Welcome to the end of Week 4, a week full of achievement and new beginnings. We celebrate our talented musicians, support our Year 12s through the start of their final IB exams, and wish our JSSF group well as they represent the Academy in Japan. I am proud of our students and the way they continue to embrace every opportunity.
During
the September school holidays, thirteen of our dedicated musicians represented
the Academy at the Australian Honours Ensemble Program (AHEP) and the State
Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP). Offered annually by the Queensland
Conservatorium, Griffith University, these programs cater for musically
outstanding students. AHEP is entry by audition only, with students needing a
minimum performance standard of AMEB Grade 7. This year, six QASMT students
were selected for AHEP and seven for SHEP, which is an outstanding achievement.
Congratulations to Terrie, Dylan, Renita, Aaron, Louie and Lillian, who were
selected for AHEP, and to Eric, Olivia, Lincoln, Angela, Saanvi, Hannah and
Bohao, who participated in SHEP. We are very proud of you all.
Our Year 12 students began their final IB examinations on Tuesday. These exams will continue for three weeks and mark the culmination of years of hard work. To our Year 12s: you have prepared well, and you are supported by your teachers, your families and the whole Academy. Take each paper one at a time and trust the work you have put in. Between exams, look after yourselves: take regular breaks, go for a walk, and make sure you get plenty of sleep. Rest is part of good preparation, and a clear, rested mind will serve you far better than late-night cramming.
On Wednesday, we held our online Parent Teacher Interviews, providing a wonderful opportunity for families and teachers to connect, reflect on student progress and discuss how we can best support each student's learning and development. These conversations are an important part of building strong partnerships between home and school, ensuring we are working together to help our students achieve their best. We really value these opportunities to connect and work together in support of our students.
On Thursday, our Year 9 students gathered for the Journey Calling Ceremony, with the Da Vinci, Hawking, Hollows and Newton houses taking part this week. The Calling Ceremony is an integral part of the Journey, our Year 9 Positive Education Program, whose mission is to develop resilient, self-confident, compassionate future leaders. Over the past term, students reflected on the attitudes, behaviours, mindsets and habits that were holding them back from becoming adult learners. They wrote these on a pledge card and placed it on the flames, publicly committing to let them go.
It was a powerful moment to see our House Deans also place their own commitment pledge cards on the flames. It was a reminder that all of us, at every stage of life, have habits we can choose to leave behind as we continue to grow. Each house group was then called forward with their House Dean, and it was my privilege to present every student with their Journey badge. The badge reflects our hope that these students will be outstanding members of their communities, who engage in self-discovery, recognise the importance of service to themselves and others, and inspire those around them. The Calling Ceremony for our remaining houses, Agnesi, Curie, Franklin and Jackson, will take place on Thursday 12 November in Week 6. Congratulations, Year 9!
On Thursday and Friday, our 2027 Academy Captains and leaders took part in the New Academy Leaders Workshop. The Academy Captains Leadership Training is a two-day program designed to develop the leadership skills, confidence and teamwork of our Academy Captains. Delivered by Mrs Jane Manwaring in collaboration with an external provider, the program involves a range of group activities and collaborative challenges that encourage students to identify their individual strengths, build on their leadership capabilities and develop a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities for the year ahead. Through these activities, students will explore effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving and the importance of leading by example. The training will help prepare our Captains to support their peers, represent the Academy positively and contribute to a strong, inclusive and connected school community. I look forward to seeing this group lead the Academy next year.
Finally, our JSSF group began their adventure on Friday, travelling to Japan for the Japan Super Science Fair. With the theme “Plunge into the Unknown", it promises to be an inspiring experience that runs through to next Wednesday. They are accompanied by our Deputy Principal Middle Years, Kirsten Baker, and our Director of STEM Research Program, Jen Colley. We look forward to hearing all about their discoveries when they return.
As we move into Week 5, I thank our families and staff for the care and encouragement they give our students every day. We wish our Year 12s well as their exams continue, and we look forward to welcoming our JSSF group home with their stories from Japan.
Warm regards,
Kath Kayrooz
Principal
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology