Students at QAHS participated in the Leukaemia Foundation World’s Greatest Shave by Spraying their hair in their House colours today. Fun was had by all students and all money raised going to research Leukaemia.

Stamping out bullying is the responsibility of us all. It’s not just teachers, principals and bosses who carry the responsibility to create non-threatening learning and working environments, it’s also the job of every parent, student and co-worker to draw attention to intimidation so that both the bullied and the bully can receive the help they need.

QAHS participated in Say No to Bullying today by wearing orange.

The student executive in 2009 proposed the introduction of a House System for the Academy.  After a great deal of discussion, the student body voted at the end of last year and the House System is commencing in 2010.  There was a great deal of excitement last Wednesday when students were informed via the electronic noticeboards as to which house they had been allocated.  The allocation of students and QAHS staff was randomly done by Mr Pickering.

The four houses are:
Ignis (fire) – Ruby colour
Aqua (water) – Sapphire colour
Ventus (wind) – Topaz (yellow) colour
Terra (earth) – Emerald colour

It was decided to have 2 House Captains (Year 12) and 2 Vice House Captains (Year 11) and nominations for these positions closed last Wednesday.  Students will be voting for these positions next week.  Students can gain points for their house from entry into various competitions, challenges and events both at the Academy, locally or nationally.   Our first House meetings will be held after assembly on Tuesday.

There will be a trophy at the end of the Year for the House with the most points – good luck to each house for 2010.

This week we have presented to each student a name badge. It is a special token of what it means to be a student at QAHS.

We talk about this being an adult environment where we together decide on how many things work. From day 1 students have taken responsibility for governance of many facets of the school. This has included decisions on the uniform and the behaviour expectations of the school community. In all this, students have sent the message clearly that they wish to be treated as adults, in a professional environment. Guests to our school always comment on students’ behaviour in this light.

This badge provide students and visitors with the invitation to address each other in an adult manner. It provides us as a community with the opportunity for all staff and students to address each other by their names as we grow from a community of 250.  All incoming students will receive these badges as they arrive each year and take them with them as they leave. It is another token of the respect we have for students in our community and our belief in their ability to act as adults in a professional environment.

Ms Leanne Nixon, Principal

On Saturday, May 23rd Year 12 Mandarin Ab Inito students gave up their free time to come to school and take part in an intensive study seminar. I was absolutely delighted with the virtually full attendance of the Year 12 class, and the energy and hard work shown by the students. Knowing what a full-on year these young people are experiencing, I am really appreciative of this significant extra commitment to their Chinese studies.

Enthusiastic support from Yang Song, our part-time native speaking teacher, and two members of the Chinese Students Association of Griffith University, added to the day’s interactive, communicative focus. The genuine Szechwan food supplied by our calligraphy teacher (and part time chef), Li Zhuoqian, added a further flavour to the day.

Chinese is an important, fascinating and challenging language to learn, and the progress of this class since February last year is most impressive. There is still much to do in the months leading up to the IB exams in November, but the positive attitude and commitment shown by these students augurs well for their Chinese learning. I wonder if we have a future Chinese speaking Prime Minister amongst this class!

 Mrs Chris Moffatt, Mandarin Teacher

Studying the Health Studies Certificate at Griffith not only offers us a fast track for a range of University studies, and helping us to prepare for future health professions and careers, it is certainly a great experience for further understanding of university style of teaching. The two weeks of Biophysics summer course, provided us with very compacted teaching, allowing us to clearly learn something new and interesting everyday. I would have no hesitation in recommending anyone who is considering it, to do the Griffith Health Studies Certificate next year. Peter - Year 12

Initially, I was slightly worried about not being able to do the work and ending up looking silly. Luckily we had a lecturer who was really helpful and everyone was willing to help each other if there were certain things that someone else didn’t understand. The transition from our style of learning, to a more independent style was seamless for most of us, which I think was really assisted by the support we got from the university staff, especially Ricardo, our lecturer. Overall it was a really challenging experience. I’m not a huge fan of maths, but the physics side of the course got me really interested. I recommend that anyone who is interested in it give it a go, because it was a great program! Maddee - Year 12

As I entered a world so bright
Students chattering away
Amongst their groups
Fear and jitters took over me
I walked not too far
To enter the new life ahead
My bag so heavy and full
Made my way to the theatre
Alongside my terrified friends
As we entered and sat
Fear began to sweep away
It was now official
That my future had begun
Teachers were so kind and caring
But not a bell in sight
This was like no ordinary school
No rules no litter
Now I had laptop in hand
Books in bag and mind set to learn
I am ready to start
The adventure that awaits.

by Donika - Year 10