Exam Block
This week marked Exam Block for our Years 9 to 12 students, and I could feel the shift across campus the moment Monday morning began. The usually lively hallways were quieter, the usual hum of conversation replaced with focused footsteps and heads bent over notes, as students made their way to and from exam rooms with determination in their eyes. It's in these moments that I am reminded of the incredible resilience and maturity of our students.
Walking through the school during Exam Block always fills me with immense pride. The level of commitment our students show is truly inspiring; their preparation, their self-discipline, and the way they encourage one another reminds me daily of why I love being part of this incredible community. Of course, I also made sure to check in with a few nervous faces before their assessments, offering a smile, a few calming words, and the occasional reminder to take a breath and believe in themselves.
By the end of the week, as exams wrapped up, there was a quiet sigh of relief across the campus. I watched as friends gathered to debrief, share stories, and celebrate making it through what is always a challenging but rewarding week. To every student: you should feel immensely proud of yourselves. The skills you're building now will serve you long into your futures.
Student Achievements
One of the absolute highlights for me this week was hearing about Arianna's amazing experience at the 2025 STEM Girl Power Camp. Arianna was one of just 60 Year 10 students selected from across Queensland to attend this prestigious event, held right here in Brisbane. Over the course of the camp, Arianna and her fellow participants engaged in a variety of cutting-edge workshops and hands-on activities that covered every corner of the STEM world, from biomedical research at SPARQ-ed to quantum technologies, mathematical modelling, and even science communication at the Queensland Museum and the Wheel of Brisbane.
One of Arianna's favourite experiences was the opportunity to meet and network with inspiring role models across fields like engineering, medicine, and chemistry, conversations that she said opened her eyes even wider to the possibilities ahead in her own STEM journey. Not only did the camp strengthen her critical thinking, creativity, and leadership, but Arianna now takes on the role of 2025 STEM Ambassador, where she will help lead a STEM event during National Science Week in Term 3 right here at QASMT. Congratulations, Arianna, I cannot wait to see the wonderful event you help lead later this year!
Looking Ahead
With only two weeks remaining in the term, there's still so much to look forward to, and I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement!
Next week will see our campus transformed for the Festival of Creativity, one of my favourite events of the year. This is always a joyful celebration of our students' talents across the arts. I cannot wait to wander through the exhibits, performances, and displays, and to be once again amazed by the creativity within our school.
I am also looking forward to our Miskin Cup Chess Event with our neighbours at Brisbane Boys' College on Monday next week. This friendly but competitive chess meet always brings out such impressive strategy, concentration, and quiet determination in our players. It's another wonderful reminder of the wide range of passions and talents that flourish here at QASMT.
Week 10 will kick off Sustainability Week, complete with our much-anticipated Sustainable Fashion Parade, a true showcase of student innovation and environmental awareness. I am always so inspired by the thoughtfulness and creativity that goes into the designs. Also in Week 10, we finally get to hold our Athletics Carnival, which had to be postponed earlier in the term due to wet weather, and I must say, I am ready to cheer on all our houses from the sidelines with full enthusiasm!
As always, I am so proud to walk alongside our students through every exam, event, and celebration. Term 2 may be winding down, but the energy at QASMT is only building!
Warm regards,
Ms. Kath Kayrooz
Principal