The Gap State High School is set to open a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) building that will enhance the skills of its students.
The building is set to open in 2019, a perfect time as the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system will be launched that same year.
Students will be given better resources and materials to investigate on real-world issues and challenges that surround them. With a building dedicated to STEM itself, The Gap SHS will see better-equipped students with the knowledge and skills that will shape a bright future.
The $10-million building will have seven classrooms, four science laboratories, and three learning areas. School principal, Anne McLaughlan is very happy with the news. Ms McLaughlan is thrilled that they will be able to accommodate more students and help with the growing community.
The building will also provide access to world-class science and robotic labs, giving students more chance to dive deeper into the mysteries of the sciences. Senior students will greatly benefit from these new facilities.
STEM lets students make a positive impact in the world through innovation and creativity. Many of the faster growing jobs and industries today need STEM expertise. This field utilises and develops critical thinking and reasoning to solve problems.
The course is offered to Years 9 and 10 students at the school and they can choose the course as a specialist elective.
Following the controversy in The Gap State High School’s Uniform Policy, a motion was passed to form a Uniform Working Group during the P&C meeting held last 12 February. The working group, which will consist of teachers, students, parents and community members, will be tasked to review the school’s uniform policy.
After 103 students from The Gap State High School were given detention for breaching uniform rules, the Minister of Education stood by the decision of the school principal and stated that such concern can be resolved by common sense.
Photo credit: Facebook/Grace Grace MP
In her statement, Education Minister Grace Grace said, “I support The Gap State High School principal and the school community’s actions in enforcing the uniform policy and urge all parties to take a common sense approach and work together to resolve this issue at the school level.”
“The Gap State High School is not the only high school that enforces a uniform policy. It is common practice across Queensland state schools and uniform policies are always determined through consultation with the local school community,” she added.
With this, The Gap State High School urged parents to voice their concerns on the P&C meeting.
Around 80 parents reportedly attended the P&C meeting held in the school library. Most of them were upset that their children were sent to detention for not complying with the uniform policy.
One parent claimed that her child was stressed and scared about receiving detention over their uniform.
Another one said that her son finds the regulation shoes uncomfortable and didn’t want to play soccer while wearing them.
One mother said she didn’t know she bought non-compliant shoes until she was told to get new ones within 24 hours.
Photo credit: Mathers
There’s also a parent who said that the school gave her a pair of shoes that doesn’t conform to the uniform policy.
“I bought the shoes and I don’t think my child should be punished for that,” she added.
While some parents find the policy a waste of money, other parents support the school’s tough stance on their policy.
Parents who support the strict enforcement of the uniform policy said that they understand and respect the rules. One mother is even thankful for the uniform policy since according to her, her son’s behaviour had improved in proper uniform.
The meeting determined the need for establishing a Uniform Working Group that will be responsible for reviewing the Uniform Policy and Dress Standards which was last revised in 2004.
Photo credit: The Gap State High School
The working group will be meeting monthly not only to discuss the shoe policy but also to consider shorts for girls after several parents asked for such option for their daughters.
Principal Anne McLauchlan said the school will temporarily stop giving detentions for Term One provided that students wear black leather shoes.
Ms McLauchlan also said that feedback from the staff has been positive since there has been an improvement in the students’ behaviour after the revived focus on the uniform.
Mrs Karen Bishop, the parent who expressed her frustration on social media after her purchase of a new pair of non-compliant Vans for her daughter, said that the school’s response on the matter was positive and she was optimistic about the outcome of the Uniform Working Group’s sessions.
As part of the ATS program, PRSS held an assembly at the school on 28 February to give the children an overview of the program. The school also launched a “Golden Boot” event, which will happen on 9 March, to make the ATS a fun activity for everyone.
On the day, students will be wearing their coloured house shirts and meet at their designated House Park at 7:45 a.m. From there, they will walk, ride or scoot to school with their designated House groups or even with their family and friends.
Upon reaching the school, they will get their Passport stamped. After all these, students can enjoy free pancakes, toasted sandwiches, and orange quarters for breakfast before the first bell.
The ATS provides Brisbane primary schools with free resources, tools, and incentives to let students, parents, and teachers leave their vehicles at home and actively travel to school.
The program’s aim is to create healthier and more active students and parents. This also promotes better road safety awareness among students and families. In the process, it helps create safer streets and reduce traffic congestion at the school gate.
The report showed how kids and young people are not getting the proper amount of physical activity. The research also recommended forming active environments that will prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.
There have been many cases of speeding in school zones around Brisbane, causing parents to worry about the safety of their children. Through the ATS program, the council and participating schools would come up with initiatives to promote safety on the roads, particularly in school areas.
