Translate

Term in Review - 31 March 2023

From the Senior Leadership Team

Dear Parents

The end of first Term marks a significant milestone for many of our students, as the Year 7 and new 10 students have settled into life as a proud student of QASMT. It has been a pleasure working with our staff to ensure a smooth transition for these students into Academy life. Changing schools can be a challenge and we are happy to see that our students have settled in very well. The Year 7 students eagerly took the opportunity to establish new friendships at their school camp earlier this term and we were so proud of the way that they embraced this experience. Members of the senior leadership team, as well as our guidance officer and Director of Wellbeing and Inclusion visited the camp and we were all so impressed with the confident and mature way our Year 7 students tackled all aspects of camp, particularly the physical challenges. They were also very supportive of the Principal, Kath Kayrooz, who controlled her fear of heights to take on the challenge high ropes course. She very much embraced the IB Learner Attribute of being a Risk Taker, and the students who encouraged and cheered her on were certainly demonstrating the IB Learner attribute of being Caring.

Our new year 10 students have also had the opportunity to forge new friendships through their participation in the weekly induction program this term. This program is developed to ensure that our new students have the confidence and skill to easily navigate the systems and expectations of our Academy, as well as providing them with a sense of our unique school culture. We would also like to commend the entire Year 10 cohort for the support and guidance they have provided to these new students, it truly speaks to the supportive and inclusive practices that are at the heart of what makes us such wonderful school.

A key aspect of an International Baccalaureate education is the importance of inclusive practices where; inclusive education is facilitated in a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, support and problem-solving involving the whole school community. IBO.Org. One of the most highly anticipated events of the school calendar that celebrates our culture of inclusion and diver is the recent celebration of Harmony week. It is so wonderful to see such a colourful and joyous celebration of the Australian Government’s vision of Harmony Week; inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Harmony.gov.au.

Our Years 8 and 9 students have also made an excellent start to the term, with the Year 9 students commencing their STEM futures courses and the Year 8 students consolidating their learning from Year 7. For our Year 11 and 12 students, this term has been a busy one with their focus firmly on the Diploma Programme. The exam block at the end of this term will provide the opportunity for valuable feedback on their progress.

Our new parent community have undergone a considerable adjustment, as navigating the protocols and communication channels of a school can often be quite daunting. We strive to keep our parent community informed and it is for this reason that we hold regular parent information events. This term, we hosted the House New Parent evening, year group information evenings, Year 7 and 10 Parent morning teas, as well as the first of our parent speaker series. Next term, we will be conducting Parent Teacher interviews in Week 4 (Wednesday 10 May), as well as an information evening in Week 5 (Monday 15 May) for all year levels. A further means of connecting with our community is the regular news update that Kath Kayrooz posts on our website.

Our social media sites (Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin) are also another way to see what is happening at the Academy on a day to day basis.

Additionally, the school website provides access to our handbooks, policies and frameworks, including the QASMT Wellbeing Framework. Wellbeing at QASMT is a visible wholehearted, supportive approach where everyone in the school community works together to intentionally promote rich connections and a balanced lifestyle. An excellent resource that stems from our Wellbeing Framework is SchoolTV. SchoolTV https://qasmt.eq.schooltv.me/, is an online resource designed to empower parents and care givers with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies. Furthermore, Daymap Parent Portal https://qasmt.eq.daymap.net/ provides access to the school calendar, a student’s timetable, attendance, subject information and school notices. The first point of contact for parents and caregivers when communicating with the school is the student’s House Dean. Their door is always open to students and parents, as they are the key to our close partnership between the Academy and our school community.

It is important that our new staff, student and parent communities understand that we are committed to providing a safe, respectful and disciplined learning environment for students and staff, where students can access opportunities to engage in quality learning experiences and acquire values supportive of their lifelong wellbeing. The QASMT Student Code of Conduct is aligned to the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile attributes and Positive Education Framework, which centres on students flourishing through cultivating positive emotions, engagements, positive relationships, meaning and achievement. It is designed to facilitate high standards of behaviour so that the teaching and learning in our school can be effective and students can participate positively within our school community. The Student Code of Conduct is underpinned by our three school protocols:

Show respect

Maintain safety

Take responsibility

This plan was developed in collaboration with our school community and broad consultation with parents, staff and students was undertaken through consultation meetings. If families have not yet read this important document, please take the time over the holidays to do so, as a whole school approach to discipline must include the entire community.

Finally, the Executive leadership team would like to wish all families a safe and happy holidays and we look forward to the term ahead.

Operational Matters
Uniform
A reminder that during Terms 2 and 3 students are required to wear the Winter Uniform as detailed in the QASMT Uniform Policy, a copy of which is available on the QASMT website.

Change to Research Centre Hours
The Research centre is moving to the Winter hours schedule, as outlined in the Student and Parent Handbook. The centre will be open to students from 7.30am to 5.00pm for the duration of Terms 2 & 3.

Term 2 Commencement Assembly
All students must attend the commencement assembly on Monday April 17 at 9.00am in the Auditorium. Please note that formal uniform is required.

Enrichment Policy
Parents and students are advised to thoroughly read the Enrichment Policy to ensure that they are aware of the Academy guidelines on participation in enrichment activities. A copy of the Enrichment Policy is located on the QASMT website. At QASMT, we value student involvement in enrichment activities. We believe participation develops skills and provides experience that will enhance their education. Participation in enrichment activities and school representation is a privilege that is reliant on students meeting the Academy’s high expectations with regard to academic progress, attendance, effort and behaviour. There are a number of enrichment activities that will require prior approval in order to participate. In order to maximise achievement, it is necessary to provide some boundaries and benchmarks to ensure we are providing the students with opportunities to succeed. If students are not meeting these standards they may be restricted from participating in enrichment activities.
It is important that our school community has a shared understanding about the requirements for representing the school in enrichment activities. The Academy:

Believes students should demonstrate commitment to their academic studies, attendance, effort and behaviour in line with the school’s expectations.
Believes students should find a balance between their academic studies and enrichment involvement.
Believes there should be transparency in the requirements for selection in enrichment activities.

Students are expected to:

Be passing all subjects in the previous term of study.
Have an attendance of 90% or above over the past year to date, with the exception of approved leave, or certified medical absence.
Have not taken unapproved leave over the past year to date.
Have not been involved in behaviour requiring disciplinary absence, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct in the past year.
Have followed the student dress code as outlined in the uniform policy.

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***

Community spirit and new friendships are key words that spring to my mind as I reflect on Term 1.
The start of an academic year is always one filled with new beginnings, new goals, new routines, new ideas and new energy and doesn’t time just fly by? This reminds us all of the importance of being organised, maintaining a balanced approach to school and home life and seeking support and guidance from teachers, friends and family when workloads become challenging. I have been so impressed with how senior students started this year and appreciate their focus and commitment towards preparing for the final examinations ahead. I have seen many of them attend support sessions with their teachers or participate in tutorials after school, as this is such an important time for consolidating their skills and knowledge ahead of exams.

Our Year 12 students are showing growing maturity and focus on their academic studies by ticking off many important internal assessments, receiving valuable verbal feedback on Extended Essays or final drafts and practicing individual orals in a range of languages. Additionally, our German Ab Initio students completed their mock exams this term and I know they are very well prepared ahead of their final exam session in May. l wish them all the very best of luck.

It has been wonderful to see the immersion of new Year 10 students into QASMT as they worked closely with their House Deans and the Guidance Officer Careers each Friday afternoon. They have learned about the QASMT values, systems and processes, effective study planning, strategies to support wellbeing, considered future career pathways and engaged in fun team building activities along the way. I know that new and enduring friendships have been established. Well done team.

It has been a term of adjustment for our Year 10s and 11s as they have embraced the DPP and DP programmes and new subjects filled with challenging content and concepts. Walking through classrooms I have observed students being open minded and inquirers, asking interesting questions and thinking critically and deeply at they reflect on shared information. Our open learning spaces truly support our students to demonstrate their visible thinking routines through shared whiteboards or glass walls, through VR sessions or through small group collaboration on a daily basis. These are skills that will last a lifetime and will prepare them well for their careers ahead.

I wish you all a relaxed and enjoyable holiday. Take care and best wishes

Michele Newman, Deputy Principal of Senior Years

From the Deputy Principal of Middle Years

Kirsten Baker,
Deputy Principal of Middle Years

Ten short weeks ago we started a new school year, and already we are at the end of Term 1.
So much has happened in the space of those ten short weeks for our middle years’ students.

Our Year 7s have spent this term familiarising themselves with the many processes and procedures in place at QASMT. Coupled with a very successful camp in the middle of the term, I am seeing many smiling faces amongst our Year 7 cohort. Their confidence has certainly soared since Week 1.

Like all students, our Year 8s have had a very busy term. It has been pleasing to see a number of our Year 8 students willing to help and encourage our Year 7 students adjust to their new surroundings, imparting their experience and offering top tips. Their willingness to put other students’ needs first is a credit to them; an important IB attribute.

Our Year 9 students have adjusted well into the new school year. The specialised range of subject offerings in Year 9 see all students engaged in diverse learning. From Biochemical Engineering to Future of Automation to Artists as Changemakers, our Year 9s have certainly enjoyed a busy term of hands on learning. Coupled with these subject offerings, this term our Year 9s have started the subject, Community Project. Of the Community Project topics seen to date, I am pleased to see that Year 9s are looking at community projects and their proposed solutions through a fresh lens. I am very much looking forward to seeing their Community Project reports and engaging with their Community Project stands later in the year.

Furthermore, our Year 7 and 9 students sat their NAPLAN tests this term. I thank all students for the enthusiasm and focus they brought to the NAPLAN tests. I would also like to thank the many teachers who supported our students and assisted me in the administration of these tests. NAPLAN reports will be sent out to parents and carers in Term 3 this year.

