Staff Vs Students – Basketball
There's nothing quite like a Staff vs Students match to bring the school together, and our first game of the year did not disappoint! The sport? Basketball. The venue? A packed auditorium. With students lining the perimeter of the court, the energy was electric as our staff team - featuring House Deans, Heads of Department, and other brave teachers - went head-to-head with our student players.
It was a tight game, with both teams showcasing skill and strategy. In the end, the staff managed to take the win by just a couple of points, proving they've still got what it takes! More important than the score was the sense of community and camaraderie that filled the room. Seeing students and staff laugh, cheer, and compete together is what makes these games so special, and I can't wait for the next one!
Year 7 Camp
Our Year 7s embarked on their first big QASMT adventure this week, heading off to Mount Tamborine's QCCC for their Year 7 Camp. This trip is focusses on teamwork, resilience, and making new friends, and I have no doubt that they returned with plenty of stories about their experiences.
Accompanying them on this journey was fantastic House Dean team, along with other dedicated teaching staff who have volunteered to chaperone. With their guidance and enthusiasm, Year 7 camp is an experience to remember.
From high ropes challenges to team-building activities, the camp is designed to help students develop confidence and friendships that will last their entire journey at QASMT.
Year 7 Coffee Morning with Principals
While our Year 7s were off on their camp adventure, their parents had their own special event - the Year 7 Parent Coffee Morning with the Deputy Principal's. As they dropped their students off, parents were invited to stay for a fresh coffee and a breakfast treat while connecting with our Executive Leadership team.
It's always a pleasure to meet with parents in an informal setting like this. We know the transition to high school is a big one, not just for students but for families as well. This coffee morning gave us the chance to chat, answer questions, and welcome our newest QASMT families into our school community.
Classroom Visits
This week, I had the pleasure of visiting a variety of classes across the Academy, from English and Latin to Psychology and more. With the introduction of 90-minute lesson blocks this year, I was keen to see how our students and teachers were adapting to the new structure.
I was incredibly impressed with the engaging pedagogy on display in every classroom. The extended lesson times have allowed for deeper discussions, collaborative learning, and hands-on activities, making for truly enriching experiences. I also saw fantastic use of 'brain breaks' through quick games and challenges - a chance for students to reset and refocus before diving back into their learning. It was clear that our students knew their learning intentions and success criteria, demonstrating strong engagement with their lessons.
In addition to my classroom visits, I also attended the Year 9 Assembly on Academic Integrity. This session echoed the themes from the Year 12 Academic Integrity Assembly held earlier in the term, reinforcing the importance of honest and ethical academic practices as our students progress through their studies.
Catch-Up Photo Day
This week, we held our Catch-Up Photo Day, giving students and staff who missed the first round a chance to have their official school photos taken. It was great to see everyone making sure they had their place in the year's records, whether for student ID cards or the school yearbook.
In addition to individual photos, we also took the final group photos of the year, capturing our Heads of Department and Leadership Teams. These photos are an important part of commemorating the incredible staff who lead, support, and shape our school community.
With our full set of student, staff, and leadership photos now complete, we're all set for another year of memories at QASMT.
Beatsaber Competition
For those looking for some high-tech lunchtime entertainment, our Beat Saber Competition was the place to be! Facilitated by our Technology Captain and Ambassadors, this event turned our VR space into a competitive battleground as students put on their headsets and tested their rhythm skills.
With a huge sign-up list, it's clear that gaming + lunchtime + your favourite song = a winning formula. Whether students were slashing beats to victory or just enjoying the thrill of playing VR with their friends, the competition brought fun, energy, and a bit of healthy rivalry to the week.
Zonta CCA
One of the most meaningful CCAs at QASMT is our Zonta CCA, where students dedicate their time to making breast pillows for people recovering from surgery. These pillows provide comfort and relief during a difficult time, and this week, we received a heartfelt message that reminded us why this work is so important.
Meredith, a recipient of one of our Zonta pillows, shared this message with the students:
Dear “Zonta Club of Brisbane River" and the students of the Qld Academy of Science, Maths & Technology,
This is just a short note to say 'thank you so much' for the pillow which was given to me the day after I had surgery for breast cancer. It has been a wonderful help and made the first few weeks after surgery much easier.
Tucking the pillow under my arm meant that I was able to sleep better at night, go for walks with the dog without being in too much pain and, just generally, feel a little better.
It is a wonderful idea and a very thoughtful gift which I have greatly appreciated, so, once again, 'thank you'.
Yours sincerely,
Meredith
To our Zonta students, this message is a testament to the impact of your work. What you create with your hands makes a real difference in people's lives. Thank you for your dedication and compassion - I am so proud of you.
