This week saw QAHS celebrate National Science Week 2025. The theme this year was Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature's hidden language. This theme invites students to delve into the mysteries of the Universe by exploring the fundamental languages of nature, including mathematics and the ground-breaking field of quantum science. Aligned with the 2025 United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) being hosted in Australia, this theme serves as a bridge between basic science education and the exploration of specialised topics. “Decoding the Universe" will empowered educators to inspire and engage students by exploring the mathematics and quantum science that underpin both the natural world and the modern technologies we use every day, from photosynthesis to satellite navigation.
Students and staff were treated to a sausage sizzle lunch on Monday to kick off the week. Students also competed for house points in the Chalk Art and Painting competition and Brain Break Trivia. QAHS also hosted Mr. Glenn Barry form Griffith University and Director of the Swell Sculpture Festival. He captivated our students with a powerful discussion on Indigenous perspectives on hidden language, highlighting the deep value of connection, relationships and diverse ways of knowing.
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On Tuesday's National Science Week assembly we had the honour of hearing from (soon-to-be Dr.) Kristy Winter, Forensic Anthropologist (and QAHS class of 2011). Kristy is a certified Forensic Anthropologist with the hiccups. Kirsty works as a Forensic Specialist for the International Committee of the Red Cross, having previously worked for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Committee of Missing Persons on Cyprus, Aditu Arkeologia, the International Criminal Court, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, and the Forensic Anthropology Center and Operation Identification at Texas State University. Kristy is currently awaiting to be awarded her Doctor of Philosophy in the identification of gravesites, missing and unidentified persons. More information on her website is at https://www.kristyawinter.com/.
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We also celebrated our Griffith University STEM Ambassadors and The University of Queensland Science Ambassadors. A huge thank you to our special guests Dr. Andrew Pearson and Dr. Dinesh Palipana for presenting the badges and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
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STEM Box Pop-Up Experiments engaged students during lunch on Wednesday with a showing of SCINEMA Australian Science Film Festival in the Lecture Theatre that afternoon.
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Fifteen plus researchers and a number of alumni joined us on Thursday for our 'Lunch with Researchers' event for all Year 11 students who are commencing their Extended Essay journey. Students took part in the vibrant trade-style exhibition, where guest presenters showcased cutting-edge research, real-world applications and insights from across industry and academia.
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Our Year 10 students competed in our annual Science Survivor event with Terra House taking out the final house challenge. From hands-on experiments to exciting challenges, students embraced the mystery andmagic of science in action.
Thank you to all of our special guests, staff and students for making this National Science Week one to remember!
Anir Lal
HOD Science