On Wednesday night, Miles State High School students shined brightly at the Leichhardt Centre. It was a very special evening and I was extremely proud to witness the recognition of our wonderful students. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it an event worthy of their effort and achievements. Thank you to all of the parents and families who attended. For this newsletter I have included an excerpt of my speech from the 46th Annual Awards Evening.
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Tonight is a celebration of the achievements of the students of our school. It is an Awards Evening, not a Speech night, however there is much that needs to be said to mark the events of 2024. Firstly, the work and support of the entire staff at Miles state high school has enabled our students to grow and dare I say, Strive to Achieve. Teachers, Teacher Aides, Admin officers, facilities, ground staff and cleaners as well as our tuckshop convenor and volunteers, all ensure the learning environment at the school provides outstanding opportunities for all students to thrive. I sincerely thank all of the staff at Miles High for their efforts this year.
I also want to thank the parents and carers of the students here tonight as you have supported the school and your child so they are able to excel. It is a partnership that the school does not take lightly and we are privileged to be able care for your students during their development toward adulthood.
To our incredible community sponsors who have donated funds for our special awards; thank you. I have been humbled as our requests for prizes kept coming through the front office. It has reinforced my first impressions of the Miles community as welcoming, supportive and generous.
Lastly, to the award winners tonight and their peers who have attended to show their support; congratulations. Enjoy your moment walking across the stage. Whether it be an academic, sporting or cultural award, you deserve to be celebrated and rewarded for your efforts and your engagement in your particular area of excellence.
2024 has been a huge year for the School and one that I am very proud to have been lucky enough to have been part of as Principal. The events that you will see in the slideshows to come highlight how a school of 167 students relish the opportunity to dress up and ‘have a go’. From the swimming carnival, Cross country and Athletics day to the most recent Pink It Up Miles free dress day, students and staff participate with heart and the school performs beyond expectations. We raised over $300 for the McGrath Foundation and our 2024/25 leaders flexed their event organisation muscles. I have heard glowing reports of the Engagement Day and the talent of our students that was on show. As an old Drama and Music teacher I would like to see more of that!
The current Year 12 cohort of students, who are either finished their final exams or taking a night off study to be here, have shown that being at Miles State High school can be a catalyst for a bright future. 41% of our Year 12 students have already been offered places at either university or secured highly sought-after apprenticeships. I am highly confident that not only will 100% of our 2024 graduates receive a QCE or QCIA once their final results are released, but will be engaged in future study, traineeships or employment next year. Every graduating student will receive a nationally recognised Certificate of achievement from our VET courses and I look forward to sampling the burgers made by our Year 8 Ag Science students, incorporating produce grown in our Ag plot.
We have much to celebrate and much to look forward to as well.
The Go for Gold grant is building momentum and we hope to have the project finished for the athletics carnival next year. The $524,000 grant will enable resurfacing of the oval and a wireless irrigation system using our dam. We have won a grant for our breakfast club and homework club food program totally $33, 000. The department will also start work on refurbishing our flexi space early next year to the tune of $200,000 as well as a full-time teacher for 5 years; fully funded from the department’s budget. This will provide enhanced teaching spaces and furniture so our teachers can make an even bigger impact on student outcomes.
I believe that every student who comes to Miles SHS deserves a high quality educational experience that is not just as good as their city cousins, but better. When I first walked into the school 100 days ago, I was excited by what I saw. We have an amazing trade training centre, a MasterChef quality hospitality kitchen and staff who so work hard and care so much, that we can continue to improve. Our VET options are growing, as is the herd in the Ag plot, School based traineeships, apprenticeship and work experience are the envy of larger centres and we also are flexible enough to provide ATAR pathways to Uni for senior students.
Of course, we can do better, and improvement with a clear strategic agenda is the next step. Part of this strategy is on the next slide. The school is investing in itself and the Miles community by installing our first billboard on the Warrego highway heading from Chinchilla to Miles. This will be live on the 18 November and is not only about prospective students, but celebrates the current staff and students of the school. It might sound flippant, but we deserve to be on a billboard. Strive, Thrive and Belong were chosen as the tag line in reference to our school motto, Strive to Achieve and what we aspire to as a school. If people in any organisation are seen and valued, they can indeed thrive. We know that when students feel they belong in their school, they perform at their best and have improved life outcomes after they finish.
One question I want to challenge our school community to ponder is, ‘what can we do as a school where we can be the best?’. Are we the next STEM or STEAM centre? Students could design, code and build prototypes to solve real world problems such as assistance for the elderly or apps for wellbeing. Is it robotics or the Arts or agriculture, science or drone technology or a combination of several? There is no reason why we can not leverage the existing infrastructure of the school to extend, challenge and champion the potential of the young people enrolled in our school. It may take a few years, but just like the Miles SHS Rock eisteddfod from 25 years ago, we can be the best in the state at our chosen field.
