Following the excitement and energy of Science Fair Week, this week has continued to showcase the many ways our students at QASMT pursue excellence across academic, co-curricular, sporting and community activities. From the stage of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music to the ski slopes of Perisher, and from robotics and STEM seminars to charitable initiatives, it has been another busy and rewarding week across the Academy.
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One of the highlights of the week was celebrating an extraordinary achievement in robotics. Congratulations to Year 7 students, Elliott and Ryan, who took out 1st Place in the Open Rescue Line division at the 25th annual Queensland State Junior RoboCup Championships 2026.
Held at The University of Queensland, St Lucia, the championships brought together some of Queensland's strongest student robotics teams. Elliott and Ryan's achievement is particularly impressive given that the Open Rescue Line is the most advanced division, with teams typically comprising students aged 14 to 19. As Year 7 students, they competed against and defeated a field made up of mostly Year 11 and 12 students.
The Open Rescue Line division also provides a pathway towards representing Australia at the international RoboCup World Championships. Congratulations to Elliott and Ryan on this outstanding result and well done to our other seven Year 7 and 8 teams, who also performed exceptionally well against their more experienced opponents. This is a very exciting indication of the future of robotics, engineering and computer science at QASMT.
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We are also incredibly proud of the achievement of our Curlew String Ensemble, who performed last Friday evening at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music as part of the Secondary Schools Fanfare State Finals. Of the 1200 ensembles that participated in the heats and regional finals, just five schools were selected to perform at the State Finals. To reach this stage is a remarkable achievement and incredible reflection of the talent, commitment and musicality of our students.
Congratulations to all members of the Curlew String Ensemble on this outstanding accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of our talented musicians and extend our sincere thanks to their conductor, Ms Teena Sullivan, for her expertise, encouragement and dedication. Performing on such a prestigious stage is an experience our students can be very proud of.
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This week also saw a group of our students take part in the annual Perisher Ski Tour. The tour provides students with an opportunity to develop their skiing and snowboarding skills while also building confidence, independence and resilience in a very different environment from the classroom. Experiences such as these encourage students to challenge themselves, support one another and embrace new experiences.
I thank the staff who accompanied our students and helped make the tour possible. Opportunities to learn and grow beyond the Academy grounds contribute significantly to the development of well-rounded young people and create memories that students will carry with them well beyond their time at QASMT.
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For our Year 12 students, Mock Examinations have continued this week, with students demonstrating commendable focus and commitment as they prepare for their final examinations. I wish them well as they complete this important period of their senior schooling next week.
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Our students have also continued to demonstrate their generosity and commitment to supporting others through a number of charitable initiatives this week.
On Tuesday, Hawking House hosted a Charity fundraiser, with students selling Slurpee's to raise funds for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. It was fantastic to see students embracing the opportunity to contribute to an important cause and using their initiative to make a positive difference beyond our Academy.
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Following another charity event, our Curie House community also ran a fundraiser in support of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, with bubble tea, caramel slice, cookies, lollies and chocolates on offer. These initiatives are a great reminder that the strength of a school community is not only measured by academic and co-curricular achievement, but also by the willingness of our students to support others and contribute to causes that matter.
I thank all students and staff involved in organising and supporting both the Hawking and Curie fundraisers. Their generosity, enthusiasm and commitment to giving back make a meaningful contribution to our broader community.
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This week we also had the opportunity to celebrate excellence among our staff through the Peter Doherty Awards. We were delighted to see two members of the QASMT community recognised for their outstanding contribution to STEM education.
Congratulations to Kaz, who was awarded the Outstanding STEM Support Officer Award for his exemplary support beyond his usual duties, enhancing teaching and student learning across STEM. His extensive knowledge of contemporary STEM practices and commitment to sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues continue to make a valuable impact across our Academy.
We also congratulate Ged, recipient of the Outstanding Teacher of STEM Award, recognising his exceptional support of students and staff across Computer Science, Digital Society and Design, as well as his contributions to co-curricular activities including STEM Research, Digital Media and Game Design.
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These awards are a remarkable recognition of the expertise, dedication and generosity of our staff. Our students benefit enormously from teachers and support staff who are passionate about their fields and committed to creating opportunities for young people to learn, explore and excel. Congratulations to both Kaz and Ged on this well-deserved recognition.
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Our commitment to authentic STEM learning was also evident on Thursday, when we welcomed Dr Aurelie Benfield from The University of Queensland to our STEM Seminar. Dr Benfield, a post-doctoral research fellow with the Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, spoke with our students about Host Defence Peptides as Novel Therapeutics.
Opportunities to hear directly from researchers working at the forefront of scientific discovery provide an invaluable connection between the learning taking place in our classrooms and the research being undertaken in the broader scientific community. We thank Dr Benfield for sharing her expertise and experiences with our students and inspiring them to consider the many possibilities available through STEM study and careers.
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As we move further into Term 3, it has been another week that demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available to our students at QASMT. Whether competing against senior students in robotics, performing at a state-level music competition, challenging themselves on the snow, preparing for important examinations, engaging with leading STEM researchers or giving back through charitable initiatives, our students continue to embrace opportunities to learn, grow and contribute.
I would also like to acknowledge our staff, whose commitment enables so many of these experiences to take place. From supporting our Year 12 students through their Mock Examinations to accompanying students on tours, facilitating STEM opportunities, supporting musical performances and helping students organise charitable activities, there are countless contributions made each week that enrich the experience of being a QASMT student.
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As we look towards the remainder of Term 3, I encourage all students to continue making the most of the opportunities available to them. For our Year 12 students, the coming weeks remain an important period of preparation and reflection. For our younger students, there are many opportunities ahead to continue developing their interests, building new skills and contributing to our Academy community.
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Thank you to our students, staff and families for another excellent week at QASMT. It is a privilege to see the enthusiasm, talent, generosity and determination of our students across so many different areas of Academy life.
Warm regards,
Kerry Bullock
Acting Principal
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology