Term Ahead - 22 July 2022

From the Senior Leadership Team

We welcome back families to Term 3, where we are looking forward to a number of important school events.
These include the QASMT Tertiary Studies Expo and Parent Information Evening, Instrumental Music Concert, QASMT Science Week Fair, Year 12 Formal and Year 12 Visual Art Exhibition - to name just a few of the exciting opportunities for our school community to come together.

Term 3 is a particularly important term for our Year 12 students as it marks the final stage of compulsory attendance at school. There is no doubt our senior students will have mixed emotions about entering this final phase of learning. They will be looking forward to the celebratory events such as the Senior Formal, Final House Assembly, Year 12 Conference, Farewell Assembly and Valedictory dinner. However, they may also experience a sense of trepidation with the upcoming Mock exams, which commence in Week 6. Mock exams are a vital part of the preparation program for the November exams as they provide important information to students and staff, including:

All students will be receiving their reports in Week 2, and this will provide an excellent opportunity for students to reflect on their Personal Learning Plans and to consider whether they would benefit from additional support. We pride ourselves on offering a variety of tutoring options to support our students. Students in all year levels can participate in a range of options, from free to very low cost, during school hours and after school. In addition to the subject tutorials organised by teachers, there is peer tutoring (Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes) and the Study Support tutorial program (after school).

Finally, a reminder that we have a Student Free Day on Monday July 25.

National Science Week, 13 – 21 August 2022.

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. The theme for 2022 is Glass: More than meets the eye, based on the UN International Year of Glass. We have an exciting program of events organised to ensure our students and school community are part of the celebrations!

We will also be joined by student representatives from our Australian member schools of the International Science Schools Network: John Monash Science School, Melbourne, and The Australian Science and Mathematics School, Adelaide. We are looking forward to welcoming them onto our campus!

Further details will be forthcoming on each event!

Highlights of our National Science Week celebrations include:

National Science Week assembly (Friday 12 August, Period 2 – Auditorium)

• A whole-school assembly scheduled as the grand-opening of a week full of celebrations, experimentations and deep learning!

QUT Saturday STEM workshops for Years 7 and 9 (Saturday 13 August, QUT Gardens Point Campus)

• Arduino: Blink Challenge Participating students will deepen their knowledge of coding, technology and electrical engineering in a hands-on and challenging environment. (Year 7, 9:00-11:30am)
• Code-a-Solar System Students will work together to create an orbiting robotic solar system. (Year 9, 12:30-3:00pm)

STEM Scholars Induction Ceremony (Tuesday 16 August, 4:00-5:00pm)

We will be welcoming on campus our STEM Scholar students; high-achieving primary school students who engage in after-school workshops at QASMT. This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to join together to celebrate our young STEM Scholar students’ creative problem-solving abilities, natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. They will receive their very own QASMT mini-sized lab coat and badge.

STEM Futures Exhibition and Research Poster Presentation (4:00-5:00pm, Wednesday 17 August - Auditorium)
This extravaganza will be held in our Auditorium and our entire school community is invited to attend. On exhibition will be:

• Senior students’ Research Poster presentations
• Year 9 STEM Futures Project display of student work
• Young Einstein Club student project work.

 Music, food and our amazing students will be on-hand to share their work with you!

The QASMT Science Week Colloquium (Our premier event! 5:00-7:00pm, Wednesday 17 August - Lecture Theatre)
This is an opportunity for our senior and visiting students to showcase their scientific research work to members of the academic community. Following their five-minute presentations, a panel of leaders within the scientific community, including UQ, will provide direct feedback to each student following their presentation. Stay tuned for the release of our keynote speaker. All welcome to attend!

Brunch with a scientist (Thursday 18 August, 9:00-10:30am)
The guest list is impressive. We have a range of scientists from many fields, including an astrophysicist turned data analyst, a food scientist who creates new and tasty products, and a scientist in charge of equipment worth millions of dollars! We also have researchers who study the brain, including neurone development and neurogenetics; a parasitology expert, and a couple of engineers, to name just a few.

It is bound to be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about being a scientist in the real world. Each scientist will remain at a table and students will move around the room. Students will get to meet and chat with each scientist in a fast turnaround event, with brunch to follow. There is a $20 cost to cover brunch. Students in Years 9 to 11 are invited to attend!

Through the looking Glass: How science and innovation have the power to save the World
(Friday 19 August, 8:30-12:30pm; Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland)
Students will have the opportunity to engage with a range of UQ researchers who aim to provide a platform to raise the importance of discovery research with advancing science, potential therapies and technologies of the future, by hosting a special ideas forum at the Queensland Brain Institute.

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 Principal of Senior Years

Welcome to Term 3
I trust that senior years’ students have enjoyed their mid-year break and are recharged and ready for Term 3.

The development of each child is a team effort. As such, QASMT is committed to working closely with students, parents and guardians. To start this new semester, I am disappointed to report that in recent weeks a small number of our students displayed inappropriate behaviour at our local Hungry Jacks restaurant. Consequently, these students have not only tarnished their own reputations in the local community, but also the image of other QASMT students and the Academy. As a school we have addressed this concerning issue with all students, and we ask that our parents and guardians support the school by also talking with your child/ren.

Further resources for parents to support students through exams can be found on School TV on our website here.  

Catherine de Freitas Pessoa, Deputy Principal of Senior Years

From the Deputy Principal of Middle Years

After many years as a classroom teacher, Head of Department and Deputy Principal with Education Queensland, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work as Deputy Principal Middle Years at QASMT.

Over the past week I have experienced a very warm welcome from staff and students and am looking forward to a very rewarding experience in the terms ahead.

My education philosophy centres on delivering a first-class education to students, ensuring that all students’ needs are met in the classroom. Additionally, I am a strong advocate for developing learning autonomy within students so that they can become independent, life-long learners.

I look forward to meeting many QASMT parents and guardians over the course of Semester 2.
Kind regards,

Kirsten Baker, Deputy Principal of Middle Years

From the inclusion team

I hope all students, families and staff had a refreshing holiday and are prepared for a busy Term 3. 

What is the Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship?

The Harding Miller Education Foundation, in partnership with the Quinn Femelle Foundation, provides Quinn scholarships for students in Queensland. Quinn Femelle supports a minimum of 25 Quinn scholarships every year for scholars across Queensland.

Quinn scholarships are awarded to girls entering Year 9 at public high schools across Queensland. The scholarship criteria are:
1. Proven high academic potential
2. Dedication to studies
3. Demonstrated financial or personal hardship

Quinn Femelle is focused on supporting women and the progress of equal opportunity for those who are disadvantaged across Australia. It supports long-term sustainable goals that target the future prosperity of Australians, in particular Queenslanders. Its priority areas are health and education, especially in relation to children and youth. 
Each scholarship is valued at $20,000 over four years from Years 9-12 and provides critical resources and support to enable scholars to not only finish high school, but to reach their academic potential and build direct pathways to tertiary education.

Please ensure you read the criteria before you start your application and then make an appointment to see Mrs Manwaring. More information can be found here.

The Inclusion Team

From the Department of Language and Literature

The poetry of earth is ceasing never:   

  On a lone winter evening, when the frost    

    Has wrought a silence, from the stove there shrills   

The Cricket’s song, in warmth increasing ever...   

~ John Keats, On the Grasshopper and the Cricket

As espoused by John Keats, the colder months can somewhat dampen one’s spirits; However, the indefatigable productivity and sound of the cricket is a reminder of the energising and empowering aspects of nature and human existence. As ever, echoing Keat’s concept of the cricket during the colder months, we continue to look to our QASMT students in Term 3 for the wonderful ways in which they inspire and impress us with their enthusiasm, energy and creativity.

Our Year 10s continue their Diploma Preparation Programme journey with a study of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Already, one week into term, we have seen students dissecting the language of “The Bard” with rigor of a witch with a newt, frog, or blindworm in hand! During Term 3’s Block Examination, students will wind up their learning in a timed written response which will allow them to show their rich engagement with the language of “the Scottish play”.

Outside of the classroom, the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) competitions are heating up for a number of our representative debating teams. Representing QASMT into the knock-out rounds of the competition, we have two Year 12 teams, two Year 11 teams, two Year 10 teams, and three Year 8 teams. Our students have represented the school admirably and it is a testament to their hard work and sense of responsibility that the draws of the QDU are dominated by QASMT teams. We look forward to reporting on the progress of our teams as the term unfolds.

As Term 3 moves us toward warmer months, it promises to be another season in which we can celebrate the words, actions, shrills, chirps, and success of our students.

David Bracken, Head of Department Language and Literature

From the Department of Language Acquisition

This term we welcomed back our students as well as a new staff member, Jean-François Vernay, who has travelled from NSW to be with us.
He will be teaching junior and Year 10 French this term. We said au revoir (but not adieu) to Gwen Hackel who this term is taking on her new position as House Dean for Curie; congratulations Gwen! We also celebrated our fantastic Year 12 German IB results; we congratulated our students and their incredibly committed teacher, Rachel Wilson. Their results were: five students on a 7; eleven students on a 6, and two students on a 5!

Teachers in Language Acquisition

Language Acquisition Exams
This term, Years 7, 8 and 9 students are preparing for their listening and reading exams (term exams for Latin) in Week 9. Our Year 10 students are preparing for their Individual Oral exams in Weeks 4 and 5 (term exam for Latin in Week 5), and their Block exams in Week 8. Our Year 11 students are preparing for their Individual Oral exams in Weeks 4 and 5, and their Block exams in Week 8. Our Year 12 students (except German) have their Mock exams starting in Week 6.

Once again, 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.

If you have any questions at all regarding your child’s language development, please do not hesitate to contact your Language Acquisition teacher or the Head of Department Language Acquisition, Jane Muil jmuil2@eq.edu.au

Jane Muil, Head of Department Language Acquisition

From the Department of Technology and the Arts

Welcome to Term 3 from the Technology and The Arts faculty.

MYP Program for Year 7 and 8
In Year 7 and 8, students have one semester of Design and one semester of Visual Art (incorporating Media Studies) or Music. Students who took Visual Art or Music in Semester 1 are now in Design and vice versa.

