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Term Ahead - 3 February 2023

From the Senior Leadership Team

Dear parents, students and staff,
We extend a very warm welcome to all of our new and returning families and trust you have had a relaxing and enjoyable summer vacation. As always, we had the pleasure of meeting all of our Year 7 and new Year 10 students who appear to be embracing the QASMT culture and are quickly learning what it is like to be an IB learner. It has been wonderful commencing the school year without interruption and as such we look forward to building positive and supportive relationships with all of you throughout the year.

Starting a new school year is a time of optimism and excitement, combined with nervous anticipation. It is extremely important that our students are taught the skills of positive psychology, creating a toolbox for them to fall back on when they face new challenges. Peter L. Benson, PhD, is the President and CEO of Search Institute https://searchinstitute.org/ and is regarded as an expert in child development. Peter reminds us that “relationships are the oxygen of human development” and at QASMT we firmly believe that wellbeing is underpinned by nurturing our young people’s relationships. A lovely quote from Hans Christian Anderson “Just living isn't enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower” and at QASMT, we firmly agree.

Reflecting on themes that surfaced in 2022, we note the value and importance placed on learning how to attain optimal wellbeing. As such, we launched our revised whole community Wellbeing Framework ‘Learning to Flourish, Flourishing to Learn’. The Framework pulls together all facets from within our school culture that support wellbeing for our students and our staff. It also clearly articulates the role of each member of our community and provides teachers with a toolkit they can use to support wellbeing in the classroom and outside of the classroom.

New Strategic Plan
QASMT’s new Strategic Plan encapsulates our unwavering commitment to flourishing. Our vision statement ‘Inspiring great minds through the provision of a world-class education that nurtures personal excellence and develops young people who are able to contribute positively to an ever-changing world’, reflects the importance we place on personal excellence.

Whilst our values (the 10 Attributes of an IB Learner) remain unchanged, we have unpacked what these values mean to the QASMT community. ‘We value the ten aspirational qualities of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile, which go beyond academic success to instil a sense of personal excellence, striving to improve in every aspect of our lives. The aim is not perfection but instead to achieve our potential; and flourishing as defined in positive psychology.’ Rather than striving for perfection at QASMT the most important element in student success might be the ability to fail. There is a difference between striving for excellence, even striving for perfection, and suffering from perfectionism. Perfectionist attitudes are marked by a number of negative feelings, thoughts and beliefs. Such attitudes can rob students of personal satisfaction so that even when they achieve tremendous success, they can’t appreciate it. With your support, our focus on learning rather than perfectionism will assist our young people to maintain a more satisfying state of wellbeing.

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

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

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

Five actionable ideas to help our students start and sustain a positive school year
During the height of COVID, Principal Kayrooz presented five actionable ideas to help our students start and sustain a positive school year. We have repeated them below.

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

2. Start with Ambition
Ambition is a powerful force. Look at the greats: Serena Williams, Lebron James, Beyoncé or Malala Yousafzai. There was something in them that drove them to success. Watch them sing, play ball or fight for a cause. Their dedication and diligence are like a firestorm. This fire inside doesn’t light itself. Something on the inside has to spark. A vision, a goal, a sense of purpose or calling has to emanate from within. Don’t hear the call and hide; heed it and be heroic. We ask our students not to go into the school year coasting or chilling. Go into this year full of ambition to do something important and meaningful with your life. Principal Kayrooz is a fan of Nelson Mandela. She loves his philosophy of “I never lose, I either win or I learn.” Make that your mantra for 2023 and breathe life into your ambitions.

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

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

5. Start by Being Present
When all you know is ‘busy’, you start to feel like you need to resist taking time out to rest. The most difficult thing for most of us is to be present. Our smart devices distract us and take us away from what is close. We become so busy running/scrolling from one thing to another that we lose sight of the moment we are in. This moment, right here, is the only true moment. We cannot go back in our past nor take a train to our future. This, right here, is the most important moment.

11 WAYS YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD ON THEIR TRACK TO SUCCESS

1. Attending Parent Information Evenings and Parent-Teacher Interviews
Teens succeed better in school when parents openly support their academic efforts. Attending these events is a great way to get to know your child’s teachers and understand the goals, priorities and expectations of the school.

2. Visiting the School’s Website
Understanding the school and its policies and procedures can help you connect with your child when you talk about the school day with them. Knowing their teachers, facilities, calendar for assessment and events, and other resources, means students and parents can feel like they understand one another, which is incredibly important when school makes up much of their daily lives.

3. Support Home Learning Expectations
As students’ progress through high school, homework and assessment becomes more rigorous and achievement can become more significant for their future pathway goals. Ensuring your child has a quiet, well-lit, distraction-free place to study can assist them in their organisation and productivity, ultimately reducing stress over the completion of their homework on time.
A distraction-free environment means no phone, TV, or websites other than those related to their tasks. Checking in on your child every now and then, supporting them meeting their targets, encouraging them to ask for help if they need it and making sure they maintain a balance between study, co-curricular, and their own wellbeing, are some ways you can help them.

4. Sending Your Child to School Ready to Learn
A nutritious breakfast fuels your child and prepares them for the day. In general, students who eat breakfast have more energy and achieve better in school. Providing breakfast foods that are rich in whole grains, fibre, proteins and low in sugar can help boost your child’s attention span, concentration, and memory. If running late, on-the-go options like fruit, nuts, yoghurt, or a peanut butter and banana sandwich are nutritious and full of good energy. It is a good idea to also send a healthy snack to eat between classes.

5. Sleep
Students also need the right amount of sleep in order to be alert and ready to learn all day. Eight to nine hours of sleep are recommended; however, this is often not achieved while students manage classes, home learning, co-curricular activities and friendships. Lack of sleep is linked to decreased attentiveness, decreased short-term memory, inconsistent performance and delayed response time.

6. Instilling Organisational Skills
Learning and mastering the skill of organisation, staying focussed, and seeing work through to the end will help students in just about everything they do. Students who develop organisational skills during school, will be better prepared for future study and their careers. Parents and caregivers can help their children with organisation by creating a calendar, making to-do lists, and keeping assessment dates and tasks clearly outlined in binders, notebooks or folders.

7. Offering Help with Study
Planning ahead is vital to helping your child juggle assignments and assessment across multiple subjects. Breaking down tasks into smaller chunks and sticking to the study calendar can help keep your child focussed and productive. If a student has found a study schedule that stops them from experiencing high stress and can complete activities on time, then they may not need assistance here. However, there may be times when they need your help.

8. Know the Behaviour Policies
The school rules cover the expectations of students, including the consequences when these are not met, including: dress codes, behaviours, use of electronic devices, acceptable language, and bullying. Knowing what behaviour is expected and what is not accepted and showing alignment between school and home can assist students in viewing both environments as safe, caring, supportive places that work together to help them succeed.

9. Getting Involved
Some students are happy to see their parents involved with their school, while others can find it embarrassing. It is always important to first know the views of your child, however, if they are in support of your involvement, joining communities at the school can be a great way of showing how interested you are in your child’s education. Joining the P&C is a great way to become involved and support your student through our school community.

10. Taking Attendance Seriously
Students should take a sick day if they ever have a fever, are nauseated, vomiting, or other significant illnesses. Otherwise, it is important that students arrive at school on time every day. This is so important as although students can catch up on work, the focussed, teacher-led environment of learning is lost, and catching up on class work, projects, tests, and homework can become stressful and interfere with their future learning.

11. Making Time to Talk about School
Because students spend so much of the day outside of the home – at school, co-curricular activities, jobs, studying, or with peers – staying connected can be challenging for parents and caregivers. Each part of a student’s life is central to their wellbeing, and parents and caregivers are anchors for providing love, guidance and support. Making efforts to talk with your child every day is important to maintain your connection and let them know that what goes on in school is important to you. Communication is a two-way street and listening to each other openly and responding to each other in a supporting way can improve the relationship from both sides.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Congratulations to all of our students who are taking on a leadership role this year and for accepting this responsibility with real enthusiasm. We look forward to the differences you will make in such an important role. You are role models for all of our students and your guidance is beneficial to fortifying our QASMT community. Please find below our student leaders for 2023.

OUR 2023 ACADEMY CAPTAINS

QASMT HAS GROWN AGAIN
Demand for places at QASMT continues to increase. Our enrolment is currently at 1334 (updated on 17/01/23) students, with further demand for placements in 2024 and 2025. Our increase in student numbers necessitates an increase in teaching staff and I would like to formally introduce and welcome all of our new teachers.

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

Playing a significant role in individual student guidance and success are our House Deans. Our House Deans provide a central role in tracking, monitoring and coaching our students. Our Guidance Officers also worked with our students ensuring that our students are awarded their preferred QTAC preferences.

2022 marked a significant achievement for our students and we congratulate all of them for the way in which they navigated a challenging year. Our students achieved the best results in 15 years, exceeding our targets for 40+ and 30+ (50% and 98% respectively). 100% of students attained an IB Diploma and QCE. We could not be prouder.

The safety, wellbeing and duty of care of our students and school community remains our top priority. On behalf of QASMT, we thank you for your ongoing commitment and co-operation as we start the school year. Please respect our protocols of no longer shaking hands and the choice for individuals to wear masks.
To our families who are starting their QASMT journey this year, we are confident that you will feel part of a wonderfully caring community.

Kath Kayrooz – Principal, Tanya Haggarty – Associate Principal Academic, Kerry Bullock – Associate Principal Teaching and Learning, Catherine de Freitas Pessoa - Deputy Principal Performance, Sandra Davey - Deputy Principal Engagement

From the Deputy Principal of Senior Years

***Michele Newman, Deputy Principal of Senior Years***

I wish to extend a warm welcome to all students, parents and caregivers to the Senior Years Programme in 2023 at QASMT.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Deputy Principal Senior Years and I am excited to take on this important role in leading and supporting your child and their teachers in the Diploma Preparation Programme and Diploma Programme.

