Deputy Principal

Term 1 Reflection and Looking Ahead to Term 2

As we come to the end of another busy and productive term, I would like to congratulate all students on a consistent and positive start to the year. It has been extremely pleasing to see how well students have settled into both their academic studies and co-curricular activities.

Throughout Term 1, our students have demonstrated perseverance and resilience, particularly during NAPLAN and in our examination blocks. These periods can present challenges, and it has been wonderful to see students approach them calmly but with determination and focus.  In addition to our strong focus on our academic work, we have celebrated several highlights across the term, including strong performances from our EVP sporting teams and the much-enjoyed Aqua Fun Day, which provided a fantastic opportunity for students to connect and celebrate as a school community.

As we reflect on the term, I would like to reinforce the importance of our school uniform policy. At The Gap State High School, our uniform is more than just clothing, it reflects our shared commitment and pride in our school and further builds a sense of community and belonging. It is important that the whole community supports and upholds the uniform policy, recognising that this is a shared responsibility between students, families, and staff.

An area of note during Term 1 is the wearing of jewellery. To ensure consistency, safety, and alignment with our policy, we ask for the support of our families in reinforcing the school’s rules for jewellery. For clarity of communication and understanding, I have presented these rules succinctly below.

Students may wear:

• Up to 2 pairs of earrings.  These must be silver or gold sleepers or studs.

• One necklace that is not visible

   

Students must not wear:

• ‘Hoop’ style earrings that exceed 15mm in diameter
• Rings
• Bracelets
• Visible necklaces

• Facial piercings

   

I would like to take this opportunity to remind students that items of jewellery that do not meet the uniform policy may be required to be handed in during school hours and then collected at the end of the school day. I also encourage students to take the time to consider whether valuable items of jewellery should be brought with them to school.

In our last week of Term 1, we reflect on our progress but also look forward to an exciting program of events that will occur in the opening week of Term 2. We will hit the ground running with our school Cross Country on Wednesday, 22 April. This is always a fantastic display of house spirit, participation, and community involvement, and we encourage all students to get involved. 

Following this, we take the opportunity to showcase our school and all that it offers when we hold our Open Day on Thursday 23 April. This is without doubt a highlight on our school calendar, and a wonderful opportunity to connect with prospective future families. We thank the many students who have volunteered to be involved and encourage them to take pride in representing their school on this important occasion. 

To round out an eventful first week we will hold our ANZAC Day ceremony on Friday 24 April.

As we head into the break, I would like to thank our students, staff, and families for their ongoing commitment to building an atmosphere of respectful rapport and positive regard for one another.  I wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved holiday and look forward to seeing all students return refreshed and ready for another successful term.