Newsletter

Partners in Learning – The importance of Parental/Carers Engagement in Learning 

Research clearly shows that parent/carers who are engaged in their student’s education and educational tasks increase students’ achievement standards and outcomes. With this knowledge

I encourage you to assist your child to create a regular homework time to complete their homework and assessment tasks. This routine goes a long way to rectifying the “I will get it done in my time” manner which invariably does not get it done until the last minute (if at all...). As many of us know, and has past experience of is the then last-minute panic and a very late-night session and yet again a stressful time for the whole family. The sad part of this scenario is that this last-minute attempt does not truly reflect the knowledge and understanding that your child has gained throughout the term and is often reflected in a less than expected result. 

We are rapidly approaching the end of the term. Between now and the end of the term students will be completing assessments at home and preparing for in-class assessment. All students and families have been provided with and access to assessment schedules for each year level and subject. I urge you to request a copy of the schedule so families can have it on the fridge or near their homework space to assist with family discussions on progress, planning and organisation. 

Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s subject area teacher if you have any questions regarding any aspect of curriculum. 

Experience Your Future

Miles SHS is continually proud of the subjects and programs that provide foundation learning and introduction to career options available for our students. 

Miles SHS is a Nationally Accredited Training Organisation. VET certifications have rigorous expectation.  However, with that the reward is the receiving of a nationally recognised certification. I urge parent/carers of our senior student to engage in your child’s VET programs of study and the associated expectations. Please continue to support their positive and timely engagement as these accreditations, these often lead to the employment and the career of their choice.

It is important as we are coming to the end of Term 1 to remind families that Monday is our formal uniform day.  It is a requirement and at your student’s enrolment to Miles SHS, you and your student agreed to the wearing the correct uniform, follow our staff instruction, complete required school work and you and your student signed the agreement.

Right now, we are in the mad crunch for assessment. Students are completing exams, handing in assignments, completing competencies, observations and performance tasks. Students will be reaping the rewards of their preparation and completed homework. Make sure that you are encouraging your student to complete all assessment and make sure that it is submitted on time. Meeting deadlines is an important life skill that set students up for success. Students in year 11 and 12 are reminded that they also have to meet the policies of the QCAA (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority). This means that if they miss a deadline for assessment they must have a medical certificate or evidence of a valid misadventure. Family holidays, woke-up late or did not want to come to school are not valid reasons for missing due dates or exams. Please see below for an extract from our assessment policy found in the student diary.

Well done to our year 7 and 9 students who have now completed their NAPLAN exams. Students in these sessions were well behaved and put in effort to complete these exams. It was great to see the display of our school values during this time and I am excited to see the results from these exams.

Good luck to all students completing their assessment over the coming weeks!

Extract from CURRICULUM/LEARNING ASSESSMENT POLICY (summary):

Assessment drafts are compulsory and are to be submitted through the subject teacher on or before the draft date. Drafts should be completed in full or students will be required to attend detentions until such time as a full draft is completed.

Drafts are to be submitted to their teacher in printed form, however classroom teachers may allow drafts to be emailed to them.  This is permitted providing all emails are sent and received through the EQ MIS email facility.

Students will receive timely and quality written feedback on their drafts within one week of their submission.

Parents/caregivers will be notified where a student has not met the requirements of submitting a draft as outlined in this section.

Special consideration for assessment variations, including due dates, may be given upon written application to the Head of Department Curriculum Teaching and Learning.  Special consideration may include a change of assessment venue, additional time, rest breaks and changes to the format of the assessment item (for example coloured paper or larger font. Special consideration for Year 11 & 12 students requires supporting documentation and application in the QCAA format. QCAA approval is required for any special provisions to be provided in Year 12.

Students wishing to apply for a change of due date with respect to exams and assignments need to do the following on or before the due date unless extenuating circumstances apply:

» access the extension request form from the school website or from HOD Curriculum, Teaching & Learning.

» follow the directions on the form and supply the required evidence in support of the request.

» have the support of their classroom teacher before HOD approval - which is only granted in accordance with QCAA policy.