As a passionate IB educator with many years of experience working in senior leadership roles in IB schools both internationally and Australia, I understand the significance of ensuring that we provide our students with a wide range of resources, skills and approaches to teaching and learning that nurture personal excellence and optimise wellbeing. We are all members of a positive, focussed and engaged learning community and I look forward to ensuring that our senior students are working productively toward their individual goals. You are welcome to contact me through my email address, manew1@eq.edu.au should you have questions in the future.

Year 10 (DPP)
Beginning a new academic year is always filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation and it was great to meet all our new Year 10 students on the first day of term as they enthusiastically navigated a busy day of learning all about QASMT, making new friends and connecting with their teachers. Just like me, the best way to cope with a new environment is to keep asking questions and don’t be afraid of not knowing everything at the beginning; this is when you need to demonstrate resilience. Also, reach out to your House Deans and InStep teachers as they are important people who can always steer you in the right direction. For all returning Year 10s, I welcome you back and I’m sure you are enjoying reconnecting with your peers and teachers. I would like to remind you all of the importance of staying organised, setting your own personal goals and working hard to reach your potential. There are a myriad of events and activities to get involved in this term so try to find something that will inspire you.

Year 11 (DP1)
Welcome to your first year of the Diploma Programme, I’m sure you are all ready to learn in your new subjects. Remember to take advantage of all the skills you have learned so far and will continue to learn in your lessons in order to remain organised and up to date with assessment deadlines. The Year 11 Assessment Calendar and Assessment Guidance Handbooks have been shared via email so read through carefully as many questions can be answered within the pages of these resources. These are your go to documents! You will learn more about CAS, TOK and EE as you progress in the programme of study, and I look forward to hearing about the topics you choose and watching you grow as IB learners.

Year 12 (DP2)
Welcome back to your final year. Hopefully you have taken time to rest and spend quality time with family and friends during the holidays and have come back prepared to undertake your final assessments. Upcoming of note are German ab initio orals in Week 3 as well as various Business Management, Psychology, Physics and Economics final assessments in Week 4. Of course, we can’t forget your important EE draft outlines which I’m sure you have worked on over the break and your teachers will be excited to read and provide feedback. Remember to remain balanced learners this year by aiming for quality sleep, eating well and keeping fit. I look forward to meeting you all.

Michele Newman, Deputy Principal of Senior Years

From the Deputy Principal of Middle Years

Kirsten Baker,
Deputy Principal of Middle Years

As we commence the new academic year, I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome all students, parents and carers back to QASMT after what I hope was a relaxing break.
It was lovely to see our new Year 7 students on Monday and to welcome them into the QASMT community. Our youngest cohort for 2023 have certainly had a very full week of activities, lessons and information sessions to best prepare them for their time at QASMT. The year ahead will offer middle years students many opportunities to perform at their best and involve themselves in all QASMT has to offer. I urge all students to take every opportunity that comes their way in an effort to enrich all aspects of their schooling life.

During this busy first term, we have many middle year activities on the horizon. In the coming weeks we will have student leadership induction ceremonies, school photos, parent information evenings, a Battle of the Bands competition, parent morning teas, our annual cross country, a Year 7 camp and an Interhouse Mini Olympics, to name just a few. All calendared QASMT activities are found on our website. A reminder that our House Deans also send out fortnightly newsletters with important student and parent information across the year.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT NAPLAN, 2023
This year NAPLAN testing will take place in Term 1, from Wednesday 15 March through until Monday 27 March 2023. Before online testing commences our students will participate in a readiness session on February 14 and complete a practice test on March 2.

It is important that all students and parents/carers understand what pre-organisation is required from home ahead of NAPLAN:

All Year 7 and 9 students must install a locked down browser app suitable for their school laptop.

The official NAP locked down browser (LDB) for 2023 is now available for students to download and install on their device. Before download can commence, students must uninstall any previous NAPLAN LBDs used for NAPLAN testing in 2021.

To download and install the 2023 NAPLAN LBD, please follow this file path: https://www.assessform.edu.au/naplan-online/locked-down-browser and follow the links.

Students will be able to confirm that they have installed the correct version of the NAPLAN LBD on their devices by checking its icon is green for 2023.

Students and parents/carers are also able to download the LOCKED DOWN USER GUIDE for additional assistance.

STUDENT LAPTOP REQUIREMENTS FOR NAPLAN on-line Testing:
Operating System: Windows 10 version 20H2 or later.
Hardware: Windows capable of running operating system; 1GB hard drive space free.
Not supported: Windows RT, 10S, CE, Terminal Services, VDI, 11S or 11SE.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Students will need a functioning set of plug-in headphones to complete NAPLAN tests. Headphones cannot have Bluetooth connectivity wireless or microphone.
It is suggested that students use a computer mouse.
I will send out further important information and reminders closer to the testing period.

Veronica Fortune
Community Project Coordinator

STEM Futures Community Project
The STEM Futures Community Project has launched for 2023. Year 9 students, with guidance from a team of twenty supervisors, will use the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the QASMT MYP. The Community Project focuses on community and service, encouraging Year 9 students to explore their rights and responsibilities to implement service as action in the global community.

Year 9 will begin the inquiry cycle to investigate and identify a need in the community incorporating a global context. This term, there are two challenging checkpoints for each group to complete. Checkpoint one submission is the completion of the STEM FUTURES Community Project Proposal Plan. To complete Checkpoint two, students are required to justify their plan, reflect on the development of their ATL skills and submit their bibliography.

As Middle Years Coordinator, I look forward to a very enjoyable term with our middle years’ students.

Kirsten Baker, Deputy Principal of Middle Years

From the inclusion team

Welcome to Term 2023.
I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our students, teachers and families returning to QASMT and to all the new members of our community. I am grateful this year for the start we had to life at school; given the uncertainty of the last few years it was wonderful to start as planned and with all our students. It is important to never lose sight of the things we are grateful for. Gratitude is one of positive psychology’s simplest activities, but sometimes we forget to practice gratitude.

Transitions can be difficult for some people; changing schools can certainly have an impact on a young person and it can look different for all of us. There is quite a bit written about the transition for students entering primary school or prep and less about the transition to high school. The process for an older student and their family, however, can feel much the same. It is important to remember a few things during the transition period. It is okay to feel unsure and overwhelmed, this is normal. Try to speak positively about the change, as we all know change is inevitable. Acknowledge and discuss your child’s concerns; they are real and often once a student has spoken about them they feel better having been listened too. There is nothing to fix, you just listen. Helping your child stay in contact with friends from their previous school can also help. It may take students a little while to find their friends and place, but we have an amazing transition program that runs for several weeks to help support students make the transition. There are a number of support services available for students at QASMT and we all work together to care for our students.

We have a number of celebration weeks on the school calendar that identify the importance of being an inclusive community. One of our celebration weeks this term in Inclusion is Neurodiversity Week. Below is some information about the week and a link to how you might like to become involved. We will be displaying posters and celebrating our neurodivergent community during the week 13-19 March.

What is Neurodiversity Celebration Week?
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
https://www.neurodiversityweek.com

The Inclusion Team

From the Department of Language and Literature

In Group 1, the English Language and Literature Faculty is focusing on how students can be “Communicators” as per the IB Learner Profile.
We will look for students to add rigor to their communication through conceptual engagement with many of the ideas that arise from a study of a variety of texts and genres. We believe that rigor is a natural consequence of creative engagement. Please read below the ways in which students will be expressing themselves in engaged and rigorous ways.

Our newly arrived Year 7 students will create “empathic biographies” in which they conduct research about a scientist (or mathematician) of their choosing and then attempt to reconstruct a significant moment in that person’s life. An exciting and key part of this task is that students will be experimenting with diction and structure to try and not only communicate meaning but create a specific tone to demonstrate the emotional context within which their chosen discovery was made.

Year 8 students begin the year by creating a short documentary in which they make their own specific authorial choices to portray a social issue of their choosing. This collaborative and creative task aims to provide an outlet for student creativity which provides the stimulus for students to analyse and justify their own authorial choices. Watch this space for some samples of student creativity that are articulated during the term!

Entering their final year of the MYP, our Year 9 students will begin the year by exploring a range of Australian poetry and creating their own podcast episode in which they express opinions about how authorial choices regarding the portrayal of events impact their personal insights into the Statement of Inquiry: “People, Places, and Ideas Empower People”.

“There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired” ... Year 10 begin their Diploma Preparation Program journey by exploring how far they agree with the sentiment as evidenced in F Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. Through an analysis of settings, characters, and narrative arcs, students will look at the impact of materialism and what it does to the human soul.

Year 11 begin their Diploma journey by exploring a collection of short stories written by the Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie titled The Thing Around Your Neck. This short story collection provides the content through which students explore how identity is articulated, challenged, and understood by individuals from a variety of contexts and experiences.

It can be argued that humans ultimately make either brave or compromised choices within the context of the social structure around them. Year 12 students are embarking on an exploration of the relationship between systems of societal power and their impact on individual autonomy as part of their preparations for their final IB examinations. This will be done through a study of Jean Anouilh's play version of Antigone (HL students will additionally be exploring the poetry of Stanislawa Szymborska).

This term, many students will continue or start their learning outside of the classroom in a variety of ways. Our Debating Program will continue in force with our representative Queensland Debating Union (QDU) teams representing the school across competitions in all year levels. Due to a shift in the QDU calendar, our Year 7 selection for QDU will run in Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 1. Our Dialogues events will continue for students who wish to engage in scaffolded conversations about contemporary issues. Our Scene Project, which has a focus on theatrical performance skills, will continue throughout Terms 1, 2 and 3. Finally, our Creative Writing Club will provide opportunities for students to engage in how to creatively construct meaning and effect through playful and curious explorations of language.