As I said earlier, this is an Awards ceremony, so I will finish my speech so we can start acknowledging our brilliant students. The impact of younger students being inspired by the achievements of our Year 12 students is in part why high school awards evenings are so special. I look forward to celebrating the end of our senior students journey at Miles State High School next week and the excitement of the announcements about to be made tonight. Congratulations to all of the students. Tonight, is about you.
David Armstrong
Welcome to another exciting week completed my Miles SHS.
One week left for 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 grown into young adults and this was obvious when viewing their success at the 46th Annual Awards Evening.
It is always exciting to watch our students’ receiving acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication to sporting, academic or cultural excellence. We should be proud of the fine example our students of Miles SHS convey to the families and friends 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 2024 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 in Week 11 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 no have these items, please consider purchasing in readiness of 2025 on their return to school.
Thank you once again for supporting your student to be the best version of themself.
Raelene Bates
Another action packed two weeks have just happened and what two weeks they were. A massive congratulations to all the students who received awards at the Awards Night. It was great to see so many students recognised. It is at this time we do also want to say well done to all students for the masses of work that they have put into the year. It is great to see students achieve their goals even if it is not recognised formally with awards. Well done to you all.
Next week we will be celebrating and saying goodbye to our current Year 12 students next week. It has been a joy to see you all grow and develop into the young adults that are now on their next big adventure. We want to wish you all the best in your next phase of life and know that the lessons that you have learnt will serve you through this transition.
Also, Year 10 and 11 students will be having their last two weeks of school as well. During this two-week period students will be engaging in learning that will prepare them for the next year of their education. It is important that students are here every day so that they start the new school year with the best start that they can have.
Remembrance Day is on Monday and it is a time that we pay respect to the sacrifice that has been made for us all to enjoy modern life. With this in mind, it is a great time to have a conversation with your student around respect and how it is displayed. We pay respect to the people and places around us by the actions we take. Sometimes we forget just how many people have taught, sacrificed and helped us in our life to this point. It is good to be reminded of this every now and then so we are reminded the importance we all carry. At school, respect for other people and our school community is very important. This is one of our four values of the school and something we educate students on each day.
Finally, a reminder that formal uniforms are required every Monday, but it would be especially nice for all students to have the formal uniform on Monday. This is a way that we are able to demonstrate respect to our school and community.
Hope you all have a great few weeks!
Caleb Kuhl
It was a privilege and a pleasure to be part of the 46th Awards Evening and I am so proud of all of our students and their achievements from their learning. I also can’t wait to see the results from the end of this term and to recognise all student’s achievement through our Gold, Silver and Bronze awards early next year.
Students are currently finishing assessment in Years 10 and 11 as their school year finishes shortly. For our Years 7-9 students, they are in the process of working on drafts for assessment or busily planning for assessment. We strongly encourage you to know when your child’s assessment is due (using the planner sent home at the beginning of term) and support them to meet due dates, including for checkpoints, drafts and final copies. Where you have any concerns, please touch base with your child’s teacher and work together to support students to be successful in their assessment. It is through this partnership that our students achieve to the best of their ability.
Additionally, attendance at school is so important during the assessment phase of term. It is where they can access help, and are able to engage in learning to prepare themselves for exams. While we appreciate that assessment can be a cause of stress and anxiety for our students, this ends up exacerbated and becomes worse when they miss essential learning opportunities. The research clearly shows that students who attend school regularly achieve better than students with low attendance. We have a strong wellbeing team and can support students who are suffering from anxiety. Students can book appointments to see our wellbeing team through student services.
Leigh Williams
Everyday Counts: Why Attendance Matters
At Miles State High School, we know that every day in the classroom is a step toward a brighter future. That's why we're committed to "Everyday Counts", emphasising the importance of consistent school attendance. When it comes to academic success and student wellbeing, regular attendance truly makes a difference.
Why Attendance Matters
Attending school every day provides students with the opportunity to engage in learning, build essential skills, and develop positive routines. Missing even one day can create gaps in understanding, which may be challenging to bridge later. Studies show that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve higher academic results, stay engaged, and successfully transition into post-school pathways.
The Impact of Missing School
While an occasional day off may not seem significant, even minor absences can add up. Missing one day a fortnight equates to four weeks of school lost each year! Over time, these absences can lead to difficulties with assignments, understanding new material, and feeling connected to classmates. Regular attendance builds the foundation for a strong work ethic and resilience—qualities that will serve students well throughout their lives.
What Families Can Do
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in fostering consistent attendance. Here are a few tips to help ensure your child makes the most of each school day:
We're Here to Help
We understand that there are circumstances where students may need to miss school. If your family faces barriers to attendance, please connect with our staff. We’re here to provide support and find solutions to help your child succeed.
Together, let’s make every school day count!
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.
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
