Term Ahead - 18 February 2022

From the Senior Leadership Team

As we finally commence the long awaited 2022 school year, we extend a very warm welcome to all our new and returning families and trust you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer vacation. Our thoughts are with the many members of our community who have been unwell with Covid-19 or who have been isolating due to being household contacts. The impact of the pandemic continues to disrupt our lives, but we hope that you have been able to manage, with the love and support of your family and friends.

As always, we had the pleasure of meeting all our new Year 7 and 10 students who are embracing the QASMT culture and are quickly learning what it is like to be an IB learner.

We hope that postponed events will soon be back to face to face, and our Senior Leadership Team can once again share in the educational journey with you via events and special occasions. We look forward to building positive and supportive relationships with all of you in the upcoming year.

Starting a new school year is a time of optimism and excitement, combined with nervous anticipation. Whilst 2022 has begun with uncertainty and even some hesitation, our students and teachers are happy to be back.

When the future is uncertain, hope can seem lost. In her poem, “Every Day We Are Learning” American Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, reminds us:

‘Just like a skill or any art
We cannot possess hope without practicing it
It is the most fundamental craft we demand of ourselves.’

Reflecting on themes that surfaced in 2021, we note the value and importance placed on leading with humanity and hope. In 2022, our leadership team plans on teasing this out further, by foregrounding humanity and hope in leadership through our conversations and communications, our events, and our plans.

As a community, what could be the focus of our hope? More importantly, as Gorman’s poem reminds us, how are we practising or actioning that craft of hope? During the student free program, our entire staff had the privilege of spending a whole professional development day with Dr Suzy Green at The Positivity Institute ensuring all our staff trained in positive psychology. We further enhanced our professional learning by launching our revised Wellbeing Framework, ‘Learning to Flourish, Flourishing to Learn.’ The Framework pulls together all facets from within our school culture that support wellbeing for our students and our staff. It also clearly articulates the role of each member of our community and provides teachers with a toolkit they can use to support wellbeing in the classroom and outside of the classroom.

During 2021, students and teachers had to adapt to the new norms, but amongst the confusion and at times angst, we were convinced that there is always a reason for hope. At this time last year, our Principal presented five actionable ideas to help our students start and sustain a positive school year. We have repeated them below.

1. Start with a Posture of Possibility
The media is heavily incentivised to make you think the world is falling apart. Yes, there are complexities and difficulties we need to face, but human potential has always found a way to thrive, regardless of circumstance. We have accomplished this by having a posture of possibility. We ask our community to start the school year with a posture of possibility and watch your infectiousness inspire those around you.

2. Start with Ambition
Ambition is a powerful force. Look at the greats; Serena Williams, Lebron James, Beyoncé or Malala Yousafzai. There was something in them that drove them to success. Watch them sing, play ball, or fight for a cause. Their dedication and diligence are like a firestorm. This fire inside does not light itself. Something on the inside must spark. A vision, a goal, a sense of purpose or calling must emanate from within. Do not hear the call and hide; heed it and be heroic. We ask our students to start the new year full of ambition to do something vital, important, and meaningful, rather than just coasting along. Our Principal has profound respect for Nelson Mandela. She particularly loves his philosophy of “I never lose, I either win or I learn.” Make that your mantra for 2022 and breathe life into your ambitions.

3. Start with an Intention to Fail
This seems like a funny way to start the new year; however, failure ensures learning. What would you do, even if you knew you would fail? Last year, our Principal inspired our students to embrace failure as the only real pathway to realise what you are capable of. Here is an enlightening, transcendent idea and one worth pondering, “The bad news is you’re falling through the air, nothing to hang on to, no parachute. The good news is there’s no ground.”  Chögyam Trungpa

4. Start to Frame your World in a way that is helpful
Where you sit determines what you see. In a large auditorium, each seat will give you a unique view of the stage. If both of us are sitting in the auditorium in completely different locations, you will see things I cannot see, but it does not mean that what you see is not real. Perspective is a mind-altering tool to shift our thinking.

5. Start by Being Present
When all you know is ‘busy,’ you start to feel like you need to resist taking time out to rest. The most difficult thing for most of us is to be present. Our smart devices distract us and take us away from what is close. We become so busy running/scrolling from one thing to another that we lose sight of the moment we are in. This moment, right here, is the only true moment. We cannot go back in our past or take a train to our future. This, right here, is the most important moment.

Congratulations to all our students who are taking on a leadership role this year and for accepting this responsibility with real enthusiasm. We look forward to the difference you will make in such an important role. You are role models for all our students and your guidance is beneficial in fortifying our school community. Please find below our student leaders for 2022.

QASMT HAS GROWN
Demand for places at QASMT continues to increase. Our enrolment is currently at 1258 students, with further demand for placements in 2023 and 2024. Our increase in student numbers necessitates an increase in teaching staff and I would like to formally introduce and welcome all our new teachers.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
We are incredibly proud of all our Year 12 graduates and their achievements last year. Their commitment to the IB program and QASMT ensures positive outcomes that herald the success of all students. The support of our staff network creates a healthy learning environment for our students and our teacher accessibility provides for students to achieve their personal best.

Playing a significant role in individual student guidance and success are our House Deans. Last year, our House Deans provided a vital role in tracking, monitoring, and coaching our students. Our Guidance Officers also worked with our students ensuring they were awarded their preferred QTAC preferences.

2021 marked a significant achievement for our students and we congratulate them all for the way in which they navigated a challenging year. They achieved the best results in 14 years, exceeding our targets for 40+ and 30+ (45% and 98% respectively). 100% of students attained an IB Diploma and QCE. We could not be prouder.

This year we are looking forward to developing our next five-year strategic plan. It is an exciting time for our school as we consider our core priorities, performance targets and critical success factors. We look forward to sharing our new plans throughout the year.

The safety, wellbeing, and duty of care of our students and school community remains our top priority. We thank you for your ongoing commitment and co-operation as we start the school year.

Please keep yourself updated through the Queensland Government website for requirements around COVID-19 and any implications they may have on your family, our students, and the school community.

While this is not the start to the new school year that we had planned and hoped for, I know our whole community will show the same respect, resilience and flexibility that has been the hallmark of our journey over the past two years.

​To our families who are starting their QASMT journey this year, we know you will find strength and comfort in these times of uncertainty as members of our wonderfully caring community.

Kath Kayrooz – Principal, Tanya Haggarty – Associate Principal Academic, Kerry Bullock – Associate Principal Teaching and Learning, Rebecca Skarshewski - Deputy Principal Performance, Sandra Davey - Deputy Principal Engagement

From the Director of Senior Years

A warm welcome to new and returning students and families. I would like to especially welcome our new Year 10 families to QASMT. I trust that your first official week of school was successful, and that you have begun to settle in to QASMT life. I remind you that your House Dean is your first point of contact should you have any queries or concerns.

Senior Years Curriculum and Assessment
While Year 11 students have just embarked on their IB Diploma journey, our Year 12 students will be in the full swing of their Internal Assessment, Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge draft outlines this term. An updated IBDP Assessment Guidance Handbook was emailed to Year 12 students and parents at the commencement of Term 1. Please refer to this, in conjunction with student assessment calendars which have also been emailed. A reminder to Year 12 students that effective time management, consistent study routines and a distraction free workspace at home are key ingredients for success at this stage of the Diploma Programme.

Spotlight on the IB – International-mindedness
Our QASMT vision, to provide “a world-class education that nurtures excellence and fosters global citizenship for an ever changing world” stems from the underlying foundation of all IB programmes – international-mindedness. “International-mindedness is an attitude of openness to, and curiosity about, the world and different cultures. Intercultural understanding involves recognizing and reflecting on one’s own perspective, as well as the perspectives of others.” (IBO, 2015)

At QASMT, the cultural diversity of our school community is incorporated and celebrated at every opportunity so that our students experience cultural diversity as normal. International-mindedness is not an isolated activity but integrated into our school culture. Our curriculum fosters global awareness by creating opportunities for students to explore their role in and their understanding of global issues both inside and outside the classroom context. By encouraging an interest and knowledge of local and global cultural contexts, the IB programmes promote respect for diverse cultural perspectives and an awareness of an individual’s ethical and sustainable impact on the world around them.

There is also a very close connection between international-mindedness and the IB learner profile. The 10 attributes of the IB learner profile underpin what it means to be internationally minded. The IB programmes therefore aim to equip young people not only with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful, but to also build capability and enthusiasm to help to create a better world.

Our biggest calendared event recognising international-mindedness is Harmony Week which is a special celebration of international and cultural diversity in our school. Watch out for communications about the week and scheduled events during the term.

Catherine de Freitas Pessoa, Director of Senior Years

From the Director of Middle Years

Welcome to 2022 at QASMT. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our new and returning families and trust you have had a relaxing and enjoyable summer vacation. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as Deputy Principal Middle Years. As a lifelong learner, I am looking forward to immersing myself in QASMT IB culture and community. Assisting students in achieving life goals underpins my personal educational philosophy and I am looking forward to supporting your student holistically and aligning both their academic achievements and positive wellbeing.

This term promises to be a time of great change for both our incoming and continuing students. Parents can support their student through this settling-in phase by ensuring the establishment of daily and weekly routines. Formalising routines will help students to plan their days and to remember what they require. Remember, the school diary is a most valuable tool please remind students to bring it to and from school every day. This will give students an opportunity to not only see what activities are coming up but to also update their diary daily. Student diaries are a great starting point for parents to assist students to be well prepared for learning. Remember, creating a healthy school–life balance is important for optimum academic functioning. I encourage you to focus equally on extracurricular activities, the importance of sleep, exercise, and the importance of face-to-face social connections. It promises to be an exciting year of new experiences, personal growth, and great adventures.

Welcome Year 7s
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest cohort of Year 7 students to our community. They have all had high levels of energy, wonder and focus for learning, as well as an openness to developing new friendships and to immerse themselves in the QASMT culture. Special thanks to our House Deans and Year 7 classroom teachers for their delivery of the Year 7 Orientation Program. The week has included a lot of new learnings around routines, procedures, discovering the campus, developing strategies to support effective work habits, and learning about the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. Students have also reviewed the school’s high-expectations and standards for student behaviour, the wearing of school uniforms, student attendance, homework, the use of technology, and academic integrity. These are all also available on the school website. Students also received their student diaries and their weekly timetable, which they began to follow excitingly on Friday. House Deans will be a great support to your student while they are on their QASMT journey. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to make contact so we can work together to ensure your student’s success.

STEM Futures Community Project (Year 9)
This week our Year 9 students began their STEM Futures Community Project. This provides our Year 9 students with the opportunity to engage in practical explorations through a cycle of inquiry, action, and reflection. This is a significant piece of work that will be completed over an extended period. Most importantly, as students become involved in the self-initiated and self-directed learning process, they will find it easier to construct in-depth knowledge on their topic and develop an understanding of themselves as learners.

Students will work collaboratively in groups of three, under the supervision of a teacher project supervisor. A 30-minute class has been timetabled on a Wednesday to provide a regular time for students to meet with both their project supervisor and group members. This is a self-directed project, and our Year 9 students will be in complete charge of all aspects of their learning. This is an exciting chance for our students to pursue a passion and to extend themselves fully!

The aims of the project are to encourage and enable our Year 9 students to:

• participate in a sustained, self-directed inquiry within a global context.
• generate creative new insights and develop deeper understandings through in-depth investigation.
• demonstrate the skills, attitudes and knowledge required to complete a project over an extended period.
• communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
• demonstrate responsible action through, or as a result of, learning.
• appreciate the process of learning and take pride in their accomplishments.

The project will culminate in a STEM Futures Student-Led Exhibition to highlight our student work during National Science Week. Our school community will be invited to view all students’ project outcomes.

NAPLAN - Date Claimer for Year 7 and 9
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 and tests skills in Literacy and Numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is made up of tests in the four areas of reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation) and numeracy. In 2021, Year 7 and 9 students at QASMT will complete the test online. The test window is between Tuesday 10 May and Friday 20 May. All students in Year 7 and 9 are required to attend school during this period.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to make contact so we can work together to ensure your student’s success.

Sara Johnstone, Director of Middle Years

From the inclusion team

Welcome to the new school year. We would like to start by introducing our new Inclusion Team.

Jane Manwaring – Director of Inclusion and Wellbeing, jxtie0@eq.edu.au
Fiona Young – Metro Advisory Visiting Teacher (AVT), fyoun4@eq.edu.au
Danica Judge – Support Staff representative, djudg0@eq.edu.au

Both Fiona and Danica will be working with us on Thursday and Friday each week.

The Queensland Department of Education released a revised strategy in 2021 that aims to support the success and wellbeing of every student with disability, through each stage of learning, in an inclusive education system. You can read more about the strategy via the link.

The strategy also focuses on:

With regards to diversity and inclusion, our curriculum and staff is well placed to support all students, with a range of extensive programs and focus to ensure the success and wellbeing of every student. The IB (International Baccalaureate®) and MYP (Middle Years Programme) curriculum lends itself to learners who are not only gifted and talented, but also culturally diverse. Both curriculums have a strong focus at their core that is centred around international mindedness and our school is proud of this tradition. In 2021, we strengthened this focus by creating a student leadership team, as well as a working party, that has teachers and students working together to ensure we are recognising, celebrating, and learning about international mindedness. This will continue into 2022.

The calendared events we have scheduled in 2022 not only include our Harmony Week celebrations, but also Mother Tongue Language Day, where students can explore and share their own and others love of their language. We also have cultural CCAs available for students to be involved in, plus a CAS project looking at the alternative history of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It is this focus on learning and sharing about diversity that creates and enhances our inclusive culture and strengthens our sense of connectedness and belonging.

In 2022, we have implemented a gender-neutral uniform as part of our commitment to Inclusion. This was approved in 2021 through working groups including members of the Academy Representative Council (ARC), the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), School Leaders, P&C representatives, parents, and an external facilitator. These teams all worked together to improve uniform options with a focus on being non-gendered, flexible, comfortable, and practical. Student agency is an extremely important aspect of an inclusive environment, and it was wonderful to see so many community representatives working together on this important reform.

We have high uniform expectations at QASMT, and we expect the uniform to be always worn correctly. The 2022 uniform will be referred to as Style A or Style B, and details of options can be found in the Student Handbook and the Student Diary.

Our reformed uniform is just one example of how we will be working with our whole community to ensure inclusivity as a priority. We look forward to sharing many other initiatives with you throughout the year to support our students.

We Look forward to working with you all in 2022.

The Inclusion Team

From the Department of Language and Literature

With the school year now underway, in the English Language and Literature Faculty, we have set our sights ahead to the exciting learning planned for Term 1, 2022. It is great to be back on campus to work together to develop students’ skills of analysis, written and spoken expression, and rigor-informed creativity.

Year 7 are demonstrating how they can combine two different types of texts in one written piece through their construction of “Empathic Biographies”. Our students will use their skills of research to identify a key achievement in the life of a famous character of their choosing and then creatively present this moment through their skills of creative writing. The enthusiasm of our Year 7 students has been infectious as they play with their wording to present people that they are passionate about. We look forward to seeing the fruits of their labours at the end of Week 7.

In Term 1, our Year 8 students will be combining their knowledge of genres with an ability to creatively express themselves. Year 8 will show their knowledge of the conventions of Dystopian Fiction by writing their own narrative for an imagined teenage audience. Meanwhile, Year 9 are creating their own podcast episode in which the express passionate opinions about a selection of Australian poems.

Our Year 10s are launching into the novel The Great Gatsby as they head into their Diploma Preparation Year. In Week 10 of Term 1, students will articulate everything that they have learnt about life, love, and death, in a Block Exam. As unromantic as this notion is, our Year 10s have already shown that they are ready to engage with the woven prose, narrative, and themes of F Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel with zest and a sense of curiosity.

Our Year 11 and 12 students, who are already on their “diploma journey” are engaging with a wide range of literary and non-literary texts as they refine their ability to glean meaning from things that they view and read from various times, cultural contexts and places. The new Language and Literature course provides a variety of opportunities for students to link texts from a variety of contexts to real issues that students encounter in their everyday lives. Year 11s are engaging with a variety of literary short stories by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and making links to modern texts through the lens of “female representation”. Similarly, our Year 12 students are studying the mid-20^th Century French version of Antigone through a psychoanalytic lens. The work of the Year 12s will culminate in their Individual Oral (for Standard Level students) and Essay Draft (for Higher Level students) being completed this term.

The English Faculty wholeheartedly believes in extending opportunities for learning beyond the walls of the classroom. To this end, we are excited by the Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) that are on offer in Term 1. All these Activities offer opportunities for students to express themselves and “find their voice”, regardless of the mode of delivery or format. We have our staple of Debating to support student development of logical sequencing of ideas and public speaking. Furthermore, we have our Creative Writing Club that gives students opportunities to express themselves in a variety of ways across a variety of genres. Students will also be offered the opportunity to perform as part of the Scene Project, in which students devise short performances based on extracts of full scripts. Finally, we are pleased to announce the debut of a new CCA, Dialogues. This is a club that enters external events with other schools where students can engage in respectful, purposeful, and rigorous “dialogues” concerning contemporary issues. Many of these CCAs will culminate in the Term 2, Week 8 Festival of Creativity. We anticipate a wonderful celebration of what our students have achieved through participation in these CCAs at this special event.

It is an exciting and busy term. We are thrilled to see students return to campus and attack their learning with such vim and vigor. I look forward to updating the community on the excellent outcomes that come from this term’s hard work and focus.

David Bracken, Head of Department Language and Literature

From the Department of Language Acquisition

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

Language Acquisition welcomes a number of new staff members this year: Andrew Blumbergs (Acting Head of Department); Mari Uithol (Japanese); Masumi Moromoto (Japanese); Celia Lambert (Latin); Djamila Reynolds (German) and Bec Haskmann (French and Latin). We are excited to welcome them all as they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their respective roles. Andrew has come all the way from Germany; Mari from Holland Park State High School; Masumi from Cairns State High School; Djamila from Ipswich; Bec from Brisbane Boys Grammar; Gwen from Victoria and Celia from Ballarat Boys Grammar in Victoria. We are all looking forward to a fabulous year of learning with our amazing students.

Different countries have different rituals and traditions to start the school year. With Covid-19 changing the way schools approach education in the classroom, these rituals and traditions bring together the cultures in a time of need. Here, we have outlined some different countries and their rituals.

Germany
Starting elementary school is a big step in Germany. It is a rite of passage - almost like graduation or a wedding. Parents invest lots to shower their first grader with gifts. The most important gift is the so-called "Schultüte,", literally school bag or cone (pictured).

Christiane Cantauw, a German folklore expert explains: “The first references to the cone date back to the late 18th century. There were no pre-made cones. Instead, people used the paper cones that were used in shops to wrap up sweets. The cone itself is not a tradition, it's an element used in a tradition and it's also simply packaging. It's sometimes also presented to young adults starting vocational school as well. That shows that it's seen as a symbol for a new beginning. Back then, it was usually the same things that are put in the cones today. Then it was called "Zuckerzeug" - literally "sugar stuff," or basically candy. Today, you'll find sweets, things to play with and school supplies.”

France
In France “la rentrée” used to mean the start of the school year, as well as the return to work after the summer holidays during the first week of September.  In France, many people - especially those with children, take the summer holidays off. Additionally important places such as boulangeries, cafes and restaurants usually take their own long summer holidays. After two months of things quietening down, there is often a general excitement about “la rentrée”.  

Japan
First day of school in Japan is a little different. In Japan the school year is usually April through to March. There is about a one-and-a-half-month break from the end of July to August, but the year officially ends in March. Schools have their entrance ceremonies for new students in early April when the school year starts.

In Japan, children carry all their school supplies in a “randoseru” to school. This hard-sided backpack is filled with books, origami paper and a special pencil case called a “fudebako”. For students who bring their own lunch to school, the tradition on the first day, thought to bring good luck, is to bring a lunch of rice with seaweed sauce and quail eggs. Also, since outdoor shoes are not permitted inside the school, students will bring their own pair of slippers.

Auf Wiedersehen, valete, au revoir, adíos, さようなら 

Jane Muil on behalf of Andrew Blumbergs, Head of Department Language Acquisition

From the Department of Technology and the Arts

A key focus in The Technology and The Arts faculty this year is to highlight how creativity is central to all our subjects; from explicit creations in the Arts, such as original compositions in Music and original art works, to activities that promote creative thinking such as the UI/UX design for an app in Design, communicating data stories in Digital Society and developing computer programs to solve complex problems.

We are delighted with the results of our first cohort of Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) students who sat their exams in November 2021. Similarly, our Computer Science results were outstanding with an average GPA of 6.75. Many of our students study both ITGS and Computer Science, which is an excellent combination for success in both subjects. Our Computer Science and ITGS students have set a high bar!  

Here is an overview our learning journey for each of our course offerings in Term 1.

Diploma Programme

Year 11 Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS)
This term will be a fun focus on preparation for the project through hands-on experiences with multi-media tools, from creating podcasts to filming and editing movies. Alongside, we encourage our students to read, listen to and watch the news from sources from around the world to gain a more global perspective of the impact of IT systems in the world today.

Year 11 Computer Science
This term the Year 11 Computer Science students will be learning about the planning and installation of new IT systems and the issues involved in the replacement of legacy systems.  Students are also learning an introduction to Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) through Java. We will investigate the concepts of Classes and Objects, as well as constructing Unified Modelling Language (UML) diagrams and decomposing problems into related objects. As well as this, students will understand the basic premise of procedural problem solving and constructing simple algorithmic solutions using pseudocode.

Year 12 Information Technology in a Global Society
Social media created a technological revolution that many are still struggling to understand and live with. The case study for this group of students is focussed on this idea, and the role social media plays in everyday people’s lives. How does constant exposure influence people? Are people able to actively engage in the modern world without social media?  These questions and many more are being explored. Alongside, students are investigating the role project management plays in the development of IT systems. We will explore common project management methodologies and the influence they have on the outcome of a project.

Year 12 Computer Science
Abstract data structures are a fundamental component of modern computing. They allow us to create programs that are efficient, multi-faceted and allow for optimal performance for computer hardware. Students are exploring abstract data structures this term with an understanding of their structure, application and implementation. Students are also exploring our case study, focused on genetic algorithms. Based on the principles found in biological genetics, genetic algorithms are potential solution to some of the world's more complex problems.

Year 12 Visual Art - Artists as Changemakers
Year 12s will have a busy start to the new year finalising their Comparative Study and conceiving and creating artworks making their way toward their final exhibition. 

Year 9 and 10 STEM Futures Program

Year 9 Future of Automation
This term students will be introduced to programming Arduino based micro-controllers and the Internet of Things (IOT). Students will investigate the capabilities of sensors and display components to design proof of concept mini-automation projects, developing fundamental skills they will later utilize in home automation projects.

Year 9 Disrupt the Market
For our first project, students will learn how to use the laser cutter and design prototypes of 'gimmicky giveaways' for National Science Week. This is a subject where students develop Business Management knowledge and experiences alongside Design skills.

Year 9 Biomedical Engineering
This elective is very much a collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology and continues to be a very popular elective. This term students learn about 3D printers and their application in regenerative medicine. They will explore the concept of regenerative medicine and the use of 3D printers, including the design of files and the considerations of a print's physical properties.

Year 9 Visual Art - Artists as Changemakers
Working collaboratively, students will research an issue of their choice to present a shared approach for an installation artwork proposal. They will make and respond to artworks to develop knowledge and skills in design and sculpture for the purpose of persuading audiences towards positive change.

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

Year 10 Computational Thinking (Computer Science)
Our students will investigate the possible career pathways of a Computer Scientist, including the different fields of study and the university pathways that can be undertaken to become a Computer Scientist. Is there more to Computer Science than programming? To answer these questions, students will develop logical and algorithmic approaches to problem solving, designing systems, and understanding human behaviour, drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science. (Wing, 2006)

MYP Program for Year 7 and 8
This year students study one semester of Design, and one semester of Visual Art (incorporating Media Studies) or Music.

Year 7 Visual Art - Improbable Beasts
Students will explore the representation of natural forms to reflect research in environmental issues. They will make and respond to artworks to develop knowledge and skills in drawing and collage.

Year 8 Visual Art - Young Archies
Influenced by Archibald Prize winners, students will investigate the expression of identity through a range of approaches including self-portraits and portraits of others. They will make and respond to artworks to develop knowledge and skills in drawing, digital imaging, and mixed media.

Year 7 Music - Bold and the Beautiful
Students are being introduced to the elements of music through a variety of practical and theoretical activities whilst exploring music through the ages. We are questioning how music is composed and whether certain pieces are bold or beautiful.

