Newsletter

Miles SHS 47 Annual Awards Ceremony

Many thanks to the students, parents, staff and community who attended our Miles SHS 47 Annual Awards Ceremony. The evening is the celebration of academic, sporting and citizenship excellence.

The event is also, a recognition of the teaching, learning, resilience, persistence and continual support for our students by staff, families, community, business and industry.

I always like to share a summary of the key points of my presentation to our whole school community, so those who were unable to attend can share in the celebration and thanks given on the evening. 

What is Achievement

Achievement is not just about grades or trophies. It’s about growth, effort, and resilience. It’s about how our young people are developing the skills, attitudes, and values that will carry them into adulthood.

Achievement is the result of three key aspects

• Academic success - Academic excellence, mastery of subjects, improved learning habits, and a commitment to striving for more.
• Personal development - Confidence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to set and pursue meaningful goals.
• Social contribution - Leadership, kindness, teamwork, and a strong sense of community are the result of family, school and community coming together to support our young people

The Importance of Partnerships

Student successes are built on strong foundations - partnerships between students, families, staff, and the wider community. Together, we foster environments where learning is valued, resilience is nurtured, and wellbeing is prioritised.

Together as a school and wider community we continue to build the foundations that support and nurture our students to the academic, sporting and future focused achievements celebrated throughout the year and at our Annual Awards Ceremony.

Success is a Team Effort that Deserves Thanks

Parent/Carers: – Thank You

• For valuing education and for working with us to ensure your child is supported to succeed in all aspects of learning and life.
• For ensuring your child attends school so they can learn and experience the myriad of exiting curricular and extra-curricular opportunities that are provide by teachers and our wider community each and every-day. 

 Miles SHS P&C and Executive Team lead by Katrina Gaze President: - Thank You

• For working with our school supporting our staff and students through your support, sharing of and celebrating with families and the wider community the many Miles SHS opportunities and student successes throughout the year.
• For continuing to value the importance of a daily tuckshop for our students.
• To our tuckshop convener Shelley, you are a daily constant in our school community's lives and the food is amazing, healthy, fresh and yummy.

Business, Industry and Community: - Thank You

• For your support providing countless opportunities for students and staff throughout the year to gain authentic real world learning experiences.
• For supporting our future generation with career experiences, pathways and employment opportunities for their future.

All Students: - Thank You

• For attending, being eager to learn, brave, caring, innovative respectful, resilient and much more.  Without every one of you, there would be no Miles State High School.  

Teachers: - Thank You

• For your passion, energy and commitment to every one of your students.
• For ensuring that each day they feel safe heard, valued and learning.

School Staff: - Thank You

• For creating the most incredible safe, cared for and organised educational environment for our students and the wider community. You are the skeleton of our school. Without you it would all crumble. Your pride in Miles SHS is evident everywhere.

Message to 2025 Year 12

This coming week will be your final week after 13 years of school. Our school community wishes you a fabulous Valedictory Evening on Wednesday and a memorable Graduation Ceremony on Friday.

Next week is your time to shine.  Remember to look to the future with eyes wide open knowing the next steps you take are your own, fuelled with the skills and knowledge that you gained from the many opportunities’ life has provided you with to date.

Take care, be safe and look after each other this week and beyond.

Josette Moffatt

Week 6 – what a week.

One week left for our Yr 12s to complete before they venture off on their own journey of creating memories and new experiences.  It has been a pleasure watching these young men and women grow into young adults and this was obvious when viewing their success at the 47th Annual Awards Evening. 

Congratulations to all the winning recipients and I hope you take time to reflect on your success.  It is always exciting to watch our students’ receiving acknowledgement for their hard work and dedication to sporting, academic or cultural excellence.  As leaders of the school, we are proud of the fine example our students presented to their families and friends of the Miles Community at this special occasion.

Thank you to Mr Perry and our School representatives that attended and were involved with the proceedings of the Remembrance Day memorial at ANZAC Park on Tuesday.  Another opportunity to be apart of the Miles Community.

Over the next two weeks we will be farewelling our Yr 12s and seeing our Yr 10 and 11 students finish their 2025 schooling.  Reports will be completed for our Yr 10 and 11 students and emailed to families.  The Yr 12 students will be eagerly waiting for their results that will be available prior to Christmas from QCAA.

With the weather warming up, it is important for our students to have their own water bottle and bucket hat whilst at school.  If you know your student does not have these items, please consider purchasing in readiness of 2026 on their return to school.

Thank you once again for supporting your student to be the best version of themself.

Raelene Bates

Well done to all our award recipients from Monday night. It was great to see so many parents and community members celebrating the achievements of our students. I especially want to acknowledge the hard work of students though the year in their academic studies. It has been rewarding to see the success of all our students through the year. Through their hard work, under the direction of the teachers all students have moved forward.

While Awards Night is a major milestone in the year it is important to remember that the year has not concluded. All students are working currently towards their end of semester results which will inform their awards at our Gold, Silver and Bronze ceremony. It is very easy to think that the job is done for the year and start to slow down however, this will have a very large impact on their overall results. Students need to be working right up to their last day of school, growing, gaining knowledge and skills. Also, students in VET courses are completing their competencies will need to be fully done before the end of the year.

Well done to our year 12 students who have now finished all their year 12 exams. Year 10 and 11 are now in the middle of finishing up their assessment as well. It is vitally important that students in these year levels are attending school each day as they will be starting their new units of work as assessment timelines are very tight at the start of next year.