I would like to take the opportunity to remind our students of safe road practices when walking to school. From my observations, students are walking from the Taringa train station to QASMT via the mandated route. I would like to remind students that when walking to school it is important to always be aware of their surroundings. When playing music in headphones, for example, it is all too easy not to hear an oncoming car or bicycle. To avoid accident when crossing streets, do so safely. Use pedestrian crossings where available; look left, right and then left again. Brisbane’s streets are very busy. Please take care.

It has been wonderful to see so many parents and carers attend our morning tea functions this term. Catching up over a cup of tea is the perfect time to get to know one another and the school, and discuss student progress. I look forward to meeting further parents and carers in the new term.

Looking forward, all students have a busy term of events to look forward to in Term 2, including: thinking seminars, UQ excursions, incursions and a visiting artist. I wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday break. I look forward to seeing our middle year students’ smiling faces in the new term.

Kind regards

Kirsten Baker, Deputy Principal of Middle Years

From the inclusion team

Speech Language Advisory Teacher visits
Oral communication impacts on success at school and in the workforce.  Many people view their oral presentation ability as a barrier to success.  In some instances, adults view it as a barrier to their promotion at work, and students feel it compromises their grades. 

Last year we started supporting students who may find oral communication a challenge and have continued with the support this year. Fiona Orminston, our Speech language AVT, has worked with some students on targeted techniques to improve the listener and speaker experience, including: 

preparation techniques 
articulation refinements 
voice projection 
eye contact 
visuals

Fiona also focuses on providing customised, targeted intervention for specific communication difficulty in the following:

articulation disorder 
nasal/oral resonance 
multisyllabic word pronunciation 
voice disorder  
fluency disorder

Her work has been invaluable in helping students to overcome barriers to learning and building confidence in their communication skills. Whilst teachers recommend students to see Fiona for support, students are afforded agency to request support from Fiona. An email has been sent to students explaining how they can seek Fiona’s support.

The IB World Conference - Education for an Inclusive Future (Adelaide, March 2023)
Stacy Wallace Cunningham and I had the wonderful opportunity of presenting at the recent IB World Conference in Adelaide. Our presentation was titled ‘Creating a flourishing wellbeing culture in schools’. There were 1200 attendees from 34 countries around the world and the overall theme of the conference was underpinned by inclusivity and wellbeing in schools.
Our session focused on how wellbeing at QASMT is a visible, wholehearted, supportive approach where everyone in the school community works together to intentionally promote rich connections and a balanced lifestyle. The focus of our session looked at the implementation of our ‘whole school wellbeing framework’ (https://qasmt.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/wellbeing); how positive psychology and wellbeing is taught explicitly in our Middle Years and Diploma Programme classrooms, and how we adopt a collective responsibility approach to inclusion. Our wellbeing framework is the foundation of our school cultural shift ensuring we address all community needs relating to wellbeing. Our framework is underpinned by the principles of positivity psychology and our school values of recognising and celebrating inclusivity and diversity. Our presentation included our change management process in recent years which has particularly focussed on our pastoral care and student support programs.
As the Director of Inclusion and Wellbeing, I am proud of the progress we have made in promoting inclusion and wellbeing and the commitment to continue our efforts to ensure all students feel valued, respected, and supported in their learning journey.

Jane Manwaring - The Inclusion Team

From the Department of Language and Literature

Term 1 of 2023 has presented wonderful opportunities and “interesting” developments around the world that have all informed what has taken place in the English Language and Literature Faculty.
One of the most intriguing developments was the rise of natural language processing tools powered by AI such as Chat GPT4.
The poem below was written by Chat GPT4. After pasting the key events for each year group into the chat, the following prompt was entered: “Can you rewrite this in past tense so that it sounds poetic?”. The result is posted below and is fairly impressive. With the exception of some heavily forced rhyme schemes, a very liberal approach to metre, and a bit of questionable phraseology, the outcome looks like a coherent and creative response.

The IB has recently announced that students are able to use AI natural language processing tools as long as the students reference its ideas and words as they would with any primary or secondary source. AI tools, as with any technology, change and make us review our understanding of how teachers and students work at school. As with any technological innovation, the teaching of English has always had to adapt to changing technology (some members of the faculty have distinct memories of using chalk and overhead projectors).  

The fundamentals of the teaching of English remain the same. Authentic student work is always supported and empowered by authentic teacher knowledge of each student and how they learn. At QASMT, we follow the progress of our students’ work from initial ideas, to planning, to drafting, to final submitted products. This organic and interpersonal approach to working with our students results in student work that is real and “owned” by our students: it also ensures that some of the rudimentary but telling errors, as exemplified below, are “ironed out” through the process of authentic feedback.  

So, here is a clunky and inhuman poetic overview, written by AI, of what has taken place this term in the English Language and Literature Department: 

In pursuit of communication excellence,  
Our English Language and Literature Faculty,  
Focused on the IB Learner Profile's "Communicators" essence,  
Encouraging rigorous engagement with textual diversity. 

Through empathy and research,  
Year 7s authored scientists' biographies with flair.
Insightful documentaries in Year 8, sans any perch,  
Provided students ample creative space to share. 

The power of poetry was felt in Year 9, 
Inspiring a podcast on empowering ideas, places, and people,  
While Year 10 savoured The Great Gatsby's decline,  
Reflecting on materialism's toxic steeples. 

Chimamanda Adichie's rich stories in Year 11,  
Enabled diverse identity exploration to take flight,  
And in Year 12, societal power's hold was stern,  
As Antigone and Szymborska's works illuminated our sight. 

Beyond the classroom's bounds,  
Extracurriculars gave students room to grow,  
In debates, dialogues, drama, and creative writing playgrounds,  
Their skills flourished, with confidence in tow. 

With pride, we look,  
At each student's journey, unique and bright,  
And as the term concluded, our expectations were shook,  
Our students flexed their skills, shining with delight. 

Term 1 of 2023 has seen the world change in terms of technology. Two key things remain the same for us here at QASMT: Firstly, based on the authentic work that we saw produced, it is a privilege to work with the students here. Secondly, we are more sure than ever that supporting student learning comes from authentic and supportive interactions that provide personalised and meaningful feedback.    

David Bracken, Head of Department Language and Literature

From the Department of Language Acquisition

This term we welcomed almost 300 new Year 7 and Year 10 students to our school and our language classes.
Our passionate Language Acquisition teachers have a strong academic focus and a passion for nurturing the students to become lifelong learners in this rapidly changing world

Success in Language Acquisition has less to do with innate talent or marathon study sessions. Instead, it follows the old adage of ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at the time.’ Working 10 minutes a day, every day, will result in greater success over time than studying for hours before a test.

Strategies for Success:

Find your way of learning (Education Perfect; Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check; Flashcards) and practice vocab for 5-10 minutes a day
Try to use the new words in your day-to-day language (it can be really fun with family and friends)
Be well-organised and bring all materials to every class
Develop a good note-taking system
Active revision at home.

Teacher Aides in Languages
We welcomed Ned Cavanough (German), Melanie Martinez Cidon (French) and Kimi Kiyooka (Japanese) who are working in classes with students as language specific teacher aides.

German Year 12 Ab Initio
Term 1 marked an important stage in the lives of our Year 12 German students as they finished their Internal Assessment and their final oral.

They have now started to revise for their final IB Diploma examinations in May.

Japanese Setsubun Festival
We started the term off with a bang. On Friday in Week 2 we celebrated the Setsubun Festival with our students in the courtyard. The festival of Setsubun is meant to drive away demons and other bad things. It is generally celebrated by people throwing soybeans at demons whilst shouting out ‘Oni wa soto!’ Special shout out to Mr Colquhoun (House Dean of Hollows) who certainly destroyed a few demons with his throwing skills.

Latin Year 8
Latin is the forerunner in the department for exciting assessments. This term, the Year 8 Latin students researched famous figures in Roman history and then with the use of a QR code, created an interactive timeline where the students could access each other’s assignments.

International Mindedness
The International Mindedness team has worked hard this term to raise our profile in the Academy, with our bulletin board on the F Block walkway and several events. Our first event was the Lantern Festival in Week 3, which involved making red lanterns to decorate the courtyard in celebration of the end of Chinese New Year. Secondly, we had a guest speaker from Zonta come to talk about women’s issues on International Women’s Day. Finally, we organised activities for Harmony Week in Week 8, including our amazing, multicultural assembly with various performances. There was henna painting and nail and face painting in the courtyard during our parent and student picnic. During the week, further events were well attended, such as the International Short Film Festival, Indigenous Games and a Manga Competition. Many thanks to everyone who participated in making this the biggest and best Harmony Week yet.

Showing images 1 - 8 of 14

Mila Reynolds, Acting Head of Department Language Acquisition

From the Department of Technology and the Arts

It has been a wonderful term of learning that I am delighted to share.
Firstly, please join me in welcoming Lissa Sullivan-Ward to our department as our new Music classroom and Instrumental Music teacher.

Spotlight on our new course: DP Digital Society HL
This term we have started the new DP Digital Society HL course which replaces Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS). Of course, there are many similarities as we explore the impacts of digital systems on society. We have replaced the ITGS triangle (issues, context and systems) with the 3Cs: CONTEXT, CONTENT AND CONCEPTS. As a social science, our main focus is the stakeholders.

This term we have been looking at automation in supermarkets, such as self-checkouts in Coles, which is the context. In terms of the content, we need to understand how the systems work such as the video cameras in the checkouts, the stock control systems, the payment systems, the barcode readers, the weighing scales and so on. We then use concepts to unpack the impact on society, for example:

IDENTITY The identity of workers is often linked to the type of work they do. How has automation impacted workers' identity?

POWER: Power is embedded and exercised through digital systems. How has automation impacted the power relationship between companies and employees?

SPACE: How does the warehouse environment change when humans and robots work side by side? Is it more or less human orientated?

This is a dynamic subject as context and the uses of digital systems change and develop. Students are encouraged to listen to the ABC podcast, Download this Show.

Year 12 Information Technology in a Global Society
Robots, AI, machine learning and expert systems have been the focus of this term. Students have been exploring applications such as the jockey robot in camel racing, customer service robots. Our case study is about the return of the physical retail store where students are exploring a range of new technologies such as smart shelves and augmented reality with magic mirrors and in-store companion apps.

Year 12 Computer Science
The nature of data structures forms a fundamental component of modern computer systems. This term has seen students explore the abstract nature of some data structures and how, when and why we apply these abstract concepts.

Students have also taken time to design and develop their personal projects for the final internal assessment. This project is defined and made for a real-world client, and after defining the scope of their projects, they have commenced the development.

Lastly, students have continued to explore the nature of genetic algorithms for their case study. This has seen them determine how genetic algorithms are able to find solutions to computationally complex problems.

Year 11 Computer Science
Computer Science students in Year 11 have broadened their problem-solving skills, using procedural problem solving and constructing simple algorithmic solutions using pseudocode. Students have also developed an understanding of Object-Oriented Programming using Java and Unified Modelling Language (UML) diagrams to decompose problems into related Classes and Objects.

Year 10 Computational Thinking (Computer Science)
Students have discovered there is more to Computer Science than programming.

They investigated possible career pathways of a Computer Scientist, including the different disciplines of study and the university pathways that can be undertaken to become a Computer Scientist. Students have developed logical and algorithmic approaches to problem solving, concepts fundamental to computer science.

Year 9 Future of Automation
This term the Year 9 Future of Automation students completed three hands-on mechatronic engineering tasks, that showcased their level of expertise with the Arduino prototyping platform. This included developing and building an environmentally sustainable automated system using the Arduino software C programming language to read data and control micro components. The students benefit greatly from developing their software skills, familiarity with key IT Operations management tools (Ops), including working with a variety of sensors including input and output devices. These included potentiometer and accelerometer sensors, movement detectors and alarms, sound and light, air pressure, temperature, heat and humidity, and push buttons. People who can automate products to improve our lifestyles will be in high demand because they have a global impact that continues to proliferate every part of our life.

Year 9 Disrupt the Market
This term the Year 9 Disrupt the Market students have been developing skills in Adobe Illustrator to prepare files to cut on the Trotec Laser cutter. These skills are to prepare students for our second unit, where they will be working in teams to design and develop corporate gifts for QASMT subject areas.

Year 9 Biomedical Engineering
Students began the term exploring the important features of bones as well as the problems that can occur in bones. Students had the opportunity to get hands-on with real bones to inform their design choices when developing bone scaffolding prototypes.

Year 10 Living in a Digital Society
Big Data is big news! This term Year 10 students have engaged in understanding not only the data that big companies such as Netflix, Facebook and Instagram collect, but the possible applications these companies can use this data for. Students have investigated how data benefits companies and users alike, as well as some of the dangers involved in the representation of this data. This is the first crucial step in students understanding the digital world around them.

VISUAL ART
Year 10 - Unpacking the World Around Us
Our group of Year 10 artists have had a very productive term. They have experimented with untraditional drawing techniques and used music, body movement and their breath in interesting ways. They have drawn inspiration from local and international artists and strengthened their drawing skills through the creative process.

Year 9 - Artists as Changemakers
This term the Year 9 Artists as Changemakers students have been learning all about photography; the rules of composition and camera angles, tips and tricks for smart phone photography, and photoshop photo editing. They then created a photographic triptych with a narrative approach.

MYP Program for Year 7 and 8
In Year 7 and Year 8, the year is split for students as they select Music or Visual Arts, including Media Arts, for one semester and a second semester of Design.

Year 7 Visual Art - Improbable Beasts
In response to the plight of wildlife on our planet, our Year 7 artists designed hybrid animals that are super survivors. They had fun creating graphite drawings of their creatures as well as colourful collages from their own painted paper. Finally, they digitally painted a harsh landscape for their improbable beast to inhabit.

Year 8 Visual Art - Young Archies
Our students explored their sense of identity through creative narratives. They developed their drawing skills as well as digital skills using Adobe Photoshop throughout the Portraiture unit. We enjoyed getting to know our students as they unpacked their identities and watching them grow as young artists.

Year 7 Music
Students in Year 7 Classroom Music explored 'Bold and Beautiful' music through group performance and research. Through collaboration and teamwork, students rehearsed pieces they had arranged themselves for their specific line-up of instruments. Students utilised modern and traditional instruments and equipment to present live music to their peers.

Year 8 Music
In our Beatbox unit, Year 8 Classroom Music students performed and composed songs from jazz, blues, rock to pop in an exploration of modern music. Combining technology and traditional methods, students created and presented music to refine their theoretical and practical skills. Students demonstrated persistence and determination to overcome initial difficulties and nerves to share original arrangements to develop technique and musicianship. Students also developed newly acquired skills in instruments such as drumkit, bass guitar, acoustic and electric guitar.

Year 7 Design
A new year, a new "delusion" of designers! Our learners in Year 7 Design have designed and developed a mobile app prototype using Adobe XD. They have learnt about the value of prototyping designs to allow their clients, in this case one of their peers, to have a better understanding of the eventual product. This process has also underpinned the importance of client feedback in refining designs. Our statement of inquiry is 'In the development of products, functionality is crucial for stakeholders'.

Year 8 Design
Students in Year 8 designed and developed a website to introduce a client (a student). They developed skills to communicate and collaborate effectively so that they can learn about their client in order to design and create a website that reflect their client's identity. They also demonstrated how design choices influence and how others perceive their identity through the website. To create the website, students developed skills in HTML and CSS.

I would like to thank each of our teachers, our support staff and, above all, our students, who have been amazing this term. I wish you all a well-deserved rest.

Madeleine Brookes, Head of Department Technology and The Arts

From the Department of Individuals and Societies

Learnings from Individuals and Societies can be applied every single day.
For example, listening to the lyrics of Advance Australia Fair, the second line, “For we are one and free” highlights the importance of our democratic freedoms that Year 7 students have just applied to their Civics and Citizenship learning. There is also reference to the factors of production, which is applied in all Economics classes, in the first verse: “We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts; Of beauty rich and rare”.

This term we have some exciting excursions coming up for our STEM Futures students:

Year 9 Forensic Psychology students will visit St Helena Island where they will take part in an interactive experience in order to learn about crime and punishment. Year 9 Future Global Cooperation students will observe a Queensland Parliament sitting.

There are many factors that go into the making but a key one that can never be ignored is the Economic impact.

Year 10 Show Me the Money students will attend the UQ Ventures lab and experience a workshop titled “Zero to One” regarding generating a business idea. Year 10 Tragedy of the Commons unit hosted by the School of Economics at UQ provide three rotations: experimental lab, lecture and information session. Professors from UQ will also deliver a series of guest talks to our student across the term on a series of case studies.

We sincerely thank the University of Queensland for the time and effort they have put in to planning these excursions with us.

Year 7 students will be exploring liveability and will propose a recommendation of how their suburb can be improved in a sustainable way. Year 8s will investigate a turning point in history related to cooperation and conflict while DP1 and DP2 students continue with their respective units.

With Term 1 achievement summaries sent out, I encourage all students to adopt a growth mindset to their learning and look for areas in which they can improve. All subjects go through a rigorous moderation process so the focus for students should not be on the number/score, but rather the quality of the responses given and study techniques.

From the ToK Coordinator David King

DP1 TOK
Students this term will consider one of the themes, Language. They will have the opportunity to consider how technolgy impacts on how we produce and also share knowledge as well as how knowledge may change because of technology. They will also complete a second practice commentary of 350 words, to prepare them for their final exhibition assessment in Term 4.

DP2 TOK
The students are continuing to work on the draft of their final essay of 1600 words which they will submit for feedback later this term. Their essays will be returned to them before the end of this term, as the final submission is in early Term 3.

Lyle Fredericksen, Head of Department Individuals & Societies

From the Department of Physical Sciences

Welcome to Term 2!
I hope all our students and their families had a relaxing term break and are ready for a second term of science.

Year 9
Year 9 students from across four Physical Science subjects are continuing with their chosen electives as they build on their knowledge: Biochemical Solutions students are studying biochemistry in Living Chemistry; Fuelling the Planet students are learning about alternative fuels in Fuels for Society; Medical Physics students are studying electromagnetic waves in Radiation Medicine; and World of Reactions students are learning about the concept of Green Chemistry in Reaction Revolution.

Year 10
Year 10 students are now entering the second term of their semester courses. Our Year 10 Journey to Earth X students are looking forward to our visiting speaker from UQ who will present an exciting lecture on astrophysics, while our Year 10 Future Materials students will be welcoming a visit from another UQ scholar who will speak about biopolymers. After this term, Year 10 students will then enter their Diploma Preparation Programme in either the Standard or Higher Levels (SL or HL), so I encourage all students to ensure that they are reflecting on their progress this term as they consider their future subject choices.

Year 11
This Term our Year 11 Physics students will carry out their practice IA which is an important first step in their preparation for their final IA at the end of the year. Alongside this they will continue the content of their IB Diploma, including the topics of thermal physics and waves. Meanwhile, our Year 11 Chemistry students will learn about how the nature of a chemical bond can influence both the physical and chemical properties of a chemical species. This will lead into the topic of thermochemistry, where they will address the energy associated with these bonds.

