Language/International News

2025 Chinese Senior Collaboration Session

Our senior Chinese students from Years 10–12 recently gathered for the Chinese Senior Collaboration session, a chance to connect across year levels and strengthen our learning community.

Through rotating conversations, students introduced themselves, shared favourite memories, offered advice for success, and discussed future plans – all in Chinese. Younger students gained valuable tips from their senior peers, while seniors reflected on their own journey of learning.

Teachers joined the fun by dressing up, adding to the cultural atmosphere and giving students a chance to experience Chinese traditions in a memorable way. The session finished with a lively worksheet challenge, where students spoke only in Chinese to find classmates who matched different criteria.

This event not only built confidence in communication but also celebrated collaboration, culture, and the joy of learning Chinese together.

The Gap SHS Builds Global Connections through BRIDGE Program

Earlier this year, we proudly shared that The Gap State High School had been selected to participate in the prestigious 2025 ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE School Partnership Program. This initiative, supported by the Australian Government and the Asia Education Foundation, connects Australian schools with partner schools in Southeast Asia to foster long-term international collaboration.

Our partner school is SMK Raja Shahriman in Malaysia, led by Ms Jamie Ashwini Pragasam, an experienced English language teacher with a passion for cross-cultural learning. Representing The Gap SHS is Mr Yeong Gwon, our Head of Department – Languages and International, who is committed to strengthening global competencies and intercultural understanding across our school community.

From 1–5 September, we were delighted to host Ms Pragasam and her colleagues at The Gap SHS. During their visit, they engaged in a wide variety of activities designed to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen our partnership. These included:

• Observing lessons across different subject areas to gain insight into Australian teaching and learning practices.
• Shadowing staff in key roles to learn about the structure and operation of our school system.
• Collaboratively reviewing and refining our engagement plan to ensure sustainable and meaningful collaboration.
• Sharing perspectives on education and exploring opportunities for joint projects that promote global citizenship.

Their visit was also an opportunity to celebrate cultural exchange. Both schools shared ideas, experiences, and values that highlighted the strength of learning across borders. Teachers and students alike benefited from the fresh perspectives and conversations that emerged throughout the week.

This in-person visit marks an important milestone in our partnership, setting the foundation for future student-to-student exchanges, collaborative projects, and a reciprocal visit to Malaysia in January 2026.

At The Gap SHS, we believe that education is not only about academic learning, but also about preparing students to be confident, connected, and active global citizens. Through the BRIDGE Program, we are proud to provide our students with experiences that expand their worldview and foster lasting international connections.

We look forward to sharing more updates as this exciting journey continues.