International | Languages

2026 Chinese Singing Competition

Celebrating Language Through Music

We are delighted to celebrate the success of our 2026 Chinese Singing Competition, which brought together students from Years 7–12 to explore Chinese language and culture through the universal language of music.

Held on Tuesday 18 August in the N Block Auditorium, the competition provided students with an engaging opportunity to showcase their Chinese language skills, confidence and creativity through song.

The celebration extended beyond the competition itself. Year 7 and Year 9 students also participated in interactive activities exploring Chinese songs, language and culture through music. Students experimented with rhythm and tempo, explored Chinese words for emotions such as 高兴 (happy) and 难过 (sad), and experienced how changing the speed and expression of a song can change the way it feels. They then put their learning into practice by singing and clapping along to the well-known Chinese song 《恭喜恭喜》 (Gong Xi Gong Xi).

These activities provided an accessible and enjoyable way for students to connect language with music, movement and cultural understanding, demonstrating that language learning extends well beyond the classroom textbook.

The singing competition featured two categories — Years 7–9 and Years 10–12 — with students performing individually, in pairs and in groups. Performances included well-known Chinese songs such as 茉莉花 (Jasmine Flower) and 月亮代表我的心 (The Moon Represents My Heart), alongside contemporary and student-selected pieces.

We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 competition:

Years 7–9

• 1st Prize: Lavender & Maria
• 2nd Prize: Zoe & Julia
• 3rd Prize: Abigail & Sophia

Years 10–12

• 1st Prize: Erica

• 2nd Prize: Jemma & Shanabyl

   

Congratulations also to all students who participated. Taking to the stage and performing in another language requires courage, preparation and commitment, and every participant should be proud of their achievement.

More than simply a singing competition, the event provided students with an authentic and enjoyable way to connect language learning with culture. Through music, students were able to practise their pronunciation and expression while developing a deeper appreciation of Chinese language and culture.

A big thank you to our Chinese teachers and staff who supported the organisation and running of the competition, and particularly to Yiyi and Zina for judging the performances, Gloria for supporting the event, and Yeong for coordinating the set-up and audio support.

Congratulations again to all our performers and award recipients for making the 2026 Chinese Singing Competition such an enjoyable celebration of language, culture and student participation.

Year 7 - Visit the Brisbane German Club 

In Week 6, our Year 7 German students took their learning beyond the classroom with an exciting excursion to the Brisbane German Club.

The excursion provided students with an opportunity to experience German language and culture in an authentic setting. Students participated in a cultural treasure hunt, exploring the venue to discover significant German cultural items, historical figures and symbols while learning about their cultural significance.

A highlight of the day was the opportunity to taste a variety of German foods, allowing students to experience an important part of German culture firsthand. Students also participated in quizzes, language challenges and other interactive activities that encouraged them to apply their classroom learning in a fun and meaningful way.

The excursion was a fantastic opportunity for students to build their cultural understanding, curiosity and confidence while seeing how language learning connects with the wider world.

Vielen Dank to the Brisbane German Club for welcoming our students and helping bring German language and culture to life!

Excellence Without Borders – Welcoming a Future International Student

In Week 7, The Gap State High School welcomed Rito Naito, a Year 9 student from Japan, for a special visit to experience school life and trial our Elite Volleyball Program (EVP).

Rito is a talented volleyball player with aspirations to study overseas. In exploring his international education options, he chose The Gap State High School as his future destination, with our Elite Volleyball Program playing a key role in attracting him to our school.

During his visit, Rito observed and trained alongside our Year 9 EVP students, experiencing firsthand the quality of our specialist sporting programs and the opportunities available to students at The Gap. He also had the opportunity to meet students and gain a sense of our wider school community.

Rito’s journey highlights how our Excellence Programs can reach beyond our local community and have a global impact. Programs such as EVP not only provide outstanding opportunities for our current students, but also strengthen The Gap SHS’s international profile by attracting students from overseas who are seeking a high-quality education alongside opportunities to pursue their individual talents and passions.

This connection between our Excellence Programs and International Student Program demonstrates what makes The Gap a distinctive destination for international students — the opportunity to experience Australian education while becoming actively involved in specialist programs and the wider life of the school.

We are delighted that Rito will return next year to commence his journey as an international student at The Gap State High School. We look forward to welcoming him back and supporting him to thrive both academically and through his passion for volleyball.

Rito’s story is an exciting example of how The Gap SHS is connecting locally and reaching globally, with our programs creating opportunities for students from around the world to become part of our school community.