Visual Art
Year 7 students will investigate environmental issues that affect wildlife and then design a super-survivor hybrid animal. They will gain skills in graphite drawing, digital painting and colourful collage. The Year 8s will explore the expression of identity through a range of approaches including self-portraits and portraits of others to develop knowledge and skills in drawing, digital imaging and mixed media.

Year 9 STEM Futures
Our offering this term include the design courses: Soundtrack, our music course, and Artists As Changemakers for Visual Arts.
In our Computer Science focused course, the Future of Automation, students will be introduced to programming Arduino based micro-controllers and the Internet of Things (IOT). For our first project in our Business and Design elective, Disrupt the Market, students will learn how to use the laser cutter and design prototypes of 'gimmicky giveaways'. In Biomedical Engineering, this term students will explore the concept of regenerative medicine and the use of 3D printers, including the design of files and the considerations of a print's physical properties.

In our Soundtrack course, students are exploring ways composers depict space and astronomy.  Using recent NASA images from the James Webb Space Telescope, students are composing Sonifications using technology to bring these amazing images into a new dimension.  Added with performance opportunities this course opens imaginations, particularly in the world of music for film and gaming.

In Artists As Changemakers, students will research an issue of their choice to present a shared approach for an installation artwork proposal. They will make and respond to artworks to develop knowledge and skills in design and sculpture for the purpose of persuading audiences towards positive change.

ITGS

Year 12s are reviewing and reflecting on their learning, in the lead up to the Mock exams at the end of term! We wish them good luck!

Year 12s are consolidating their own learning and experience in preparation for their Mock exams in Week 6 and 7. Best of luck to you, Year 12!

Madeleine Brookes, Head of Department Technology and The Arts 

From the Department of Individuals and Societies

Welcome back to all students and staff after the mid-year break.
I really hope it was a chance to recharge the batteries and reflect on the first half of the year. As we are now halfway through the year it is an excellent opportunity to look back at what we have achieved and what we want to achieve in the rest of the year ahead.

Year 7 and Year 8 I&S
Year 7 and 8 students will spend the first part of Term 3 studying Economics and Business. Parents and carers, be prepared to be interviewed by your children as they investigate the changing nature of work. The year 7s are particularly excited as we commence ‘The Game of Life’. Following this, a history unit will commence that will use the virtual reality classroom and will give students the chance to travel back in time to either Ancient Rome or Ancient China. Year 8 students are investigating “power and sustainability drive change through human impact on the environment” by selecting a current case study that effects stakeholders in Queensland.

Economics
In Term 3 of Year 10, we welcome a number of students who will be studying Economics for the first time. Our focus this semester is to prepare our students with the skill of using real world examples to enhance responses. Key macroeconomic models of the economy and the objectives of governments in managing economic activity will be studied and students will produce a scrapbook of current and relevant news items which they will analyse using economic concepts and models. Watching and reading a variety of news articles is strongly encouraged at home.

The speakers work at a variety of different institutions including Queensland Brain Institute, Queensland Institute for Medical Research, QUT and UQ. This is a fantastic opportunity for Psychology students to meet with these professionals and be able to both apply what they have learnt in the classroom whilst also finding out about different careers in the field. All Psychology students have been emailed an invite by Ms Carrington. Please RSVP to this email or alternatively email her on vldar0@eq.edu.au

From the ToK Coordinator David King

DP1 TOK
This term the students are considering the role of technology in the acquisition and production of knowledge. They will also look at Natural Sciences, one of the areas of knowledge, and its importance for knowledge. In addition, we will be introducing the final exhibition task to the students, with a draft of their work to be submitted towards the end of the term. This is an important assessment as the final submission due early in Term 4 provides a third of their overall final grade in this subject.

DP2 TOK
This term the students are working on improving their essays using the feedback they have received from their teachers, family and peers. This is an important milestone as the essay contributes two thirds of their overall final grade in this subject. The final submission is due in Week 3 of this term.

Lyle Fredrickson, Head of Department Individuals & Societies

From the Department of Physical Sciences

Welcome back to all our science students, teachers, parents and guardians.
I hope you had a restful winter break and are ready for a term filled with inspirational curricular and extra-curricular science activities! Term 3 is always very exciting in the Science department with the celebration of National Science Week later this term.

Extracurricular Science Activities
In Week 2 our entire Year 10 cohort is heading off to UQ for a bespoke program designed especially for our school Experience Scientific Research Day. Over the course of the day students will have the opportunity to work in the Faculty of Science at UQ and undertake a series of hands-on workshops in Biology, Chemistry, ESS, Physics, Mathematics and Scientific Literacy. Together with other science teachers I am looking forwards to escorting the students on this excursion; it is one of the most exciting cohort experiences in our science calendar.

Look out for three VIP guests who are presenting this term as part of the STEM Seminar Series – this term we will hear from a physicist speaking about quantum mechanics, a mathematician-plant geneticist speaking on the mathematics of genetics, and an artist-chemist speaking on the theme of this year’s National Science Week which is “Glass: more than meets the eye”. Make sure your students look out for the advertising at school – all students are welcome to every event!

Later this term we have two teams heading off to the National Titration Competition Finals at UQ including Kelvin C, Aiden T, Gabriel P, Riddisha U, Agnes C, and Lillian N. We wish them all the very best luck and are excited to see how our students go up against the entire country in this highly competitive and highly regarded competition!

