After the concert, I had the chance to speak with some of our departing musicians and their families, and the emotion in their voices was unmistakable. Many shared how music had been a constant through their time here, giving them a space to grow, connect, and express themselves. Seeing them leave the stage for the final time was bittersweet, but I know the confidence, discipline, and joy they have gained will stay with them long after their last note.
Golden Paddle Competition
The competitive spirit was alive and well all week with the Golden Paddle Competition taking over our courtyard. The table tennis tables outside A Block Student Services are never short of action, but during this week they become a true battleground for our most dedicated players. The games were intense, the crowd vocal, and the sportsmanship outstanding. Our champions this year were:
Senior Division – 1st place: Ian, 2nd place: Xiangdong
Junior Division – 1st place: Lukas, 2nd place: Asher
Congratulations to all who competed! I'm always amazed by the speed and precision on display from these young players.
What I especially enjoyed was seeing how the competition drew such a range of participants, from seasoned players who know every angle of the table to those giving it a go for the first time just for the fun of it. The laughter, high-fives, and friendly rivalries made the atmosphere infectious, and it reminded me how important these moments of play and camaraderie are in building our school culture.
100 Days for Year 12
Thursday marked a significant moment in the school year: our Year 12 100 Day Photo. It's a tradition I cherish, seeing our seniors in their jerseys gathered together as we officially begin the countdown to their last day at QASMT. With our cohorts growing each year, the photo now needs to be taken outside, capturing every beaming smile against the backdrop of our campus. There's something special about this milestone, as it's both a reminder of how far they've come and a glimpse into the excitement of what lies ahead.
As I looked across the sea of smiling faces, I couldn't help but think about all the journeys these students have taken to get here. The challenges they've overcome, the friendships they've built, and the memories they've made. This moment was a collective pause to acknowledge their hard work and resilience, and I know that in these final 100 days, they'll make the most of every opportunity to leave their mark.
Student Achievements
I am thrilled to share the outstanding results from the 2025 LTQ Language Competition, a testament to the incredible skill and dedication of our language students. This year, QASMT students achieved:
German: 4 Gold, 4 Silver, 2 Bronze, plus 1 Fourth Place and 2 Fifth Place finishes
Japanese: 3 Gold, 3 Bronze, 1 Fourth Place, and 5 High Commendations
French: 4 Gold, 3 Silver, 4 Fourth Place, and 3 High Commendations
Chinese: 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze
I couldn't be prouder of our students for their commitment to mastering languages and embracing global perspectives.
We also celebrate our Year 12.1 Debating Team, who are through to the Quarter Finals of the Queensland Debating Union (QDU) Brisbane Region. They face Brisbane Grammar School next week at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, and I have every confidence they will represent us with passion, skill, and grace.
Looking Ahead
Week 5 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting weeks in our calendar. Our Year 10s depart for the Perisher Ski Trip, an adventure I know they will never forget. At the same time, we will be celebrating National Science Week, a highlight for our school every year. The week will be brimming with activities, including the Years 7 & 11 Collaborative Science Project Action Day, our STEM Showcase in the Auditorium, the Science Colloquium, and the Brunch with a Scientist event. Lunchtime experiments will also fill the courtyard with wonder and curiosity.
I can already feel the buzz of anticipation building. Weeks like this are where QASMT shines brightest; a place where learning leaps off the page and into the real world. With the EKKA public holiday in the middle of it, it will be a slightly shorter week, but one packed full of opportunities for inspiration and discovery. I'm also looking forward to welcoming prospective families on tours and sharing with them the vibrant, curious, and supportive environment we have here.
Warm regards,
Kath Kayrooz
Principal