All of our Year 11 Science students will partake in the Group 4 project planning day which is a unique aspect of the IB Curriculum that requires students across different disciplines in the Group 4 subject area to collaborate on a common project. This is a fun day that develops our students’ ability to work collaboratively in a diverse group.

Year 12
For our Year 12 students, this is a very busy term and so it is very important for them to be aware of the different assessment due dates for the term. Chemistry draft IAs were due at the beginning of Week 2, and the Chemistry final IA is due towards the end of term. Meanwhile, in class, students will continue studying organic chemistry, spectroscopy, and our option topic, biochemistry. Our Year 12 Physics students have already submitted their final IA, and so now need to complete their learning in astrophysics.

Extracurricular Science Updates
This term we have a fantastic offering of extracurricular science activities including several science CCAs: Junior Science Club, Crystal Growing Club, Astronomy Club and the Physics Olympiads Club. Several students will be attending the Churchie Physics lecture this term, and we are currently seeking student-teams for the RACI Queensland Schools Titration Competition. If you have a student in your family who is interested in taking part in one of these extracurricular activities, then they should contact the Physical Sciences teachers who run them; this information is available on the Term 2 CCA list.

Finally, our STEM Seminar Speakers will continue to visit. This term we will have two visiting speakers and all QASMT students and staff are welcome and are encouraged to attend these seminars. We are extremely lucky to have people who are leaders in their fields coming in to speak to us, and it is a unique opportunity to hear about real-world STEM research in our very own lecture theatre.

To all our students and families, our team of Physical Sciences teachers are recharged and ready to support you in your academic and extracurricular science endeavours this term. We hope you have a wonderful Term 2. I will leave you with a beautiful image of the partial solar eclipse that occurred in Week 1 of this term. It was captured by Benjamin and Isaac (Year 10) during Astronomy club.

Robert Hughes, Head of Department Physical Sciences

From the Department of Life Sciences

We have made it to the end of the first term and what an amazing term it has been!
Students have been extended and enriched through their curriculum and extra-curricular activities. We all deserve a well-earned break after this jam-packed term.

During the term we welcomed two new teachers. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Liam Bartlett (Biology and MYP Science) and Tanya Bates (MYP Science and Psychology).

Foundation Science
The Year 7 students started 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. They immersed themselves in practicals and experiments.

Year 8 had a great time learning about body systems in many interactive ways. They developed an understanding of levels of organisation and how cells build to body systems. They made cells out of balloons, playdough and other various items. They explored the world of the small through microscopes and “micro art” and many other things.

STEM Futures
Year 9 Sustainable Futures had a fantastic time at Toohey Forest where they compared two different sites to measure the health of the waterway systems through investigating the abiotic and biotic factors. The field trip formed part of their assessment, where they also looked at different management strategies to improve the health of the waterway systems. Students, along with Ms Devika Kocherla, had a great day out collecting samples, finding creepy crawlies, and even seeing a koala! They definitely took a lot away from the excursion, and are developing ecological and sustainable mindsets. It was great to get an email from the Principal of Toohey Forest Environmental Education Centre, Mr Darren Shepherd, about our students:

“I was fortunate to teach the students all day and I am pleased to say that they were nothing short of fantastic! The students demonstrated themselves to be both enthusiastic and very capable. From the very beginning it was evident that these students were independent learners who had done a significant amount of work prior to their arrival, which ultimately enabled them to participate at a level that I would normally associate with senior students. It also enabled the group time to explore beyond the primary focus of the program (i.e. freshwater ecosystems), including a quick visit to spot a koala in the forest! In my opinion the students are wonderful ambassadors for the Academy and the broader community.”

Diploma Programme
Year 11 Biology students started their diploma learning about cellular biology and moving into molecular biology. Year 12 Biology students handed in their final IAs this term. They went through a thorough drafting process that included one on one feedback discussions with their Biology teachers.

Environmental Systems and Societies started by building on the foundations of the subject by looking at environmental value systems, energy in the environment and sustainability. The students have taken to this subject with passion and enthusiasm.

UQ Science and Engineering Challenge
On Thursday 9 February we had 29 eager students representing QASMT in the UQ Science and Engineering Challenge. The day was full of inquiry and innovation. Students worked in teams to complete various challenges such as; ‘Return to Mars’ where students constructed a Mars buggy with a basic suspension system to transport loads securely over the undulating Martian terrain, and ‘Flight’ where students built model gliders that had to meet the criteria of distance, precision and accuracy. They had a wonderful time and came second overall. Well done to the students that participated!

Science Ambassadors
The Science Ambassadors finished the term off with ‘Random Acts of Science’ week which was full of fun lunchtime activities, and included elephant’s toothpaste, magnetic corn flakes, lolly wave machine, bubble-ception, sticky Ice, flying tea bags, a pourable, home-made fire extinguisher, boat-making competition, baking soda–vinegar balloons and floating marker drawings.

There was maximum participation from QASMT students who had a great time with the fun science activities.

“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity - not a threat” – Steve Jobs

Vanessa Bermingham, Head of Department Life Sciences Foundation

From the Department of Mathematics

Term 1 has been busy for the Mathematics Department with Escape Rooms, Pi Day celebrations, lots of learning in classrooms and two competitions.

In the classrooms……

All MYP students have be working on Investigating Patterns (Criterion B) assessments where students are asked to select and apply problem solving techniques to discover simple and complex patterns, describe that pattern as a relationship or rule and then verify and justify these findings.

Year 7 students have explored the question “Is fairness always equal?” by linking their number system knowledge with probability. They tested their knowledge with their first Criterion A (Knowledge and Understanding) test in Week 7.

A review and extension of concepts involving whole numbers, integers, fractions along with exploring Pythagoras’ theorem, congruence of triangles and algebra have been the focus for Year 8. To cumulate this unit the student completed a Criteria A test this week. The Year 8 students have also been regularly using MathSpace, an online platform, which is tracking their progress through skills check-ins. After completing, these students are directed to individual recommended practise to improve their growth in each topic area.

In their unit “How’s it work?” Year 9 students have spent their time honing their skills with algebra (expanding and factorising) and index laws. They were assessed on their knowledge and understanding in a test in Week 10.

It has been pleasing to see students using their stylus enabled computers in their maths lessons. This allows students to express their maths correctly and quickly as typing their maths into equation editor is very time consuming. A few students are still having computer issues (short battery life, no stylus) which can hinder learning in the classroom. Hopefully these issues can be sorted over the Easter break.

In the Diploma Preparation Programme, our Year 10s started the term learning about matrices and how these could be applied to everyday life. They have also applied the skills learnt with coordinate geometry to Voronoi diagrams and trigonometry to bearing problems. In Week 7 students used these skills to complete a two-part investigation that will help them decide if they should study SL (Standard Level) or HL (High Level) courses in Semester 2. Students have spent a lot of time in class getting to know how to use their new graphic display calculators. It is an important tool as they will complete two different exams – one a calculator paper and the other a non-calculator paper. The papers have been designed to help students see the differences between the Diploma Programme courses Maths AI and Maths AA.

In the Diploma Programme, our Year 11 and 12 students have been focusing on explorations, their Internal Assessment (IA). The Year 12s in Maths AA HL/SL and Maths AI HL have their draft is due in Week 2 of next term and this will make up 20% of their final grade. Year 11 students have also experienced their first IB style papers whether that be paper 1 (calculator) and paper 2 (non-calculator) for Maths AA or paper 1 (short response) and paper 2 (extended responses) for Maths AI.

Mathematics Enrichment
Maths Ambassador Leadership Team
The Maths Ambassadors have offered a number of activities this term, from an Escape Room to the very popular Problem of the Week, to Pi Day celebrations. For Pi Day there was a record number of pie entries (all of which were very delicious), a Pi reciting competition and a team Pi-trivia. Congratulations to all the students who got involved and also to the Maths Ambassador team for their efforts to make the day a huge success.

Australian Mathematics Olympiad (AMO)
Three of our students Ian, Siddharth and Katherine were invited to sit two four-hour exams over two days in early February. The students have performed well especially since they were competing against students older than them. All three were then invited to take part in an AMOC Selection school during the holidays. Congratulations students!

Kangourou Sans Frontieres
This year we have a record number of students (over 250) taking parting in this online competition. Students had 75 minutes to answer 30 multiple choice questions in this international competition held on Thursday 30 March. Congratulations to these students for stretching themselves and being risktakers and thinkers. We look forward to seeing how they have performed.

Maths Help Sessions
Lunchtime and afterschool help sessions have been well attended by students. It is wonderful to see students being proactive about getting help for concepts they are finding difficult in class. These will continue in Term 2.

Wishing all students and their families a restful Easter break.
Jane Gorman, Head of Department Mathematics

From Education Outside of the Classroom (EOTC)

The Education Outside the Classroom faculty has certainly been busy this term.
Between the sport programs, CCA and curriculum, we have lots to share. Before we do that, congratulations to Vanessa Elmore on having a beautiful baby girl. Thank you, Harry Crosbie, for taking on the role of Sport Coordinator in her absence. We wish the best of luck to our own Yanah Floridis on her American Football journey with Florida Avengers and a safe return in late Term 2.

