10 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

Dear Parents

We are well and truly into planning for next year with staffing for 2017 nearly complete and all known vacant teaching positions filled. Subject offerings to students across all year levels for 2017 are also nearly finalised and this now enables our focus to shift to the allocation of teaching preferences. Many thanks to Alison Fahlbusch, Deputy Principal – Capability Development, and Liz Mahon, Head of Department – Literacy & Numeracy, for their leadership throughout this important step and ensuring that we have a smooth start to next year.

2017 'Start Up' Arrangements

As this is the last newsletter for 2016, please be advised of the following 'Start Up' arrangements:

Uniform Shop

8:30am to 1:30pm daily
Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 January 2017 – Uniform Shop open for incoming Year 7 students
Thursday 19 to Friday 20 January 2017 – Uniform Shop open for all students

Finance Office

The Finance Office will be open Monday 16 to Friday 20 January 2017 from 8:00am – 2:00pm.

Return to School Dates

Monday 23 January 2017 – Only years 7, 9 and 11 commence school
Tuesday 24 January 2017 – Whole school attends
Thursday 26 January 2017 – Australia Day Public Holiday

A Busy Week Ahead

Next week we have a very busy week starting with the Academic Awards ceremony on Monday evening, where we recognise and acknowledge the academic achievements and announce special award recipients as well as the Executive Student Leaders for 2017.

Tuesday evening, Year 12 students will gather at Seaworld for the Year 12 Formal followed by their Graduation Ceremony in the Great Hall on Thursday evening. Their last official day is Friday and we take this opportunity to wish each and every one of them the very best in pursuing their dreams.

Farewell

This newsletter is not only the last edition for 2016 but my last before retirement at the end of the year. It's hard to compress 20 wonderful years at Miami High let alone 43 years of service with the Department of Education and Training into a paragraph other than to say it has been an absolute privilege and I would not have traded my career for any other.

To see our students grow in maturity and stature as they progress through their secondary schooling and graduate as young adults keen to make their dreams a reality is one of the great joys of teaching and I have had the privilege of seeing many thousands during my career.

I will miss the role of Principal but more importantly the many staff, parents, community members, colleagues and students with whom I have had the pleasure of working with over the years.

I look forward to a better work life balance spending more time with my family and travelling. The role of Principal is rewarding, complex and at times challenging and I take this opportunity to thank my wonderful wife, Jo Baker, for her understanding and support over the years.

Miami is a great school with a rich and proud history and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to ensure that the legacy left by those before has continued.

I take this opportunity to wish all families a relaxing and safe Christmas vacation.

Farewell and best wishes.

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 8.00am 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

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.

Tiffany Grant / Glenn Smits
Student Support Coordinators

Principal Announces Retirement

Jim Baker has announced his retirement as Principal of Miami State High School at the end of the 2016 school year.

Jim commenced his role as Principal in 1997 and has seen the school grow from 580 to 1300 students and become a proud Independent Public School during his time.

"It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have been the Principal for the past 20 years and see our young people grow and develop into fine young adults," said Mr Baker.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed leading a school community that has dedicated itself to making this school such a wonderful place of learning."

He wished all students the very best for the completion of their schooling and hoped that they graduate from Miami with a love for ongoing learning and enjoy their future lives with passion and dedication to what they love to do.

On retirement, Mr Baker looks forward to spending more time with his family and travel opportunities.

He has 43 years of service with the Department of Education and Training since commencing his teaching career at Wavell Heights State High School in Brisbane in 1973. He also held teaching positions at Charleville State High School and Keebra Park State High School before becoming a Head of Department - Science and then Deputy Principal at Gladstone and Nerang State High Schools. Thereafter he became an Inspector of Schools and School Support Centre Coordinator in the South East region.

