Administration
Principal's Welcome
On behalf of the staff, students and parents of The Gap State School I welcome your interest in our school community through this web site.
There is a strong sense of community in The Gap as a suburb, which we also highly value in our school. The existing school was opened on 22 April, 1961 and has gained an excellent reputation in the wider community. There is a high level of commitment to, and pride in, the school and its achievements demonstrated by students, staff and parents. The school motto “striving for success” sums up our approach as students and staff continually strive to do their best to achieve high quality standards within a safe and supportive environment. The Gap State School combines experience and a wealth of skills and knowledge to prepare students for the future.
Schools and the educational process cannot, however, work in isolation. We believe that the best outcomes for children are achieved when there is a good working relationship developed between students, teachers and parents. Together we develop common goals and aspirations, maximising happiness and success at school. Education is a shared responsibility and we urge parents to communicate regularly, and work with us collaboratively, to achieve the best for our children. There are many opportunities provided for teachers and parents to meet during the year and we welcome the involvement of parents through the many avenues available.
I hope that you find this web site informative and useful. We are available to answer any further queries that you might have and also welcome your feedback.
Regards,
Maria Chakalakis
PRINCIPAL
Team Members
Principal: Maria Chakalakis
Maria Chakalakis was appointed to the position of Principal of The Gap State School in January 2001 after serving as Deputy Principal and Acting Principal in Brisbane’s southern districts since 1990. She brings a broad experience to her role as principal, enriched by her 13 years as a classroom teacher where she taught a wide range of year levels. Maria gains a great deal of satisfaction from leading the wonderful community of The Gap State School and enjoys her involvement in professional associations.
Deputy Principal : Janet Hoek
Janet Hoek was appointed Acting Deputy Principal of The Gap State School in July 2008. She has many years experience in classroom teaching, from early years to middle and upper primary, and has worked extensively in the field of literacy education and teacher professional development.
Janet has found the high level of professional commitment from staff, the confident and well-mannered students, and the friendly parent community create a welcoming, vibrant and dynamic environment in which to work and learn!
Head of Curriculum : Karyn Hume
Karyn Hume was permanently appointed to the school as Head of Curriculum in 2007.
Karyn is an experienced teacher across the range of year levels particularly in multi-age and small school teaching contexts in rural Queensland. Karyn has also worked in mathematics curriculum consultancy and administrative positions in Education Queensland.
The Head of Curriculum position is a 0.5 administrative role in which Karyn supports teachers to implement school and education Queensland key curriculum initiatives and expectations.
Registrar: Kathryn Trotter
Kathryn Trotter’s long association with The Gap State School commenced in 1988 as a parent of children attending the school. She was originally employed as a casual administrative assistant and gained permanent employment in July, 2001 as the school Registrar. As Registrar, Kathryn is responsible for the financial operations of the school, maintenance of school facilities and supervision of non-teaching staff. 
She has been an active member of the Gap Pastime Junior Soccer Club since 1989.
Administrative Officer: Elaine Graham
Elaine Graham joined the school as a parent in 1971, being involved in the Ladies Auxiliary and Stationery Shop. She has worked at The Gap State School since 1975, firstly as a teacher-aide then as an administrative officer. Elaine enjoys her contact with children and their families, and takes great pleasure from enrolling the next generation of children whose parents have attended The Gap State School during her time at the school.
Administrative Officer: Phillida Imrie
Phillida Imrie’s association with the Gap State School commenced in 1988 as a parent and volunteer on the Ladies Auxiliary. She first started work as an employee in 1993, firstly as a teacher-aide and then as an assistant in the school’s office. She enjoys working with, and helping the staff and children of The Gap State School.
Casual Administrative Support : Angela Buchanan
Teaching Staff
Andrew Wheeler
Colleen Platz
Kate Hogberg
Kate MacNevin
Graeme Chamberlain
Anna Larkham
Greg Kraemer
Jane Mullins
Jean Walker
John Mott
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Karyn Hume
Linda Bainbridge
Margaret Jackowski
Marilyn Gordon
Narelle Orr
Narelle Wharton
Rob Kolomeitz
Meredith Inkster
Carolyn Dunn
Anna Grant
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Specialist Staff
Teacher-Librarian
Glenys Stone
Music
Anne O’Regan
Instrumental Music
Keith Sharp
Rhonda Haringcaspel
Choral Music
Sarah McDonald
Judy Collins
Physical Education
Paul Axten
LOTE
Diane Zhang
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Special Education Unit - part of the Mount Coot-tha Special Education Unit
Michelle Fawcett (Acting HOSES)
Amanda Brady
Learning Support
Gerry Healy
Lesley Brown
Guidance
Mary Crombie
Speech Language Pathology
Cathy Fertjowski
Wendy Custance
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Support Staff
Teacher Aides
Jill Hutchins
Jenny Boyd
Nicky Toye
Annie Balzat
Diane Niven
Chris Robson
Jill Rainbow
Samantha Sutton - Special Education
Gian Ferrett - Special Education Friday
Parent Liaison Officer
Mel Hogan |
Groundsperson
Tariau Tapuni
Cleaners
Lorelle Bettridge
Aussie Townsend
Dot Townsend
Computer Technician
Martin Butler
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Contact Us
The Gap State School
Mailing Address:
Cnr Waterworks & Settlement Roads
THE GAP QLD 4061
Phone: 3511 3333
Fax: 3511 3300
Email: admin@thegapss.eq.edu.au
The Gap State School Dental Clinic
Phone: 3300 6754
YMCA Outside School Hours Care located at the Allambic Street end of E Block
Wendy Callaghan (Coordinator)
Phone: 3300 4792
