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

Our music students performed in the first ever Recital at QAHS last Thursday! The recital provided the first opportunity for our Year 10 and 11 music students to perform in front of an audience, in this case their family and friends. Performing is a major component of the I.B. music course, making up 25% of the final grade at higher level, and 50% for standard level, so it is important our students have many opportunities to perform in public. Stay tuned for another Recital in Term 4, which will be open to the whole school community, so you can enjoy listening to our talented music students.

Congratulations to our performers:
Year 11: Lina, Luan, Hilary, Russell. Year 10: Rachel, Cameron, Amber, Alex. Guest Performers: John, Nidhi.

Sumi Rachel Burnell from the Chinese Kung Fu Academy was impressed by the maturity and enthusiasm of her new Tai Chi class at QAHS. The 14 students have enjoyed their first few lessons and felt the benefits of the strengthening and breathing exercises. Their lessons are a combination of both Tai Chi and QiGong. Tai Chi classes will be held every Tuesday afternoon of this term and we are hoping to continue the classes in second semester.  The students are having so much fun doing Tai Chi with Sumi Rachel, that they are keen to have her come and teach Kung Fu as well.

Calligrapher, Lee Zhuoqian from Chengdu, has been studying for 10 years under a famous calligrapher in China. He is using all of his skills to teach our students this ancient Oriental art. Initially, students had to learn about the four treasures of calligraphy; the writing brush 毛笔, the ink 墨, the ink stone 砚 and the special paper 纸 before practising some simple characters and learning the order in which the strokes should be written. Several students, including Peter and Kuan, are showing real promise as potential calligraphers.
Lee, a Bachelor of Business student at Griffith University has also been involved in fund raising for the relief effort in Sichuan, his home Province in China, which was recently hit by a devastating earthquake. He raised $2,600 in Surfer’s Paradise in one morning. Following his lead, QAHS students donated $85 to the cause which will be sent to the Chinese Embassy in Canberra.

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