Welcome to Term 4
Welcome back to Term 4 2023. A special welcome to our new students and their families it's great to have you part of the Miles SHS community. A special welcome to Vicki Knight who has joined us as an agriculture and science teacher. We are so fortunate to have her on staff. Vicki’s expertise and abundance of enthusiasm and knowledge in her field is so exciting and will provide increased opportunities in the area of agriculture for all our students. Vicki is already working with members of the community to plan the roll-out of our new Miles SHS Agriculture program. We also welcome Campbell Crouchley. Campbell is joining us for the first three weeks as a teaching intern in technology. Campbell is a participant of the Trade to Teach Program (T2T). T2T provides a teaching program for qualified tradespersons to become teachers. We are so excited to be part of this wonderful program to increase the number of trained technology teachers in Queensland Schools.
National Safe Work Month 2023
October is National Safe Work Month—a time to commit to building a safe and healthy workplace and learning environment.
Being healthy and safe means being free from physical and psychological harm. A safe and healthy workplace benefits everyone.
Schools play such a pivotal role in shaping our future workforce, and so it seems important to in still safe work habits in students from a young age. National Safe Work Month is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness about the importance of health and safety in the workplace. Knowledge, understanding and positive proactive action by all of us in this area equips not only students with crucial life skills but also contributes to a safer and more productive learning environment.
Miles SHS value of Respect, Safety and Engage underpin our actions each and every day and align perfectly with a safe and healthy working environment. Our policies and processes around uniform, attendance, use of digital devices and interaction with media platforms along with our school bullying and wellbeing programs are all essential to ensuring a safe work/learning environment. We urge you when discussing our school polices with your child you align them with an understanding of how each one plays a role in creating a personal and whole school safe and supportive learning environment and how our policies match those they will encounter in all workplaces.
Attendance Matters- Let’s Continue to Work Together
Miles State High School reviews daily attendance of every student to ensure that families are complying with Department of Education (DOE) policies regarding student attending school through the implementation of attendance procedures.
The requirement for every child to attend school is to ensure every child’s learning success and to provide the deserved opportunity for each child to learn the necessary skills to pursue the future they plan for themselves. As the DOE has stated in many of their information packages, it is all our responsibility to ensure through education our children have “A life of choice not chance”.
Last term we celebrated 8 weeks of good attendance by the majority of our students, each week we celebrated and shared the improved attendance rate and exceptional learning experiences and outcomes experienced by our students. This was truly a sign that our school, students and parent/carers are working together to ensure learning success and engagement in so many curricular and extra-curricular activities that staff work tirelessly to prepare.
Then Week 9 and 10 came around, staff prepared excellent and engaging curriculum learning plans and programmed for increased student support to assist student to complete their assessments. We have no understanding of why but…. attendance of our students across all year levels dropped the lowest in Weeks 9 and 10 than all year. When on following up absence and asking parent/carers reasons for student absence they said that their child told them “Nothing was on” or “we are not doing anything” “I’ve done my assignments” etc. Please let me assure you that is never the case. Students are required by law to attend school every day and we are required to ensure that there is an educational program being provided every day of school.
Parent/Carers often inform us that their child is experiencing problems at school and won’t tell anyone or want to go to school. Please if you feel your child is avoiding school for any reason lets work together. I urge you to contact your child’s Care Teacher, a member of the Wellbeing Team or a member of the school Leadership team. We are more than happy to meet with you and ensure that together we work through any concerns. Adolescence can be tough but avoiding situation does not provide them with the skills to manage difficult situations that will occur both at school and in other aspects of their life. Together we can support and build your child’s skills to managed the world around them and those in it.
Take care,
Josette Moffatt
Term 4
Welcome back for our final term for the year. Amazing events have occurred and are going to occur this term. Yr 7 and 10 Immunisation occurred on Tuesday, mock exams are completed for our Yr 12 students and final preparation for their external exams. Reporting for Term 3 is completed and sent out to families. Letter have been sent out for our 45th Annual Awards Ceremony for Thursday 9th November 2023.
Year 12 Mock Exams and External Exam Timetable
Students enrolled in General subjects in Year 12 participated in a variety of Mock exams to help them prepare for the external exams in Week 1 of term 4.
As of Week 4 -6 Yr 12 students will not be required to attend school unless:
During External exams students who are at school to study must sign in through student services. The paperwork that was given to students must be returned in Week 3 advising which days and times, they will be in attendance.
Dealing with Distractions
Strategies for students who want to manage their gaming addiction.
