Gympie State High School has been known as the largest school in the Gympie Region for many years, and this year is no exception. Gympie High’s enrolment numbers have reached an astounding 1162 students so far this year. This is nearly 100 more than at the beginning of 2008. Students have come to Gympie High from far and wide, including Zimbabwe, New Zealand, interstate and other areas in Queensland.

So why have so many students chosen Gympie High?  Perhaps it is the various programs on offer throughout the school such as: the Soccer and Futsal program, which are producing outstanding results each year, the Country Music School of Excellence program which has enticed many students. Or perhaps it is the Laptop Program which has become a very popular choice, and this year has a record number of five Year Eight classes.

With the increase in student numbers, Gympie High has acquired two new teachers.

“The diversity of what we offer is obviously a drawcard, as is the excellent results we get from our students,” Mrs Glenys Chatman, Deputy Principal suggested.

Each year Gympie High hosts a Meet the Teachers evening for Year Eight students and parents. This provides students with the opportunity to introduce their parents to their various teachers and discuss their favourite subjects.

“Science is my favourite subject, because I like doing experiments,” Year 8 Student Sally Dahl said.

The evening was held on the 12^th of February and was a huge success, with activities such as swimming, rock climbing and badminton. There was also a free sausage sizzle for all to enjoy! Student Reporters Emily Luck and Evelyn Ross