International Women's Day Breakfast
Monday morning marked a truly special occasion with our annual International Women's Day Breakfast, held in the Refectory. This event is always close to my heart, as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of women in our community and inspire the next generation of leaders. As a Principal, I am passionate about empowering young women to pursue their ambitions with confidence, whether in STEM, the arts, leadership, or any other field they choose.
We were honoured to hear from two incredible guest speakers this year. Evelyn Gooderidge, an alumna from the Class of 2023 and former Jackson House Captain, shared her journey from QASMT to her current studies in a dual degree in Laws (Honours)/Commerce at the University of Queensland. Her insights into leadership and ambition were particularly resonant for our students.
We also had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Divya Viswanathan, who is in her advanced training at Redcliffe Hospital. Her work in obstetrics and gynaecology, her advocacy for women's health, and her involvement with the Zonta Club of Pine Rivers made her an incredibly inspiring speaker. Divya spoke passionately about medical education, women's health, and leadership in policy development - topics that are vital to ensuring future generations of women are well supported in their careers and well-being.
This breakfast was not just about hearing success stories, it was about fostering a culture of support and encouragement. Seeing our students engage with these accomplished women, ask questions, and take away valuable advice reaffirmed why events like this are so important. It was a morning of inspiration and action, reminding us all of the importance of lifting one another up and continuing the fight for gender equality.
Harmony Week
Harmony Week is always a highlight of the school year, celebrating the incredible diversity that makes QASMT such a vibrant and inclusive community. This week-long event was filled with activities that encouraged students to embrace and share their cultural heritage.
The centrepiece of the week was our Harmony Week Assembly on Tuesday, where students took part in a spectacular cultural showcase. The assembly featured moving performances, and our much-loved flag parade, where students proudly wore their cultural attire and carried the flags of their heritage - a powerful representation of the many backgrounds that shape our school.
As part of the assembly, I had the privilege of hosting a special panel featuring some of our very own teachers, who shared their personal stories about their heritage and cultural backgrounds. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to hear firsthand about the diverse experiences and journeys that have shaped the people who guide them every day. From stories of migration and resilience to traditions passed down through generations, the discussion highlighted the richness of cultural identity and the ways it influences both personal and professional lives. It was inspiring to see our staff open up about their experiences and for our students to connect with them on a deeper level.
Tuesday also marked Cultural Dress Day, where students and staff came to school dressed in traditional clothing that reflected their cultural backgrounds. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students admired the variety of attire and exchanged stories about their heritage. Walking through the courtyard and seeing the school transformed into a tapestry of global representation was truly special. It was a reminder of the incredible diversity at QASMT and the importance of creating a space where every student feels proud of their identity.
Throughout the week, our lunchtimes were packed with engaging cultural activities that brought students together to celebrate and learn from one another. Students created vibrant banners reflecting the Harmony Week theme, made Harmony bracelets, and took part in international karaoke, where songs were sung in multiple languages. The energy continued with a K-pop dance performance that had the crowd cheering, and face and nail painting stations added a fun, creative element to the festivities. Seeing students so eager to participate in and appreciate different cultures was heart-warming and reinforced the power of inclusivity in our school.
Harmony Week is a time to recognise and appreciate the cultural richness that exists within our school community. It is also a reminder that inclusivity and respect should be practiced every day. The connections made and the conversations sparked this week are what truly matter - building understanding, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that every student feels valued. I am incredibly proud of how our students and staff came together to celebrate our diversity, and I look forward to continuing to foster a culture of respect, belonging, and unity at QASMT.
Year 12 Careers Breakfast
On Wednesday morning, our Year 12 students had the invaluable opportunity to meet with professionals from a wide range of industries at the Year 12 Careers Breakfast in the Auditorium. These professionals, many of them QASMT alumni or industry leaders, shared their insights into their careers, the paths they took to get there, and what their daily work involves.
This event is an essential part of preparing our senior students for life after school, and I was delighted to see them engaging in deep conversations about their futures. Whether they were speaking with engineers, doctors, business professionals, or researchers, each student had the chance to gain real-world advice about what it takes to succeed in different fields. These personal connections can be incredibly valuable in shaping the aspirations of our students, and I am grateful to all the professionals who took the time to share their experiences.
NAPLAN Testing
Throughout the week, our Year 7 and Year 9 students undertook their NAPLAN assessments, an important milestone in their academic journey. These tests provide valuable insights into student learning and progress, helping us to continue delivering high-quality education at QASMT.
I want to commend our students for their focus and effort during these assessments. Standardised testing can sometimes feel daunting, although our students approached it with resilience and determination. I also want to acknowledge our teachers and staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a smooth testing process.
As always, NAPLAN is just one measure of a student's learning, and while we encourage academic excellence, we also remind our students that success comes in many forms. I have no doubt that our students will continue to thrive in all areas of their education.
IB Global Leadership Conference
At the end of the week, I attended the IB Global Leadership Conference from 20 – 22 March. This conference is a significant gathering of IB educators across the Asia-Pacific region, offering a unique opportunity to collaborate, learn from experts, and reflect on our teaching practices. The theme for 2025, Our Humanity, Connected, explores how we remain united in an era of constant change. The discussions focussed on equipping students with essential skills for the future while emphasising self-awareness, empathy, and innovation. As educators, we have a profound impact on our students and school communities, and I enjoyed engaging in conversations that will help shape the future of IB education at QASMT. I am excited to bring back fresh insights and strategies to further enhance our academic and wellbeing programs.
