Deputy Principal

As we enter November, it’s an exciting time for our school community as we prepare to celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 students and mark the end of an incredible journey. Next week, we look forward to hosting the Year 12 Formal, followed by the highly anticipated Graduation ceremony. This milestone is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and dedication our students have demonstrated throughout their secondary education. Both events promise to be a wonderful evening of celebration, friendship, and reflection, as our Year 12 students prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives.

We also extend a fond farewell to many of our international students, who have brought diversity, culture, and perspective to our school community. We thank them for the friendships and memories we’ve shared and wish them every success as they begin their next journey, wherever that may take them.

To our parents and caregivers, thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year. Your involvement is invaluable to our school community, and we look forward to celebrating these special milestones together in the coming days.

For our Year 10 and Year 11 students, the first set of internal assessments is approaching—a significant opportunity for each student to demonstrate their understanding and build on their skills as they progress towards senior studies. We encourage our students to approach these assessments with commitment and focus, as they lay the foundation for success in the coming years. Teachers and support staff are here to provide guidance and resources to ensure all students feel prepared and confident.

At this time, it’s important for all students to manage their time effectively, maintain good study habits, and reach out for support if needed. We know that our students are working hard, and we’re proud of the dedication they’re showing towards their learning. We’d also like to remind students to take care of their wellbeing during this time by getting enough rest, staying active, and balancing study with activities they enjoy.

Next week coincides with National Recycling Week, a timely reminder of our shared responsibility to protect our environment. This week I was privileged to see Frieda, Holly and Maple’s project as part of the Brisbane City Council’s Lord Mayor’s Environmental Leaders Network. Our students have been actively engaged in learning about sustainability practices and showcased The Gap SHS amazing community garden. We encourage all students to participate in sustainability initiatives including recycling, both at school and at home, as small actions can collectively make a big difference.

On 13 November, we celebrate World Kindness Day, a day dedicated to promoting compassion and kindness in our interactions. We encourage everyone to participate by performing acts of kindness, whether through words, gestures, or simply by lending a hand to someone in need. Being Kind is at the heart of our school values, and we look forward to seeing these qualities shine across our community.

On Thursday 7 November all parents were sent an email outlining important plans, events, dates for Weeks 10 and 11. Please check your inbox and, if necessary, your junk or spam folder to ensure you receive this communication. The email includes a link to a survey to inform planning and resourcing for Week 11, and we kindly ask all parents to complete at your earliest convenience for students in Years 7, 8 and 9.

Wishing everyone a successful, memorable, and uplifting conclusion to the school year!