Our Week in Brisbane – STEM MAD, Culture, Friendship and Fun!

What an unforgettable week we’ve had! Eight of our incredible Year 5 and 6 students represented our school with pride, curiosity, and compassion during their adventure down to Brisbane for the BCE STEM MAD Showcase – and what a week it was!

The trip was packed with learning, cultural experiences, exciting challenges, and joyful moments. It was heartwarming to see our students grow not just in knowledge, but in confidence, friendship, and faith.

STEM MAD at the Brisbane Convention Centre

The heart of our journey was the STEM MAD competition, held at the Brisbane Convention Centre. It was a true joy to witness our students in their element – confidently presenting their projects, explaining their ideas, and engaging with others with such professionalism and excitement.

Ivyanne summed it up beautifully: “I loved going to the Brisbane Convention Centre and showing off our projects. Everybody was trying their best!”

Mr Jake, who worked with the students on their projects, reflected: “Watching the students enter a ‘flow state’ while presenting gave me goosebumps – they truly stepped up and owned the moment.”

Walter added, “STEM MAD was so fun – I loved seeing everyone’s inventions and hanging out with our St Finbarr’s friends and some of the STMC kids.”

Visits to Our Partner Schools

Our students also visited St Thomas More College (STMC) and St Finbarr’s Primary School. The welcome we received from these communities was overwhelming and deeply appreciated.

Lakeisha shared: “Going to St Finbarr’s was my favourite because the kids were so nice to us. They made us feel welcome and even threw us a party!”

Taye reflected on the generosity of our high school partners: “I really liked how the STMC students volunteered to help us and took time out of their day to be with us.”

Culture and Connection at Ngutana Lui

A highlight of the trip was our time at the Ngutana Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre, where students learned about First Nations culture through dance, language, boomerang throwing, and enjoyed a traditional kup muri.

Ezmay said, “I really liked how Uncle Bani spoke to everyone and shared language from his own culture.”
It was a profound experience that deepened our understanding and appreciation of the rich Indigenous heritage that shapes our nation.

Facing Fears and Having Fun

No Brisbane adventure would be complete without a little fun! We celebrated the students’ hard work with a night at Holey Moley and a thrilling day at Dreamworld – where many students overcame fears and embraced joy.

Meleisha shared, “Dreamworld was amazing – I’ve never been on a rollercoaster before, and it was really fun!”

Peri added, “Shockwave was my favourite – I screamed so much!”

Zaiden couldn’t choose just one highlight: “Going to the Gold Coast was awesome – especially the Forest Flyers ride!”

And of course, Mr Jake got a kick out of the bumper cars: “Watching the students drive terribly and crash into everything was hilarious.”

This week was about more than STEM. It was about faith in action, building community, respecting culture, and celebrating growth. Our students walked away with new friendships, deeper understanding, and memories to last a lifetime.

To our eight young ambassadors – Ivyanne, Zaiden, Lakeisha, Walter, Periota, Taye, Ezmay, and Meleisha – thank you. You represented our school with pride, joy, and excellence.

We’re so proud of you.

Blessings,