Miami Wins Silver at Australasian Tournament of Minds Competition for Queensland

Representing the Gold Coast and Queensland in the Engineering Mathematics discipline at the Tournament of Minds (TOMs), our students in Years 7 to 10 were awarded second place for their creativity and spirit of inquiry at the Australasian Finals of the Tournament of Minds at Griffith University. This is only the second time that a team from Miami State High has participated in the event.

Miami State High's Year 7 student, Zaylan Moscow, who also officiated in the Acknowledgement to Country at the opening ceremony said "Tournament of minds is a truly once in a lifetime opportunity which opens doors to make friends from places you've never ventured. Although you are there to compete against one another, the spirt of TOMs brings teams together as one to celebrate each other's success. Working as a team really allows you to see the sides of people you would never have seen with participating in TOMs."

"TOMs was an amazing experience and it prompts you to think outside the box. We also made some really great friends despite the competitive atmosphere," stated fellow Year 7 student, Sakhi Tidyman.

2016 Academic Awards Evening

The 2016 Academic Awards Ceremony will be held in the Great Hall on Monday 14 November.

If you would like to attend, please confirm your attendance via email to admin@miamishs.eq.edu.au or phoning the office staff on 5554 0333.

Musical Instruments Wanted

Our wonderful instrumental Music Department is growing rapidly and we need musical instruments urgently. The Musical Instrument Recycling Program encourages the public and in particular, past and present students and their families to donate musical instruments they no longer use. The instruments will be distributed to students who desperately need them to help them continue their music education. Please contact Mr Scott King, Director of Bands, at Miami State High School if you feel you can assist with this very worthy cause.

The Musical Instrument Recycling Program would like your unwanted musical instruments. Contact the school if you have any unwanted instruments at home.

Miami High Legal Eagles Soar Once Again

Once again Miami High has competed in the Short, Punch & Greatorix Gold Coast Legal Studies essay competition run in conjunction with Griffith University. Every year schools across the coast are asked to submit essays from their top two students. Topics are many and varied and the students will have spent many hours researching and writing their assignments, usually in conjunction with their Independent Inquiry task undertaken by all Year 12 Legal Studies students.

In the past our school has done extremely well. In 2009, Danielle Warren (now a practicing solicitor) and again in 2013, Brittany Paull were awarded 2nd place finishes. In 2014, Zoe Boxshall took out the top prize with her essay on the need for Queensland to once again have a bicameral parliament. This piece went on to be published in the Year 12 textbook as an exemplar for other students to follow when approaching their independent inquiry task.

This year the presentations were held at Short, Punch & Greatorix on October 19. Partners from the firm, the Dean of Law from Griffith University, judges, parents, teachers and entrants assembled. We were represented by two fine entries. The first by Caitlin De Graaf was exceptional and argued that the double jeopardy amendments brought in to prevent criminals escaping liability, should be made retrospective in order to justly resolve certain high profile cases. The second by Zuzana Harmaniakova was an insightful analysis of how the legal system is far too often held to ransom by the media these days. Both girls worked very hard and presented work that the judges considered to be of a university standard. But on the night, our School Captain, Zuzana, received the greatest accolade and was announced the 2016 winner.

I would like to acknowledge SPG and Griffith University for their ongoing support of Legal Studies in schools. I also congratulate both girls on their efforts and thank them for representing our school, and Legal Studies in particular, in such an exemplary manner.

Miami SHS School Captain, Zuzana Harmaniakova, wins Legal Essay Writing Competition

Rebecca Churchouse
Legal Studies Teacher/Humanities Department

Sports Awards 2016

The Lisa Freeman Trophy
Most Outstanding Swimmer

ANDREW RYAN

Sharon Jaklofsky Track and Field Award

BLADE ROSE

Ian Murphy Medal
Sport – Academic – Culture – Community Award

JOSEPHINE DUTTON

Outstanding Sports All-Rounder
Outstanding sport performances across a variety of disciplines

HOLLY CANNING

Griffith University Sports Award
Presented by David Bull (Griffith University)

MADDY JOB

Coach of the Year

MR MATT SMITH (Track & Field)

TEAM OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

JUNIOR GIRLS AFL

ABOVE & BEYOND AWARD
'Above & Beyond' Commitment to school sport at Miami High

PIPPA 'PLATE FULL' MCGINNISKIN

JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON 2016 was awarded to Liv Stephenson (Year 9) for her involvement in Tennis, Torch, Athletics and AFL

SENIOR SPORTS PERSON 2016 was awarded to Andrew Ryan (Year 12) for Swimming.

