the gap state high school Archives - Page 2 of 2

The Gap State High School Cuts Maths & Science Classes

Despite the school administration’s best efforts, one of the largest high schools in Brisbane, The Gap State High School, had to cut its maths and sciences classes due to a shortage of teachers.

Parents of the students of the school on Waterworks Road were informed in late May 2021 that their children could attend before or after school tutorials in place of actual classes in maths and sciences as they’ve been experiencing an overwhelming number of teachers with “unforeseen medical and health conditions.”

In 2021 alone, at least six science teachers took charge of the classes at The Gap State High School, which has been an unusual turnover.

Principal Anne McLauchlan also informed the parents that they are “struggling to recruit suitable staff,” a problem that of late has not been unique to the school.

According to Queensland Teachers’ Union president Cresta Richardson, there has been a shortage of maths, science and specialised STEM teachers across the regional schools, especially for educational institutions with a large student body such as The Gap SHS.

Ms Richardson also explained that whilst school officials carefully carry out the planning, teaching and assessments every term, the schools will still need to be resourced appropriately. Sontract teachers are another challenge altogether, however, especially if they have to go on leaves because of a medical issue.

To help address the shortage, the State Government has launched paid internship program called Turn to Teaching. The program is open to professionals who want to change careers and consider getting their teaching qualifications. The program hopes to bring in 300 people, who could become permanently employed as teachers.

The Gap State High School Celebrates New Cutting-Edge STEM Building

The Gap State High School is celebrating the completion and opening of its new cutting-edge STEM Building, which houses seven classrooms, four science laboratories, two robotics labs, three flexible learning areas, amenities, staff rooms and associated spaces.

On 19 June 2019, Labor MP for Cooper, Kate Jones officially opened the three-storey STEM structure to cater to Years 10 to 12 and junior classes taking STEM subjects.

*Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 /education.qld.gov.au*

The construction of the $10.7-million STEM building was made possible through the State Government’s 2020 Ready Program — which targets to deliver additional school infrastructure at 61 schools across the state.

Apart from providing state-of-the-art learning spaces, the new building will also ensure that TGSHS will have enough classrooms to accommodate its growing enrollment, which is expected to grow to about 1,770 in 2020 from this year’s 1,550 students.

In 2002, The Gap State High School’s Leadership Training Centre was opened which features 22 adventure courses such as indoor rock climbing. The school also has a state-of-the-art performance hall which has a seating capacity of 750, an auditorium that can accommodate up to 15 students, rehearsal rooms, practice rooms, and storage areas.

*Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / thegapshs.eq.edu.au*

The school’s sporting facilities, on the other hand, boasts of four basketball courts, turf cricket pitch, a concrete cricket pitch, and two full size soccer fields.

The Gap State High School opened its new $5-million sports hall in 2014, which is one of the largest indoor school sporting facilities and features 4 volleyball courts, storerooms, mezzanine level for weights, cardio rooms, and a large spectator area.

Other school facilities include an independent learning centre; film and television editing suites; industrial technology facility; and a trade training centre for electrotechnology, renewable energy and engineering.

Updated Education Department Policy Puts to Rest The Gap State High Uniform Issue

With the Department of Education updating the Student Dress Code procedure, issues around uniforms at The Gap State High School (GSHS) could finally be put to rest.

Earlier this year, GSHS encountered an issue with their uniform policy following parents’ uproar upon learning that over 100 students were sent to detention for not abiding by the proper uniform rules, specifically the shoes’ heel requirement.

Read: The Gap State High School Caught In A Uniform Frenzy, Next P&C Meeting Might Be A Full House
Read: Uniform Working Group To Review The Gap State High School’s Uniform And Dress Code Policy

To resolve such issues, the Department of Education has made changes on the Student Dress Code process. Education Minister Grace Grace announced that all Queensland state schools must provide more uniform choices for girls by 2019.

Ms Grace mentioned that at the beginning of this year, she heard from students, parents, and carers that a change in the policy is needed. She asked the Department to make necessary changes to the policy to ensure that all state schools are offering a full range of uniform options that include pants and shorts for girls.

In fact, when the uniform issue in GSHS happened, Ms Grace already showed support in making changes to the uniforms.

“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,” Ms Grace said.

She also wants to see students, especially girls, comfortable in doing any physical activities at their respective schools.

“All Queensland girls should be able to engage in active play and classroom activities or ride their bikes to and from school without being restricted by what they’re wearing,” she said.

The New Uniform Policy Procedure

The department is leaving the choice to schools to select a design, colour, and style of uniforms but they must consult the community.

In accordance with section 360 of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (QLD), principals may develop a student dress code that will apply when students are attending or representing the school.

In doing so, the dress codes must:

be developed in consultation with the school community
be consistent with health and safety considerations
comply with anti-discrimination legislation
consider affordability, functionality, and durability of uniform items
provide uniform options, such as shorts and pants, in all uniform categories for all students regardless of gender

For their part, parents must support the dress code as part of the enrolment agreement. They are expected to provide support to students to abide by the dress code and request short or long-term modifications of exemptions to the dress code in writing with reasons for the request. Parents should also work with the school to resolve issues when it comes to student compliance with the school’s dress code, and engage in the consultation process.

To know more about the procedure, click here.

The Gap State High School Caught In a Uniform Frenzy, Next P&C Meeting Might Be a Full House

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.

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.

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.