Dear Parent/Carers,
Term 2 Teacher, Student, Parent/Carer Meetings
Many thanks to the many Parents/Carers and students that came to our Term 2 Teacher, Student, Parent/Carer meetings. It was wonderful to see so many families engaging with our teachers face to face to celebrate and discuss the achievements of their children and the next steps to improve.
We are considering including telephone meetings in teacher time slots to engage even more families that may not be able to get to the school for a meeting due to commitments. Please give us your thoughts or ideas on the matter by emailing admin@milesshs.eq.edu.au.
Assessment Times- What Role Can Parent/Carer’s Play?
It’s that time of term again when students feel under pressure with assessments being distributed and deadlines for drafts looming. John Hattie, a world-wide respected educational researcher, examined a very large number of educational research projects in an endeavour to find the things that make the greatest difference to student learning. He then collated a list that measured the degree to which they make a difference.
Hattie found that of all the hundreds of factors that affect a student's achievement, the most important was that parents had aspirations and high expectations of their children, and communicated these factors to them regularly.
One way of achieving this is to discuss up and coming assessment. Discuss the improvement goals your child has set themselves with their subject teachers along with the information given by your teachers at the Student/Parent/Carer Teacher conferences last week. Be specific in the discussion e.g. ‘What do you need to do to improve your maths result? “What is the next step for you to achieve your improvement goal?’ “Let’s work together on identifying the steps you need to take to improve your outcomes”.
Life is full of challenges whether it is an interview for a job, a driver’s test, starting a new job, being monitored by your boss in the workplace along with the many personal challenges that impact lives each and every day. As adults we all play a part in assisting our student to build resilience and to utilise the many strategies that can support the anxious feelings that can occur when under stress from expectations, challenges and uncertainty. Be supportive, be there alongside them while calmly debunk the notion that avoidance is the best way to reduce the anxiety of life’s challenges.
Research is telling us to encourage your child to communicate their worries and then support them to step forward for support and advice. Seeking skills that they will take into later life as they face not only many wonderful experiences but also the many stresses and anxious moments they will face throughout their lives.
Importantly - remember if you have concerns with how your student is coping during assessment time or with any other challenges in their lives, please contact your child’s care teacher, class teacher or one of our Wellbeing and Engagement Team Members (WEST) team members (Guidance Officer, Youth Support Coordinator, HOD of Wellbeing and Engagement).
Take care
Josette Moffatt
Welcome to the end of Week 4 and the start of some cooler weather.
It is important for families to support and work with the school to ensure their child is equipped with the skills they require for the workforce.
At Miles State High School, education is about far more than academic achievement. Every day, our students are developing the habits, attitudes and skills that will prepare them for future employment, apprenticeships, further study and life beyond school.
One of the most important workplace expectations is reliability. Arriving at school on time, attending every lesson and being prepared to learn helps students build routines that employers value highly. In every industry, punctuality demonstrates respect, responsibility and commitment. By developing these habits now, students are preparing themselves for success in the workplace later.
Our school uniform and jewellery expectations also play an important role in preparing students for employment. Many workplaces have strict Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) requirements regarding clothing, footwear and jewellery to ensure the safety of all employees. Following school uniform expectations helps students understand that presentation and safety standards matter in professional environments. These routines support students in learning how to meet workplace expectations confidently and respectfully.
School also provides students with opportunities to work with a wide variety of people, personalities and situations. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, during group tasks or through extracurricular activities, students learn how to communicate effectively, solve problems, show resilience and adapt to changing circumstances. These are essential employability skills that employers consistently seek in young people entering the workforce.
As a school community, we thank families for continuing to support high expectations around attendance, punctuality, uniform and respectful behaviour. Together, we are helping our young people become capable, adaptable and work-ready individuals for the future.
Raelene Bates
As part of our commitment to supporting families while maintaining high standards, formal uniform will not be required on Mondays for the remainder of Term 2 due to the cold weather. We understand that the current cost of living can make school uniforms prohibitively expensive for families. Students are welcome to wear a plain navy jumper and navy track pants that can be purchased at affordable prices from stores such as Big W or Best & Less.
We thank the vast majority of students who continue to wear their uniform with pride and represent our school positively through the RISE values. Maintaining a neat and safe standard of dress helps build a strong sense of belonging and school culture.
Students are reminded that if the school provides a replacement jumper or uniform item for the day, the expectation is that it is worn. Refusal to comply may result in consequences in line with the school’s uniform policy.
As a school with strong industry and workplace pathways, we will also continue to maintain high workplace health and safety standards regarding jewellery and nails. Jewellery that poses a safety risk and excessively long nails are not suitable for practical learning environments and will prevent students from participating in practical activities.
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping our students take pride in themselves, their school, and their future.
Simon Wilson
As we reach the end of Week 4, we find ourselves at the midpoint of Term 2. This is a crucial time for all students, as they are engaged in assessments or preparing for upcoming exams. The results achieved during this part of the term will significantly impact their final grades for the semester. For our senior students, in particular, this is an especially important time, as these assessments will determine their Unit 1 results for Year 11 and Unit 3 results for Year 12.
At Miles State High School, we are committed to ensuring every student achieves their best possible outcomes, and this starts with establishing healthy routines. As highlighted in our Deputy Principal’s recent address, good attendance is key. Missing school can lead to knowledge gaps, which may hinder a student’s ability to perform well in their assessments. We encourage all students to attend regularly, engage actively in their lessons, and seek support when needed.
Success at school also extends beyond the classroom. Students who thrive academically are those who review their daily learning, helping to consolidate their knowledge into long-term memory. Our school’s Homework Policy outlines the expected weekly time commitment for homework and study, tailored to each year level:
| Year Level | Weekly Homework Time |
| Years 7-8 | 3-4 hours |
| Years 9-10 | 5-7 hours |
| Years 11-12 | 10 hours |
While these figures may seem daunting at first glance, breaking them down into manageable daily chunks for each subject makes them far more achievable. During this time, students can focus on completing assessment tasks, working on teacher-assigned homework, revising lessons, preparing for exams, reading, conducting research, and developing vocabulary and spelling skills.
Establishing a consistent routine can support students in meeting these expectations effectively. Here are some tips to help students build productive study habits:
By building these habits now, students can set themselves up for success not only for this term but for future studies as well.
We wish our students the best of luck as they tackle their end-of-semester assessments. Your hard work and dedication will pay off, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Caleb Kuhl
Staff Highlight Questionnaire
At Miles State High School the Wellbeing and Engagement Support Team (WEST) plays a vital role in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for our students. This incredible team works tirelessly to ensure that every student feels valued, connected, and empowered to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
In this edition of our newsletter, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Mrs Sarah Perry a dedicated member of the WEST team. Mrs Perry has been instrumental supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing within our school community.
Let’s take a moment to get to know Mrs Perry and her journey, passions, and the impact they’ve made as part of the WEST team.
1. What is your role at our school, and how long have you been here?
I am the Guidance Officer at Miles SHS. I moved to Miles for Term 4 of 2022 with my family. In my role as Guidance Officer, I support the school and students by:
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I started my career as a Special Education Teacher. I have always wanted to work one on one and in small group settings with some of our most vulnerable students. Working in Guidance has allowed me to do this across a very broad range of topics.
3. What do you enjoy most about working at our school?
I love that no two days are the same. I love the caring and genuine support that staff show to one another.
4. Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most people might not know?
I am a musician. I play the trombone. I have played my trombone on the Great Wall of China.
5. What’s been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
When a student finally understands a concept. When I have been able to plant a seed in a student’s mind and they then take this and build and grow.
6. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?
I am a collector of hobbies. Now it is enjoying our property and planting trees and gardens for food.
7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Scotland. This is because this is my heritage and I would love to see where my mother grew up.
8. What’s your favourite book, movie, or TV show?
I love the Lion King. Always have always will.
9. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If we are not challenged, we will never grow as a person. Grow through what you go through.
10. What’s one thing you love about our school community?
I love meeting new people and working with our students and their families. I love that the families are open to meeting with us so as we can support them and their child.
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
Late last year our senior student Ace, was awarded a Youth Flight Training Scholarship with Kangawallafox Flight School in Chinchilla. We are proud to share an update on his progress so far:
“Ace is easily achieving the required standard for each lesson and is on track to finish his pilot certificate training within the minimum 20 hours of training that the scholarship has provided him.”
Cameron Obst, Director & Flight Instructor, Kangawallafox Flight School
Ace has completed 4 flight lessons with flight instructor and scholarship recipient from 2024, Sophie Scutchings. So far, he has learned the training syllabus for:
With dreams of joining the Royal Australian Air Force, Ace is making big steps toward achieving his career goals.
Congratulations to Summa who was named captain of the 13 -15s and was awarded the overall MVP for South West, as voted by the other regions at the Netball State Championships! What an amazing achievement!
~Ergon Energy Apprenticeship Opportunities for 2027~
More opportunity. More pay. More leave. More lifestyle.
An apprenticeship at one of Ergon Energy Network’s smaller or rural depots (including Chinchilla, Dalby, Roma and Wandoan) is the golden ticket for local students wanting to learn, earn and remain part of their community.
On top of world-class training in a supportive team while earning excellent pay, apprentices in eligible non-urban depots receive up to an extra $60k/yr in allowances, plus up to five days additional annual leave.
These are incredible opportunities for local people who want to stay close to home while building a great trade career.
Applications for Ergon Energy's 2027 Apprenticeship Program open on 12 June 2026.
To find out more, register for one of two upcoming information sessions by scanning the QR Code.
Are you interested in becoming an electrician?
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are invited to apply for work experience with local electrical and refrigeration experts Electeck Services. Work experience may lead to a school-based apprenticeship for the right student!
Please see Mrs Beutel in the Flexi-Centre for more information.
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