Students in year 8 and 10 have should have now completed their subject selection for 2026. If you have not seen this paperwork, please discuss this with your students this weekend.

Have a great few weeks and congratulations to our year 12 students who will be leaving us at the end of next week. Good luck on your future endeavours. 

Caleb Kuhl

Celebrating Success: Blue EDGE Students Shine on End-of-Program Trip

Last week, Miles State High School students who participated in the Blue EDGE program, a partnership between Blue Light Association Queensland and Miles Police celebrated the end of a highly successful program with an engaging and educational day trip to Roma.

The group departed bright and early at 7:00 am, full of energy and excitement for the day ahead. Their first stop was the Roma PCYC, where students took part in the Boobook Eco Tours “Roma Revelation” experience. This interactive tour brought to life the rich stories of the region from the history of First Nations people and early pioneers to the development of industries such as agriculture, timber, wine, oil, and gas. Highlights included the Roma Saleyards, Power Station, Biggest Bottle Tree, and the Roma Bush Gardens all offering students a deeper appreciation of Queensland’s rural heritage.

After a well-earned lunch at McDonald’s, students explored the Big Rig Museum, where they competed in a fun and fast-paced team activity challenge with prizes up for grabs. The friendly competition showcased the teamwork, confidence, and leadership skills developed throughout the Blue EDGE program.

The day concluded with a certificate presentation and reflection session, where students shared feedback on the program and celebrated their growth — both physically and personally. The trip was not only a reward for their commitment but also a reminder of how positive engagement and community partnerships can make a lasting difference in young people’s lives.

Miles State High School would like to extend sincere thanks to the Miles Police, Blue Light Queensland, and all staff involved for their ongoing support and mentorship throughout the program. The Blue EDGE initiative continues to empower our students to build confidence, resilience, and stronger connections within the community.

Miles State High would like to extend huge thank you to Maces Bakery who throughout the program supplied an amazing breakfast each Tuesday and Thursday consisting of either pancakes or bacon and egg rolls delivered to us each morning. We are lucky here in Miles that we have such a supportive community who continually go above and beyond to support our young people. Thanks so much again to Maces Hot Bread.

Also, a big thanks to Grant Gamlen from PCYC for supporting Miles State high with this great program and a big thankyou to our community and the different industries that supplied Guest speakers at our post breakfast gathering.

Thanks to Miles State High staff, Ross Howard who was there every morning to help out. To Dan Daveson who drove the bus twice a week to pick up out of town students and our ancillary staff who set up the conference room twice a week for our program.

Finally, to Linette Swales of Miles Police. Thank you, Linette, for your dedication to our young people. You organised the daily nuts and bolts of the program including the great breakfast. The kids really appreciate your efforts to build bridges in our community. Also thankyou to all the police officers who joined our kids for the fitness component, it was great having you on board I know the kids appreciate your presence.  

Simon Wilson

Understanding the Health and Wellbeing Risks of Vaping in Teens

Over recent years, vaping has become a significant health and wellbeing concern among Australian teenagers. Although often promoted as a “safer alternative” to smoking, the reality is that vaping carries real and lasting risks—particularly for adolescents whose brains and bodies are still developing.

Health and Long-Term Risks

Most vape liquids contain nicotine, even when labelled “nicotine-free.” Nicotine is highly addictive and can negatively affect attention, learning, mood regulation, and impulse control in teenagers. Research has also found that young people who vape are more likely to take up tobacco smoking later in life.

In addition to nicotine, vapes often contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, acrolein, and heavy metals. These substances can irritate and damage the lungs, with emerging evidence linking vaping to reduced respiratory function and chronic lung conditions. Because vaping is a relatively new behaviour, researchers are still learning about the long-term consequences—but early findings suggest significant risks to heart health, immune function, and brain development.

Wellbeing Impacts

Beyond physical health consequences, vaping can affect a student’s emotional and social wellbeing. Young people may feel pressured by peers, experience increased anxiety and irritability due to nicotine dependence, and struggle with school engagement or concentration. For some, addiction can develop quickly, leading to frequent cravings and withdrawal symptoms that interfere with learning and relationships.

Supporting Your Teen to Quit

Quitting vaping can be challenging, but support is available, and early intervention makes a meaningful difference. Parents and carers can help by:

• Creating a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about vaping and its impacts
• Focusing on understanding, not punishment, if your child discloses vaping
• Setting clear expectations around health and school expectations
• Seeking professional support if needed

Where to Get Help

• Quitline (13 7848) – specialised support for vaping and nicotine dependence
• Healthdirect (www.healthdirect.gov.au) – evidence-based information for families
• Your GP – medical advice, nicotine addiction support, and cessation planning

If you would like to discuss concerns about your child or seek help with next steps, please contact the school and ask to speak with the Sarah Perry the schools Guidance Officer. Early support can make a significant difference.

References (APA 7th ed.)

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2023). Vaping and young people. https://www.health.gov.au

Cancer Council Australia. (2023). E-cigarettes and vaping. https://www.cancer.org.au

National Health and Medical Research Council. (2022). NHMRC CEO statement on electronic cigarettes. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au

Quitline Australia. (2024). Vaping: Health effects and quitting support. https://www.quit.org.au

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

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.

https://eq.sobs.com.au/pt3/parent.php?schoolid=70139