Newsletter

Miles Show 

Many thanks to teachers and students who worked tirelessly last Thursday to support our local Miles Show. Miles State High School pride itself on working together with our community. These opportunities connect our students to our community and develop all important and vital citizenship skills and pride in their local community.

Many thanks to Miss Reardon, Mrs Knight and Mrs. Beutel along with their team of students for the incredible work they did to set up numerous displays and deliver our students work to the grounds for judging in the different categories. Congratulations to our many students who received an award for their work in many different categories. (Check out our FB page and this newsletter for pictures)

Learning Walls 

Over the last few weeks our teaching staff have worked alongside students teaching and supporting them to complete assessments and prepare for exams.  Research tells us that the most effective way to support students is through the collaborative development of learning walls. 

What Are Learning Walls?

At school, each classroom uses Learning Walls to help students clearly understand what they are learning and how to succeed. A Learning Wall is a visual display that grows throughout the term and includes the assessment task, marking guide, examples, vocabulary and key steps needed for success.

Teachers build the wall with students, adding new information as learning progresses. This helps students see how each lesson connects to their final assessment.

Every Learning Wall is based on five simple questions that guide students’ thinking:

By regularly referring to the wall and revisiting the examples (exemplars) and the marking guide attached to the assessment students become more confident and independent, knowing exactly what quality work looks like and how to achieve their best.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN results along with student class work, assessment items and other literacy and numeracy assessments as they provide teachers with exactly what skills and knowledge our students have and how we can support them to continue to develop the all-important literacy and numeracy skills. 

Congratulations to our Year 7 students and their families for 100% participation and engagement in NAPLAN. Year 9 was also high with 80% participation rate but closer to 100% would have been perfect. I want to commend each student for the time and effort they put into giving the online assessments their very best. 

Many thanks to Mr Kuhl and his team of teachers who provided a supportive environment for students to participate in each session.  We cannot forget to thank Mr King, Mr Moffatt and Mr Daveson for the incredible brekky burgers on the first and last days of NAPLAN. 

Take care,

Josette Moffatt

Parent/Caregivers

Please take the time to read the following, as it relates to your student.  

Please refer to your student’s school diary.  

EILIGIBILITY TO ATTEND SCHOOL FUNCTIONS

Throughout the year our school plans a range of celebrations and opportunities for the benefit of students. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify the school’s expectations of students for them to be eligible to attend any school functions.  To be eligible to attend any event where a student represents the school (including camps or sport), the student must meet the following criteria: 

1. The section at the bottom of this page must be signed by the student’s parent/guardian, then sighted and recorded as completed by the student’s Care Class Teacher.

2. Satisfactory school attendance.

• Attendance must be 90% or higher - standard set by Education Queensland (Approved absences for medical reasons, with evidence, or extenuating circumstances may be disregarded for this purpose)
• All absences must be explained (Requirement to notify school of any absence and reason). If the student is absent for more than three consecutive days a medical certificate will be required.

3. No internal or external suspensions of any length within 10wks prior to function date

• Short Suspension: 1-10 days (Eligibility can be appealed through the school appeal process)
• Long Suspension: 11+ days (Appeal must be made at the time of the suspension)

4. An acceptable standard of behaviour at school

• Student behaviour is monitored by the Head of Department
• Where student behaviour is being monitored and/or managed, students may not be eligible

5. All assessment must be complete, submitted and up to date for all subjects’ students are enrolled in including any VET course/s, distance education subject/s, traineeships and/or external training courses contributing to QCE.

6. There must be no outstanding library books or school fees.

At this point, your child is eligible to attend the function provided all school contributions (fees) are paid in full or there is a payment plan in place.

Raelene Bates

Uniform Update – Staying Warm, Safe, and Proud

With cooler weather approaching, it is important that students come to school prepared with the correct jumper. A warm, appropriate layer helps students stay comfortable and ready to learn throughout the day.

We would like to acknowledge that the vast majority of students have demonstrated outstanding uniform standards so far this year. This reflects a strong sense of pride in our school and a commitment to our shared expectations, well done!

To support all families, we will continue to accept a plain navy jumper as an alternative. These can be purchased online at an affordable price. Shein currently has navy jumpers for purchase online for $25. We also have a uniform exchange where students can come to the Flexi Centre before school and change into the correct uniform.

A reminder that Monday remains our Formal Uniform Day, and all students are expected to wear full formal uniform.

In line with industry Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) standards, our jewellery policy remains important, particularly in practical subjects. Students who refuse to remove jewellery will be unable to participate in practical lessons due to safety risks. Similarly, long or sharp nails are not appropriate in these environments and will also affect participation in practical subjects .