This year promises to provide many opportunities for students to demonstrate their deep knowledge and flexibility in their demonstration of skills both within the classroom and outside of it. We look with anticipation towards the work and outcomes demonstrated by our students as we work with them on their various learning journeys this term and beyond.

David Bracken, Head of Department Language and Literature

From the Department of Language Acquisition

This term we welcome two new staff members to our team: Bella Cantoni, who will be teaching French and Vanessa Ngarae, who will be teaching Japanese. Welcome Bella and Vanessa!

Last term we farewelled Greta Cabot who worked with us in supporting our French and German students; she has moved on to a teaching position at Brisbane State High School and we wish her all the best! We welcome Ned Cavanough in her place. Welcome Ned!

Teachers in Language Acquisition

International Mindedness (IM)
We have our first International Mindedness meeting of the year on Monday 30 January 2023 and look forward to welcoming some new staff to this team (Stacy Wallace Cunningham and Seema Goel). We sadly say goodbye to Yanah Floridis, Ross Bray and Deva Prasad as they move onto other working parties.

We will be celebrating the Lantern Festival in Week 3. Students can come to the courtyard and take place in a lantern creating competition and solve riddles hidden throughout the school.

We will be celebrating Harmony Day in Week 8. It will be full of performances, food and fun activities. There will be charity events to raise money for shipping textbooks to developing schools in India, and a CCA club where you can find a pen pal best friend.

The IM student ambassadors have created the theme of Around the World where students will have the chance to collect passport stamps throughout the year and possibly win a prize.

Here are just some of the events happening this term and planned for the year. We look forward to working with the students to ensure that IM is bigger and better than ever before!

Language Acquisition Assessment
MYP
Year 7
French, Japanese and German students have their oral exam in Week 6 and their listening exam in Week 9. Latin students have their reading journal due in Week 9.

Year 8
French, Japanese and German students have their listening exam in Week 6 and their speaking exam in Week 7. Latin students have their assignment due in Week 7.

Year 9
French, Japanese and German students have their listening exam in Week 6 and their speaking exam in Week 8. Latin students have their reading journal due in Week 8.

DPP Ab Initio / DPP Language B
Year 10
Students have their term exam in Week 10. For French, Japanese and German students this is a combined reading and writing exam.

DP Ab Initio
Year 11
French, Japanese and German students have their oral exam in Weeks 4 and 5 and their term exam in Week 10.

Year 12
German students have their Final Individual Oral in Week 3. Frau Wilson and Frau Liebchen are very busy preparing them, and we wish them all Viel glück!

French, Japanese and Spanish students have their Individual Oral in Weeks 6 and 7.
German students have their mock exam in Week 8. French, Japanese and Spanish students have their final exams (Paper 2) in Week 10.

DP Language B
Year 11
French, Japanese and German students have their oral exam in Weeks 4 and 5 and their term exam in Week 10. Latin students have their term exam in Week 10.

Good luck students, and make sure you speak with your classroom teacher about the free tutorials on offer if you’d like some extra help.

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 2023!
Please join me in welcoming our two new members to the Design and Technology team for 2023: Troy Villani and Larry Vint.
Troy joins us from Brisbane State High where he has been teaching digital solutions. He has an interest in all things from 3D printing to app design and furniture.
Larry joins us from Brigidine College, Indooroopilly. His teaching areas in secondary schools include design, digital solutions, engineering, and Certificate III in Aviation, as well as lecturing in design for thirteen years at Griffith University, South Bank Campus.

Just a reminder to parents and caregivers that all of our subjects in Years 7, 8 and 9 run for one semester only (Term 1 and Term 2). In Semester (Terms 3 and 4), Year 7 and 8 students who are taking Desgin will change over to either Music or Visual Art. All students selected Visual Art or Music as part of their enrolment process. Likewise, Year 9 students will change into other STEM Futures electives in Semester 2. These were selected in Year 8.

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

MYP Program for Years 7 and 8
This year students take one semester of Design and one semester of Visual Art (incorporating Media Studies) or Music.
As these courses are very practical in nature with a focus on the process, students will document their learning journey in their process journal in the class OneNote. The process journal is a vital part of the course as it is evidence of learning and the intent is for students to have time each class to update their journal which may include screenshots, photos of sketches as well as notes about their learning.

Year 7 and 8 Visual Art
Our 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. Our Year 8 students will explore the expression of identity through a range of approaches, including self-portraits and portraits of others. They will develop their knowledge and skills in drawing, digital imaging, and mixed media.

Year 7 and 8 Music
Our musicians in classroom music are experimenting with new updates to our publishing software 'Musescore' with enhanced sounds and updated editing features. Our Year 7 students are exploring the elements of music with a wide range of activities to develop their listening, theoretical and practical skills in music, which in turn establishes a foundation for their music journey at high school. Our Year 8 students are forming bands to perform and explore blues, jazz, rock and pop in an engaging ride through history of these genres.

Year 7 and 8 Design
Year 7 students are exploring the Statement of Inquiry (SoI) Human-centred design drives the development of products by engaging with the design cycle to explore the concepts of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) to design a prototype mobile app for their client. A particular focus will be on listening to the client’s needs and seeking feedback on designs as they explore questions such as, how do modern apps appeal to customers, ensure effective functionality and address usability issues associated with both. These ideas are key to success for modern applications.

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

Year 9 and 10 STEM Futures Program
Year 9 Future of Automation
This term students will be introduced to programming Arduino based micro-controllers and the Internet of Things (IOT) in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Learning by doing, students will investigate the capabilities of sensors and display components to design proof of concept mini-automation projects, developing fundamental skills they will later utilise in home automation projects.

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

Year 9 Biomedical Engineering
This term our students will be introduced to the role biomedical engineers can play in regenerative medicine. They will learn about the impact that advancements in 3D printing can have in the field of bone engineering. Students will create bone scaffold models using the 3D printers in the Maker Space.

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

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

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

Year 10 Visual Art - The World Around Us
This term, our focus is developing drawing skills. Students will engage in a range of practical activities using a range of drawing mediums as they are inspired by other artists and the world around us. Students will develop a strong practice of making as they grow as artists.

Diploma Programme

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

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

Year 12 Information Technology in a Global Society
What influence is online shopping and new associated technologies having on our lifestyle? With the ability to get all kinds of goods and services available at the click of the button, to what extent has commerce adapted to these tools? These are the key ideas behind the case study that students are exploring this term, and for the rest of the year.

Further, students are investigating the role project management plays in the development of IT systems. We will explore common project management methodologies and the influence they have on the outcome of a project.

Year 12 Computer Science
Abstract data structures are a fundamental component of modern computing. They allow us to create programs that are efficient, multi-faceted and allow for optimal performance for computer hardware. Students are exploring abstract data structures this term with an understanding of their structure, application and implementation. Students are also exploring our case study, "May I recommend the following?" where they will explore cloud computing and machine learning algorithms used in recommender systems such as those used in social media networks like TikTok and Instagram.

Finally, many of you will have heard the buzz about ChatGPT, a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that allows you to have human-like conversations and much more with a chatbot. This is something that we will explore in Year 10, 11 and 12 Digital Society, ITGS and Computer Science classes as we encourage students to keep abreast of emerging technologies and engage in conversations about both the opportunities and dilemmas for society. We highly recommend the ABC's weekly podcast, Download This Show https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/downloadthisshow.

We look forward to a rich term of learning.

Madeleine Brookes, Head of Department Technology and The Arts

From the Department of Individuals and Societies

Warm welcome to all new and returning QASMT students from the entire Individuals and Societies Faculty.
We look forward to getting to know each one of you in our classes and experience lots of fun as we are challenged to learn new things regarding the rapidly changing world around us.

Over the course of the first two weeks, I visited as many classes as possible to deliver some key messages as follows:

Look after your wellbeing as a student. Get a healthy amount of sleep and balance your personal and study workload.
Embrace learning through concepts and case studies. The world around us is always evolving and changing. Accept that there is rarely one right answer due to the fact there are multiple perspectives to consider, and we all have biases due to the time, place and space in which we live.
Find a way to access the news daily. This might be with radio, print or through social media. This way you will know what is happening in your local, national and global society.
Sharing of the Group 3 Individuals and Societies success of our 2022 graduates
- Business Management 6.25 GPA, 93% students achieved a 6 or a 7. The world average was 5.12 and 43%.
- Economics 6.35 GPA (Academy best), 83% students achieved a 6 or 7. The world average was 5.58 and 58%.
- Psychology 6.53 GPA (Academy best), 92% students achieved a 6 or 7. The world average was 5.45.

Foundation
Year 7s will commence with Civics and Citizenship with the unit focusing on government systems and will explore how values, attitudes and beliefs shape systems of government in the world. Cooperation and conflict trigger turning points which lead to change (focusing on an Australian history perspective) will form the basis of Year 8 study for History. The federation of the Australian states and then Australia’s involvement in World War I are two specific case studies that will be utilised.

STEM Futures
Year 9 MYP students have selected one of five options that combine elements of Business, Economics, Forensic Psychology, Politics and Globalisation. Forensic Psychology (combination of Psychology and Biology) will look at the impact of behaviour and cognition and how this impacts crime. World in Your Pocket (combination of Economics and Business) will explore how scarcity of goods/services means global interactions and trade occur. The four Ps of marketing are then studied to relate to how individual businesses meet this demand. Future of Global Cooperation (Politics, Civics and Citizenships) explores how ideologies shape government structures and political systems. There are ‘left’ and ‘right’ views on various issues and this is due to individuals own perspective and what they value.

The Year 10 STEM Futures courses have been designed in collaboration with UQ. Show Me the Money has a pathway to Business Management; Tragedy of the Commons gives insights into Economics while Inside Your Head leads to Psychology. Each of these subjects explores topics that UQ have recommended are important for the future.

