27 June 2025

Notes from the Principal

BrisbaneSDE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we gather today and pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their connection to Country and their role in maintaining and caring for Country over thousands of years. May their strength and wisdom be with us today.

The end of semester seems to have come around quickly. I trust that your young people have engaged in their learning across the semester and feel a sense of satisfaction in their progress and achievements to date. Critical to this success is the role that parents and caregivers play in the support of their students. Knowing where your students are in their learning and what commitments they have ahead allows you to provide appropriate support.

I often reference the partnership between home and school. Integral to the success of this partnership is the quality of communication between both parties. As a school we endeavour to promote dialogue with our Online Parent Information Evenings on the Teams platform. These nights allow us to directly convey information to parents with the chat function in this forum facilitating to individual questions. In recent weeks, there have been a number of Information evenings in the Secondary year levels.

Our ‘Picnics in the Park’ and ‘Connect Days’ are important socialisation opportunities for students but they also allow us to engage directly with parents, gauge what is working and what could be improved in our school delivery. We try to move the picnics around different localities in South East Queensland. We had a successful picnic in Toowoomba earlier in the year, although, we couldn’t get viable numbers for a Caloundra outing a few weeks ago.

It has been a challenging term for our staff with the passing of our colleague Lindsay Varvari in May. Lindsay has taught at Brisbane School of Distance Education, largely in the English Department since 2020. She was committed to bringing the best out of her students. She will be greatly missed. Vale Lindsay.

The Department of Education has recently published a guide to communicating with your child’s school. We are currently contextualising this document to our school setting before uploading to the school’s website. The documents address the need for school staff to be given time to respond to parent requests. Parents should not expect immediate responses to non-urgent requests or responses after hours and on weekends.

Our P-6 community enjoyed Connect Day in Week 5.  Students onsite engaged in a workshop with Flipside Circus. They twirled hoola hoops, juggled silk scarves and even constructed a human pyramid! Story time and book borrowing was also a popular choice for students visiting the Discovery Centre.  Our Primary building transformed into a series of activity stations with collage, origami and illustration tables. Students even turned their hand to engineering with our construction kits and dabbled in science with the magnet kits. There was something for everyone and importantly, students connected with their classmates and teachers, engaging in conversation, sharing resources and making new friends. Our students joining in online also had a fantastic day. Some were streamed into the activity rooms, others were building with their own construction blocks and making art with their craft kits at home. We can’t forget our teachers and their funny clown costumes too!  P-6 Connect Day was lots of fun.

The school continues to enjoy growth in our esports program. The new STEAM Studio is now open, providing a dedicated space for gaming and robotics with students using it for both team play and Robocup preparation. This year saw the launch of new esports and STEM shirts, available for both students and staff. Our student-led initiatives are expanding, including the new Cosy Gaming space for casual, social gameplay—currently featuring Stardew Valley. We are also enjoying success on the competitive team front. The BrisbaneSDE Infinity Rivals team has achieved success in the Australian Esports League's Marvel Rivals competition. They secured first place in Season 1 and are performing strongly in the current second season.

The implementation of Microsoft Teams has generally been a success. Teachers continue to grow in confidence in using its functionality. With better connectivity in Teams, we have been heavily promoting, teacher use of the camera function, at a minimum in lesson introductions and instruction phases of the lesson. We have also been reviewing our online pedagogy with a view to reduce teacher talk and have students carry a greater cognitive load in lessons.

School reports will be released on Thursday, July 14. Hopefully students have a good sense of how they have fared in their subject areas and are reflective in identifying their improvement areas and consequent strategy. Draft work and formative feedback are critical in learning improvement. Many students need to develop stronger organisational skills in submitting draft work and working through the feedback provided. Parent Teacher Interviews are on Tuesday August 5.

The constant enrolment pressure and ongoing need to recruit staff is a feature of BrisbaneSDE. This presents some challenges in class formations. Unfortunately, there are times when we need to make student timetable changes when stability would be the preferred option. Factors such as class sizes and teacher availability are key considerations. The recent significant enrolment demand will realise a number of teacher class changes in the new term.

A busy final week of term with Move it Day, the Judy and Tim Sharpe presentation, a school delegation visit from South Korea as well as the Year 12 Formal.

Thank you for your support over Semester 1… enjoy your break from school and I look forward to working with you in the new term.

John Brew
Executive Principal

Notes from our executive team

Stephen Warwick, Business Manager

This has been an unusually busy term for the non-teaching team as we have been down a number of staff due to leave and secondments. This term we have been reviewing our enrolment processes with an eye to improving our processes for 2026. Thank you to those parents who completed our enrolment survey- all responses have been reviewed and considered in the review.

The school has received the Textbook Allowance (TBA) funding for 2025 and it has been applied to all students in Years 7-10. Some students in Years 11 and 12 may be due a partial refund and the Finance team will be in touch by Week 6 in Term 3 if this applies to you. If you are not contacted by the Finance team, it means there is no refund due.

Following the news the school is staying put we are now embarking on some facility upgrades around the school which will be completed in Semester 2. They are:

• New/upgraded signage around the campus
• Complete re-fit of LG 9/10 (exam room)
• Garden re-design and activity build for the Primary School
• Toilet refurbishment in B Block

Our Sports Day is being held on the last Wednesday of term and we look forward to seeing many of you there. The theme of this day is Move It and for the first time we have some exciting inflatables to enjoy. Our Facilities Team do a great job of getting the event set up and of course cooking the famous sausage sizzle - make sure you pop over and say hello to the team.

The Year 12 Formal was on Thursday, June 26, a chance for students to celebrate their final year of school. A special thanks to the Community Engagement team for organising this annual event. I hope all of the Seniors a great time and enjoy their final year of school. I wish all our students the best for Semester 2.

Steve Warwick

Amy Wood, Deputy Principal eKindy–Year 6

In eKindy this term we learnt about our families and other people’s family and friends. As part of this learning, we recorded and shared information about ourselves - a great way to build literacy in personally meaningful ways. Being creative is also a favourite activity in eKindy. We investigated different ways we can create things, show and share our art works. This is also one way we bring to life and make connections to the stories we read in web sessions and at home.   As always, each term we have the opportunity to extend our learning and development at PlayDays. Seven PlayDays were held this term across our state, where children have the opportunity to apply the learning routines that they practice in online sessions with their eKindy Teacher.  The quality of children’s learning and development opportunities in their online lessons supports the further development of these at PlayDays, that also includes building positive relationships with others and building social skills. Becoming confident learners through eKindy is a wonderful way to support the transition to Prep and a lifelong love of learning.

We enjoyed our School Captains visit to P-6 Assembly this term. Luca and Isabelle had some inspiring words to share about leadership: ‘leadership is about kindness and working together as a team.’ They encouraged us to always ‘have a go’ - wise words that translates into our efforts in lessons. During class time we are always seeking opportunities to practice what we have learned. Many opportunities to practice helps us to apply what we have learnt, develop our skills and grow our confidence too. Taking the time to ‘have a go’ is always worth the effort. I’d like to congratulate our Primary Leaders for their running of our P-6 Assembly. They are leading by example.

At Connect Day, students enjoyed an exciting workshop with Flipside Circus, where they mastered hula hooping, juggled silk scarves, among other circus skills! Over at the Discovery Centre, story time and book borrowing proved to be a favourite for many. The Primary building buzzed with creativity as students explored various activity stations. They crafted collages, folded origami and brought illustrations to life. Budding engineers got hands-on with construction kits, while curious minds explored magnet-based science activities. Connect Day was once again a joyful celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community.

Lastly, you will notice some new descriptors on the Semester 1 Report Card. The new K-12 Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Framework (CARF), implemented in 2025 provides consistent state-wide expectations for what is taught, assessed, and reported across all Queensland state schools from Prep to Year 12. The descriptors for achievement, effort and behaviour have changed.  An explanation can be found on the front page of the Semester 1 Report.

Have a safe and happy holiday everyone and I look forward to seeing you in Term 3.

Regards,
Amy Wood

Anna Savage, Deputy Principal – Year 7 and 11

The Year 7 Values and Vibes

Year 7 have been showing fantastic leadership across the grade with strong representation of Connect representatives and students leading the year level assemblies. This term we have continued to focus on our Year 7 Values and Vibes. Thanks to Harmarni for updating this poster.

During Term 2, we have focussed on Own Your Actions. This has related to being responsible for our level of engagement and attendance to classes.

We have reinforced the importance of Every Day Counts and Every Minute Counts.

Remember that everyday counts, so let’s prepare for strong second semester across the school.

As the Year 7s finish their first semester and to assist with their preparations, start to look at the Work Rate Calendars, organise weekly schedules with schoolwork and other responsibilities and hobbies and enjoy your semester break then focus on the semester ahead.

