Term Ahead - 29 April 2022
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From the Senior Leadership Team
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From the Deputy Principle of Senior Years
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From the Deputy Principal of Middle Years
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From the Inclusion team
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From the Department of Language and Literature
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From the Department of Language Acquisition
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From the Department of Technology and the Arts
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From the Department of Individuals and Societies
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From the Department of Physical Sciences
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From the Department of Life Sciences
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From the Department of Mathematics
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From Education Outside of the Classroom (EOTC)
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From the House Dean of Agnesi
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From the House Dean of Curie
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From the House Dean of Da Vinci
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From the House Dean of Franklin
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From the House Dean of Hawking
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From the House Dean of Hollows
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From the House Dean of Jackson
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From the House Dean of Newton
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From the Guidance Officers
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From Instrumental Music
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From Corporate Services
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From the P&C
From the Senior Leadership Team
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Senior Leadership Team
On behalf of the Academy, we extend a warm welcome to Term 2.
Co-teaching
As a co-teaching school, we continue to build on developing best-practice based on research from the past ten years. As such, the benefits of co-teaching are well-documented and numerous. Co-teaching supports our teachers in the delivery of inclusive and differentiated practices within the classroom; it provides an environment for our teachers to work collaboratively and learn from each other in a manner that is continuous and embedded, and it increases teacher efficacy.
Our teachers work through what is known as the co-teaching cycle in preparing, delivering and reviewing each lesson co-taught. Our staff are allocated a dedicated time to meet to on a weekly basis.
The co-teaching cycle includes:
- Co-planning – prior to each lesson, teachers meet to plan, review prior lessons, set expectations and develop learning intentions for the class.
- Co-teaching – using the targeted co-teaching strategies and models of delivery, our teachers work together to achieve the best outcomes for all students.
- Co-debriefing – teachers work together to co-assess student learning progression.
- Co-reflecting – teachers reflect on classroom practice and plan strategies to use moving ahead.
A Classroom Snapshot
A snapshot of a co-teaching classroom has been detailed below to gain a greater understanding of what co-teaching looks like in practice.
The snapshot focuses on a single lesson from a Year 8, Individual and Societies – History class conducted earlier this week, co-taught by Mr Blumbergs and Mr Leong.
Topic: Turning Points in Australian History
The lesson was an inquiry-based, small group presentation task, honing in on the IB Approaches to Learning Skills of Thinking, Collaboration, Communication and Research.
The content focus:
- Federation
- World War 1 (Conscription)
- Great Depression
- World War 2 (Kokoda)
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
Co-teaching approaches supported the students to work collaboratively in small groups of four to five students. Teachers used a duet and station-based co-teaching approaches, during the lesson. The diagram below represents the learning and presentation experience planned for the co-taught classroom.
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At the beginning of the lesson teachers taught as a duet; that is, both teachers shared the instruction of the students, taking turns in leading the discussion, explaining key concepts and outlining expectations. For this task, students examined turning points through different historical conceptual lenses including change, causes, consequences and perspectives.
Teachers then moved to a station-teaching approach with students working in small groups to develop collaboration and presentation skills. Content was divided between the students prior to the delivery.
Finally, students presented their learning to small groups, and received peer and teacher informed feedback based on their research turning point in Australian history.
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From a student’s perspective – co-teaching (Year 8)
‘It’s like normal class except there is an extra teacher that is able to help us individually, while the other teacher is teaching.’
‘Both teachers have their own strengths and teaching methods that can complement each other. For example, one teacher can be writing key points up, while the other teacher is speaking about the same.’
“We can learn more from two teachers as we have two sources, we can learn two perspectives.”
“We can work with students from both classes which can help us to meet new people.”
“Two teachers are there to help us and we get to do more group collaboration.”
From a teacher’s perspective – co-teaching
What do I enjoy about co-teaching? Being able to work with my professional and highly skilled colleagues in both the planning and delivery of our subject. Being able to both share our love and enthusiasm for the subject. Being able to learn from each other. Being able to bounce ideas off each other regarding the best way to teach students.
“As a House Dean, all my Positive Education classes are co-taught. Apart from getting to know students from another house and supporting their learning and wellbeing, the opportunity to share proactive practices and learn from my co-teaching partner has been enriching. There is joint accountability and mutual ownership in all our classes. In other words, it is one class, and we are both teaching and learning.”
"Children are our priority; change is the reality; collaboration is the strategy"
- Judith Billings.
Term 2 is an incredibly busy and rich term for the Academy community, and we wish all of our community, a memorable and productive 10 weeks.
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 dEPUTY PRINCIPLE of Senior Years
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Catherine de Freitas Pessoa, Director of Senior Years
Warm welcome back to Term 2!
I hope everyone had a lovely break and students are prepared for an action packed term.
Curriculum
The time has finally come for our Year 12 students to begin to finalise their Inner Core. The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge essay drafts are submitted for feedback this term, marking a significant milestone in the DP journey. CAS interviews will also take place in Week 6 of this term. The purpose of these interviews is to make sure that students are on track to be signed off by the CAS Coordinator at the end of Term 3. This term our Year 12 German ab initio students will write their final IB exams. I am certain that students’ preparation for these exams has been thorough and wish them all the best.
During Week 7 of this term, our Year 10 students will complete the practical component of the Certificate II in Sampling and Measuring and Certificate III in Laboratory Skills and Certificate III in Laboratory Skills. Students have been completing the theory units during Term 1 and 2 and should ensure that they are up to date with each module as communicated by our VET Coordinator, Ms Manwaring. As well as achieving the Certificate III, a recognised qualification, the practical skills gained in this course will complement students’ laboratory work in all the Sciences, which at the heart are experimental in nature.
Year 10 Semester 2 Subject Selection
In Semester 2, Year 10 students will commence the Diploma Preparation Programme. This term, students will select the Standard Level and Higher Level subjects for Semester 2 so that they are aligned with those that will study in the IB Diploma. All students must study three subjects at Higher Level and three subjects at Standard Level. When doing course comparisons, external bodies have found that across several countries, in most instances, SL courses are as demanding if not more so than comparative courses. SL courses also meet Queensland University pre-requisites for all subjects, although there are some exceptions at overseas institutions. When choosing subjects and levels, students should consider what they achieve best at, enjoy most and which will support their career aspirations and further studies. The aim should be for a well-balanced program that is both achievable and enjoyable.
Spotlight on the IB – Sustainability across the IB Continuum
“The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world” (IBO, 2019). This emphasis on shared guardianship of the planet demonstrates the importance of sustainability within an IB education. Sustainability is also implicit within the IB learner profile, with the qualities of being knowledgeable, caring and principled equipping students with the skills and attributes to be able to take principled action throughout their lives. As well as the learner profile and a focus on international-mindedness, an IB education encompasses a broad, balanced, conceptual and connected curriculum that so that IB students build on their existing knowledge and apply their learning across all subjects. As balanced IB learners, our students and teachers continually recognise the interconnectivity of content, skills and values that is necessary for sustainable action. CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) experiences also provide a direct opportunity for students to engage in sustainable actions to foster their understanding of their role as a global citizen.
Sustainability Week is Week 8 Term 2, which celebrates the actions of our school community towards improved sustainable practices. This week is also an opportunity to raise awareness of how to be more sustainable within and beyond the school community. Students with a particular interest in how they may contribute towards sustainability at the Academy also have the opportunity to join the focused CCA groups: the Plastic Oceans Team or the Environmental and Biodiversity Clubs.
“The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating.”
(John Schaar)
![](https://qasmt.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/3179/sustainability_week_2021.jpg)
Catherine de Freitas Pessoa, Director of Senior Years
From the Deputy Principal of Middle Years
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Lyle Fredricksen
Welcome everyone to Term 2.
I have replaced Sara Johnson in the role of DP Middle Years and am the point of contact for MYP assessment and extensions. Three key messages so that all students can a successful term ahead.
Time Management
- The assessment calendars were published at the end of Week 1. Students should use this document to effectively ensure assessment is completed and submitted on time.
- Use the student diary to write in homework and prioritise assessment tasks. The diary should also be used to record future room changes or excursions.
- Create good habits to start the term; this includes getting quality sleep, doing focused study with no distractions. Please refer to the home learning policy on our website which has some additional advice for time management, study techniques and study spaces.
Term 1 Assessment
I know there was an extremely high volume of extension requests in Term 1. A decision was made late in Term 1 that due to the high frequency of absences; it is not a requirement for MYP students who missed assessment due to illness - as the public holidays and school events in Week 1 made it extremely difficult - to complete their outstanding assessment to start Term 2. This information should be communicated directly to individual students but due to the high volume, so contacts have been missed.
Please be aware that those students who were absent in Week 10 of Term 1 will receive an NR result on their Accelerus subject report. The Semester 1 report will be used to calculate academic awards; therefore Term 2 will carry 100% of the weight for the Semester report. Further information regarding academic awards can be found in the Student Awards Handbook. If you would like to discuss your child’s progress from Term 1, I encourage you to make a booking for the upcoming parent teacher interviews in Week 4.
NAPLAN
- During Week 1 the NAPLAN Readiness training occurred students in Years 7 and 9. The purpose of this training was it allowed both students and staff an opportunity to become familiar with the online user interface and for technical issues to be identified on student laptops.
- If students were absent from this training, I encourage them to visit the NAPLAN Assessment Program website which has a public demonstration site student can visit.
- Students who had technical difficulties during the session are required to see the IT help desk prior to Week 4.
- The four NAPLAN tests will take place from Wednesday 11 May - Monday 16 May.
- All sessions are in lower J block.
- There will be catch up sessions run from Tuesday 17 May - Thursday 19 May.
- Students are encouraged to not put any pressure on themselves and to simply do their best.
I am looking forward to the term ahead and seeing the wonderful learning that is occurring across Middle Years.
Lyle Fredrickson, Deputy Principle of Middle Years
From the inclusion team
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Jane Manwaring, Fiona Young and Danica Judge
Welcome to Term 2.
