8 June 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

Dear Parents

Two very busy weeks of Term 2 remain so I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and relaxing winter vacation.

Staff News

Congratulations to Heath Fox who has been successful in his application for the permanent position of Head of Department – Student Welfare at Miami State High School. As you may be aware Heath has been acting in this position and leads a large team of support personnel who look after student welfare. I look forward to Heath's continued leadership in this area.

Congratulations also to Heather Donnan who has been offered a permanent Administrative Officer position at Miami State High School. Heather's specific role is Accounts Payable and I have every confidence in her ability to fulfil this role.

Welcome back Christine Nowicki who re-joins us as Administrative Officer in Student Services. Christine will be the daily contact for students and parents relating to school attendance.

Best wishes to Rachel Martin (Pirie) who commenced maternity leave this week. Max Little will replace Rachel for the remainder of term.

Farewell to Jo Howes

Farewell to Jo Howes, Head of Department – Technology, who has recently announced her retirement from the Department of Education and Training at the end of this term. Ms Howes commenced teaching on the 1st January 1977 at Camp Hill State High School as a Commercial Teacher and then transferred to Baralaba State School in Central Queensland in 1980. In 1981, Jo was transferred to Beaudesert State High School in the South East Region and then to Keebra Park State High School in August 1981. She remained at Keebra Park State High School until transferring to Miami State High School as Subject Master – Commercial in January 1987.

During her time at Miami State High School, Jo has acted as Senior Mistress and Deputy Principal before taking up the role of Head of Department – Information Technology in 1995.

Jo's reputation as an educational leader extended beyond the school as she was highly regarded for her expertise and knowledge of Business Education by peers across the Gold Coast.

I take this opportunity on behalf of Miami State High School Community to wish Jo a very happy and healthy retirement.

A special full school farewell assembly will be held in the Great Hall on Thursday 23rd June to celebrate her contribution to Miami High.

Exam Shutdown

Parents are reminded of the following exam shutdown periods during which students will only attend school for their exams. It is very important that students are aware of their exam timetable and that a medical certificate is required if they are unable to attend an examination session.

Year 10 - 15-17 June
Year 11 - 14-17 June
Year 12 - 13-17 June

Semester Reports

Once again semester reports will be emailed so it is very important that the school has your correct email address. Years 7 - 9 reports will be emailed on 22nd June and Years 10 -12 on 13th July. Once you have received the report, please take the time to discuss the results and particularly any positives with your students.

Congratulations Kasey Hardman

I am pleased to announce that Kasey Hardman has been selected as our Teacher's Nominee for the 2016 Griffith University Excellence in Secondary Teaching Award. Kasey is a valued and well respected member of the Maths and Science Departments. He strives for academic success for all of his students and is held in the highest regard by students and teachers alike. His prowess extends beyond the classroom as he is a great supporter of the Kokoda Team Challenge, raising funds for community organisations and the Student Council as well as assisting in the production of M'Factor. Kasey will be our candidate for Gold Coast Teacher of the Year judging on the 3rd September 2016 and we wish him all the best.

Kasey Hardman – Teacher's Nominee for 2016
Griffith University Excellence in Secondary Teaching Award

Regards

Jim Baker
Principal

Dates to Remember

Important Information from TransLink

From January, use TransLink's online journey planner to find the best travel options for your child to travel to and from school. Our helpful tips for journey planning for school services makes planning your child's school journey even easier.

Alternatively, you can also use the school timetables search if you already know your bus route number.

Travel to school with go card

When your child travels to and from school on public transport with go card, they can save at least 30% compared to the cost of a single paper ticket. That's in addition to the 50% discount that school students pay compared to adults. These savings quickly add up!

Grab a go card for your child online or at selected retailers today.

Visit the TransLink website for full details on school transport, tickets and fares.

Is your child eligible for STAS?

The Queensland Government provides eligible school students travelling to and from primary and secondary schools with assistance via the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS).

Find out if your child is eligible and beat the rush – apply now and pick up your child's travel pass from your local operator today!

Kind regards
TransLink Customer Relations

Finance Office/Uniform Shop hours of operation

REMINDER: The finance counter DOES NOT operate on Fridays for receipting. This closure coincides with the current arrangements in place with the uniform/bookshop closed each Friday. Hours of operation are 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.

Kellie Johnston
Business Services Manager

Payments Via Internet Banking

Paying for Miami High School excursions and/or fees is possible using Internet Banking.

The traditional payment methods are still available (Cash/EFTPOS/Credit Cards), but some people find Internet Banking much quicker and easier – especially because you can make payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the comfort of your own home or office.

INTERNET BANKING DETAILS

Account Name: Miami State High School General A/c
Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Branch: Burleigh Heads
BSB: 064-404
Account Number: 00090020

PAYMENT REFERENCES

Each child has a unique Education Queensland Identification number (EQ ID). For all internet payments we will require you to use your child's EQ ID number to identify your payment, e.g. 0011223344W.

Please ensure each payment sent through has the following details within the Payment Reference so that we can clearly identify your payment.

Excursions:

>>Student EQ ID Excursion>> e. g 0011223344W Seaworld

Please ensure only one payment per student per excursion – If you have multiple students/excursions to pay for, please put each one through individually, unless otherwise arranged with the school office. As internet banking payments are not instant, please ensure internet payments are done 48 hours prior to payment cut-off date.

School Fees:

<<Student EQ ID Fees>> e.g. 0011223344W 2013 Text

If you have any questions relating to payments, please contact the payment office on 07 55540333 or email Angie Johnson on ajohn543@eq.edu.au .

Kellie Johnston
Business Services Manager

Update your Contact Details

ARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS UP TO DATE – INCLUDING EMERGENCY CONTACTS?

We have been experiencing a number of students presenting to sick bay with serious illnesses/injuries to warrant the school needing to urgently contact a parent/guardian or an emergency contact but with no success. Could you please make sure that your contact details are up to date and ensure your emergency contacts are available if you're not able to be contacted. This is especially important for when parents are travelling away during the school term and leaving students with guardians. Please feel free to contact the school either by email admin@miamishs.eq.edu.au or telephoning 5554 0333 to confirm your current details.

Parent Contact

NOTE TO PARENTS/CARERS

The school database program can only allocate ONE address per student. If a student is residing equally between two addresses, the parents/carers must decide which address will be allocated as the main address for the student. The second address can be noted on the student's hardcopy personal file.

If a second report is required to be emailed, please contact the school in order for us to record this.

Helen O'Brien
Human Resources Manager

RTC SMS Text – Home Communication

To improve the communication between parents and the school, Responsible Thinking Classroom (RTC) SMS text messages will be sent daily for all students referred to the RTC. This will provide immediate feedback for parents allowing them to discuss issues with their student, and if they have any concerns, contact the school for clarification. The following texts will be used:

SMS text for daily RTC referral.

Dear Parent, please be advised your student was referred to RTC today. Please discuss with your student and contact Miami SHS 55540333 if concerned.

SMS text for student reaching RTC Level 3.

Dear Parent, your student has reached Level 3 on RTC. Please support by discussing this with your student. Thank you from Miami SHS.

SMS text for student reaching RTC Level 5.

Dear Parent, your student has reached Level 5 on RTC. Please contact Miami SHS on 5554 0333 to arrange an intervention meeting time asap. Thank you.

SMS text for student reaching RTC Level 7.

Dear Parent, your student has reached Level 7 on RTC. One more referral may result in suspension. Your urgent support is appreciated. Thanks Miami SHS 5554 0333.

Please take the opportunity to discuss this with your student, should you receive a text message regarding RTC. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Glenn Smits
Positive Behaviour Coach

English Department

Year 8

Year 8 students participated in a Poetry study for six weeks and engaged in some exciting activities and learning experiences. Students spent a lesson in I block courtyard on a timed activity as students raced from pole to pole and followed instructions on poetry analysis. This fun session was organised by Year 8 teacher Deena Finestone who spent valuable time preparing the incursion.

As a culminating activity, all Year 8 students wrote a poem to a significant other in celebration of Mothers' Day. Family members were invited to the school to be presented with their poem. Parents then gathered for afternoon tea and were excited to share their student's poem with other parents. Feedback from parents was very positive and all expressed their delight at being able to share in their students' learning.

Year 11

Year 11 Authority English students were the first group at Miami High School to trial an external examination. The assessment task is set and marked by external agents. Students spent eight weeks preparing for the exam, avidly studying Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible" and analytical essay writing.