DP
Year 11 students will commence their DP studies in Business Management, Economics or Psychology with the first unit laying the foundations of the course. All three subjects have a block exam at the end of term. The focus at the start of this term for Year 12 students is to complete their Internal Assessments (IAs) which are due in Week 4.

This year we have new staff member, Grant Altoft, joining the faculty. Grant brings a wealth of IB experience, both DP and MYP, to the team.

A few words from Grant
Teaching experience: 30 Years in various levels in Queensland and internationally, past 9.5 years teaching IB MYP Individuals and Society and DP Economics, Business Management and Geography in international schools in Hong Kong. I am also an IB Economics Paper 3 and Internal Assessment examiner.

When not teaching: I love spending time with my family. I am enjoying getting back into the Australian great outdoors again. I am hoping to soon be able to do some camping and fishing.

From the ToK Coordinator David King

DP1 TOK

This term the students are working through their compulsory theme, ‘Knowledge and the knower’ and developing an understanding of how they acquire and share knowledge. In addition, they will be reviewing an area of knowledge, Mathematics. They will be completing a school-based assessment later this term which is a practice exhibition commentary of 350 words on an object of their choice. This is in preparation for their final assessment later this year.

DP2 TOK

This term the students are reviewing the five areas of knowledge and preparing for their final essay assessment They will be completing a practice essay task this term where they become familiar with the scaffold for the essay and the need to use personal and unique examples to support their arguments in their essay. The prescribed titles for their final essay assessment will issue at the start of March and students will then need to select two of these titles as their preferred choice before the end of this term, so they are ready to submit a draft essay of 1600 words by mid Term 2.

All the best to all QASMT students this year. We wish you all the best.

Lyle Fredericksen, Head of Department Individuals & Societies

From the Department of Physical Sciences

Welcome to 2023!
It is wonderful to have all our students back in the classrooms and the laboratories here at QASMT - the school is already buzzing with science activities! As your Head of Department for Physical Sciences, I am excited to share with you what is coming up this term in the Year 9 and Year 10 Physical Science STEM Futures subjects, Year 11 and 12 Chemistry and Physics, and in our 13 laboratories.

Year 9 – 12 Physical Science Subjects
Year 9 students have started the year off in the following Physical Science STEM Futures semester subjects: Biochemical Solutions, World of Reactions, Medical Physics and Fuelling the Planet. Each of these courses have been developed to support student learning in cross-curricular science subjects through real-world settings. From semester to semester these courses are reflected on and further developed by our expert teachers to meet the needs of our current cohorts. These courses are built to enable students to learn the skills they will need in Year 10 and in the Diploma and are aimed at fully engaging students with contextual learning. If you have a child in one of these Year 9 subjects, ask them how their courses have started and what they are looking forward to most.

Our Year 10 Science students have started the year in their chosen Year 10 STEM Futures subjects. Future Materials has been designed by our expert teachers and our UQ research collaborators to prepare students to study DPP Chemistry, while Journey to Earth X prepares students to study DPP Physics. This semester our students can expect to hear from our UQ researchers who will provide students with meaningful and modern real-world contexts for their learning. Students can also expect to undertake many hands-on practicals that both these courses have planned throughout the term.

Our Year 11 students begin their Diploma journey this term. This is always an extremely exciting and important time for our students. If you have a Year 11 student in your family, be sure to ask them about their chosen layout of notes, their OneNotes, term planners and their textbooks. If your child is ever in need of guidance or support please ensure they reach out to their teacher - our Physics and Chemistry IB teachers are experts in the Diploma Programme.

While our Year 11s are just starting their Diploma, our Year 12s are well and truly into their journey! Our Year 12 Physics students have just finalised their Final IA, worth 20% of their Diploma grade for Physics – well done to all of our Physics students. Our Year 12 Chemistry students are just beginning their data collection for their final Chemistry IAs, so the G-block laboratories are now a hive of activity. And if students are also undertaking an EE in Science, then the laboratories will be open regularly this term, supported with supervision by the LRE, to give them time to collect their data.

Extracurricular Science Fair Program
Our QASMT Science Fair Program and the re-opening of borders across the world has meant we have recently had many students travelling interstate and overseas to share their QASMT Science Fair research projects with like-minded peers. At the end of last year, Mary, Nerissa and Saanvi presented their work at the Australian Science Fair in Melbourne, Australia; Andy, Kelvin and Jamie presented their work at the Japan Super Science Fair in Osaka, Japan. At the beginning of this year Aika, Sharon and Zoe presented their work at the final on-line fair of the International Collaboration Research Fair, which was run out of Kyoto, Japan; and Riddhisha U and Sejal G presented their work at the Kamnoetvidya Science Academy Rayong International Science Fair in Rayong, Thailand. Congratulations to all of our Science Fair students who presented their work at one of these conferences. Mrs Sandy Davey and I work very hard together with the LRE and dedicated science teachers to support students in this program, and it is wonderful to see so many exciting projects from our students!

Look out for the upcoming STEM Seminar Speakers!
This year we will again welcome many inspirational seminar speakers to our 2023 STEM Seminar Series. During select lunch times we will have eminent researchers from around the state, and sometimes from around the country, come to speak to us in the lecture theatre about new and exciting discoveries being made right here in Australia. This year we will hear from geneticists, artists, chemists, biologists, physicists, and engineers as they tell us about their STEM journey and discoveries. There is something for everyone - so what do students need to do to attend? Just look out for the email advertisements and posters around school and come along to the lecture theatre on the scheduled seminar lunch sessions. The first speaker this year is in Week 3 of this term.

To our students, please remember to always stay safe in the laboratories with your lab coats, safety glasses and your proper school uniform which includes enclosed shoes. To all our families, I look forward to continuing to support all our students in their scientific endeavours, and to relaying to you all the exciting moments over the year.

“The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but ‘That’s funny…” - Isaac Asimov

Esme Hatchell, Head of Department Physical Sciences

From the Department of Life Sciences

A very warm welcome to all the new families to QASMT for 2023, and welcome back to all returning families.
It has been great seeing all the new and returning faces. It has been nice to have a smooth start to the year as well.

We have a new staff member joining the Science team this year who brings experience, innovation and enthusiasm. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Devika Kocherla (Biology, Environmental Science and Foundation Science).

Curriculum
Foundation Science
Year 7 have had a great start to the year, meeting their teachers and learning about lab safety and protocols. It was very exciting for a lot of students as they had never been in an actual lab before. Year 7 students will be starting the year with Chemistry exploring elements, compounds and mixtures while learning about water pollution and how to separate mixtures through the ‘The Water Crisis’ unit. This means that they start the year immersing themselves in practicals and experiments.

Their statement of inquiry for this unit is:
“Finding solutions for the impact of pollution on our natural systems is a global responsibility”.

Year 8 have hit the ground running, starting the year with physiology in the ‘Body in balance’ unit. They will start with the small world of cells, develop microscope skills and learn about cell specialisations. Students will develop an understanding of levels of organisation and how cells build to body systems. This knowledge will be used to investigate what happens when the body doesn’t work, and they will explore different medical innovations to help combat these.

Their statement of inquiry for this unit is: “Complex organisms are made up of smaller structures and systems that scientists’ model in order to understand their functions”.

STEM Futures
Year 9 Sustainable Futures is part of the pathway to Environmental Systems and Societies. They 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.

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

Year 10 Medical Biotechnology is a fascinating subject with a pathway to Biology. Students will be investigating genes and gene technology trying to understand the scientific, social and ethical challenges that this technology entails. Developed through our UQ partnership, we are extremely lucky to have Professor Avril Robertson and Dr Lisette Pregelj lending their expertise coming in to talk to the students later this term. They will also provide support for our students in their research project that starts this term.

Diploma Programme
Year 11 Biology students have started their Diploma learning about cellular biology and moving into molecular biology. Year 12 Biology students are continuing with their learning and have started the year with their IA drafts due. It is important that students consult with their teachers when they get their draft feedback so that they maximise their potential.

Environmental Systems and Societies is in its first year here at QASMT. It is offered as an SL subject and is classified as either Group 3 (I&S) or Group 4 (Science). Our pioneering students are passionate environmental science students who are excited to kick off this subject. This term they will be building their foundations in the subject by looking at environmental value systems, energy in the environment and sustainability. We look forward to seeing this subject grow (pun fully intended).

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

UQ Science and Engineering Challenge
The UQ Science and Engineering Challenge is coming up quickly on Thursday 9 February (Week 3). We have 29 eager students who will be representing QASMT in this challenge. This is the most we’ve had over the past few years which is really exciting. The Challenge involves a full day of practical activities where students put their best problem-solving minds to the test designing an earthquake-proof tower, building a hovercraft or bridge, providing electricity to a city or creating an environmentally friendly house (just to name a few). The exhilarating day culminates in the final task, where students put their efforts to the test in front of excited onlookers. Teams design and build bridges that should withhold loads as weighted ingots (blocks of metal) travel from one side to the other. Students are encouraged to approach the challenges with creativity, innovation and teamwork.

Science Ambassadors
The Science Ambassadors are keen to spread science to everyone this year. With their Captain, Justin, they will ‘Live, laugh, love science’. They will have a bigger social media presence on the school socials with Science Bites and will send out fortnightly newsletters. Things to expect from them include:

Highlights of upcoming Science Bites include:

Space Food: Is 3D Printing the Future?
Biological World: Human Mosaicism
The Human Appendix: Not as Useless as You Think
Astronomy Spotlight: The Pillars of Creation

Breakdowns of the latest scientific discoveries and up-to-date information about on-campus science events can also be expected.

“Nearly every great discovery in science has come as the result of providing a new question rather than a new answer” - Paul A. Meglitsch

Vanessa Bermingham, Head of Department Life Sciences Foundation

From the Department of Mathematics

The Mathematics Department extends a warm welcome to all new and returning students and their families.
Term 1 is shaping up to be filled with engaging lessons and challenging enrichment opportunities. This year we are delighted to welcome Mr Sean Zhu to our Maths teaching team.

