Principal's Blog - Week 7, Term 2 - 2025

This week we had the pleasure of celebrating Chappy Week, honouring our incredible school Chaplain, Denise. Denise is such a treasured part of our school community, and Chappy Week gave us the opportunity to show our appreciation for the compassion, support, and positive energy she brings to QASMT every single day. Her warm presence, especially during the free Monday morning breakfasts outside A Block, makes a real difference in the lives of so many students, offering not just food but a sense of connection to start the week.

 

On Tuesday, the courtyard came alive for the Chappy Week Fundraiser and Wellbeing Event. With Bubble Tea available for purchase and calming activities like stress ball making and rock painting, the atmosphere was filled with joy and community spirit. 

 

I felt so proud watching students laugh together, get creative, and unwind in such a welcoming space. It’s moments like these that truly remind me of the importance of wellbeing in our school and how Denise’s work helps to foster that sense of belonging for every student.

 

Thursday brought another delicious event with the Franklin Bake Sale! Following the Newton and Da Vinci pancake event last week, this time it was Franklin House’s turn to take the spotlight, and they did not disappoint. Their specialty? Donuts! The courtyard was buzzing with excitement as students lined up to grab a sweet treat, each one personally decorated by the students of Franklin INSTEP groups.

 

I loved seeing the Franklin spirit on full display, with students working together behind the table, chatting and laughing as they sold their goods. These events are about more than just food; they build camaraderie, encourage leadership, and help support our school’s initiatives. Events like this also spark joyful conversations between students and staff alike, creating bonds over the simple pleasure of sharing something sweet, all for a great cause supporting the RSPCA.

 

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending the Newton INSTEP House Assembly, and it was such a vibrant and spirited gathering. The assembly began with the announcement of the Newton Sharks of the Month, a moment that always gives me a warm sense of pride in our students’ achievements and character.

 

Senior students then shared exam tips and strategies ahead of next week’s Exam Block, offering practical and heartfelt advice to their younger peers. There was also a lively discussion led by Mr Conway and Newton House Dean Mr Prasad about the upcoming Athletics Carnival, with students already buzzing about their House spirit and events.

 

And of course, there was a standout moment that had everyone in stitches, when science teacher and INSTEP mentor Mr Swann literally ran across the room with uncontainable excitement after his INSTEP group was announced as having the highest attendance for the term! Their reward? Share packs of chocolates and lollies. It’s these light-hearted and joyful moments that remind me how much community spirit thrives in our Houses. I walked away with a big smile on my face!

Last weekend, 18 of our students embarked on a meaningful journey as part of the Service Learning Tour to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). This wasn’t just any excursion, it was a chance for students to immerse themselves in place-based learning and engage directly in environmental service. Over two days, they worked alongside local rangers, participated in guided nature walks, and contributed to important ecological research.

 

What makes this tour so impactful is the way it blends hands-on learning with personal reflection. Students not only learned about conservation, sustainability, and the cultural significance of the land, but also developed a deeper sense of environmental responsibility and teamwork. Even from afar, I felt so proud knowing our students were forging stronger connections to Country and growing as thoughtful, compassionate citizens.

 

As part of the Junior Honours Programme, a group of our Year 9 students visited QUT for a fascinating workshop titled "When Art and Science Collide." One of our students, Mariya, described the day with incredible enthusiasm:

"We were taught about nuclear and radioactivity science and different viewpoints on it, and how they are expressed through art. What was even better is that we were taught by 2 student ambassadors – students at QUT on their final year of uni. We could ask them about life at QUT, and about their coursework etc., which made the entire process so much more relatable, and insightful in different areas."

The theme, understanding the science in art and the art in science, was deeply thought-provoking. Students began the day exploring their personal viewpoints on nuclear technologies before delving into its science, historical impact, and societal implications. They examined artworks that expressed concern or curiosity about nuclear energy and even created their own collaborative art pieces. Mariya shared how interesting it was to see how perspectives shifted by the end of the session.

These types of workshops are so valuable in opening young minds to interdisciplinary thinking. It's exciting to see our students critically engaging with complex topics and expressing their insights through both creativity and science.

What a weekend it was for our student athletes and global innovators! Four of our Volleyball Academy teams travelled to the Gold Coast for the Queensland Intermediate Schools Cup, representing QASMT with pride and exceptional skill. Our Year 9 boys team powered their way to a gold medal, while our Year 10 girls team brought home the bronze. The Year 9 girls came heartbreakingly close to bronze in a tight playoff, and the Year 10 boys, competing in the highly competitive honours division, gave a formidable showing and finished mid-table. Their spirit, sportsmanship and teamwork made us all proud. Congratulations to all players and coaches!

 

On the global stage, three of our Year 11 students, Charlie, Mariah and Annanya, returned from the SISTEMIC (Singapore International STEM Innovation Challenge) hosted by National Junior College, Singapore. Competing under the theme "Life Reimagined – Exploring Emerging Technologies", the trio earned a silver medal for their remarkable research project, “Design of an affordable electrowetting-on-dielectric digital microfluidics device.” It’s not just the medal that impresses, but the level of innovation, collaboration, and scientific thought that these students demonstrated. Their experience allowed them to connect with students from around the globe and showcase their talents on an international stage. We are so proud of their achievement and the bright future they represent!

 

As we move into the final stretch of the term, there’s so much to look forward to! Next week marks Week 8 Exam Block, a crucial time for our students to showcase all their hard work. It’s natural to feel a little nervous, but I know how capable our students are, and I’m always inspired by their dedication and resilience.

Following that, in Week 9, we’ll celebrate the Festival of Creativity, where student innovation and artistic expression take centre stage. This is an event that always fills me with joy and admiration. And in Week 10, we’ll wrap up the term with Sustainability Week and the much loved Sustainable Fashion Parade, showcasing eco-conscious creativity in style. I’m also excited for the Athletics Carnival, rescheduled from earlier this term due to wet weather. It’s always a highlight, filled with House pride and energetic fun.

With so many opportunities for learning, expression, and celebration, I can’t wait to experience the weeks ahead together. Let’s finish Term 2 strong!

Warm regards,

Ms. Kath Kayrooz

Principal