The 2025 School Year
What an incredible 2025 school year we have just had.
Together as a school community we have worked hard and reaped the rewards of our resilience. Most importantly together as a school community we have provided your child/ren and our students with a year of social, emotional and academic growth.
But the real accolade needs to go to our students. Each day they have worked hard to learn and make their way through countless activities and tasks. They learnt to work independently and as a team.
Importantly we guide with strategies to manage their emotions and consider outcomes and consequences before action. All this and more are what a school community is charged with to prepare our young people with skills for life and citizenship.
Congratulations to each and every one of our students we couldn’t be prouder of you all and we look forward to 2026.
Farewell in 2025
Farewells, go to both Bree Jenko and Shelley Gilby.
Miss Jenko has been with Miles since she commenced her teaching career five years ago. During this time, she has demonstrated clear passion for her profession. Her classroom organisation, management and expectations have endeared her to students, staff and parent/carers. In this world of uncertainty and change students need and value routine and clarity by their teachers. That is proved when many students say ‘I hope we are having you this term Miss Jenko’. It cannot go without saying that her undying passion and both in and out of school for as many students that want to, can participate in Netball. Miss Jenko, you will be missed by so many, but we know you are now on the next step in your teaching career. We as a school also wish you the very best in your impending marriage early next year. Remember you are one of us and don’t forget to come back and say ‘Hi’.
Shelley has been Miles SHS Tuckshop Convenor for the last 7 years. In that time, she has become and all-important constant for all members of our school community. Shelley has a passion for providing our students with not only healthy delicious lunches. (Don’t tell my husband who makes my lunch ☹, but, there are quite a few time that I have snuck over to have Shelley’s chicken wraps instead😊) Every day she has a warm welcoming manner that has created among our students a reverent respect for her. A respect that they will take where-ever they go. Shelley you will be dearly missed and our whole school love and support goes out with you as you take on your next journey.
Welcome in 2026
Miles SHS welcomes 3 new teachers in 2026:
Richelle Dotara
Rasna Devi
Brianna McLeary
Madison Coveney
*Please see the advertisement in this newsletter for a new tuckshop convener. Then we can also welcome this new member to Miles SHS school team.
I wish our school community a safe and relaxing break and look forward to seeing you all in 2026 for yet another incredible year.
Take care
Josette Moffatt
Year 7 to 9 students
Our Junior Secondary have experienced an alternative learning program this week and have demonstrated our values of Respect, Integrity, Safety and Engage with each activity. It was terrific to see everyone relaxed and enjoying the last week of school.
Thank you to all staff involved in supporting the students for their final week and ensuring our mail out was ready for the post by Friday morning.
Year 6 transition
We had another successful transition of the Yr 6 students to our school, and we cannot wait to welcome them as our new Yr 7 students in 2026.
All School students and families
A special wish to all our students and their families for a safe and enjoyable Christmas break. Thank you for your effort this year to make the most of your learning and achieving the grades that you set. We look forward to your return on Tuesday 27th January 2026, with a whole school assembly to start the day.
Yr 7 and 8 students will have an alternative program for the first day back, to support them with the transition into high school and a reminder of our school expectations.
We have lots of events happening in the first month of school and it is important that we are aware of the key dates.
Term 1 2026 Week 1 to 5
Tuesday 27th January – School resumes
P1 – Whole School Assembly
P2 – Academic Integrity
P3-4 – normal classes for Yr 9 to 12
P3-4 – alternative program for Yr 7 to 8
Week 2 - Friday 6th February – Swimming Carnival – all students come to the school and will be transported to the swimming pools
Week 3 - Tuesday 10th February – M&D Touch and Rugby League (Miles Oval)
Thursday 12th February – Investiture and Semester 2 Awards Ceremony
Friday 13th February – M&D Swimming Carnival – Miles Pools
Week 4 - Monday 16th February – Yr 10 Immunisations @ Miles SHS
Tuesday 17th February – M&D Netball and Soccer @ Taroom
Week 5 - Monday 23rd February – School Photos.
Until next time – Merry Christmas everyone
Raelene Bates
2025 has now drawn to a close. We have had many ups and downs, but I have been excited to see the work that our students have produced this year. Well done to all for the year, as it’s great to see our students developing and learning. I hope that you all have a safe and refreshing break and look forward to seeing you back in 2026.
I would also like to take a minute and thank the parents and guardians for all the support you provide your children. Without you working in the background we know that your students’ achievements would not happen. Thank-you for all the long distances that you have driven to support and develop their interests, the social and moral support provided to keep them happy and attending, the constant reminders to get work completed and the motivational speeches given when they want to give up. You are a key part in your students’ successes.
