Dear Parent and Caregivers,
I hope our school community had a relaxing Spring break and that you found some time to spend with family and friends.
We have hit the ground running in Term 2 with Cross Country, ANZAC ceremonies, curriculum excursions along with numerous Miles and District and Southwest sports events.
2025 ANZAC
Our Miles SHS ANZAC service was held last Thursday and our students respect and engagement for the event was impeccable and respectful as it should be. Many of our guests commented on all our student’s excellent behaviour and the organisation of this very special ceremony in our school calendar. I guess it’s no surprise that our school community and ANZAC committee students did an amazing job running the ceremony.
The official ANZAC Day was next, with our student leaders attending dawn services and playing an important role in the 11am services. Many thanks to our families who attended and brought students to the assembly point in Miles. I was very proud as our students represented our school and marched behind former and current defence personnel as we made our way to the ceremony. It is so important that together we continue to teach and share the importance of ANZAC and the ANZAC Spirit.
Student/Teacher/Parent Interviews
We have Student/ Parent/Carer /Teacher interviews on Wednesday 7th May commencing at 3:30pm finishing at 6.30pm. This is a great opportunity for you to meet your child’s teacher and to discuss their progress and success goals for the Term 2.
Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts
Yesterday I was invited by Ms Reardon’s Senior Visual Arts class to view and discuss their intended plans for a mural in our school. I arrived to the MPA to find all students lined up with a collaborative speech that each had a part in delivering. These are the moments I love. The opportunities to join classes and hear or be part of their learning journey.
Needless to say, I was so impressed with their presentation and our parent/carers should be so proud of how this group of young adults are engaging in learning in a mature, creative and skilled manner.
Uniform Policy
Thank you to all the families and students that adhere to our uniform policy.
If you are not sure about the uniform policy, please read the highlighted areas of our uniform policy that can be found in the enrolment package, student diary and our website. If your child cannot meet the required uniform policy that you and your child signed as part of their enrolment to our school, then a meeting will be organised to discuss further.
With the weather getting cooler in the mornings, we are starting to see a variety of different coloured jumpers and a refusal to follow reasonable direction from our staff. If you are having trouble purchasing the navy jumper or trackpants, please do not hesitate to contact the school to discuss.
In another article I have published for our newsletter, it relates to headlice. As part of our uniform policy, we request students with long hair to tie back their hair. Since returning from our term break, there has been an increase of students with their hair out and having no bucket hat. Students are sharing their hats and this will not assist in removing the lice issue. We have spare hats, and uniforms at the Flexi Centre for students who are not in the correct uniform. These items are washed daily for student use. If your child continues to be out of uniform, they will be asked to change into one of our spare uniforms.
ANZAC Day – Community services
ANZAC Day started with the dawn service in Miles and it was well attendant by staff and students. A massive thanks to Ingrid and Rahnee who read the names of the fallen. It was a special service that causes all to reflect on the cost of War. Then we had the services around in Jackson and Dulacca with student again attending and paying their respects to the sacrifices that were made. Then finally it came to the Community march and 11am service. We had 16 students marching and others involved with other community groups. It is always fantastic to see the younger generation being involved with important community events, keeping the traditions and memories alive. On top of this Zoe, Makayla and Tommy also played official roles in the running of the service. They completed their duties to an extremely high level and allowed the community to honour the fallen.
I would like to take the time to say a massive thanks to all who attended the services and parents for getting your children there. All who participated were a great example of our school and what the young people of Miles are capable of completing. Lest we forget.
Term 2
Term 2 is off with a bang and there are events, sport and public holidays galore. Classes are also underway and even some assessments have already started. Each term sees an opportunity for students for refocusing their attention and re-examining their goals. With this in mind, now is the time to be really thinking about what students want to achieve from this semester and how they will make it a reality.
Over the holidays students will have received their mid-semester report, which provides feedback on how your student is progressing. Right now, students are now working toward their end of semester report which will determine their final result. Student’s actions and learning during this term will inform their final results. It is now vital that students are attending so that they are able to complete their classwork, homework, assessments and know exactly what is expected of them. Their choices will have an impact on their future opportunities.
During the week, students completed their goal setting for this term and recorded them in their homework diaries. They looked at their results and determined what they wanted to be working on and how this will happen. It is a good opportunity to review their goals and talk with your student about how you can be a part of their education process. To support you in this process, we have Homework Club running at school on a Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Also, we will be having our parent teacher interviews next Wednesday afternoon. Please feel free to book a meeting with your student’s teacher via the SOBs website. I look forward to seeing you there.
This term we are excited to be looking at how we are teaching students to ensure that we are meeting your student where they are so that they are achieving. The first lesson of each week will be a fundamentals lesson where the students will specifically focus on the skills that require to complete their unit of work. This lesson will have students in groups and rotating though different activities. For the following two lessons, students will then be broken into groups and apply these skills to the context of their subject. This process will see our students progressing to the next stage of their learning.
We are looking forward to an awesome term where all students are thriving.
Caleb Kuhl
In the first week back, Term 2 we celebrated student achievement with over 60 students who received A’s and B’s in Effort and Behaviour for their subjects on their Term 1 interim reports. Its fantastic to see so many students have demonstrated a commitment to our RISE values on a daily basis. We will be expanding our PBL recognition systems through weekly rewards for classes with the best attendance. Meeting minimum attendance requirements is one of the best predictors of achievement. It takes no talent to turn up and attendance is everyone’s business.
Simon Wilson
Reflecting and Improving: Building Success at MSHS
This week, students have been encouraged to reflect on their recent assessment results, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Reflection is a powerful learning tool, helping students better understand their progress and set goals for future growth (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA], 2022).
To support this process, we encourage all students to make use of the many strategies available at Miles State High School to improve their results.
Strategies include:
We encourage all students to take proactive steps towards their success by accessing the support available and maintaining a positive mindset towards improvement. Small, consistent efforts, supported by effective strategies, are key to academic growth (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority [QCAA], 2022).
Celebrating Achievement: Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards
At Miles State High School, we proudly recognise academic achievement through our Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. These awards celebrate consistent effort and excellence across core and elective subjects:
These awards are a wonderful opportunity for students to be recognised for their hard work and dedication. We encourage all students to set their sights on achieving one of these awards as part of their learning goals this term.
Upcoming Wellbeing Survey in Week 4
In Week 4, during STEPS classes, students will participate in the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey. This survey, administered by the Queensland Department of Education, aims to gather insights into students' experiences, engagement, and overall wellbeing at school. The collected data will help inform school strategies to enhance student support and create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment (Queensland Department of Education, 2024).
Participation in the survey is voluntary, and all responses are confidential. We encourage students to engage thoughtfully with the survey, as their feedback is invaluable in shaping initiatives that promote student wellbeing and success.
References
This week we welcomed Kath Gray to our teaching team at Miles State High School. Welcome!
Congratulations to the Year 7 - 9 students Junior Girls who won the Battle of the West Netball Competition in Chinchilla today. Well done! More photos to come.
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