Year 8 Music - Beatbox
Students are delving into the historical and theoretical approaches through genres from Blues, Jazz, Rock and Pop. We are composing a hit song and forming a band with lunchtime jam sessions open to our wider school community at the Creative Arts Precinct. 

Design
A new year, a new "delusion" of designers.

Year 7 students will use the Design Cycle to design a prototype mobile app for their client.  The prototype will be built in Adboe XD software. A particular focus will be on listening to the client needs and seeking feedback on designs.

Year 8 students investigating the questions such as "Who are we online?", "How does the rest of the world perceive us?", "How can we ensure we are seen in a positive light based on who we appear to be online?", will follow the design cycle to design their own portfolio websites.

We look forward to an exciting term of creative learning.

Madeleine Brookes, Head of Department Technology and The Arts 

From the Department of Individuals and Societies

While the summer holidays were a wonderful chance to recharge the batteries, spend time with family and get stuck into some hobbies, the consensus from all the Individuals and Societies staff is that it is good to be back face to face with all the students. This year we have welcomed Veronica Fortune and Delaney Watene-Taie to our teaching team.

The world that we live in and the society norms we follow is constantly evolving due to political, environmental, economic and technological factors (e.g., Covid-19, Global Warming, new laws, 5G internet speed). Understanding change and sustainability are two core concepts that underpin the study of Individuals & Societies subjects.

Year 7 and 8 Individuals and Societies 
Year 7 students will develop their research and communication skills by exploring civics and citizenship, with inquiry into the importance of democratic freedoms to Australians. In Year 8, students will be examining historical source material from early 20^th century Australia. As we draw closer to ANZAC Day, students will be engaged in an inquiry looking at the impact of World War I in Australia and what the ANZAC legend means for Australians today.

Year 9 STEM Futures
Forensic Psychology (Psychology-Biology), Cultural Revolution (History-Geography) and World in Your Pocket (Economics-Business) are subjects designed to give students an understanding of how multiple subjects are interrelated. How the biological make-up of the brain can be used to examine criminals is applied to Forensic Psychology, while seeing the connections between a global economy and local business decision making is studied in World in Your Pocket. Cultural Revolution will explore the changes Australia experienced as the world emerged from World War II. Students then examine how new technologies of the 1950s exposed people to new ideas in both the short and long term. Unpacking the impacts of the past, while also making connections to the present will be studied.

Year 10 STEM Futures
During 2021 we collaborated with the University of Queensland to develop engaging future orientated curriculum for Business Management (Show Me the Money), Economics (Tragedy of the Commons) and Psychology (Inside Your Head). Show Me the Money involves learning to think differently like an entrepreneur. Teachers are working with the Business faculty at UQ to find ways to encourage students to consider the many factors which influence the consumer buying decision, including their own. The students will be completing a pantry audit to show their family’s consumer habits. During this term we will be looking at some of the tools of business such as primary research and how these can help business make good, evidence-based decisions.

DP1 and DP2 Business Management, Economics & Psychology
All Year 11 students have commenced the introductory units which lay a foundation for the units to follow. Year 12 students have been finalising their IAs over the past few weeks, with economics students presenting a commentary on a macro environment factor; business students providing recommendations on a real business’s current problem, and psychology students analysing an experiment they have conducted.

From the ToK Coordinator David King

TOK DP1
The students this term are looking at the core theme Knowledge and the Knower, which helps them develop an understanding of concepts, terminology and thinking unique to Theory of Knowledge. Later this term they will complete their first practice commentary which prepares them for their Exhibition to be completed in Term 4 this year, which contributes to a third of their final grade in the subject.

TOK DP2
With the essay titles released on 1 March, the focus of this term is preparing students to select and plan effective essays. Students have a choice of six titles and will select one as their choice on which to write their essay of 1600 words. The essay is worth two thirds of their final grade in this subject and a draft of their essay is required by Week 5 in Term 2. They will need to complete extensive research to find four suitable real-life examples, which are then applied to analysing and answering their selected prescribed title.

We wish all our students a successful year ahead and that they create good study habits early!
Lyle Fredericksen, Head of Department Individuals & Societies

From the Department of Physical Sciences

Welcome to 2022!
After a slightly different start to the year this year, it is so pleasing to have all our students back into the classrooms and laboratories here at QASMT. This year, I will be taking on a slightly different role as Head of Department for Physical Sciences, and I am excited to be able to share with you what is coming up this term in the Year 9 and Year 10 Science STEM Futures subjects, Year 11 and 12 Chemistry and Physics, and in our 13 laboratories.

Year 9 – 12 Physical Science students
Year 9 students have started the year off with a buzz, in the following STEM Futures subjects: Biochemical Solutions, World of Reactions, Medical Physics and Fuelling the Planet. Each of these courses have been developed to support student learning in multiple science subjects through real-world settings. Our expert teachers have designed these courses to ensure students also learn the skills they will need in Year 10 and in the Diploma. As I have walked around the classrooms, students certainly seem to be enjoying the courses so far!

Our Year 10 Science students have started the year in exciting new Year 10 STEM Futures subjects. This year in Physical Sciences, we are pleased to offer Future Materials, designed to prepare students to study DPP Chemistry, and Journey to Earth X, preparing students to study DPP Physics. These courses have been designed together with University of Queensland (UQ) researchers to provide students with a real-world setting that is meaningful and truly modern. There will be many opportunities for our Year 10 students to engage with our UQ researchers throughout the course, and I will be sure to relay back to you the unique student experiences over the year.

Our Year 11 students begin their Diploma journey this term. This is always an extremely exciting and important time for our students and teachers as these weeks lay the foundation upon which the IB Diploma is learned. If you have a Year 11 student in your family, be sure to ask them about their chosen layout of notes, their OneNote, term planners and their textbooks, and ask them what they are most looking forward to in their chosen courses. Our Physics and Chemistry teachers are experts in the Diploma, and they are here to guide our students through their science subjects.

While our Year 11 students are just starting their Diploma, our Year 12 students are well and truly into their journey. Our Year 12 Physics students have just handed in their Final Internal Assessment (IA) – congratulations students, I know how hard you have had to work to produce your final write up, and we are very proud of your effort.

Our Year 12 Chemistry students are just beginning their data collection for their final Chemistry IAs, so all the Chemistry laboratories are now a hive of activity. If students are also undertaking an EE in science, then the Laboratory Research Educator (LRE) is facilitating the laboratories to be open regularly this term to give them time to collect their data.

Extracurricular Science Updates
This term several Year 10 have embarked on a scientific collaboration with Kamnoetvidya Science Academy in Thailand (KVIS), led by Dr Kirsten Hogg. These students will be collaborating with peers from KVIS through an online conference in March and will be required to develop a STEM research project. I look forward to seeing what students develop over the coming months!

Later this term, many students will be participating in the annual QASMT Scientific Research Exhibition, which is an exciting real-world experience for our science students to present their scientific work to an audience.

Over the last holidays Kelvin C (Year 10) flew to Canberra to participate in the 18^th International Junior Science Olympiads as a representative for Australia. Being chosen as a representative of our country is an incredible achievement, and we are extremely proud to announce that Kelvin won a silver medal! This is an outstanding achievement, congratulations Kelvin.

Look out for the upcoming STEM Seminar Speakers!
In 2021, we began the extremely successful SMT Science Seminar Series. This year, due to popular demand from students and teachers at our school, this has grown into the 2022 SMT STEM Seminar Series.

During lunch times over the year, we will have eminent researchers from around the state, and sometimes from around the country, come to speak to us in the lecture theatre about exciting and new discoveries being made right here in Australia. This year we will hear from economists, artists, mathematicians, chemists, biologists and engineers as they tell us about their STEM journey and discoveries. There is something for everyone - so what do students need to do? Just look out for posters around school and come along to the lecture theatre on the scheduled seminar lunch sessions.

To our students, please enjoy every moment of our new year, especially in the laboratories, and remember to keep yourself safe with your lab coats and safety glasses. To all our families, I look forward to supporting the students this year in their scientific endeavours, and to relaying to you all the exciting moments over the year.

“An experiment is a question which science poses to Nature, and a measurement is the recording of Nature’s answer.”

- Max Planck, Theoretical Physicist

Esme Hatchell, Head of Department Physical Sciences

From the Department of Life Sciences

A very warm welcome to all our new and returning families. It has been wonderful seeing all the new faces, and returning faces, albeit in masks.