Strict guidelines were enforced, and students diligently followed the procedures required. How proud their teachers were as they observed their class writing solidly for two hours, planning and editing their work carefully.

Students will receive their results from the QCAA early July.

Cathy Crawley
Head of Department - English

Student Council

On Tuesday 10th May, members of the Student Leaders Executive were the official guests of Michael Hart MP at Parliament House in Brisbane. Students were given a guided tour of Old Parliament House and the Parliamentary Annexe. During the tour, students sat in on question time and our timing was perfect as we were in the chamber to hear the official announcement that the Member for Burleigh had been promoted to the Shadow Ministry. We then attended a mock debate in the now closed Queensland Upper House and read through 100 year old Hansard entries. Without doubt, the highlight of the day was the three course Silver Service with the Member for Burleigh, where many topics were discussed ranging from renewable energy sources to surf lifesaving. This was indeed a wonderful day for all involved and a very special thankyou is extended to not only Mr Hart, but also his staffer Renee, who looked after us throughout the whole day.

MSHS Student Executive on the steps at Parliament House

ROSIES 2016

Miami State High School takes an active role in engaging with our community and the organisations that serve the Gold Coast. 2016 marks the second year that the school has been involved with 'Rosies Friends on the Street', a leading organisation delivering services to the homeless. Over a three week period members of our Student Leadership Team had the chance to join with Rosies on a street outreach. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to be part of an established organisation that provides an outstanding service to the most marginalised members of our Gold Coast Community.

Duties for the night included dishes, mopping, cutting up food, heating and serving. The late night bus run was the highlight, and here, the students had the opportunity to share some time with people who for many different reasons have far less than they do. We encountered a young mother and her baby escaping violence, older men without a home or a job, and many other people. All the students were struck by how courteous and thankful Rosies customers were. They also noted the generosity of the wider community, as all food served by Rosies is donated.

We also acknowledge the efforts of Miss Schnitzerling's Year 11 Business Class, in particular Ethan Kirley, who organised four boxes of canned food that have now been gratefully received by Rosies.

John T. Maitland
Dean of Students - Years 11 and 12

Lily West, President of MSHS Student Council is all smiles after her night of volunteering at Rosies.

Dance Excellence

Well it's not often you would be happy about your child clowning around in class but in Year 7 Dance Excellence this term, 'clowning around' was a requirement. The Year 7 students have recently completed their circus cabaret performances in a dance unit titled, 'Enter the Dancer' which comprised of writing clowning scenarios, developing circus, acrobatic and dance skills and clown makeup. The students are now looking forward to learning their clown dance for the 2016 Dance Excel Showcase.

The Year 12 Dance Students recently entertained the school cohort on a full school assembly with their performance of a teacher-choreographed musical theatre routine. My inspiration for this routine titled, 'Timewarp' came from the international musical, 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'. It was a high energy, kooky performance by the Year 12 Dance students which was well received by all!

Miranda van't Hof
Experienced Senior Teacher - Dance

Group Photos of Dance Excellence Students

Miami High Dance Excellence Primary Links Program

The program is open to dance students from Years 4, 5 & 6, both male and female. Students will experience dance workshops developing skills under the instruction of Miami High's Dance Excellence teacher, Miranda van't Hof and the Dance Xtreme students (Miami High's Gifted & Talented Dance Program).

The workshops will be conducted at Miami State High School in the Great Hall from 3.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. in Weeks 10 and 11 of Term 2. Students participating in the workshops will also be offered the opportunity to perform at the Miami High Dance Excel Showcase on the 10th August.

Students participating in the Dance Excel Showcase will be required to attend rehearsals which will be held on four consecutive Wednesday afternoons (Weeks 1, 2, 3 & 4 of Term 3) from 3.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. and all day Wednesday (Week 5 of Term 3) from 9.00 a. m – 3.00 p.m. at Miami State High School.