Co-curricular Activities Program
We kicked off the year with a full CCA program, offering a wide range of opportunities, ranging from Ancient History club to Carbon Neutral club. It was great to see so many students taking advantage of these popular clubs. This term, I’d like to highlight the efforts of students in the Plastic Oceans club, who handed out water in biodegradable cups to our thirsty runners at our cross country carnival. They provided a much-needed service to others while promoting the school’s sustainability goals, which demonstrated caring and principled attributes of the IB learner profile. The K-pop club has been going strong for the third year in a row gaining popularity with more students joining each year. This year these students demonstrated creativity and being risk-takers while they performed a dance and singing routine at the Harmony Week assembly and led K-pop random dance play during a lunch time activity, which drew in a crowd of at least 100 students who also participated. Next term, we have six new clubs for students to get involved in and I look forward to seeing what they get up to. Lastly, my sincere thanks to the more than 50 teachers who volunteer their time to provide opportunities to extend our students outside of the classroom.

Representative Sport
Term 1 is always a very busy term for representative sport and QASMT students have been trialling at all levels. Well done to all students who trialled, often against some very tough competition.

Congratulations to the students listed below for their successful selection in the teams shown:
Metwest Regional Representatives:
Scarlet - Swimming
Indy – Swimming
Mia – Swimming
Tyler - Swimming
Loti – Volleyball
Ava – Volleyball
Finn – Volleyball
Clement – Volleyball
Jayani – Cricket
Angad – Cricket
Northern Eagles District Representatives:
Oliver – AFL
Hannah – Volleyball
Jordan – Volleyball

Cross Country
Week 6 saw a very successful cross country carnival. Well done to all students who participated with typical QASMT enthusiasm and resilience. Our course is very hilly and presents runners with a number of challenges. The day also included the much-anticipated house war cry competition, which all houses worked very hard to present. The standard of war cries has improved every year. Well done Da Vinci House for their victory in the war cry competition. Thanks to all staff who helped make the day such a big success.

Congratulations to Agnesi House for their narrow (1 point) cross country victory – very well deserved. The final house positions are shown below:
1st Agnesi 239
2nd Newton 238
3rd Da Vinci 218
4th Curie 215
5th Hollows 213
6th Hawking 184
7th Franklin 174
8th Jackson 173

A big congratulations to the cross country age champions:
Year 7 Girls – Nethuli
Year 7 Boys – Lewis
Year 8 Girls – Jovana
Year 8 Boys – Oliver
Year 9 Girls – Annah
Year 9 Boys – Nick
Year 10 Girls - Sara
Year 10 Boys – Calvin
Year 11 Girls – Narissa
Year 11 Boys – Sam
Year 12 Girls – Stella
Year 12 Boys – Toson

Congratulations to Ava and Loti who were talent hunted from the tournament and are currently attending Queensland Academy of Sport Volleyball trials.
War-cry Results
1st Da Vinci
2nd Hawking and Hollows
3rd Jackson
4th Curie
5th Agnesi and Franklin
6th Newton
Sports Coordinator – Sean Conway

Curriculum
Year 7 PHE
This term has been all about developing teamwork and interpersonal skills. Through the game ‘Capture the Flag’ (CTF), they have learned the importance of working together towards a common goal and communicating effectively with their teammates, as well as improving their fitness levels and spatial awareness, as CTF can be rather physically demanding. As part of their learning, they were also required to complete a SMART goal, action plan and a reflection related to one of their interpersonal skills. This helped them to identify areas of improvement and work towards becoming a better team player. Students enjoyed coming up with new strategies and the physical nature of the game.

Year 8 PHE
This term Year 8 PHE students have been busy learning all the fascinating rules, techniques and nuances of cricket. To their credit they have attacked this task with enthusiasm and curiosity. Many students surprised themselves by being able to bowl properly, play appropriate shots by determining line and length and understanding the basics of fielding – even some of the funny fielding position names - “silly mid-off”. They have also been learning about nutrition and have completed a detailed analysis of their three-day eating habits. Students then compared their diet to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and devised a plan to improve their nutritional food intake where necessary.

Year 9 Healthy Futures
In Term 1, Year 9 Healthy Futures students have learnt and appreciated how the human body works as an amazing machine that continuously regulates itself to maintain a desired balance in physiological aspects such as blood glucose regulation and thermoregulation. The interaction between the nervous and endocrine systems was also tested and observed through experiments in the lab and in the sports field, with students linking theory and practical concepts.
As for the practical component, students were challenged with organising a sporting competition, where they could apply physical, tactical, and strategic skills and implement and refine leadership and collaboration skills. The term culminated with a tournament where all students exhibited splendid participation.

Saengdao Philavane, Acting Head of Education Outside the Classroom

From the House Dean of Agnesi

Dear Agnesi House
What a fantastic term 1 Agnesi House has had. We literally hit the ground running by winning the cross country event. Congratulations to everyone who participated, from those who walked the course to those who ran their hearts out for line honours. Every point counts at the end of the day. Even our war cry was a step up this term - thank you to all the InStep mentors for giving us the time to practise every week. Agnesi House has never had such choreography and gymnastic flair.

Year 7 Camp was a great success. This year we travelled to Mt. Tamborine in the Gold Coast Hinterland and enjoyed amazing sunrises. The purpose of the camp was to give our Year 7 students an opportunity to get to know each other and to build new friendships. They did this over the week as they engaged in team building games, rock climbing and survival skills. I hope the friendships formed will last even longer than their time at QASMT.

Agnesi House demonstrated its creative prowess as every InStep produced a reimagined vision of Maria Agnesi for the House Portrait Competition. The winners will not be released until the Festival of Creativity kicks off, but I hope Agnesi House is in with a winning chance.

Harmony Week 2023 was a resounding success this year. The flag parade during Harmony Week assembly has never seen so many countries represented, or seen so many students carrying flags. It was also great to see many parents join us for a picnic in the courtyard. I really enjoyed meeting so many of you and hope this will become a new tradition.

Last but not least, it is fair to say that INA08 showed great cunning and skill as they progressed through the many rounds to reach the final of the Interhouse Mini Olympics this term. Unfortunately, they were beaten in the finals, but they put up a valiant effort.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to Mr Don May. Mr May has steered INA04 for many years and he will be greatly missed in Agnesi House. We wish Mr May all the best in his new adventures.

Yours as always in the Quest for Zest.

Aileen Davis, House Dean Agnesi

From the House Dean of Curie

It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know the students of Curie House over the last ten weeks.
It is important that your child takes a break from their studies and enjoys themselves over the holidays. I would encourage them to catch up with their friends as often as possible.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from Term 1.

House Namesake Portrait Competition
The Arts Ambassador’s led the House Namesake Portrait competition. This was a three lesson competition, where each InStep class across the school was required to design a portrait of their House Namesake. It never ceases to amaze me just how talented students are at QASMT. Check out the designs from each Curie InStep.

Year 7 Camp
In Week 5, 222 Year 7 students descended on QCCC Mount Tamborine for a three day camp experience. In previous years we have attended another camp in north Brisbane, so this year was the first time at Mount Tamborine. It looks like we made the right decision! The venue was absolutely stunning, and being high above sea level, the hot weather stayed away. Students had a ball participating in a range of outdoor education activities that worked on communication and teamwork skills, as well as pushing students to face their fears. Activities this year included a GPS challenge, leap of faith, climbing wall and bush MasterChef, just to name a few. We purposefully mixed up camp groups, so that students would meet students from the other seven houses. It was lovely to see students across Year 7 building friendships that will serve them well for the years ahead.

Cross Country
Cross country was the first big event for the year that contributed to house points. Every runner scored a participation point for the house, and it was great to see so many students from Curie House participating. A special congratulations must go to Avighna M (third place in Year 7 Boys), Emily Z (third place in Year 11 Girls) and Toson A (first place in Year 12 Boys). Curie finished in fourth place overall in a solid start to the house competition.

War Cry Competition
As I mentioned in The Term Ahead article at the start of the year, a major part of the house competition each year is the war cry competition, as this event occurs twice throughout the year at the cross country and during Athletics day (Week 6, Term 2). Curie House placed fourth overall in the war-cry at the cross country, and we definitely have room for improvement! We will spend some time fine tuning our moves and enthusiasm in the lead up to Athletics day.

Positive Education Program
The Positive Education Program looks to give students a toolkit of strategies to boost their wellbeing and improve not only their lives, but the lives of others. Each student in Years 7 to 11 is taught this program once per week by their House Dean. See below, the list of topics your child has covered this term. I encourage you to ask them about their learning.

QASMT Expectations Reminder – Winter Uniform
It is always important to remind parents and students of the expectations around uniform. Term 2 brings a significant change in expectations around blazers. I have also been concerned with the number of senior students using non-school backpacks. Please see the key messages around uniform below:

Blazers: In Term 2, students are required to wear their blazers to and from school every day. Please ensure your child has their blazer ready to go on day one next term.
Hats: Students are still required to wear their school formal hat to and from school every day, and during break times at school.
Bags: Students are only permitted to use their school issued bag and laptop satchel. No student 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.

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. Please work with the school to support our expectations around uniform.

Final Summary
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term as the House Dean for Curie. It has been wonderful getting to know your children through PEP lessons, as well as helping them out in various situations. I have particularly enjoyed meeting with each of the Year 11 and 12 students to discuss their hopes, dreams and aspirations. I have also enjoyed assisting the Year 7 students and new Year 10 students with their transition to QASMT. I hope that they are coming to love their new school. It is not uncommon that your child may still be experiencing some challenges, so be sure to let me know if you would like some further assistance. My door is always open, and I encourage any student to drop in to see me whenever an issue arises.

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

What a spectacular start Da Vinci House has had this term.
We welcomed our new Year 7 students, who are spectacular assets to our very successful team. We also welcomed six new Year 10 students who have hit the ground running. They have completed 9 weeks of Friday orientations and look and feel like they have settled well.

DaVinci also welcomed four new mentors this term. They are: INDO 5 - Mr Villiani, INDO3 - Mr Bartlett (who is stepping in for Ms Philavane while she in the acting EOTC role), INDO4 - Ms Hinze M and INDO8 - Ms Ngarae. They have all contributed to our constant drive to ensure a student led house.