Year 11 students in both Chemistry and Physics are currently reflecting on their success in their IAs from last term, as well as continuing their progress through the diploma curriculum. If you have a student in a Year 11 course, ask them what topics they are covering this term. In Chemistry you might hear about VSEPR, calorimetry, rates of reaction, and entropy. And in Physics you might hear about circular motion, gravitation, particle physics and nuclear reactions.

To all our scientists across all our cohorts and subjects: have a happy and productive term!

Esme Hatchell, Head of Department Physical Sciences

From the Department of Life Sciences

We are halfway there! Welcome back to Term 3.
I am so excited by the events and opportunities that are coming up across the school.

Year 7
This term, students will be investigation forces. They will be learning about balanced and unbalanced forces, friction and gravity. They will apply their knowledge in a scientific investigation on parachutes.
Their statement of inquiry for this unit is: “Interactions between forces result in changes that can be measured through scientific innovation.”

Year 9 Sustainable Futures
We have a new round of students starting Sustainable Futures this term. This term they will investigate the natural environment with a focus on sustainability and maintaining biodiversity. Students will be developing and honing their fieldwork skills before their excursion to Toohey Forest. Here students will compare two different sites, one where there is minimum human impact and one with high levels of human impact. They will use this data to evaluate the effect that humans have on the environment.

Diploma Programme
Year 11 Biology students are starting their final IA journey this term. They started with an introduction to IA session in Week 1, and they will spend a bit of time each week dedicated to preparing for the IA. It is important that they meet all checkpoints for this. Year 12 Biology students are finishing the content and moving into revision for mocks and ultimately their final exams.

QASMT are proud to have 12 super eager Year 7 students participating in the Kids STEM convention this year. It looks to be a great event and I know our students will produce some amazing projects.

“Science at its best is an open-minded method of inquiry, not a belief system”
– Rupert Sheldrake

Vanessa Bermingham, Head of Department Life Sciences Foundation

From the Department of Mathematics

This term, teachers in the Mathematics Department are looking forward to offering several competitions and programs to intrigue, challenge and motivate students.

Our Year 10 students have started in their new classes: Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Mathematical Applications and Interpretation (AI), both of which are offered at Standard and High Level. All students will complete a common core but then extend into topics that have been designed to give students a taste of the Diploma Programmes offered in Mathematics in Years 11 and 12. Students will continue to learn new skills in the use of the graphic display calculator (GDC).

The Maths Ambassador team will continue to send out a “Problem of the Week” to students.

Finally, I would like to welcome a new Mathematics teacher, Ajesh Gounder, to our team.

Jane Gorman, Head of Department Mathematics

From Education Outside of the Classroom (EOTC)

Before we look ahead to Term 3, I would like to send out a HUGE congratulations to our Year 8 boys’ volleyball and Year 7 girls’ netball teams for winning the West Brisbane Junior Gala Day in Week 10 of last term.
All teams did QASMT proud, and we were commended on our efforts and conduct, both on and off the field.

Over the holidays, we also had a handful of students compete in the Brisbane Schools’ Badminton Championships. Well done to Gavin and Ryan on their win in the Under 19 Boys, and Louis and Singyuan for their Under 15 male championships.

Now, here is a little more information about what our students will be getting up to in Term 3.

Our Year 8 students will be hitting the courts and putting their ATL skills to the test whilst competing in an intra-class tournament. During the lead up, they will be organising training sessions and learning how to work as a team to achieve a common goal.

With IAs now in and all topics covered, our Year 12 students are in revision mode and will be busy preparing for their mocks this term. Mock exams will match the style and length of the final IB exams, providing useful feedback for their final preparations. Students are encouraged to continue their good study habits, set goals in preparation for their mock exams and exam preparation period.

Sport
Our Spring Sport Program has had some excellent results over the years, with our badminton program taking out back-to-back pennants, and ultimate disc teams finishing in second place three years running. This term, we hope to continue our reign in badminton and secure a flag in ultimate disc. We have been upskilling our badminton coaches, sending them on a specialised courses to gain further experience. There has been a slight change to AFL timings to secure high-level coaches, with all sessions now being held on Wednesday from 1:20-2:20pm. Our coaches are keen to teach our students some new skills and foster a fun and inviting environment for students who may be new to the sports.

Yanah Floridis, Head of Education Outside the Classroom

From the House Dean of Agnesi

Welcome to Term 3 Agnesi House
I hope you all had a well-deserved rest over the holidays. You will notice we have some new artwork on the wall in the Agnesi House area. Thank you to Karin V, Sameer B, Will H and Kathleen H for their vibrant and creative work which brightens up the Agnesi locker area.

Year 12
Term 3 is a pivotal term for Year 12 Agnesi students. They will be handing in their Extended Essay (EE) and enjoying the traditional EE pizza party. I am sure Agnesi students are looking forward to relaxing at formal on 29 July. The Formal is one of my favourite events of the year as I get to see Agnesi students in all their finery. Once the Formal is over, our Year 12 students turn their attention to Mock exams and the Year 12 conference: both crucial events in preparation for the final exams. We wish our Year 12 students a highly successful Term 3.