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

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

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

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

Mathematics Captain: Callum
Mathematics Ambassadors: Tiffany, Aditya, Hans, Katherine, Victoria, Nicole, Siddharth, Sonya, Keyuan, Arshia ,Tom

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This group will be working with Ms Josey and have already made plans for an Escape Room, Question of the week and Pi Day celebrations.

Summer Holiday Enrichment Programs
Over the school break a number of QASMT students were invited to Maths enrichment programs. Here are some of their thoughts about their experiences.

“Earlier this year I went to Canberra to attend the National Mathematics Summer School in person and I can say that it was the best two weeks that I’ve had in years. I engaged in a wide range of difficult mathematics ranging from number theory to algorithms and projective geometry and had a ton of fun doing it. It was extremely challenging, but I’d say that was part of the fun: exploring and digging through a problem to gain a better understanding of the mathematics behind it. While I went for the maths, I also left with a huge number of connections and friends across Australia with similar interests that I am still in contact with and hope to be for a long time. I’d heavily suggest applying for this next year if you love (and are good at) mathematics, it is a literal once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” - Callum, Year 12, attended National Mathematics Summer School (NMSS)

“My experience with the AMOC School of Excellence was one of the best I have had in my mathematical journey, challenging myself to think in unexpected ways with like-minded peers. Meeting gifted and talented students from across Australia left a deep impression on me as a mathematician, as we engaged and discussed in lectures given by prolific figures in the field, all of whom are past Australian representatives. Discussing problems altogether opened me up to both creative solutions and valuable ways of thinking, which will serve me well in my academic life and beyond. This year, AMT used a hybrid setup for the School of Excellence, where Juniors and Intermediates attended virtually, and the Seniors stayed at Melbourne University. Whilst I unfortunately didn’t have the chance to participate in-person as an Intermediate, I nevertheless had the chance to connect with a wide variety of talented and interesting students, each with their own skills, interests and personalities. I am very glad to have been given this opportunity and I hope myself and others will come to the AMOC School of Excellence next year!” - Ian, Year 10, attended the AMT School of Excellence.

AMO (Australian Mathematics Olympiad)
This year we have three students (Ian, Katherine and Siddharth) who have been invited to compete in the Australian Mathematics Olympiad Competition on 7-8 February. This competition involves sitting two four hour tests over two days. It is an outstanding achievement to be invited to participate in this competition. We wish Ian, Katherine and Siddharth every success.

UQ/QAMT Problem Solving Challenge
Pi Day is March 14 every year. The Annual QAMT/UQ Problem Solving Competition is always held around this time. This year it will be on 17 March. It is open to all students in Year 7 to 12 and is quite a challenging competition. It is a two hour competition with approximately 10 challenging questions that require full working out. The Year 11 results are taken heavily into consideration in the choice of Queensland students to be offered places in the National Mathematics Summer School, held in Canberra each January. Please keep an eye on your emails, as I will be calling for interested students early next month.

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

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

Maths “Help” Sessions
Teachers will be available in D01/2 at the following times to help students with any questions they have:

Tuesday (MYP) 3:20 - 4:00 pm
Wednesday (MYP/10) 10:40 - 11:20 am
Thursday (DP) 11:00 - 11:40 am

Jane Gorman, Head of Department Mathematics

From Education Outside of the Classroom (EOTC)

It is my pleasure to welcome our new Sport Coordinator, Harry Crosbie, to EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom).
Other members of our faculty include Sean Conway (Representative Sports Coordinator and SEHS/MYP teacher), Dale Meyer (SEHS/PHE teacher) and Joao Vasco (STEM/MYP teacher).

What is EOTC?
EOTC offers curriculum-based teaching and learning activities that go beyond the walls of the classroom. We have a strong emphasis on students getting involved in extracurricular learning activities to enrich their experiences at QASMT and to foster a growth mindset. This term we have a number of opportunities for students to engage in a variety of enrichment activities which include cross country, the sports program/junior gala day and a wide array of CCA and CAS activities.

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

We look forward to a great term filled with lots of fun and engaging experiences for our QASMT students. Here’s more information about what we are up to this term.

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

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

CCA
We are most certainly hitting the ground running with our CCA activities this term, with a huge range of different clubs and programs on offer. The program will commence in Week 3. With clubs ranging from drama club, ancient history, run, environmental and diversity club and many more, students are definitely spoilt for choice. With the diverse range of challenges outside the classroom, I look forward to watching students develop new strengths, overcome challenges and share experiences by connecting with like-minded peers. The CCA activities will run all year, so there’s no need to join multiple clubs all at once.

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

This term, our Year 11 students will conduct their CAS first interview with their House Deans aimed towards planning for their two-year journey. Year 12 will continue adding to their portfolio in preparation for their second interview in Term 2.

Sport Program
QASMT has a strong sport program, which has resulted in some excellent results and performances. Term 1 will be no exception, starting off strong with some of our most decorated sports being volleyball and cricket. The program aims to maximise participation by encouraging students to enhance their physical ability, confidence, teamwork and goal setting. As part of the West Brisbane Senior Secondary Sports Association, QASMT offers a vast range of team sports which are based on the Gala Day schedule.

Our expert volleyball coaches are also excited by our new, year-long, volleyball extension program which will also commence in Term 1. Volleyball extension students will be selected in Week 3, after a series of trials, and formally commence in Week 4 for Year 9-10 boys and Year 7-10 girls. A full schedule will be emailed to successful participants.

With the continued assistance of specialised coaches, who are second-to-none, we are looking forward to a solid year of sport at QASMT. If you are looking for an opportunity to meet new people, be physically active and learn or hone your sporting skills, then look no further than our sport program.

Representative Sport
Term 1 is always jam-packed with representative sporting opportunities including swimming, water polo and much more. It is imperative that students watch emails and Daymap notices for information about trials. For your information, the various avenues and progressions for sport, as follows:

Sean Conway – Representative Sports Coordinator.

Yanah Floridis, Head of Education Outside the Classroom

From the House Dean of Agnesi

Welcome to 2023 and to an exciting year for Agnesi House.
I would like to introduce our new InStep Mentors, Ms Bella Cantoni for INA08, Ms Brown re-joining INA06 and Mr David Pearce returning to INA03. A huge welcome back to all of our InStep Mentors and our house staff. This year Agnesi House welcomes five new Year 10 students. We hope everyone in Agnesi will make them feel at home in no time at all. Last but not least, I would like to welcome our new Year 7 students. The Agnesi locker area has also had an update with the addition of the new Year 7 banner taking pride of place.

Agnesi House Leadership
The Week 2 house assembly was run by our newly minted house leaders – well done Jenny and Gavin for a slick presentation. Congratulations to everyone who was inducted into an Academy leadership position at the induction assembly. I am always impressed by the depth of talent that Agnesi students display both in taking on leadership positions and in showcasing their musical prowess when playing at various whole school events. You can see the team hard at work in the photo below.

House Patron Portrait
Creativity is at the forefront of the Interhouse Portrait Competition this year. The challenge for Agnesi InStep classes is to create a portrait of Maria Gaetana Agnesi. Not many images of Maria Agnesi exist, so it up to each InStep to imagine how our house patron could be represented.

Cross Country
The cross country carnival is rapidly approaching, and I hope all Agnesi students are practising their cheering in preparation for the battle of the war cries. The Agnesi house captains and ambassadors will put you through your paces in preparation for the cross country over the coming weeks. Remember everyone needs to participate to maximise our house points – let’s make it count, Agnesi!

Harmony Week
Looking further ahead, I am really excited about Harmony Week coming up in Week 8. As usual we will have the traditional flag parade and assembly followed by a number of cultural events. Watch out in the coming weeks for details on how to get involved.

Agnesi House Term 1 focus - Diaries and Attendance
I would like to remind all Agnesi students to make use of their school diary and I would encourage our Agnesi parents and guardians to take a look at the diary. The diary has some excellent inclusions to support student learning and organisation from study planners, assessment trackers, and school information, together with many wellbeing tips for healthy habits. I have already spoken to Agnesi students about the benefits of adopting good sleep habits. I will continue to monitor attendance and late arrivals to the Academy as we know there is a strong correlation between academic achievement and high attendance – everyday counts.

I hope everyone has a great start to the new term and I look forward to catching up with you all to find out how you relaxed over the summer holidays.

Aileen Davis, House Dean Agnesi

From the House Dean of Curie

Welcome to Curie in 2023!
I am excited to welcome all students and parents of Curie to the first term of 2023. I hope that you all enjoyed the wonderfully mild summer, which we currently seem to be making up for! I wanted to extend a warm welcome to the Year 7 and new Year 10 students joining us. I had the pleasure of meeting them all last week and know that they will make wonderful additions to Curie House. I am excited about what 2023 has in store for us.

House Captains and Ambassadors
Curie House will be led this year by two student captains. Congratulations to Devna M (Year 9) and Mike A (Year 12) for successfully being appointed in Term 4 last year. We also have a number of year level ambassadors, who will also help support the students in the house. These students assist in leading initiatives that help bring the house together and their aim is to really build that sense of community within Curie House. Please familiarise yourself with the leaders, in particular, those in your InStep class!

I look forward to working with these students to help promote community within the house and to maintain and build on Curie’s wonderful house spirit. Congratulations also to the numerous Curie students who were successful in attaining captain or ambassador roles across the other portfolios at the Academy. I am sure they will do a fabulous job!

