ENewsletter

In this edition

From the Principal

From the Deputy Principal

From Head of Wellbeing & Engagement

From Head of Curriculum

From the Guidance Officer

Term 1 2023

Student Leaders Ceremony

From the Classroom

Experiencing Sporting Excellence

School Values

Miles SHS Calendar of Events - WK 7 and WK 8

Miles SHS Date Claimers/Notices

Community Events/Notices

Download the SkoolBag App

From the Principal

2023 School Investiture

Miles State High School Investiture Ceremony is always an important event on our school calendar. This ceremony provides the school with the opportunity to, not only recognise and bestow our student leaders with their responsibilities for the year ahead, but to clearly set out our school’s values, belief and expectations for all students for the year.

During my speech I brought attention to our school’s history of consistent exceptional academic and career outcomes and the multitude of embedded curricular and co-curricular opportunities our students engage with each and every day. Together our school community provides a positive contribution to and beyond our school. In 2023 our student leaders and staff have made a commitment that 2023 is the year we “Shine the Light on Miles State High School”. We want to further encourage local and wider community to continue to be part of this very special school. We will continue to participate and showcase our student’s talent and achievements within our school and to our community.

It is so important that all our students realise that they are leaders. Everyone is a leader of their own lives and those of others they meet along the way. I reminded our students to: - “Just look in the mirror and the person looking back at you is a leader. Yes, that person is you”.

I again give my personal congratulations to all recipients and in particular all our Year 12’s. I am confident that our students drive and actions every day will inspire others to contribute not by standing at the front telling others what to do but by walking beside and encouraging others to act.

A sincere thankyou to our official guests and families who attended this event. Particular thanks to Western Downs Regional Council Councillor Kylie Bourne and Councillor Kaye Maguire, Gwendolyn Irvine Principal of Miles State School, Robin Derksen Miles Community Elder, Reverend Glen Perkins, Cecily Brockhurst Manager of Murilla Community Centre and P&C Vice President Madonna Moore. Your presence echoes to our school that our wider community values our school and those students chosen to lead it in 2023.

The behind the scenes organisation for these events so they run seamlessly is detailed and time consuming so many thanks must go especially to Ms Raelene Bates, Miss Jessica Slaughter, Mr Daniel Daveson, all our cleaning and operation staff.

Congratulation to our 2023 P&C Executive Team

Partners in Learning A Partnership to Success Together we will keep contributing to our students’ success by having high expectations and shared responsibility and accountability in all we do

Partners in Learning A Partnership to Success Together

we will keep contributing to our students’ success by

having high expectations and

shared responsibility and accountability in all we do.

On Wednesday 1 March 2023 Miles SHS Parents and Citizens Association held their Annual General Meeting, followed by the first General Meeting of 2023. Many thanks to our families who attended. Thank you to the 2022 outgoing executive members for your dedication and contribution to Miles SHS P&C Association, our school families and our school. 2022 Outgoing Executive: -President: Polly Leahy, Vice President: Rowie Price and Secretary: Paula Derksen.

Congratulations to the incoming 2023 Miles P&C Executive: -President: Katrina Gaze, Vice President: Jessica Gorry, Secretary: Madonna Moore and many thanks to Toni Brown who will continue in her role as Treasurer.

The staff, families and wider community look forward to working with such a great team and the many Miles SHS families involved in our P&C.

2023 Annual Implementation Plan

During the P&C General Meeting I shared the school’s direction and focus for 2023. I look forward in the future to continuing to unpack and address our 2023 focus areas with our school community.

Take care,

Josette Moffatt

From the Deputy Principal

Five Questions for Learning:

To support students to take ownership of their learning, teaching in classes are referring to the five questions for learning:

What are you learning? Why?

How are you going with your learning?

How do you know?

What do you need to do to improve?

Where can you get help?

Leaders in the school use these questions when they are in classrooms on Learning Walks and Talks also. This is an opportunity for students to share their learning and for the school to Know the Learner and then make plans to support the students in their next steps.

NAPLAN 2023

NAPLAN is a national literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. Schools have transitioned to NAPLAN online – this provides more precise results and the online format is more engaging for students. One of the main benefits is the tailored (or adaptive) testing, where the test presents questions which may be more or less difficult depending on a student’s responses.

When is NAPLAN occurring in Term 1?