PEP Overview Term 3
In Term 3, Agnesi students are busy writing their new semester PLP goals. This is such an important aspect of preparing for academic success and I strongly encourage all Agnesi students to engage with this process.

• Year 11 students are exploring Respectful Relationships this term. This is an important topic for our students as they navigate positive relationships and the challenges of life.
• Year 10 students continue with their electives, expanding their knowledge on a range of diverse topics, from gut-brain interactions through to day-to-day financial basics and long-term investments.
• Year 9 students are still embracing ‘The Journey’ preparation, with The Calling ceremony coming up, and developing a team charter once they have been introduced to their camp group. This is the last big hurdle before we all embark on our expedition to Lake Moggerah.
• A meaningful life with purpose is the topic our Year 8 students will be exploring this term as they unpack the differences between Hedonic and Eudemonic outlooks. These are philosophical concepts for Year 8 students to learn, but I am sure they will develop an understanding of them.
• Meanwhile, Year 7 students are identifying character strengths this term and how to recognise these traits in themselves and in others. Character strengths are a core concept in positive education.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to support your child.

Yours as always in the Quest for Zest.

Aileen Davis, House Dean Agnesi

From the House Dean of Curie

Welcome to Term 3!
I have been humbled by the warm welcome of Curie House – thank you to all. My name is Gwen Hackle and I am Curie’s House Dean for Semester 2. I have been an educator for two decades and have always had a real interest in student wellbeing. Having held house roles both interstate and overseas, my focus has always been on the connections and relationships I forge with students - getting to know them, to support them and to encourage them to be the best version of themselves. I am excited to ‘feel the fury’ of our house members as we work together. I look forward to getting to know every one of you, so please do pop into the office to say ‘hi.’

House Spirit
The Curie Spirit will once again be in full swing this term. I look forward to the energy, excitement, and enthusiasm. The final inter-house competition for 2022, the Trivia Competition, will take place in Week 4. Working collaboratively as an InStep, will be the key to success. If we turn up each day and give it our all, fingers crossed we will be able to claw our way back to the top and bring home the silverware!

Feel the Fury, Here Comes Curie!

Prepared, Present, Project
Being part of a community through connections and positive relationships, and representing our school with pride, are invaluable attributes that we all uphold. Being prepared starts with being ready for each day: wearing the correct uniform, having the correct equipment for class and a can-do attitude. When we uphold our values and work together with a growth-mindset, nothing is impossible. Being present is making connections with others, whether it be classmates or teachers. Everyone matters. Projecting is persevering in our work input, in collaborating with teachers to enhance our understanding and in setting goals that guide us in developing a growth mindset.

School TV
SchoolTV is a resource for parents regarding practical strategies and resources. It is a platform containing reports, analytics, interviews, and wellbeing tips that engages with hundreds of schools and organisations. If you would like to know more then please head to the SchoolTV website.

Upcoming Events in Term 3

Pinkly greetings,
Gwen Hackel, House Dean Curie

From the House Dean of Da Vinci

Da Vinci House begins Term 3 winning the inter-house competition.
We have a busy and exciting term ahead with many more opportunities to contribute towards our overall success.

Personal Learning Plans
Term 3 begins a new semester and the exciting opportunity to create new S.M.A.R.T goals for the rest of the school year. These goals will be based on each student’s Semester One report cards and conferencing with their subject teacher. I encourage families to check in on the progress of these goals, monthly.

Da Vinci Weekly Updates and Fortnight Ahead
To ensure that our community is up-to-date and aware of all up-and-coming events, students receive a Weekly Update on Friday. This newsletter outlines specific information for Da Vinci students. If you have any exciting news you would like to share with our community, please email me. It is always enjoyable to celebrate the achievements of our students.

Each fortnight the Weekly Update and QASMT Fortnight Ahead is sent to both students and parents. I highly encourage you to take a moment to engage with this material.

INSTEP
Our student leadership team has set themselves and Da Vinci House a goal to change the culture of our InSteps. The goal for all our InSteps is “be engaged.”  InStep is a powerful 15 mins of 100% engagement. This engagement can be in many different areas; for example, Year 11 student led activities, mentor one on one check-ins, and inter-house and intra-InStep activities. We ask that all students remain engaged during InStep. Stevie set out the InStep Engaged Expectations at Monday’s House Assembly.

They include:

1. Enter at the designated class door – this prevents disruptions for other InSteps
2. Find your mentor and mark your name from the role
3. Be aware of the “engagement” activity by reading the Weekly Update emailed on Fridays
4. Be prepared if you are leading the “engagement” activity
5. Devices (mobiles and laptops) will not be required at any InStep lesson

I am excited to see this change and positive results that an engaged InStep will have on our community.

I look forward to having breakfast with our Year 8 and 9 parents on Wednesday, 8August at our Meet the House Dean event commencing at 8:00am.

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

From the House Dean of Franklin

Welcome to Term 3 2022, Franklion family.
This term is shaping up to be a productive one and will see Franklin House engage with the charity of choice, the RSPCA, plus reach significant Year 12 milestones and continue the Year 9 journey. The renewal of each student’s personalised learning plan (PLP) for each subject is also a priority for students to complete in Week 2. The PLP process is a tool for students to frame their efforts for each subject while also providing perspective and the opportunity for reflection and the end of the successive term.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the families at home who have supported our Franklions so far this year. Your support is a significantly vital piece of the puzzle while students continue growing into young adults and work to remain exceptionally high performers. I believe I speak on behalf of our Franklin staff and students that we are grateful for your efforts.

