Dear Parent/Carers and Students,
What a busy and productive two weeks in the curricula, extra-curricular and sporting arenas. There is much to be shared and celebrated already and I know you will enjoy this edition.
In this article, I briefly want to share with you our QLD State Education Strategy and vision and Miles SHS aligned vision for all students who attend this great school.
As a school community we are all very aware that:
“Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together” Paul Ryan
Many thanks to our families over the last two weeks who worked beside us forging all our commitment to QLD Department of Education Equity and Excellence Strategy and mission that every student will realise their potential. Since the strategy was launched in Queensland in February, 2023 the state system has come together and realigned operations and support provided to all state schools. The strategy is a long-term plan that will guide all schools work over the next decade.
Welcome to the end of Week 2 of Term 1. We have not stopped here at Miles SHS and the students are adapting to the State Legislation on the ‘Phone Away for the Day’ policy. As stated last week, the lockers are installed and students are following our school expectations.
We would like to give a warm welcome to a new staff member who will join us from Week 3 – Mrs Vanaja Arakkal, she comes with a wealth of knowledge and we look forward to her joining the Miles SHS community.
In January, we experienced an increase with enrolment and that is terrific for our school and wider community. Our Year 8 students have the support of two staff members and will use the class and break out room to receive the same curriculum direction and wellbeing support as we move forward in 2024.
We had a great day at the pool on Wednesday and congratulations to Mr Maag for organising the event and to all the students and families that participated on the day. A huge thank you to the staff and students that made the day special.
There are a few important events coming up over the next fortnight and I know the students will enjoy them.
1. Mash Theatre – all students will be involved in a performance at our next STEPs program on Monday 5th February.
2. Our Meet & Greet of new families to the school community will occur on Tuesday 6th February from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Drop by, meet your students’ teachers and enjoy some afternoon tea. This will be held in the MPA Conference Room. Please notify the main office on 4628 5111 if attending for catering purposes.
3. Period 4 practice of our ‘Investiture and Awards ceremony’ – Monday 12th February – no formal uniform on the Monday.
4. Period 1 our annual ‘Investiture and Award ceremony’ – Tuesday 13th February – formal uniform for all students.
This information will also be share on Facebook and through email to parents.
Please remember to use the Communication Flowchart for Term 1 of 2024 if you require to contact staff here at Miles SHS.
Raelene Bates
I am very pleased to join you; I have spent the last few years of my career at Kingaroy State High School. I will be working with you and your students to ensure their success is celebrated and that we can all ensure students are on track to be successful.
Uniform Policy:
I have been speaking to students regarding their uniform, we are starting the year strong ensuring we are following this policy. If you need a reminder this can be found in the student diary as well as on the school website.
A few that I want to highlight;
These are to ensure workplace health and safety procedures are followed.
If students are unable to meet a school uniform component, please contact the school or send your students with a note so that we can assist with a solution.
Mashed Theatre Presentation:
On Monday we will be joined by the Mashed Theatre on Monday afternoon to present ‘Toxic’. “A well-being show that explores toxic behaviour, relationships, and the struggles of fitting in and individual expression as a young teenager. Based on real stories by students around Queensland”.
Sarah Rush
Welcome back to 2024! A big welcome to our Year 7 families who have joined us this year and we are pleased to say our Year 7 students are settling in very well in their classes and in the playground. We are excited to have them as part of our school community.
NAPLAN
In 2024, the NAPLAN testing window is from the 13th to the 25th of March. Years 7 and 9 will be completing four strands of testing across this window. This is a point in time check on how students are progressing with their learning but does not contribute to student’s academic results which are reported on each term. Our only expectation of students is that they try their best. We appreciate some students and families may have concerns about NAPLAN and if this is the case, please get in contact with me in the next two weeks.
Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards
We are excited to soon be recognising the academic achievements of our students for their results in Semester 2 of 2023. Bronze awards are given to students who have achieved a C in Maths, English and three other subjects. Silver awards are given to students who have achieved a B in Maths, English and three other subjects and Gold awards are given to students who have achieved an A in Maths, English and three other subjects. Parents and caregivers of students who are receiving one of these awards will receive an invitation letter next week to attend the Awards Ceremony in Week 4.
I look forward to sharing with you more news of our students great academic engagement and achievement throughout the year.
Leigh Williams
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