Reducing gaming addiction can be a challenging process, but it is definitely possible with effort and support. Here are some strategies that students who are addicted to computer games can use to reduce their gaming.
Remembering, breaking an addiction takes time and effort. Don’t give up if you experience setbacks along the way. Stay committed to your goals and seek help when you need it.
Mobile Phones
In the June/July holiday period the Premier announced that from the first day of Term 1 2024, student mobile phones and certain wearable devices, such as smartwatches, will need to be ‘away for the day’, including during break times. In the coming weeks, we will commence a consultation process with staff, students, parents and carers, to establish how this will be enacted at Miles SHS to support student learning. Support materials for our whole community are being developed by the Department of Education scheduled for release during Term 4 of this year. You can stay up to date by accessing the departmental information page at the link below. https://education.qld.gov.au/parents-and-carers/school-information/life-at-school/mobile-phones
If you have any questions about your student with behaviour or academic results, please do not hesitate to follow the Term 4 Communication Flowchart to be put through to the correct person.
Raelene Bates
Deputy Principal
Hello everyone and welcome to the end of Week 2 Term 4.
Firstly, I would like to say how proud I am of the students for settling back into Term 4 as the level of engagement has been high and poor behaviours have been low.
Last week Year 10 students had to opportunity to participate in the 3 day student leadership camp at Emu Gully. It was great to see all the students so engaged, working as a group and developing/demonstrating leadership qualities and skills. I know that I had a great time being involved in all the activities with the students and from what I have heard around school they seemed to enjoy it lots. Keep your eyes open for more photos from the camp.
Next week is the final week of normal schooling for Year 12 and I am sure there is plenty of excitement and a little fear that is going with it. Enjoy your last week and best of luck for your upcoming exams.
On Monday 16th October, Miles SHS will be announcing the new student leaders for 2023/2024. Parents of the student candidates are welcome to join the ceremony at 2:00 pm the see who was successful in the positions available.
Year 12 Valedictory is upcoming in Week 7 on the 15th November and I know that students have been doing some shopping for formal attire over the holidays. The Year 12's have also been working to finalise event information so tickets can be made and sent out to invited guests. Have a chat to your student and they will keep you in the loop until the next lot of formal information is provided.
You will hear from me in 2 weeks 🙂
Josh Moore
Our new banner can be found in each classroom displaying the expectation of our students in allowing others to teach and learn. As part of Positive Behaviour, we illustrate the benefits of following our school expectations and the logical consequences when we don't.
Welcome back to Term 4! This is always a busy term in the school calendar with lots of things happening across the school throughout the term. External exams start in Week 4 for our Year 12 students studying general subjects, and students are busy preparing for these and wrapping up their final pieces of high school assessment for applied and certificate subjects. We wish our Year 12 students the best of luck for their upcoming exams.
Report cards have now been sent out to families. On Monday, students were provided a copy of their results and teachers worked with students to complete a reflection on their results and set goals for Term 4. Parents will receive a scanned copy of the goals their child has set and then students will be gluing a copy into their school diaries. Goals have been set using the SMART goal framework. It was fantastic to see how many students engaged with the goal setting process, keen to progress to their goal to achieve a bronze, silver or gold award for Semester 2. This is a great opportunity to have a conversation with your child about their goals and the steps they are planning to take to achieve them by the end of Term 4.
As the school community begins preparation for the upcoming departmental policies for “Phone Away For the Day” due to commence in January 2024, the following article may provide some information regarding phone use and the impacts on student learning. The article has been taken from the Study Work Grow website. Hopefully the article will provide you with great practical tips for parents/careers and students around the ban and how to focus on the positive impacts this will have on schools.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend in schools across the globe to implement phone bans. It’s a topic sparking debate among researchers, educators, parents, and students alike. But why are these bans taking place, and what do they mean for you and your high school teenager? Let’s explore the reasons behind phone bans, why it can be beneficial, and how you can help your teen adjust to any potential changes.
Why ban phones?
Banning phones and research into the impacts of phones or technology at schools aren’t new. And the research so far hasn’t been entirely conclusive for either argument.
Earlier this year, UNESCO (the UN’s education, science and culture agency) wrote a report about the excessive use of smartphones in schools worldwide. They named “classroom disruption, improve learning and help protect children from cyberbullying” as the main reasons for their recommendation for bans.
For many educators in schools facing dwindling attendance rates and low student engagement, banning phones probably seems like a logical step. After all, teens are notorious for being glued to their screens, and this could interfere with their desire and ability to focus on learning.