This year my role has switched slightly to Head of Department Life Sciences, which comprises Biology in the Senior Years, Year 7 and 8 Foundations Sciences, and Environmental Systems and Societies for Year 9 and 10 STEM Futures.

We have two new staff members joining the team this year who bring innovation and enthusiasm. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Harry Crosbie (Biology, Psychology and Foundation Science) and Andrea Lock (Chemistry, Physics and Foundation Science).

Science Housekeeping
Students have been informed about naming laboratory coats and safety glasses clearly, and ensuring they keep these in their lockers (unless dirty and need to be washed). We have a number of these ending up in lost property and these are required during practicals. We would hate for students to miss the practical component of science because they have lost their Personal Protective Equipment.

UQ Science and Engineering Challenge
The UQ Science and Engineering Challenge is coming up on Thursday 17 March in Week 8. The Challenge is open to all Year 10 students but is capped at 32 students. The Challenge involves a full day of practical activities where students put their best problem-solving minds to the test designing an earthquake-proof tower, building a hovercraft or bridge, providing electricity to a city or creating an environmentally friendly house (just to name a few). The exhilarating day culminates in the final task, where students put their efforts to the test in front of excited onlookers. Teams design and build bridges that should withhold loads as weighted ingots (blocks of metal) travel from one side to the other. Students are encouraged to approach the challenges with creativity, innovation and teamwork. Keep a look out for an expression of interest email from myself and if this is something your student is interested in, then make sure you fill out the Microsoft Form that will be attached to the email.

“The future belongs to the curious. The ones who are not afraid to try it, explore it, poke at it, question it and turn it inside out.” (Anon.)

Vanessa Bermingham, Head of Department Life Sciences Foundation

From the Department of Mathematics

Welcome to the start of 2022 and most especially to our new students and parents. This year will be exciting for the Mathematics Department, with engaging curriculum and many enrichment activities.

Our Mathematics Department believes that “as mathematicians we embrace challenges, think critically, creatively, and work collaboratively to discover the beauty of maths.” These two images created by youcubed.org based on Jo Boaler’s book Mathematical Mindset, show the attitude we will encourage in all students.

In lessons, we want our students to have a GROWTH MINDSET, to ask questions, have a go, take risks, make mistakes and challenge their thinking. Rushing through work is not the priority. Students need to understand the concepts behind the work and think deeply so they can apply this to different situations.   

As IB learners we strive to be INQUIRERS, where “we nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout like.”  (IB learner profile, IBO)

Summer Holiday Enrichment Programs
Over the school break, some of our students were invited to participate in Mathematics enrichment programs. Here are some of their thoughts about their experiences.

 “The National Mathematics Summer school is a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. Although the school was conducted online rather than being held at the Australian National University, it was unforgettable and educational, nonetheless. During my time at the school, I was able to attend lectures that introduced mathematics that was not taught in the school syllabus, such as number theory and algorithms which has brought new insight into many pioneering mathematical fields. The school allowed me to be able to rediscover properties and theorems on my own with just my brain, paper and pen which further nurtured my passion for mathematics. Most notably, I was able to work with other students across Australia who had the same aptitude and passion for mathematics as I do which has allowed me to create life-long friendships. I also had a chance to discuss with professors about the math problems that I was working on which gave me insight to how mathematical research is conducted. All in all, the summer school prompted me to reconsider the properties and beauties of mathematics and to “think deeply about simple things”. Kieran T, Year 12, who attended National Mathematics Summer School (NMSS)

“The AMT School of Excellence is a week-long training program in December, inviting young mathematicians from across Australia to meet with experienced mentors and students to hone their knowledge and reasoning, hopefully to represent Australia in international competitions such as the IMO and EGMO. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, we were unable to have this school in person and instead, we had to do it virtually via zoom. However, the learning that occurred throughout the school was unaffected by this, as we explored areas outside of conventional school mathematics and engaged in fun problem sessions with my peers. As a student in the Junior stream, I had the opportunity to see many accomplished mathematicians and talented students from the comfort of our own homes. We did attend lectures run by former school attendees, however, we were frequently asked to work in breakout groups to solve several problems, encouraging us to collaborate with our fellow mathematicians, before facing off in problem sessions at the end of the day. These problem sessions fostered a healthy sense of competition and rivalry between the Junior participants and were very enjoyable. After meeting the Intermediate and Senior streams, who had just finished their exams, we worked together in a team-based competition against others to finish off the with a fun activity. At the conclusion, we were individually debriefed by the mentors, wishing us luck in our journey and to prepare us for upcoming competitions, most pertinently, the Australian Mathematical Olympiad. The AMO, which concluded in early February, is the gateway for aspiring students to represent Australia in international competitions.”   Ian L, Year 9, who attended the AMT School of Excellence.

Australian Mathematics Olympiad
Four of our students - Zakariyya, Callum, Kelvin and Ian - were invited to sit the AMO on February 2 and 3, 2022. The Olympiad consists of sitting two, four-hour papers, over two days. We hope they enjoyed the challenge and look forward to hearing how they performed.

UQ/QAMT Problem Solving Challenge

This annual competition is always held as close as possible to Pi Day on March 14. It consists of a two-hour test with six challenging questions that require fully worked solutions. The Year 11 results are taken heavily into consideration in the choice of Queensland students to be offered places in the National Mathematics Summer School, held in Canberra each January. Please look out for further communication through email, as we will be calling for interested students soon.  

Kangourou Sans Frontieres Competition - 17 March
This year we will once again invite students to participate in this 75-minute online quiz made up of 30 questions. More details will be sent by email to students soon.

As you can see, Term 1 is shaping up to be full of maths fun!

Finally, we are delighted to welcome three new teachers to our team. Please welcome Ms Grace Hur, Ms Zoe Matthews and Ms Rosa Monsour.

Jane Gorman, Head of Department Mathematics

From Education Outside of the Classroom (EOTC)

Hello. Allow me to introduce you to our Education Outside the Classroom faculty! EOTC offers curriculum-based teaching and learning activities that go beyond the walls of the classroom. We have a strong emphasis on students becoming involved in extracurricular learning activities to enrich their experiences, as well as fostering a growth mindset. This term may have been slightly disrupted, but we still have a number of opportunities for students to engage in a variety of enrichment activities including Cross Country, our Sports Program/Junior Gala Day, and a wide array of CCA and CAS activities.

In addition to extra-curricular activities, we have a strong Physical and Health Education course, and a Sport Exercise and Health Science course, which empower students to understand and appreciate the value of being physically active. Students also develop the motivation for making and promoting healthy choices. Healthy bodies lead to healthy minds!

We look forward to a great term filled with lots of fun and engaging experiences for our students. Here is a little more information about our programs.

PHE Curriculum
Physical and Health Education presents a prime opportunity to develop fundamental abilities of wellbeing across a range of components. Year 7 students will embark on a journey of interpersonal skills growth, where activities such as Capture the Flag and other team games will be the core of the practical component. Besides increasing student fitness levels and stimulating beneficial physiological responses, these activities are a means of combining fun activities with the development of communication and social skills through problem-solving situations.

Our Year 8 students will focus on game analysis and evaluation of strategy in achieving set goals by engaging in activities such as cricket, softball/tee ball and French cricket. These games are good examples of how to improve motor skills such as hitting, kicking, and throwing, which are transversal to a range of sports and exercises. We will also emphasise nutrition; not just as an approach to understanding how to improve fitness performance, but also to establish healthy habits from an early age, developing self-management and research skills.

CCA
Our CCA Program this term offers a vast range of different clubs and programs. Students have made their selections and our Term 1 program will commence in Week 4. With clubs including Junior Electronics, Robotics, Running, Environmental and Diversity clubs, plus many more, students have plenty to choose from. With the diverse range of challenges outside the classroom, I look forward to watching students develop new strengths, overcome challenges and share experiences by connecting with like-minded peers. Our CCA Program runs all year, so there is no need to join multiple clubs all at once.

CAS
CAS stands for Creativity, Activity and Service and enables our senior students to demonstrate the attributes of the IB learner profile in real and practical ways. Being self-driven and personalised, CAS allows students to grow as unique individuals and to recognise their role in the world in relation to others.

I would like to welcome our Year 11 students to the CAS journey. With project proposals already flowing in, I am excited to see what amazing experiences students will participate in throughout the next two years.

Sport Program
The term ahead for our Sport Program and Gala Days is exciting. We are offering boys volleyball (all ages), girls basketball (all ages), boys basketball (Year 7, 8 and 9 only), boys and girls touch (all ages), and boys cricket (senior only). Selection for Gala Day teams occurs in Weeks 6 and 7. Students who are not in the school program are permitted to trial. QASMT has a proud tradition of participating in Gala Day and a reputation to uphold in our district, having performed extremely well in many sports last year. We hope to maintain this high level of performance by introducing our development programs throughout the year.

With the continued assistance of specialised coaches who are highly experienced, we are looking forward to a solid year of sport. If you are looking for an opportunity to meet new people, be physically active and learn new or hone existing sporting skills, then look no further than our Sport Program.

Representative Sport
Term 1 has had a disrupted start, but Representative Sport is forging ahead. Several early sports, such as swimming, have had cancelled district trials and are moving straight to regional trials. Watch out for communications through email and Daymap for information. It is important for parents and students to understand various avenues and progressions for sport, as follows:

Sean Conway, Representative Sports Coordinator

Yanah Floridis, Head of Education Outside the Classroom

From the House Dean of Agnesi

Welcome to 2022 and an exciting year for Agnesi House. I would like to introduce our new House InStep Mentor, Ms Masumi Morimoto, and to welcome back all our House InStep mentors and staff. This year Agnesi House also welcomes five new Year 10 students, in addition to our new Year 7 students. We are sure the Agnesi House community will make them feel at home in no time at all. The Agnesi locker area is full of energy as students from all our InSteps groups get to know one another.

Agnesi House Leadership
Agnesi House has a new flag, and this will be revealed at House Assembly next week. The House Assembly will be run by our new House Leaders and Ambassadors. Congratulations to all students inducted into Academy Leadership positions at the recent Leadership Induction Assembly. I am always inspired by the depth of talent that Agnesi students display, both in embracing leadership positions and showcasing their musical prowess when playing at various whole school events.

House Dean Portrait
I am unsure whether to be apprehensive or flattered by all the secret happenings in InStep this week, as students get creative with the House Dean portrait competition. This is a new venture, and I am keen to see how my image will be transformed.

Cross Country
The Cross-Country event is rapidly approaching, and I hope all Agnesi students are practising for the battle of the war cries. The Agnesi House Captains and Ambassadors will be putting students through their paces in preparation for this event over the coming weeks. It is important to remember that all students need to participate to maximise House points, so let’s make it count Agnesi!

Harmony Week
Looking further ahead, I am excited about Harmony week coming up. As usual, we have the traditional flag parade and assembly followed by a number of cultural events. Keep a look out for further communication about this over the coming weeks for details on how to get involved.

I wish our students a positive start to the term, and I look forward to catching up with all students to find out how they relaxed over the summer holidays.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me via email adavi581@eq.edu.au.

Aileen Davis, House Dean Agnesi

From the House Dean of Curie

Welcome to 2022 and the start of a new school year. I trust you have all had a refreshing and invigorating break, and students have returned to school focussed and full of curiosity.  The start to the school term was delayed, followed by the staggered return of students, with the Year 11 and 12 students completing a week of online learning. The school year has commenced in full and there is a real sense of excitement and energy on campus. It is always a thrill to see our new students walk through the gate on their first day, with their pressed uniforms, polished shoes and wide-eyed looks of wonder on their faces. As our new students begin life on campus, there are many questions, feelings of nervousness and uncertainty. However, students quickly start to meet like-minded colleagues and friendships are formed. 

It has been lovely to meet all the new students over the last week and to welcome back our returning Year 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 students.  Even though we have not been able to meet in person for a House Assembly yet, it has been great to talk to all the students each day in the locker area.  I am looking forward to the year ahead, forming positive relationships with you all and providing the support you need to flourish!

Student Leadership Team
After an extremely successful 2021, with Curie House placing second behind Hawking House by 10 points, I look forward to the year ahead and maintaining our status as the House that turns up each day and gives it their best. The 2021 House Captains did a spectacular job in leading Curie, and it has been exciting to begin working with the new House Leadership Team.  I am very proud to welcome the 2022 Curie Student Leadership Team:

House Ambassadors

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“This is Your Captains Speaking”
Marie Curie is one of the greatest scientists in history. Likewise, Curie House is by far the greatest house at QASMT! Our athletic and academic prowess is such that all other houses tremble when we get involved. This is what we want to bring you. We want to further our excellence in the events planned for this year, such as the infamous War Cry, the Cross-Country, the Mario Kart Competition, and most importantly, our participation and spirit. We look forward to leading Curie this year and hope that everyone can find a family in our wonderful house.

Xavier G and Jessica I, House Captains

Preparation is the Key to Success
As the year begins, students should take time to reflect on 2021 and write down their goals for 2022.  It is important to think about and plan what they hope to achieve this year; both at school as well as in other aspects of their life. Setting goals and making them visible will assist in plotting a course and direction for the year. Once the overall goals are set, students will need to think about what steps are needed to achieve these goals.  Steps should be broken down into small, manageable and attainable short-term components. This will assist students to move forward on their path to achieving their goals.

I encourage all students to be risk-takers and push themselves outside of their comfort zone.

“Nothing is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”

Marie Curie

To Nurture to Know
Building relationships within Curie House and InStep is the theme for Term 1. I am privileged to be working with an outstanding group of teachers who are looking after and caring for your children. These teachers bring energy, positivity and creativity into each InStep lesson.  They engage with your students and facilitate the development of relationships.

I would like to introduce you to the fabulous Curie InStep Mentors:

InStep	Mentor
INC01	Ms Bay
INC02	Ms Knowles
INC03	Ms Lunn
INC04	Ms Johnson
INC05	Mr Crosbie
INC06	Mr Bailey
INC07	Dr Hogg
INC08	Ms Jasper

Ownership
I encourage Curie students to take ownership of their learning and have confidence in themselves. They should be prepared, on time, in class and at school every day. This is an important educational journey.  I hope they have a wonderful and successful term.

Pink isn’t just a colour, it’s an attitude! Go team Curie!

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions: dfann6@eq.edu.au.

I look forward to the year ahead and working with you and your child to support them to flourish.

Dean Fanning, House Dean Curie

From the House Dean of Da Vinci

Welcome to 2022 and DaVinci House, where we enjoyed welcoming many new students to our community. Our Student Leadership Team, mentors and staff have a very excitable energy around the plans for 2022.

Student Leadership
DaVinci House is proud of its Student Leadership structure led by our Captains, Stevie C and Joshua P. We have a large group of ambassadors who support the leadership of seven sub committees. Our aim is to ensure all members of our house feel heard, supported and are active contributors to our community.

Our sub committees include Wellbeing, War Cry/House Spirit, Locker Room, Assembly, Newsletter, CanTeen, InStep. These committees meet every second Monday (even weeks) during lunch in H3. We highly encourage all members of our community to take an active role.

Welcome Grade 7 and New Students
Orientation at a new school can be a daunting and somewhat overwhelming experience. Our new students took the first week of face-face learning in their stride and excelled. Our DaVinci students confidently asked for help, sort answers to questions and learned the QASMT way. We look forward to getting to know our new community members and see them develop and shine.

Cross Country
DaVinci House is well known for its creative, loud and energetic war cries. These are performed at the start of our annual cross-country event. This year our theme is beach! So, students can get ready to grab some beach gear and practice a well-designed war cry. In addition to the war cry, DaVinci House is well known for active participation. Regardless of students’ skills at cross country running, we are known to get out there, give it a go, and have a fun time working together. We look forward to a sea of beach green DaVinci participants in Week 6.

InStep
Our InStep leadership committee have created an exciting term program which includes team building, war cry practise, art competitions and many more engaging activities. InStep meets three times per week with the aim to form community and build support. Each InStep mentor has emailed their classes ‘adult at home’ to introduce themselves and the program.

Harmony Week
We will celebrate its diverse community through a series of Internationally minded activities. The week begins with an Assembly celebrating each country represented at the school. During lunch time and InStep, students are invited to showcase their own culture and diversity while celebrating their community.

Personal Learning Plan (PLPs)
Each semester students take time to create a Personal Learning Plan. This plan involves the creation of one SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timed) goal per subject. In addition, students create one to two strategies that will support their journey towards succeeding at their goal. This term, all students in Years 8 to 12 will create their goals and during Term 2 students will reflect on their progress. We will invite our Year 7 students to create their PLPs during Term 2.

National Ride2School Day - March 25
Our school focuses on sustainability and one activity that we can all attempt is the National Ride2School day activity on 25 March. If any of your journey can be taken by bike, plan it out ahead and join the nation in this important event.

Again, we welcome all our families to our green dragon Da Vinci community.

Yours in green
Stacy Wallace-Cunningham, House Dean Da Vinci

From the House Dean of Franklin

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all parents and students (Franklions) to Franklin House. I am excited to build on our success from 2021 to make 2022 a year to remember. I wish an extended and warm welcome to our new parents and students. I hope you enjoy your first term and your new family, Franklin House.

Term 1 has commenced and was a bit different due to online learning. There are many events for Franklin House students to participate in and shine in this term, such as the Cross-Country event. I am looking forward to seeing the Franklin spirit in action at the Cross-Country event and I expect to see Franklin students living up to our motto “Winning is in our DNA.” Franklin House is building on our war cry from 2021, so be sure to ask your student to give you a demonstration later this term!

We are of course looking forward to building on what is well established in Franklin and continue to provide a supportive environment in which everyone can learn to flourish and flourish to learn. It is important that we find balance early in the year to form effective habits for the rest of the year. I would also like to thank all Franklin House students for working hard to be neat, presentable, punctual and prepared to always learn. I am confident that this high standard will be maintained throughout 2022.

The Franklin House leadership team has been hard at work over the holidays and have returned eager and enthusiastic to bring all their ideas forward. One of their initiatives is the noticeboard in our locker area and beside D Block, which they have designed and filled with valuable information, welcoming messages and fun facts. They have also been working on the locker room DNA mural which will come to life later this term, with the addition of student names.

Ross Bray, House Dean Franklin

From the House Dean of Hawking

I am extremely excited to welcome all students and parents of Hawking House to Term 1. I trust that you had a restful break.

2021 was a wonderful year for Hawking House and our students certainly showed grit and perseverance to excel as they did. Having met our new Year 7 students, plus new students joining us in Year 8 and 10, I am extremely excited about what 2022 has in store for us. 

Hawking House has two student captains and many year level ambassadors who help support the students and develop house spirit. Here is the team:

Diya S – Year 12 House Captain
Hannah Y – Year 9 House Captain
Grace P, Ishaan S and Tanish S – Year 12 Ambassadors
Rig G – Year 11 Ambassadors
Rhea J, Louise H and Sunny C – Year 10 Ambassadors
Wendy D, Helly P and Maryam H – Year 9 Ambassadors
Khwahish G and Beate B – Year 8 Ambassadors

Hawking Ambassadors

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I look forward to working with these students to help maintain the Hawking House wonderful team spirit, and this all starts with our Cross-Country event on 9 March. Hawking House will continue to unite as one and show all their enthusiasm and spirit with lots of orange coloured clothing, a loud war cry, plus the odd tiger head and onesie! Let us show QASMT what we are made of. 

We have lots of great activities taking place before the Cross-Country event commences, starting with a House Dean portrait competition. This means students will get to draw me! This is all in a spirit of fun and will be a wonderful way for them to kick start their creativity for some friendly competition.

We will of course be continuing our highly successful Hawking Olympics this term as well. This will see InStep groups compete against one another to be crowd champion. More information will be coming your way in the coming weeks.

Positive Relationships is a fundamental domain in our Positive Education Program (PEP). We pride ourselves upon being a Positive Education School and I look forward to teaching this curriculum explicitly to Years 7-11 in PEP lessons. We are fortunate to have Positive Education lessons at our school and I look forward to seeing students continue to develop these fundamental life skills.

In addition to building spirit and relationships, Hawking House is enthusiastic to continue our work with our House charity, Eat Up. Year levels will be split to allow for three events throughout the year, providing students the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate than themselves and make sandwiches for students who are unable to pay for school lunch. Unfortunately, we had to postpone our Term 1 event due to Covid restrictions, but we look forward to hosting this later in the year. 

I am pleased to see that all Hawking House students are settling in well and are maintaining the high expectations of the school regarding uniform, attendance and expectations. I am confident that they will continue to uphold these throughout Term 1.

In the meantime, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on rbrow477@eq.edu.au or extension number 382.

I wish all Hawking House students a great Term 1.

Rebecca Parker, House Dean Hawking  

From the House Dean of Hollows

After the delayed start to the school year, it is great to have our students with us in person once again and all working together smoothly. I hope that all our students’ dreams and hopes for 2022 come to fruition.

It is extremely important for students to be organised, use their diaries and consistently review their lesson content. I have encouraged students to think about what their achievements for this year are, so that they can actively plan for how to succeed in their goals.

House Values
Our top five 5 House values for 2022 are:

1. Arrive on time to school each day. Attendance at school is vital for IB success.
2. Wear your uniform with pride.
3. Be kind to others.
4. Enthuisastically participate in activities.
5. Meet work obligations and display initiative.

House Captains and Ambassadors
Year 12 Captain, Agata, and Year 9 Captain, Dhruv, will captain Hollows House this year, with supporting Ambassadors, Ali, Amlan, Amber, Baran, Euan, Jothsimar, Jessica, Aryan and Angelica. I look forward to working with these student leaders as they coordinate activities and events.

Team Teachers
Hollows House has an excellent supporting team in 2022. Teaching experts from different fields will come together to bring additional value to the House and its young Hawks.

Judo Champion
Our very own Mighty Hawk, Euan F, has been nationally selected and will compete in the Australian International Judo Championships later this term in Canberra. We wish him all the best for this tournament.

I am looking forward to a fulfilling year with the Mighty Fighting Hollows Hawks. I encourage every student to get involved in activities, meet new people and try their best.

Please direct any enquiries you may have regarding Hollows House to Mr Michael Colquhoun, House Dean, at mjcol3@eq.edu.au.

Michael Colquhoun, House Dean of Hollows

From the House Dean of Jackson

Once upon a time there was an old carpenter who was going to retire from years of hard work in the construction industry. Because the carpenter’s boss could not bear to let them go, the boss asked the old carpenter to build a house before retirement. Despite agreeing to this condition, the old carpenter’s heart was not on the job – the work was rushed, unfocussed and distracted, thus the house constructed became one of the worst projects in the carpenter’s career. When the house was ready, the boss presented the house to the carpenter as a gift for their years of hard work and commitment. The old carpenter was saddened and ashamed to learn that the shoddily constructed house was now theirs

I have found that the more deeply I think on this story, it becomes more and more clear that it has a great many parallels to being a student at school. I have been spending a lot of time with our new Year 7 students over the last week and have been buoyed by their exuberance and excitement at being here. Remembering when I was in Year 12, there seems to come a time when all we want to do is leave and take the next step in the journey. Just like the carpenter, by doing this we are neglecting the house we are building for ourselves.

If instead of asking ourselves ‘how much longer do I have to go?’ we ask, ‘how can this help me in the future?’ or ‘how can I make this more valuable to me?’ - think of the houses we would construct for ourselves.

Last year, I concluded my Term 4 Term in Review article by challenging students to consider where they want our second year as Jackson House to take us. What do we want 2022 to look and feel like, and what do we need to do to get there?

We are no longer the new House on the block… but there are plenty of opportunities to build lasting traditions for all those yet to come. If you are interested in building something great, then do not hesitate to let me or our amazing House Captains know

Samuel Weston, House Dean Jackson

From the House Dean of Newton

Welcome back to school. While it certainly has been another different start to the year, I hope everyone had a relaxing break and an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. I am sure you are all eager to get back into the swing of things.

Special mention

Congratulations to Callum L and Tom W for achieving a high distinction in the 2021 ICAS Science assessment.

Attendance and uniform

Newton student leaders for 2022

I am proud to introduce you to the student leaders for Newton.

House Captains: Randima G and Tiya K

House Ambassadors: Parastoo YD, Aden L, Arya C, Ziqi Z, Navreet K, Navya D, Natasha J, Manal MF, Samuel S, Anna F, Shaurya N, Mahika B, Daniela CI, Annie P, Alea R.

Here is a brief introduction from our Captains:

Randima G
Hello Newton House students, I am Randima, and your House Captain. I hope you all had a well-rested holiday and are excited and prepared for the year ahead. Last year, we hosted fun events, such as the paper plane competition. This year, I want to hold more engaging events during InStep so we can all have fun and not be too stressed about our studies.