In 2023, NAPLAN is moving from May to March and will be conducted in a test window in Week 8 and Week 9 spanning from 15 March to 27 March. The NAPLAN schedule for Week 8 and Week 9 can be reviewed below:

Participation:

NAPLAN is for everyone and supports inclusive testing so all students have the opportunity to participate. There are students who may be exempt from the NAPLAN Test and other students whose parents may choose to withdraw them from the test.

Exemptions: Parents of students who are exempt will be contacted by Mr Kuhl HOD Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
Withdrawals: As per QCAA guidelines, parents who wish to withdraw their student must notify the school and collect a form from the office. The form must be completed and returned to the school by 14 March.

13.3

14.3

School Photos – formal uniform

15.3

9am – Yr 7 NAPLAN Writing

11am – Yr 9 NAPLAN Writing

16.3

9am – Yr 7 NAPLAN Reading

11am – Yr 9 NAPLAN Reading

17.3

9am – Yr 7 NAPLAN Language Convention

11am – Yr 9 NAPLAN Language Convention

20.3

9am – Yr 7 NAPLAN Numeracy

11am – Yr 9 NAPLAN Numeracy

21.3

9am – Catch Up NAPLAN

22.3

11am – Catch up NAPLAN

23.3

9am – Catch up NAPLAN

24.3

Restrictions on children working in Queensland (other than in the entertainment industry)

Maximum hours children can work School-aged children maximum working hours

The Act restricts you employing school-aged children outside of the hours stipulated by the Regulation. The Regulation differentiates between the hours that a school-aged child can work on a day when they are required to attend school and on a day when they are not required to attend school.

On a school day a school-aged child can work a maximum of 4 hours. When they are not required to attend school they can work a maximum of 8 hours.

A distinction is also made between the maximum hours a school-aged child can work during a school week and a non-school week. A school week starts on a Sunday, when the child is required to attend school on any day of that week. During a school week a school-aged child can work a maximum of 12 hours. During a non-school week a school-aged child can work a maximum of 38 hours.

Unless an industrial instrument provides otherwise an employer must give a school-aged child at least a one-hour break after the end of the fourth hour.

It has come to our attention that some students are working more than the maximum hours as stated above. It is important for students to not over commit to part time work, and allow time to complete homework and / or assessment to meet checkpoints. Teachers will be directing students to come in during lunchbreaks to complete any outstanding work not completed. In addition, our senior students, may be instructed to complete outstanding work during period 4 Friday afternoon.

Raelene Bates

MINDSET - How to change negative thoughts

When you change your negative thinking, you look more for the good in your life. Your communication becomes more positive and your focus is on your strengths rather than your weaknesses. In a better positive state not only do you learn quicker and easier but your relationships and other areas of your life improve.

Common Myths Around Negative Thinking

Here are some common myths about negative thinking that are not very helpful:

● You can stop your negative thoughts.

You can notice that thoughts happen, and then you will be more aware of them. That means we can’t “stop” them because negative thoughts happen first. When you become aware, you have a choice – do you keep focusing on that or focus on something more positive? The key is to become aware to limit the time you are running negative thoughts (stories) in your mind.

● “Just change a negative thought to a positive thought”.

That can work if you believe the positive thought. That’s a common catchphrase “just change it to positive”. However, if you don’t believe the positive thought, it can actually become a reminder and deepen the negative thought.

Two Ideas For A More Positive Mindset

1. Balance Your Mental Diet

It’s impossible to completely escape the overwhelming negative images in news, film, online, gaming etc. That’s why it’s important to limit the negative, distressing external sources and increase your exposure to positive stories and images.

2. Identify Your Positive Circle of Influence

You become the average of the five closest people around you! You know when you are around positive people because you walk away feeling uplifted and inspired rather than drained and exhausted. Take a moment to write down the five most positive people who influence you.

From Head of Wellbeing & Engagement

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the end of Week 6. Last week we had our 2023 Investiture ceremony, and it was great to see all students engaged and on their best behaviour.

Over the last 6 weeks at Miles SHS, we have had a nice increase in student attendance. Attendance is extremely important for students in education as every minute counts. Currently we are working very closely with families and tracking our students’ attendance closely to ensure all students are receiving the education they deserve.

Late attendance procedures:

Miles SHS commences the school day at 8:45 am, this is the first bell that informs students to move off to care class. Care class begins at 8:50 am and students are expected to be at the classroom and ready to enter for an 8:50 am start. Any student who arrives to school after 8:50 when the bell rings to commence care class are late to school. In this situation students will be asked to go to the front office to sign in. Students who are late to school will be provided with a logical consequence, unless there is a legitimate reason for being late. If a student is frequently late to school, their parent/carer will be contacted, and a meeting will be required to help support student attending school on time.