RSPCA fundraising
Term 3 will see the opportunity for Franklin House to engage once again with the RSPCA and donate vital funds to their cause. The fundraiser will see some Inter-InStep competition between bakers to determine an overall winner – the InStep that raises the most money. The total finds will then be donated to the RSPCA when they will send a representative to Franklin House to explain what our raised funds will achieve and the vital day-to-day work they undertake.

Year 12
The term begins the transition and preparation phase for final IB exams in Term 4. There are also milestones to celebrate the 12 years of work already completed to date and the QASMT rites of passage.

• Monday Week 2 (18 July): Final version Extended Essay submission. Pizza Party at the Refectory.
• Friday Week 3 (29 July): Formal at the Hilton Brisbane.
• Friday Week 4 (05 August): 100 Days photo on Lower L Block. This photo celebrates and marks the final 100 days remaining of Year 12.
• 15-26 August: Year 12 Mock exams. These exams are designed to prepare students for their final IB exams
• 29-31 August: Year 12 Conference at QASMT. This is a conference styled opportunity for students to hear from Alumni, motivational speakers and provides time for students to properly prepare their study plan in the weeks before final IB exams.
• Friday Week 9 (05 September): Year 12 farewell and good luck from house groups before Exam block. Final CAS signoff completed.

Below are some key dates for Term 3:

Ross Bray, House Dean Franklin

From the House Dean of Hawking

Welcome from Mr Wheeler
Dear parents, carers and students, welcome to Term 3. I hope that students had a restful break over the holidays and are ready to get back into another busy term here at QASMT. I travelled to England over the holidays to attend a family wedding in Liverpool and spent time with family. It was wonderful to spend almost three weeks catching up with friends and family of whom I have not seen in over three years due to COVID-19. It was my first time travelling with a 9-month-old and let me tell you that it was a real experience all in itself! I hope you find the information contained in this article useful!

Hawking’s Charity Bake Sale
Hawking House will continue with its charitable work and are participating in a Bake Sale on Tuesday 26 July (Week 3) to raise money for our House Charity Eat Up. You may remember that last term, Year 11 Hawking students (and some additional volunteers) participated in making over 1500 sandwiches through Eat Up’s assistance and helped to provide meals for struggling students in Brisbane. Students are asked to contribute to the bake sale, if possible, by bringing in baked goods (or purchased baked items) that can be sold during lunch. Students from each InStep will then run the stores with the aim of raising $500. Please encourage your child to be involved in this event and contribute to the fundraising effort by purchasing some food items with a gold coin or two!

Spotlight on Attendance
Just a quick reminder regarding the importance of attendance as highlighted in my last Term in Review article. Attendance is an incredibly important contributor to a student’s academic achievement. QASMT has high standards in regard to attendance with students expected to meet a target of 97% attendance across the year. This is something that I am monitoring closely, and I will be contacting parents if there are any concerns. Please check your child’s attendance on the reports you have just received and compare it to the below graphic. How is your child’s attendance looking?

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 absolute best for Term 3!
Marc Wheeler, Acting House Dean Hawking 

From the House Dean of Hollows

Fasten your seat belts and strap yourself in as we are in for an extremely fast and furious Term 3.
Year 12 Mock exams are in Week 6 and 7 and block exams for the rest of the school will be in Week 8.

Inter-house Mini Olympic competition
This term in Weeks 1-3 the eight InSteps of Hollows Hawks will test their wit, speed, agility and strength in a series of mini games against the other houses. Stay tuned for the results in the Term 3 Term in Review to find out which InStep dominated the games and which house was crowned victorious.

Whole School Golden Paddle Competition 
Once again, the annual Golden Paddle Table Tennis Competition will operate in Week 4 this term and thank you to the sport leaders for organising this. Table Tennis is an extremely popular sport played at QASMT and we all look forward to who will be the winner for this year.

Year 12 Formal
Thank you to Dr Davis and her team for organising the Year 12 Formal again this year to be held at the Hilton Hotel on Friday July 29. The formal is a great celebration and one not to be missed by Year 12 students. I am looking forward to the red-carpet finery.

Year 12 Conference
Like the Year 12 Formal, another highlight for the term will be the Year 12 conference which takes place on Monday, 29 August to Wednesday, 31 August. This will involve three days of motivational speakers, study preparation sessions, health and wellbeing promotions, skills for life exhibits and lots of fun activities that the Year 12 students can partake in together.

Year 10 First Aid Course
In Week 4, (Friday, August 5), the entire Year 10 cohort participate in an all-day first aid course. This will be a great opportunity for the students to learn some life preservation techniques and achieve a nationally recognised qualification. This is a compulsory program for all Year 10 students.

Year 12 Mock Exams
Weeks 6 and 7 will see our Year 12 students sit their Mock exams as part of their final push to be exam ready for their November final IB exams. Mock exams provide a real test for the students to assess their current knowledge and abilities in their two-year Diploma Programme journey. I wish all Year 12 students the best of luck for these exams, and I am sure they will really apply themselves to the task, ensuring to act on all teacher feedback that has been provided.