If you would like to be a part of this wonderful opportunity, register your name and school by the 6th June by emailing - mvant5@eq.edu.au

Miranda van't Hof
Experienced Senior Teacher - Dance/Artistic Director Dance Xtreme

Miami High Stage and Concert Bands Fanfare 2016

On Wednesday 25th May, four of the Marvellous Miami High Stage and Concert bands ventured to Upper Coomera to compete in the bi-annual 2016 Fanfare Competition. With excitement running through our veins and melodies humming through our minds, we had an awesome time listening to and competing against our fellow regional schools. A week earlier our Miami Breeze Chamber Strings directed by Ms Stacey Bolton also competed and performed at a really high level. All Miami High ensembles received either a silver or bronze award and played commandingly well. As one of the Band Captains this year, I am extremely proud of what we have achieved so far and can't wait to keep performing and competing this upcoming Eisteddfod season.

Julia Langton
Student

Arts Department

7D Art

Sample of Artwork

This term 7D have explored colour, tone, shape and pattern in a folio containing self-portraits, zen-tangled hands and expressionist abstract works, using their filtered photographs, their names and their initials. The cover of their visual journal was a self-portrait combining photographic imagery in a montage showcasing colour and pattern and expressing emotion and personal interests. Illuminated manuscript alphabet letters and emotional use of colour were explored and exploited. Tonal work and the blending of analogous colours (adjacent on the wheel) were the underlying focus for this unit resulting in subsequent extreme-colouring-in extension tasks that reflected these newfound rendering skills.

8C Media

Media Students at work

Shots, screams, snakes and suspense abound in 8C's Media Studies.

Loud bloodcurdling screams can be heard coming from the FTV lab as 8C finalize editing of their suspense movies in preparation for a mini movie festival celebrating the thriller genre. In small groups of three, students have written, shot, edited and produced a movie which narrates a scary moment, implies unspeakable threat and ends with a twist, or two. In an unfortunate series of events, reflections step out of mirrors, dreams come to life, snakes slither in the grass and a crow makes a cameo appearance.

Be afraid, be very afraid but then be surprised.

Year 12 Visual Arts Studies

Year 12 Visual Arts Studies students put their best shoe forward.

Throughout the last week Mr Roelink's artroom has been filled with footwear, feathers, faux fur, sequins, beads, scales, blisters and bandaids. (Molten Bostik glue is really, really hot but really adhesive to all textural materials, including uncoordinated fingers). Fifty students completed 3D assemblages using everyday footwear as a base on which to add textures to convey a concept, theme or character. Shoes morphed into a wide variety of new artworks which included racetracks, soccer fields, That 70s Show, a broken heart, the Frozen Movie, Alice in Wonderland and the daunting Prince Vlad; aka "Vlad the Impaler", inspiration for the infamous 'Dracula' character.

Footwear produced by students and Prince Vlad aka - Vlad the Impaler

Glen Barratt
Head of Department - The ARTS

Healthy Lifestyles and Interact Trivia Night

WE BOUGHT A COW! HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND INTERACT TRIVIA NIGHT SUCCESS!!

On Wednesday night 25th May, the Healthy Lifestyles and Interact Trivia night was held. It was a fast paced fun night full of awesome food, laughs and of course trivia. The night was held in support of IAfrika and our aim was to raise $1500.00 to help them purchase a cow. This amount may seem like a lot of money to purchase a cow, however, in Kenya cows can be seen as a sign of wealth and as such are an expensive commodity to any community. The purchase of this animal will help two fold in that the cow would supply milk to the boys who live at the centre and any extra can be sold to the community for further funds.

We are extremely proud to announce that the night raised in excess of $2200.00 so we will also be able to help purchase much needed goods such as school shoes, desks and chairs.

Congratulations goes out to the "Trivisionaries" who took out the night by one point. Team members included Trent Unsworth, Kasey Hardman, Jason Matthews and Hayley Webb.

A very big thankyou goes out to the following supporters who donated prizes for the night:

Dreamworld
Salon Indulge
Nobbys Surf Club
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Motor One
Amina Pest Control
Waxing Xpress
Barchinos
Pacific Ave Fruit Markets
Air Factory
Paramount Indoor Rock Climbing
Jersey Mikes
Burleigh Swim Run
Snap Fitness
Rebel Sport Pacific Fair

I am extremely amazed and proud of the efforts of all students involved in both the Healthy Lifestyles class and the Interact Club. They were all involved in helping in the preparation of the food, setting up tables, promotion of the event and the smooth running of the evening with serving, marking answer sheets and selling raffle tickets. It was an awesome job and your efforts have helped make a difference in so many young people's lives.