Jewellery Policy

In order to comply with WH&S, Miles SHS has a jewellery policy to ensure the safety of students and teachers. The only acceptable items are:

a watch
no more than two pairs of studs, no greater than 5 mm. Sleepers or hoops are not to be worn to school.
one very small (less than 2mm) nose stud is permitted. All other visible body piercings are not permitted.
one discreet neck chain of religious, cultural or medical significance of a length that cannot be seen, and tuck can be tucked in.
school badges

Miles SHS staff will request students to remove any jewellery that does not comply with the jewellery/uniform policy.

Behaviour Outcomes

Over the last 2 weeks at school, we have had a slight rise in behaviour problems. Currently the highest category for behavioural problems is defiance. If a student is given a logical instruction, it is expected that the student follows these instructions. If students are choosing to ignore or defy the instruction given from a teacher than they will be provided with a logical consequence.

Over the next few weeks, we have a lot of school sport on and activities commencing. Best of luck to all students trialling/participating and you will hear from me again in 2 weeks 🙂

Josh Moore

Allow others to teach and learn

Our new banner can be found in each classroom displaying the expectation of our students in allowing others to teach and learn. As part of Positive Behaviour, we illustrate the benefits of following our school expectations and the logical consequences when we don't.

From Head of Curriculum

Well the assessments for this term are now running thick and fast and the pressure dials are turning up. Keep an eye on the assessment planner so that you are able to check in with your student and ensure they are keeping up. Drafts are now being submitted to their teachers for their formal round of feedback. It is important that they take the time to make sure that they have completed their work so that they are able to receive the best feedback possible. Once this is received they need to take the time to reflect on the feedback and implement the changes throughout their entire assessment piece.

It is also a good time to be reminded of the assessment process. Students all receive an assessment with plenty of time to complete the work, if they work constantly through the assessment period. Sometimes issues arise and students will face barriers to complete their task. At this point students can practice and develop important skills for life, when facing deadlines and other issues. Students and their parents at this point are encouraged to have a discussion as to how the problem could be solved. This could mean engaging in the homework centre (every Monday and Wednesday afternoon), help to setting aside time for completing school work or how to get help when they are stuck. If your student is still stuck after this they should then have a conversation with their teacher about the issues they are facing. This could result in direction back to particular lessons or learning materials, focused learning experiences, support outside of class time, additional reading or worksheets, just to name a few. It is encouraged that these conversations happen in a timely manner so that there is time to support students with their needs. These conversations cannot be had on the due date because there is no time to help the student learn the required content. This is why students should be working consistently on their assessment rather than leaving it to the last minute.

If in the rare case your student requires an extension and the above conversations have happened, then they will need to fill out the extension paperwork found in Student Services. For an extension to be granted there must be supporting evidence to the extraordinary situation that has resulted in the student not being able to complete their work and must fall into the categories of illness or misadventure. In these situations, the student needs to have a conversation with their teacher and Mr Kuhl (Head of Department of Curriculum) to develop a plan for the submission of the assessment piece. Other circumstances are not reasons for an extension.

I am really looking forward to seeing the work that our students are currently preparing to display what they have learned.

Caleb Kuhl

From the Guidance Officer - Sarah Perry

Exam stress

It is that time of the term where some of our students may be starting to feel the pinch of assessment time. Sometimes this pressure can feel like it is too much. This is what is known as exam stress. Stress is a response to pressure and, while a small amount of pressure can be useful to keep students focused during exam time, if it becomes too much study can seem impossible.

What does exam stress feel like?

Symptoms of exam stress may include:

losing touch with friends and the activities you enjoy
feeling moody, low or overwhelmed
having trouble making decisions
loss of appetite or over eating
sleeping poorly and struggling to get out of bed
difficulty getting motivated to start studying
tense muscles or headaches
clammy hands or feeling butterflies in your stomach
a racing heartbeat or feeling sick
fidgeting, nail biting or teeth grinding
feeling confused, or having your mind going blank during the tests.

These symptoms can interfere with how much students enjoy life, especially around exam times.