It is not only the leaders that have been impressing the staff across Year 7 and 11. We have seen a very healthy number of students receive recognition as Quiet Achievers this term. This recognition is provided to students who demonstrate strong effort, behaviour and/or other qualities that catch the eye of the teacher that benefit themselves and others. We are proud to say in Year 7 and 11 we have many great students that deserved this recognition. Well done!

It has been a very busy term for the Year 11. There has been the successful transition from Unit 1 to Unit 2 for most of our students undertaking General Subjects. With this, came many assessments that needed to be completed and some onsite visits for exams. It has been great to meet a few of the Year 11 students as they came on campus for these exams.

Year 11 went to Maroon Outdoor Education Centre during Week 1 this term. It was such a fantastic experience for students to get to know each other. Very quickly, it was evident that friendships had begun to form and there was a great collegiality between all the students as they supported each other through the activities. Thank you to all Year 11 students who attended and staff for supporting the students.  

There are opportunities that will be coming in Term 3 for students who are interested, in student leadership. Keep an eye out for Aspiring Leader and Deadly Mentor announcements. 

Next term we are going to be continuing our work on Student Engagement.

Enjoy your break and we look forward to see you all fresh next term.

Kind regards,
Anna Savage

Janelle Ambrose, Deputy Principal – Year 8

Term 2 has been a busy and challenging term for Year 8, consolidating new subject understanding, adapting to a new learning platform and students practising what they are learning to ensure a solid foundation in each subject.

Our teachers are experts in online education. If you have any concerns, the teachers are the best point of contact, they are the content specialist and are always happy to support. Communication is extremely important. We encourage parents/care-givers to talk to their child regarding the importance of attendance and participation in classes and to alert the teachers if there are any issues that may impact upon these.

We’ve seen a positive involvement in Connect groups and student-led assemblies, with more leadership opportunities in Term 3 for students right across the school.

Many students have been recognised as Quiet Achievers for their consistent effort, positive behaviour, and thoughtful contributions to the classroom. These students model the values we’re proud to see in Year 8, congratulates to them all.

As the semester draws to a close, students will notice changes to their timetables with the start of new electives in Term 3. Please ensure updated Semester 2 timetables replace any saved or printed copies.

Just a reminder that there is a coordinator for each year level, who can help with information that is year level specific. The Year 8 Coordinator is Tara Norton. The Year 8 Guidance Officer is Sarah Round. Both Tara and Sarah are experienced in supporting students and are able to give specific and appropriate help and encouragement including communication with/to teachers. Please reach out to them for support, if required.

Every term BrisbaneSDE holds a parent information night where a team from BrisbaneSDE discuss specific year level requirements and can answer your questions. These are informative nights and I hope to see you at the next Year 8 event, an invitation will be emailed with the teams link next term.

Wishing you all a relaxing mid-year break and look forward to working together in Term 3.

Janelle Ambrose

Zoe Wilkins, Deputy Principal – Year 10

In Term 2, our Year 10 students have been diligently working on their Senior Education and Training (SET) planning. This crucial process, which extends into Term 3, helps students explore their interests and potential career paths, guiding them in making informed subject choices for Years 11 and 12.

The SET planning journey begins with students completing modules in OneSchool, where they investigate various career options. They then select subjects for their senior years, which are confirmed in an interview involving the student, their Connect Teacher and a parent or caregiver.

These important interviews are scheduled for Term 3. Each student will meet with their parent and a BrisbaneSDE staff member to discuss their options and goals.

SET Plan Interview Dates

• Wednesday, July 30
• Thursday, July 31
• Friday, August 1

Important Information

• Parent, student and interviewer must be present for the interview.
• Each interview will last approximately 30 minutes.
• Bookings will be coordinated between parents and SET Plan interviewers early in Term 3.
  

We look forward to supporting our students as they navigate these exciting next steps in their educational journey.

During Term 3, three of our Year 10 Connect Representatives, Ash, Ryan and Bella, will attend the Brisbane: ‘Making our Mark - Youth Legacy speaking’ event. This is an opportunity for Year 10 students to share their local legacy ideas for the City of Brisbane in a fun and engaging format. These events include pre-prepared student speeches and a workshop activity that involves all attendees, along with performances from a young Brisbane musician and an informal networking session. Workshop activities will be facilitated by Council’s City of Brisbane Legacy Committee, which includes prominent Brisbane professionals and identities.