The 2023 student-led leadership team has had a remarkable start. Their aim was to create an InStep where people felt welcomed. Our Term 1 data feedback supports their mission, an overwhelming number of students thought the best part of DaVinci was InStep (this over winning). I am always very proud of the direction, focus and genuine want of our student leaders to make Da Vinci a high functioning, safe and supportive community.

Captain Corner
Congratulations Da Vinci! We've had an incredibly successful term. This term, the house united to perform a fiery war cry that was the best within QASMT, stemming from our hard work at practices and our tangible spirit. While we couldn't win cross country, we will come back harder for the athletics carnival next term. I also want to acknowledge our efforts for participating in the Oz tag InStep competition, and congratulate InStep 4 for representing our house. Lastly, I would also like to give a shout out to our Year 7s, who have settled well into our school community and embraced Da Vinci's culture, and all of Da Vinci House for providing them with a very warm welcome into our school.  
For now, I wish the very best for our seniors with their upcoming exam blocks and want to remind everyone to finally take the time to relax during break!
Yash

Term 1 in 2023 has been much more than a handful; however, Da vinci has flown through with flying colours. With record low behaviour incidents and a real sense of family, Da Vinci has really shown its best side this term. As well as all the massive events, such as war cry and cross country, Da Vinci has had many small projects throughout the term. This includes the locker room project hatching a brand new locker room, with many new items that will improve our common space tenfold. With all these fantastic projects in Da Vinci, who would want to be in any other house? This term's been amazing, but just wait for Term 2!
Ranuga

The QASMT positive education classes have overwhelming focused on ensuring we all embrace the collective mission and values of being a QASMT community member. Year 7s enjoyed applying these new-found values at their camp this term. Camps are always a smashing way to get to know the students, make new friends and build community. Year 8 and 9 looked at the SMT Way, character values and sustainable habits. Year 10 students took a deep dive into time management and setting up good habits. Year 11 students are working on their CAS.

Da Vinci is more than a winning house. We create a sense of belonging, connectedness and constant improvement. We also do get a kick out of our competitive edge. Da Vinci students are creative and dedicated. This was highlighted in our war cry win this term at cross country. After hyping ourselves up students participated to place third overall at the event. Shout out to all students that help create such an impressive community.

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

From the House Dean of Franklin

Welcome to the end of an exciting, full and eventful Term 1.
I would like to extend a warm hearted thank you to those who support our students on the home front, our parents and guardians. Without the support of a caring home life our students typically find it difficult to achieve and live full lives. If our students are feeling good then they are doing good, which ensure they are flourishing in their learning.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new Year 7 and 10 students. I hope your new Franklion family has helped you settle in this term.

Lions of the term
I am proud to announce that the following students have been voted as Lion of the term for Term 1. Our juniors are Parth and Prana and our senior is Leah. They demonstrated kindness, reliance and willingness to help others in need. Well done!

Cross Country
Franklions young and old recently committed to the individual running event and the team events at our cross country. While Franklin House missed out on a podium finish this time around, we outperformed every other house in most team activities, especially in tug-of-war where we were undefeated. Well done also to those who volunteered their time at water stations and food points, raising vital funds for our Lions community partnership.
Our house leadership team has recently made an exciting new addition to our house war cry and is set to be announced early next term in time for Athletics day.

*Year 8 Franklions posing after their finals victory in the final of tug-of-war*

InStep Olympics
The first round of InStep Olympic games, Tails, has concluded and I am proud to announce that InStep 4 made it to the semi-finals, earning Franklin valuable points. Well done InStep 4 and the effort made by the other InSteps.

*InStep 4 in action during the Tails quarter finals*

Awards Assembly
Franklin students’ academic effort and achievement was recognised earlier this term at the latest awards assembly. Over 90 Franklin students from the middle and senior years earned awards, meeting the criteria for particular recognition. Well done to all who received an award.

*Middle Years awardees at the awards assembly, Term 1, 2023.*

Harmony Week
Harmony Week 2023 has proven to be another success. It was great to see the many students dressed in cultural attire and the many Franklions who committed to stage performances at the Harmony Week assembly. Our very own Franklin student and Sustainability Captain, Esha G, organised and led many of the Academy Harmony Week activities for the week. Thank you and well done Esha for helping us understand that ‘Everyone Belongs’.

Year 7 and 10 First Day
Day one saw us officially welcome the new Year 7s and 10s to the Academy and to our Franklin family.

We welcome you all with open arms and hope that Term 1 has been a fulfilling experience with many new ways of learning, thinking, new subjects and new friends.

*‘The Franklion Flex’ outside the Franklin locker area.*

Year 7 Camp
Our Year 7 cohort completed their first camp at Mount Tamborine this term. Many new friendships were forged and self-learning through challenges were opportunities relished by our students.

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

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to send me an email at rbray0@eq.edu.au

Warm regards

Ross Bray, House Dean Franklin

From the House Dean of Hawking

What a great first term it has been! It has been the best start to the year and I hope all our new students are feeling settled in at QASMT and Hawking House.

House Charity – Eat Up review by Year 9 Ambassador Khwahish
On Tuesday 28 February, Year 11 students and volunteers from Hawking house participated in a charity event for ‘Eat Up’. The Eat Up Charity provides free lunches to schools across Australia by making and delivering fresh sandwiches so that they can prevent Australian children experiencing hunger. The Hawking students who participated worked together for around 45 minutes during InStep and some of their lunch break, to make and wrap cheese toastie sandwiches. We managed to make an astounding total of 1233 sandwiches! These sandwiches will be distributed to children across Australia who cannot afford to buy their own lunch, so thank you to all students who participated and the Hawking House Dean, Mrs Parker. 

House Spirit
As the Interhouse portrait competition was so popular last year it was back this term but this time students were tasked with completing a portrait of our house namesake Stephen Hawking. I was intrigued to see how our students would approach this task but they were so wonderfully imaginative and the images they created blew me away. Not only was their talent outstanding but it really demonstrated their house spirit.

Cross Country
Cross country was a fantastic display of house spirit! I had missed the sea of colours on the oval and once again Hawking brought its A game in terms of wearing orange and screaming the war cry! Every year the students deliver on the performance of the war cry, and they were so thrilled to come in second place. Only one point from first place too - so close! We had a vote on moving forward with the war cry and I will be working with volunteers next term to make it even better, hopefully placing us first. It was great to see all students become involved in the house games and the fun that they had - once again tug of war saw many victorious results. I am looking forward to seeing the house at Athletics day in Term 2.

Interhouse Mini Olympics
Interhouse Mini Olympics saw a quick round of the game Tails be the big competition. INH01 were quick off the mark with progressing to the final rounds but were unfortunately beaten in the final rounds. The house showed great team qualities working together in InSteps and I hope they are ready for another short game in Term 2. More information to come out regarding this!

Tiger of the Term
Tiger of the Term is an initiative exclusive to Hawking House and is awarded to one junior student and one senior student each term. Students nominate one another via the suggestion box and I am always inundated with nominations! The winners of Tiger of the Term will be announced at the start of Term 2.
Do you want to be Tiger of the Term in Term 2? Think about how you can impress those around you!

Everyday Counts
I recently read an article that described 50 things that could be done in under a minute (i.e., make bed, tidy workspace, wash up after breakfast, offer someone your seat on the train, smile etc). The premise of the article appeared to be focused on making every moment count.
“Sometimes we’re so quick to count down the days that we forget to make every moment count” Unknown
If we can agree that it is important to make every moment count, just as it is important to start the day off well, then arriving to school on-time is a worthwhile goal. Of course, there can be interruptions, but for the most part our plan should be adaptive enough to ensure that we are ready and raring to start the day on time.
‘Make every day your masterpiece’ John Wooden
In the first ten minutes of any given lesson the attendance roll is marked, the learning intentions are discussed, and success criteria outlined. Being present in the lesson at the start is vital to ensure we understand the what, why, and how. In other words, at the start of the lesson we begin to develop a picture of the purpose. Be there!

Uniform Reminder
As Term 1 quickly ends and students let their hair down for some much-needed rest and relaxation, I thought it would be timely to remind everyone about the hair and jewellery requirements as outlined in the QASMT Dress Code Policy. It is important that students are able to express their individuality and the holiday season is a great opportunity to do this. However, before going and spending your hard-earned money on unique hairstyles and colours or piercings, take the time to revisit the Dress Code Policy as you will be required to abide by these requirements from the first day of Term 2.
Below are some important areas to spotlight:

If students return next term and there are uniform discrepancies, they will be asked to rectify this in a timely manner to resolve the issue. If you have any questions or are uncertain about any aspect of the Dress Code Policy, please contact me.

Term 2 & 3 Winter Uniform
As Term 2 begins, a reminder that students will need to wear their blazers to and from school every day along with their hats. Students will need to wear their blazer to the commencement assembly on the first day back, Monday 17th April.

Have a wonderful holiday Hawking House and should you need anything please do not hesitate to contact me on rbrow477@eq.edu.au or extension number 382.

Rebecca Parker, House Dean Hawking

From the House Dean of Hollows

It was a rather eventful Term 1 at QASMT and congratulations to Hollows students for their willingness to connect with each other, get involved and participate in the many activities that the Academy has to offer.
Please see below a short summary reflection of the term as we look forward to progressing into Term 2.

Fred Hollows Portrait Competition
Hollows House began the term with a Fred Hollows Portrait Competition organised by the arts captains and ambassadors. It was very well conducted, and it is pleasing to see so many creative artists in the house. Congratulations to Priya, Anika, Jeswin, Prabha and Crowley for some fantastic portraits that they championed on behalf of their InSteps.

Battle of the Bands
Not only does Hollows House have some creative artists they also have some fantastic musicians and a big congratulations goes to all Hollows participants Henry, Bella, Jyothika, Oliver, Siddharth, and Benjamin, for their performances in the battle of the bands that was a sensational event this term in Week 4. Well done Mr Thompson, Mr Hunter and the team for supporting the students.

Year 7 Camp
Year 7 camp at Mt Tamborine this term was a great event where all students were encouraged to try new things and get out of their comfort zone. Mr Wheeler and Mr Weston did a sensational job in organising the camp, including the night games which was a real hit, giving all students an opportunity to connect and enjoy each other’s company.

Interhouse Cross Country
The mighty fighting Hollows Hawks put on a superb war cry to ignite activities on the cross country day. Led by the Hollows captains and ambassadors, the mighty Hawks finished equal second in the war cry event. Well done and congratulations to Stela, Scarlett, Heather, Oliver and Nethuli, who were all placed in their age group finishing on the podium giving Hollows much needed bonus points for the day. The day had a genuine buzz of excitement and field events such as tug of war, balloon throwing, and dodgeball games helped add to the hype and competitive atmosphere. Hollows finished fifth overall.

nterhouse Mini Olympics Tails Game
The battles were fast and furious in the Interhouse Tails Game this term and after being crowned victorious for Hollows House, Mrs Fortune’s InStep 5 warriors claimed ultimate bragging rights as they defeated the other house winners to be crowned Tails Champion for 2023.

Harmony Week
Harmony Week and the parade is always a highlight on the term calendar and this year was no exception. Students were encouraged to participate in the many courtyard activities at lunch time including international food at the refectory, cultural dances, singing and musical items as well as face painting, film festivities and henna made this year’s Harmony Week very special.

Term 2 and 3 Formal Uniform
As Term 2 begins on Monday April 17, a reminder that students will need to wear their blazers to and from school every day along with their hats. Students will need to wear their blazer to the commencement assembly on the first day back and all subsequent whole school formal assemblies.

School TV
School TV can be found using the link https://qasmt.eq.schooltv.me/ and it has a variety of modules such as Cyber Safety, Mental Health, School Survival, Healthy Body and Positive Parenting for boys and girls with associated resources. I invite you all to navigate around the site and view the topical video clips and articles.

Have an enjoyable and restful term break and I am looking forward to a successful Term 2 for Hollows Hawks. Please direct any enquiries you may have regarding Hollows House to Mr Michael Colquhoun, House Dean of Hollows House at mjcol3@eq.edu.au

Michael Colquhoun, House Dean of Hollows

From the House Dean of Jackson

Live Our Lives Like an Adventure
Jack Kent tells this great story about Billy Bixbee and a dragon. At the start of the story Billy wakes up to find a small dragon at the foot of his bed. He calls out to his mum, but she calls back ‘there is no such thing as dragons’. For most of the book, Billy and his mum proceed to recite the mantra ‘there is no such thing as dragons’ despite it eating all the pancakes, growing in size to occupy a whole room, and chasing a food van (with the house on its back) down the street.

Only when Billy and his mum pay close attention to the issue, that is the dragon, does it start to shrink back to a manageable size. High School, like life more generally, is a little like waking up with a dragon at the foot of your bed. Of course, there is a temptation to ignore dragons, but in the end I would argue the best strategy is to pay them some attention. For with an adventurous spirit and zest for learning new things, we can reframe obstacles as opportunities to test ourselves with courage despite any fear of failure.

Zest, as one of the 24 character strengths, is a word I would use to describe our function as a house this Term. Zest is defined by the VIA Institute on Character as ‘approaching a situation, or life in general, with excitement and energy… [whereby we] live our lives like an adventure’.
The QASMT adventure of 2023 started on Monday 23rd of January…

New Year
With the start of a new year came the promise of new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to fail and learn. For some of us, 2023 involves starting at a new school and making friends, for others it is about commencing the last year of high school. For all of us it has meant re-joining the Jackson House community and remembering that we are together in this adventure. The first school Term of 2023 started with orientation for our amazing Year 7s and new Year 10 students.

Orientation Week
Orientation, largely themed around the support of new students, is about making sure that we start – from the very beginning – to build a foundation of wellbeing. Students were introduced to the school community, given timetables and student diaries, allocated lockers, and had an opportunity to start building strong positive relationships with their teachers.
It is strange to think that Orientation Week took was only nine weeks ago – which I suppose is not only testament to how busy we have been this term, but also the degree to which we have built new friendships. I am so glad to have you all in Jackson House and look forward to the adventures that the rest of the year will bring knowing that you are by my side.

Year 7 Camp
Halfway through the term, came a truly valuable experience – being at our Year 7 camp at Tamborine Mountain. Our new Year 7 students had an opportunity, outside of the routines of school, to build and maintain new relationships with others in their cohort. These relationships were forged in the challenge offered by the many activities in which we were engaged. The fact that every Jackson student attended this event is testament to our zest for adventure and reluctance to be hemmed in by a fear of failure.

Harmony Day
Most recently, I was so pleased to witness the QASMT Harmony Day celebrations. No other day in my teaching career, at least that I can remember, better symbolizes such a deep sense of humanity, open-mindedness and courage. I thank all those students that took part in the Harmony Day ceremony - you are truly inspiring.
Harmony Day was a spectacle that I will not easily forget.
So, as the first quarter of the year comes to close, it is useful to reflect on the last ten weeks. Take some time over the holidays to consider what you might like to achieve over the next term (i.e. learn a new instrument, start writing a book or journal, start playing a sport, spend more time with family and friends)… and remember that with Zest our successes and failures are all part of the adventure.

Take care Jackson House and see you in Term 2

Samuel Weston, House Dean Jackson

From the House Dean of Newton

It has been an eventful and exciting term so far, and we have only just started. I want to quote Dr Neil Carrington, a world-renowned leadership and high-performance team coach, who recently presented at the Inaugural iPS Alliance Student Leadership Conference at QUT. “To have a profound impact, do something kind each day and don’t get caught. Life is all about lollipop moments”.
This year in Newton, we have titled our student leadership program using one of Isaac Newton’s quotes – “Standing on the shoulders of Giants”. Through this, our house leadership team, in alignment with our school vision and values, will aim to create a united legacy. By inspiring upon their positive actions to empower themselves and others, to build community spirit and a continued rich culture.

Positive Education Program
In our Positive Education Program (PEP), students covered the critical concepts of PERMA (essential elements for wellbeing and flourishing). Particularly for our Year 7s and new Year 10s, facilitating positive engagement and relationships by supporting the development of their skills to settle well and be successful at the Academy and form new friendships. All year groups have also participated in lessons focusing on our school culture and values and applying the SMT WAY protocols for positive behaviour to create a sense of belonging, positive meaning and purpose. This has also been evident in InStep classes, with students participating in several activities to form bonds within the house and the wider community. It is through laughter and play that we can jointly experience positive emotions and health.

Term 1 has been productive and engaging, and I would like to thank all the students who have contributed to this newsletter and shared their experiences.

Year 7 camp (22 – 24 February 2023)
Year 7s have had a busy start to the term, and the camp was the perfect break. It was a great way to start the year and meet new people and to develop teamwork skills. The ‘Jawsome’ activities that we participated in were rock climbing, the ‘Leap of Faith’ (nerve-racking), GPS tracking, team building games, damper making (yum), essential survival simulations (a ‘little’ muddy) and, of course, mealtimes (the best bit!).
The camp promoted friendship, challenges and, more importantly, beautiful memories. - Abbie, Harshika, Jade and Matilda (Year 7)

Bake Sale (20 March 2023)
The Newton Bake Sale ran smoothly and was a huge success, with students bringing in baked food galore - cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and so much more! Through the generosity of the students and staff at the Academy, we raised a whopping $1263 for our House Charity – the Miracle Babies Foundation (https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/). Our donation will help to achieve better, healthier outcomes for premature and sick newborns and their families. Thank you to everyone who participated and assisted with this good cause. – Mahika (Year 9) and Ziqi (Year 12), Newton House Ambassadors

From our House Captains
Hi, I'm Natasha, and I am proud to say that I am a Newton House Captain for 2023!
This role has been a great learning experience to balance my responsibilities and to collaborate with the Leadership Team (ARC and House Ambassadors), InStep Mentors and, of course, the House Dean, Mr Prasad. It has been a privilege to work with our house thus far, and I am beyond excited to see where this year leads us. 
Term one has been packed with different events, and together with the student ambassadors, in House Assemblies and InStep classes, we have conscientiously worked towards achieving our collective house goals. Through the active participation and enthusiasm of our students, we placed second (by only one point) at cross country - a feat that we hope to carry through to the Athletics Carnival in Week 6 of Term 2. Despite our collective successes, our war cry placing did not go as expected. However, the feedback and passion that I have received from Newton have left me confident that we will come back stronger at the next carnival.
We also completed the first game of the Interhouse Mini-Olympics with a third place finish, with the second and final game, the cup-flipping competition, to occur in InStep in Week 3 of next term. This term has showcased only the tip of the iceberg of Newton House's spirit, talent, and drive. I look forward to further implementing our goals through our Newton leadership program, 'Standing on the Shoulders of Giants' and seeing our creativity successfully shine at the Interhouse Sustainable Fashion Parade in Week 8 of Term 2. - Natasha (Year 12)

Hello! I'm Daniela, and I am delighted to lead as House Captain this year. This term has been an *experience*, and I've had to hit the ground running…in some cases literally (cross country). With the struggle of choreographing and practising the war cry - involving a lot of screaming in the lockers - then teaching it to the entire house, I can't say it was a boring introduction to my captaincy.
Harmony Week was as colourful and fun as ever, and I was lucky enough to be the flag bearer for Mexico. Featuring all the fantastic performances, including some of our amazing Newton dancers. With one of them even featuring Mr Prasad! Who knew he could dance? Not to mention the stalls and activities held throughout the entire week; from the henna, face painting and nail painting stalls to the K-pop dance mosh pit; Harmony Week was undoubtedly a huge success.
For me, the highlight of this term was the Bake Sale. I loved not only baking but also being involved in the day and seeing everyone else contributing as well. I loved the energy on the day with all the volunteers helping out and the excited buzz of the event. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed this first term as captain and all it has included in all its chaotic glory.
After all the excitement of this first term, it’s essential to unwind and relax during the holidays. Make time for yourself, whatever that looks like for you. It could be reading or rereading a book (or many like me), singing along to your favourite songs, catching up with friends, practising mindfulness and achieving more meaningful rest.  
I hope to see you all next term for more Newtonian adventures. I'm especially looking forward to the cup-stacking Mini Olympics competition and seeing how it turns out. Maybe I'll practise over the holidays. - Daniela (Year 9)

Thank you for a great term!

GO NEWTON!!

Deva Prasad, House Dean Newton

From the Guidance Officers

Guidance Officer (Career Planning)
What a busy term it has been in the guidance offices with challenges and celebrations! Term 1 is particularly encouraging as we hear updates from our 2022 graduates. I would love to hear from any alumni about their experiences, destinations and achievements. We join them in celebrating their successes and joys with their next phase of life and learning.

Career Breakfast

Our Year 12 Career Mentoring Breakfast was a wonderful opportunity for our seniors to engage with professionals and academics from many vocations. The students were able to learn about the realities and opportunities of life after secondary education. The inspiring conversations have brought deeper insight and encouragement as they seek to make their own pathways. We are very grateful to the people who contributed to the breakfast, particularly the parents, academics, community and industry representatives who volunteered as mentors. Thank you for your investment into the lives of our young people.

Career Planning Resources and Events
UQ – Go Borderless with a Diploma in Languages
Students applying to UQ can gain the ultimate employability edge by studying a Diploma in Languages alongside their undergraduate degree. Adding language studies to any undergraduate degree opens up a world of new and exciting opportunities and may be one of the best moves for future careers.
Choose from a variety of languages: Ancient Greek | Chinese | French | German | Indonesian | Japanese | Korean | Latin | Spanish |Chinese Translation and Interpreting. Previous language study at school is not required.
https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/diploma-languages-1602?year=2023#overview

SET planning
Our new Year 10 students have also had the opportunity this term to explore the possibilities for their futures. Over several weeks, they have considered the many influences that may impact their pathways, including personal strengths, values, goals, interests and opportunities. They have spent time researching the labour market and tertiary landscape. This has culminated with the development of their individual Senior Education and Training (SET) plan to map out their preferences for the next stage of their education. This career education unit culminated with an interview with their House Dean to reflect on their SET plan. Thank you to the parents of our new Year 10 students for talking with your student as they have worked through this process.

UCAT
The UCAT ANZ helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications. You can only sit UCAT ANZ in your final year of high school or higher.
UCAT ANZ bookings are open from 1 March to 17 May 2023 with testing held during July and August.
You must register an account with Pearson VUE on the UCAT ANZ website and then book your test via your account by the deadlines. Please refer to UCAT ANZ Test Cycle page for information on key dates and costs.
NOTE: Students are expected to seek a test time outside of school hours e.g., during the July holidays. If unavoidable, bookings within school hours will require a request for leave be submitted to the Principal for consideration at the Principal’s discretion.

Resources
There are many resources available to support our students’ career planning journey.
Guidance Office (A block): a range of free resources available for students to access.
QASMT Digital Library: a growing collection of career resources including newsletters and factsheets from previous communication.

Options Bulletin: The Options Career Information App gives you convenient access to career information and key calendar dates which can also be great conversation starters when talking with your child. Simply download the App and sign in using our unique access code, QASMT, which is for our Academy community’s use only. Switch on the App’s notifications and you will know when the latest bulletin is published. You will continue to receive further career information throughout the year. Alternatively, the latest bulletin is available at https://optionscareers.com.au/welcome/QASMT/bulletin .

Study Work Grow: features include guides (e.g., Entry to Medicine Guide, Pathways to Engineering, Co-op Scholarships Guide), weekly newsletters, a work experience database, a scholarships database, job spotlights and online tools. Go to https://studyworkgrow.com.au/school/qasmt/ ; School Code “QASMT”.

Contact
I am available at school Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm for appointments, or can be contacted by email if I can answer any questions to support you.
Wishing you all a restful and peaceful Easter break.

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

Guidance Officer (Student Wellbeing)

There are some common themes for which students have been accessing support from the Guidance Officer this term. These include:

brain health as it relates to anxiety
emotional regulation.

The school provides some great resources for parents and students to access regarding learning and support around these concerns.

Emotional regulation is an ongoing challenge for young people (and many adults). A new learning opportunity will be available in Term 2 to support students, so please look out for the Interoception course. Details will be provided at the beginning of Term 2 on how to enrol.

SchoolTV
SchoolTV is as a new online resource designed to empower parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies.
I invite you to take some time to explore The Mental Health Series area focusing on Youth Anxiety. This is an excellent series within the SchoolTV library.
This resource can be accessed through the Academy’s website: https://qasmt.eq.schooltv.me/

Anxiety Bites Program
The first course of the Anxiety Bites Program offered this term had a good take up with our middle years’ students.
The Anxiety Bites Program will be offered again each term. This online program will run for six weeks with 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.

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 support around, I may be contacted directly.
Appointments with me are available during school hours. To request an appointment, email guidance@qasmt.eq.edu.au, or tlepl4@eq.edu.au with the following information:

Student name
Year level
InStep class
Suggested time/s (between 8:00 am-4:00 pm)
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).

Community Support Services to access during the break:
For your children:

Talk to your parents – they are your biggest advocates and think you are wonderful – they will listen to you and support you.
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 1800    www.kidshelp.com.au/teens/
Lifeline: 13 11 14     www.lifeline.org.au/Get-help/Online-Services/crisis-chat
E-Headspace: 1800 650 890   www.eheadspace.org.au (e-headspace is not for crisis support)
Youth Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636   www.youthbeyondblue.com/hel-someone-you-know/what-to-do-in-an-energency/get-immediate-support

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 551 800 – suicidecallbackservice.org.au

For parents and community:

Parentline: 1300 30 1300 https://parentline.com.au/
Family and Child Connect: 13 32 64 https://familychildconnect.org.au/
Lifeline: 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au/
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277 relationships.org.au/
Butterfly: https://butterfly.org.au/
Griefline: 1300 845 754 https://griefline.org.au/
1800Respect: 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Please stay safe over the break and be kind to yourself and each other.

Tara le Pla, Guidance Officer (Student Wellbeing)

From Instrumental Music

Over 300 Music Program students, and our music teachers, welcomed an esteemed line-up of guest conductors at our annual Workshop Day on 18 March. 
Working with leaders in their field, our students honed their skill and technique to develop musicianship and ensemble skills and also to prepare for our Evening Concert at our Auditorium on 18 May.  The opening address by Professor Peter Morris inspired participants to put in 100% for the rest of the day that was packed full of workshops throughout our campus, ending in an informal ‘play for others’ session.  A big thank you to our parent volunteers who assisted throughout the day.  Guest conductors included Professor Peter Morris (Deputy Director, Head of Ensembles and Orchestral Conducting, Queensland Conservatorium), Loreta Fin, (Strings), Dan Quigley (Jazz), Jonny Ng (Strings), Neridah Oostenbroek (Strings), Alice Emor-Kan (Percussion) and Kristine Dutt (Woodwind). QASMT music staff on the day included Teena Sullivan, Sue Berti, Lissa Sullivan-Ward and Greg Thompson. 

This term we welcomed to our team Lissa Sullivan-Ward (Classroom Music and Woodwind) and Neridah Oostenbroek (Strings - Wednesday).  Both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience and are looking forward to working with our students in both ensemble and lessons. 
Our choir is rehearsing hard to prepare for Choral Fanfare on Monday 5 June - held off campus.  This is in addition to preparing for performances at our ANZAC Assembly in Week 1, Term 2 and our Evening Concert on 18 May. 

The arts and production ambassadors had an exciting beginning to Term 1 with the Battle of the Bands in Week 4 and 5.
Battle of the bands was a great opportunity for the hidden musicians in our school to experience performing in front of a crowd. The auditorium was packed with students and teachers, and it was wonderful to see all the talents within the SMT community. The highlight of the event was definitely the thrilled crowd cheers and the enthused way the bands interacted with the audience to create memorable performances. It was delightful seeing people wander by during breaktimes and to see the infectious energy of the performances liven up their day. The final top 3 bands, The Betayls, Volcanic Rock and Asian Flush will feature on the outdoor stage at the festival of creativity with the top band being announced on the day.
Thank you to all the bands that performed and the audience who came to enjoy all the acts!
Uhansa

Stay tuned for more events coming up in Term 2!

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

From Corporate Services

The School Marketing Team regularly posts to our social media networks. Keep up-to-date with all the happenings and achievements at QASMT by following:

Instagram: @queenslandacademysmt
Facebook: Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
LinkedIn: Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (SMT)
and the weekly Principal's Message on our website.

The School Marketing Team can be contacted via email communications@qasmt.eq.edu.au

School Marketing Team - Cherise Kingsbury and Chelsea Hardman-Denning