These expectations align closely with our RISE values:

• Respect – Wearing the correct uniform and following safety guidelines
• Integrity – Making responsible choices, even when no one is watching
• Safety – Ensuring we reduce risks in practical learning environments
• Engagement – Being prepared and able to fully participate in all lessons

Thank you to our students and families for your ongoing support in maintaining high standards and keeping our school a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment.

Simon Wilson

Over the last week and a half, students have been completing their NAPLAN exams. This year students in years 7 and 9 have been very respectful during this time and engaged well with the testing process. It was great to witness the effort and care that students took while completing the exams. Congratulations to all students. I look forward to looking how you all went.

With week 9 already here, assessment due dates are upon us. So, it is timely to be reminding everyone of the assessment policy. This document is also found in the student diary.

• 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.

EXTENSION

• 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 ASSIGNMENTS

• 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.

It has been wonderful to see so many students engaging and completing their assessment putting in their best efforts.

Over the coming weeks students will continue to engage with learning. They will be finalising units and beginning new ones. Attendance matters right up to the last day. 

Caleb Kuhl

Using Social Media Mindfully

Each year on 20 March, the International Day of Happiness encourages people around the world to reflect on ways to improve wellbeing and create kinder, more connected communities. In 2026, the theme explores the relationship between social media and happiness, recognising both the opportunities and challenges that online platforms bring to our daily lives (Action for Happiness, 2026).

For young people, social media can be a powerful way to connect with friends and communities. However, constant scrolling, comparison and exposure to negative content can also affect wellbeing if not used thoughtfully. Research suggests that high levels of social media use can be linked with increased stress, disrupted sleep and lower wellbeing for some young people (Twenge & Campbell, 2018).

Families can support young people by encouraging mindful use of technology. This may include setting limits on screen time, keeping phones out of bedrooms at night, and making time for offline activities such as sport, hobbies and face-to-face social connection. Choosing to follow positive content and using social media intentionally can help create a healthier relationship with technology.

It is also important for families to be aware that in Australia many social media platforms require users to be at least 16 years of age. These age restrictions are designed to help protect young people from potential online harms and ensure that they engage with online platforms in a developmentally appropriate way.

Where to Seek Support

If social media use is beginning to affect a young person’s wellbeing, sleep, school engagement or relationships, support is available. Families may consider speaking with the school’s Guidance Officer or accessing the following services:

• eSafety Commissioner – Provides advice for families on online safety, cyberbullying and managing social media use.
• Headspace – Offers support for young people experiencing stress, anxiety or challenges related to technology and social media.
• Kids Helpline – A free and confidential counselling service for young people aged 5–25 (phone and online).
• ReachOut Australia – Provides practical information and resources for young people and parents about digital wellbeing.

Open conversations at home, clear expectations about technology use, and seeking support early can help ensure that young people develop safe and balanced online habits while protecting their wellbeing.

References

Action for Happiness. (2026). Social media and happiness. https://www.dayofhappiness.net

Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological wellbeing among children and adolescents. Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, 271–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.10.003

You can speak with a trained professional by phone or webchat (6am-midnight), seven days a week.

An online bullying support forum is also available. This is a safe, moderated space to connect with others, ask questions, and share experiences.

📞 Call 1300 30 1300

💬 Visit parentline.com.au

Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but help is here when you need it.

Sarah Perry

 🌟THANK YOU MILES SHOW SOCIETY 🌟

Today the school received a lovely acknowledgement from the Show Society. We were pleased to be involved.

Good morning,

Please find attached a certificate recognising the hard work and enthusiasm that went into the amazing displays at the recent show. We were blown away by the creativity of all the students, and the inspiration their teachers must have to draw such response from them. We look forward to next year, and will acquaint you of the theme for the show 2027 as soon as it is decided, so you can plan well ahead of your busy start of year activity.

As announced at the prize presentation at the show, we feel that the efforts of the students need more recognition than this certificate, and have therefore allocated a 'prize' for each school to use as seen fit to benefit the children's learning. The displays will remain non-competitive, but a little incentive always helps with enthusiasm levels.

As for competition, we are still endeavouring to get a writing and story writing competition going for the students, and will send details of these classes to you as soon as we re-write the schedule for 2027.

Thank you for all your efforts to support the Miles and District Show...after all it is you, our community, who make the show.

Kind regards,

Susan Gale

Chief Pavilion Steward

Miles & District Show Society

Today we celebrate respect, belonging, and the many cultures that make our school such a vibrant place to learn. Did you know orange represents social communication and meaningful conversation? Let’s keep talking, listening, and growing together. Everyone Belongs at Miles SHS

Finished Year 12 in 2025? The Next Step Year 12 Completers survey is now open. Check your mail for your invitation. Complete the survey to help your school improve services for future students, and you could win a MacBook Air. More info at http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

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