Mathematical Olympiad and Shayan A (Year 10) came first in the Metropolitan West Maths competition.
• Athletics Carnival - Mati S (Year 9) came first in the 100m sprints, Lana W (Year 10) first in the long jump and Maria B (Year 12) received first place in the shot put.
• Mia P represented Queensland at the National Swimming Championships held on the Gold Coast.
• Habel S and Hannah R (Year 7), Daniel L (Year 8) and Ethan P (Year 10) received awards for the EP Languages Championships 2021.
• INN08 won the Newton InStep Champions trophy. 

Farewell
We bid farewell to Ms Moyse as she leaves the Academy at the end of this term. A valuable and proactive staff member of Newton house, Ms Moyse will be missed in particular by her InStep group 2. We wish her the very best in her future endeavours.

The saying, ‘you only get out what you put in’ is so true, as our Year 9-12 students faced exam block this week. To achieve personal growth and success in exams, students were encouraged to be organised, compile study notes, reflect on teacher feedback and maintain a solid home revision program.

It has been a delightful and memorable term and I wish you all a well deserved break. A reminder that Term 3 is full formal uniform (blazers for all students and opaque black stockings when wearing the formal uniform skirt). Return refreshed and prepared for next term, and in particular, our Year 12 students who will be completing their very last school term.

"Self-Belief and hard work will always earn you success." - Virat Kohli

GO NEWTON!

Deva Prasad, House Dean Newton

From the Guidance Officers

From the Guidance Officer (Career Planning)

Term 2 has once again provided many opportunities to support students with their future planning and personal development. We have farewelled Mrs Chantel Mageros and thank her for her time here in the guidance role. We wish Mrs Mageros well with her future plans. I will update you next term on the members of our Student Support Team (SST).

During Term 2, our students have accessed various career education initiatives.  All students were invited to engage with our lunch box sessions with a focus on  the career of engineering this term. We are very grateful to Associate Professor Dr Zuduo Zheng and Dr Lisa Ottenhaus from the University of Queensland who presented the opportunities in their fields and offered individual support to our students. Their insights were informative and valuable, assisting students with their career research and planning.

Our Year 9 and 10 students have participated in planning activities leading to their Senior Education and Training (SET) plans. All Year 10 students have completed this process with their individual SET plan interviews occuring earlier this term. The Year 9 students participated in a focussed event on the last day of term leading towards their interviews later in Term 3. All Year 11 students attended the inaugural UQ Career Pulse event, choosing from many electives to engage with, from various faculties and career fields, while experiencing a day of university life. Most of our Year 12 students have now completed their pathways interview, each receiving individual support with their planning for their futures after secondary school.

Looking ahead to the holidays and the beginning of Term 3, below are some key opportunities to record in your diaries.

UQ Junior Physics Odyssey, 29 September to 1 October
Hear from our researchers, meet with current students and explore diverse topics in this 3-day program for Year 10 students. You'll meet like-minded people while participating in an exciting range of hands-on physics experiments and workshops.

Griffith University Tour
During these school holidays, you may wish to visit Griffith University's campuses and facilities with a tour of the Gold Coast, Nathan or South Bank campus. Led by current GU students, you'll get a first-hand look at their lecture theatres, teaching rooms and state-of-the-art facilities. Tours will run from Monday 28 June to Friday 9 July between 10am–3.30pm. Bookings are essential and COVID-19 restrictions will apply. 

Options Career Bulletin
The latest edition of the Options Career Bulletin is below, containing many updates, links and ideas to help with pathway preparation. Be sure to have a look and take note of any points of interest.

Wishing you all a restful semester break. 

Katrina Judge, Guidance Officer (Career Planning)

From Instrumental Music

The efforts of our Instrumental Music students and teachers were displayed at our evening concert on 21 May in the Auditorium.  Thank you to our supportive families for transporting students to rehearsals throughout the term.

Over a full length show, the enthusiastic audience were treated to the high energy of strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion both on stage and on the floor to accommodate our larger ensembles. Opening with the robust percussion ensemble, the concert showcased a wide range of repertoire to ensure students were challenged whilst having fun. Many thanks to our P&C for offering coffee, tea and cake. Our production team requires a special mention including our captains and ambassadors who were supported by our astute Mr Lee Baker who goes above and beyond to ensure our events run smoothly. The appreciative audience provided important feedback so we encourage all to attend our next event in September, where we will also include groups from our regular Instrumental Music lessons that occur on a weekly basis. Please mark in your diary our final concert for the year – Thursday 2 September 2021. Congratulation to all our students who participated in SHEP this term at the Queensland Conservatorium.  We also have QASMT students in MOST and CGEN in June – July.  

Gregory Thompson, Instrumental Music Coordinator
gdtho0@@eq.edu.au

From Sustainable Futures

Term 3 was a huge term for sustainability at QASMT, with numerous new initiatives and events. 

Firstly, we celebrated World Bee Day with a non-uniform day where students and staff dressed in yellow and black, taste-tested honey from our very own beehive, and visited a poster presentation in the Research Centre to develop awareness of the impact of bees on our environment. 

