Sustainability Week
One of the highlights of our Term 2 calendar is Sustainability Week, and this year's event once again reinforced just how committed our students are to protecting and preserving our world. From the moment the week began with Monday's Sustainability Assembly, I could feel the collective energy and enthusiasm for environmental action radiating through our school.
We were honoured to welcome Professor Ian Godwin, Director of the Centre for Crop Science at UQ, as our special guest speaker. His presentation on organic agriculture was fascinating, giving our students a deeper look into sustainable farming practices and the future of food production. It's always incredibly rewarding to see our young scientists connect with industry leaders and begin imagining themselves in these fields.
Congratulations also to Oliver in Year 11, who won our Sustainability Photo Contest for the second year in a row, a truly impressive achievement! The winning photo captured both beauty and impact, and I was so proud to see the thoughtful creativity of all our entrants. Our sustainability student leaders also spoke passionately at the assembly about the progress QASMT is making, from reducing waste to increasing green initiatives across campus. Their leadership is inspiring, and I am continually encouraged by the ideas they bring forward to help make our school a more environmentally responsible space.
Midweek, our courtyard was buzzing with colour and flair as the annual Sustainable Fashion Parade took over the lunch hour. This is such a fun and meaningful event where INSTEP groups spend weeks designing and creating outfits made from reused or recycled materials, and the results are always spectacular. The creativity and resourcefulness on display were truly extraordinary. Being part of the judges' table is always difficult when it's time to have to choose a winning design, but this year's winning design came from a Curie House INSTEP group and was well deserved for such a showstopping outfit!
Throughout the rest of the week, students got hands-on in a range of sustainability activities around the courtyard. From building miniature terrariums to creating upcycled tote bags out of old t-shirts, our campus became a hub of eco-friendly innovation and fun. What I love most about Sustainability Week is that it engages all year levels and reminds us all, staff and students alike, of the small steps we can take every day to make a big difference. It's these events that not only enrich our curriculum but truly shape the culture and values of our school.
End of Term 2 and Looking Ahead
As I reflect on Term 2, I'm overwhelmed by how much we've achieved together. From the intensity and focus of Exam Block for our students, to the joyous energy of events like the Festival of Creativity and Cross Country, this term has been a celebration of what makes QASMT so special.
Our students continue to amaze me with their ambition and accomplishments. We've seen incredible achievements across STEM competitions, creative arts, sport, and leadership programs, including international success at SISTEMIC in Singapore and top-tier performances from our Volleyball Academy. I feel so privileged to witness these moments and be part of a school where excellence is not only expected but nurtured.
Looking ahead to Term 3, there is so much I'm excited for. The Year 12 Formal is always a beautiful and emotional night as a celebration of our seniors' journey and a milestone they'll remember forever. National Science Week is, of course, the biggest and most thrilling week of our year, and I can't wait to experience the explosion of innovation, ideas and energy I get to see across our campus each year.
I'm also preparing to jet off for the International STEM Tour to Europe, a deeply rewarding experience where our students expand their worldview and connect with the global STEM community. It's a joy to share this journey with them each year and witness their growth in real time.
And while I won't be donning a ski jacket myself, I'll be living vicariously through our Year 10 students heading to Perisher on the ski trip! I wish I could join them on the slopes for the wonderful adventure it will be for them.
Thank you to all of our students, staff and families for another exceptional term. I hope you all enjoy a well-deserved break, and I look forward to welcoming you back in Term 3 with renewed energy and excitement for what lies ahead.
Warm regards,
Ms. Kath Kayrooz
Principal