Commencement Assembly
We began the term with our Commencement Assembly on Monday morning, where our Academy Captains, Portfolio Captains, and Ambassadors warmly welcomed our students back and shared reflections on an exceptional Term 2. Each portfolio team also presented what's in store for Term 3, and I was thoroughly impressed by their passion and forward thinking.
One highlight is the Technology Portfolio's exciting new lunchtime initiative: a Game Development Workshop, where students can explore the foundations of game design. These opportunities are what make QASMT such a vibrant learning community; a place where student ideas grow into something tangible, impactful, and fun.
We were also treated to a stunning musical performance from our Chamber Ensemble, featuring Rio, one of our talented Year 11 students, on piano. Together, they performed Bach's Keyboard Concerto, a truly moving piece that showcased Rio's incredible musicality and poise. My thanks to our Instrumental Music Teacher Teena Sullivan, who conducted the performance; her guidance and dedication were evident in every note.
ARC Sausage Sizzle
It was such a joy to be down in the courtyard on Monday lunchtime for the ARC Sausage Sizzle, where our student leaders fired up the BBQ and welcomed everyone back with sizzling sausages and big smiles. The aroma of snags in bread filled the air as students and staff gathered to reconnect, laugh, and share stories from the holidays.
I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with students as a perfect way to ease back into the term and soak up the positive energy on campus. Events like this embody the spirit of QASMT.
A big thank you to our ARC student leaders for organising such a wonderful welcome back. Your enthusiasm and hospitality truly set the tone for the term ahead.
Interhouse Trivia
The ever-popular Interhouse Trivia Competition launched this Friday with our Senior Round for Years 10 to 12, held in the Auditorium. It was wonderful to see our senior students showing up in force, proudly representing their Houses with energy, enthusiasm, and some impressive general knowledge! The questions spanned a wide range of categories, keeping even our top quizzers on their toes.
The fun doesn't stop there, as trivia continues next week during Positive Education Week, with the MYP Round for Years 7 to 9. All eyes are on which House will take home the ultimate glory when the winning House is announced in Week 3.
Last year's champions were Agnesi House, led by the ever passionate Dr Davis. The big question now: can Agnesi defend their title, or will another House rise to claim victory? Let the battle of wits continue!
Student Achievements
Term 3 has only just begun, and we're already celebrating incredible achievements from our students. Over the holidays, Jayani in Year 9 represented Queensland in the 2025 Australian Indoor Cricket National Championships held in Perth. Her U16 Queensland Girls team went on to win the national title - an outstanding accomplishment!
Jayani was also named Player of the Grand Final and selected into the Australian U16 Girls Merit Team, a remarkable recognition of her talent, determination and performance under pressure. Congratulations, Jayani! Your QASMT community is so proud of you!
Meanwhile, Katherine in Year 12 jetted off to Dubai during the second week of the holidays to compete in the prestigious 2025 International Chemistry Olympiad. This global competition brought together some of the brightest young scientific minds from around the world, and we're thrilled to share that Katherine brought home a Bronze Medal! Her success is a testament to her incredible dedication and passion for science. We are so proud of her for representing QASMT and Australia on the world stage.
Congratulations to both Jayani and Katherine! Your achievements continue to inspire us all!
Looking Ahead
We have a packed and exciting term ahead! Week 2 will be Positive Education Week, with plenty of uplifting and community-building activities, including the Staff vs Students Netball game, the ARC Fair, and our delicious pancake breakfasts. In Week 3, it's time to celebrate the magic of storytelling during Book Week, culminating in our always-entertaining Book Week Costume Parade and the glamorous Year 12 Formal on Friday night.
Week 4 brings the highly anticipated Golden Paddle Table Tennis Competition in the courtyard, as well as the Jackson and Hollows House Charity Event, two great events that bring together skill, heart, and house spirit. Then in Week 5, we launch into National Science Week, one of our school's biggest and most exciting weeks of the year. We'll be hosting Brunch with a Scientist, the STEM Showcase, the Science Colloquium, and so much more. Our Year 10 students will also head off on the Perisher Ski Tour, and I know they're counting down the days to hit the slopes!
As we approach the end of the term, students and staff will depart for the Europe and Japan STEM Tours in Weeks 9 and 10. I'm personally very excited to once again lead our students on the Europe Tour, which is always a highlight of my year. These trips are unforgettable experiences, rich with learning, cultural exchange, and connection.
I can't wait to share more about all of these wonderful events as the term unfolds. Here's to a term full of growth, celebration, and community!
Warm regards,
Kath Kayrooz
Principal