Newsletter

Welcome Back Edition

From the Principal

Welcome Back to 2024

A big welcome back to students, their families and staff.  A special welcome to all our Year 7 students and other new students and families to our school community. 

Already there is a buzz that 2024 is shaping up to be a great year. Throughout the year our students will all be engaging in the Miles State High School Experience where they will:

  • Experience a supportive environment
  • Experience academic success
  • Experience sporting success
  • Experience their future 

New Staff

No doubt many of you would have seen on Facebook and heard and from your child about new teachers to our school.

Please check out our new staff in this edition. Next weeks edition will have pictures of all our school team.  

Miles State High School Communication Processes

We love to hear from you and in-turn keep you informed.

1.      Who do I talk to?

High schools have many staff with many different responsibilities. When you require information or to pass on information knowing who to talk to makes communication and action far more effective. Communication both ways is so important and valued by our school team so please refer to our 2024 Term 1 Miles SHS Communication Flowchart (A copy is in this edition).

2.      Where do I find information on what’s happening?

Miles SHS has a number of communication avenues to keep our students and their families informed of both curriculum and extra-curriculum activities.

These include:

  • Miles SHS Newsletter (Fortnightly, every second Friday.) – Access through Audiri (Information to download Audire app in this newsletter). Please let the Office know if you would like a copy of our fortnightly newsletter emailed to you or sent home with your child.
  • Miles SHS Facebook- for Information and celebration through daily updates.
  • Miles SHS School Website (www.milesshs.eq.edu.au )
  • Emails and Text from School
  • Front of school Miles SHS Electronic Bulletin Board
  • Information and Permission letters home regarding school event that sit outside of normal school routines. (Curricular and Extra- Curricular)
  • If you wish to find out information on events, please contact our Administration team (phone or email) who will assist you with your enquiry. (Phone: 46285111 Email: admin@milesshs.eq.edu.au  

Partners in Learning – Together we prepare our youth for tomorrow

Many thanks to all our students who have come to school ready to positively engage and learn. To date, there is clearly a consistent demonstration of our school values of RESPECT, INTEGRITY, SAFETY AND ENGAGMENT in every aspect of their school day. These values, are values for life and are those that all good citizens display in their communities, at home and in their workplace. The best way to continue to teach and reinforce these values is for all of us to role model them ourselves and highlight and praise our children/students when we see them occurring in their everyday interactions. 

Congratulation to our 2023 Graduates

On the back of over seven years of exceeding State and Regional benchmarks for Senior Outcomes, Miles SHS has again blazed a trail of success. The well-earned qualifications again have provided for our students’ clear future pathways of choice not chance.

Qualifications include: -

  • Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
  • Vocational and Education outcomes (VET-Certificates I, II, III)
  • Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) 

100% Students received their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

100% of ATAR eligible students who applied for University Programs gained entry into their choice of course at their chosen tertiary institution.

100% Students received one or more Vocational Education Certificates

All students intending to enter trade programs/employment as a result of School Based Apprentice and Training have successfully transitioned to work. 

CONGRATULATIONS- well done. 

Together we can achieve so much.

Student success is the work of many so on behalf of Miles SHS a heartfelt thankyou to all school stakeholder, staff, students, parent/carers and our local and wider community business and industries who played an essential role in supporting our students to lay down the essential foundations for their next adventure in learning and life. Miles SHS looks forward to continuing these valuable partnerships with all our stakeholders into 2024. 

Looking forward to catching up with many of you at our 2024 Parent and Teacher ‘Meet and Greet Drop in Afternoon’ on the Tuesday 6th February 2024 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm in the MPA Conference Room. 

Take care

Josette Moffatt

From the Deputy Principal

I would like to welcome the new staff, students and families to Miles SHS for 2024.

Our priorities for 2024 continue to keep the focus firmly on Student Attendance, Engagement and Curriculum.  This sharp and narrow focus is deliberately targeting aspects of school culture that ensure students are experiencing a positive environment conducive to learning.  In 2024, we continue to embed is Equity and Excellence.  Staff will be working throughout 2024, examining our practices to ensure every student experience a strong sense of belonging and barriers to their success are removed.  We look forward to working with students, parents and the community to make sure Miles SHS is a place where every student succeeds, and experiences a life of choice. 

Student lockers

It has been a fantastic start to 2024.  Thank you to all families for completing the contract for our mobile phone ‘Away for the day’ program.  Lockers have been set up for the students and students are locking them away for the day.  On arrival to the school, students will make their way to their locker and lock their phone away for the day.  At 2.55pm each afternoon, students are allowed to go and collect their phones in preparation for their exiting the school. 

Can I please ask parents to circle either the locker or remain in their bag for the mobile contract.  Many returned contracts have a signature but no indication if the student will keep the phone in their bag or place into a locker.

Meet & Greet

We would love to meet the new families that have joined our school this year.  Each year we invite families to join us for an afternoon tea, meet the staff and get to know your student’s teachers.  If you would like to join us on Tuesday 6th February starting from 3.30pm and finishing by 5.30pm, you are welcome to share afternoon tea with us.  Please ring the office before Friday 2nd February on 4628 5111 and advise how many people will be in attendance. 

Student Information

With the school focusing on Junior Secondary, Middle Secondary and Senior Secondary, communicating with the students is important and we have now extended their access to information pinboards.  The pinboard provides the students with information that supports their learning and interactions at school and the wider community.

Information is shared in a variety of ways with the students through the Student Portal, QLearn, Student Pinboard, emails, facebook, newsletters and morning student notices. We hope the students will share information with their parents with the use of their student diaries.

Raelene Bates

From the Guidance Officer

Welcome Back to a New School Year! 

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians, 

I hope this message finds you well and rested after a rejuvenating break. As we embark on a new academic year, I am excited to welcome everyone back to another chapter of growth, learning, and success at Miles State High School. 

I want to take a moment to highlight the importance of attendance in ensuring a positive and enriching high school experience. Attendance is not just about being physically present in the classroom; it is a crucial factor that shapes your educational journey and sets the foundation for future success. 

Why Does Attendance Matter? 

  1. Academic Success: Regular attendance is directly linked to academic achievement. When you attend classes consistently, you have the opportunity to engage with the material, participate in discussions, and receive timely feedback from your teachers. This active involvement contributes to a deeper understanding of your subjects and enhances your overall academic performance.
  2. Building Habits for the Future: High school is not only a preparation for future studies or careers but also for life beyond the classroom. Developing good attendance habits now sets a positive precedent for your future endeavours. Punctuality and commitment are qualities that will serve you well in any professional or personal setting.
  3. Social and Emotional Well-being: School is not just about academics; it's a place where you build connections, friendships, and a sense of community. Regular attendance ensures that you don't miss out on the social aspects of high school life, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth and well-being. 

Our Commitment to Your Success: 

At Miles State High School, we are committed to providing a nurturing and conducive learning environment for every student. We understand that there may be challenges that impact attendance, and we are here to support you. If you are facing any difficulties, whether academic or personal, please reach out to our counselling services. We are here to listen, guide, and assist you in overcoming any obstacles that may come your way. 

Parents and Guardians: Your Partnership Matters! 

We acknowledge the crucial role parents and guardians play in supporting their child's education. We encourage open communication between home and school. If you anticipate any challenges with attendance or have concerns about your child's well-being, please do not hesitate to contact us. Working together, we can ensure a successful and fulfilling high school experience for your child. 

As we embark on this new school year, let us make a collective commitment to prioritise attendance. Every day counts, and your presence contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our school community. Embrace the opportunities for growth, forge meaningful connections, and make the most of the academic journey that lies ahead. 

Wishing each of you a fantastic and successful school year! 

Warm regards,

Sarah Perry

Guidance Officer

School Fees Reminder

Welcome to 2024.

Student Resource Scheme Fees (School Fees) invoices will be posted out next week.

Several payment options including a single payment for the full year’s fee or term instalments are available.  An instalment plan can also be negotiated with the school.

Miles State High School offers a range of payment options including; Direct Deposit, Cash, EFTPOS, BPOINT, Direct Debit via BPOINT and Centrepay. For more information regarding any of these payment options or to discuss a payment plan please contact Ms Lisa Buhse our Business Manager on 07 4628 5111.

Any unpaid invoices, will be managed according to the department’s Debt Management Procedure and may result in the student being excluded from the scheme and/or from participating in non-curricular activities until payment is made.

For students graduating in 2024 ALL Student Resource Scheme Fees (School Fees) must be paid in full prior to attendance at the end of year Valedictory. 

Week 1

Welcome to Miles SHS!!!

T1 Parent/Carer Communication Flowchart

Miles SHS Swimming Carnival

Instrumental Music Letter

Homework Centre

Meet & Greet Flyer

NDIS Visit

Miles SHS Calendar of Events

Term 1 Week 2

Wednesday 31st January - Miles SHS Swimming Carnival, 8:30am - 3:00pm

Thursday 1st February - SW Basketball (13-19 Years), Chinchilla

Thursday 1st February - SW Football (15-19 Years), Chinchilla

Friday 2nd February - Newsletter Due 

Term 1 Week 3

Monday 5th February - Mash Theatre (free of charge - during Period 4 Steps class)

Tuesday 6th February - Meet & Greet Afternoon Tea, MPA Conference Room, 3:30pm - 5:30pm

Friday 9th February - M&D Swimming (10-19 Years), Miles

Reminder: Animals are not permitted on school property

Please email all planned absences to absentee@milesshs.eq.edu.au (prior to your child’s absence)

Miles State High School

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