This week was my first week back at school, and I want to express my gratitude to Ms Tanya Haggarty for acting principal whilst I was away. I had the pleasure of visiting staffrooms and classrooms which was a lovely welcome back. I am overwhelmed with the sense of excitement for this year, and I am looking forward to catching up with families at the Parent Information Evening on Monday 12 February.
Awards Assembly
Week 3 commenced with an exciting Middle and Senior Years Awards Assemblies. We celebrated the outstanding achievements of our student's, by acknowledging their hard work and academic achievements from Term 4 2023. Their accomplishments are a true reflection of their hard work and dedication to learning. I extend another huge congratulations to all of our students for receiving an award at the assemblies.
Academy Captains and Principal Meeting
On Wednesday, the Academy Captains and I met for our first leadership meeting for 2024. I am extremely grateful to work alongside Joy, Abby, Anika and Gabriel, who are enthusiastic and inspirational young leaders. Our students have great ideas, and regular meetings provide opportunity for communication and implementation.
House Dodgeball Competition
Our Middle Years Interhouse Dodgeball Competition was an unmissable event. The house spirit was in full force, and it was amazing to see students unite in a team environment. The court was transformed into a friendly battlefield with flying foam balls and impressive strategic movements, as the teams fiercely competed for house glory.
Year Level Parent Representatives
I would like to take the opportunity to briefly introduce the 2024 Year Level Parent Representatives.
Year 7 – Danny Dang
Year 8 – Amanda Tibbett and Stephen Holden
Year 9 – Rebecca Bissett and Tamsin Terry
Year 10 – Rowan Alick and Angelin Achari
Year 11 – Christine Chew and Kylie Rule
Year 12 – Tanusha Ramaloo and Tracy Zhao
To ensure effective lines of communication, a survey will be emailed to all parents/caregivers to request parent consent to share contact details with the Year Level Parent Representatives. Only those parents who consent to share their details will be provided to the Year Level Parent Representatives
Year 10 students UQ Science and Engineering Challenge
On Thursday, 24 Year 10 students participated in the UQ Science and Engineering Challenge. The challenge involved a full day of practical activities where students collaborated and put forward their best problem-solving skills to design an earthquake proof tower, build a hovercraft or bridge, provide electricity to a city, and create an environmentally friendly house.
I am extremely proud to announce that our students came first in the challenge and walked away with the winning trophy! Congratulations to our students on their outstanding achievement.
Japanese Cultural Festival
Throughout the year, our enthusiastic students alongside their passionate teachers, host a large variety of multicultural activities during lunchtimes. This week, we celebrated Setsubun, a festival held one day before the start of spring, according to the Japanese lunar calendar. A common ritual is to throw beans at the 'Oni' (demon), whilst yelling “Oni-wa Soto, Fuku-wa Uchi" (“Demons Out! Good Fortunes In! 鬼は外! 福は内!). It's incredible to see the amount of student engagement at these wonderful cultural events.