Tiya K
Hello everyone, I am Tiya, the House Captain for Newton.

I am looking forward to my new role, to help where I can and have a fun time with everyone. I cannot wait for the House events and meeting our new students. I am overall excited to make Newton win this year.

Personalised learning plans (PLPs) and strategies

InStep
'To Nurture to Know' is our theme in InStep classes, focusing on building positive relationships within our Newton and School community. Students have begun working on a new competition - an Inter-house House Dean portrait competition run by the Arts Department. There will be a winner for each House and an overall winning InStep (to be announced in Week 5). In addition, all final works will be exhibited at the Festival of Creativity in Term 2. It will be interesting to see eight creative portraits of each House Dean displayed at the festival.

Several new staff have joined our Newton team; I would like to extend my best wishes and warmest welcome to Djamila Reynolds, Zoe Matthews, Celia Lambert, and Rosa Monsour.

Upcoming Events

• Year 11 CAS interview 1                                          Week 5 (InStep)
  
• Year 10 SET Plan interviews (new students only)   Week 10
• Year 10 - 12 Exam block                                          Week 10

Wishing you all an exciting and prosperous start to 2022, and do not forget to take every opportunity that arrives.

"If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants" - Sir Isaac Newton

GO NEWTON!

Deva Prasad, House Dean Newton

From the Guidance Officers

Guidance Officer (Career Planning & Inclusion)

Greetings! What a wonderful time of year with fresh starts, and the opportunity to dream with a new year stretched before us. With the new year comes new roles and opportunities. This year I will be focussed on assisting with Career Planning, while our growing student services team now provide support in other areas.

There are many things happening in the Career Planning sphere this term to support our students and families.

SET planning
Our new Year 10 students will also have the opportunity to engage in career planning this term as we explore the many aspects of career decision making. This will culminate with each student completing their Senior Education and Training (SET) plan to help guide them through the senior phase of high school and preparation for tertiary studies.

Resources
There are many resources available to support our students’ journey to explore their dreams and potential.

The Guidance Office in A block has a range of free resources available for students to access. There are currently handbooks and factsheets on careers, universities, and general wellbeing. Students are welcome to come by and take a look. Why not consider taking something home?

The SMT Digital Library now has a growing collection of career resources including newsletters and factsheets from previous communication. We will also be adding to our “Career Education Resources” available through our digital library. Keep checking back in!

Options Career Bulletin
Once again, we have subscribed to the Options Career Bulletin to provide regular updates on career topics such as universities, scholarships, study skills and career fields. With an expanded service, members of our immediate school community are now able to access the Options resources anywhere and anytime using the Options Career Information app available through the Apple store and Google Play. Our unique school access code will be emailed to students soon. Please take the time to peruse the attached bulletin and note any dates or topics of interest.

In addition to our regular Options Career Bulletin, we now have access to career resources published by Study Work Grow. Both catalogues will be accessible through the SMT digital library. Students can access the Study Work Grow website or register to receive the newsletters directly. Study Work Grow offer a great addition for our current career program with features including guides (e.g., Entry to Medicine Guide), weekly newsletters, a work experience database, a scholarships database, job spotlights and online tools. All students can access membership as part of our school subscription, using the following steps:

Step 1: Go to https://studyworkgrow.com.au/school/qasmt/

Step 2: Click on ‘Create your membership’ in the top right corner

Step 3: Follow the steps and use our School Code (QASMT) when prompted.

Contact: I am available at school Monday to Thursday, 8.00am – 4.00pm for appointments, or can be contacted by email if I can answer any questions to support you. Please continue to contact your House Dean as your first contact for any wellbeing issues and they will refer to the guidance officers if appropriate. Happy planning!

Katrina Judge, Guidance Officer (Career Planning)   kjudg12@eq.edu.au

Katrina Judge, Guidance Officer (Career Planning)

Guidance Officer (Student Wellbeing)
Welcome back to a bit of an unusual start to our new school year. Starting off a new school year is always an exciting time for students, families, and our staff. The new year brings with it new hopes and expectations of what lays ahead. For some, this can be a little daunting. A vital key in maintaining positive momentum and a grounded connection is setting up a practical and sustainable routine. Students have received a couple of Guidance Updates over the last few weeks, outlining rituals to increase your happiness, preparing for the new year, starting the year strong, and tips for dealing with change and information about how to make friends at school. When developing routines, it is important to consider all aspects of our life, not just our study/learning time. Scheduled time for rest, family, socialising, health, and fitness are all important.

This term, I will continue to send out weekly Guidance Updates to all students, with articles, activities, and resources to support their wellbeing. I invite students and parents to share any suggestions for future topics to explore with me. If you have younger children in your home, ask your SMT child to teach them some strategies suggested in the weekly Guidance Update. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to teach their younger sibling(s) important skills.

In addition to these Guidance Updates, I will share with all students and staff a weekly ‘Strategy Spotlight.’ These weekly spotlights will focus on simple, fun, and effective strategies to calm the mind and soothe the body. These strategies can be helpful for the whole family; ask your child to share these with you.

Appointments with me are available during school hours. To request an appointment, email guidance@qasmt.eq.edu.au, or contact the Attendance Officer (Lee Baker) with the following:

• Student name
• Year level
• Instep class
• Suggested time/s (between 8am-4pm)
• For phone appointments, a contact number (if applicable)
• A general reason for the request (eg. mental health, safety concern etc).

Tara le Pla, Guidance Officer (Student Wellbeing)

From Instrumental Music

We have 400 students in our Instrumental and Vocal Music program this year, with just under half of those attending group lessons during class time, closely following the recently updated Queensland Department of Education Instrumental Music Curriculum. 

Ensembles and Conductors in 2022

Our students look forward to participating in many events this year including assemblies, lunchtime concerts, workshops, Masterclasses and special events.

We are pleased to partner with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Five students in the "QSO Compose” CCA group will collaborate with musicians from the QSO to workshop and compose music for a select group of QSO professional performers at the ABC Studios, Southbank in July. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in this creative project.

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

From Corporate Services

This term the school marketing team is working with the enthusiastic student journalists on the 2022 Yearbook.  The Yearbook is an all year project and we are excited to see what the students will produce this year.

Shhhhhh…. the team have had the chance to sneak preview some of the House Dean portrait works in progress and they are truly remarkable.   We look forward to seeing the finished products on display.

At the virtual Leadership Induction  Assembly, we welcomed 2019 Alumni and School Captain for that year, Jason Kim, to speak. It is always interesting to hear from our past students and learn of their new and exciting experiences beyond the Academy. Thank you Jason for sharing your journey with us. 

Do you have a QASMT Alumni in your  family? If so, we would love to hear from them, or encourage them to join our SMT Alumni group on LinkedIn.

From the P&C

Message from the P&C
The P&C sends out a very warm welcome to you all for the academic year 2022. We hope your child is settling back in to school life after an extended break. 

The P&C is a volunteer-run organisation, which supports the school through fund-raising and community building activities. It is free to join the P&C and is a great way to learn what is happening at school, and to support your child's education.

Last year the P&C had a concerted campaign around improving public transport links and we now have a dedicated TransLink Student bus, the S744 that runs from Roma St Cultural Centre to Bywong St in the morning and leaves from Bywong St in the afternoon https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables/bus/T/s744. The bus also connects with the Toowong train station and Regatta City Cat stop. In addition, a group of new parents were able to get a private express coach service running from Sunnybank/Mt Gravatt to the school and we would like to congratulate the parents involved for their persistence in getting this off the ground. There are a few spots left on the coach, so please contact Mt Gravatt Coach and Travel  https://www.mtgcoach.com.au/ if you would like more information.

Our first General Meeting and AGM will be on Monday 21 March 2022 at 6.00pm at the school. At this meeting, the P&C executive committee (President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary) for 2022 will be elected. If you would like to nominate for any of these positions, please email qasmtpandc@gmail.com for a nomination form.

Membership forms can be found at https://qasmt.eq.edu.au/our-community/pandc-association. All members must fill in a new membership form each year. If you would like to be part of the P&C in 2022 please complete the form and either bring it to a meeting you attend, or scan and email your completed form to qasmtpandc@gmail.com. Thank you to those who have already sent in their forms.

We look forward to seeing many enthusiastic members of our school community this year, to benefit our wonderful community. 

QASMT P&C 

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).