Acting Executive Principal 

School-Led Review: Building on Strengths, Planning Forward

As part of our ongoing improvement agenda, we recently completed the first stage of our School-Led Review (SLR). The review affirmed many of the strengths we see every day at The Gap SHS, strong teaching practices guided by our TILE framework, broad curriculum and pathway offerings, extension opportunities through Honours, EVP, LAUNCH, and renewed international programs, as well as a strong wellbeing focus and valuable community partnerships.

The SLR also identified opportunities for us to further strengthen consistency and trust in student-staff relationships, build fairness and equity across student experiences, and deepen both student and parent voice in our planning. Ensuring our partnerships are purposeful and well-aligned is also a focus.

Next steps include the Validation Team visit in Week 2, Term 3. We look forward to sharing further outcomes with our parent community as this important work continues.

Parent Session: Real Conversations with Adair Donaldson

Tuesday 15 July, 6:30pm — School Auditorium

Thanks to the generous support of our P&C, we are able to offer this important parent education session with respected legal educator and advocate Adair Donaldson, free of charge to our parent community. 

Adair’s work with students and families across Australia is recognised for its powerful, honest approach to the critical issues facing young people today, consent, risk, online behaviour, and respectful relationships.

As staff have reflected, “This was one of the most impactful presentations I have ever seen, our students are still talking about it.”

We strongly recommend this session to all parents and carers, even if you feel these topics may not apply to your child right now. The reality is that these are conversations every family needs to be having in today’s world. Attending will help equip you to better support your young person and engage meaningfully with the messages they are hearing at school.

We encourage every parent to take up this valuable opportunity. Please stay tuned

Laternenfest 2025: On Saturday, 7 June, The Gap State High School transformed into a glowing celebration of German culture with the return of Laternenfest 2025. Hosted by the Brisbane German Language School, the festival featured lantern-making workshops, live German music, delicious traditional foods like Bratwurst and Rösti, and the beloved lantern parade at sunset. It was heartwarming to see so many from our community come together to share in this vibrant cultural tradition.

Year 8 Camp: Maroon Dam Adventures: This term, our Year 8 students embraced an exciting week of challenge, teamwork and personal growth at Maroon Outdoor Education Centre.

Set against the stunning Maroon Dam backdrop, students tackled high ropes, canoeing, hiking and team challenges, building resilience, leadership and friendships along the way. Many students stepped well outside their comfort zones and discovered new strengths.

Camp also offered valuable opportunities for reflection and connection, with students sharing in memorable experiences around the campfire and throughout their time together.

Thank you to our dedicated staff and the team at Maroon for making this rich learning experience possible for our students.

Year 11 Adventure Camps: Opportunities to Challenge and Connect: Next week, our Year 11 students will take part in a range of exciting adventure camps designed to promote personal growth, resilience, and connection.

Students have chosen from a diverse range of experiences including sea kayaking at Bribie Island and Stradbroke Island, an art retreat at Wild Mountains, horse riding at Kiah Park, and surf camp at Lennox Heads. These programs offer such rich opportunities for students to develop leadership, teamwork and independence while engaging with the natural environment.

We look forward to seeing our students embrace these challenges and return with new skills, fresh perspectives, and lasting memories.

Evolving Culture in the Elite Volleyball Program: Our Elite Volleyball Program continues to evolve, with a strong focus on fostering a culture of excellence grounded in values. This term, we are deliberately embedding the pillars of Elite Character, Elite Competition, and Elite Commitment across all aspects of the program.

Recognising students who consistently demonstrate integrity, resilience and leadership (Elite Character), pursue excellence on the court (Elite Competition), and maintain a strong commitment to both their sport and learning (Elite Commitment).

Pleasingly, many parents have already observed this shift in culture and the positive impact it is having on their children. Together, we are building a program that develops not only exceptional athletes, but well-rounded young people who embody the values of our school and the spirit of the game.

Staff Celebration: Congratulations to Ms. Anna Low, who was recently awarded a prestigious Goethe-Institut Teacher Scholarship! In Week 10 of Term 2, Ms. Low was selected to participate in a professional development seminar in Berlin, Germany, as part of the Goethe-Institut’s international program for German language educators. This incredible opportunity will allow her to deepen her expertise in German language and culture, bringing fresh insights and inspiration back to her students and colleagues. 

Special Recognition: I am delighted to share that Mrs McLauchlan has been named an Excellence Awardee in the School Principal of the Year – Government category at the 2025 Australian Education Awards.

This honour is a reflection of the incredible work of our entire school community, our talented staff, dedicated students, and supportive families but also her vision. I know she is proud to lead such a passionate and committed team as we continue to provide an inclusive, high-quality education where every learner can flourish.

Sitting in the Principal’s chair over these few weeks, I have been constantly energised by the incredible teaching and learning happening across our school. From rich classroom discussions and creative student work, to the collaborative spirit I see in staffrooms and the many vibrant activities across the school with Teacher vs Student Volleyball competitions, there is a real sense of purpose and pride in our community. It is a privilege to witness firsthand the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students as they strive for their personal best.

As we move into the final weeks of term, I encourage all students to stay focused, maintain their commitment, and finish strong. Whether on the court, in the classroom, or within the broader school community, consistent effort and a positive mindset will ensure a successful and rewarding end to the term.