Autism Acceptance Month
Happy Autism Acceptance Month! As we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, it is timely to remind you about our Autism Hub, which is a great resource for schools and communities. The Autism Hub has a wealth of information on their website and they work with school leaders, teachers and parents to improve the engagement and education achievement of students with autism in all Queensland schools. We provide information and deliver professional learning that supports educators to include, retain and engage students with autism and empowers parents to partner with schools and teachers in their child's education. For more information please visit the Austism Hub.
Parent Webinars
Autism Hub has some free parent webinars that you may be interested in registering for. These are:
- Supporting your child in Junior Secondary
- Supporting girls with autism
- Making and maintaining friendships
- Supporting learning using student preferences
Student Leadership
Student Leadership positions across the Academy have grown with the appointment of a number of ambassador roles for our new Year 7 and 10 students. Congratulations to all those that were awarded positions. Student Leadership is an important part of life at the Academy. Our student leaders are the voice for our student body as part of student agency. We have leaderships roles representing the Academy, houses, and also in 12 different portfolio areas. These portfolio leaders are responsible for a large proportion of the student led activities on our calendar and the opportunities, activities, and awareness days that take place help to create the wonderful and inclusive vibe around the campus. Being a student leader also comes with the responsibility of being a role model is all areas of QASMT life.
The Academy Representative Council (ARC) meets weekly. One weekly meeting includes the portfolio captains and is operational in style, incorporating a learning activity about leadership; during the alternative week meeting, the house and academy captains in both Year 12 and Year 9 meet, with an agenda based on issues around agency. One of the key focuses for the Academy Captains this year is improving the communication channels between the ARC and the rest of the student body. The Captains are learning about the challenges that come with leadership and communication, and are working on a solution-based focus incorporating increased communication feedback loops through the houses, DayMap messaging and student forums. It is wonderful to see the growth in our student leaders.
Applications for student leadership positions in 2023 will open at the end of this term.
NAIDOC Week
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This year’s theme – Get up! Stand up! Show up! – encourages all of us to champion institutional, structural, collaborative, and cooperative change, while celebrating those who have already driven and led change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over generations.
We will be celebrating and building awareness about this on the first Monday after the June/July holiday break, where there will be some art activities in a yarning circle, and wristbands available for students to wear on the day. Please come and share time together, learn about those that have been involved in driving change and open yourself to learning and understanding more about our First Nations people.
If you would like to be involved in other activities during NAIDOC Week you can find out more from the following sites.
National Indigenous Australians Agency
NAIDCO Current Theme
The Inclusion Team
From the Department of Language and Literature
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David Bracken
In the English Language and Literature Faculty, we are looking forward to continuing the progress that we saw in Term 1 for many of our students.
For most year groups, there is a movement away from analysis and a re-focusing on what are known as the “productive skills” of writing in which students demonstrate their creativity and individual expression through their writing and speaking. With this said, students across Year 7 to 12 will encounter opportunities for analysis and exploring the ways in which writers, across a variety of text types and genres, create their meaning.
Our highlight will be Week 3’s Book Week in which there is a variety of activities taking place. As a student-run event, Book Week will see costume parades, celebrations of staff and student reading choices, book recommendations, quote walls, lunchtime story-telling sessions, “fictional character fights”, and “guess the character” quizzes. The energy and excitement that this event generates is always infectious and we look forward to seeing this wonderful celebration of books continue in 2022!
Years 7, 8 and 9 are undertaking novel studies their term and are demonstrating their learning in a variety of modes. Year 7 are studying the novel Wonder by R. J Palacio. This beautiful novel explores how the circumstances of one’s birth can influence relationships and one’s sense of identity and self-esteem. Student engagement with the ideas in this novel will be demonstrated through an oral presentation in which students creatively explain how particular characters have been portrayed by the author. Year 8 are studying the novel Animal Farm as a recognisable means to engage with ideas concerning society, status, and power. Meanwhile, our Year 9 students will explore the novel Life of Pi to determine how realism can be combined with symbolic and whimsical descriptions to make an emotional connection to a reader, while simultaneously disorienting them. At the culmination of the study of Life of Pi, students will create their own pastiche in which they show how they can control their language to create several vignettes.
Within the Diploma Preparation Programme, our Year 10s are embarking on a series of tasks that require them to demonstrate autonomy and a high level of engagement with a variety of non-literary persuasive texts. If the first week of this term is any indication, students are rising to the challenge of individually annotating and articulating their complex ideas about texts in their CAR logs.
Year 11 are embarking on a study of the fascinating “multi-modal” work of New York-based photographer, Brandon Stanton. The work that students explore may be chosen by them at the end of the year to be one of the stimulus texts for the Individual Oral. The learning journey that students are undertaking will see them explore ways in which marginalised voices are presented and portrayed through a series of photographs accompanied by anecdotes. Students are already showing us that they can use these pithy stimulus texts to “branch out” and communicate complex ideas about Global Issues that they identify. We look forward to seeing how students grapple with how complex ideas can spring forward from these works.
Likewise, our Year 12 students are working towards developing their Paper 1 skills by using texts that appear to be created primarily to entertain, rather than make social commentary; However, students are going to use these to comment on social stratification, representations of females, symbolic meanings, and explore how different people groups are portrayed. This will be done by using contemporary rap as a starting point and stimulus. Students will look at how contemporary reader theories can help them add depth to their insights about how different audiences are portrayed or appealed to. Once students are comfortable with couching their ideas in rigorous and theory-supported terminology, they will turn their hand to using this language to add depth to the Paper 1 responses.
One of the anticipated highlights of life outside of the classroom will be Week 8s Festival of Creativity. This is an event that celebrates creative work from across the school and promises to be a wonderful showcase event in which students from across the school demonstrate the products of their creativity. The English staff are working to support this event and are leading CCAs in Creative Writing, The Scene Project, and debating. Additionally, we are launching the Dialogues event in which students have an opportunity to practice their diplomacy and oracy skills. The launch of this event is a meaningful development in the life of QASMT as we look for opportunities for students to develop their ability to deliver robust ideas within the public sphere.
In all, it is a busy and productive term coming up. We are eager to see and celebrate how our QASMT students engage with all that the English department has to offer this term!
David Bracken, Head of Department Language and Literature
From the Department of Language Acquisition
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Jane Muil
This term we welcomed back all our students with open arms, hopeful that the multiple disruptions from last term are behind us.
As the new Head of Department, I have been focussing on supporting the students into the new term and ensuring staff are settling in. In particularly we welcome a new staff member to our team, French teacher Ms Valerie Weill-Ainscough.
Language Acquisition staff are a driven and committed group of teachers who understand that learning new languages plays an important role in young people’s lives in developing their literacy, communication skills, cultural awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing world within which we live.
Teachers in Language Acquisition
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International Mindedness
We were thrilled to celebrate Harmony Week in Week 2. Led by Frau Wilson, Ms Wallace-Cunningham and Ms Davey, students planned and enjoyed a range of activities which encouraged both an international mindedness and greater cultural awareness and appreciation.
Language Acquisition Exams
This term, Year 7 students are preparing for their individual orals in Week 5 and writing exams in Week 8. Our Year 8 students are preparing for their writing exams in Week 6 and their individual orals in Week 9. Our Year 9 students are preparing for their individual orals in Week 5. Our Year 10 students are preparing for their listening exams in Week 6. Our Year 11 students are preparing for their listening exams in Week 5. Our Year 12 students (except German) have their final individual orals in Week 6.
Years 9, 10, 11, and 12 all have block exams this year in Week 10. We wish them all the best in their studies and encourage them to attend subject specific tutorials on offer, and to implement the vast range of useful revision strategies provided to them via our skilled teachers.
Year 12 German have their final IB exams in Week 4 and we wish them “viel gluck” for this!
If you have any questions at all regarding your child’s language development, please do not hesitate to contact your Language Acquisition teacher or myself.
jmuil2@eq.edu.au
Jane Muil, Head of Department Language Acquisition
From the Department of Technology and the Arts
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Madeleine Brookes
Welcome to Term 2 in the Technology and The Arts Department.
As usual, we have a busy term ahead with lots of exciting learning opportunities for all.
Music Year 7
Students are pitching a new musical theatre concept to a panel of producers. Each student will compose a hit musical theatre song demonstrating relevant theory as well as performing solo in front of their peers. Working as a team, groups will develop presentation skills by articulating industry related items such as budget forecasts, marketing outlines and production notes.
Music Year 8
Students are developing orchestration and arranging skills by composing a reimagined piece. By doing so, they are researching genre-specific musical elements and demonstrating creativity to compose melodies and harmonies whilst considering texture, form and tonality. Students are presenting through music performance whilst justifying decisions pertaining areas such as inclusion, sustainability and/or technological innovation.
Media Arts Year 7 and 8
For the first time at QASMT, our Year 7 and 8 Art students will be learning about Media Arts.
Year 7 students will be devising and creating a one-minute silent film. In groups they will be learning about camera angles, storyboarding, filming and editing, applying silent film conventions to a story based on fables. In Year 8, our students will be creating a stop motion Claymation about a STEAM Influencer. Students will learn three-dimensional construction techniques and basic editing to create their Claymation animations.
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Visual Art Year 9
In Artist's As Changemakers we will be exploring the age-old genre of Still Life, unpacking composition and symbolism.
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Visual Art Year 12
Our Year 12 Visual Arts students are getting ever closer to their final exhibition which begins mid-term 3! The art studio is a flurry of ideas, experimenting and immersive artmaking.
DESIGN
Design Year 7 and 8
In Year 7 Design, students will be exploring algorithmic thinking. Initially through designing flow charts, pseudocode, and coding micro:bits using the Tinybot robots. They will then take their skills and develop a maze for the robot to navigate. Through this, they will recognise the importance of effective planning and testing to developing a digital solution.