2017 Bus Passes are Now Due

School transport is not free. However, your child might be eligible for transport assistance under the Department of Transport and Main Roads School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS). APPLY NOW if you intend to use Surfside Busline bus to get to and from school in 2017.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a bus pass?

There are a number of general criteria that apply to STAS. Where a student is eligible for STAS, there are two types of bus assistance available, distance based and Safety-Net travel. Visit the website for eligibility details and to print the relevant application form.

Where do I send the form to?

Applications for 2017 can be submitted now to:

Surfside Buslines
PO Box 3036
Robina QLD 4230

Or

Email: gcschools@tagroup.net.au

Who needs to apply?

If this is the first time you are applying for assistance to travel or you are moving schools, changed address, repeating a grade or are moving from primary school to secondary school you need to apply now.

Existing bus pass holders

If your details will not be changing from 2016 to 2017 you do not have to reapply.

Students who hold a 2016 bus pass will be able to travel with that pass until 24 February 2017. This allows some time for the 2017 passes to be made.

If you lose your 2016 bus pass you will have to apply to Surfside Buslines for a replacement.

How do I get my bus pass?

Surfside will process applications over the Christmas school holidays so your pass will be sent to your school for you to collect.

What if my pass hasn't arrived by 24 Feb 2017?

Without written confirmation from TMR stating your application has been approved you will need to pay the full cost of travel. These fares are not refundable.

What if I am not eligible for STAS?

The Queensland Government offers children and students a 50% concession fare by purchasing a TransLink go card. Passengers aged 5-14 years are eligible for a child concession fare.

Full time students 15 years or older are eligible for a Student Concession go card. To receive a concession fare, students must always carry an approved Queensland student photo identification card or wear an official Queensland school uniform.

Timetables

Use the TransLink journey planner to plan your travel to and from school. There are helpful tips on how to plan and how to catch a bus. Alternatively telephone 13 12 30.

Check out the new MyTransLink app. All bus, train, ferry and tram information is in the palm of your hand with customisable features so you will always get the updates that matter to you.

Further information

For more information on the School Transport Assistance Scheme, the Code of Conduct for School Children Travelling on Buses and Timetables visit the website.

Arts in Practice

The departing Year 12s have been working on creating a personalised logo, generating their own stationery range comprising of letterhead, with compliments slip, and business card.

Encouraged to brand their cover letters and single page resumes, any expressions of interest in a future employment role, conveyed with a professional overview of one's self, places an individual at the forefront of a potential employer's mind and more than likely, final selection list.

Best of luck everyone.
Marco Berton

International News

We have just hosted a Study Group from Myanmar from 16 to 28 October. Thank you to all the buddies who participated and helped make the students from Myanmar feel welcome. This is Myanmar's second visit to our school and they enjoyed their English Culture Lessons, excursions and homestay experience.

We celebrate International birthdays of Eva Mueller, Laura Pozzi, Tabea Buenger, Wendy Wang and Anita Peng.

Happy birthday to these students in November.

Here are some photos of our Internationals on their way to their International Surfing Program.

Surfs Up!

Miami Alumni Student helps to save Orphaned Elephants

Tyla Sheehan, Class of 2015, is currently studying Science at Southern Cross University. She has recently been successful in obtaining and Australian Government New Colombo Scheme scholarship to travel to Indonesia (Sumatra) to work with conservation efforts for the Sumatran Elephant.