In the last week of Term 3, Year 10 students will have the opportunity to attend an excursion to Movie World. This is a great opportunity for students to have fun and connect with their peers and teachers. 

Kind Regards,
Zoe Wilkins

Carolyn Burke, Deputy Principal – Year 12 and School-Based

As we step into the final semester of our Year 12 students' schooling, the BrisbaneSDE team would like to acknowledge the strong partnerships we’ve built with students and families this year. Your support has been invaluable—and will continue to be—during these final, crucial months.

Term 3 Parent Information Sessions

Our Year 12 team has hosted online parent sessions each term, providing insights into key milestones and decisions. In Term 3, we’ll focus on:

• Final internal and external assessments
• Mock exams and preparation tips
• Tracking QCE progress through the MyQCE portal
• QTAC applications and post-school planning

Live attendance is encouraged, as it gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to ask questions directly. If you can’t make it, recordings will be available to access at your convenience.

Assessment and Exam Readiness

This week, I had the chance to chat with some of our Year 12s as they completed their final internal English assessments—it’s inspiring to see their focus and dedication.

As deadlines for final submissions to QCAA tighten in Term 3, it’s vital that students and supervisors are on top of draft and due dates. These can always be found on our website in the work rate calendar section.

External Exams

The 2025 QCAA external exam timetable has now been released. All students enrolled in General subjects are required to sit these exams—even if they’re not on an ATAR pathway. Students should have selected their preferred exam venue via the recent survey.

Keep an eye out for more details from Charlotte Thomas, Head of Senior Schooling, who will provide updates as we move closer to the exam period.

Senior Formal – A Night to Remember

The countdown is on! At the time of writing, our Year 12 Formal is just around the corner, and we’re excited to celebrate our students' achievements in style. It promises to be a memorable evening.

Professional photos from the event will be shared with students early in Term 3 via a secure link.

Graduation 2025

With the end of Year 12 in sight, we’re also beginning preparations for the 2025 Graduation Ceremony—a significant milestone in every student’s journey. Full details, including how to attend will be shared in Terms 3 and 4.

Please stay tuned for updates via Compass, sent by our Community Engagement Team.

Warm Regards
Carolyn Burke

Susan Monaghan, Deputy Principal – Inclusion and Student Support

Managing Change for Students

I recently was invited to speak at a Year 10 parent information meeting. My message was simple – please talk about changes for your young person well in advance – early and often. There are many changes to cope with during a student’s school life - teachers change, year levels change, subjects change. You may be moving schools, houses or travelling.  Maybe it is time to leave school and think about more education or a job. Early and open discussion that gradually provides more information can be very helpful for young people.

Every student is different and so our transition plans should work with their individual strengths and aspirations. If the students are given a voice in planning for change, then teachers, families and other stakeholders can more easily work together. We can help our students to make small steps towards their goal.

If your student is new to BrisbaneSDE, welcome! It can be daunting coming into an online class and getting used to the tools and technology. We have Year Co-ordinators and Inclusion Support Co-ordinators, Guidance Officers and many other support people to help students to settle in. We as a school can help by creating visual schedules and individual plans support students to adjust to new routines and classrooms. There are also many technological supports, like speech to text, subtitles and scaffolded tasks that can significantly help with student engagement and confidence. 

If students are in their later years of school, preparing life after school is just as important. Whether it is getting a job, University, TAFE, or volunteering, it is important to plan next steps. Early conversations with employment providers, attending job ready expos or careers days will help students to have the information that they need to start thinking about the future. NDIS does provide transition planning funding, so this is a great option for some of our students. It is also important to have goals around social activities outside of school as these often encourage independence and a sense of belonging in the community.

Talking with friends and family who have recently transitioned from school can also help ease any anxiety around change.  Hearing directly from others who’ve navigated these changes can make transitions, that may have seemed really difficult, more attainable. There are many resources available through school to help families work towards transitions and change. Together, we can ensure every student moves forward with confidence and support.

Susan Monaghan

Get connected, stay connected!

Regular parent and student communication to and from the school reflects engagement. In our school community it is a key function without which student success cannot be achieved – we cannot develop and grow without communication at all levels, students, their families, the wider community and staff. In general, communication is a means of connecting.

Student HUB

Whether you are new to BrisbaneSDE or returning, this is the page for you! We have used the data available to us and identified the information accessed by students on a regular basis and posted it on this page. Please let us know if we've missed something.

Communication

Remember, the most effective and timely way to communicate with us is email. You can email teachers directly, contact Heads of Department or if you are unsure which team can help you, email the Community and Engagement Team. If the team cannot help they will know who can.