You may have experienced the same thing at home, trying to get your kids off their technology to do homework, chores, or even be part of family activities and conversations.
So while schools across the globe trial phone bans and wait for the results and qualifying data to come back, it might impact on your teen if they’re used to having their phone on hand all day in school.
Positives of phone bans
We’ve put together a few of the potential benefits of banning phones in schools, which could also be great conversation starters with your teen.
It may not be forever
In an ideal world phone bans wouldn’t need to happen. But if nothing changes in schools after bans are implemented, or some new research comes out in their favour, then the bans might not last for long anyway.
Better focus
Fewer distractions mean students can pay better attention in class, leading to improved comprehension and retention of information. In turn, this could mean better results and less stress.
Healthier social skills
Limiting screen time during school hours could help teens increase the time they spend communicating face-to-face. This will help them to develop better social and communication skills as they spend more time with their peers and teachers.
Reduced stress
Teens often feel immense pressure to keep up with social media and messages. A phone ban could help to alleviate these stressors during school hours and leave them with more brain space to focus on school work and relationship building.
Improved mental and physical health
Less time spent on phones could be better for your teens, both mentally and physically.
“Excess screen time effects can include depression, obesity, poor quality of life, unhealthy diet and decreased physical and cognitive abilities.”
– Associate Professor Asad Khan from the UQ School of Health & Rehabilitation
Lessens cyberbullying
It’s true (and unfortunate) that bullying can happen in school – but in the past it was often limited to school hours, where there was more chance of interventions. Today, with phones and technology, students can be bullied online anywhere, anytime.
Banning phones might help create a safer environment for students and reduce instances of cyberbullying, as well as the sharing of inappropriate content.
Talking about phone bans with your teen
Your teen might think it’s unfair and unreasonable, or feel upset, frustrated, or angry if they’re unable to use their phone in schools hours. It’s important to be understanding, but remind them that their feelings won’t change the facts. Next, you can offer to work together to help them overcome their issues, or find solutions.
Open communication
Start by having an open and non-judgmental conversation with your teen about the reasons behind the phone ban. Encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns and try to put yourself in their shoes.
Highlight benefits
Talk about some of potential advantages, and help your teen see that the ban is not meant to punish them, but to create a better learning environment that’s fairer for everyone.
Lead by example
Discuss ways that the entire family could embrace similar guidelines, demonstrating the importance of balanced screen time and coming up with times when phone use is reduced at home too.
Be supportive
You don’t need to argue with your kids on this – they’re the school’s rules, and the school should make sure that they’re enforced. You just need to listen to them vent and perhaps encourage your teen to participate in school activities or clubs that could help them build relationships with their peers outside the digital realm. That way they’ll have less time to miss what their phone was offering them.
Problem solving
If your teen faces legitimate challenges due to the ban (e.g., they need their phone for transportation, work, or emergencies), help them think of practical solutions that works with their school’s policies. You could even arrange to talk to the school leadership to find solutions together – it’s a learning curve for everyone.
Finding help
If you as a parent are struggling to cope with the change and need to communicate urgently with your teens during school hours, setting up a meeting with the school staff is the best place to start. Let them know your concerns and discuss a way around any problems.
Ultimately, your support and understanding could make a difference in how your teen adapts to new school policies.
Sarah Perry
Term 4 set off out of the blocks in a big way. All our year 7, 8, 9 and a few year 10 students were involved in the QMEA Big day. This was an excellent day where students experienced some of the challenges that face engineers in the gas industry. Students completed 4 activities, with the first being the running of autonomous vehicles to complete 5 set challenges. On the day only a few students made it all the way to the final challenge. The activity was run by Miss Jenko and used Lego Mindstorms to simulate the autonomous vehicle. The second activity was analysing a core sample to determine where gas could be located. This activity was run by Dr Sachini Fonseka from the QMEA and in this activity one group completed the core analysis. Well done to that group! The next of our activities was to complete electric circuit challenges. This was run by Belinda Thurston from QMEA and students again rose to the challenge well done to them. This was a great activity where students got to experience electric schematics and understand what they mean. This final part of the activities was looking at using gas pressure and Boyle’s Law. Students got to test and measure their own grip strength using data loggers.
On top of all of this, students also got the hear from some current Origin Energy employees including 2 electricians, a lead well driller and the community liaison. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students and a great way to start the term.
Mr Kuhl
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.
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It’s important we all understand everyone has the right to be safe in our schools and workplaces. The department does not condone occupational violence and aggression (OVA) where a student or staff member is threatened, harmed or injured by another person in any form.
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
