Dear Parent/ Carers
Term 2 has come and gone too fast. I am sure that everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved break.
A few points and reminders for your diaries: -
THANKS TO OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Term 2 has indeed provided our students with a safe and supportive environment to experience:
*Remember each newsletter produced this term and our Miles SHS Facebook account is an excellent record of information and photos of the many academic, sporting, cultural and community engagement and achievements of our students. I encourage you and your child to scroll back through them to reflect on and enjoy.
Many thanks to all our staff, parent, carers, business, industry and community partnerships who consistently collaborate to create engaging opportunities for our students to experience.
MILES SHS NAIDOC ENGAGEMENT DAY
Special thanks to our Guidance Officer, Sarah Perry and Community Education Counsellor, George Major for designing such an incredible day that will provide all our students, staff and guests with a lifetime of memories. Listed below are the many esteemed contributors to the day.
A huge THANK YOU to all.
Guest Performers
Guest Presenters and Workshops
Wishing all our families and staff a safe and relaxing Winter Break.
Take Care
Josette Moffatt
What a terrific way to end the term. Athletics’ Carnival to start the week and celebrating our Engagement Day – NAIDOC ceremony to end the week.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making our two events a success. To Shelley and her volunteers from the P & C – thank you once again for supporting our students and staff with refreshments and food. To Stephen and Daniel – the continual setting up and pulling down of marques, cooking BBQs and ensuring our grounds are impeccable. To the invited guest that showcased our NAIDOC ceremony – a huge thank you from our staff and students. Finally, a special acknowledgement of the administration work by Jessica, Melissa and Renae, who were supported by our fabulous TAs to make sure all communication of events, programs, report cards and results were recorded and completed in our busy week. To our cleaners and teaching staff, thank you for your efforts to provide a safe and engaging environment day in and day out.
Term 3, so much will be happening:
Wk 1 – Monday – Whole school assembly in Period 4, Wednesday - P & C Meeting and Toowoomba Career Fair, Senior Student meetings with Leadership to review Semester One results during the week.
Wk 2 – Tuesday – QCAA moderation for Sport & Rec, Wednesday – Chinchilla Career Expo, Thursday – QCAA moderation for Essential English, Friday – Final submission day for QCIA 2025
Wk 3 – Monday – Junior School Briefing in Period 4, QCAA moderation Essential Maths, Tuesday – Cluster school visits for Yr 6 into Yr 7 2026, Wednesday – Parent/Teacher interviews and Subjection information for Yr 8 into 9 and Yr 10 into 11 for 2026.
Information has been provided with upcoming events in our End of Term mail out to families. We were also able to provide our Yr 6 students with their enrolment package on Friday 27th June, in readiness for our school visit on Tuesday 29th July.
I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable term break.
Raelene Bates
Semester one for 2025 is now concluded. Which means half the year is completed. There has been a lot of hard work and effort put in and now is the time again for reflection on the goals that have been set. For those who have meet their goals for the semester make sure you take the time to celebrate your achievement. This is an important step in the goal setting phase. For those who have just fallen short, don’t despair. Plan out what you would do differently in the next semester. Think about what you have done well as there is always something you have done correctly when you have put in an honest effort.
At the half year mark it is time that we think about subject selection for 2026. Students in year 8 and 10 will be making subject selections that will inform their future pathways through school and into their chosen career. Each year we run an information session where parents and students are informed about the different offerings and pathways that students will able to undertake. This year it will occur after Parent/Teacher interviews on 30th July which is Wednesday of week 3. It is a chance for parents and students to learn about the ATAR system which is different to the old OP system that most parents are familiar with. We would strongly encourage all parents of year 8 and 10 students to attend as this will give students the best information for their selection.
The mailout has also occurred and I would like to turn you attention to the planners and placemats that are found within. This will give you information on what your students will be learning in term 3 along with when assessment is due. For students in year 11 and 12 studying ATAR subjects, this term is particularly important, as they approach the pointy end of their year. Term 3 is where all of their internal assessment (school set tasks) is completed and all content teaching concluded. After the conclusion of their internal assessment all attention turns to studying for their external assessment.
Thanks to all for the last semester and have a great well earnt break. See you all again in term 3.
Caleb Kuhl
Our RISE Focus for this week is ‘We think before we post’
Screens have become a necessary tool in everyday life, but the evidence is clear that overuse has negative impacts on the development young people’s brains.
Australian guidelines recommend no screen time for children under two, and a maximum of one hour per day for those aged 2-5. For older children and teenagers (5-17), the recommendation is no more than two hours of recreational screen time daily. These guidelines are based on evidence linking screen time to physical activity, sleep, and overall development.
Detailed Recommendations and Tips:
Screen Time Limits for Older Children (5-17):
Two hours of recreational screen time is the recommended limit, excluding screen time for schoolwork.
Prioritize Sleep:
Encourage 8-10 hours of sleep per night and keep devices out of the bedroom.
Engage in Open Conversations:
Talk with children about their online activities, what they're seeing, and how to stay safe.
Create a Family Tech Agreement:
Discuss and agree on when, where, and how devices will be used.
Model Healthy Behaviour:
Parents should also limit their own screen time and demonstrate healthy digital habits.
Choose High-Quality Content:
Help children select apps and websites that are educational, engaging, and age appropriate.
Consider Location Tracking and Parental Controls:
Utilize features on devices to monitor usage and set limits on content and app access.
Take Regular Breaks:
Encourage families to take screen-free breaks together to promote balance.
Focus on Connection:
Prioritize open communication and support over strict control.
Be Flexible and Adapt:
As children grow, their screen time needs and habits will change, so it's important to review and adjust expectations accordingly.
Simon Wilson
WHAT A SUCCESS!
The 2025 NAIDOC Engagement Day was a resounding success, bringing together world-renowned performers, powerful storytellers, and inspiring workshop facilitators in a day filled with celebration, culture, and connection.
We began the day with a powerful and grounding cultural experience, led by Iman Elder Uncle John Waterton. Uncle John shared the significance of a traditional smoking ceremony and invited students and staff to take part, offering a respectful and meaningful start to the day. This was followed a breathtaking performance by the Wagga Torres Strait Islander Dance Company, setting a powerful tone of pride and celebration.
We were proud to welcome our local cluster schools to join us for the event. It was wonderful to see so many of our future students engaging with the day and taking their first steps in becoming part of the MSHS community. Events like this play a vital role in building a sense of belonging and connection, and we’re excited to continue that journey with them.
The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week, “Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy,” was brought to life through every performance and workshop. William Barton’s breathtaking musical performance with Aunty Delmae Barton left the audience speechless — their combined storytelling, singing, and instrumental talent are a true celebration of culture and legacy.
Seamus Evans delivered powerful and humorous motivational talks that left staff and students alike feeling empowered and ready to challenge themselves to grow. Birra-Li Warner’s creative workshop saw students contribute to a collaborative art mural, channelling their thoughts and emotions into a meaningful, visual expression of strength and identity.
Boomerang throwing, led by Craig Kemp, gave students the chance to learn traditional techniques firsthand — with many of our senior students rising to the challenge of mastering this cultural art form.
And of course, no celebration would be complete without food! First Nations Eats was a hit with our senior students, who enjoyed the opportunity to experience native flavours and celebrate culture through cuisine.
Support from Origin was vital in making this day such a success, and we sincerely thank them for their generous contribution. We look forward to continuing to partner with them into the future to support cultural learning and engagement opportunities at MSHS.
A huge thank you to all our presenters, staff, and participating schools for making this day so memorable. It was a true celebration of strength, community, and the next generation.
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