In Year 8 Design, students will be developing algorithmic thinking skills through problem solving. They will learn how to create flow charts, develop pseudocode before coding their solutions in Python. By developing an application for their peers, students will recognise the importance of human-centred design, as they need to focus on the people they are designing for by determining what their user needs and then finding a solution that is tailored for them.
YEAR 9 STEM FUTURES COURSES
Biomedical Engineering (BME)
This term, our BME students will conduct a series of experiments to measure the physical properties of bone scaffolds such as strength and porosity and learn how to use statistical analysis tools in Excel to evaluate their results. Students will then 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. Some examples are: "What is the importance of 3D printers in relation to biomedical engineering?" and "How does regenerative medicine mitigate the effects of bone injury?"
Disrupting the Market (DTM)
This term in DTM students are forming marketing teams to create promotional merchandise to support a business who is pivoting. Students will use the laser cutter technology and skills to present a cohesive marketing package to ensure the pivoted business reaches their customer base.
The Future of Automation (FOA)
Can automating our homes reduce our environmental impact? FOA students will use their mechatronic skills to automate a system in their homes. They will explore unsustainable systems around the home, and using microcontrollers, design, create, and code a prototype solution automating that system.
YEAR 10 STEM FUTURES COURSES
Living in a Digital Society (LDS) Year 10
Everyday 1.145 Exabytes (1.145 billion Gigabytes) of data is created. This data is shared and consumed the world over but how do we keep this data safe from those who might want to use it maliciously? This is our topic for this term. With help (and a trip) to the University of Queensland's Cybersecurity department, we will be studying the types of threats that exist for modern networks, explore ways to protect our IT resources and examine case studies where the internet we know it has been under threat.
If you are interested in some of the case studies we will cover in class, we recommend the Lazarus Hei$t podcast from the BBC:
“Almost a perfect crime.” The hacking ring and an attempt to steal a billion dollars. Investigators blame North Korea. Pyongyang denies involvement. The story begins in Hollywood.
Computational Thinking
Year 10 students are taking their skills in logical and algorithmic thinking to the next level by producing solutions in one the most used programming languages, JavaScript. In the second half of the term, they will gain understanding of relational databases.
Diploma Programme
Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) Year 11
In ITGS this term, our students will begin their Internal Assessment where they will develop a solution for a client such as a promotional video, a database for a House Dean and an animation to teach a new concept. Alongside we will research the applications of databases as well as input devices for IT systems. With the Federal Election looming, we may use this opportunity to review online voting and voting machines and the use of data for predictions.
Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) Year 12
Increased AI and robotics are becoming integral to our everyday lives. This term, Year 12 ITGS students will explore many of these exciting technologies and examining how and why they have influenced modern society. On top of this, students are continuing their case study that investigates the role and nature of social media in our world.
Computer Science (CS)
This term Year 11 students will continue to develop an understanding and skills in computational thinking, Human Computer Interaction (HCI), and computer networking.
How do the resources of a computer affect the development of IT solutions? This is a key question Year 12 Computer Science is exploring this term. Students will also be examining how control systems are utilised in our day-to-day lives and continuing to explore the nature of genetic algorithms. To top off this busy term, students are finalising and implementing their assessment projects with their clients.
Enrichment: CAT Competition
On May 4 we will be running the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition for over 50 students across three divisions. This a one-hour problem-solving competition designed to encourage student curiosity, promote multiple modes of thinking and solve real-world problems. It is suitable for any mathematics class and the process helps students become more confident as they take on interesting new challenges.
As you can see, it will continue to be a busy, but rewarding, term of learning.
Madeleine Brookes, Head of Department Technology and The Arts
From the Department of Individuals and Societies
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Andrew Blumbergs
Welcome to Term 2!
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Individuals and Societies Head of Department. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s approaches to learning that you would like to discuss with me, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: ajblu0@eq.edu.au
We continue to emphasise the following for all students and parents for the term ahead:
- Effective time management with classwork, homework and assessments
- Seek clarification and assistance whenever necessary
- We encourage students to have regular conversations at home about the content that they have covered in class. Individuals and Societies is all about the world around us and events happening in local and international news.
The Individuals and Societies staff look forward to meeting parents at the upcoming parent teacher interviews.
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STEM Seminar Series 12 May
Tomas Piccinini from UQ Ventures will be the guest speaker at the STEM Seminar Series on May 12. Tomas is the Lead for UQ’s Ventures Discovery team. He leads and coordinates the design and delivery of entrepreneurship and design thinking programs for High Schools. In his time with UQ Ventures he has engaged with over 8,000 students from around the world and inspired and mentored dozens of them to pursue their passions and start new businesses. He will share his experiences working with students from a variety of fields including engineering and psychology. We encourage all students to attend this session.
Year 7 and 8 Individuals and Societies
Year 7 Students will be introduced to the discipline of Geography. We start the term developing geographical knowledge and skills such as the characteristics of maps, questionnaire design, rules for sketching and drawing observation walk maps and field sketches as well as analysis. These skills will then be used in the assessment for this term which is an individual report focusing on the liveability of each student’s neighbourhood and recommendations about how this can be improved. Students will participate in an excursion to South Bank in Week 5 which is linked to their assessment. Year 8 Individuals and Societies is a continuation of Australian history. Students will explore turning points of the 20th century during the first half of term, before concluding the term with the Australian legal system.
Enrichment opportunity
Is your student the next Young Historian of the year?
The National History Challenge is a research-based competition for Australian students. It gives students a chance to be historians, research world history, examine Australia’s past, investigate their community or explore their own roots. It emphasises and rewards quality research, the use of community resources and effective presentation. The competition theme for 2022 is ‘Causes and Consequences’ and students interested in applying should see Mrs Jasper in the Individuals and Societies staffroom by the end of Week 3 to register and receive an information pack.
Year 9 STEM Futures: Forensic Psychology
Students commence the term by working on the completion of their Crime Scene Investigation Practical Assessment. Students have already spent some time in the lab working with DNA samples, hair fibres and fingerprints. This task requires them to solve a crime and justify why they think the evidence suggests a particular suspect.
The remainder of this term will be spent covering the unit ‘Making a case and reaching a verdict.’ Students will learn about offender profiling, different types of crime scene evidence, eyewitness testimony, interviewing suspects, how an offender looks and behaves, and how this may affect the jury members decision making of a verdict and the purpose of and types of punishment.
At the end of May students will travel to St Helena Island for a ‘prison experience’ excursion. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and understanding of the Forensic Psychology course, including the treatment of criminal behaviour and explanations for criminal behaviour.
10 STEM Futures
Inside Your Head
This term Year 10 will complete their unit on Personality and Stress. An interesting fact is people diagnosed with Anti-social personality disorder often had reduced connections between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for sentiments such as empathy and guilt, and the amygdala, which mediates fear and anxiety. As such they do not seem to suffer from or react to stress in the same way as 'other' people do. We will also explore learning through the lens of the seminal research of Pavlov, Skinner and Bandura. Following this we ask the students What is intelligence and why are we getting smarter?
Show Me the Money
The UQ Business Faculty will be visiting in Week 3 to present a three-hour workshop on marketing techniques and showcase the technology that is used to gather information from a target market. The theme for the workshop is sustainability. Are you more likely to buy a product/service is you know it is sustainable? Students are continuing to work with UQ ventures on ‘Thinking differently’ and this will cumulate with their assessment with a solution to a breakfast problem.
Tragedy of the Commos
The focus for students in Term 2 is to make connections with the real-world using case studies and the inquiry process. We will be visiting the University of Queensland to undertake several activities run by members of the Economics faculty. One of these activities will involve a session in the UQ Behavioural and Economic Science Cluster Laboratory where students will test economic hypotheses and find out whether ‘real’ people actually behave in the way economic theory predicts. In addition, several members of the UQ Economics Faculty will be visiting our campus to deliver lectures based around the topics of sustainability and market failure.
Business Management
Year 11 students learn how to use a range of business tools, including Gantt charts and decision-making trees, before commencing a unit on Finance. Year 12 students will be working through a case study with a focus on business operations.
Psychology
Year 11 students have just completed their first IB Psychology examination and are learning how to address the subject specific questions with focus and critical thinking. As we say to the students the IB is a “Marathon not a sprint” so they should focus their efforts on improving their results with each assessment. This term we will begin the Cognitive Approach where we explore how memories are formed and how they can be unreliable in certain circumstances. We also look at how we make decisions and delve into the work of Daniel Kahneman the author of “Thinking Fast and Slow.”
Year 12 Psychologists have just completed their first Paper 2 Option topic on Human Relationships. Students now understand the psychology behind Social Responsibility and can explain why humans display altruistic behaviours and why at times they act as bystanders in emergency situations and are reticent to get involved. This term we will focus on the second topic for Paper 2 Abnormal Psychology. We explore the biological, cognitive and sociocultural origins of Major Depressive Disorder and we gain insight into the prevalence of this disorder in males versus females and across cultures.
Economics
In Year 11 Economics, the role that governments play at a microeconomic level will be studied. We will examine the effects of price controls, taxes and subsidies on various stakeholders. Towards the second half of the term, we will look at the various forms of market failure that occur in an economy and how governments try to rectify these issues.
To compliment the end of term exam, students will be introduced and complete their first IA draft commentary (Microeconomics) as part of their portfolio. As part of their commentary, students will analyse and evaluate a newspaper article that covers a real-life example of a market failure. In the process, students will use one of the nine key concepts in economics as a lens to examine their article.
Year 12 Economics students will focus on the unit on Global Economy. Term content will focus on International Economics which centres on trade, protectionism, exchange rates and economic integration. In terms of assessment, students will be writing their draft and final for the third IA Commentary. We encourage students to do regular revision at home as well as collecting real-life examples for their November exams.
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From the ToK Coordinator David King
DP1 TOK
Students this term will be considering one of the themes, Knowledge and Technology. They will have the opportunity to consider how technology impacts on how we produce and share knowledge as well as how knowledge may change because of technology. They will also complete a second practice commentary of 350 words, to prepare them for their final exhibition assessment in Term4.
DP2 TOK
The students are continuing to work on the draft of their final essay of 1600 words which they will submit for feedback later this term. Their essays will be returned to them before the end of this term, as the final submission is in early Term 3.
We wish all our students a successful year ahead and that they create good study habits early!
Andrew Blumbergs, Head of Department Individuals & Societies
From the Department of Physical Sciences
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Esme Hatchell
Welcome back!
I hope all our students and their families had a relaxing term break and are ready for a second term of science.
Year 9 – 12 Physical Science students
Year 9 students from across four Physical Science subjects are in for an exciting term: Biochemical Solutions students are studying biochemistry in Living Chemistry; Fuelling the Planet students are studying calorimetry in Energy in Chemical Reactions; Medical Physics students are studying electromagnetic waves in Radiation Medicine; and World of Reactions students are studying different chemical reactions in Reaction Revolution.
Year 10 students are now entering the second term of their semester courses. Our Year 10 Journey to Earth X students are looking forward to a trip to Dreamworld in the coming weeks to investigate energy and motion, while our Year 10 Future Materials students are about to welcome a visit from another UQ scholar who will speak about biopolymers. After this term, Year 10 students will then enter their Diploma Preparation Programme in either the Standard or Higher Levels (SL or HL), so I encourage all students to ensure they are reflecting on their progress this term as they consider their future subject choices.
This term, both our Year 11 Chemistry and Physics students are embarking on an Internal Assessment (IA). The skills that students learn in writing these assessment tasks are essential for their long-term success in their diploma, and I encourage all students to put time and effort into their assignments. Students will receive feedback in many forms - sometimes written, sometimes verbal - from their teachers on their progress during these tasks; it is essential that students reflect on their own progress against the marking criteria, as well as the many different types of feedback given.
Over the term, our Year 12 Chemistry and Physics students will be further developing their exam skills. Students will focus increasingly on Paper 1 and Paper 2 exam technique, and our expert teachers are ready to guide and support them as they do this. If you have a Year 12 student in your family, be sure to ask them about the differences between Paper 1 and 2, their favourite sub-topics, and where their strengths lay.
Extracurricular Science Updates
This term we have a fantastic offering of extracurricular science activities including several science CCAs: Art in Science, Crystal Growing, Science Communication, Physics Olympiads, Astronomy club, and Astrophysics club. Several students will be attending the Churchie Physics Lecture this term, and we are currently seeking student-teams for the RACI Queensland Schools Titration Competition. If you have a student in your family who is interested in taking part in one of these extracurricular activities, then they should contact the Physical Science teachers who run them. This information is available on the Term 2 CCA list.
Finally, look out for the upcoming STEM Seminar Speakers! After having to reschedule a few of our seminars from last term - this term we have three eminent scientists taking part in the STEM Seminar Series. All QASMT students and staff are welcome and are encouraged to attend one (or all!) of the upcoming exciting seminars. We are extremely lucky to have people who are leaders in their fields coming in to speak to us, and it is a unique opportunity to hear about real-world STEM businesses and research in our very own lecture theatre.
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To all our students and families, our team of Physical Science teachers are extremely excited and ready to support you in your academic and extracurricular science endeavours this term. We hope you have a wonderful Term 2.
“The important thing is to not stop questioning”
- Albert Einstein
Esme Hatchell, Head of Department Physical Sciences
From the Department of Life Sciences
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Vanessa Bermingham
Welcome back to Term 2!
I hope you all had a restful Easter break and managed to spend quality time with friends and family. This term looks to be an exciting and interesting term filled with inquiry and enrichment opportunities.
Curriculum
Year 7 Science
Year 7 students will be learning about Earth and Space and exploring the statement of inquiry:
“Natural and human systems create patterns. The relationship between Earth's natural resources and human society's physical needs functions as a balance between resources that are non-renewable on human timescales while others can be renewed or recycled.”
Through this they will investigating Earth’s natural resources, identifying what these are and how they are used. They will evaluate their own resource use to recognise the environment cost associated with these. Students will explore renewable energy sources. Finally, they will apply their understanding to the ‘Wicked Problem’ of e-Waste and sustainability.
In the second half of the term Year 7 have their interdisciplinary unit on interpreting patterns in data (combined Mathematics). They will explore this through learning about our solar system.
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Year 8 Science
Year 8 students will be learning about chemical reactions. They will be exploring the statement of inquiry:
“Chemical change involves interactions that occur at an atomic level and is always accompanied by energy change.”
They will be using their inquiry skills to conduct a scientific investigation on chemical change. Students will be exploring aspects of the periodic table, understand what compounds and molecules are, all while developing and building their practical skills.
Year 9 Sustainable Futures
Year 9 Sustainable Futures students are exploring Sustainable Development Goal #11 “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. They will be doing this by researching, designing and building one aspect of a sustainable city. Students may look at energy production, or inner-city development, or even educational settings. Through this, students will develop a deeper understanding of the current problems with these city areas and look at current and future solutions to these problems.
Year 10 Blue Planet
Year 10 Blue Planet students are investigating human impact on the environment. They are learning about environmental legislation and how to assess whether future development has an impact on the ecosystem. Students will be heading out to Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre where they will collect data on two different sites, an environmentally protected site and a site where human activity is allowed. They will develop a research question based on an area of interest that incorporates this data and past data collected by the centre e.g. How have the recent floods impacted the biodiversity of the Moreton Bay coastal area as measured by the Simpson’s Diversity Index?
The students will finish the term by doing a case study analysis on the impact of the Olympic Games, in particular the sailing events, on the coastal region.
Year 10 Medical Biotechnology
The focus of Term 2 for Year 10 Medical Biotechnology students is ‘Disease and Biotechnology’. They will explore The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, to understand the origin and culturing of the HeLa cell line. Through this they will explore the ethical issues associated with biotechnologies which then leads into learning about stem cells and stem cell therapies. They will finish the term learning about the immune system and then apply this knowledge to investigating COVID-19 testing strategies and vaccine development.
Year 11 Biology
Year 11 students will pick up where they left off last term with Topic 2. Both SL and HL classes will be completing their first Practice IA this term, where they will be investigating enzyme action. Students will be strengthening their IA skills in data collection and writing of their IA.
Our annual Group 4 planning day will also occur this term for our Year 11 students. The aim of the day is for students to develop workshops for our younger Year 7 students. The Group 4 project is an essential part of the IB Diploma, and it is always thoroughly enjoyed by all students. It is great to watch the Year 11 students develop leadership skills while creating genuine, meaningful lessons for the Year 7s.
Science Enrichment
UQ Women in Engineering
UQ Women in Engineering have two events that QASMT will participate in this term.
On Thursday 5 May, a group of Year 9 students will be attending the UQ Women in Engineering annual explore day. This is an opportunity to experience different engineering disciplines in a fun hands-on way, with workshops like ‘Giving Movement Back,’ where students look at building a prosthetic limb, and ‘Sun Smart Code’ where students will develop a code for a UV detection device.
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Big Science Competition
During Week 3, all Year 7 and 8 students will undertake the Big Science Competition in their Science classes. The Big Science Competition is a 50-minute, multiple choice competition testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Questions are set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable (and interesting)! Students receive a certificate indicating their performance. The Big Science Competition can be a pathway into other ASI science enrichment programs such as the Australian Science Olympiads and Curious Minds – girls in STEM.
Sustainability Week
Sustainability Week is happening in Week 8 of this term. With the theme of “Life on Land” and a focus on the Sustainable Development Goal #15, the Environmental and Biodiversity team and Plastic Oceans team have a lot of great activities planned. These include things like a biodiversity scavenger hunt, jar painting stall and sustainability cahoot. The teams are also bringing back the biodiversity in your backyard photo competition, so students should start taking some awesome pictures of the wildlife around them. Keep a look out for more information in the coming weeks.
“Nature is our biggest ally and greatest inspiration”
– Sir David Attenborough
Vanessa Bermingham, Head of Department Life Sciences Foundation
From the Department of Mathematics
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Jane Gorman
Welcome to Term 2 which is shaping up to be full of interesting curriculum and activities both in and out of Mathematics classrooms.
In the classrooms……
Year 7 students are part way through a unit titled Number Representations. They are studying the concepts of factors, multiple, primes, fractions and decimals while considering the statement of inquiry “Throughout history, different cultures have used and developed multiple forms of representation for quantities.” The unit will culminate with a knowledge test in Week 6 before beginning the interdisciplinary unit with science.
“Behaviour can be understood by investigating and modelling relationships” is the statement of inquiry being discussed by Year 8 as they investigate percentage, ratio, graphing and straight lines. They will sit a Criterion A (Knowledge) test in Week 3 before further applying this theory to a Criteria C (Communicating) and D (Applying mathematics in real-life contexts) project in the middle of the term.
Congruence, similarity, enlargements and trigonometry are the focus for Year 9 and skills covered in these lessons will allow students to apply this knowledge to a real-life situation in their Criterion C and D project.
Year 10 students have sat their first IB style exams with calculator and non-calculator papers. This will help inform them of the best choice of subjects for the Diploma Programme. This term they will focus on trigonometry, volume and surface area, statistics and quadratics before a test at the end of term.
In the Diploma Programme, Year 11 students will reflect on how they performed in their first exams before working through their next concepts.
Year 12 students will be focused on refining their internal assessment after the drafting process, as well as finishing topics in their coursework.
Drop in Maths Help sessions
The well attended “help” sessions will continue to be offered this term. These are targeted at students who simply want to have concepts re-explained or check on how to approach a question. These are drop-in sessions with no expectation to stay for the entire session, or students can come each week. They are held in lower D Block at the following times:
- Year 7- 10 - Monday after school (3:20-4:00pm) or Wednesday lunch (10:40-11:20am)
- Year 11-12 - Thursday 11:00-11:40am
Maths Enrichment
There are several mathematics enrichment opportunities on offer this term:
- Maths Challenge and Maths Enrichment programs offered by AMT (Australian Mathematics Trust). Over 180 students have begun the Maths Challenge. If your student signed up for this and have not yet collected their booklet, they should go to D Block staffroom. Students have four weeks to complete the six questions. Students who perform well in this challenge will be invited to the second stage, Maths Enrichment, which is a 16-week program running through to the end of Term 3.
- Metropolitan West Team Challenge – This event is usually held at Indooroopilly State High School in May. QASMT will have several teams competing in the various levels (Year 7-8, Year 9-10 and Year 11-12.) These teams will be selected based on merit from school trials, past competition results and performance in class.
- Lunchtime CCAs – The Maths Challenge Club will operate on Tuesday lunch as an opportunity for the Maths Challenge students to discuss their work. The popular Maths Problem Solving Club is on again every Wednesday lunch.
- Maths Ambassador Activities – The Maths Ambassador Leadership Team have several events planned to begin in Week 4 with an Interhouse Maths Competition. This is part of STRM Week celebration where Science, Technology, Robotics and Mathematics Ambassadors will join to create a week of fun activities for everyone to engage in. Our Maths Ambassadors are also planning QASMT’s very first escape room which sounds very exciting.
It looks another action packed term with opportunities for all students to get involved in.
Jane Gorman, Head of Department Mathematics
From Education Outside of the Classroom (EOTC)
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Yanah Floridis
Starting the term off strong with an exciting Cross Country Carnival and Senior Gala Day, EOTC jumped straight back into Term 2, providing another term full of engaging opportunities outside the classroom and in PHE.
Here is a little more information about what our students will be getting up to in Term 2.
Cross Country
The Cross Country Carnival saw students stride their way around the school on a brand-new course, demonstrating team spirit, physical perseverance and an impressive capacity for distance running. Curie House proved tough competition at the first house competition of the year, winning the trophy for overall points and the War Cry Competition after some spirited efforts by the other houses. Special mention goes out to Freya H who orchestrated the new addition of the year level games and exemplified what it means to be a House Captain at QASMT. Well done, Freya!
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PHE and Healthy Futures Curriculum
Our Term 2 PHE curriculum will continue to equip students with the necessary skills to perform in a variety of physical activities, impart knowledge to maintain fitness, as well as developing enthusiastic, innovative learners capable of creating positive and sustainable change.
In Year 7, students will delve into the biomechanical principles that underpin various movement concepts in athletics. As well as learning about the intricacies of athletic events such as running and shotput, they will analyse their own technique, using biomechanical principles. Year 8 students will follow suit, also performing in various throwing, jumping and running events. They will make links between athletics and principles of training, working towards individual goals and implementing personalised training programs. Through these experiences we hope to develop positive habits by promoting knowledge and understanding of health and fitness.
In our new Healthy Futures STEM course, students will explore contemporary issues on adolescent health and develop strategies to promote awareness amongst the QASMT community. Students will also implement and refine leaderships and collaboration skills through officiating, playing in a team and working towards individual and team goals.
CCA and Sport
CCA surveys are in, students are allocated, and it is time to take on new challenges in our Term 2 Co-Curricular Program. We are excited to announce several new clubs to our program including crystal growing club and Chinese culture club, just to name a few.
With proven links to academic success, reduced stress and positive influences on social-emotional wellbeing, our sports program continues to be an integral aspect of QASMT culture, challenging hundreds of students once again in Term 2. Students will dribble, step and spike their way through the term, led by our expert soccer, netball and volleyball coaches. We also wish our seniors luck when they compete in the West Brisbane Secondary School Sport Gala Day in Week 1. I am sure they will do QASMT proud with their skills, growth mindset and sportsmanship. A huge congratulations to our Junior Girls Volleyball team who won yet another pennant in our Summer Gala Day Competition. This team has now gone back-to-back!
Lastly, students should rally their house colours, onesies and dust off their running shoes, as it’s soon time for our Annual Athletics Carnival. We are extremely excited to announce that this year’s carnival will be held at UQ. Using their facilities, we hope to promote high levels of participation through this year’s event and offer a wide range of activities for students to engage in. Stay tuned for more information throughout the term.
Look out for CCA and sport updates via our socials to stay up to date with the amazing experiences our students are engaging in throughout the term through our CCA and sport programs.
Yanah Floridis, Head of Education Outside the Classroom
From the House Dean of Agnesi
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Aileen Davis
What an action-packed Term 2 it has been. We have been tested on the sports field, we have completed NAPLAN, we have challenged ourselves physically, mentally and creatively and we have finished exams. Agnesi House has risen to all these challenges, and we are stronger. Agnesi House should be proud of all their achievements this term.
Year 11 Leadership Camp
Year 11 Leadership Camp at Mapleton was a great success. Students engaged in all the activities, and it was great to hear Agnesi students laughing and cheering one another on. I think the future of Agnesi House is in capable hands judging by the number of students who have indicated they will be applying for a leadership position. I wish them all the best of luck.
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Year 7 Camp
Year 7 Camp at Camp Warrawee provided an opportunity for Year 7 Agnesi students to get to know one another. I hope the connections made through their shared experiences and challenges on camp will allow them to form bonds that will last through to Year 12 and beyond.
NAPLAN
Year 7 and Year 9 Agnesi students embarked on NAPLAN testing in Term 2 and sailed through all aspects of the national test without any problems. Well done to everybody involved.
Athletics Carinval
Agnesi House put on an impressive performance at the Athletics Carnival winning both House Relay races. We also claimed the Year 9 boys age champion and the Year 10 girls age champion and came third overall. Congratulations to Calvin H and Imogen A and to all the Agnesi House students for their strong sporting prowess.
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Festival of Creativity
Agnesi has Talent! Students from Agnesi House participated in all aspects of the recent Festival of Creativity. From what I saw on the night there is a huge wealth of talent in Agnesi House. I went through the list of students involved and was inspired by the sheer number of students involved. In particular, Liesel A gave a very moving performance on the cello.
My New Gallery
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Sustainability Fashion Parade
Thank you to all Agnesi InStep members and InStep Mentors for putting on such a strong show in the Sustainability Fashion Parade. Each year the competition gets better with InSteps outdoing one another to produce outfits that are both creative and inspiring. INA07 took out the winning look from Agnesi House with a 1960s inspired dress modelled by Eesha R.
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House Communications
Term 2 saw the Agnesi Angle newsletter resurrected from lockdown and rebranded as The Fortnight Ahead. The Agnesi Angle allows to us to share house news and provide a timely update on upcoming events and important announcements. I look forward to seeing how it grows.
Agnesi Purple Heart
The winner of the Agnesi Purple Heart award for Term 2 goes to Jenny C. Jenny is a much-loved member of Agnesi House who always has a kind word and helps people without any fuss. Jenny seems to know everybody in Agnesi House and always has a smile to share.
Positive Education
Year 8 have focused on developing compassion and empathy through the module ‘Walking in Other People’s Shoes.’ This has provided students with an opportunity to discuss how to interact with one another in more meaningful ways and how to follow the QASMT protocols of Showing Respect, Maintaining Safety and Taking Responsibility.
Year 9 Agnesi students continue to prepare for the journey and have been unpacking the concept of the ‘Iceberg’. This involves understanding our perception of what we see above the water is only a fraction of ourselves and that what lies beneath the water holds greater meaning should we take time to explore it.
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I look forward to meeting as many parents and care givers as possible when we reschedule the next Meet Your House Dean evening. In the meantime, if you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope you have a great winter break.
Yours as always in the Quest for Zest.
Aileen Davis, House Dean Agnesi
From the House Dean of Curie
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Dean Fanning
Welcome to Term 2. I hope everyone had a fabulous break and students have returned to school refreshed and invigorated for the term ahead.
With many of the events that were scheduled for Term 1 having been postponed, along with the recent shorter weeks, Term 2 is packed full of academy events. I would encourage all students to make the most of the opportunities that QASMT has to offer and get involved in the diverse array of activities, clubs, teams and house competitions and events that are taking place this term. Memories last a lifetime, and the school years should provide many fond moments. Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing and there is so much to smile about.
Week 1
On the first day back, Curie House, under the direction of the House Captains and Ambassadors, quickly worked to organise themselves for the Cross-Country carnival that took place on day two. The Cross Country Carnival was one of the first opportunities for Curie House to demonstrate to the other houses that we mean business and are keen to be lifting the Inter-House Competition trophy again at the end of 2022. Curie did an outstanding job, and it is fair to say that they painted the school pink by winning the War Cry Competition and placing first in the Cross Country Carnival. It was fantastic to see almost the entire house (93%) present and participate on the day. Thank you to both the Year 11 and 12 cohorts who led by example with 100% attendance!
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Harmony Week | Week 2
One of my favourite weeks of the year, Harmony Week, was postponed to Term 2 due to restrictions in Term 1. Taking place in Week 2, Harmony Week allows the QASMT community to come together and celebrate our cultural diversity. The week will begin with the vibrant and colourful Harmony Week assembly taking place in the Auditorium. The assembly will involve staff and students dressed in their cultural attire, the annual flag parade where each nationality currently at QASMT will be represented, as well as a range of energetic and inspiring performances. Following the assembly, each day there will be lunchtime activities for the students to participate in and the refectory will be selling a range of culinary delights from around the world each day.
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Positive Education Week | Week 5
Positive Education Week, Monday 16 – Friday 20 May, is an annual event that highlights and celebrates Positive Education at QASMT. The week is full of activities in classes including PEP, InStep, and during lunch breaks we will highlight the different components of the PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health). Plus, in addition, we will teach practical strategies and skills that can be implemented into each student’s life to assist them to flourish.
Athletics Carnival | Friday 27 May
Two carnivals in the one term means two opportunities to win the War Cry Competition and hopefully another carnival! 😊
The beloved Athletics Carnival is taking place later this term and I am very excited that this year’s carnival will be taking place at the University of Queensland. The carnival will take place on Friday 27 May at the end of Week 6. It is a great day for the house to come together, colour the school pink and demonstrate our house spirit and pride to the rest of the school. There will be a mixture of competitive and fun events and of course……the war cry. After winning six of the last seven War Cry Competitions over the last three years, the other houses are biting at our heels and it would be fair to say, are very keen to make sure Curie does not win again. The house captains and ambassadors have started holding secret meetings and rehearsals and they are keen to take the war cry to the next level. Fire canons, smoke machines, flying dragons…I don’t want to give too much away.
Feel the Fury, here comes Curie!
Sustainability Week
QASMT is committed to educating our students and community about our impact on the environment. This year, Sustainability Week is taking place in Week 8 (6 -10 June). The week will start with a whole school assembly and there will be plenty of activities during InStep and lunch breaks for students and staff to get involved in and learn about new ways to act towards making our practices as a school community more sustainable.
Sustainable Fashion Parade
There are many fun activities taking place in InStep this term. The Inter-house Sustainable Fashion Competition is taking place during Sustainability Week in Week 8. Each InStep will create an outfit/hat/bag made from recycled materials and a member from the class will model this at the Fashion Parade in the Courtyard. The overall winner will receive house points in addition to the points earned by every InStep that enters. Students are encouraged to bring in recycled items from home. Curie has had great success over the last few years, having been awarded the overall winner!
Upcoming Events
Other key events that are taking place across the term are:
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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 their education and their journey! I wish all our students a wonderful and successful term.
Pink isn’t just a colour, it’s an attitude! Go team Curie!
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Please don’t hesitate to contact me at dfann6@eq.edu.au. I am looking forward to the term ahead and working with you and your child to support them to flourish!
Yours in pink,
Dean Fanning, House Dean Curie
From the House Dean of Da Vinci
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Stacy Wallace-Cunningham
Welcome to Term 2, 2022.
We have a very exciting and fun filled learning adventure ahead of us. As Da Vinci said “Learning never exhausts the mind” - keeping that in mind, let’s prepare for an energetic and positive term.
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Stevie C (Year 12 Captain)
Hi Da Vinci students and parents! I hope you enjoyed your break and are keen for this term because it’s a big one! Just recently was the inter-house Cross Country Carnival, where we were able to perform our highly anticipated war cry for the rest of the school, as well as take to the track and race! Unfortunately, I came down with Covid, so was extremely devastated about not being with the house – but nonetheless, DaVinci students were truly outstanding, coming 2nd overall.
Da Vinci, let’s continue with this energy and momentum because in Week 6, we have our inter-house Athletics Carnival, which is a perfect opportunity to showcase an even better war cry again, and to celebrate our sporting legends! We also have events like the Sustainability Fashion Parade, and an inter-InStep cake decorating contest that we’re wanting to try out later towards the end of the term. As usual, if you need anything, just chat to me, Josh or Ms Wallace.
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Joshua P (Year 9 Captain)
Hello Da Vinci community! I hope that you all had an amazing holiday and pumped for an action-packed term! I would like to start off by saying how proud I am of everyone that participated in the Cross Country Carnival. Everyone did an amazing job in war cry and it was very impressive. It was great that we came second overall. My goal for athletics carnival is to bring home the gold.
This is going to be a very busy term for instep with all of the war cry practices, preparation for Sustainability Fashion Parade and our cake decorating competition later on.
One last thing from me. I just would like to say that we are going to a heavier focus on our charity Canteen this year. We have a few events lined up for this year and if anyone is interested in being involved in them or joining the charity sub-committee, please contact either Ms Wallace, Stevie or myself.
Have a great day!
And remember.... GOOOOOOOOOOOO DA VINCI!!!!!!!!!
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Inter House Cross Country/Athletics
I am always impressed with a collective community that is able to impact every member. Our students worked hard to create a new, loud, very active war cry. It was an updated and reinvigorated version. Unfortunately, it did not rank as high as we hoped in the scoring system. However, with targeted feedback we are now on our way to showcasing an ever-improved version at our Inter House Athletics Carnival hosted by UQ in Week 6. We are very excited for this event.
Da Vinci students placed 2nd at Cross Country Carnival. The energy from this amazing result can be felt every day at our locker rooms and when we gather at PEP. We are excited for athletics! Bring it on!
In addition to our major day events, we look forward to competing at the annual Mario Cart, Netball, Mathematics and Sustainable Fashion events.
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Harmony Week
Harmony Week is a wonderful week of celebrating our unique community. This year’s kick off assembly was superb. We were entertained through a huge amount of dance and song performances. Thank you to every Da Vinci student who participated. In addition, our flag parade showcased the countries represented in our community.
During each lunchtime, students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities from: Henna and nail painting, karaoke, participating in the Jerusalema dance and watching films from around the world at the QASMT International Film Festival.
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Positive Education Week
Week 5 celebrates Positive Education Week at the Academy. Students will participate in lunch time activities including the new ARC Carnival Day. This day provides each of our leadership communities to showcase their area of interest and lead students in engaging activities.
In addition, teachers will receive updates on positive education strategies to implement during classes to allow students active brain breaks. InStep and PEP will support our integrated week.
Positive Education classes continue to support our students to flourish and thrive.
Year 7 and 11 Camp
This term both our Year 7s and 11s will participate in camp. Due to Covid, our new Year 7 students had their community building camp postponed. We look forward in participating in a wide variety of activities in Week 10 to make friends, solidify connections and a sense of belonging.
Year 11 students participate in a leadership style camp designed to improve their skills and provide opportunities for them to practice leadership. With student leadership applications due shortly after camp, this is a wonderful opportunity.
InStep
Term 2 InStep has a full calendar of events. Our student leadership team remain focused on leading this calendar while ensuring student agency through the feedback survey. In saying this, Term 2 will also see a full calendar of school wide events. Da Vinci InSteps will participate in the Sustainable Fashion Parade, War Cry, Assembly, Math competitions, and cake decorating. We hope these events continue to build our spirit.
On behalf our Da Vinci community we look forward to a productive and engaging Term 2.
Yours in green
Stacy Wallace-Cunningham, House Dean Da Vinci
From the House Dean of Franklin
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Ross Bray
Welcome to Term 2, Franklion family.
Term 2 began with observing Anzac Day and the rescheduled Cross Country Carnival in Week 1. Franklin House will also compete in the QASMT Athletics Carnival, and Year 11 and Year 7 students will attend their year level camps. I am particularly excited to witness the in dominatable Franklin spirit that continues to be on display during inter-house competitions. Our war cry will continue to prove that winning is in our DNA. I expect all students would want to contribute to proving our House motto.
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Cross Country: Franklin House walking to their tent for war cry set up
Franklin House have finalised correct uniform which will complement the strong start to the year for behaviour and punctuality. Students must maintain these positives and build on new ones such as flourishing. We want students to thrive and flourish in their studies, as well as social and emotional wellbeing.
We have also returned from Easter break with new Year 7 and 10 leaders. It will be great to put their eagerness, positivity and latest ideas to effective use. Our house noticeboard will be maintained with information, and we will begin work with our house charity, RSPCA as well.
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Our Lion of the Term goes to Loti W. Well done Loti in being nominated by your fellow Franklions for helping others and being a nice person.
I look forward to the term ahead and the opportunities we will be presented with in classes and outside the Academy. It is often these opportunities that form part of a bigger picture, allowing further insight into our abilities. A quote from Rosalind Franklin best summarises this: “Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.”
Key Dates for Term 1
- 26-29 April Harmony Week
- 03-06 May Book Week
- 11 May Parent Teacher Interviews
- 16-20 May Positive Education Week
- 27 May Athletics Carnival
- 01-03 June Year 11 Camp
- 06-10 June Sustainability Week
- 10 June Festival of Creativity
- 20-22 June Year 7 Camp
“…to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”
– Alfred Tennyson
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Ross Bray, House Dean Franklin
From the House Dean of Hawking
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Marc Wheeler
What a way to start the term in my new role as House Dean for Hawking… isolating at home with Covid.
I was greatly disappointed not to be on site during Week 1, and I am really looking forward to meeting the students in Week 2 and beyond.
I am sure I speak for every student, parent and staff member involved with Hawking House, by wishing Mrs Parker the best with the birth of her child. I know that she will certainly be missed, and I will do my absolute best to fill the void left behind by her departure!
New House Ambassadors!
In Term 2 Hawking House welcomes two new Year 7 House Ambassadors to the leadership group. Congratulations to Abby and Ethan! Their applications were outstanding and really exemplified what it means to be a Hawking student. I am looking forward to working with both Abby and Ethan, as well as all the other leaders this term and throughout the remainder of 2022.
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Cross Country Recap
I know this update is titled ‘Term Ahead,’ but I would like to take time to reflect on the Cross Country Carnival which took place on Wednesday of Week 1. Mrs Parker informs me that the house spirit was outstanding, and the war-cry practice was well worth it as Hawking House placed second in the War Cry Competition (only one point behind winners Curie). Mrs Parker also said that it was fantastic seeing the Hawking students give it their all, regarding full participation in events. Everyone looked to be enjoying themselves, which is the most important thing when it comes to house and school events! A special mention must go to Jacob who placed first overall for the Year 8 Boys. Congratulations Jacob!
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Events for Term 2
There are several Hawking House events that you can get involved in during Term 2! Many of these are whole house events and others are specific to particular year levels. These house events include:
- Academy Dance (Week 5) – The Middle Years Academy Dance is on Friday 20 May 3:00-6:30pm. Tickets are $10 (cash only) and can be purchased from outside the refectory. The price includes pizza and drink upon entry.
- Athletics Carnival (Week 6) – The athletics carnival will take place Friday 27 May. I am looking forward seeing the house spirit and athletic talents of students in Hawking House (and winning the War Cry Competition!)
- House Charity (Week 7) – In Week 7 will have our house charity event with ‘Eat Up’, where our Year 9 and 12 students will have the opportunity to make sandwiches for students who cannot afford lunch around Brisbane. I will be able to confirm more information about this in the coming weeks.
- Year 11 Camp (Week 7) – Year 11 Camp is held at Mapleton (Wednesday 1 June to Friday 3 June) and is sure to be an amazing adventure. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to come together as a year level and forge lasting bonds for your senior years and beyond.
- Sustainability Fashion Show (Week 8) – All students will compete in their InStep classes to create sustainable fashion. I am looking forward to seeing the designs they produce and skills on the runway! Preparation will begin from Week 7.
- Year 7 Camp (Week 10) – Year 7 Camp is at YMCA Warrawee in Petrie (Monday 20 June to Wednesday 22 June) and will be an amazing way to conclude the term. I challenge all Hawking students to make memories and friendships that are everlasting.
- Hawking Olympics (ongoing) – The Hawking Olympics will continue this term with several fun competitions. Stay posted as we finalise the events for this term!
Parent/Teacher Interviews
A reminder that Parent/Teacher interviews are being held on Wednesday 11 May (Week 4) from 8:40am until 5:45pm via Zoom. These interviews are vital and give you as parents an opportunity to speak with teachers regarding your child’s progress in a subject and a chance to address any concerns. Students will not be present at school on this day to enable teachers to meet virtually with parents of the students they teach. Teachers will upload schoolwork onto the relevant platforms (OneNote, etc) and students are expected to work from home on this day.
NAPLAN -Years 7 and & 9 Only
NAPLAN testing is occurring for our Year 7 and 9 students on Thursday and Friday of Week 4, and again on Monday and Tuesday of Week 5. Students have already completed test readiness sessions and should be ready to go. It is imperative students are prepared for these online tests by ensuring they:
- have a fully charged computer and set of plug-in headphones on the day of the test
- have downloaded the NAPLAN Browser
- have access to a computer mouse, if desired (optional)
Further correspondence will come out regarding NAPLAN.
Uniform
A reminder about uniform for Term 2. I know that Mrs Parker reminded parents and students at the end of last term about winter uniform, hair and jewellery requirements as outlined in the QASMT Dress Code Policy. Therefore, I would expect to be seeing all students with the correct hair styles, wearing only the allowed jewellery, as well as wearing their blazer to and from school, along with their school hats. Students have the option to wear their pullover or cardigan in addition to their blazer. Any students with incorrect uniform items should see me in my office before school starts for a uniform pass.
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I am looking forward to getting to know the students and families in the coming months. Should you have any questions, concerns, or need anything at all, please do not hesitate to contact me via email on mwheee63@eq.edu.au or via phone on extension 382.
I wish all Hawking students and parents the best for Term 2!
Marc Wheeler, Acting House Dean Hawking
From the House Dean of Hollows
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Michael Colquhoun
Reflections
As one term ends and another begins, it is important that students reflect on what students have learnt. They should recognise what works well for them and celebrate any wins they may have had. Students also need to identify strategies and techniques to help them improve and continually work on those. In our Pop Quiz, from the image entitled “How to improve,” I wonder how many of the improvements our students are trying. Students should reflect on a list of personal improvements as they begin Term 2 and try to implement what they have learnt from Term 1.
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QASMT Student Standards
- Every day counts so it is important that students turn up to school each day. Attendance at school is vital for IB success.
- Students should wear their uniform with pride. This includes wearing their hat and blazer to and from school.
- Students must comply with our Dress Code Policy with regards to jewellery such as earrings, piercings and necklaces.
- Students should remember the “Golden Rule” that is be kind to others.
- Students who work hard do better.
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Cross Country
Our annual Cross Country Carnival, where houses compete against each other, was held on Wednesday April 20. Hollows House did not get off to the best of starts finishing in 8th place for the war cry performances, but the mighty Hollows Hawks let their running do the talking and with great individual performances and some age champion results, we finished 5th overall.
Congratulations to our podium finishers, Oliver A, first place in Year 7. Fred R-J, second place in Year 10 and Heather D, 3rd place in Year 8. Honourable mention also must go to the Year 12 Hollows boys tug of war team who dominated in the game events between races. Our mighty Hawks have a bit of work to do now as we gear up for our Week 6 Athletics Carnival where once again our resolve will be tested against the athletes of the other houses.
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Summary of Major Term 2 Activities
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Year 7 Ambassadors
Congratulations to Oliver A and Jeswin E on their successful application and entry into the Hollows Hawks leadership group. Oliver and Jeswin are two fine students with lots to offer and I look forward to working with them for the rest of 2022.
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I look forward to great semester and seeing continual improvement from the mighty, fighting Hollows Hawks this term. Please direct any enquiries you may have regarding Hollows House to Mr Michael Colquhoun, House Dean of Hollows House at mjcol3@eq.edu.au
Michael Colquhoun, House Dean of Hollows
From the House Dean of Jackson
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Samuel Weston
JACKSON HOUSE since 2021
Until you are standing with your toe at the line after a failed attempt on target, it is easy to be tricked into thinking that archery is simplistic and easy to master. This is far from the truth… like most things in life there is more to it than initially meets the eye. Here are some tips below that I have found instructive in my life.
Harmony
In my observations, the successful archer seems at one, simultaneously, with themselves, their environment and the present situation – they are in a state of harmony. Their breathing is measured, they are focussed, and their movements are both intentional and entirely optimal to the goal. They are not removed from internal and external conflicts but are well practiced at managing them.
As students, we should strive for harmony… and remember that it takes practice. With a clear understanding of our goal, we can help ensure that our decisions are intentional. With deliberate practice and engagement with feedback we can optimise our actions and strive for balance while continually improving.
Tips for Term 2:
1. Devise authentic and honest goals.
2. Practice deliberately (let your goals determine where and how you need to practice).
3. Actively seek feedback (guided by both your goals and your intentional practice).
4. Reflect on what it is that you are doing, recognising that optimal actions result in improved effectiveness and subsequently better wellbeing.
We are truly successful together
I would argue that we can achieve harmony as described above, but for even greater success we should begin to work as part of a greater harmony with those around us. I think of this as the supportive ‘community’ I have described in previous Newsletters. This term I would encourage students to focus on harmony both on an individual scale but also as it relates to our house community. Students can use the following upcoming events to help monitor their progress:
School camps (Year 7 and 11)
Some of my most rewarding experiences in education, as a student and a teacher, have come from opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. It is through school camps that we can experience successes and challenges with each other as we work side-by-side. These encounters provide us an opportunity, like no other, to build the strongest of bonds with our peers. Both Year 11 and 7 camps will take place later in Term 2 (Weeks 7 and 10 respectively).
Athletics Carnival
We have recently performed well during our Cross Country Carnival, and so the upcoming Athletics Carnival (Week 6) will give our house another opportunity to strengthen our participation and engagement in whole school activities.
War Cry Competition
Our House Captains and Ambassadors (with some hard-working volunteers) have been working hard to improve our war cry in preparation for the final competition marking the beginning of the Athletics Carnival in Week 6.
Sustainable Fashion Competition
In the coming weeks we will be working in our InStep classes to design and create an item of sustainable fashion to be paraded and judged in Week 7. This is another wonderful opportunity for our house to work towards 100% participation by supporting and encouraging each other to contribute.
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I wish you all a safe and harmonious Term 2.
Samuel Weston, House Dean Jackson
From the House Dean of Newton
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Deva Prasad
Welcome back to all for Term 2.
I hope the holidays were a time to recharge and renew. The term has only just commenced, and we have already completed our first house event of the year with the Cross Country Carnival. It was a fantastic start for Newton House and from the feedback received, the students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the day. Our Captain's report provides more details of the results and upcoming events.
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New House leaders
We have two new students added to our dynamic leadership team. I want to congratulate Noah H in Year 7 and Iris L in Year 10, who successfully applied for Newton House Ambassadors. I look forward to working with them and seeing them engage and inspire others in their new role.
Uniform Term 2 and 3
It was pleasing to see the vast majority of students arrive at the Academy wearing the correct uniform, and I encourage all to maintain this effort. The new term commences with a reminder that all students must wear their Formal Uniform, including the blazer and hat, to and from school. If you require to purchase any uniform pieces, please contact our uniform suppliers, School Locker in Oxley and Wearitto in Newstead.
Also, a reminder regarding hair length: minimum hair length must be a number three blade. Natural hair colour only. Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be tied up with a natural or hair coloured band, neat at all times, and no long fringes/bangs, shaved undercuts or shaved patterns allowed. If you have any questions or are uncertain about any aspect of the Dress Code Policy, please ask your child to speak with me.
Positive Education and PLP reflection
I hope you all had the opportunity to discuss your child's PLP goals for the Semester and the interim report for our Year 7 parents/caregivers. Taking an interest and discussing strengths and areas for improvement allow students to set future goals and reflect on their performance to keep improving. Over this fortnight, students will receive feedback on their Term 1 achievements from their subject teachers and write their PLP reflections.
In my Positive Education lessons with each of my classes, I discuss the importance of 'grit' if students are to reach their potential. Through her research work, Angela Duckworth has shown that having grit is a more significant predictor of success than talent or intelligence. However, being gritty is hard work, and if we're trying to achieve meaningful goals, we're going to face challenges. Therefore, one way to gain greater success is to stick with it, show some grit and embrace obstacles and challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
House Captains report
Hello everyone, we are your Newton House Captains Tiya K and Randima G.
We are proud of Newton for receiving a special commendation for best in House Spirit and coming in third place for the War Cry Competition and Cross Country Carnival. Thank you to all who participated and contributed on the day, especially to Mai H in Year 9 and Ella K in Year 10, for coming in 1st position and being crowned champions in their age group. Special mention to Jimmy L in Year 10 and Mia P in Year 9 for finishing third in their respective race.
Harmony Week commenced in Week 2, and there were several performances and activities to celebrate our Academy's cultural diversity during the week. It is about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. It was a spectacle to witness as we had several cultures entwined within our House and the Academy as a whole. We also have the Book Week Costume Parade to look forward to in Week 3.
Following all these exciting events, it will be time to focus on our next house events, the Athletics Carnival and the Sustainable Fashion Parade. With the ongoing commitment and dedication from all Newton staff and students, we hope to be in an incredibly competitive position and finish much better than last year. A busy term but also an exciting one ahead. Thank you and GO NEWTON!
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I want to take this opportunity to farewell two of our Newton staff members, Cecilia C and Reina M. I would like to thank them for their dedicated house spirit and enthusiastic contributions, particularly to their InStep, INN04 and INN08. On behalf of Newton house, I wish them the very best in their new endeavours.
"Excellence/Perfection is not a destination; it is a continuous journey that never ends."
― Brian Tracy.
Lest We Forget.
Deva Prasad, House Dean Newton
From the Guidance Officers
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Katrina Judge
Guidance Officer (Career Planning & Inclusion)
Welcome back to Term 2!
This term, we will again have many opportunities for students to grow their knowledge of careers and build their career planning portfolio.
- Our year 12 students have commenced their individual pathways interviews. Each student is required to complete their Pathways Interview form before meeting with the Guidance Officer to discuss their plans and identify what support is available to assist with the next stage of their career journey. Students must visit A block to arrange their interview time.
- All year 11 students have just attended the University of Queensland for their Career Pulse event on Thursday, 21 April 2022. Students chose from many diverse subjects ranging from “The future of health care delivery” to “Food for a healthy planet,” and from “Purr-fect science careers working with animals” to “Designing and building iconic structures,” to name a few. It is a great privilege that all QASMT students attend this event that is only offered to select students from other schools.
- Year 10 new students should all have completed their Senior Education and Training (SET) plan interviews at the end of last term. Remember that SET plans are dynamic documents and should be updated as information is gained, and plans change.
- During their Positive Education Program, our Middle Years students are continuing to grow their understanding of themselves as individuals and society around them, developing their sense of who they are and how that might impact their life decisions, including career choices. The Year 9 students will begin to make their career exploration more explicit this term as they begin to collate a personal career profile.
- Lunchbox information sessions are being scheduled in conjunction with the University of Queensland. These are voluntary sessions open to all students on various themes related to career planning. As sessions are arranged, the details will be emailed to students.
Career Planning Resources and Events
Griffith University – Parent and Student Information Webinar
If you are in Year 11 or 12, Griffith University invites you and your family to get clarity and advice about transitioning to university at:
Parent and Student Information Webinar on Thursday 28 April 2022 from 5:30-7:00pm. At this event, you will find out about the experiences, opportunities and support available to Griffith students, hear from QTAC on the application process and how to make the most of your preferences, and get your questions answered during a Q&A session.
Reserve your place here.
QUT – Information sessions
Talk to QUT staff and students during the year: QUT next upcoming event is A quick guide to QUT: Information session for Year 9 and 10 students on 27 April 2022. QUT will cover career planning tips, differences between school and university, course information, and admission pathways. Plus, hear from current QUT students about their experience at university.
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Study Work Grow – Early entry guide
Some universities and Tertiary Admissions Centres (TACs) have programs that allow students to apply earlier in Year 12 for certain courses. Students may receive a conditional or guaranteed offer, sometimes before even sitting final exams. Offers may be based on Year 11 or mid-year 12 academic results, personal statements, leadership or community engagement. These offers are supplementary to the usual major round offers which will be released in January. Students with an early offer are still able to apply through the major offer rounds should they wish to upgrade to a different course. Each early offer program is unique to the applicable university with frequent changes depending on the environment and needs each year. Year 12 students are kept informed of current schemes applicable to their year and are encouraged to consider them in their planning.
Further information can be found on university websites or use our QASMT subscription (code “QASMT”) to log in here.
Be sure to peruse the Options Career Bulletin for other career planning opportunities and information. Use the Options Career Information app available through the Apple store and Google Play: access code “QASMT.”
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.
Katrina Judge
Guidance Officer (Career Planning)
kjudg12@eq.edu.au
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Guidance Officer (Student Wellbeing)
Term 2 has begun with a return to a more ‘normal’ routine for us all.
The commencement ceremony was such an exciting event where our Academy Captains shared with us all the events and opportunities they have planned for us this term. It is vital for student wellbeing that they are engaged in a number of activities, as this helps to create a balance between work and play and also develops relationships and connectedness. Connections matter. Strong ties with family, friends and the community provide us with happiness, security, support and a sense of purpose.
Being connected to others is important for our mental and physical wellbeing and can be a protective factor against anxiety and depression.
This term brings so many events that have previously been impacted by restrictions – it is going to be a fantastic term ahead.
Wellbeing Seminar Series
To further support the wellbeing and brain health of our students and community, we will be running a Wellbeing Seminar Series throughout Term 2. These sessions will include three sessions for students and one family and community session. All of these sessions will run as face-to-face events in the Academy Lecture Theatre.
Headspace provide young people with access to health advice, education and employment. Their vision is to improve young people's mental, social and emotional wellbeing. Their student workshops aim to increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and build the capacity of young people to understand their own wellbeing needs, support their peers and explore pathways for help-seeking. Workshops are interactive, strength-based and evidence-informed. For further information Headspace visit: https://headspace.org.au/
Headspace will be presenting the following sessions. Keep a look out for information relating to registering for these events.
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Session 1
27 April - Wednesday 2:00-3:00pm – Lecture Theatre
Tips to a good headspace and how to help a friend
Session 2
18 May - Wednesday 2:00-3:00pm – Lecture Theatre
New to Senior School – Focus on Year 10-12
Session 3
25 May - Wednesday 2:00-3:00pm- Lecture Theatre
Motivation and Self-esteem
Session 4 - Parent and community session
25 May - Wednesday 6:00-7:00pm – Lecture Theatre
- Understanding mental health and well-being in your people
- Notice changes when a young person might be going through a tough time
- Identify strategies to connect and communicate with young people
- Increase knowledge about how to support a young person and where to access professional support.
I look forward to meeting you and your children at these events.
Tara le Pla, Guidance Officer (Student Wellbeing)
From Instrumental Music
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Gregory Thompson
Our first Evening Concert for the year is on Thursday 12 May in the Auditorium commencing at 6:30pm.
All instrumental music ensembles will perform, as well as our choir. Admission by gold-coin donation at the door.
Eight ensembles from QASMT are participating in the Creative Generation Fanfare 2022 State School Festival of Bands and Orchestras, on Wednesday 8 June at Kenmore at various times throughout the day. The emphasis for Fanfare is on improving the quality of ensembles, promoting the highest possible standard of performance, striving for excellence and encouraging participation. We wish our conductors and musicians well as they rehearse, practice and prepare for this wonderful opportunity.
Congratulations to students who were accepted into the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours Ensemble Program South-East QLD 2022 in July - Joy C (Clarinet), Ian L (Violin), Terrie S (Viola) and Noah Z (Viola). State Honours Ensemble Program is an educational program for music students that helps extend and encourage their pursuit of musical excellence. Nominations are due on 6 May for the September/October program.
On Saturday 7 May, our QSO Compose students will spend a day in the QSO studio at Southbank with musicians from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, as they workshop their original creative ideas in compositions along with students from three other schools in Queensland. This will result in a public performance mid-July at the studio.
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Congratulations to our choir conducted by Ms Skarshewksi, who performed admirably at our ANZAC assembly and are preparing to perform at the upcoming Monash Commemorative Assembly. We welcome other students who wish to join our vocal program.
This term, we welcome a new strings teacher, Mrs Sullivan, who will join us on Mondays from Week 4. Mrs Sullivan will conduct Allegro Strings and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of orchestral and chamber music, as well as specialist instrumental music pedagogy.
Many of our Instrumental and Vocal students will be participating in the Festival of Creativity on Friday 10 June. This will be an exciting celebration of the Arts from across our school community, incorporating a breadth of disciplines including Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, Spoken Word, Literature and Creative Writing.
Dates for your diary
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Gregory Thompson, Instrumental Music Coordinator
gdtho0@@eq.edu.au
From Corporate Services
The School Marketing Team regularly posts to our social media networks. Keep up-to-date with all the happenings and achievements at QASMT by following:
- Instagram: @queenslandacademysmt
- Facebook: Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
- LinkedIn: Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (SMT).
The School Marketing Team can be contacted via email communications@qasmt.eq.edu.au.
School Marketing Team - Chelsea Hardman-Denning and Samantha Haggarty
Campus Tours
We are pleased to offer Term 2 guided campus tours for families who have students currently in Year 5 the opportunity for a guided tour of our campus. This tour is for students seeking to start at QASMT in Year 7, 2024 and Year 10, 2023.
To reserve your place on a tour, please visit the link below:
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From the P&C
This term we will be focusing on community building through organising events with an aim to bring the school community together through increased parent engagement.
P&C Events for this term:
Mother’s Day Stall - Thursday 6 May 2022. Gifts will be available for students to purchase.
Music Concert - Thursday 12 May 2022 from 5:30pm - Snacks and Drinks will be available to purchase before the event and during intervals.
We will be re-launching our P&C Building Fund to fundraise through tax deductible donations towards upgrade of our sports and wellbeing facilities on the oval. The Building Fund subcommittee is now looking for three volunteers who have a background in either Marketing, Legal or Accounting. Please contact us should you wish to join
Our P&C is also seeking expression of interest for volunteers to coordinate activities for Communication, Events and Fundraising. It would be great to have our parents come forward to assist. Additionally, there will be several opportunities this term with the Music Concert and the Festival of Creativity for the P&C community to support event planning and fundraising.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support for our wonderful school.
Winand D’Souza
P&C President
Our next P&C Meeting is on 16 May 2022 at 6.00pm.
This meeting incorporates the Annual General meeting as well as the General meeting.
If you are not a member already, please email qasmtpandc@gmail.com for a membership form.
We look forward to seeing you there.
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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).
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