Also earlier this month, the Ferny Grove State School took the crazy sock approach to launch their attempt at the golden boot this year. The students wore “crazy” and colourful socks to school to show their support for the ATS program.
The Gap State High School students and parents are in an uproar over uniform policy issues as a growing number of students were given detention for not complying with the rules on wearing the proper uniform, specifically footwear.
Photo credit: The Educator / Twitter
Recently, a student, who was suspended for three days, posted a short video on Facebook, which was taken down, showing students getting uniform passes. The uniform passes are issued by the school to students who are not wearing the proper uniform. Another post on The Gap Grapevine showed that 80 students received detention that day, a figure which was later updated to 460 children. It has turned out that 460 is an exaggeration and the Queensland Teachers Union has confirmed that the actual number is 103.
One of the details being discussed is the heel requirement of the students’ shoes, which must be black leather lace up school shoes, with a heel that is not greater than 20 millimetres and not lower than 5 millimetres. The school also released photos of the type of shoes along with a retailer that sells that particular footwear.
Photo credit: The Gap State High School
Parents have expressed mixed reactions to the uniform policy. In general, the concern expressed by most parents is that their children have “acceptable footwear” from previous years, or some that had just been bought, and many would rather not go through the expense of buying another pair based on the recently released guidelines.
While initially, the school refused to comment, Education Minister Grace Grace said that the school has offered to help families in financial difficulty so they can comply with the shoes rule. “It’s up to the principal with the school community to set the school uniform policy and to implement it and I support them 100%,” Grace said.
Also, an Education Queensland spokesperson said that the uniform policy of the school has been there since 2004. The policy was formulated by the school community and was approved by the Parents and Citizens’ Association and is supported by the P&C and the community of The Gap SHS.
“Student dress codes reflect community standards and balance the rights of individual students with the best interests of the whole school community,” a Department of Education spokesman said.
There will be a P&C meeting on 12 February and parents are advised to attend to voice their concerns regarding the uniform policy.
Goldie St. in The Gap is facing challenging times as residents come together to rally against a childcare centre development in the area.
Specifically located at 81-85 Payne Rd, a proposed childcare facility called the C&K centre aims to cater to 114 children in a 2-storey building.
Photo credit: Your Neighbourhood
Residents are apprehensive as the development could create congestion on the busy road and a safety hazard in their neighbourhood. The road is home to pensioners, young families and people with disability and mobility issues.
The residents said that they are not totally against childcare facilities in their suburb. However, they hope that the developers as well as the Brisbane City Councilwill find spaces that are more apt for such developments, and not locations that will disrupt residential living.
They also want the development to be aligned with the new The Gap Neighbourhood Plan.
The new neighbourhood plan states that the population only expects to see 700-900 new residents over the next ten years. This contradicts the current approvals for five other childcare centre applications in the suburb.
Same Issue On the Same Road
One childcare centre application at 10-14 Payne Road has been lodged last year, with plans to develop what once was a three-storey brick office building into a childcare centre with an established commercial district centre. The centre can accommodate 117 children.
Photo credit: BCC
The site where the old office lies hasn’t been used for over 20 years. Some residents are very eager to finally see some development in the area. Others don’t think that a childcare centre is appropriate for the area due to the lack of green space. Others are getting concerned over the traffic that it may cause.
The Council Speaks Up
Cr Steve Toomey has already met with the residents to listen to their concerns and the council has responded urging the developer to respond to the council’s concerns and to seek community feedback. The residents, on the other hand, are encouraged to voice out their concerns when the opportunity arises.
Sad news for the weekend regulars. After almost four years, The Gap Farmers’ Market has permanently closed.
The market organisers blame the tough economic environment, which has led them to shut down the market. The family-friendly community market is held every Sunday at Hilder Road State School.
Offering local produce from local farmers, the market really did start off well. However, the organisers had a hard time keeping it up for years due to the economic changes. They have observed that most people have been budgeting very carefully, hence affecting their sales and the market overall.
They also blame the huge supermarket chains around the area that can keep their prices low.
Still, the organisers are still determined to continue the popular Sunset Sounds music festival this year. The festival had a successful run last December.
The Gap is one of the suburbs in Brisbane recorded with multiple cases of hoarding and squalor. In the past financial year, the Brisbane City Council has gotten 6,227 complaints, which is 364 more than the complaints received last financial year.
The other eight suburbs with multiple cases are:
Brighton
Calamvale
Coorparoo
Fairfield
Graceville
Tarragindi
Tingalpa
Windsor
The council tackles this problem through their response program specifically targeted towards hoarding and squalor. The program was established in 2015 and so far has gotten over 19,000 complaints.
Compulsive hoarding
– difficulty discarding items of limited value & discarding those items causes them distress
– cluttered living environments restricting a normal life
Domestic squalor
– high volume of waste, dirt and grime
– presence of pests
– presence of rotting food
– hoarded materials
In Australia, an estimated 2.6% of people are affected by compulsive hoarding whilst a 2016 Census data, up to 30,000 people may be affected by compulsive hoarding within the Brisbane local government area.
Compulsive hoarding and severe domestic squalor are two distinct mental health issues. The council sees cases of hoarding and squalor as the most complex and challenging as there is no quick fix. Resolving issues cooperatively is what the council aims for but they also have an obligation to protect the health and safety of neighbouring residents and the community.
The Initiative
This has led the council to develop the Initiative, a two-year pilot project that ran through July 2014 to June 2017 where a Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) worked closely with affected residents and support agencies and helped address complex mental health and other personal issues. The RLO was funded for specialist decluttering and cleaning support. It was a success thus the council extended it by providing funding in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 budgets.
The Initiative provides intensive case management and collaborative support to residents who live with hoarding and squalor conditions as well as those who are affected by them. The council is now recognised as a local government leader in tackling hoarding and squalor and continues to work with the Local Government Association of Queensland to develop best practices for other local governments.
There is also a public health order under the Public Health Act 2005 issued to require the recipient of the order to take action from removing, reducing or controlling the risk to public health from a public health risk. This applies to hoarding and squalor. Failure to comply a fine up to $15,000 must be paid.
According to Cr Matthew Bourke, the council’s lifestyle chairman, the council is doing everything in their power to control hoarding and squalor in Brisbane but the owner of the property must also be responsible in keeping his or her property safe and clean at all times.
Formerly Brisbane Forest Park, D’ Aguilar National Park in The Gap is always worth the visit. If you want to see the beautiful rainforest and a magnificent view of Moreton Bay, this is the perfect spot.
The diversity of environment and plant communities that can be found here will take one’s breath away. Eucalypt woodlands, gum forests and subtropical rainforests are all yours to enjoy. A perfect place to get lost in if you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are shady picnics areas where you can relax in with your loved ones. Throw in a picnic rug, bring in a couple off sandwiches and just breathe in the fresh air, There are also barbecue spots at Jolly’s Lookout where you can grill some good meat and chicken while taking on the breathtaking views of Samford Valley.
Experienced walkers can hike the Somerset trail and take in the wonderful views of Somerset and Wivenhoe lakes. For trail adventures, you can ride a horse or a bike out for a bushland ride on the mountain bike trail network and horse riding trail network. There is also a trail-bike and 4WD adventure that you can enjoy.
Since it’s summer, why don’t you take a dip at the Rocky Hole. You can also set up your tent at Neurum Creek or if you want somewhere quieter, the Archer camping area is your best choice.
On the 23rd December, enjoy the Sunlit Sounds Festival again at the Hilder Road State School in The Gap starting at 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is the perfect way for you to just have fun before Christmas day!
Enjoy some fresh produce whilst you enjoy good music at the festival. The produce includes fresh season fruit and vegetables, hand cured meats, free-range eggs, fresh Italian pasta and many more.
There will also be food trucks present and activities for the kids to enjoy.
Entrance for adults is $5, kids are free of charge.
A dangerous motorcycle driver has caught the attention of the police on 5th November, between 10:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. in The Gap.
The police found a motorcycle driver behaving erratically while riding on Waterworks Road. The rider was seen rapidly accelerating and carelessly overtaking another vehicle on the outside.
This kind of driving was observed within that 10-minute window between Pammay Street and Greenlanes Road, as the driver recklessly wove in and out of traffic.
The motorcycle is described as black in colour with black and white registration plates, whilst the rider was seen wearing a black leather jacket, green helmet and dark shorts.
As early as February of this year, eight people have already died in motorcycle accidents on state roads this year. In 2014-2016, Queensland has a recorded 12,028 registered motorcycles and in 2016, 4% of motorcycle rides take up the road in Queensland.
The locals at The Gap are very active in promoting road safety. In fact, The Gap Neighbourhood Watch is part of the Mt. Zero campaign that raises awareness of the dangers of Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious Roads whilst promoting driver safety especially on these roads.
Witnesses are encouraged to contact The Gap Police Station especially those who might have caught the incident on their dash cam. If you have any information or footage on this, you can report it here.