Extensions are provided for unexpected medical or family circumstances.  Students must work around extracurricular commitments such as sport, camps, excursions etc to ensure their assessment is submitted on or before the due date. 

Non-submission of assessment will be actioned in accordance with published QCAA policy for all year levels (refer www.qcaa.qld.edu.au). 

Where a final copy of an assignment is not submitted on or before the due date, the associated level of achievement will be based on the draft assessment copy.  In some cases, students may still be required to submit late for the purpose of establishing course coverage.

Non-submission of assessment in the senior phase of schooling may impact student’s eligibility for their QCE.

Parents/caregivers will be advised where students have failed to submit assessment and may be required to attend a meeting with the HOD Curriculum Teaching and Learning and/or the Deputy Principal to discuss engagement requirements, particularly in the senior phases of schooling.

In the event of a student being absent for an examination, oral or practical presentation, they will receive no consideration for assessment items missed unless the absence falls within the special consideration provisions of the QCAA and has been applied for through the relevant HOD Curriculum, Teaching & Learning.

Students who are absent may be required to sit alternate assessment at a date negotiated through the relevant HOD Curriculum Teaching & Learning where special consideration is approved.

Caleb Kuhl

Away for the Day Contract

A reminder that the signed Phone Away for the Day Contract is due by Wednesday this week. Until the form is returned students without a form will be required to hand their phones in to Student Services.

Queensland Government Mobile Device Policy

Queensland state schools are committed to reducing the distraction of mobile devices to provide optimal learning environments for all students.

For the purpose of this procedure, mobile devices include mobile phones, wearables such as smartwatches, handheld devices and other emerging technologies which have the ability to connect to telecommunication networks or the internet.

All state school students must keep mobile phones switched off and ‘away for the day’ during school hours. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, must have notifications switched off so that phone calls, messages and other notifications cannot be sent or received during school hours.

Simon Wilson

A Guide to Healthy Relationships for Teenagers 

Navigating relationships as a teenager can be both exciting and challenging. Whether it’s friendships, romantic relationships, or family bonds, understanding the foundations of a healthy relationship is crucial for emotional well-being. Here’s a guide to help teens develop and maintain positive and respectful relationships.

Communication is Key

Effective communication is at the heart of any strong relationship. This means actively listening, expressing thoughts and feelings honestly, and respecting the perspectives of others. Open and honest conversations help to build trust and prevent misunderstandings (Gordon, 2020).

Respect and Boundaries

Respect is fundamental in any relationship. This includes acknowledging boundaries, valuing each other’s opinions, and treating others with kindness. Setting personal boundaries and respecting those of others ensures that relationships remain healthy and balanced (American Psychological Association [APA], 2021).

Recognising Unhealthy Relationships

Not all relationships are positive, and it is important to recognise the signs of unhealthy or toxic relationships. These may include manipulation, excessive jealousy, controlling behaviour, or lack of respect. If a relationship is causing stress, anxiety, or fear, it’s important to seek support from a trusted adult or professional (Headspace, 2022).

The Role of Trust and Support

A strong relationship is built on mutual trust and support. Encouraging each other’s goals, being reliable, and providing emotional support help relationships flourish. Healthy relationships should make both individuals feel valued and appreciated (Beyond Blue, 2023).

Seeking Help When Needed

If a relationship is causing distress or harm, it’s important to reach out for help. Speaking to the school Guidance Officer, teacher, or a trusted adult can provide support. There are also helplines and support services available, such as Kids Helpline and Headspace, which offer confidential support for young people. 

Healthy relationships contribute to personal growth, happiness, and emotional stability. By prioritising respect, communication, trust, and self-care, teenagers can cultivate relationships that are fulfilling and supportive. Remember, a healthy relationship should always make you feel safe, valued, and respected. 

References

American Psychological Association. (2021). *Developing healthy relationships in adolescence*. https://www.apa.org/topics/adolescence/healthy-relationships

Beyond Blue. (2023). *Relationships and mental health*. https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Gordon, S. (2020). *The importance of communication in relationships*. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com

Headspace. (2022). *Understanding healthy and unhealthy relationships*. https://headspace.org.au

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