As we approach the final week of Term 3, it has been encouraging to see our QASMT community come together to celebrate wellbeing, connection and the learning that takes place beyond the classroom.
This week has also marked the beginning of an exciting international learning experience for many of our students and staff, with our annual Europe STEM Tour getting underway over the weekend. Open to Year 11 students studying French, German, Spanish or Latin, the tour provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures and languages while engaging in STEM learning.
The Europe STEM Tour is an important part of developing international mindedness at QASMT. Across the two-week program, students engage with their host communities and language, participate in STEM focused activities and undertake projects that encourage teamwork, independence and leadership. For our language students, living and communicating within a host community provides a valuable way to further develop their language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and ways of life.
The tour also encourages students to consider STEM from an international perspective, exploring current issues, research and future possibilities beyond Australia. These experiences allow students to broaden their understanding of the world around them while developing the confidence, independence and practical skills that come from navigating new environments.
We look forward to following their tour and sharing some of their stories with our QASMT community. To keep up to date with what our students and staff are getting up to throughout the tour, I encourage you to follow our Instagram page, where we will be sharing updates along the way: QASMT Instagram
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This week we also recognised Women's Health Week and R U OK? Day, with our school community coming together during Thursday's lunch break to celebrate women's health, wellbeing and empowerment, while also highlighting the importance of meaningful conversations and looking out for one another.
Students were able to participate in a range of free activities and engage with special guests from Women's Health & Equality Queensland, Share the Dignity, Prep Talk and the Pelvic Pain Foundation. These conversations and activities provided an opportunity for our students to learn more about women's health and wellbeing, ask questions and connect with organisations that provide valuable support within our community. R U OK? Day also reinforced the importance of checking in with friends, classmates and those around us, reminding students that a simple conversation can make a meaningful difference.
I would like to extend a special thank you to our school Nurse, Emma, for organising the event and to all of our guest organisations for giving their time and sharing their knowledge with our students. Creating space for open conversations about health and wellbeing is a valuable part of supporting our young people to feel informed, confident and empowered, while building a school community where students feel connected and supported.
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Thursday also brought some friendly competition to the Academy, with our staff versus student volleyball match taking place during lunch. It was pleasing to see students and staff coming together, showing plenty of enthusiasm and school spirit.
Congratulations to our students, who took the win in both sets: 25-22 and 25-23! While the students may have claimed bragging rights this time, I am sure our staff team will be looking for a chance to redeem themselves in the future.
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As we look towards our final week of Term 3, there is still plenty happening across the Academy. Our Year 12 students will participate in their Year 12 Conference, with a program designed to support their wellbeing, personal development and preparation for the final stage of their schooling. The week will provide a balance of reflection, practical learning and activities to help our Year 12 students prepare for life beyond QASMT.
Across the rest of the Academy, our MYP students in Years 7–9 will also come together for the Junior Spring Gala Day, a full-day inter-school sporting competition held as part of the West Brisbane Secondary School Sport Association (WBSSSA) program. The day provides students with the chance to represent QASMT, compete alongside their peers and schools from across the region, and demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship and school spirit. Days such as these are an essential part of school life, providing students with time to build connections, celebrate their achievements and create shared memories together.
I encourage our students to continue to approach the week with enthusiasm and make the most of the experiences available to them. I would also like to wish our students and staff travelling on the Europe STEM Tour a safe, enriching and memorable journey.
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I look forward to hearing about their time overseas and the many stories they will bring home to share with our QASMT community.
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Thank you to everyone who has contributed to another rewarding week at QASMT. I look forward to celebrating the final week of Term 3 with our students and staff before we enjoy a well-earned break.
Warm regards,
Angelique Salisbury
Acting Principal
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology