11 February 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

Dear Parent

Welcome to the 2016 school year. Students have had a very smooth start to the year and I take this opportunity to thank the many staff who worked prior to day 1 to ensure all was ready for them to experience a quick transition into their learning programs.

I hope each and every one of you had a chance to relax over the break and spend some quality time with your families. A special welcome to new students and their families who join our school community this year.

The school enrolment stands at 1,281 students and the number of boys and girls stands at 639 boys and 642 girls.

New Staff

I take this opportunity to welcome the following staff who have joined us this year and look forward to their contributions.

Head of Department – Humanities Michael Vine
Head of Department – Mathematics Todd Campbell

Teachers

Amy Nishijima – Languages
Tasha Damon – Languages
Katie Robb – Junior Secondary
Michael Cooper – Junior Secondary
Amanda Schnitzerling – Humanities
Shelly Silver – Mathematics
Claudia Blum – Practical Arts

Outstanding Senior School Performance

I am very proud to announce that the seniors of 2015 have achieved a continuation of the outstanding academic results that Miami High achieves. I am thrilled to announce that 100% of our Year 12 students obtained their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and 94% of our OP students achieved an OP of 1-15, which means that they will more than likely be offered a tertiary position at university. In addition 21% of students received an OP of 1-5 which is above the states achievement.

I take this opportunity to thank the efforts of all staff involved in providing our students with these fantastic opportunities and achieving such wonderful results.

2016 Student Leaders

The Student Leader Investiture Ceremony was held in the Great Hall on 11 February and I take this opportunity to officially recognise the following student leaders. I have every confidence in their ability to perform in these roles and I know each of them will grow significantly in their leadership capability.

Junior School

Captains – Preston Morgan and Kaitlin Barwick
President of the Student Council – Mady Hall
House Captains Alinta – Bianca Perry and Sarah Gibbons
House Captains Bindana – Maddison Levi and Jesse Stephenson
House Captains Iluka – Jake Thoms and Nikita Rowe
House Captains Rakumba – Waide Carson and Liv Stephenson
Year 7 Student Representatives –
Year 8 Student Representatives – Alexander Miles and Josephine Dutton
Year 9 Student Representatives – Jassim Chibi and Ashlie Etherington

Senior School

Captains – Harry Curtis and Zuzana Harmaniakova
Vice Captains – Kobe Schulz and Letitia Sporne
President of the Student Council – Lily West
Vice Presidents – Holly Williamson and Angelique Giuffre
House Captains Alinta – Oliver Merrick and Shay Hennessey
House Captains Bindana – Andrew Ryan and Maisie Shore
House Captains Iluka – Latrell Howe and Anchalee King
House Captains Rakumba – Josh Somerville and Jai Savage-Morton
House Vice-Captain Alinta – Leah Cassidy
House Vice-Captain Bindana – Noah Staunton-Grant
House Vice-Captains Iluka – Kendall Wilson
House Vice-Captains Rakumba – Cody French
Year 10 Student Representatives – Kobi Rankin and Ashlee Jennings
Year 11 Student Representatives – CJ Hartland and Madeleine Mitchell
Year 12 Student Representatives – Austin Jennings and Julienne Dime

Ambassadors

International Ambassadors – Sarah Mahon, Jess Smith and Rachel Smith
Indigenous Ambassador – Chase Oliver

Band Captains

Concert Band – Julia Langton and Grace Hassell
Contemporary Band – Dane Shaw and Teagan Mooney

School Photos and Student ID Cards

Parents are reminded that school photos will be taken on Monday 15 February for Years 10, 11 and 12 and Friday 19 February for Years 7, 8 and 9. Students must be in full school uniform and senior students (Years 10, 11 and 12) must be wearing their full formal day uniform. Girls in Years 10 and 11 should be wearing the tie provided with the blouse. Year 12 students will wear the Year 12 school tie.

These photographs will be used for the student ID card so it is very important that your student is present on the day. Absent students will require their photograph to be taken at a later date and therefore delay the issue of their student ID card. Parents are reminded that the cost of the student ID card is included in the School Resource Scheme so the issue of the card will be dependent on the payment of the Resource Scheme.

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 8.00am to 2.00pm 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

Absences

If your child will be absent, please notify the school via Q Parents website, email on 2086_absences@eq.edu.au or by phoning the absentee line on 55540334.

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.

Administering Medication at School

If your child requires staff to administer medication to your child at school, please contact the school office in the first instance to discuss your child's requirements.

Please note, school staff will only administer medication that:

Has been prescribed by a qualified health practitioner (e.g. doctor, dentist)
Is in its original container
An attached pharmacy label

Office staff will ask you to complete and sign Section 1 of the Administration of medication at school record sheet.

N.B. If your child requires more than one medication, you will need to complete a form for each medication.

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

SEP News

JELLYBABIES PLAYGROUP

Miami State High School's 'Jellybabies' Playgroup, in conjunction with Playgroup Australia, welcomes parents/caregivers of young children to their playgroup every Wednesday morning (in school term) from 9:00-10:30am for fun-filled adventures with other young children while participating in educational games, craft, painting, water play table, dress-ups, sandpit, play dough, singing and other adventures whilst playing with other young children.

Students undertaking their Certificate III in Children's Services assist with activities. Morning tea is provided. Cost is $4.00 per visit per family (no charge on your first visit). For further information please call Julieta Thomas at Miami High School on 5554 0333 or email jthom843@eq.edu.au .

Regular School Attendance

As a new school year begins, we are afforded an opportunity to address routine and student attendance. Getting this right at the start of the year will help to ensure success into the future.

Research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendance at school is associated, on average with higher student achievement.

Regular school attendance will mean that your child has a better chance in life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day.

They learn better
They make friends
They are happier
They have a brighter future

Under Queensland law, you must make sure your child of school age is enrolled and attends school all day, every school day unless they have an acceptable reason. Illness, doing work experience or competing in a school sporting event are acceptable reasons for being absent from school.

Avoid keeping your child away from school for:

Birthdays, shopping, visiting friends and family, if they slept in, looking after other children or minor personal care appointments such as haircuts.

Routine medical or other health appointments should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays.

You are encouraged not to schedule holidays during school time. If your family holiday is during school time, please advise the school in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made for your child.

Please advise Student Services when your child is absent from school and provide appropriate documentation.

Are you having problems getting your child to school for some of the following reasons?

Won't get out of bed in the morning
Won't go to bed at night
Can't find uniform, books, homework
Slow to eat breakfast
Watching TV

If so, a set routine can help

Have a set time to go to bed
Have a set time to wake up and get out of bed
Have uniform and school bag ready the night before
Set a daily routine for completing homework
Speak positively about school
Be firm and send your child to school every day

If your child is a school refuser or is using the above avoidance techniques regularly please contact us as soon as possible for support and advice.

General Procedures for Early Departure

Prior to 8:45am the student will present a parent note to the appropriate Dean of students who will sight the note and sign off.

Students then present the signed note to Student Services who will issue a "leave request" allowing students out of class at the required time.

At the time of departure students will take the "leave request" to Student Services who will sign them out and issue a leave pass.

As you would be aware, Friday is again interschool sport day for all Miami High students. This year we will be playing 5 cluster rounds of regular sport competition. Interschool sport is an integral part of life at Miami High and all students are expected to participate. If your child has an injury or an illness that prevents them from participating in the sport competition for the week, the following procedure will apply:

Prior to 8:45 the student will present parent letter and/or medical certificate to the appropriate Dean of Students.

Once the note and/or certificate is signed by the appropriate Dean, the student will take it to Student Services who will make the required changes to the roll.

Interschool sport is a wonderful way for your child to participate in a team, get fit, make new friends and improve general well-being so we ask you to be vigilant in your support of school sport and general physical activity.

On the non-sport Friday's in Semester 1 students will be in 3 x 90min lessons making up for lost class time. Students who leave early on the non-sport Friday's will be missing valuable learning time.

Students should be attending school every lesson every day to maximise their learning and to provide the building blocks for a successful future. However, should your child need to depart school early on any given day the following procedures will apply:

Best wishes for a happy and successful 2016,

Alison Fahlbusch
Deputy Principal - Capability Development

School Photographs

Dear Parent/Carer

School photographs will be held on Monday 15th February in the Great Hall for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 and on Friday 19th February for students in Years 7, 8, 9.

During Vibes this week, your student will receive an envelope from MSP Photography with payment details and photo pack options if you wish to purchase your student's school photos. Online ordering is preferred but students can also bring their sealed envelope to school with the correct money enclosed on the day of the photographs and hand the envelope directly to the photographer.

All students are expected to wear full school uniform on the day and meet all uniform requirements. This includes wearing jewellery, make-up and hair as per the policy in the Student Planner.

If you have any questions in relation to the photographs, please call MSP Photography on 5520 2999.

PARENTING STRATEGIES

Protecting Your Child's Mental Health

Parents can have a big influence on their adolescent child's decisions about drinking. It's never too early or too late to learn some strategies to help protect your child from alcohol problems.

Depression and anxiety problems are also common in young people. Again, parents can play a major role in protecting their child from these problems.

Click on the link below for more information on how you can help. http://www.parentingstrategies.net/

Parenting Program – Raising Resilient Teenagers

Monash and Melbourne Universities are running a free online parenting program

Josh Atkins
Guidance Officer

What is Bullying?

Bullying is a repeated verbal, physical, or social behaviour directed towards another person by one or more individuals over time. Typically this involves one person or a group of people exerting their power over others who are less powerful. Read the attached document from Headspace to see how you can help your child should they be experiencing bullying.

Significant Changes in 2016

The year 2016 will see the following significant changes to two of our important schooling processes:

Parent / Student / Teacher Interviews (Years 7-12)

In 2016, Miami State High School is moving to a proactive model in regards to the scheduling of our Parent Teacher Interviews. The focus of the individual interviews will be about:

"This is what your student has been learning",
"This is what they will be learning" and
"This will be their upcoming assessment."

Bookings can be made online through the SOBS program. Please refer to the Instructions for Accessing Online Bookings on the school's website. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 23rd February (2.00pm to 7.30pm) in the Miami Great Hall.

Exam Shutdown Periods (Years 10-12)

Based on feedback from the senior students of 2015, staff and parents, Exam Shutdown Periods will be held each term in 2016. Students will be provided with a yearly overview of the exam shutdown requirements early in Term One. These documents will then be uploaded to the school website.

Jason Cross
Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Chaplaincy at Miami SHS

Hi, my name is Shane Scott. Welcome to 2016 at Miami State High School. My role as chaplain ('Chappy') is to support you and your young person in this school community. I am employed by SU Qld (Scripture Union), Australia's largest employer of school chaplains, and work in the school at the invitation of the Principal and with the support of the P&C and a Local Chaplaincy Committee (LCC). The position is funded through the National Schools Chaplaincy Program (NSCP), School, P&C and LCC.

Chappies are a safe person for young people to connect with at school, providing a listening ear and caring presence. The Chappy helps foster a supportive and caring school community and the pastoral care provided extends to staff and families. The service provided is voluntary and available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs. Such support only includes a religious/spiritual component if requested. The Chappy does not provide religious education in the school.

The Chaplain can provide a broad range of services including:

Support and assistance for the students, staff and parents of the school community.

Student development programs that aim to develop self esteem, resilience, teamwork, leadership, goal setting skills, motivation, helping skills, life skills.

Participation in the classroom addressing various issues such as values, tolerance, self esteem, peer pressure, bullying, grief and loss, relationships, etc.

General involvement in the life of the school community (E.g. carnivals, camps, excursions, sport, etc).

Liaison between the school and community groups/agencies/churches.

I am at Miami SHS on Monday, Thursday and Friday and can be contacted at the school or by email shanes@chappy.org.au

Please visit www.suqld.org.au for further information on school chaplaincy.

Shane Scott
School Chaplain

Mathematics

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am here working as Mathematics Head of Department and have moved to Miami SHS from Varsity College and prior to that Robina SHS.

Miami SHS Students and Teachers are off to a hard working start to the year with high quality teaching and learning happening in classrooms. I will be focusing on student effort and students being organised with all materials, including a scientific calculator.

Maths Club tutoring will be offered every Tuesday afternoon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. Junior Secondary Students can meet at the Library whilst Senior Maths Students will meet in room D17/18. I appreciate the time given by our dedicated Maths staff.

Year 10 Mathematics is an important juncture. Student results will determine their 2017 Year 11/12 subject placement. I will address students on assembly and explain the pathways from Year 10.

In Year 10 Advanced Maths, an "A or B" level of achievement will enable a student to proceed to Mathematics B. An "A" level of achievement is required to study Mathematics C. Students achieving a "C" Level of achievement in Year 10 Advanced Maths will be headed toward Mathematics A. Mathematics A, B and C are all OP subjects.

Students studying Year 10 Core Mathematics will require an "A or B" level of achievement to proceed to Mathematics A. Students with lower levels of achievement will proceed to Prevocational Mathematics for years 11/12. This subject is used for a selection rank rather than an OP score.

As Year 10 Advanced Maths and Year 10 Core Maths are very different courses, students will need to be working their very hardest to follow the Year 11/12 Maths pathway they need.

I am looking forward to a strong academic 2016 with all students achieving the very best they can and I would encourage all parents/guardians to stay in regular contact with their child's Mathematics Teacher during the course of the year.

Todd Campbell
Acting Head of Department - Mathematics

Technology

FEBRUARY TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Firstly, I would like to thank Mrs Rebecca Churchouse for the great job that she did of leading the Technology Faculty through Semester 2 of 2015. Technology is a busy and dynamic area in the school and there were many changes and new programs to design ready for this year. Her leadership was well received by the team which means that all of the new and exciting plans for 2016 are now being implemented. Also, a special mention to Mrs Churchouse for the outstanding results her Year 12 Legal Studies students received last year. Her tireless work with students and her passion for the subject is an inspiration for all of us.

2016 will be one of changes and plans for more development in the Digital and Design areas of Technology. We started last year with a design focus and laser printing in the Junior School and those concepts and skills will be developed across the Years 7 through to 9. The digital aspects will be a focus with our Year 8s who will be discovering the world of computer code and robotics. Watch this space for photos of their creations in future newsletters.

The practical area of Industrial Technology continues on with its new range of subjects in the Manufacturing and Construction fields. The students have been working with an outside provider to achieve a Certificate I in Construction. This course is designed to produce well-trained and highly capable workers. They focus on real-work tasks and hands-on site layout and setup. If they choose to follow a construction or trade pathway they will be competent and capable to start earning the boss money from day one.

Jo Howes
HOD Technology

Marine Science

This year will mark the second Miami SHS Reef Trip. Students and staff will be spending the 25th – 30th of March on Heron Island in the Great Barrier Reef. Heron Island is a designated Marine Park and offers the chance to explore pristine locations on the Great Barrier Reef. It is home to reef sharks, a variety of fish and coral species, sea turtles, sea cucumbers and much more.

Students will partake in offshore and beach snorkels, reef walking, a night snorkel, island walks, bird watching, plankton trawling and possibly even the opportunity to see baby sea turtles hatching.

There are still some places available on this trip for Grade 11 and 12 students who are studying Marine Science or Biology. The cost is $800 and includes transport, activities, meals and accommodation.

Enquiries can be sent to Mrs. Lauren Coleman on lcole114@eq.edu.au or on (07) 5554 0333.

Mrs Lauren Coleman
Senior Marine Science Teacher

Aerospace Studies

2015 was an amazing year for Miami State High school in regards to Aerospace studies. The highlight of the year was Georgia Leak who was awarded the national "Spirit of Boeing" award and Daniel Henley and Ebony Donohue who received finalist's awards for the dux of Aerospace studies for the Queensland division at Parliament house in Brisbane for Year 11 and 12.

Congratulations to past Miami High Aerospace studies students Mitch Johnson who just received a job offer with Emirates Airlines as a pilot and also Gaby Keid who was successful in her flight attendant training also with Emirates Airlines.

I am looking forward to 2016 with the Aerospace Studies program with some new exciting news being announced very soon.

The sky's the limit.

Mr Lee Freeman
Aerospace Studies Teacher

Languages News

Hello Miami SHS community

Our new year is looking to be an exciting year for languages at Miami SHS. Language learning being compulsory for Years 7 and 8.

Fact:

In 1950 about 9% of the world's population spoke English as their first language.

That figure is now only about 5.6%, meaning second language learning is becoming more important.

At Miami SHS, Japanese is offered from years 7-12 as Japan is one of Queensland's major trading partners. We have in 2016 expanded our language options and are now teaching Spanish in years 7 and 9, with the aim to next year offer Spanish in years 7-10.

Did you know?

Spanish is the second-most widely spoken language in the world (after Mandarin Chinese), with 400 million native speakers, and official status in a staggering 21 countries, spanning South, Central and North America, as well as Africa and Europe. There are differences in how Spanish is spoken around the world, however, the benefits of learning such a widely spoken language are numerous.

Do you speak Japanese or Spanish?

If you have language skills or cultural knowledge of Japanese or Spanish that you would be willing to share with Miami SHS students, please email me mwils234@eq.edu.au . The language department would love to welcome members of our community into our classrooms to share their knowledge.

Thank you

Melissa Wilson
Head of Department Languages and International

International News

Hello Miami SHS community,

Welcome to our new international students! This year we have 44 students from 11 different countries, giving us a large cultural diversity in our international program.

Benefits of our International Program

Each year Queensland welcomes thousands of international students to Queensland Government schools as part of the EQI program.

These programs enrich the lives of all participants.

These experiences foster international understanding through person-to-person contact, friendship, study, service, and cross-cultural exchange.

Program participants serve as ambassadors not just when they're abroad, but also when they return to their home countries.

Homestay Families Wanted

We are hosting our first study tour from May 18- June 3. We have students aged 15-16 years old visiting from Taiwan. If you are interested in information to become a homestay family, please contact Belinda Bradshaw on 55540333 or by emailing bbrad138@eq.edu.au .

Thank you,

Melissa Wilson
Head of Department Languages and International

Special Education Program (SEP)

ESCAPE Program – 'Learning for Life'

Friendships are very important and highly valued by our students. The social aspect of learning for life is another very important feature of education and SEP programs explicitly support this by providing opportunities to boost friendships and the skills needed to be a good friend. Hence, the ESCAPE program 2015.

Students "escaped" to varied activities, including a soccer sports day, indoor rock climbing, trampolining, cycling, lifesaving and stand-up paddle-boarding. Many of the students were challenged and found themselves in difficult and unaccustomed situations.

By working through these tasks, they were able to find solutions and gain greater self-esteem. Students were able to value not only themselves, but appreciate others as individuals. Students very importantly came to understand and reinforce the concepts of cooperation, negotiation and tolerance.

'Life beyond school' opportunities

Mrs. Millett has organised work and on-the-job training for many students who will continue into 'life beyond school.' She has many contacts so a chat with her can be hugely beneficial for planning and implementing a future for your student. Mrs. Millett does an awesome job with facilitating our Seniors into Work Experience. Talk to her for support and input to assist in this most important transition for your student.

Ms Deb Kirwan
SEP Teacher

SEP Photos

Miami High Dance Excellence 2016

The Miami High Dance Studio is alive once again with returning students and a new group of Year 7s keen to show their talents!

Miami High Dance Xtreme Auditions

The Dance Xtreme Program is designed as an extension program in Dance undertaken during sport and Friday lunch, enabling students to further develop their abilities, participate in workshops with professional choreographers, showcase Miami High, compete at eisteddfods and foster primary links. Auditions for the program will begin on Monday 8th February (Week 3) with a sign on followed by a three-phase audition process in Week 4. Interested students are required to prepare a 1-2 minute audition piece in the genre of their choice that best demonstrates their technical ability and diversity as dancers. Students selected to progress onto the second phase of the audition process will be required to learn a contemporary dance sequence in the choreographic style of the Artistic Director. The third phase of the audition process will require these students to perform the contemporary choreography taught. Students gaining selection in the 2016 program will be announced at the end of the third audition phase on the 19th February. A formal presentation will then follow on a full school Assembly at a date to be announced.

Dance Auditions

Miami is very proud to offer a wide range of opportunities for students to participate in dance through a number of groups which rehearse during lunch. The following auditions will occur during week 6 & 7 of this term:

MDC (Boys Hip Hop Crew) – Monday lunch – Week 6
MGC Junior (Years 7, 8 & 9 Girls) – Tuesday lunch – Week 7
MDA (Miami Dance Acrobatics) – Wednesday lunch – Week 6
MGC Senior (Years 10, 11 & 12 Girls) – Thursday lunch – Week 6

Auditions will occur during second lunch and details of requirements will be provided in VIBES. Year 7 Students attending Camp will be offered the opportunity to audition in Week 7. Please see your VIBES Teacher for times.

Miranda van't Hof
Senior Experienced Dance Excellence Teacher I Artistic Director Dance Xtreme

Health and Wellbeing

Welcome back to school! This year our Health and Wellbeing program will be continuing with the Year 9 Wellbeing to start the ball rolling. This will be held on Thursday the 18th of February and follow a similar format to the previous days. The topics covered for Year 9 include Drugs and Alcohol by YODA, Aim High by Moni, Grief and Loss by the school Chaplain Shane Scott, Resilience by Nurse Lisa and Cyber safety by the Police. These days have been very well received by the students which has been evident by their positive feedback, attendance and participation. The Years 7, 8 and 11 Well Being Days will follow later in the year.

The Year 10 cohort will participate in a Domestic Violence Education program on the 25th and 26th February titled Love Bites. This program will be run by the Police and is a full day presentation. Classes will be allocated their day closer to the date.

