Newsletter

Edition 5 Term 1 2025

In this edition

From the Principal

From the Deputy Principal

From Head of Wellbeing & Engagement

From Head of Curriculum 

From the Guidance Officer

Term 1 2025

Experiencing Sporting Excellence

School Values

Miles SHS Calendar of Events - Term 2, Week 1 and Week 2

Miles SHS Date Claimers/Notices

Community Events/Notices

Audiri App Instructions

School Watch

From the Principal

Dear Parent and Carers,

It is so hard to believe that Term 1 2025 is complete. Time just goes too quickly!

Many thanks to students, staff, parents/carers, and our wider community for your contribution to a productive Term 1.  Daily throughout the term there have been countless engaging events across all curriculum areas, along with lifelong memorable moments. Along with this our 2025 Year 7s, new students to the school and new staff have transitioned well into our school, thanks to warm and welcoming culture of our school and community. All this has been achieved despite the ongoing disruption of cyclones and flooding.

Great Start to Term 2

I look forward to starting Term 2, in the first week we will hold our Miles SHS Cross Country and Fun Run, Miles SHS ANZAC Day ceremony on Thursday and the Miles Community Anzac March on Friday. We would love many of our students to join our staff and school’s student leaders in the March and at the ensuing ceremony. 

Rewards Program

Term 2 will see the introduction several acknowledgement and reward programs. These programs will recognise students who display excellent, effort and behaviour during class, excellent attendance and positive engagement that reflect our school values of Respect, Integrity, Safety and Engage. Please read Mr Wilsons article in this newsletter for more information. 

FlexiSpace

Term 2 will see the commencement of planning for the Miles SHS FlexiSpace a newly refurbished teaching and learning space to be utilised by all our students and staff. The space will be designed to support increased learning outcomes and positive pathways through innovative programs. Ms Meghann Kenkel has been appointed the Miles SHS FlexiSpace Lead Teacher. Ms Kenkel will commence collaboration with whole school community to gain input into the creation of a space that embodies our commitment to pathways to success for all students. 

Wishing all our school community a safe and relaxing Easter Break.

Take care.

Josette Moffatt

From the Deputy Principal

Cross country event

Unfortunately, the Cross Country was postponed and we are hoping to run the event on Wednesday 23rd April.

Year 7-12 Interim Reporting

Term 1 Interim Reporting will be finalised and distributed to parents on Friday, 4th of April. A school report is a summary statement that communicates the achievements and progress of a student at a specified point in time. Reports help parents and carers to understand how well their students are performing in relation to the learning expectations of the year level they have been taught. Reports also help students to understand their achievements and progress, and to identify areas in which they need to. If you have any questions, queries, and/or concerns please make contact with the relevant teacher. 

Parent Teacher Interviews

Once you receive your child’s report card, please remember that our Parent Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday 7th May.  The interviews allow parent/s, student and teacher to have an open and honest discussion on how well your child has meet the requirements of the subject and to collaboratively plan out the next steps required to achieve in the following unit of work. 

Term 2 uniform

As we welcome the cooler temperature and rain, I need to remind parents/carers of our uniform policy.  We have school jumpers available for students at our Uniform Exchange to keep your student warm, if they do not have the correct colour.  Navy (new uniform) is the only colour that can be worn.  If your student comes to school in any other colour, then they will be requested to follow our uniform policy and change at the uniform exchange.  If you have any questions or concerns about the school uniform, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Term 2 Important dates

We return on Tuesday 22nd April, students are to wear their sports uniform.

Thursday 24th April – School ANZAC Day ceremony (Students to be in their formal uniform)

Friday 25th – Community ANZAC Day march (Students are invited to march with the school but must be in their formal uniform)

Finally, wishing all our students and their families a restful and enjoyable Term break and I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 22nd April, when school resumes.

Raelene Bates

From Head of Curriculum

Term 1 has drawn to a close and interim reports are on their way. This is a time where you and your students are able to complete a check-in to see how they are travelling. It is important to take the time to celebrate the wins and look at what can be learnt from the difficulties. Students should also take some time to examine the goals that they set for themselves during term one and how they measured up at the end of the term. This is a process that we will be undertaking during term two with the students in the STEPS program.

Next term is shaping up to be another big term and we have some great opportunities for students to take. One such example occurs in week two of next term, which is a free program at the school offered by the QMEA and Origin Energy called Future Highways. This program is for 30 year 7-9 students and will teach students about the applications of hydrogen fuel cells. They will examine how hydrogen is produced, then used to create fuel cells and how cars with hydrogen fuel cells can be optimised for aerodynamics. This will be a great STEM activity for students to get involved with and it will be open to students who express their interest. Interested students will be able to collect a letter form Student Services or from Mr Kuhl.

Finally, I would like to encourage students to take some time to recharge and get ready for another term of school. This is a fantastic time to make sure that students have all the equipment they need to succeed at school. I hope that all of you have a safe and happy holiday period and look forward to seeing you all back safe, happy and ready to learn.

Caleb Kuhl

From Head Wellbeing and Engagement

Celebrating student success at Miles

To celebrate student achievement, we will be introducing some rewards in Term 2. On the first day back after the holidays we be holding a free BBQ for students who have achieved As and Bs in effort and behaviour on their end of term one academic reports. We will also be recognising student attendance. One the key predictors of improved academic performance is attendance. Every day counts and it requires no talent to turn up. Each week we will be rewarding the Care class with the best attendance with Super Dopers. There will also be and end of term attendance BBQ for students who achieve above 90% attendance. I wish everyone a safe and happy Easter holidays.

Simon Wilson                            

From the Guidance Officer

Staying Safe During the Mid-Semester Holiday Break 

The holiday break is a time of relaxation and spending quality moments with family and friends. As we take this well-deserved pause, it is important to remember that safety should always be a priority. Whether you are travelling, spending time outdoors, or simply enjoying the break at home, here are some key tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season. 

Travel Safety: If you are hitting the road these holidays, plan your trip carefully. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, and follow all road rules (Transport and Main Roads Queensland, 2023). If using public transport, be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. For those travelling overseas or interstate, check travel advisories and health regulations before departure (Smart Traveller, 2023). 

Sun and Water Safety: With the Australian climate comes high temperatures and an increased risk of sunburn and dehydration. Remember to slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide—wear sun-protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, seek shade when possible, and slide on sunglasses (Cancer Council Australia, 2023). If you are spending time in the water, always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches, never swim alone, and be mindful of currents and weather conditions (Royal Life Saving Society Australia, 2023). 

Online Safety: With more free time, young people may spend additional hours online. It is important to be aware of digital safety—ensure privacy settings are up to date, think before sharing personal information, and be cautious of scams. Encourage open conversations about online experiences and report any suspicious activity (eSafety Commissioner, 2023). 

Looking After Your Wellbeing: The holiday break can be joyful, but it can also bring stress and emotional challenges. Take time to rest, stay connected with supportive people, and engage in activities that promote mental wellbeing. If you or someone you know needs support, do not hesitate to reach out to a trusted person or seek professional help (Beyond Blue, 2023). 

From all of us at Miles State High School, we wish our students, families, and staff a safe and enjoyable mid-semester holiday break. We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready to continue the school year! 

References

Beyond Blue. (2023). Looking after your mental health. https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Cancer Council Australia. (2023). Sun protection tips. https://www.cancer.org.au

Term 1 2025

Eggs-otic Easter Bash

Year 11/12 Emu Gully Excursion

Year 11/12 Emu Gully Excursion

What an absolute thrill and pleasure it was to be a part of the Senior Leadership camp of 2025. The students exceeded all of the schools’ expectations and the personal growth that took place was clearly evident to Miles staff and Emu Gully Facilitators. The students did themselves and Miles State High school proud. The amazing facilitators commented that it was unusual for a school to work through all of the challenges with the level of success and completion rates that were achieved.

Emu Gully is ANZAC theme camp that focuses on developing young people to be the best version of themselves through values of Courage, Mateship, Sacrifice and Perseverance. The range of activities the seniors were tasked with were very difficult and put them to the test both physically and mentally. The first activity highlighted the cohort’s deficiencies in terms of operating as a cohesive unit. They were too focused on themselves as individuals and as a result struggled to complete the swing log challenge in a timely manner. The debriefing sessions during activities provided an opportunity for the students to reflect on what it means to be a team. They soon realised that they had to focus on being there for the person on their left and the right and this meant sacrificing their own needs for the greater good of the team as is the ANZAC spirit.

Miles Leadership group went from strength to strength, and they learned that courage was not the absence of fear but being prepared to act in the presence of fear. They realised that sacrifice served the greater good of the group and was a key to success. There were times during challenges that kids felt like giving up or not doing the activity out of fear. Increasingly as they worked through challenges more and more team members would rally to support and encourage their mates to get through the challenge. A great example of this was the Tunnel Rats of Vietnam activity where they had to crawl through a network of underground tunnels which required team heavy lifting to get in and out of the tunnel network. Every student demonstrated courage in conquering their fears to get the job done.

A high light for many students was the Kokoda challenge where they had to transport a wounded mate on a stretcher through a network of muddy pits, some neck deep. It was difficult and exhausting, but they persevered to get the job done. The courage, sacrifice and perseverance on display contributed to successful completion of challenges but most importantly it solidified the mateship within the group.

At camp during down time and mealtime the behaviour on display was exemplary. Emu Gully staff commented what an amazing group of young people we have at Miles. Primary school teachers in the bunks next door complimented our students for their politeness and general conduct. I couldn’t be more pleased with our amazing young men and women from Miles, and I look forward to their continued success in 2025.

Mr Wilson

Year 7 TFF

Term One has seen a burst of activity in the Home Economics department. Year 7 completed a cooking unit which saw them studying kitchen safety and safe cooking practices.  The students cooked Apple Crumble, Chocolate Slice and had a lot of fun making and decorating a batch of cupcakes.  The students have learned the techniques of whisking, creaming, melting (on a stove top) and baking.  In Week 9, the students started their Sewing unit.  Each chose a pair of fabrics and selected a zipper, for their pencil case creations in Term 2.  This Term the students have also completed a variety of Onguard safety courses to ensure their safety and competence when using machines and equipment both in the Home Economics kitchen and textiles room.

Miss Turner

Year 9/10 TFF

Year 9/10 Home Economics have completed a basic cooking unit in Term One that has exposed them to a variety of Hospitality expectations and techniques.  This term the students have been learning how to set up an effective workspace, kitchen safety, chopping techniques, cooking hygiene and flavour balance.  The students have cooked muffins, a lunch item, a dinner item, dessert, created a pastry item of their choice and finger food.  Throughout the cooking experiences the students were required to evaluate their cooking techniques for efficiency and appropriateness. started their Sewing unit.  Each chose a pair of fabrics and selected a zipper, for their pencil case creations in Term 2.  This Term the students have also completed a variety of Onguard safety courses to ensure their safety and competence when using machines and equipment both in the Home Economics kitchen and textiles room.

Year 9/10 TFF students have also completed the ‘DoFoodSafely’ certificate for food handling.

Miss Turner

Year 11/12 Hospitality Practices

11 Hospitality Practices

This term, the Year 11 Hospitality students have begun a Casual Dining course of study.  They have been learning the finer arts of street foods and have continued to operate the weekly “Coffee Shack”, making coffees and milkshakes.  The students have also been investigating the laws and legislation behind the ever-growing Food Truck Industry. They have used their understanding of sustainability and created a food item that can be served in a Food Truck style place of business.  In  Term 2 the students will create a ‘Food Truck’ experience for the school staff for a chosen group within the school.  In this ‘Food Truck’, students will create cold drinks and Food Truck style food for take-away service.

Miss Turner

Experience Sporting Excellence

REMINDER: If students are wanting to participate in sport trials, forms MUST be returned by the due date and the mandatory levy payment made. The due dates are set to ensure that ample time is available for team managers to have the trial event organised and all paperwork submitted.   

Darling Downs Cricket

Claire

Congratulations to Summa who has been selected as a Student Official by Queensland Representative School Sport to officiate at the 10 - 12 Boys and Girls Netball State Championships at the Sunshine Coast later this year. Well done!!!!

Miles SHS Calendar of Events

Term 2 Week 1

Tuesday 22nd April - School Resumes

Tuesday 22nd April - Whole School Assembly, MPA, 8:45am

Wednesday 23rd April - Miles SHS Cross Country

Thursday 24th April - Anzac Day Ceremony, MPA, 9:00am

Friday 25th April - Anzac Day Public Holiday, Community March and Anzac Ceremony

Term 2 Week 2

Tuesday 29th April - M&D Football (Soccer), (10 - 12 Years)

Wednesday 30th April - SW Touch Football (13 - 18 Years), Chinchilla

Friday 2nd May - M&D Cross Country, (9 - 19 Years), Wandoan

Friday 2nd May - Battle of the West Netball, Chinchilla

Saturday 3rd May to Monday 5th May - Oly in the Outback Weightlifting Championships, MPA

Miles SHS Date Claimers / Notices

Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey

In Term 2, students in Years 7-12 will be asked to take part in the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey. 

We know that wellbeing and engagement are important parts of your child’s life at school. The QEW Survey is designed to measure how students view their wellbeing and engagement across different topics. The information we get from the survey helps us better understand and support our students. 

An information letter will be sent out to parents and carers closer to the time. If you have any questions, please contact the school. More information, including FAQs, can be found on the Education website: (https://qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/students/queensland-engagement-wellbeing-survey).

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

Reminder - Homework Centre

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 

Community Events / Notices

Reminder: Animals are not permitted on school property

Please email all planned absences to absentee@milesshs.eq.edu.au (prior to your child’s absence)

Miles State High School

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