Deputy Principal

Congratulations for getting through Term 3! 

This has been a complex, but highly rewarding phase in our school year for many reasons. Our successful School-led Review (SLR) started things off and the feedback from the evaluation team was glowing. Thank you to all who contributed to this project; school members and those in the community, as we are richer and more focused for the next strategic plan in 2026.

Another important phase in preparation for next year has been enrolment interviews. The Pathways and Performance Team has refined these interviews to ensure every voice is heard. New students and families can engage with our dedicated staff in these substantial conversations. We value this process and are already building a deeper connection with individual students before they walk back in the gate. We appreciate the extra time our staff give voluntarily and acknowledge this as one of our core values - stepping up. 

In the evolving world of STEAM education, our LAUNCH Plus team have hosted their annual conference day for local primary school students. With this year’s theme of Sport and Recreation, the LAUNCH conference was hosted by our multi-age student team to develop collaboration, critical thinking, perseverance, communication skills and above all, leadership. LAUNCH leaders took complete control of the program to challenge Assistive Technology in Health by organising the equipment, scheduling, communications and catering. The guest speaker, Rachel Condos-Fields, was impressed with the innovation of this student body. Well done team, and thank you to Mrs Mee for her dedication and patience!

The majority of Year 12 students are in the throes of preparation for external exams. The final week of Term 3, known locally as ‘Spirit Week’ has been a meaningful time for students to celebrate their learning while keeping an eye on the final goal.  Spirit Week activities have been good humoured, fun, and well attended as evidenced by the Senior Sunset gathering at New Farm Park, and ‘anything but a bag’ day. We will all join together on Friday for the guard of honour, as a show of support for these young people and how much we value their contribution to The Gap State High School over the past six years. Special thanks to Head of Year, Mr Clarke and Deputy Principal, Mrs Mee for the intensive support and leadership, our Year 12 Guidance Officer, Ms Thompson for her insight, and the dedicated teachers who find joy in everyday learning opportunities for our future world leaders!

In Term 4, week 4 we have extra-curricular photo day; an opportunity for our 2025 cultural and sporting groups to have their photos taken. If your young people have been involved in the wide range of extra-curricular programs, groups or teams then they will be notified about the time and place, as well as the uniform and dress expectations. Keep an eye out for our communications early next term.

Year 11 students are looking forward to their end of year social event; the culmination of a challenging academic year, and time to celebrate with friends at Friday’s Riverside on Thursday 13th November. Students will receive communications early in Term 4. 

Year 10 students are heading to Emu Gully for their annual camp experience – one of the most amazing camp experiences they will ever have. Students and staff cannot speak more highly of this opportunity. I am looking forward to this camp, and speaking from personal experience, the Emu Gully week can be life changing and bonding. Thanks in advance to our APP team under the leadership of Mr Rothwell and the LTC coordinators, and our enthusiastic staff who turn up ready for anything!

Excellence evenings are our official acknowledgement of student and staff success. With the theme of ‘soaring minds, infinite skies’, the senior evening is almost upon us in Week 3, so we invite you to celebrate academic and cultural excellence. The junior evening, ‘call of the wild – voices of achievement’ will be held in Week 8 and promises to be a celebration of significant milestones for our youngest learners. Look for the latest communications about this important event.

We wish all students and staff a safe and happy holiday, ready to return in good shape for Term 4.

Launch Team in action