Danielle Gardiner
Healthy Lifestyles Teacher

Wellbeing Update

Last week was Random Acts of Kindness week here at Miami High. All of the Miami Community were encouraged to perform three random acts of kindness; one for a friend, one for a family member and one for a stranger. Research shows that doing a kind deed gives us a greater feeling of wellbeing than receiving gifts.

Also last week we hosted a Parent Workshop with Simon Santosha from Men and Family Counselling on Staying Connected with Your Teenager. The workshop was done in small groups which allowed for greater interaction between parents and Simon, giving parents the opportunity to ask more questions that were related to their own situation. The evening was well received with parents leaving with some extra strategies to assist them in building healthy relationships with their children.

For our parent night next term we will have Brad Huddelston from 'The Dark Side of Technology' speaking about the internet safety and the effects of digital technology on the developing brain. Brad comes from Virginia in the USA and travels the world speaking about this important topic. Dates for this evening will be sent out next term.

Chappy's K's for Kids is coming up on 18th June. This is a walk to raise money for school Chaplaincy. We would love to see a large number of walkers from Miami High to support Shane Scott, our school Chaplain. To register go to www.ks4kids.org.au and walk to support our Chappy.

Our next Wellbeing Day is the 26th July with the Year 11 cohort as our focus. We have secured some exciting speakers including Andrew Maloney – Lawyer, Brad Huddelston – the Dangers of Digital Technology, Healthy Relationships with Simon Santosha, Mindfulness with Nicole Joy and Drumming for Health and Happiness. We thank these presenters for being a part of our Wellbeing Program and look forward to enjoying the day.

WELLBEING TIPS…

Practice gratitude. "You'll find you shift your overall outlook on life when you come from a perspective of gratitude," make a list of three things you're thankful for every morning. Practice an act of kindness every day!

Tiffany Grant
Wellbeing Coordinator

Technology Report

As a very successful Semester 1 is coming to an end in the IDT Department, we have seen quite a few changes in the Industrial Design and Technology workshop. Some of these changes include the introduction of some new projects into our already exciting curriculum and the purchase of new machines (Metal Lathe with a digital readout and a Milling machine with a digital readout and automatic feed) to help bring our workshops up to industry standard and give our students experiences that will prepare them for their future careers.

Term 2 also saw the students of the CO2 dragster classes compete against each other for class pride and knowing that they were the ultimate CO2 Dragster Building Champion. This year saw many new and innovative designs, some of which proved to be very successful whilst other designs did not even make it off the start line. In Mr Schnetker's class; Jyrah Bradfield, Stella Barry, Cody Wilkie and Bradley Brewer had extremely fast dragsters whilst in Mr Harrison's class, Liv Stephenson had the fastest car with speeds topping 68 km/hr beating Jesse Stephenson and Amy Emerton who came in a very close second and third place.

In our senior classes, the Certificate I in Construction students are working very hard learning and preparing themselves for the next stage of their lives. With the completion of their Certificate I in Construction, the students will be prepared to apply for an apprenticeship in the construction industry which will hopefully lead to a successful career in their chosen trades.

Mr Lee Wilkinson
Teacher - Industrial Design and Technology

Mathematics Department

We find ourselves at the business end of the term with students busy getting ready for exams. It is timely to think about exam preparation as Maths is a language that needs to be practiced. It is recommended students rework questions from class in their study each day and seek advice from their class Teacher.

Exam block in Week 10 involves Years 10 to 12 in all Maths subjects. The school website has full details of room locations and timings. Students are reminded to have their scientific calculator, ruler and stationery organised prior to entry to the exam rooms. Any student absent for an exam will require a medical certificate and will need to organise a sitting immediately on return to school with their class teacher.

Year 11 and 12 Prevocational Mathematics students will be only required to attend to fulfil outstanding portfolio and assessment items.

Semester Two will see a restructure of the Year 10 Advanced Mathematics classes. Only those students selected by their results will continue to study Advanced Mathematics in preparation for Year 11 Mathematics B in 2017. Remaining students will head along a pathway preparing them for Mathematics A. Mathematics A is an Authority subject counting toward an OP score.

I am very proud to see Maths Club grow from strength to strength. A new record of 67 students from Years 7 to 12 was set in the last fortnight. We have the full range of Mathematics Teachers on hand to offer homework, study and assignment support.

I would encourage all Miami SHS students to experience the positive learning environment in the Library every Tuesday afternoon from 3:00-4:00 p.m., although recently we have been infiltrated by Science students…..who are more than welcome!

As the end of Semester is a busy time for students it is likewise for teaching staff working their hardest to ensure the best possible learning outcomes for their students. I would like to take the time to acknowledge the hardworking and dedicated staff in the Mathematics and Science Department.

I look forward to tracking student results and reading positive report card comments surrounding attitude and effort.

Congratulations to Science/Mathematics Teacher - Kasey Hardman in being the Miami SHS nominee for the Gold Coast Secondary Teachers' Ball. Kasey is an expert classroom practitioner and soccer coach highly regarded by students and staff alike. We wish him well in this prestigious event to establish the best Secondary Teacher on the Gold Coast in 2016.

Todd Campbell
Acting Head of Department - Mathematics

Film and Television Department

Organisation of this year's M'Oscars Film Festival is now in full swing. We ran our first fundraiser, The Miami High Inaugural Lip Sync Battle, on Friday 27th May and it was a roaring success - raising near $800.00 towards the venue costs. Shooters club has been busily filming and editing promo videos (watch out for our latest one on the Miami High Facebook page), designing logos and creating posters for the M'Oscars.

In other film news, all classes are near completion of their first productions for the year. Year 10 students have been working on their music videos; Year 11 students have been focusing on shot framing and composition with their silent films; and Year 12 students have been busily editing their world cinema productions (lots of great martial arts and samurai films this year). We are looking forward to presenting them at the film festival in October.

Lucy Carr
Film and Television Teacher

Mr Hardman and Mr McKillop

Year 9 Kitchen Gardens

The relationship between people and the food we eat is something that not only makes our mouths water, but worthy of an area of study for high school students. Kitchen Gardens is such a subject offered to Year 9 students.

Students enrolled in Year 9 Kitchen Gardens study the elements of a successful garden and the gardening practices that can be utilised in order to achieve sustainability. The development of a kitchen garden will provide students with the opportunity to plan, design and build a sustainable gardening resource within the school.

Veteran Miami teacher Andy Tonkin leads students to investigate what is required for a successful garden and the principles of sustainability. Andy involves students in practical aspects of gardening through a specially developed garden beds specialising in seasonal herbs and vegetables.

Michael Vine
Head Of Department - Humanities

Mason Attwood, Jamie Sewell, Ryan Cook add the finishing touches to their scarecrows.

Miami High Chess Team

Term 2 Chess Club Report - Miami Chess Players Shine Bright

Miami Chess Team competes at the Term 2 Gold Coast
Secondary Chess Tournament, May 18th.

Chess at Miami has had a great start this year. We have attended 3 tournaments and students have placed in every event. This term we attended a Kings College Chess Challenge on Friday 29th April and Manomai Tirumalasetti won 2nd Place in the Rated Division while Jake O'Neil finished 2nd in the Unrated Division. Next up, our 2016 Chess Tournament Team had a great start on Wednesday at the Gold Coast Secondary Chess Tournament with 11 students in 3 teams competing against the Gold Coast's top chess players. Our A division teams placed 3rd and 4th out of 15 teams in the event, a great result. The team of Harrison Howick, Riley Coy, Alex Young and Michael Goodman won 3rd place with the team of Joey Thomas, Matthew Fineran, Divisha and Manomai Tirumalasetti finishing 4th by only half a point. All of our 11 players did an outstanding job on the day.

Miami High 3rd Place Holders at Gold Coast Secondary Chess Tournament - Harrison Howick, Riley Coy, Alex Young and Michael Goodman

Miami Players Earn Top Individual Performances Awards

Gold Coast Secondary Chess Tournament

The following players won Merit Awards for winning a majority of their games.

A Division - 58 Players

Michael Goodman 6th
Joey Thomas 7th
Riley Coy 8th
Manomai Tirumalasetti 15th

B Division - 62 Players

Pavlik Yakhnitsia 10th

What a great start for our Inter School Chess 2016!

Next up in Term 3 is St. Stephens Interschool Tournament.

Matt Smith
Chess Coach

International Study

Happy birthday for May/June to Gabriela Tamietti Ferreira,
Leonie Gass, Jenna Hopfe and Toni Hild.

Congratulations to our International Student Miku Kanai for making into it into the Dance Xtreme group.

LIZEN STUDY TOUR – 18th May to 5th June 2016

We had our yearly visit from the Lizen High School in Taiwan. Thank you to all the homestay families who hosted the Lizen Students during this period. All the Taiwanese students had an enjoyable and positive visit.

Chelsey Mattin and Iciss Rungarunga with their
Lizen Buddy who was very sad to say goodbye.

A massive thankyou to all the Buddies who did a great job of getting to know the students and look after them during their stay at Miami SHS. Without you, our Study Tours would not be so successful.

Deputy Fahlbusch presenting a gift to Mr Chung from Lizen HS.

Our Principal with Teacher Andy from Lizen, Jason Chung the Managing
Director from NES (Lizen Study Tour) and another Lizen Teacher.

STUDENT DEPARTURES:

We have 26 International students departing at the end of this term. We wish them the very best in their endeavours back in their home countries and hope they enjoyed their stay with us at Miami SHS.

The following students are:

Girls AFL

Congratulations to Briley Bradfield Year 11, Amy Emerton and Jesse and Liv Stephenson from Year 9 on their recent representation in the Under 16 Girls AFL South Coast Team at the 2016 Queensland School Sport State Championships in Mackay from the 18th to the 22nd May. The girls were a part of 23 person squad who won all of their six round games as well as a nail-biting Grand Final against the 2015 winners Sunshine Coast, 35-32.

Well done to Liv Stephenson for being selected in the Queensland White AFL Girls Team and Briley Bradfield who was named 'Player's Player' within the South Coast Team for the tournament. An honourable mention to Amy and Jesse for their dedication and commitment to girls AFL.

All four girls represented Miami SHS and the South Coast region exceptionally well and should be very proud of their efforts.

Pippa McGinniskin
South Coast Girls AFL Manager

Students who represented U16 Girls AFL

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability

Collecting data on school students with disability helps teachers, principals and education authorities support the participation of students with disability in schooling on the same basis as students without disability.

All Australian Governments have agreed to work together on the annual collection of data on school students with disability.

All Australian schools participate in this annual data collection.

The data provided to the Australian Government is aggregated data only. Please be reassured that the Department will not provide on to another organisation any data that can identify an individual student. The only data being collected at the school level to be reported nationally is the:

• number of students in the school who are provided with an adjustment to address a disability;
• level of adjustments we provide for those students; and
• broad category of disability.

Consultation with parents is important not only for the data collection but also to ensure you are aware of the adjustments being provided to support your child. We will therefore continue to consult with you.

While only data that cannot identify your child will be submitted outside of the Department, if you do not wish for your child's details to be included, please let me know.

Information and fact sheets are available to help you make a decision from the:

Alternatively, if you have any queries about the collection or use of this data I encourage you to contact me.

Julieta Thomas
Head of Special Education Services

Tuckshop News

Hello everyone from the Tuckshop. Now that winter is here hot food is the popular choice for the students. We are introducing new hot and cold food regularly so the students have a wide range of healthy options to choose from.

The countdown is on until the end of term, so parents please have a think about giving the tuckshop a helping hand next term. Your time would be much appreciated.

Did you know?…. One tuckshop volunteer who works 4 hours per fortnight = 80 hours per year @21.61 (Australian minimum wage) =$1729 per year. Not many people can say they have made such a sizeable donation to their child's school.

Until next time!

Cherie Kendall
Tuckshop Convenor

Senior Secondary

QUEENSLAND CORE SKILLS (QCS) TEST Preparation program

It has been a busy term for Year 12 QCS preparation with three afterschool Masterclasses focussing on how to improve test techniques as well as exam preparation. This term's work will culminate in completing a practice Short Response and Multiple Choice test in the end of term exam block. This will be marked externally by Mighty Minds Educational consultants.

Year 11 commenced their QCS preparation program this term with an emphasis on the writing task. Students completed a practice test of the 2015 Writing Task for homework which was marked by the English teachers and specific feedback provided to improve strategies in their response. Year 11 QCS students will be undertaking a Writing Task practice test on Tuesday 21st June, which will also be marked by Mighty Minds.

