Deputy Principal

Welcome to 2026 at The Gap State High School 

I hope everyone had a restful break and you are all ready to tackle another big year of quality learning! 

I would like to extend a very warm welcome back to our students; the teachers and staff are so happy to be back on campus! I would like to extend a special welcome to our new Year 7 students, our new students in Years 8-12 and all their families. We are so excited to have you here with us.

At The Gap State High School, our success stems from the pride we take in everything we do. This week we have seen some quality teaching and learning occurring in the classrooms and teachers investing their time and energy modelling good learning behaviours. 

Welcome Week

Week 1 was a celebration to welcome all students back to school. 

We had our Welcome Assembly where all year levels officially welcomed the Year 7 students – the class of 2030 to The Gap State High School community. Every morning for the first week, students assembled in the sports hall to listen to the messages. Students were reminded about our school values and the effort and behaviour matrix. This week gave opportunity to the Connect teachers and students to foster positive relationships within their connect classes. Through the activities of the welcome week, we continue our focus on student wellbeing and their sense of belonging. 

Student Free Days – Teachers as learners 

Our January student free days This year we continue with our focus on building a strong culture of wellbeing and community at The Gap State High school. Our teachers spent the student free days mastering the clear agendas on the school’s 2026 priorities and unpacking the strategic plan for next four years. 

Attendance 

There is a vast body of evidence from decades of research that shows a clear connection between student attendance at school and success in later life. Regardless of the future aspirations of young person post school, a pattern of repeated absence is nearly always correlated with difficulties in the workplace and in life more generally. It is therefore critical that attendance is a priority for us all.

If you are having problems with your student attending school, please contact the Head of Year or connect teachers to have a conversation. 

The QCAA has partnered with clinical psychologist and registered teacher Dr Judith Locke on a series of short videos designed to help parents and carers support their child’s learning and wellbeing. I highly recommend watching the following videos for some practical tips for parents and carers

Getting your child ready to start secondary school 

https://youtu.be/_L6Pxvilga4?list=PLKf0-B8NIgSXNZ0OQPrPhH8mDU_u55eEm

Supporting your teen in senior schooling

https://youtu.be/_qOSCL-G-9E?list=PLKf0-B8NIgSXNZ0OQPrPhH8mDU_u55eEm

Please see below for the codes used for attendance at the school. 

Road Safety 

The safety of students travelling to and from school is one of the most important issues for school communities. Parents and carers are requested to reinforce road safety messages including pedestrian drop offs and pick up, riding bikes to and from school and wearing safety equipment like helmets when riding scooters, skateboards or bikes. Please note that school driveways are not pick up or drop off zones or places to make a U- turn to ensure safety of staff and students. Students who have an electric scooter should check Legal scooter use in Queensland website to abide by the rules for electric scooter. All 12–15-year-olds should be supervised when riding an electric scooter. 

Communication 

We encourage all parents to follow us on Facebook and check their emails regularly for important communication messages sent by the school. If your email address has changed please contact the main office to update your details.