Opti-MINDS State Final Weekend
Last weekend, no less than FOUR TMC TEAMS (that's 20 students representing years 6 - 11) went to the University of Queensland in Brisbane for the Opti-MINDS State Final event. Teams from schools all over Queensland gathered at UQ for two days of inspiration, creativity and fun!
On Saturday, students participated in an ideas market where they had to present a creative solution to a problem. The teams from TMC presented ideas inspired by corporate overuse of water, the need for the protection of turtles, and the importance of spreading positivity. One of our teams was selected to represent our region as the most inspiring idea: "Know the News". The team proposed a news channel that encouraged people to share community news, celebrate diversity, and reject news that is designed to entertain (like celebrity news stories). They shared slogans like, "Ignorance is not bliss", "SEE the change you wish to be", and "News may be negative, but it's necessary". Congratulations to TMC Team 4!
In the evening, the students danced up a storm at the Opti-Shindig. The disco was a highlight for all students!
On Sunday, the students gathered at the UQ centre at 7:30am for the three-hour challenge. Students faced the complex task of writing a play, making costumes and props, and addressing some tricky criteria along the way... Our Primary School Science/Engineering team also had to build a working machine to incorporate into the play! This took a lot of creativity, problem-solving and patience! All teams presented highly entertaining plays, and should be extremely proud of what they achieved together.
At the closing ceremony, it was so exciting to see one of our high school students, Scarlett T, taking part in the prestigious trophy-bearing ceremony. This was in celebration of her eight years' participation in Opti-MINDS. To top off a very special experience, one of our teams was recognised with an Honours Award (second place in the state!). Congratulations to TMC Team 6! What an amazing accomplishment!
Finally, I wish to make special mention of the incredible adults who gave up their weekends to support me in supervising, encouraging and celebrating our wonderful participants. Mr Haskins, Mrs Haskins and Mrs Watters were so generous with their energy, guidance and Opti-Spirit! Thank you also to Mr Horn who supported us too.
Congratulations: Team 2 - James H, Alex S, Poppy W, Lauren E, Will C Team 4 - Scarlett T, Will W, Leo W, Thomas W, Luka H, Skye P
Team 6 - Archie A, Niamh S, Oliver D, Ewen T, Aiden B
Team 8 - Molly S, Eli F, Will F, Annia R
You are extraordinary young people, and I look forward to working with you again in the future!
Mrs Deborah Horn