It is with great pride that I am able to announce a new marketing campaign for our school. On the 18 November 2024, the Miles State High School billboard will be launched. Situated halfway between Miles and Chinchilla on the right-hand side of the road as you head towards Miles, this signage highlights our school’s connection with the Miles community. Being visible to around 4000 vehicles daily, the concept is not only about prospective students, but celebrating the current students and staff. I would like to thank Gerkies Cinematography and Media Production and our student models, Riley Burton, Kyah Cavanagh and Hannah Porter.
All feedback is a gift
On Friday 18 October our first Student Summit was held in the MPA. We asked the students about their thoughts around the culture of the school and improvements in the rewards and incentives program. Both Mr Kuhl and I were impressed with the engagement of the students, especially when there were designing different ways the school could encourage and recognise student efforts. They had great ideas including improving the toilets, adding social events and extending the worth of GOTCHAS. They also fed back regarding barriers they saw to the program or improvements.
Staff have recently engaged with unpacking the 2024 School Opinion Survey. We discussed the celebrations as well as any areas that require attention. This data will inform the development of the Annual Improvement Plan for 2025. I wanted to highlight some of the most positive items.
External exams
This week has begun the Yr 12 external exams with General English and Ancient History completed. The students were feeling positive and relieved after their English and couldn’t wait to share with me that the two posing questions, were areas that we had covered in class. It is important for students who have not completed VET or applied subjects to come in and complete any outstanding work or they may be at risk of not receiving their QCE. Parents, please speak with your student to ensure they have access to their account on QCAA and can view their records.
Attendance Matters
Well done to students and their families who support students attendance each and every day. However, our weekly Attendance % is still too low. ☹ A reminder to all our parent/carer and students that school is compulsory and a government mandate and expectation that students attend school each and every day. Your child’s success and ongoing achievement is closely aligned to them attending school. Let’s together as a community support our students journey to success both now in their future work life with the understanding that presence is importance in every aspect of our lives. I am looking forward to an increase in our student’s attendance across all year levels. If you have concerns regarding your child attending school, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Wellbeing Team or the Administration team so together we can support your child at school.
We are now well into the middle part of our school term with learning, assessments and drafting flying at the moment. With this comes the extra stress of meeting deadlines and doing well. This stress can all add up and become overwhelming at times. Students’ needs during this time is to be reminded of what is important and that they need to keep going to achieve the goals that they set for themselves. Attendance and engagement in lessons is of particular importance at the moment because if they miss school or switch off, they will miss crucial information. This can lead to anxiety as they don’t know what to do or how to complete the work. Every moment at school and completing homework matters.
This week also sees the Blue Edge program drawing to a close. I would like to take the time to thank all those who have been involved in the fantastic program. It has been great seeing and hearing the students exercising, socialising, engaging with the police and community, eating and making friends. Thanks to all those who have made this program a reality and worked to ensure its success. I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact that this program has had on our students.
This week at school has seen a spotlight on Respect. Respect for self, others and school. The message we want all in our school community to receive is that your actions and words matter. We can all have a massive impact on the people around us. It is our choice on how we respond and display our attitude to others. School is a place that creates opportunity for all to get engaged and put themselves in a position to really learn. With this in mind I would like to take the time to say good luck to all our senior students currently sitting exams. I know the work you have all put in and will serve you well.
Over the last few newsletters, I have raised awareness of the uniform policy and would like to say well done and thank-you to all our students and families who have been wearing their uniform both sports and formal with respect and pride. It has been great to see the number of students in correct uniform increase. It would be great if this continues!
I am really looking forward to all our big events over the next few weeks including Awards night, Valedictory and Graduation, where we all celebrate the great achievements of our students over the last year. Hope to see you all there!
Caleb Kuhl
Today is World Teacher’s Day, and this morning my heart is filled with love and pride. I’ve arrived to work to find three separate bags of goodies on my desk, some with notes, and some are anonymous small tokens of appreciation. Yesterday, I found three wonderful notes from students in my pigeon holes – as did many other staff. There is never a better way or time to reflect on the difference teachers make in the journey of our young people in our schools – and more particularly, our small schools.
I spent a decade working regionally teaching, but the schools were big, with over 1000 students. Over the last two years, I have moved rurally and I’ve never loved my job more. Our small schools are great schools. I know every one of your children by name, and can tell you something about every single one of them. And so can nearly every teacher in our school (more recent arrivals being the exception). I care about every single one of them, and want every single student to experience success in learning and to have the best future possible ahead for them. This is what makes small schools’ great schools. It’s the personal knowledge, the personal investment in your student’s wellbeing and learning, and the collegiality and dedication to this from each and every staff member – from the teachers, to the cleaners. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be here, and to be working with your children.
On another note, the school has been a flurry of activity over the last two weeks, with students starting to work on assessment in many of their subjects. This can be a challenging time for our young people, and helping students manage their time is key to their success where they have multiple assessments. This is certainly the case with our Year 7/8 students who have assignments for most of their subjects. We can support these students by making sure they are aware of checkpoints, draft dates and final due dates, and encouraging them to make the most of feedback given by their teachers. Attendance at school every day is important, as time is allocated to support students with assessment work in class, and absences and disengagement/refusal of students can end up in students very easily ending up behind. Please sit with your child and ask them about what assessment they have and when things are due, and work through the placemats sent out earlier in the term which have all of the assessment dates on it. Check in with them and see how they are going, and support them to catch up at home if they have missed time at school.
Finally, I want to thank parents for being partners in our student’s wellbeing and learning. Together, we are able to help our students achieve their full potential and I am grateful for the engagement of our families with our school.
Leigh Williams
The Importance of Following Requests and Instructions – Now and Into the Future
At school, one of the key skills students develop is the ability to follow requests and instructions promptly. This skill is not only crucial for success in the classroom but also plays a vital role in preparing students for life beyond school.
When students follow instructions the first time, it creates a smoother and more efficient learning environment. Teachers can maximise lesson time, students stay on track, and disruptions are minimised. Whether it's following directions for a task, adhering to safety guidelines in a practical class, or working on a group project, understanding and acting on instructions quickly helps students make the most of their education.
However, the importance of this skill doesn't stop at the school gates. In the workplace, being able to follow directions the first time is essential for productivity and teamwork. Employers value employees who can listen attentively and respond appropriately to instructions, as this reduces the likelihood of mistakes and miscommunication. It shows a level of respect for the team and the tasks at hand, leading to a more cohesive and efficient workplace.
For students, learning to follow instructions early helps to develop self-discipline, responsibility, and attention to detail – traits that are highly valued in any career path they choose. This habit also instils a sense of accountability, as students become aware of the expectations placed upon them and learn to take ownership of their actions.
At Miles State High School, we are committed to helping our students understand the long-term benefits of following instructions the first time. It’s a skill that will serve them well, whether they're sitting exams, starting an apprenticeship, or entering the workforce.
By cultivating this habit now, students are not just preparing for success in school but are also setting themselves up for a successful and fulfilling future.
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