The Student Learning Planner contains a comprehensive Well Being program that will be implemented this year through your students VIBES class. This program is based on the six elements of Well Being and how to develop these through every day activities. All students will be involved in developing positive behaviour strategies through mindfulness and resilience building activities. It would be well worth taking the time to discuss this with your student.

As part of the Well Being Program mindfulness activities have been shown to improve focus and concentration in the classroom. The mental stillness activities help students cope with anxiety, stress, body image and depression. A new APP called "Smiling Mind" has been introduced to provide students the opportunity to access a meditation program to guide them through a mindfulness process. One of the people behind the development of this app is Dr Michael Carr –Gregg a leading child psychologist. The app is free and is available for apple and android. For further reading see follow link -

I would like to invite any parents who may have any expertise in any field that relates to our Wellbeing Program, to work with our students and our staff, to please feel free to contact the school. We would be happy to develop further connections with external community groups and those associated with our school.

WELL BEING TIP - Connect with others- Develop and maintain strong relationships with people around you who will support and enrich your life.

Tiffany Grant
Wellbeing Coordinator

Australian National University (ANU) Roadshow.

During February and March 2016, the Australian National University (ANU) will be travelling the country to present ANU Scholarship Roadshows, which will feature the Tuckwell Scholarships. These Roadshows are aimed at potential applicants (high achieving students) and their parents.

You will be able to engage with Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) Professor Richard Baker, Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions Ms Angela Watkins, as well as current Tuckwell Scholars who will be on hand to talk about the possibilities open to students with Australia's most prominent undergraduate scholarship.

In addition to hearing about the Tuckwell Scholarships, the Roadshows are an opportunity to learn more about the opportunities available to future undergraduate domestic students, and about the other scholarships on offer at Australia's number one university.

Please click on the link below for more information.

Parents and Citizens Association Meet & Greet Evening

The P&C wish to invite parents, family members and members of the school community to join them for a Meet & Greet evening on Tuesday 16th February in the Administration Building from 7pm - 9pm.

We welcome and encourage new members to come and be a part of a wonderful and very informative P & C Association. No need to fear as there is no fundraising involved. You are also not expected to hold an Executive Position as just actively participating is a fantastic way to meet other like-minded people and at the same time become more aware and informed of school activities. Miami High encourages parent and community input on school issues so this is an open invitation to contribute to these important discussions.

Sharon Mitchell
P & C Vice President

Community News

Parenting Adolescents course - February

Centacare Family Relationship Service is set to offer another PACE (Parenting Adolescents a Creative Experience) Program, due to commence in a few weeks on Thursday 11th February.

PACE is an evidence based program developed to strengthen parent-adolescent relationships through understanding adolescent development, communication and conflict skills, and parents stress management and self care. The program encourages participants to be reflective, supported through group discussion and activities that explore parenting approaches, problem solving and relationship building. PACE is facilitated by qualified professionals with experience in adolescent, parenting and family relationship work.

What: PACE, Parenting Adolescents a Creative Experience
When: Commences Thursday 11th February – 6 weeks duration (2.5 hours workshops)
Time: 12.00pm – 2.30pm
Where: Upper Coomera Centre (Meeting Room 2)
90 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera (enter off Abrahams Rd)
Cost: $15 for entire 6 week program

Interested participants are requested to call 5527 7211 and register their interest, a PACE facilitator will contact them to confirm their place and answer any questions they may have about the program.

Surfside Bus Passes for 2016

Tennis Central

"Tennis Central Miami and Palm Beach have weekly tennis lessons everyday after school. Call 55359615 and receive your free trial lesson now"

YEAR 8 PARENTS…HAVE YOUR SAY!

The Gold Coast Public Health Unit wants to hear your views about the School Vaccine Program.

Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Responses will be kept confidential. Contact person: Dr Paul Van Buynder Paul.VanBuynder@health.qld.gov.au or 5687 9000

Gold Coast Oral Health Services

Gold Coast Oral Health Services are offering free dental check-ups to children in years 7, 8, 9, 10

This service will be provided off-site by either Broadbeach or Burleigh Dental Clinic. Hours of operation for this clinic are Monday to Friday, 8 – 4pm.

To arrange an appointment for your child telephone:

The Oral Health Client Service Centre
1300 300 850
Monday – Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
Excluding Public Holidays

Child Dental Benefit Schedule Vouchers are accepted. When your child's $1000 cap is reached, there will be no out-of-pocket expenses provided your child meets *eligibility criteria.

* Eligibility – All Queensland resident children aged four years or older who have not completed year 10 of secondary school.

Further information on public funded oral health services can be accessed via URL: