At QAHS, we pride ourselves on nurturing not just academic excellence, but thoughtful, engaged young people with a genuine interest in the world around them. So when two of our Year 10 students, Alexander and Sienna Earwicker, spent some of their school holidays attending a summit that placed young voices at the centre of serious national conversations, we paid attention. What they encountered was a raw, powerful insight into adversity - and what it takes to rise above it. Enjoy Alexander's thoughtful reflection below, which captures the impact of the experience:
“During the holidays, on 10 April 2025, we attended the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) Summit in Brisbane. The Acting Commissioner for the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (SNAICC), Lil Gordon, was in attendance, as well as many other key leaders and decision- and policy-makers who work towards creating positive change.
As the aim of the Summit was to amplify the voices of young people in Queensland, it offered brave speakers - many of whom have faced immense challenges - the opportunity to share their stories. It was a privilege to hear from youth who have not only survived, but also risen above their circumstances, and now actively participate in creating meaningful impact within their communities. There were powerful messages shared about teenage mental health, domestic violence, the foster care system, as well as identity and culture.
At QAHS, we value the qualities of grit, perseverance, and determination. Hearing first-hand about how strength of character can enable the creation of safe, productive, and positive lives gave both of us a new perspective on how important it is to find inner strength when facing adversity".
It's easy to talk about resilience as a buzzword - but far harder to live it. What Alexander and Sienna saw, and so clearly absorbed, were stories of courage forged in difficult circumstances and translated into action. They've returned from the summit with big questions and even bigger motivation to be part of the conversation. Back at QAHS, these conversations continue - in classrooms, in quiet moments, and among peers. We're grateful to students like Alexander and Sienna who bring thoughtful insight and a spirit of empathy to those conversations.
Marnie Chetter
Teacher of English & Student Leadership Coordinator