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Principal’s Blog – Week 6, Term 2, 2026

 
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​​​​​​​Reflection.

Despite the recent rain and temporary oval closures, the halfway point of Term 2 has remained full of energy, learning, and achievement across our school community.

In busy school environments, it can be easy to move quickly from one task to the next without taking time to reflect. Yet reflection remains one of the most powerful tools for growth. It allows us to celebrate progress, learn from challenges, and consider how we can continue to improve - not only academically, but personally and collectively as a community.

At QASMT, we encourage our students to become thoughtful, reflective learners who are willing to evaluate their experiences and use them as a foundation for future success.

 

I encourage our community to take a few moments to view the TED Talk below, which explores the value of reflection in both career and life.

The Habit That Could Improve Your Career (and Your Life)

Paul Catchlove believes strongly in the power of reflection. Throughout his varied career - from priest to opera singer to senior management consultant - he has benefited from the habit of regularly considering and analysing his goals, needs, and performance.

His TED Talk explores how reflection can strengthen decision-making, relationships, and personal growth.

Paul Catchlove: The habit that could improve your career (and your life) | TED Talk


Year 11 Leadership Symposium

At the end of last week, our Year 11 students participated in the Leadership Symposium - an important opportunity designed to equip students with the skills and mindset required to become positive leaders and role models within our community.

Throughout the symposium, students explored leadership through service, action, collaboration, and example. The experience also provided valuable preparation for upcoming Student Leadership applications and encouraged students to reflect on the kind of impact they hope to make at QASMT and beyond.

It was wonderful to see students engaging thoughtfully in discussions, challenges, and activities that promoted confidence, empathy, and initiative. We look forward to seeing these leadership qualities continue to develop throughout the year.


 

2026 Melbourne Pokémon Regional Championship

Congratulations to Drake, who travelled to Melbourne last weekend to compete in the 2026 Melbourne Pokémon Regional Championship.

Drake achieved an outstanding result, placing 1st in the Senior Division in a highly competitive field of 121 players. This achievement marks his third Oceania event win this season, following victories in Auckland and Brisbane, and places him at the top of the Oceania leaderboard.

This level of success reflects an incredible combination of strategic thinking, perseverance, preparation, and dedication. We are extremely proud of Drake's accomplishment and look forward to following his continued journey throughout the season.


Well done, Drake!

 UQ Visit to QASMT

QASMT is incredibly fortunate to benefit from our unique partnership with The University of Queensland. This collaboration creates exceptional opportunities for our students and plays a significant role in bridging the gap between secondary and tertiary education.

From our Engagement Program for incoming students through to advanced tertiary study opportunities, students are provided with experiences that extend and enrich their learning.

Through UQ's Enhanced Studies Program (ESP), students can undertake university subjects while still completing their Diploma Programme studies. Year 11 students also have access to the intensive Effective Thinking and Writing program, specifically designed in partnership with UQ.

Our collaboration also includes the Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland (SPARQ-ed) program, based at the Translational Research Institute, where students engage in advanced biological and biomedical learning experiences.

These opportunities allow students to develop independence, academic confidence, and readiness for future study pathways. In addition, successful completion of ESP and SPARQ-ed programs may contribute bonus rank points through UQ's Bonus Rank Scheme.

Our university partnerships continue to provide a diverse range of experiences for students, including:

  • Credits and exemptions for International Baccalaureate Diploma students
  • Experience Science Day for all Year 10 students
  • Queensland Junior Physics Olympiad Camp
  • Science and Engineering Challenge
  • Research Computing Centre opportunities, including attendance at the Supercomputer Conference USA
  • Engineering Futures evening for girls
  • Student Economics Day
  • Moreton Bay and Heron Island Research Stations
  • Enhanced Studies Program courses for Year 11 and 12 students
  • Extended Essay support
  • Sporting coaches and mentoring opportunities

The strength of our partnership with UQ continues to enrich the educational experience for our students and reinforces QASMT's commitment to academic excellence and innovation.


National Sorry Day & National Reconciliation Week

This week, our school community joined Australians across the country in marking National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week.

National Sorry Day acknowledges the Stolen Generations - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families, communities, and cultures. It is also a time to recognise the ongoing impacts of these policies, while honouring the strength, resilience, and enduring cultures of First Nations peoples.

As part of National Sorry Day, Mrs Manwaring, Mr Aspland, and QASMT student leaders attended the 28th Annual National Sorry Day Ceremony at Sherwood Arboretum. They joined members of the wider community to listen, learn, and reflect, recognising the importance of truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation.

During Instep lessons this week, students explored the significance of National Sorry Day, including the history of the Stolen Generations and the importance of reconciliation in Australia. Through discussion and reflection, students deepened their understanding of truth-telling, acknowledgement, and the ongoing journey towards a more respectful and united future.

National Reconciliation Week continues this important focus, encouraging all Australians to work towards a more just, respectful, and inclusive nation.

This year's theme, “All In for Reconciliation," reminds us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility. It calls on all Australians to move beyond awareness and towards meaningful action in our everyday choices, conversations, and relationships.

As we move through Reconciliation Week, I encourage our community to take time to reflect on its significance and consider how each of us can contribute to reconciliation within our school and the broader community.


University Presentation: The University of Sydney

On Wednesday, students had the opportunity to attend a presentation from The University of Sydney in the QASMT Lecture Theatre.

The session provided valuable information regarding study pathways, accommodation, scholarships, and university life. Students also learned more about the university's globally recognised programs and research excellence.

These career information sessions continue to play an important role in helping students explore future pathways and make informed decisions about their post-school opportunities.

We also look forward to the upcoming session:

International Applications: USA, UK and More

Wednesday 3 June | 2:00pm – 3:00pm

ISC Volleyball

This weekend, our Year 9 and 10 students are attending the 2026 Intermediate Schools Cup, presented by Volleyball Queensland, on the Gold Coast.

The tournament, held from 29–31 May at Bond University, provides students with an exciting opportunity to compete, represent QASMT, and further develop their teamwork and sporting skills.

We wish all students and staff involved the very best for the competition.

 

Please stay dry and safe this weekend.

As we continue through the term, I encourage all members of our community to take time to reflect - on achievements, challenges, learning, and growth. Reflection gives us perspective, strengthens our understanding, and reminds us of the importance of continual improvement.


“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action." - Peter Drucker


Warm regards, 


Kath Kayrooz 

Principal  

Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology 


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Last reviewed 01 June 2026
Last updated 01 June 2026