Tyla was a remarkable student and this is a testament to what great things our students can go on to achieve.

She is looking to raise $1500 towards her trip and to help save the orphan elephants of Sumatra and attend the trip in 2017.

At Miami State High School, we aim to make our students 'global citizens' who are caring and 'socially aware' for those around them.

We congratulate Tyla on being involved in this worthy case and wish her all the best with her conservation efforts in Sumatra.

Miami Alumni Student prepares to help save the Sumatran Elephant

Exam Stress

It's normal for teenagers to feel stressed out in the lead up to exams, particularly those teenagers in Year 12. Your teenager may only get stressed about just one or two exams or it may be every exam leads to increased stress.

Stress around exam time can not only impact on a young person's general wellbeing, but it can also be difficult for the whole family. It's important to learn how to support your teenager during exam time to help them manage their stress and reduce tension at home.

ReachOut Parents has over 140 fact sheets and practical tools. Here is the link to articles such as "How you can support your teenager with exam stress".

For more evidence-based practical support and tips on mental health and wellbeing issues for parents head on over to the website. The service also provides an online community forum so that parents can connect with each other to share experiences in an anonymous, supportive space.

Josh Atkins
Guidance Officer

7C Arts - Reinventing the Wheel

What do you invent, when everything has already been invented? Easy, you invent a 'better' version of the same thing. Working in groups, students in 7C have identified products with limited effectiveness and updated them to more useful, more effective and more 21st century friendly products.

The common handbag got a revamp into the penultimate backpack, the doona that always slides out of the cover was upgraded to a more secure one, the humble teabag was enhanced to support dental hygiene, soap took on more functionality and the iconic whitegoods refrigerator become smarter and more environmentally conscious with the addition of monitoring food use to avoid spoilage and consequent food wastage by reading expiry dates and suggesting recipes that would use up the food. All groups did an amazing job of reinventing an existing product.

Year 9 Media: Camera angles, shot types and……."action"!

Year 9 Media students are in the editing stage of their latest movie and their subjects include sporting action sequences, suspect villains and the ever-present family of Miami magpies. The feathered photo bombers have managed to star in most of the footage that was shot around K and I blocks and are quite at home with close ups as well as long distance shots. Pre-service media teacher, Mr Franklin has been both an inspiration with his motorbike go-pro footage and a valuable resource with his expertise in Adobe Premiere. Students have quickly learnt the basics of video editing and are now consolidating their skills to be future auteurs, actors or directors. Watch out for their entries in next year's M'Oscars.

9 PEX

Congratulations to all 27 Year 9 Physical Education Extension (PEX) students who will have successfully complete two years of this course at the end of 2016. The students began their PEX journey in Year 8, when they came to Miami SHS enthusiastic and energetic. The students have gained valuable experiences in a variety of sports including Self Defence, Triathlon, Softball, Netball, Athletics, AFL, Touch Football, Fitness, Volleyball, Tennis and many more! They have also studied many topics that have allowed them to extend their health and physical education capabilities for future years to come. It has been a pleasure to teach all of these students over the last two years!

Miss Pippa McGinniskin
9 PEX Teacher

7A Art

The 7A Art class have worked with focus, intent and great effort to produce a creative response to a cultural and spiritual making task designed with specific limitations to challenge and develop the students' artmaking skills. Highlights from this class, as chosen by the students themselves, are Jye Mortley's Zentangled Wolf, Jacob Morales' Howl, and Jonathan Horner's Cheeting Zen. Well done, 7A.

Mr Barnard
Art Teacher

Amazing artworks by Year 7 students

Year 9 Art

A Year 9 Art class have completed their mixed media watercolour portraits. The students developed their artmaking skills while exploring visual methods of communication. The entire class expressed knowledge of concepts, facts, and procedures to produce their amazing artworks. They wrote a perceptive response task and also wrote an informed reflection task. There were numerous artworks to choose from to exhibit in this newsletter, and I have chosen Holly Grant's, as her portrait is one of the best examples of student achievement and effort. Well done to all students in this class.

Mr Barnard
Art Teacher

Artwork by Holly Grant

Year 12 Art

Energies exhibition, held at the Gold Coast Arts Centre, drew to a close on the 30 October. Three of our students exhibited their art: Ibaia Kervella, Emily Jones and Grace Pemberton; with Ibaia and Grace receiving offers of purchase. Grace's expressionist painting of a woman was also featured in The Gold Coast Bulletin. All students in the class put in tremendous effort, making me very happy and along with their diverse and likable personalities, I am sad to see them graduate but confident in them achieving in life. Well done to you all.

Mr Barnard
Art Teacher

Miami Students exhibited at Energies Exhibition

Danc'eD in the Spotlight 2016

28 students participated in Danc'eD in the Spotlight 2016 at the Gold Coast Arts Centre on 21 October. Danc'eD is a showcase of dance from primary and secondary students of the Gold Coast. It is organised by Gold Coast Dance Teachers and held annually as a non-competitive event, bringing students and teachers who share a passion for dance together for a day of entertainment. This year Miami High was represented by two performances - our all male Miami Dance Crew, choreographed by Crew Leaders, Dane Shaw and Luke Nicholas and a group of 20 junior students who danced a commercial jazz routine titled, Seven Nation Army, choreographed by Ms Miranda van't Hof. Both groups performed in Act 2 of the show with a rousing applause. The evening finished with a combined schools Finale which filled the theatre with dance students. Throughout the day, the students were provided with the opportunity to participate in free workshops which included breakdance, commercial jazz and hip hop. Well done to all of the students involved on not only your performances which were outstanding but also your behaviour and attitudes. It was a fantastic day of dance, thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Ms Miranda van't Hof
Experienced Senior Teacher – Dance

Danc'eD in the Spotlight

Miami High Dance Xtreme 2016

2016 has proven to be a very busy year for the Dance Xtreme students who have already performed at several school events this term, including the Sports Awards Evening and VET Evening. They will finish the year with a final performance at the Miami High Academic Awards Night. As part of their development in dance, the students have also had the opportunity to work with industry professionals through a number of workshops this term. Workshops were provided by RAW Dance Company in the genres of advanced contemporary dance and jazz along with intermediate hip hop. The workshops were both challenging and enjoyable!

Miranda van't Hof
Artistic Director I Dance Xtreme Program

Dance Xtreme performing at year end events

Interact Club

Over the last semester, Miami State High's Interact Club has been holding fundraisers to support Seeing Eye Dogs Australia (SEDA). On assembly this week we were visited by Hini, the PR puppy from SEDA as well as Anthony, Ash, Debora and Jenni. This visit enabled us to hand over a cheque for the funds we raised through a rainbow cupcake stall and a 'colour my house colours' for our earlier Cross Country day. We were very glad to see firsthand where the money raised goes and of course, meet Hini.

SEDA is the only national provider of dog guides specially bred and trained for people who are blind or vision impaired. These unique dogs provide the 'gift of independence' and freedom in day-to-day life by becoming the 'eyes' of a person who is blind or vision impaired. Only a very small number of Seeing Eye Dogs are funded through Government schemes so SEDA's work depends heavily on the goodwill and support of our volunteers and donors to provide their incredible Seeing Eye Dogs.

Interact is Rotary International's service club for young people aged 12 to 18. Our Interact club is sponsored by Burleigh Rotary which provides us with support and guidance. Each year, Interact Clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of: developing leadership skills and personal integrity, demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others, understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work and advancing international understanding and goodwill. We are always keen for new members, so why not come along and see if you would like to get involved!! Look out in the notices for the next meeting.

