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

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

Thirty Two of our Year Ten students took part in this competition, held at our school for the first time, last Wednesday. They had a wonderful time constructing, deducing and conversing about many different challenges put before them. To sum up briefly, they excelled themselves. We were leading before the last event and I thought our lead would get us through. It turns out that our bridge, which was the second most successful, was just a tiny bit too heavy. However from a design perspective it was miles in front of our opposition. Unfortunately no points are awarded for design so we finished second. I was delighted about how our students took to their various tasks. They are GOOD!
Above are some photos from the day. Bring on next year!!!

I would encourage some of our Year 10 students to consider careers in a design subject like Engineering, which requires the study of Physics!

Mr Phil Marshall

Last Wednesday, Ms Nixon, Ms Crook, Alexander and I were audience members at a discussion on how the Queensland Government can help in lowering the number of people suffering from chronic diseases, such as asthma and diabetes. The discussion was part of the Science in Parliament program and was hosted by the Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Andrews. Three speakers made presentations on how these diseases can be detected, treated and even prevented.

The main causes of chronic diseases include the build-up of cholesterol, physical inactivity, high blood pressure and the use of tobacco. All three speakers agreed that it is possible to significantly lower the risk of contracting a chronic disease by making small changes to our lifestyles. These can be as simple as not sitting for more than six hours daily or even just eating one less chocolate biscuit. New developments in technology allow sensors to be put into mobile phones to monitor our health. In the near future, it will even be possible to find the genome of every person at birth, enabling doctors to treat many diseases before they become serious.

Emma - Year 11 Student

Equipment for the gym has arrived and has been installed ready for use.  In order to be able to use the weights room section of the gym you must be officially accredited.  This involves a personal health form signed by parents and an induction process where safety issues and equipment usage are explained.  All gym users will have a card where they will keep a record of attendance and exercises performed. This can count for CAS hours.  Casual access to this room will not be permitted.  At this stage, there will be supervised gym training on Tuesday and Friday mornings starting at 7am.  Details of afternoon sessions will be announced shortly.

The Principal’s Luncheons continue to be an insightful and informative look, into the life of the students at QAHS.

Thankyou to students who have shared parts of their journey at QAHS with me.

Ms Leanne Nixon, Principal

International Women’s Day is a celebration of the independence of women and their role in society.  Two weeks ago, Shiho, May and I, attended the Gold Coast’s International Women’s Day Leadership Breakfast held at the Gold Coast Arts Centre, where girls from all over the Gold Coast were taken on a journey on how they, as the leaders of the future, can make a difference. The theme for this year’s IWD was the environment and thinking green with a presentation by ABC’s ‘Carbon Cop’, Lish Fisher as well as the announcement of 2008’s Women’s Youth  Leader. Students were treated to breakfast and in support of this year’s theme had a chance to have their photos taken with some of Australia’s finest wildlife with the girls from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. All schools who attended were presented a native species of tree to plant at their school on behalf of the Gold Coast City Council and the organisers of IWD.

Alice - Year 11 Student

On Tuesday 12 February, Ms Nixon, Mrs Sleeman, Mrs Jackson, Ms Drew and ten homestay students gathered for lunch in the Conference Room to discuss the transition of moving into a new town, school and lifestyle.  All had successfully adapted to early rising, bus schedules, teachers and making friends.  It also became evident that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.  The four boys in attendance referred to the change in diet.  It was interesting to meet other homestay students that I haven’t met yet, and to hear their stories.

On behalf of all the homestay students, I would like to thank Mrs Jackson and Ms Drew for organising the lunch.

Christina – Homestay Student

Hi everybody my name is Josh, and I am a student in Year 11.  I have been asked to tell you about the Gold Coast City Council Junior Council. Last year, I represented my school Benowa High on the Junior Council and this year I am privileged to represent our new and wonderful school the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences.  However, our school is lacking participants, we have no Year 10’s and I am the only Year 11 involved in the program.  So people interested in leadership positions at the Academy should contact Ms Nixon, because it is a great opportunity to kick start CAS and become involved in your local community.

Junior Council is all about young people being able to have a say on the issues that are important to them.  It provides the opportunity for school representatives to interact with other motivated students to promote positive change in the local community.  This is done through various government initiatives and in collaboration with local councillors and relevant government departments and spokespeople.  Junior council provides a unique opportunity to become involved in your community, and of course counts towards your CAS.  In particular, any Year 10s’ interested should talk to Ms Nixon as soon as possible as you must be involved in Year 10 to be a member of the executive in 2009.

Joshua – GCCC Junior Council Representative