It is hard to believe that next week we will already be halfway through Term 1. All our teachers and students are now fully engaged in their classroom teaching and learning activities to build knowledge and skills to successfully complete their upcoming assessment items.
Congratulations to our students, the number of uniform, jewellery and phone infringements have significantly declined as teachers, students and families work together to embrace our school values and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our students.
Development of the School 4 Year Strategic Plan
Our 2025 School Review identify many positives and affirmations regarding student outcomes in terms of academic achievement, sporting and pathway opportunities. But like all organisations there are things we can do better.
The school wide feedback indicated a need for more clarity to all members of our school community regarding our policies and procedures for curricular, extra-curricular, student classroom engagement and behaviour.
The first step is revising our school vision so there is agreement and clarity on what our whole school community is ‘united in’ and ‘Striving to Achieve’ for our student?
The next step is what quality assurance commitment can we make to each other to ensure we are united in our pursuit of student attaining their full potential.
What are we asking of our school community?
Please review the attached Draft Vision statement and our 4 ‘C ‘commitments (Quality Assurance tool) Please take the time to email your thoughts, suggestions to principal@milesshs.eq.edu.au. We would love to hear your feedback.
I will also be seeking feedback at the Miles SHS P&C AGM on Wednesday 25 February to develop our Miles SHS Strategic Plan 2026--2029.
Looking forward to seeing as many parent/carers next Wednesday.
Take care
Josette Moffatt
It’s been fantastic to see so many of our students proudly wearing their correct school uniform, including adhering to our jewellery expectations which mirror workplace health and safety standards.
When students follow the school’s uniform guidelines, it sends a powerful message about respect, pride, and belonging. Wearing approved jewellery only such as small, plain studs helps maintain a safe and consistent learning environment for everyone. It also reflects our shared commitment to presenting ourselves with integrity and professionalism.
We know that uniform standards aren’t just about appearance, they’re about creating a culture. When students get the small things right, it contributes to a bigger picture of safety, focus, and unity across our school community.
Thank you to our students and families for supporting these expectations. Your partnership makes a real difference. We are proud of the way our students continue to represent our school with confidence and pride every day.
Simon Wilson
We are now entering the assessment period of Term 1, during which most students will be focusing on either completing their assignments or preparing for their upcoming exams. This is a crucial time for students to remain organised and stay on top of their workload. It is not uncommon for students to feel anxious during this period, particularly if they fall behind on their learning or are unable to complete their homework. To support your child during this time, we encourage you to help them maintain a consistent study routine, complete their assigned tasks, and regularly revise for their assessments.
To maximise student success, teachers provide valuable feedback on their learning. During the drafting phase, this feedback becomes a vital part of the learning process, offering students an opportunity to understand their progress and identify areas for improvement. To fully benefit from this process, it is essential that students dedicate sufficient time to completing comprehensive drafts. This period also provides an excellent opportunity for students to engage in meaningful conversations with their parents and teachers about their learning journey. Developing the ability to give and receive constructive feedback is a critical life skill that fosters growth and accelerates learning.
In Week 7 of this term (commencing 11th March), our Year 7 and Year 9 students will participate in NAPLAN testing. Further details, including timetables, will be shared closer to the date. NAPLAN is designed to provide a snapshot of student progress and is not included in final report cards. We encourage students to approach these assessments with a positive mindset and to simply do their best. To ensure they are well-prepared, we recommend that students get a good night’s sleep and have a nutritious breakfast on the morning of their tests.
For more information, please refer to the details provided for parents and carers below. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students achieve their best during this important time.
Thanks for the great start to the year and good luck on all your assessments.
Miss Turner (Acting HOD Curriculum)
The Importance of School Attendance and Its Link to Positive Mental Health
At Miles State High School, we know that regular school attendance is about much more than academic achievement. Attending school consistently plays a vital role in supporting young people’s social development, sense of belonging and overall mental health.
Queensland Attendance Expectations
The Queensland Department of Education sets a clear expectation that students attend school at least 95% of the time. This means that students should miss no more than approximately 9–10 days across the school year.
Attendance at or above 95% is associated with stronger academic outcomes, improved engagement and better wellbeing. When attendance drops below this level, students are at increased risk of learning gaps, social disconnection and reduced confidence.
Attendance Builds Connection and Belonging
One of the strongest protective factors for positive mental health in adolescence is a sense of belonging. When students attend school regularly, they:
Research consistently shows that students who feel connected to their school are more likely to experience positive wellbeing and less likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression (Allen et al., 2018). Regular attendance strengthens this connection.
Conversely, frequent absences can lead to social isolation, gaps in friendships and increased stress about returning to school, which may contribute to heightened anxiety over time.
Routine Supports Emotional Regulation
Adolescents thrive on predictable routines. Daily school attendance provides:
Structure and routine are known protective factors for mental health, particularly during times of stress or change (Beyond Blue, 2022). When students miss school frequently, this routine can become disrupted, making it harder to re-engage and re-establish healthy habits.
Attendance and Academic Confidence
There is also a strong link between attendance and academic progress. When students miss learning, they often experience:
Over time, falling behind can negatively impact self-esteem and motivation. In contrast, consistent attendance supports mastery, confidence and a positive sense of competence — all of which are associated with stronger mental wellbeing (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2023).
Early Intervention Matters
If your child is experiencing difficulties with attending school — whether due to anxiety, friendship challenges, learning concerns or other stressors — early support makes a significant difference. Avoiding school may reduce anxiety in the short term, but it can unintentionally reinforce fear and make returning more difficult.
At MSHS, our Wellbeing Engagement and Support Team is here to work in partnership with families. Together, we can explore practical strategies to support regular attendance while also addressing the underlying concerns.
How Families Can Support Positive Attendance
Parents and carers can help by:
Every day counts. Achieving or working towards the 95% attendance benchmark can have a powerful impact on both learning and wellbeing.
If you have concerns about your child’s attendance or mental health, please reach out to the school. Working together, we can ensure every student feels connected, confident and supported.
References
Allen, K. A., Kern, M. L., Vella-Brodrick, D., Hattie, J., & Waters, L. (2018). What schools need to know about fostering school belonging: A meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 30(1), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-016-9389-8
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Australia’s youth: Mental health and wellbeing. AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au
Beyond Blue. (2022). Supporting your child’s mental health. Beyond Blue. https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Queensland Department of Education. (2023). Student attendance policy. Queensland Government. https://education.qld.gov.au
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
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