YEAR 10-12 RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP

Our Industry Liaison Officer, Mrs Legaspi, organised a Resume Writing workshop in Week 5 to assist students with gaining part time employment. Thirty students attended and the following is a report from two of the participants.

Claire Payne in Year 10 reported that, "When I began the resume writing workshop, my first thought was 'thank goodness'! I had been meaning to write one, but I never got around to it. This time was very helpful as I needed the assistance to get started. I now have a resume to look for work". Similarly Divisha Tirumalasetti, also in Year 10 commented, "Before I began the resume workshop I had no idea where to even begin. I have been meaning to apply for a job but I didn't know how to do the first step. While at the workshop, I wrote my resume with the assistance from the helpful ladies that supported us".

GOLD COAST CAREERS EXPO

Last month, 90 Year 10 and 11 students went to the Gold Coast Career Expo at the RACV Royal Pines Resort to visit over 50 training institutions including Universities, TAFE, Registered Training Organisations, the Armed Forces and employers. They were able to chat about the pre-requisites that are necessary to gain qualifications either during or after the completion of school. Students were given so much information that the bags they were provided with were not big enough to hold all the course outlines and information. The two hours went very quickly and for most students, this was the beginning of quality discussions with their friends, teachers and parents about what they want to do when they leave school.

Nursing Practical Day for Certificate III Health Assistance students

On Monday 30th May, students from the Certificate III Health Assistance course being delivered in partnership with Gold Coast TAFE at Miami SHS, visited the Southport Campus for their first nursing practical day. Students went through the importance of infection control, hand washing, workplace health and safety in a nursing setting and how to perfect hospital corners when bed making. In a pressure test, to challenge their time management, they were able to remove all dirty bed linen and remake a hospital bed in under four minutes, winning the bed making challenge against other schools in attendance. Congratulations to the students for completing their competencies on the day.

Grant Webster
Head of Department - Senior School

Nursing Practical Day Photos

Yokosuka Homestay Wanted

YOKOSUKA GAKUIN will visit Miami SHS from Japan for 2 weeks.

The students will be here from 30th July to 13th August. Students are 16/17 years old.

If you are interested in hosting 1 or 2 students ($90 per night for 2 students or $50 per night for 1 student) or should you require further information, please contact the staff at JAS - Naomi or Judy on (07)55 92 0575 or e-mail jas@jas.org.au

Careers Evening

Miami SHS Careers Evening is being held in Week 2 next term in the Great Hall.

This is great opportunity for your students to have personalised access to over 20 tertiary study institutions. It doesn't matter if they are an OP, Selection Rank or even a Year 9 or Year 10 student as it will be beneficial for all.

Please see poster below advertising the Careers Evening at Miami High School Hall on Thursday 21st July from 7.00 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. This year is even bigger than last with 23 Universities, RTO's and the Australian Defence Force attending.

Josh Atkins
Guidance Officer

Community Notices

Gold Coast Libraries

Please find the following information regarding an upcoming program at City Libraries that may interest some of your students. Throughout the month of June we will be hosting a series of events across our branch libraries based around creative, design and tech careers for teens. Sessions cover robotics for girls, printmaking workshops, careers in the film industry, resume writing and interview skills, digital and creative career pathways, promoting your products with Pinterest, radio hosting, record your own music, tech careers for girls and more.

Bookings can be made online at http://bit.ly/GCLibrariesEvents

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Karen Beath
Online Branch Librarian
City Libraries

Tennis Central

TENNIS ANYONE?

Tennis Central Miami offers Tennis Australia hot shots for all ages and standards every day after school. Coaching by Australian Tennis Champion Sophie Letcher. First Lesson is free!

Contact Sophie on 0479 159 533 or info@tenniscentralmiami.com

Located at Miami High School

If you have any questions or concerns please email me or call me. I would love to see as many kids out there having a go!

Sophie Letcher
Tennis Director
0479 159 533
www.tenniscentralmiami.com

Kalwun S.E.Q Foster & Kinship Care

Kalwun S.E.Q Foster & Kinship Care need Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families to become Foster Carers for our children in care.