Karen Purdy
Hospitality Teacher/Interact Mentor

Miami's Interact Club raises funds for Seeing Eye Dogs Australia

Kokoda

On Wednesday 2 November, Grant and Raeleigh from the Kokoda Youth Foundation visited students interested in finding out more about the Kokoda Youth Program for 2017. Grant spoke about what the program offers and encouraged those students aged between 15 and 17 who are interested in pushing their boundaries including their physical boundaries in endurance, making lifelong friends and earning the right to travel to PNG, to consider applying. He explained how the KYP differs from most programs because it's a long-term, 12 to 14 month commitment that includes a period of physical training and mentoring in preparation for trekking in Papua New Guinea, where one can experience a physical, mental and cultural journey of a lifetime, followed by a period of community service and forming community support networks. Matthew a 2015 Kokoda Kid, spoke of his personal experiences in working in his team, his journey and the amazing experience in traveling to PNG. The program is fully funded by the Kokoda Youth foundation. If you are ready to start the challenge of a lifetime, find out more at below, or speak to Ms Purdy in Prac Arts.

Languages Department – Una celebración de español

It has been my absolute pleasure to be involved with the trial program introducing Spanish at Miami this year. Together with the support of Melissa Wilson - Head of Department Languages and International, Matt Smith - Spanish and Japanese Teacher and Susan Millet - Language enthusiast and Teacher, we have developed and trialled a Spanish language program with three groups of year 7 students, and one group of year 9s. We have worked closely with other schools and the MLTAQ Spanish Network, to ensure that the Language and Culture program that we deliver is aligned with the National Curriculum and well-suited for the pending changes to Year 11 and 12 in Queensland.

As we move towards an increasingly globalised economy, exposure to foreign language and culture becomes an even more desirable quality in the workplace. This need for bilingual, culturally-literate citizens is also being reflected in the changes taking place in education. Both the Education Queensland Global Schools paper and the Shape of the Australian Curriculum documents emphasise the importance of these qualities, making the expansion of the languages program here at Miami even more timely.

The year in Spanish has been very successful, with plenty of positive feedback from the students. They have enjoyed the opportunity to learn a Latin-based language and appreciate the similarities between English and Spanish. Several students put their language into practice by participating in the MLTAQ Gold Coast Speaking Competition, and should be very proud of their achievements. Students have also been excited to learn about Spanish food and culture, with 7A making dishes such as paella and quesadillas, and 7J learning all about Día de los muertos, which is a major holiday celebrated in Mexico in November.

The Languages Department is pleased to announce that we will be continuing to roll out the Spanish language program next year, and will be introducing Spanish as a Foreign Language as a single term course across all of Year 7 in 2017 (timetable and staff permitting). Students will then have the opportunity to continue their study of either Spanish or Japanese as they continue through their schooling at Miami. We also have hopes of a Spanish study tour in the near future and are experimenting with a new languages pedagogy called TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) which is seeing success both in Australian schools and overseas.

All in all, it has been a very successful year for the study of both Spanish and Japanese here at Miami and we look forward to working together as a department in the years to come in order to increase the language proficiency of our students and prepare them for life as a global citizen.

Rachael Lebeter
Spanish Teacher

Instrumental Music Sound Wave Concert

Miami Sound Wave featured our Zephyr Jazz Ensemble, Miami Sound Machine Big Band, Stella Maris Symphonic Band, Nova Adva Wind Ensemble and our Miami Breeze Chamber strings, as well as selected small group and solo performances from our Instrumental Music Program. It also featured one of our Scholarship program awardees Hana Gomibushi who performed a wonderful cello solo which contributed to a wonderful night. The night was full of diverse music and performances and on the whole was a huge success. A big thank you must go to Mr Wilson for assisting his students, who ran the night along with our Band Captains in producing a great evening.

Wellbeing Tips

Term 4 is a busy time of year as we have many school functions to attend as well as preparing for the festive season. It is important to take time out for yourself to refresh and restore your energy levels.

A great way to do this is through 'Mindfulness Meditation'. Mindfulness means to focus on the present moment and being aware of sensations, thoughts and feelings in your body. Mindfulness relaxes the body and the mind, reduces worries and stress, builds resilience and allows for more enjoyment of the present moment. Research has shown that Mindfulness decreases anxiety, increases self-awareness, decreases worrying thoughts, allows compassion and empathy to grow, improves sleep, strengthens the immune system and improves focus and concentration.

We all experience stress and anxiety at times and although we can't eliminate them we can regulate them. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere and anytime to help you calm your mind and focus your thoughts.

Here is one to practice. It is called JAM – Just A Minute.

Take just a minute to stop, close your eyes and pay attention to what you are feeling in your body and notice as many sensations as you can - your heart rate, any tight or tender spots, your breathing etc. Just notice them do not judge them. Return to just noticing your breath and breathe in for four counts and out for five. The slower the out breath the calmer the body. Repeat this for one minute and notice calmness come over your body. Repeat this whenever you feel the need. Great before bedtime.

Tiffany Grant
Wellbeing Coordinator

School Attendance

Each parent of a child who is of compulsory school age has the legal obligation to ensure their child is enrolled and attends a school, on every school day for the educational program in which the child is enrolled, unless the parent has a reasonable excuse.

A child is considered to be of compulsory school age from 6 years and 6 months until they turn 16, or they complete Year 10 (whichever comes first).

Each parent of a young person in the compulsory participation phase has the legal obligation to ensure that the young person is participating full-time in an eligible option, unless the parent has a reasonable excuse.

If you are having trouble getting your child to school, please call and talk with either our Youth Support Officer or Year Level Dean.

Alison Fahlbusch
Deputy Principal

Community News

BAT CARE

This community announcement is brought to you in the interests of public safety. Please note that we do not have roosting bats near our school, but there are a number of bat flight paths around our school and the Gold Coast in general.

On 1 September, the Queensland Health Communicable Diseases Branch was advised of the following incident regarding a teacher and staff handling a sick micro-bat in a school on the Sunshine Coast:

An unwell baby micro-bat had been seen in at least two classrooms over a period of 2-3 days. During class time, a teacher picked up the micro-bat, placed it in a box, and took it outside accompanied by his students, to release the bat into the school grounds. We have heard that the teacher asked the students to release the bat from the box. Several children were later seen to touch the bat as it remained on the ground in the school yard. Two siblings took the bat home in a box at the end of the day, and their mother called the wildlife carers, who contacted Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit.

Teaching staff seemed quite unaware of the potential risks of Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) and this is quite a concern. The micro-bat later tested negative for ABLV.

ABLV causes a rabies-like illness that is invariably fatal without medical treatment. As such, it is vital that Principals and Teachers are aware of the serious consequences of handling bats.

We would like to remind families, especially if you have roosting bats at/near the school/home that:

• Only trained and vaccinated people should handle bats.
• If you find a sick, injured or distressed bat, do not touch the bat. Contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (264625) or a bat-care organisation in your local area (do a search for 'bat care').
• Bats are vitally important to the environment and pose minimal risk to humans provided they are left alone and not touched.

Information to educate staff and students about living with bats is available below.

SHAPE THE GAMES

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to volunteer at the biggest multi-sport event to take place in Australia this decade. Come shape the Games that will see the very best athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories descend on the Gold Coast across 11 exhilarating days in April 2018.

Important information:

• Applications open in February 2017
• You must be 16 years old at the point of application
• You must be able to volunteer from 4 – 15 April 2018
• To be kept up to date, register your interest or for further information details visit www.GC2018.com

TENNIS

Looking for something to do before Christmas from 19 – 21 December? Tennis Central offers Tennis Camps during the December School Holidays. To find out more, contact Tennis Central on 0479 159 533 or email info@tenniscentralmiami.com .