Athletics Carnival
This week, our school community came together for the much-anticipated Athletics Carnival held at the UQ Athletics Centre. The day kicked off with the exhilarating war cry competition, where our eight houses showcased their spirit and creativity. Each house had practiced and choreographed their unique war cry, filling the morning with energy and enthusiasm. As a judge, I was thoroughly impressed by the passion and unity displayed by our students. I am excited to announce that Hawking House reigned supreme and took the win for the morning.
The rest of the day consisted of a variety of athletic events, including track races, shot put, tug-of-war, high jump, long jump, and vortex throws. It was inspiring to see our students giving their all, demonstrating determination and sportsmanship. At the end of the day, I had the honor of announcing the winning house and presenting them with the trophy. Congratulations to Da Vinci for taking home the win, and for the third year in a row!
A huge thank you and shout out to our dedicated staff for their efforts in running the events smoothly, and to our EOTC department for their exceptional organisation and planning. This memorable day would not have been possible without their hard work and commitment.
World Bee Day
In honour of World Bee Day, our school hosted an educational and engaging display in the courtyard. Bees are vital to our ecosystem, and our school is proud to support their conservation through our on-campus beehives and our beekeeping CCA (Co-Curricular Activity). The display featured informative posters, honey samples, and interactive activities that highlighted the significance of bees and the crucial role they play in pollination. Students and staff had the opportunity to learn more about these incredible pollinators and the importance of protecting them. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and curiosity sparked by the display, reinforcing our commitment to environmental education and sustainability.
Mario Kart Competition
Our Technology Ambassadors brought excitement and friendly competition to our school with the student-led Mario Kart Competition. This event has quickly become a favourite among students, providing a fun and engaging way to bring together different year levels. Participants showcased their gaming skills and strategic thinking in a series of thrilling races, all while fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. The competition not only highlights the innovative spirit of our students, it also provided a platform for them to develop leadership and organisational skills. It was a joy to see the enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by all involved.
Social Enterprise Market Day
This week also saw the vibrant Social Enterprise Market Day, where students put on market stalls during lunchtime to raise funds and awareness for various causes. The creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our students were on full display, with a wide range of stalls offering everything from ice-blocks to caricature portraits. Each stall was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, who took the initiative to plan, organise, and run their own small businesses. The market day not only provided a fun and interactive experience for everyone, it really underpins the importance of social enterprise and community engagement. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their business acumen while making a positive impact.
Queensland Secondary Principals' Association Conference
On Thursday and Friday, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Queensland Secondary Principals' Association (QSPA) Conference. Themed "Connected: Leaders, Learners, Communities", the conference offered world-class opportunities for leadership development, learning, inspiration, and collegiality. Emphasising the significance of connections, the event highlighted how being connected can unlock new possibilities for ourselves, our schools, our students, and our communities.
We were honoured to hear from the new Minister for Education, the Hon. Di Farmer MP, and senior officers from the Department, whose addresses were both engaging and inspiring, fostering meaningful connections. Below is a summary of the speakers and their presentations.
Tom Greenwell – co-author of Waiting for Gonski, How Australia failed its schools (UNSW Press 2022) and Choice and Fairness: A Common Framework for all Australian schools (2023).
Mel Neil - founder and CEO of Mind Insurance. He has educated many thousands of individuals in Applied Emotional Intelligence, focusing on leading others to an understanding of human flourishing.
Dr Catherine Ball – a scientific futurist working across global projects where emerging technologies meet humanitarian, education and environmental needs.
Mary Coverdale – A future focused educator and leader working with The Learner First to create a values-based culture within a framework that promotes deep learning.
Adam Voight - a real leader who walks the talk and a former Principal in some of Australia's most challenging locations. He is a leader and speaker who has genuinely 'been there and done that'.
Dr Michael Carr Gregg & Brigitte Johnson – Michael, one of Australia's highest profile psychologists, and specialists in adolescents and mental health teamed up with Brigitte, Principal Coach and Owner of Momentum First to coach leaders and teams in optimising potential.
Dr Tahnee Bridson – best known for her work to reduce stigma, improve help-seeking and promote mental wellbeing and founder of Hand-n-Hand Peer Support Inc.
Daniel Murray – blends the worlds of organisational strategy, behavioural economics, and strategic empathy to support even the most analytical thinkers to engage in the world of empathic leadership.
Catherine Keenan – co-founder of the Sydney Story Factory, dedicated to nurturing the creative potential of marginalized young Australians.
Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM
The last speaker on Friday was a 2021 International Day of People with Disability ambassador. Dr Palipana is a doctor, lawyer, disability advocate, and researcher. The last speaker of the conference is always a highlight for me and I was not disappointed this year.
Dr Palipana is an inspiring figure whose journey from a devastating spinal cord injury to becoming a prominent physician and advocate has captured many hearts. In 2010, while a medical student at Griffith University, Dr Palipana was involved in a car accident that left him quadriplegic. Despite significant physical and emotional challenges, he resumed his studies and graduated in 2016, becoming the first quadriplegic medical graduate in Queensland. He now works as an emergency doctor at Gold Coast University Hospital, demonstrating that disabilities do not define one's professional capabilities.
A vocal advocate for people with disabilities, Dr Palipana is involved in spinal cord injury research and has influenced policy changes to support disabled professionals. His contributions have been widely recognised, including being named Queensland Australian of the Year in 2021. Dr Palipana's story is a testament to human resilience and the importance of inclusivity in all professional domains.