As we move into the final weeks of Term 2, our Academy continues to be a place where students embrace opportunities to learn, contribute and grow. This week has highlighted the breadth of experiences available to our students, from career exploration and creative performance to community service, sporting excellence and wellbeing initiatives. Together, these experiences enrich student life and help prepare our young people to become capable, compassionate and engaged citizens.
One of the exciting opportunities currently underway is the commencement of the Year 10 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Course. VET programs provide students with valuable practical skills, industry knowledge and pathways for future study and employment. Through authentic learning experiences, students gain insight into a range of career options while developing transferable skills that will support them throughout their lives. We wish our Year 10 students every success as they embark on this important learning journey and thank the staff and industry partners who make these opportunities possible.
This week also showcased the incredible talents of our student musicians at the Evening of Music Concert. The concert provided an opportunity for students to share the results of countless hours of practice, dedication and collaboration. Performing in front of an audience requires courage and confidence, and our students should be extremely proud of the professionalism and passion they demonstrated throughout the evening.
Music plays an important role in enriching student life, fostering creativity, discipline and self-expression. We thank our talented performers, music staff and families for their support in making the evening such a memorable celebration of the arts within our Academy.
Service and compassion remain central to life at QASMT, and this week we were pleased to support the Franklin House RSPCA Fundraising event. The initiative provided students with an opportunity to contribute to the welfare of animals while developing a deeper understanding of community responsibility and service.
Fundraising efforts such as these remind us that even small acts of generosity can make a meaningful difference.
We thank Franklin House for their leadership in organising this worthwhile event and congratulate all students who contributed to its success through donations, participation and support.
This week also marked Men's Health Week, an important opportunity to raise awareness about physical health, mental wellbeing and the importance of seeking support when needed. At QASMT, we are committed to fostering a culture where wellbeing is prioritised and where students feel empowered to look after themselves and one another.
As part of the week's activities, our School Nurse, Emma, organised a range of initiatives to encourage meaningful conversations about healthy lifestyles, resilience, positive relationships and mental health. These discussions are particularly important for young people as they develop the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about their wellbeing.
We extend our sincere thanks to Emma for coordinating these valuable activities, as well as to the staff and students who participated and helped promote these important messages within our community.
At QASMT, we are always proud to recognise students who pursue excellence beyond the classroom and represent their school and state with distinction.
We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Jasmeh, who has been selected to represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia National Championships as a member of the Under 15 Girls Hockey Team.
Selection to a state representative team is a significant accomplishment and reflects Jasmeh's dedication, perseverance and commitment to her sport. Reaching this level of competition requires countless hours of training, determination and resilience, as well as the ability to perform consistently at a high standard.
We congratulate Jasmeh on this remarkable accomplishment and wish her every success as she competes against the nation's best young hockey players at the School Sport Australia National Championships.
We are equally proud to recognise another outstanding student achievement on the global stage. Two of our students, Jediah and Zachary, recently achieved an impressive 7th place in the world in the Junior Division Global Issues Problem Solving Competition at the Future Problem-Solving International event.
Competing against some of the world's most talented young problem-solvers, the team demonstrated exceptional critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and innovation while tackling complex future-focused challenges. The competition requires students to analyse emerging issues, identify challenges and develop thoughtful solutions to real-world problems.
Securing a place among the world's top competitors is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the dedication, perseverance and talent of these students. Their success reflects the spirit of excellence, curiosity and innovation that we value at QASMT.
Congratulations to Jediah and Zachary for their exceptional achievements and for representing both QASMT and Queensland with pride.
As we approach the conclusion of Term 2, I encourage all students to maintain their focus on their academic goals while also taking time to celebrate the many opportunities for connection, creativity, service and personal growth that enrich life at the Academy. From sporting success on the national stage to community fundraising, musical performances, wellbeing initiatives and vocational learning opportunities, this week's experiences remind us that education is about far more than academic achievement alone; it is about developing the skills, character and values that enable young people to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
I thank our students, staff and families for their continued commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive and thriving school community, and I look forward to celebrating the many achievements that will undoubtedly emerge as we conclude the term.
Warm regards,
Kath Kayrooz
Principal
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology