September 2023
I am proud to inform that our talented Senior Choir was selected for the state final of the Creative Generations Choral Fanfare, held in August. We have a very inclusive choral program where every child in Years 1 to 6 is welcome to join one of our five choirs. The Gap State School values choral work, with an enthusiastic parent support group, a talented conductor, excellent accompanists and a strong classroom music program building the important foundations. Singing in our choirs provides a sense of belonging and community as well as promoting a feeling of wellbeing and that is so important for our children. We are thrilled that our Senior Choir has been selected as a state finalist. We feel great pride, not just in the hard-working students, but in our staff as they work tirelessly to provide the joy and all the great benefits that come from singing in a choir.
At the recent Australian Society for Music Education (ASME) National Conference, Music Teacher, Debbie O'Shea was awarded one of two Music Educating for Life Awards from Queensland. These national awards recognised music educators from across Australia who are making a significant difference in the music education opportunities of students across the nation. The ASME Qld committee selected Debbie for her outstanding work as a music educator and music advocate in Queensland. The Gap State School is incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing and passionate music educator working with our students every day.
Earlier this term, The Gap State School celebrated NAIDOC week, offering opportunities for our students to continue learning about First Nations cultures and histories. We started off the celebrations with the whole school gathering on the oval and moving into the shape of the Aboriginal flag with coloured pieces of paper being held over the children's heads. A drone took some still photos which will be printed as a reminder of our NAIDOC activities in 2023.
It was very special for us to gather together on country celebrating one of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. This was the beginning of a fantastic week of activities including, move it mob style dancing, colouring in and culminating in a visit on Friday from a First Nations author, illustrator and performer, Gregg Dreise.
Warm regards,
Joanne Nicholls
Principal