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House Competition in 2023
As you are likely aware, each year the houses at QASMT compete for the House Competition Trophy. Students earn points throughout the year through various events and achievements:

War cry
Cross country (attendance rate and participation points)
Athletics (attendance rate and participation points)
Creating a Sustainable Fashion piece in InStep
Attendance at Harmony Day
Interhouse Mini Olympics (three sport activities competing against other houses)
Interhouse trivia
Term overall attendance (every person counts!)
Academic Awards

To help Curie come out on top in 2023, please encourage your children to get involved in all of the above-mentioned events, and ensure they have excellent attendance (including special events).

Upcoming Events in Term 1
There are a number of events that students can get involved in at the start of the year! Some key dates for the diary are indicated below:

House Dean Portrait Competition
In 2022, the arts ambassadors introduced the House Dean Portrait competition. This competition was extremely well received and is back in 2023 with a slight tweak. This year, each InStep is required to design a portrait of our house dean, Mr Wheeler. This competition has already begun, and it has been wonderful moving around the InStep classrooms and seeing some of the fabulous designs. I will be sure to share all of them with you in a future newsletter.

A major part of the House Competition each year is the War Cry competition. This occurs twice throughout the year at the Cross-Country carnival (in Week 6) and during Athletics Day (in Term 2). The war cry has evolved over the years to include specialised lyrics, dance movements and props! Curie House has always performed well in this competition and 2023 will not be any different. Students will begin rehearsing during InStep lessons in Week 4, so be sure to ask your children to show you their moves!

QASMT Expectations Reminder – Uniform & Phones
It is always important to remind parents and students of the expectations around uniform and phones. This information is available to you in the Student Handbook, however for your convenience I have summarised the key information here for you:

Blazers: Students are not required to wear their blazers to school in the Summer months, unless we have a full school assembly. (I would advise students leave them in their locker, as they will still need to wear blazers to full-school assembly)
Hats: Students are required to wear their school formal hat to and from school everyday, and during break times at school
Activewear: Students are reminded that on days when they have PE, they must change back into their formal uniform at the earliest break as failure to do so will result in a lunchtime detention.
Activewear: On Friday’s, students are permitted to wear their activewear, whilst being mindful not to mix formal and activewear (i.e. hats, shoes).
Bags: Students are only permitted to use their school issued bag and laptop satchel. No students should be using tote bags or other backpacks. Students are permitted to use a second bag if they are transporting additional equipment to and from school that does not fit in their school backpack.
Jewellery/Makeup/Hair: Plain sleepers or studs only, with no more than two earrings in each ear. One necklace can be worn, but must not be visible. Hair should be tied back neatly if beyond the shoulders; and should be of natural colour only. No makeup is to be worn to school with the exception of natural concealer or discreet sun factor makeup
Mobile Phones: Y7 to Y9 students are not permitted to use their phones once they arrive to school, and phones should be placed in their locker. All students must not use mobile phones in the classroom without the explicit permission of the teaching staff.

House Deans, Heads of Department and teachers are regularly monitoring that students are following the above-mentioned expectations. Each morning and afternoon, House Deans are stationed at both Bywong and Miskin Street entrances to encourage safe crossing of the road and ensure students are in correct uniform.

Heads of Department are also stationed at the intersection at Moggill Road to ensure students safely cross the road using the overpass. These are just some of the measures QASMT is putting in place to ensure your children are safe.

Positive Education Program
Positive Relationships is a fundamental domain of our Positive Education Program (PEP). At the beginning of any year, it is imperative to build strong relationships with students and teachers in your classes and within InStep. Having strong relationships can serious boost our wellbeing! At SMT we pride ourselves upon being a Positive Education School and I look forward to teaching this curriculum explicitly to Years 7-11 in PEP lessons. I am looking forward to seeing students use the skills learnt in PEP to develop strong relationship building skills.

Final Summary
It’s wonderful to see all Curie students settling into the 2023 academic year. In the first two weeks, I have observed many students maintaining the high expectations of the Academy regarding uniform and attendance, which is wonderful to see. It has been a pleasure getting to know students over the first two weeks, and I look forward to learning much more about all 170 students in Curie House. As always, my door is always open and I encourage your child to see me when any issues arise.

Should you need anything please do not hesitate to contact me on mwhee63@eq.edu.au or phone the school on 3377 9333.

Kind regards,
Marc Wheeler, House Dean Curie

From the House Dean of Da Vinci

It is with great pleasure that I welcome back the Da Vinci community in 2023. The positive energy, sense of community and pride felt during the first week back was confirmation that the gains made in 2022 are just the beginning. I look forward to what 2023 brings.

Da Vinci welcomed our Year 7 students and six new Year 10 students this year. During Week 1, Year 7s undertook an extensive transition program and are already getting into the spirit of the war cry. I look forward to seeing them join our leadership team with their creative ideas.

Be kind, Be caring, Be inclusive is our Term 1 theme. This theme was designed from our Year 8 respectful relationships program last year. Their banner hangs proudly in our locker room. As a leadership team and as a house we aspire to ensure all our students, new and returning, feel a sense of belonging, a sense of being heard, feel safe and that they are being cared for kindly.

Student Leadership
Da Vinci student leaders kicked of 2023 with their first meeting during Week 1. Da Vinci is proud of our commitment to student led leadership. The students have created eight sub – committees. All students are welcome to join these committees and build an inclusive community. Our 2023 committees are:

War cry/spirit
InStep
Newsletter
Student Agency
Assembly
Locker Room
Wellbeing
CanTeen Charity

The leadership team meets every Friday in H5 and we welcome everyone.
We welcome our 2023 House Captains, Yash and Rangua. Already their strength is their ability to work together, to ensure the voices of our MYP and DP students are aligned.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our other Da Vinci students leading other QASMT portfolios. We are very proud of Amelie, Journalism Captain, Daniel, Technology Captain and Mugil, Debating Captain. We look forward to supporting you.

InStep
The Da Vinci Den is on the move to M Block. Three times-a-week Da Vinci will meet in our eight InStep groups. After feedback during 2022, our goal for Term 1 is to ensure our new students feel welcome and a sense of belonging quickly.

Term 1 does see a number of huge events for our InStep. We begin by creating portraits of Leonardo Da Vinci for the annual portrait art competition.

We welcome two new InStep Mentors to Da Vinci. IND05 welcomes Troy Villiani and INDO8 welcomes Vanessa Ngagre. Our mentors are key supports for students.

Positive Education
Positive Education is a key component of each student’s success. Our 360 wrap-around approach to student wellbeing begins during each student’s weekly lessons. Our Year 7 students continue to transition into life at the Academy, building positive friendships and connections. Year 8 use inquiry style units to look into their positive purpose. The Journey begins for Year 9 students as we start a yearlong transition into adult learning in preparation for the trip to Moggerah Dam in Term 4. Year 10 students look at setting up goals, intention and healthy habits for a successful DPP. Year 11 learn more about CAS and the Inner Core while setting up their DP journey. Year 12 students do not have positive education classes, however, do check-in individually with me during Term 1.

Ensuring a Safe, Respectful and Responsible Da Vinci
As we begin 2023 much work is done to ensure that all our students are safe and secure within our community. I mentioned in my opening assembly with Da Vinci that our website is full of handbooks, policies and links that guide our students to make safe choices. Each year I direct students to the Parent Student Handbook, the diary and website. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few key items.

Moggill Road – many students walk from QASMT to Taringa train station. Each year we guide our new students on the route that ensure they use the overpass and ensures their safe arrival at either school or the train station.
Uniform Policy – the easiest and fastest way to ensure students have the uniform correct is to check out the school diary. There are pictures to help ensure everyone is correctly attired. I do understand that some supply shops have delays. If this is impacting you, please let me know and I can issue a uniform pass.
Attendance Policy – sitting in class and interacting with teachers and peers is the best learning environment. Our collective aim is for a 97% attendance rate per student. If you have any concerns about absences please come visit or email me.
Late Policy – the beginning five to ten minutes of each lesson is crucial for setting up learning objectives and setting class expectations. Students should aim to ensure they are on time for each lesson. If any student requires help looking into transport options and/or organisational tips to ensure they arrive on time please do not hesitate to contact me.

Da Vinci is not focused on first places or winning; we are focused on ensuring our house is for the students and led by the students. We are focused on a sense of belonging, celebration and inclusion. With that in mind. I wish you all a wonderful Term 1.

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

From the House Dean of Franklin

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all parents and students (Franklions) to Franklin House.
I am very excited to build on our successes from 2022 to make 2023 a great year to be a Franklin family member. I extend a warm welcome to our new parents and students. I hope you enjoy your first term at QASMT and with your new family, Franklin House.

This term offers many opportunities for Franklions to thrive academically and compete for house points. Franklin House leaders are very keen to lead our Franklin students to victory at this year’s cross country event. I am looking forward to seeing the Franklin spirit in action at this event and we expect to see Franklin students living up to our motto that “Winning is in our DNA”. Franklin House is building on our war cry from 2022, so be sure to ask your student to give you a demonstration later this term!

Our House Captains, Brendan and Lydia and House Ambassadors, Hetvi, Elisa, Jayden, Saibo, Fiona, Riley and Kiana are thrilled to be leading Franklions to victory this year. We look forward to welcoming two more students to house ambassador positions later this term when applications open to Year 7 students. If your child is interested in helping by taking on minor leadership responsibilities, then please encourage them to apply when the Year 7 cohort is contacted regarding positions later in the term.

We look forward to building on what is already well established in Franklin House and continue to provide a supportive environment in which everyone can learn to flourish and flourish to learn. It is important that we find balance early in the year for new routines and to adjust to a new year level for work.

I would like to thank all Franklions for their impeccable dress this year. Thank you for the home support that ensures our Franklions are neat, presentable, punctual and prepared to learn at all times; it really does ensure success for our learners.

The Franklin leadership team has been hard at work over the holidays and have come back eager and enthusiastic to bring all of their ideas forward. One of their initiatives is their noticeboard in our locker area and beside D Block, which they have designed and filled with useful information, welcoming messages and fun facts.