Our attention is now turning to 2026 and getting things ready for your students next year. 2026 stationery lists have been posted on facebook, in this edition of the newsletter and in the end of year mailout, so you are able to get prepared. Next year all subjects but especially English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities will be continuing to have a strong focus on developing the fundamental skills that are required for success. This means that the fundamentals lessons will be a continuing focus for 2026. In these lessons students will be learning the key skills (cognitive verbs), engage in reading activities and vocabulary development that are vital to completing their assessment.
In addition, the PIVOT centre will also be continuing to support student learning and helping them strive to the next level. Parents of students that are engaging in this program will be contacted and provided with the details of what will be happening. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to discover just how much they can achieve.
Next year will also see an adjustment to the elective subjects for year 7 and 8. They will receive a term of Art, Home Economics, Media Studies and Manual Arts and a semester of Agriculture and Heath and Physical Education. In addition, students will also engage with Language studies as well. This will help them receive a wider range of learning so that they are better equipped to make an informed decision when they select subjects in year 9 and 10. We are excited to be offering new experiences for our students in 2026.
With the changes to curriculum in Term One, the first round of report cards will come out in week one of Term Two so that students are able to get the most out of their term of learning. This will mean that next year, attendance will be vital for all 10 weeks as assessment is planned to be due in week 10. Parents and guardians will still be provided with plenty of time to book parent teacher interviews in term two week three through the SOBS program.
I am looking forward to 2026 and excited to see everyone back safely, ready for learning on Tuesday 27 January 2026.
Caleb Kuhl
Students made a splash to finish the term with a fantastic Fun Day at the Miles Pool!
On Wednesday our junior school came together to celebrate the end of term with a day focused on fun, friendship and RISE values in action. Students enjoyed cooling off in the pool, relaxing with friends and taking part in a range of water activities in a safe, supervised environment.
Students returned from the pool for a free BBQ lunch, with students and staff sharing sausages, laughs and good conversations under the shade. It was a great opportunity to connect outside the classroom and recognise the hard work and positive effort students have shown throughout the term.
In the afternoon, everyone wound down with a movie session, giving students time to relax and enjoy a shared experience together before heading into the holidays.
Events like this are an important part of building a positive school culture at Miles SHS. They reward students for their effort, behaviour and attendance, and help strengthen the sense of belonging across our school community.
Thank you to all the staff who organised and supervised the day, and to our students for the respectful and enthusiastic way they participated. It truly was an amazing way to end the term!
Simon Wilson
As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding year at Miles State High School, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our students and families. Your ongoing support, partnership, and trust make an incredible difference, and we are truly grateful. It has been a privilege working alongside you in supporting our young people to learn, grow, and thrive. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026 for another wonderful year of learning, connection, and opportunity.
The Christmas and New Year period can be a joyful time, but it can also bring stress, pressure, or feelings of loneliness for some. It’s important that we continue to look out for each other and reach out if we need support.
If you or someone you know needs help, the following online and phone supports are available:
Local Community Supports
If you need a hand, please reach out—support is available, and you don’t have to navigate challenges alone.
Wishing all our students and families a safe, restful, and joy-filled holiday break. We look forward to seeing you again in the new year, ready for another great year of “Striving to Succeed” together.
Sarah Perry
You can speak with a trained professional by phone or webchat (6am-midnight), seven days a week.
An online bullying support forum is also available. This is a safe, moderated space to connect with others, ask questions, and share experiences.
📞 Call 1300 30 1300
💬 Visit parentline.com.au
Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but help is here when you need it.
Sarah Perry
Shelley has decided it is time to explore new opportunities and will be finishing up at the tuckshop at the end of this week. The Miles SHS P&C extends our heartfelt appreciation to Shelley Gilby for her dedicated service as tuckshop coordinator. She has played a vital role in providing our students and staff with reliable, nutritious meals each day. Shelley’s commitment, hard work, and friendly presence have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our school community.We sincerely appreciate everything Shelley has contributed during her time with us and wish her all the very best in her future endeavours. She will be greatly missed.
On Tuesday students and staff officially farewelled Shelley. Shelley has been part of our school community for the last 7 years and has provided thousands or meals and many memories to our students and staff. Thank you and good luck!
POSITION AVAILABLE – 2026
TUCKSHOP CONVENOR
Miles State High School
Permanent Part Time
30 hours / week, 5 days/week (school terms)
Award wage
Suitability:
Please forward resume via email to kenton_5@bigpond.net.au by 5pm Friday 9th January 2026.
Position starts 27 January 2026.
For more information please contact Toni on 0427 272 059.
Homework Centre is up and running, 3pm to 4.30pm every Monday and Wednesday afternoon. Parents will need to complete a permission form from the Main Office and book on Sobs. If unable to book on SOBS, please ring the office to confirm student attendance.
Miles State High School is proud to be part of a community that embraces PARTNERS IN LEARNING together our students, their families, our wider community and our staff are committed to working together to ensure that every student succeeds.
Respect | Integrity | Safety | Engagement
