Deputy Principal

Term One Highlights

Term one is always an exciting time for schools.  With over 300 Year 7 students joining our community, accompanied by their parents and carers, it's been all about them forging new connections and finding their place within our vibrant school community. This term was jam-packed with opportunities to strengthen these connections. We kicked off with Welcome Week, where under the leadership of our student leaders, the Quad buzzed with numerous activities. Despite challenging weather, it was a fantastic week filled with opportunities for everyone. Clubs' Day was another highlight, seeing many new members meeting with like-minded students. The Swimming Carnival was as always a fantastic way to meet new people and an opportunity for students and staff to foster positive relationships. Camps, parent evenings, various excursions and community meetings are also opportunities to connect, grow and better understand each other. As we begin term two, lets build upon these relationships, grow in unity to achieve greatness and flourish as a community. 

Congratulation to our students

Congratulations to the student body for implementing the Away for the Day Phone policy this term.  The change in your behaviour is remarkable. Furthermore, it’s been great to see you interacting with each other during breaks and your on-task behaviour in classroom has increase.  We acknowledge it’s difficult to change poor habits and it’s very easy to be distracted by a text message or other notification.  We would also like to thank parents for their support with this initiative.

Reporting

Reporting for teachers is due straight after the break with Parent Teacher interviews following soon after.  The break is a perfect opportunity for students to reflect on their academic performance and ways of working.  Achievement grades are important however it’s the ways of working that can impact your results, for example, assignment drafting, responding to feedback, time management and goal setting. You may find The Gap Guide pages 24 to 28 extremely useful as it has support resources on Academic and Character Goal setting.

Parents as Partners

The Gap State High School is committed to the goal of personal excellence for all students and acknowledges the critical role parents and guardians play in contributing to their child's education and success.  We are pleased to announce a number of opportunities for our community to engage with leading educational and parenting experts. Two events have been scheduled for April including Parents as Partners: Confident and Capable and Parents as Partners: Mental Health Education Session (see the events page for more information).

AARA Process / Applying for Extensions to Assessment 

Year 10 students were asked to step-up and take on more responsibility for their learning and assessment in terms of the formal AARA extension process. AARAs are provided to minimise, as much as possible, barriers for students whose disability, impairment, medical condition or other circumstances may affect their ability to read, respond to or participate in assessment. These barriers fall into three broad categories of permanent, temporary and intermittent.

The process for applying for and implementing an AARA for senior students is managed by the following departments:

• Verified Students are managed by the Inclusion Hub
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health are managed by the Guidance Officers
• Illness, Misadventure and Other are managed by the Deputy Principal.

To assist with than approval of an AARA application, it’s important to note the following: Illness and Misadventure applications need to be submitted to relevant Year Level Deputy Principal. 

Students whose ability to attend or participate in an assessment is adversely affected by illness or an unexpected event may be eligible if: 

• the event is unforeseen and beyond the student’s control (e.g. death of a family member) 
• it is not of the student’s own choosing or that of their parents/carers (e.g. not a family holiday) 
• it has an adverse effect on the student’s ability to attend or participate in assessment (e.g. illness).

AARA Applications can be found on the school website: Support and resources – Forms and documents – Documents – Curriculum – Senior Schooling – TGSHS AARA Application 2024.

All applications need to be accompanied by evidence (e.g Medical Certificate / Order of Service etc).

Uniform expectations for Term 2

During connect all students were addressed by their connect teachers regarding uniform expectations. The phrase "Fit for purpose" was explained in detail in relation to uniform and accessories that are suitable, appropriate, and functional for their intended use within the context of the uniform policy or guidelines. This means that each component of the uniform, such as shirts, pants, skirts, shoes, ties, etc. must meet the requirements outlined in terms of style, colour, size and functionality.​ We trust that the following image will assist parents and caregivers with precise conversations at home.

Harmony Day

During last week we were reminded that everybody belongs as we acknowledged Harmony Day on Thursday 21 March by wearing orange.  Harmony Day is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism. Walking past the tuckshop with Harmony Day bunting flapping in the wind, I paused and reflected on the diversity of our community, the respect and belonging for all regardless of our backgrounds, and being united by core values - that’s worth thinking about.  What a great way to end the term.  

I wish you all a restful break, joyous time with family and friends and safe adventures on the road.