Year 8 and 9 Parents Breakfast with House Deans
I would like to remind all Year 8 and 9 parents, if possible, to come along to a breakfast at the Academy STEM terrace between 8:00am and 9:00am Wednesday 3 August, to talk with your student’s House Dean. This is a great opportunity to share new information and ask questions. Hope to see you there. 

The Fred Hollows Foundation Charity Fundraiser
Last year, thanks to some enterprising Year 11 students who coordinated this fundraiser, our house raised over $770 dollars for the Fred Hollows Foundation. Subsequently this helped 30 people receive the corrective eye surgery needed to have their blindness cured and restore their dignity, improve their ambition and vitality for life. This term on Tuesday, August 2, our Hollows House is again asking its students to bring in money to donate to this wonderful charity where we hope to raise just as much money as last year and help another 30+ people to see again with the gift of sight. We will have an EFTPOS machine for donations on site during InStep time and of course cash is always accepted. Thank you in advance for supporting this wonderful charity.

Looking forward to successful and enjoyable Term 3. Please direct any enquiries you may have regarding Hollows House to Mr Michael Colquhoun, House Dean of Hollows at mjcol3@eq.edu.au

Michael Colquhoun, House Dean of Hollows

From the House Dean of Jackson

Goal Setting for Expertise

The power of a goal.
By the end of Week 3, Term 3 we should all have completed our Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) goals. In preparation, we have devoted a significant amount of time to getting them right. Throughout PEP lessons I have tried to clearly communicate the ‘why’ to this task. More specifically, I attempted to draw upon the work of Anders Ericsson to clearly illustrate why setting goals, as an important step in deliberate practice, is crucial to high performance. While I won’t relay the Universität der Künste violinist study here (although it is a terrific read - ‘Peak: How all of us can achieve extraordinary things’) I would like to walk you through an example of the goal improvement process we have been engaged in over the last few weeks.

The next step
This is where we are now! After having written our goals (and three supportive strategies – see upcoming ‘Fortnight Ahead’ for more), we now need to focus our practice (study) to achieve this goal, monitor our progress and evaluate our success. Through this cycle of proactively seeking feedback, creating high quality SMART goals and deliberate practice, we can achieve extraordinary things. I encourage you to discuss your child’s goals for each subjects to support them in articulating the specifics ways in which they will meet their goals.

But of course, goal setting and deliberate practice are not for academic purposes alone. These tools can be used for most aspects of life. What follows are some notable examples of upcoming events that students could use to hone these skills.

Wishing you all the best in your deliberate practice in Term 3!

Samuel Weston, House Dean Jackson

From the House Dean of Newton

Welcome to Term 3; it is shaping up to be another positive term with plenty of action, both in and out of the classroom

House Captain’s report (Randima G)

Dear Newton House, I hope you had a wonderful, restful holiday and are ready to take on Term 3. We are all excited for the upcoming inter-house competitions that will win us more house points and help us get to that number one spot. 

The upcoming inter-house events are: Mini Olympics in Weeks 1 and 2 and Trivia in Weeks 4 and 5. Newton house is the defending Trivia competition champions, so we will have to win it again this year.

During InStep time from Week 5, we will be crocheting beanies for the Miracle Babies Foundation, Australia’s leading organisation supporting premature and sick newborns. More information about this charity’s work can be found at https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/. Last year we had some fantastic creations made by our students, staff and families, and we hope to replicate them this year.

For most of us, it is halfway through the school year. But for Year 12s, this is our last term. So, if you see your fellow Year 12 Newtonians, don't forget to say hi. Thank you, and all the best for the rest of the term.

Education Inside and Outside the Classroom
In Week 10 of the last term, Year 7 students headed to YMCA camp, Warrawee for three days. With their vibrant energy and enthusiasm, students participated in various activities, from making damper to leading and working in teams to display their talents in a War Cry challenge. It was great to see students interacting and forming new connections with other students and teachers.
To build on those positive connections and develop their self-esteem this term, in Positive Education (PEP) classes, the Year 7 students will explore and focus on their top character strengths, such as inner strengths of courage and kindness, which will enable them to see the best in themselves and work towards becoming better. Year 8 students will research the critical pillars of leading a meaningful life. Through a jigsaw activity, students will learn a part of the lesson and share their information in groups so the entire class can understand the whole picture.

Year 10 students will engage in PEP lessons presented by House Deans, including topics such as ‘Everyday finance’ and ‘Sleep hygiene’; topics identified for students to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing. How we learn to interact with those around us is generally developed through trial and error, and how we treat others means everything. If the pandemic has taught us anything, humans are hardwired to connect. Our Year 11 students will cover the fundamental concepts of building and maintaining respectful relationships, including discussing real-life scenarios and their implications on young people’s lives.

Upcoming events:

• Mini Olympics Inter-house competition – Week 1and 2 (InStep lessons)
• Year 12 Formal – Friday, 29 July
• Trivia Inter-house competition – Week 4 and 5 (InStep lessons)
• Breakfast with your House Deans (Years 8 and 9 parents) 8:00-9:00am, Wednesday, 3 August
• Newton House Charity launch – Week 5
• Year 12 Mock exams commence – Week 6 and 7
• National Science Week – Week 6
• Year 9 SET Plan interviews – Tuesday, 23 August
• Year 12 Conference – Monday, 29 to Wednesday 31 August
• Year 9 camp preparation – Thursday, 1 and 15 September
• Year 10 and 11 Exam block – Week 8
• Farewell House Assembly to Year 12s – Monday, 5 September

I look forward to another busy and productive term and seeing our students rewarded for their efforts at the upcoming Awards Assembly. GO NEWTON!

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
– Wayne Dyer

Deva Prasad, House Dean Newton

From the Guidance Officers

Guidance Officer (Career Planning & Inclusion)

Welcome back to Semester 2!
We will again have a number of opportunities in the weeks ahead for students to grow their knowledge of careers and build their career planning portfolio. Year 12 students will be finalising and submitting their university applications. Any year 12 students who have not yet attended their pathways interview are encouraged to contact Student Services to arrange a time for discussing their career plans for next year and beyond. Year 9 students are also engaging with discussions around career planning as they work towards creating their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plans, culminating in individual career interviews to support their upcoming subject selection process.

Early Offers Reminder
Year 12 students and their families are reminded that many university applications now include an early offer process in addition to the traditional January offer round.  Processes and timelines vary considerably between universities with many open now or in the coming weeks.  Check due dates for these processes at each university if you wish to access this additional opportunity.

QASMT Tertiary Expo
Our 2022 QASMT Tertiary Expo was even bigger than previous years with many students and institutions valuing the opportunity to meet face to face.  We are very grateful to the 21 tertiary institutions who participated with a display in our expo for individual conversations and a lecture-style presentation to share broader details of each unique context.  The experience was further enhanced by sharing the event with our fellow Academy, QACI.

Career Planning Resources and Events
UQ Open Days
From UQ
Welcome to the UQ community
With three ways to experience UQ Open Day this year, you can fully immerse yourself in student life to see exactly what your future could look like. Join us at our beautiful St Lucia and Gatton campuses or online to explore your study options, discover our world-class facilities and get your questions answered.

Register for Open Day

QUT | Open Day 2022
From QUT
Sunday 31 July 2022, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Queensland University of Technology, George Street, Brisbane City QLD, Australia
Start preparing for your bright future at QUT Open Day. Chat with staff and students from all areas of study and get all your questions answered about courses, careers and uni life.

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. 

Looking forward to a productive and rewarding term!

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

Guidance Officer (Student Wellbeing)

Semester 2 is here, and we are ready for another packed semester of opportunities that promote wellbeing at the Academy.

The theme for Queensland Mental Health week this year (Term 4, Week 2) is Awareness, Belonging, Connection. Promoting the narrative: ‘Stronger connection creates strong health.’ It is vital for student wellbeing that students are engaged in several activities. This helps to create a balance between work and play and 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.

Term 3 Wellbeing Seminar Series

Session 1 - student session

20 July, Wednesday 10:45-11:15am in the Lecture Theatre.

Topic: Tips to a good headspace and how to help a friend.

Session 2 - parent and community session

8 May, Monday 6:00-7:00pm in the Lecture Theatre.

Topics:

• Understanding mental health and welling in your people
• Notice changes that 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.

Information about how to register your attendance at these sessions will be sent closer to the dates.

Cross-curricular activities - GSA
Our students have embraced the opportunities to practise positive engagement and wellbeing, with most of our students participating in our ever growing cross-curricular activities program, as well as other events throughout the term that offer opportunity to practice gratitude and other wellbeing strategies. Our CCA Program has been designed to suit the needs of our diverse student body. One such CCA that was introduced in Term 3, 2021 was the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). This CCA is run by Tara Le Pla (Guidance Officer) and Ms Wallace (House Dean DaVinci House). The program for this CCA is based on the research and resources provided by the GLSEN organisation. This organisation’s mission statement states, “GLSEN believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTIQ+ inclusive K-12 education”. The GSA invites EVERY student to attend, no registration needed, just turn up. We meet Thursday lunchtimes in B Block.

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

Tara le Pla, Guidance Officer (Student Wellbeing)

From Instrumental Music

Our music programs at QASMT continues to offer meaningful opportunities for students at all levels.

Our next evening concert is on Tuesday 9 August in the Auditorium from 6:00-9:00pm. All ensembles will be performing, as well as a few surprises.

• Akash R (Year 10) as a section leader with the featured choir at Creative Generation - State Schools Onstage (CGEN) staged at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre 14-16 July. This annual event continues to give students, teachers and school communities the opportunity to be involved in a professionally produced, award-winning arena spectacular, broadcast at a later date.

Thank you to our supportive families who continue to ensure our students are attending rehearsals on time and patience to support the efforts of our young musicians.

We look forward to a magical term of music making.

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

From Corporate Services

The School website calendar has been updated for Term 3 due to some amendments to the term. 

From the P&C

Welcome to Term 3. The P&C wish to express our gratitude for the ongoing support of our parent volunteers for planned Academy events. We look forward to another busy term and catching up with you all again soon.

Winand D’Souza
P&C President