Below are some key dates in our calendar for the term.
Term 1 – Key Dates

14 February Year 11 CAS interviews

22 February Year 7 camp

24 February PLP goals published

1 March Interhouse cross country competition

13 March (Week 8) Harmony Week

27 March (Week 10) Exam Block Year 10-12

“On a given day, a given circumstance, you think you have a limit” Ayrton Senna – three time Formula 1 Champion

Ross Bray, House Dean Franklin

From the House Dean of Hawking

I’d like to give a warm welcome to all new Hawking families as well as a big welcome back to our current families!
I am very excited to be back and leading Hawking House again with your wonderful students. I trust that you all had a restful break.

2022 was a great year for Hawking House and I look forward to many exciting events in 2023, and in particular what the year has in store for us!

Hawking House has two student captains and many year level ambassadors who help support the students and develop house spirit. Here is the 2023 team. Congratulations to you all:

Nashonie Year 12 House Captain
Gavindi Year 9 House Captain
Anna and Andy Year 12 Ambassadors
Rhea Year 11 Ambassador
Wendy, Helly and Hannah Year 10 Ambassadors
Khwahish Year 9 Ambassador
Abby and Samuel Year 8 Ambassadors

Mr Wheeler informed me that the 2023 groups of leaders had some great ideas, and the scavenger hunt was a big success. I look forward to working with the students to continue having much fun in InStep, bringing students together and building upon our house spirit and unity.

Positive Relationships is a fundamental domain in our Positive Education Program (PEP). At QASMT we pride ourselves on being a Positive Education School and I look forward to teaching this curriculum again explicitly to Years 7-11 in PEP lessons. We are really fortunate to have Positive Education lessons at QASMT and I’m looking forward to seeing Hawking House continue to develop these fundamental life skills.

Travelling To and From School
Students are reminded to comply with the following when travelling to and from school:

Cross Moggill Road using the overpass at the end of Frederick Street or cross at the lights outside BBC.
Give up their seat for full fare paying adults when on public transport.
Look out and care for each other.
Refrain from having bags and feet on seats.
No eating or drinking on public transport.
Refrain from having loud music/entertainment coming from headphones or devices.

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

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

I wish all Hawking students a great Term 1.

Rebecca Parker, House Dean Hawking

From the House Dean of Hollows

Welcome back to another school year for 2023.
Once again it will be a busy year full of activities, events, competitions, and other exciting things for students to get involved in. I look forward to working with the Mighty Hollows Hawks throughout 2023.

House Goals
Hollows is now in its third year of being a house at QASMT and we are continually developing a formidable legacy and culture. Just like Fred Hollows who consistently gave of himself, we are striving to build a house that:

connects well with others.
is kind, caring and all students strive to deliver their very best.

Obligations for 2023
All students are reminded of their obligations for 2023. Attendance matters and we are constantly striving to have 97% attendance as we are firm believers that students will achieve the best results by always demonstrating punctuality and honouring their work and behaviour obligations. The other Hollows teachers and I look forward to supporting and working with our students this year. Parents, please remind your child of their “obligations” whilst at school for 2023.

Celebrating the class of 2022
A massive well done and congratulations must go to our Year 12 Hollows students of 2022. Special mention to Bonnie for her perfect IB score. These students worked consistently, diligently and earned excellent results. We are very proud of all of them and wish them much success as they continue to study at the tertiary level in 2023.

House Captains & Ambassadors
Year 12 Captain Stella and Year 9 Captain Prabha will captain the Hollows ship this year with a supporting ambassador cast. I look forward to working with these student leaders as they coordinate house activities and events.

The Hollows Staff Dream Team
Hollows House will be very competitive in 2023 as teaching experts from different fields have come together to add value to the house and educate our students. Please feel free to contact any of the team to ask any questions and share any concerns or information you may have regarding your child.

Upcoming Events

Wear your Uniform with Pride
All students must ensure that they comply with all QASMT uniform policy. Students must report to House Deans to obtain a uniform pass if they do not have correct uniform on any given day.

Travelling To & From School
Students are reminded to comply with the following when travelling to and from school:

Cross Moggill Road using the overpass at the end of Frederick Street or cross at the lights outside BBC.
Give up their seat for full fare paying adults when on public transport.
Look out and care for each other.
Refrain from having bags and feet on seats.
No eating or drinking on public transport.
Refrain from having loud music / entertainment coming from headphones or devices.

I look forward to another great year with Hollows House. I encourage every student to get involved, meet new people, and do their best. Please direct any enquiries you may have regarding Hollows House to Mr Michael Colquhoun, House Dean at mjcol3@eq.edu.au

Michael Colquhoun, House Dean of Hollows

From the House Dean of Jackson

For the last year or so, a measurable period of time at home has been allocated, with or without my endorsement, to watching episodes of Bluey (relevant background information: I have a two year old and a four year old). Recently we re-watched the episode entitled ‘Pool’. In this episode Bluey finds herself bored and stuck at home on a hot summer’s day. Then dad bursts into the room asking, ‘Who wants to go for a swim?’ Bluey and Bingo (Bluey’s younger sister) scream “Yes” and then before you know it, they are at Uncle Spikes pool.

It is from this point onwards that dad and the kids steadily realise all that they have forgotten to plan:

Shoes
Hat
Sunscreen
Floaties
Pool toys
Goggles
Towels
Snacks…etc

Right when things are at their most dire, when the kids are whinging and dad has had enough, mum arrives with everything that they had left behind. It is great to be spontaneous but even fun trips to the pool run more smoothly with prior thought and planning.

At our first Jackson House assembly last week I presented a summary of our house accomplishments in 2022. During this meeting I argued that we should be focussed on building a stronger house community in 2023, suggesting that we should all start by being more caring during InStep and house activities.

According to ‘IB Learner Profile’ (International Baccalaureate Organisation, 2013) we are ‘caring’ not only when showing empathy and respect but also when demonstrating a commitment to service and driving a positive difference in the lives of others.

Over the next 9-10 weeks it would be great to see students caring for their peers as we participate in the many activities we have in store for Term 1, 2023. But we need not head off blindly to the pool!

We can take our time to think about what caring might look, sound and feel like for us. I challenge all Jackson students to think about how they would feel most comfortable being more caring to those we work with each day when we are at school.

What follows is a list of actions that I have recently witnessed and that I believe demonstrate a commitment to being caring:

Offering to walk a fellow student to their correct classroom when they are lost
Sitting next to someone who is by themselves and new to the InStep class
Introducing yourself and taking the time to learn something about a new student in the class
Meeting up with a new student after the last lesson of the day to walk them safely to the train station
Recommending that a new student speak with their House Dean and helping them find their House Dean’s office
Requesting to change InStep class so that a friend isn’t the only representative from your year level

Challenge
Think of one specific action that you would like to undertake this term to ensure that you are more caring towards those in your InStep/house community and make it count by recording it as an InStep PLP goal before Friday, Week 3.
Remember to keep an eye out for the fortnightly Jackson Bulletin which lists important upcoming events!

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Samuel Weston, House Dean Jackson

From the House Dean of Newton

Welcome to the second term of the school year.
I hope you had a restful break and are excited for what lies ahead. I want to start by thanking our students for their hard work and dedication during the first term.

Moving ahead, students in Years 8 to 12 will complete their PLP reflections on Accelerus, based on the feedback provided by their subject teachers. The deadline for submission is Tuesday, 2 May. As such, I highly encourage all students to actively participate in this reflective goal-setting process, which is a crucial step towards becoming an IB learner. By setting specific and achievable goals, students can enhance their skills, knowledge, and personal growth. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.’ This quote highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. It reminds us that true success is not defined by perfection, but by the effort and determination to improve.

Year 7 Student Leaders and InStep Mentors
Congratulations to Matilda and Harshika on becoming Newton House ambassadors! It's also fantastic to hear that Virat, Loukya, Jasmie and Abbie have achieved other ambassador roles. It's great to see students taking on leadership roles and striving towards achieving their goals.

A big welcome to Arnold Appelholf and Kelly Dixon, the new InStep Mentors in INN02 and INN04. Their contributions to Newton House and the school community will no doubt be valuable and appreciated. Wishing all of them success in their respective roles and endeavours.

Student spotlight

Sophia (Year 12), and Loukya (Year 7), are to be applauded for being named as our Newton ‘Sharks of the Month’ for April. They received the most votes from our house staff and students for their excellent team spirit and friendly attitude.
Congratulations to Sara for winning the Year 10 girls age championship at the cross country event last term.
Well done to Mia in Year 10, for securing third-place position in her age group for the 100m backstroke event at the 2023 Australian Swimming Championships held on the Gold Coast over the recent holidays.

ANZAC Day Commemoration Assembly report – Shruti, Service Captain
On Friday, 21 April the Anzac Day commemoration assembly was held in the auditorium for the school community. It was a solemn and beautiful service to recognise all the Australian and New Zealand service men and women who have served in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations.

Our staff and students wore fresh rosemary sprigs on their blazers to symbolise commemoration. Several special guests attended the service, including Lieutenant Andrea Lock as the guest speaker and Lieutenant Colonel George Hulse reciting the Ode. It was an honour to present and lead the service alongside Jocelyn, and I want to give my deepest thanks to all portfolio and Academy captains, Ms Newman, Ms Tyler, production, marketing, facilities teams, and especially the service committee, for their consistent help in making the service a special one. Lest we forget.

House Captains report – Daniela (Year 9) and Natasha (Year 12)
We had a successful first term, including coming SECOND in cross country. It would not have been possible without all the participation we had at the carnival - a big thank you to everyone involved! Other highlights from last term include the Harmony Week celebrations and our very successful house charity bake sale.

This term, we have a jam-packed schedule of exciting events, including the second game of the Mini Olympics in Week 3, our athletics carnival at UQ in Week 6, and the sustainable fashion parade in Week 8. Along with active participation, let us remember our house goals, with a spotlight on QASMT protocols for positive behaviour, wearing the correct uniform to and from school, and meeting the Academy’s punctuality and attendance targets every term.