We then saw a significant change in the Refectory. The use of re-usable bowls has been extended so that staff and students buying hot food can use a proper bowl, eat their lunch and return it to the Refectory. We have also introduced lunch boxes into the Flexischools program so students with pre-ordered meals can enjoy their warn meal in a container and return it once finished. This initiative significantly reduces waste for the school and provides a fantastic proper meal to our school community during their day.

We also had the opportunity this term to connect with our local community by participating the World Environment Day stall ran by Councillor James Mackay. This event brought together members of the local community and Brisbane City Council to raise awareness of environmental issues and how people can make changes within their own lives. We received two native plants for the Academy, thanks to Councillor Mackay. Our Sustainable Futures Captain and Ambassadors, the teachers who attended, and Ms Kayrooz had a fantastic time connecting with our community by sharing the positive efforts our Academy is making to support the environment.

Finally in Week 8, we celebrated our biggest event for the year! Sustainability Week! For this week, the Sustainable Futures Captain and Ambassadors, Plastic Oceans CCA and Biodiversity and the Environment CCA all came together to plan and run fun sustainability focussed events. Leading up to the celebrations, students researched and created incredible informative posters that were displayed all week in the Research Centre.

We ran events such as:

• a whole school assembly, with guest speaker, Dr Cassie Rauert from UQ;
• upcycling used jars by painting and decorating them;
• biodiversity themed face-painting with organic eco-friendly paints;
• reusable wax wrap making; and
• plastic and biodiversity themed kahoots. 

Finally, thanks to our Refectory for supporting our sustainability goals and even offering special vegetarian menus all throughout Sustainability Week! Thank you everyone who participated and supported us. The impact it is making on sustainability within our Academy is incredible and we can’t wait to see what comes next!

Greta Cabot, Sustainable Futures

From Corporate Services

School Marketing Team - Academy Promotional Filming
One of the most significant and exciting Term 2 projects for the Marketing Team was the planning, scripting, coordination and production of a full coverage Academy film, encompassing all that we do and offer our students here at QASMT. A day of filming also occured offsite with our UQ partners, including interviews with QASMT alumni, Samantha Nixon (Scientist in spider venom health research at the Institute for Molecular Biology, UQ), and UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Doune Mcadonald.

Close to 100 QASMT students, staff and parents, participated in the filming. Those of you courageous enough to be involved, our team hope you enjoyed being part of this important project and found the process of professional film-making interesting. In addition to the Executive Leadership voice over segments, all Heads of Department and our GO, were given the opportunity to record a 'piece to camera' explaining their faculty.

Whilst we haven't seen the first cut as yet, the hundreds of visitors to our campus during the Science Week Academy Tours in August will be the first audiences. This important digital asset for the Academy will be used for several years to come, to promote the wonderful educational experience offered by our Academy, and to raise the QASMT brand profile in Brisbane, Queensland and beyond. The images below provide a flavour of a few of the film sets.

Best wises to all Academy families and staff, we look forward to another busy term ahead after the winter break.

School Marketing Team - Kirsten Smallcombe, Alice England, Katie Casey

Refectory/Tuckshop
The Refectory/Tuckshop is open every school day from 7.00am to 3.00pm. We recommend students jump the queue and order online through Flexischool. Click here to log in or register a new account for Flexischool 

The Corporate Services Team values feedback about our facilities, so if you or your child has anything to report or advise, please email facilitiesrequest@qasmt.eq.edu.au.

Corporate Services Team - Sharon Prentice and Kelli Gallagher

From the P&C

Message from the P&C President

Term 2 was very eventful for the QASMT P&C Association!

In April, as a school community, the P&C put all our energy towards sending a strong message to the State Government that our beautiful school should remain at its current location. After a successful media rally, several interviews on radio and TV, and a massive 4125 signatures for our petition, we made our voices heard. A great bit a news followed... Minister Grace Grace confirmed that QASMT was not considered appropriate for the new primary school location. A big win for our children and a great example of the community coming together with a united message. Huge thanks goes out to all involved.

The P&C received more good news!

After many years of lobbying for a dedicated bus service to QASMT, we now have the new S744 bus service starting on Monday 12 July, which will operate between Roma Street Bus Station and QASMT.

The morning service will depart the Roma Street Busway Station (Platform 2 at 7.25am) and collect passengers at King George Square Station, Cultural Centre Busway Station, Go Between Bridge, then travel via Coronation Drive connecting with train services at Toowong Village, and terminates at the Bywong Street bus stop.

The afternoon service will depart QASMT Bywong St at 3.30pm and travel via Toowong Village, Coronation Drive, Go Between Bridge, Cultural Centre Busway Station, King George Square Station and terminate at the Roma Street Busway Station. For more information about the bus network changes, please visit the TransLink website or phone 131230.

With the help of our very enthusiastic parent volunteers, our P&C Vice-President, Alwin Chan, organised refreshments for two successful events, the Instrumental Music Concert and the Arts Showcase. Everyone enjoyed the tasty food and baked goods.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support for our wonderful school.

Winand D’Souza, QASMT P&C President

QASMT P&C FUNDRAISING

The QASMT P&C would like to thank the sponsors below,
who pay to advertise their services at the back of our newsletters.
All advertising queries should be directed to the P&C via email (qasmtpandc@gmail.com).