Managing exam stress

Practical ideas to help with study

Go to bed at a reasonable time, eat regularly and make time to have fun and exercise.
Cut back on energy drinks, coffee or any other stimulants as these can make you feel agitated; drink water instead.
When you eat, relax and allow yourself time rather than carrying on with work.
Avoid junk food–it provides a sudden burst of energy which will disappear, leaving you feeling worn out.
Eat a well-balanced diet.
Reward yourself when you achieve your study goals, such as watching an episode of your favourite TV show or going for a run.
Allow yourself time to rest.
Stay focused on your study; try not to get distracted.

Ideas for exam day

Work out what you need to take with you into your exam the night before and have everything ready–water, calculators, pens, pencils, comfortable clothing etc.
Eat a light breakfast–this will help with your energy and concentration.
Visit the toilet before your exam starts.
If you’re getting anxious just before your exam, focus on your breathing. Breathe in to a count of 3 and then breathe out to a count of 3. Repeat this steadily for a few minutes.
When you first sit down to do your exam, take time to slow your breathing and relax.
Read through the exam paper carefully. Underline key words and instructions to ensure you’re answering what is being asked.
Work on the questions that you find easiest first.
Allow time before the end of the exam to re-read answers and make any necessary changes.

Remember when you finish your exam, take time out to relax a bit before you start preparing for the next exam. Do something you enjoy or have a chat with your friends.

Where to get support

Kids Helpline

The Kids Helpline website contains some great tips about exam stress, how to look after yourself, anxiety, how to build resilience, coping with your emotions and more. You can also contact them if you want to talk to someone.

Phone 1800 551 800 (24 hours, 7 days).
Email Kids Helpline
Chat with someone one-on-one (24 hours, 7 days).

headspace

To help reduce stress and ensure you’re as organised as you can be, learn more about planning, looking after yourself and staying focused for your exams.

headspace has centres located throughout Australia staffed with people who are trained and ready to help. Find a centre.
If there isn’t a headspace near you, you can access online chat and telephone support through eheadspace.

More information

If you're a parent, read some tips to help your teenager when exam stress strikes. Parentline also provides some advice on how to help your children cope with exam stress

Sarah Perry

Term 1 2023

THANK YOU!

Shelley would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to the following people who assisted at the M&D Touch Carnival either with baking yummy goods or setting up and serving in the canteen.

Jane Nixon, Jodie McKellar, Johanna Little, Janine Schuurman, Sandra Crook, Tanya Muzeen, Jessica Tighe and Kath (Wandoan.)

Your help was greatly appreciated!

Student Leaders Ceremony

From the Classroom

Year 7 TFF

This term the Year 7 classes are making zippered pouches that they can use as a pencil case, or a pouch to keep all of their treasures inside. This production has required the students to become familiar with the art of pinning fabrics together, using ‘zipper feet’ on the sewing machines, and sewing using straight stitch and zig-zag stitch.

The students approached sewing classes with a mixture of fear and excitement but have all succeeded in creating a usable pouch for their task.

In addition to making their own pouch, the students will now begin to make creations to be sold at the Miles Christmas Markets at the end of the year. The money raised from selling these items will go back in to the Home Economics room to purchase more fabrics and sewing items.

Miss Turner

Year 9/10 TFF

This term the students in 9/10 TFF have been working hard on creating a class cookbook. The task they were set was to create a cookbook to be handed to university students on their first day at university. The recipes were to be simple, nutritious (as can be) and not expensive to create. The recipes thus far have been very tasty, somewhat nutritious and very easy to create.

The students have also begun designing the cover art and presentation of their recipes within the cookbook. The aim is to have this cookbook available for purchase at the Miles Christmas Markets, with funds going back into the Home Economics kitchen to purchase key equipment for future classes.

Miss Turner

TFF Teacher

Year 7 TMT

ADT Cert II (Digi Tech)

This term has been off to a great start in ADT Cert II (DigiTech) class.

Taking on the role of media company staff, students have been working on scripting, recording, editing, and publishing podcasts on a variety of interests. Students are engaging in a range of tasks this term around audio production and working in the media industry, and it is wonderful to see their creativity showing!

Miss Klimo and Mrs Pinkney

Year 9/10 Certificate I in Furnishing

This year see the revamping of our Furnishing course with students currently completing a picture frame which will potentially house their nationally recognised qualification. Students have been busy completing halving and bridle joints by hand as well as domino and dowel joints using machinery. At the start of the year, students completed their competency based Workplace Health and Safety module to ensure their safety within the workshop.

Mr Perry

Year 11 Certificate II in Construction

This year sees us transitioning from Furnishing to a Certificate II in Construction. Our students have been hard at work completing their competency based assessments on Workplace Health and Safety and constructing Plywood tool boxes. Once completed the basic design, students are customising their toolboxes. As we are finishing things off, students are then creating three dimensional models on AutoDesk Inventor with the aim of creating their own plans.

Mr Perry

Year 11/12 Certificate II in Engineering

Students have been constructing a variety of projects as part of their Certificate II in Engineering. These range from community projects to a G clamp that involve basic hand and power tools all the way up to welding components and machining them to the correct size using industry standards as the benchmark.

Mr Moffatt

Year 12 Certificate II in Furnishing

As we see out our last cohort of our Certificate II in Furnishing before transitioning to a Certificate II in Construction, our year 12s have been extra careful in their construction of their step stools. The key part of their assessment is for students to test their success by actually standing on their step stools. Students have also started to design their hallway table as their next project which is using recycled timber kindly donated to the school from the wind farm.

Mr Moffatt

Experience Sporting Excellence

Miles SHS Cross Country

When: Tuesday 28th March

Where: Miles Golf Club

Students are required to meet at the Golf Club on the day to participate in the event. Bus students will be dropped off at the Golf Club. ALL students will be bused back to the school after the event.

Laura Geitz Cup

Summa, Neveah, Jade, Charlize, Bethany, Morgan, Emily and Lacey have been training hard for the upcoming Laura Geitz Cup to be held on Sunday 12th March at the Glennie School and Downlands College. A huge thanks to Kylie and Kari Salisbury for their time and expertise in training the girls. Well done to all!!

M&D Netball (10 - 12 Years)

Piper, Neveah, Summa, Lulu, Jade

SW Football (Soccer) 13- 19 Years
Macy, Tommy, Asher, Cody

SW Basketball 13 - 18 Years

Lily, Charlize, Ace, Josh, Hayden, Braydon

SW Futsal 13 - 14 Years

Tommy

SW Netball 13 - 19 Years

Bethany, Morgan, Emily, Mackenzie, Ingrid, Rahnee, Steph

Miles SHS Calendar of Events

Term 1 Week 7

Wednesday 8th March - SW Touch Football (12 - 18 Years), Chinchilla

Thursday 9th March - DD Basketball (13-16 Years)

Friday 10th March - SW Basketball (10 - 12 Years), Roma

Term 1 Week 8

Monday 13th March - SW Rugby League (14 - 18 Years), Roma

Tuesday 14th March - School Photo Day, 9:00am

Wednesday 15th March - Year 7 NAPLAN - Writing, 9:00am - 10:10am

Wednesday 15th March - Year 9 - NAPLAN - Writing, 11:00am - 12:05pm

Thursday 16th March - Year 7 NAPLAN - Reading, 9:00am - 10;10am

Thursday 16th March - Year 9 NAPLAN - Reading, 11:00am - 12:05pm

Friday 17th March - Year 7 NAPLAN - Language Conventions, 9:00am - 10:10am

Friday 17th March - Year 9 NAPLAN - Language Conventions, 11:00am - 12:05pm

Friday 17th March - NEWSLETTER Due

Miles SHS Date Claimers / Notices

School Photos

NAPLAN

World's Greatest Shave

Miles SHS is participating in fundraising for the World's Greatest Shave for a Cure. Mr Moore and Miss Jenko will be shaving their heads in support of this great cause. If you would like to donate to this event please use the link below to the donation page. Any students who would like to participate are asked to speak to Mr Moore to ensure they have their parent/carers permission. We look forward to sharing photos of the shave with you in the future.

https://secure.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=142241&langPref=en-CA&fbclid=IwAR37wxnNNEBcFhNLnqOB9P4cu_eDgltAmWVSG0Vq2v1_ADH5Mltid66FbVo

Reminder - Homework Centre

Homework Centre is up and running from Monday 20th Feb, 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

Application Form to join the P and C

Download

P&Cs Qld Parent Talk Magazine

Link to Parent Talk Magazine:

https://pandcsqld.com.au/members/publications/parent‐talk/

It is a static link so that it doesn’t have to be changed at all and will link automatically to the latest issue of the magazine each time it is published.

Occupational violence and aggression prevention

It’s important we all understand everyone has the right to be safe in our schools and workplaces. The department does not condone occupational violence and aggression (OVA) where a student or staff member is threatened, harmed or injured by another person in any form.