A quote from Brian Tracy: ‘Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goals.’
So, let's keep our eyes on the prize and make this second term just as great as the first.

GO NEWTON!

Deva Prasad, House Dean Newton

From the Guidance Officers

Katrina Judge,
Guidance Officer
(Career Planning)

Greetings!
What a wonderful time of year with fresh starts, and the opportunity to dream with a new year stretched before us. There are many ways to get involved in the career planning sphere this term to support our students and families.

Volunteers Needed!

Career Breakfast
One of our major events for this term is our career breakfast, scheduled for 7:30am-9:30 am on Wednesday, 15 March. Each year we hold the Career Mentoring Breakfast for Year 12 students, where academics and professionals from a range of fields visit the Academy to discuss their career experiences with the students. Students are divided into small groups and have the opportunity to ask mentors questions about career experiences and pathways. Each group will have about 20 minutes before rotating so that students are talking to a variety of guests.

I am still seeking volunteer mentors and would appreciate hearing from you or anyone you know who might be interested in helping us. All fields are of interest but may include:

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

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

SET planning
Our new Yar 10 students will also have the opportunity to engage in career planning this term as we explore the many aspects of career decision making. This will culminate with each student completing their Senior Education and Training (SET) plan to help guide them through the senior phase of high school and preparation for tertiary studies. Parents are encouraged to ask their students about their career plans and what they have been exploring in writing their SET plan. Returning Year 10 students will have completed this process during Year 9 but will have an opportunity to review their plans later in the year.

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

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

The QASMT Digital Library now has a growing collection of career resources including newsletters and factsheets from previous communication. With the new year, we will be adding to our “Career Education Resources” available through our digital library. Keep checking back in!

Options Career Information
Once again, we have subscribed to the Options Career Bulletin to provide regular updates on career topics such as universities, scholarships, study skills and career fields. Members of our immediate school community are able to access the Options resources anywhere and anytime using the Options Career Information app available through the Apple store and Google Play. Use our unique school access code (QASMT) to peruse the bulletin or calendar and note any dates or topics of interest.

Study Work Grow
Study Work Grow offer a great addition for our current career program with features including guides (e.g., Entry to Medicine Guide), weekly newsletters, a work experience database, a scholarships database, job spotlights and online tools. Students can access the Study Work Grow website or register to receive the newsletters directly. All students can access membership as part of our school subscription, using the following steps:

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

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

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

Contact: I am available at school Monday to Thursday, 8:00am - 4:00 pm for appointments, or can be contacted by email if I can answer any questions to support you. Happy planning!

Katrina Judge
Guidance Officer (Career Planning)

kjudg12@eq.edu.au

Guidance Officer (Student Wellbeing)

Welcome to a fabulous start to 2023 at QASMT
Starting off a new school year is always an exciting time for students, families and our staff. The new year brings with it new hopes and expectations of what lays ahead. For some, this can be a little daunting. A vital key in maintaining positive momentum and a grounded connection is setting up a practical and sustainable routine. Students have received a Guidance Wellbeing Newsletter with links to articles around the following topics: outlining rituals to increase your happiness; preparing for the new year – starting the year strong; tips for dealing with change and information about how to make friends at school. When developing routines, it is important to consider all aspects of our life, not just our study/learning time. Scheduled time for rest, family, socialising, health and fitness are all important.

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

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

This weeks Strategy Spotlight: Beach Running
There’s something about running on the beach. Maybe it’s the associations with summer, freedom and sea air, plus the challenge of running on a sandy surface; we can almost smell it and feel the speed and strength in our bodies as we power along. It doesn’t matter whether or not we’ve ever done it in real life, it generally feels empowering to imagine it. This strengths-based, solution-focussed scenario also takes us mentally out of ‘problem territory’ and places us in a positive, empowered environment. If you don’t like the beach, you could imagine running down a country track, along a river, or powering around a stadium. Use this visualisation technique to boost energy or motivation, to take your mind away from fears, to ground yourself, and clear your thinking.

Anxiety Bites Program
Anxiety Bites Program will be offered each term. This online program will run for six weeks, just one session a week (accessed at any time suitable for each student). The sessions will be weekly ‘bite sized’ learning opportunities. These learning opportunities include science-based strategies to break cycles of worry and fear.

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

Wellbeing Seminar Series
Wellbeing seminars will continue this year to help support the wellbeing and brain health of our students and the Academy community. Headspace and Open Doors will be presenting two evening family and community sessions during Term 2 and 3.

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

Gay, Straight Alliance
Our students have embraced the opportunities to practise positive engagement and wellbeing, with the majority of our students participating in our ever growing Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) Program, as well as other events throughout the year that offer opportunities 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 (DaVinci House Dean). The program is based on the research and resources provided by the GLSEN organisation https://www.glsen.org/. This organisation’s mission statement states, “GLSEN believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTIQ+ inclusive K-12 education.” The GSA invites EVERY student to attend, no registration needed, just turn up.

GSA will begin meeting in Week 3 with the commencement of the CCA Program. The focus for students attending GSA in 2023 will be on organising celebrations and education around key dates in the LGBTQI+ and QASMT calendar e.g., Pride Week and Wear it Purple day.

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

Appointments with me are available during school hours. To request an appointment, email guidance@qasmt.eq.edu.au or tlep14@eq.edu.au with the following information:

Student name
Year level
InStep class
Suggested time/s (between 8:00am-4:00pm)
Preferred meeting type (face-to-face, Zoom, phone)
For phone appointments, a contact number (if applicable)
A general reason for the request (e.g., mental health, safety concern etc).

School TV
This is an excellent resource that I have used with parents for some time now. The response from parents and community who have accessed these resources have reported to find them extremely engaging and insightful.

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

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

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

Sections include:

Cybersafety series
Mental health series
School survival series
Healthy body series
Positive parenting series
Special reports

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

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

Tara le Pla, Guidance Officer (Student Wellbeing)

From Instrumental Music and Vocal music

Our Music Program at QASMT continues to thrive and grow as we look forward to an exciting year ahead making music in and around our community.
Already we have enjoyed music on assemblies including from our Choir and our Jazz Combo.

Our teaching team this semester includes:

Sue Berti - Percussion Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble II, Brass and Percussion lessons - Tuesday

Teena Sullivan - Allegro Strings, Bravura Strings, Upper and Lower Strings lessons - Monday

Neil Wickham - Wind Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, Big Band, The Red Jackets Big Band, Jazz Combo, Woodwind lessons, Classroom Music

Greg Thompson - Vivace Strings, Chamber Strings, Symphony Orchestra, Choir, Rock Bands, Guitar Ensemble, Chamber Music, Upper and Lower Strings lessons, Classroom Music

Students who enrol in instrumental music lessons are timetabled so they don’t miss out on the same school classes each week. As a compatible and complementary curriculum to classroom music, the Department of Education’s Instrumental and Vocal Music Curriculum provides opportunities for greater participation in, and enrichment of, music education for the whole school community. The program fosters opportunities for interaction between year levels through participation in school-based ensembles, as well as for cross-linking to other areas of the school curriculum.

This term, our Instrumental Music students will enjoy a workshop day on Saturday 18 March with external specialists in their field of expertise. This will be a fantastic opportunity to dig deeper into repertoire, technique and style in the lead up to our first evening concert for the year on Thursday 18 May held on stage in our Auditorium.

We are pleased to be able to host a day of Choral Fanfare on campus on Monday 29 May when schools from our local area will travel to our school to perform. Our Choir this year will enjoy a focus on expanding repertoire and technique with visiting guests to prepare for this event.

In Week 4 during lunchtimes in our Auditorium, we are hosting the 2023 Battle of the Bands. With 12 bands signed up to perform across genres as diverse as rock, jazz and pop, we are in for a treat. The judging panel will be challenged to narrow down a winner with a sound engineer to mix and record each band for our listening pleasure.

This year will see us deepening our partnership with Queensland Symphony Orchestra with select students involved in QSO Compose, culminating in original compositions being workshopped and performed by QSO musicians at their studios at Southbank.

We welcome you to experience music at QASMT as we celebrate the importance of Arts in our life and community.

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

Sustainability

Carbon Neutrality
The school has completed all the required documentation for our carbon neutral accreditation and are well-placed to have our final accreditation finalised well ahead of our planned target of the end of 2023.

Zero Positive
To support our carbon neutral goal, QASMT is pleased to be working with an organisation called Zero Positive who will support us to achieve and maintain our carbon neutral accreditation. Zero Positive is a world-first, not-for-profit emissions reduction program, supported by the United Nations, that will work with our school and our community to become climate positive. Zero Positive staff will come to the school regularly to assist with a wide range of programs that will ensure net zero energy for the school and will be also assisting with ideas for improving waste management strategies and regeneration (particularly our plans to regenerate the banks of the creek).

Sustainability Term Planner
As usual we have a busy term ahead so please keep a lookout for further information on the following events:

Waste Management
As always, it is great to see out QASMT community embracing opportunities to recycle through our bins. Please remember to put your waste in the correct bin.

From Corporate Services

This term the school marketing team have begun working with the enthusiastic Journalism students on the 2023 Yearbook. The Yearbook is an all year project and we are excited to see what the students will produce this year.

As always we love to hear what our QASMT Graduates are doing. Reach out and let us know. We would love to hear your story or for you to join our SMT Alumni group on LinkedIn.

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 q
School Marketing Team - Cherise Kingsbury and Chelsea Hardman-Denning

From the P&C

The P&C wishes everyone all the very best for the year ahead and extends a warm welcome to new families joining our school

If you are not a member already, please email qasmtpandc@gmail.com for a membership form.
We look forward to seeing you there.

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

Winand D’Souza
P&C President