Email issues

Reminder to please check your junk mail folder. If there are any emails from a school email address (ending in ‘@eq.edu.au’) please mark them as being from a safe sender and move them to your inbox.

Student Notices

Please remember, students must check ‘Student Notices’ on our school website each morning before 8:00am to see if there are any changes to their day. You can contact us with any enquiries by email.

Facebook

Celebrate student achievement, access updates and importantly be a part of the BrisbaneSDE Facebook community!

Discovery Centre News

Literary Events

This year we have a record number of entries into the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards. Students from across the school have sent in poetry on the optional theme All the Beautiful Things. Readers from Prep to Year 9 are again in the throes of reading books as part of the ‘2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge’. Information about literary competitions and events is always shared in Connect Notices, as well as on the Discovery Centre home page. Keep an eye out for upcoming events!

Did you know?

A great way to discover new book titles is to log into your Discovery Centre library account. There is a tutorial on how to do that on the Discovery Centre home page – left hand side in the HELP section:

Once logged in, click on the Browse lists menu item:

You will see Recommended for You and Because you Borrowed suggestions. New items are also listed. These lists are based on your age, loan history, and genres you have read before, and are a great place to start exploring!

Other than that, if you go to Good Reads website, or do a search on the internet for Books like... (add in a book title or author you love). You will see amazing lists of book recommendations! Don’t forget there is the eBook library as well!

Parent Collections

Our ‘Parent Collection’ has books on a range of parenting subjects, as well as books to share with children that can make starting tricky conversations that bit easier. Topics such as puberty, dealing with grief, disabilities, autism, teenage years, parenting bibles and more are available for Home Supervisors to borrow. Email library@brisbanesde.eq.edu.au with the subject Parent Collection to organise a Parent library account.

External VET programs

Jill Toppenberg, External VET Coordinator

BrisbaneSDE currently has over 200 students from Years 10 – 12 completing a VET qualification with an External RTO (Registered Training Organisation) through either a stand-alone qualification or via a school-based apprenticeship/traineeship. We would like to congratulate the following students for successfully completing their qualification in Semester 1, 2025:

• Serena – Certificate II in Animal Care
• Taj – Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance
• Darcy – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
• Ella - Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
• Charlotte - Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
• Elahna – Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
• Isabella – Certificate IV in Justice Studies
• Alzahraa – Diploma of Business
• Ife – Diploma of Business
• Daniel – Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Caitlin - Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  
  

Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) – we have a group of 13 students who are on the verge of completing this qualification. They have been attending online lessons as well as practical flying days throughout Semester 1 and should complete all requirements for this qualification by the end of the June/July holidays. Best of luck to those students who are also completing the RePL and AROC exams! 

This is an amazing achievement for all of these students. They now have a nationally recognized qualification to add to their resume as well as some valuable industry experience.

Good luck to students who have applied to study an External VET qualification for a Semester 2 start! Don’t forget to email the VET Team after you’ve attended at least two weeks of lessons to let us know how you are going. If you are confident that you’ll continue with your External VET study, then we can discuss dropping a subject.       

Current External VET Opportunities 

TAFE at School – 2026 Applications

Semester 2 applications for most qualifications have now closed. However, there are always some options available. For information on current opportunities please ask your student to check the Announcements on the External VET Programs QLearn Course. Families can also access current information on our External VET Program Padlet - External VET Programs Padlet for Families 

Check the Announcement sections for current information.
Greater Brisbane Region have notified us that the applications for the 2026 TAFE at Schools Program will open at 9:00am on July 21. If you are wanting to apply for a course, please be ready to go at 9:00am as some courses fill very quickly. To apply go here https://tafeapply.com/   and enter the code: TQB2601.
Unfortunately, due to changes in government funding, they have not yet released their 2026 Course Guide. However, you can have a look through the 2026 Price Guide to see what courses will be on offer:  TAS pricelist for 2026 here. 

Where you see CR in the pricelist – this means the course will be covered by ‘Career Ready’ funding – which replaces VETiS funding (VET in School). Students will be able to access ‘Career Ready’ funding for ONE funded qualification whilst at school.

Gold Coast Region – applications open in August. Date is yet to be confirmed. To apply go here https://tafeapply.com/ and enter the code: TQGC2601. Here is a link to Gold Coast Region 2026 Course Guide. 

Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay Region – TBC when applications will open – hopefully mid-July. To apply go here https://tafeapply.com/ and enter the code: TQEC2601. 2026 Course Guide is not yet available.

Darling Downs and South West Region - applications open 9:00am July 21. To apply go here https://tafeapply.com/ and enter the code: TQSW2601. Here is a link to Darling Downs and South West Region 2026 Course Guide. (https://tafeqld.edu.au/courses/ways-to-study/tafe-at-school)

North Queensland Region – applications open 9:00am August 18. To apply go here https://tafeapply.com/ and enter the code: TQN2601. Here is link to Northern Region 2026 Course Guide.

School-based Apprenticeships/Traineeships

There are frequent School-based apprenticeships/traineeships being advertised through the External VET Programs QLearn Course.  Keep your eye out for these if you are interested. The QLearn course contains links to ‘jobs boards’ which get updated regularly.

Any questions about External VET Programs – email VET@brisbanesde.eq.edu.au  

Work Experience

QLD residents only

If your student is in Year 10, 11 or 12 they might like to complete some work experience within an industry area of interest. There are some steps to work through to get this off the ground and to ensure your student is covered by Department of Education insurance whilst they are on their work experience. Please refer to the Work Experience section in the External VET Programs Padlet for Families for information. Once you have read this and you’d like to begin the process, please contact the VET Team – VET@brisbanesde.eq.edu.au  

Chelsea completed a Work Experience Day with Metro South Health:

“Thank you for all your help in completing this program. I really enjoyed the work experience, I got to work in many different departments including medical imaging which was helpful as I am interested in sonography. It was long hours so it was quite tiring and I was extremely anxious about doing this but everyone, especially all of the nurses I was buddied with were really nice and comforting. They explained everything I was observing to me thoroughly and I learnt so much. This program has encouraged me to pursue my intention of becoming a nurse and eventually a sonographer. As I do school online, I lack social skills and this program has boosted my confidence, communication and social skills. It has also encouraged me to take on more opportunities. Thank you.”

Any questions about External VET Programs – email VET@brisbanesde.eq.edu.au

Our Student’s Success

Big Science Competition

This year the school participated in the Australian Science Innovations world-wide Big Science Competition in May.

Our small but enthusiastic band of Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students who are nominated to be part of the experience, spent a busy 60 minutes answering questions on science topics way beyond their year levels.

The results were again outstanding with 30% receiving High Distinctions and all passing to a high level.

Well done to Alexander M, Fatima A, Carter P, Ashley K, Maci-Jo B, Emma K and Fatima T.

Jaylen B. in Year 3 wins student excellence award!

Jaylen received an award for Student Excellence at the NAIDOC Awards this week. Great job Jaylen we are all very proud.

Exciting Developments in STEAM at BrisbaneSDE

Science, Technologies, Engineering, Arts, Maths

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new STEAM Studio—a dedicated space designed to house our gaming computers and robotics equipment. This innovative facility has quickly become a hub of activity, with students making special visits to collaborate and compete in person with their teammates. Our robotics team is also utilizing the space to prepare for the upcoming RoboCup competition, showcasing their engineering and programming skills.

This year also marked the launch of our new esports and STEM shirts, which were made available for both students and staff. The initiative has been met with great enthusiasm and has helped foster a strong sense of identity and pride within our STEAM community.

Our Chess Club continues to thrive, with approximately 15 students attending weekly sessions. A special mention goes to Hannah F (Year 10), who has taken a leadership role in running the club and is currently coordinating an in-house tournament.

Responding to student interest, we have also introduced a new initiative: the Cosy Gaming space. This area was created to provide a relaxed, non-competitive environment where students can enjoy gaming in the company of like-minded peers. The group is currently enjoying the popular title Stardew Valley and is open to exploring other games that align with the same collaborative and calming ethos.

Finally, we are proud to celebrate the continued success of the BrisbaneSDE Infinity Rivals team in the Australian Esports League. After securing first place in Season 1 and runner up in Season 2 of Marvel Rivals, the team remains a dominant force to reckon with.

Creative Generation

Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage is Queensland’s largest youth performing arts event. The arena-style production showcases the wealth of talent in Queensland state schools and the quality opportunities provided to students. More than 2,000 young singers, dancers and musicians alongside some of the state’s leading professional artists will perform at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on July, Friday 18 and Saturday 19.

This year BrisbaneSDE has 2 talented students in featured roles – Aaron Z. in Year 12 and Ella G. in Year 10.

Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek.