15 February 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents

A very warm welcome to our entire school community to the 2017 school year. To both our returning and new families I trust you had an enjoyable Christmas and summer break with family and friends and are recharged for the year ahead.

This year is the start of a new era for Miami High School as I start my appointment as Principal of this school. I look forward to leading this highly respected school community into the future with excitement and optimism.

Outstanding Senior School Performance

It is with pleasure that I report that the seniors of 2016 have achieved a continuation of the outstanding academic results that Miami achieves. I am thrilled to announce that 100% of our Year 12 students obtained their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and 90% 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 19% of students received an OP of 1-5 which is above the states achievement.

This is a testament to the hard work of all staff involved and the commitment to connecting with and investing in every student.

Community Engagement

2017 will see our school continue to connect with the community through various modes of communication. We understand that parents and carers want to know what is happening in their child’s school life but are not always able to be part of it. Our intention is to keep you all updated on the positive things happening here at Miami High. Our school Facebook page is soaring to new heights and we are uploading regular posts to show what school life looks like in the day of a student.

Social media is now firmly part of our society – we cannot hide from it so we must embrace it. Too often in society we hear of and see social media used for not so pleasant messages so, we are taking the lead and showcasing through our Facebook page how social media can be a positive experience and connect people when used appropriately to promote positive experiences. If you haven’t already joined our Facebook page I encourage you to do so as this also has up to date messages for upcoming school events.

2017 Student Leader Investiture

Our Student Leader Investiture Ceremony was held on Thursday 9 February 2017. During this assembly we took the opportunity to officially recognise our Student Leaders for 2017. 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. Let me introduce to you our Student Leaders for 2017:

Senior School

Captains – Callum Hartland and Charlotte Kelton
Vice Captains – Jack Bowker and Grace Curtis
President of the Student Council – Lacey Wright
Vice Presidents – Larni Stevens and Kobi Rankin
House Captains Alinta – Joshua Jenkins and Abbie Hassett
House Captains Bindana – Noah Staunton-Grant and Briley Bradfield
House Captains Iluka – Jake Boyd and Jet Davis
House Captains Rakumba – Joel Gray and Leah Cassidy
House Vice-Captain Alinta – Ryah Charteris
House Vice-Captain Bindana – Mia Hori
House Vice-Captains Iluka – Isaac Singh
House Vice-Captains Rakumba – Taya Hosking
Year 10 Student Representatives – Johnson Tsai and Mady Hall
Year 11 Student Representatives – Adam Puetter and Ashlee Jennings
Year 12 Student Representatives – Cooper Lowe and Kendall Wilson

Ambassadors

International Ambassadors – Josie McCann-Roca and Dayna Lennon
Indigenous Ambassador – Josie McCann-Roca

Band Captains

Concert Band –Grace Hassell and Kimberley Hawkey
Contemporary Band – Teagan Mooney and Jake Alabaster

Junior School

Captains – Riley Coy and Josephine Dutton
President of the Student Council – Ashley Irving
House Captain Alinta – Luke Robinson
House Captain Bindana – Alexander Miles
House Captain Iluka – Lucy Single
House Captain Rakumba – Belinda Maher
Year 7 Student Representatives – to be announced after Year 7 Camp
Year 8 Student Representatives – Martin Harmaniak and Sakhi Tidyman
Year 9 Student Representatives – Alex Young and Lidiya Ramkumar

I encourage all families and community members to continue to connect with staff and myself so that together we can continue to ensure that every child reaches their full potential.

On behalf of the school’s staff we look forwarding to working with you in 2017.

Mrs Sue Dalton
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.

Glenn Smits
Positive Behaviour Coach

Important Information for Parents/Carers

The start of a new school year is a great time for students and families to revisit key policy documents. This ensures the school runs efficiently and the students can focus on maximising learning. I encourage you all to read the front section of your student's Learning Planner to familiarise yourself with our important processes at school.

Some policies have changed since last year including the following:

IF YOU REQUIRE AN EARLY DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL: Present a note from your parent/carer requesting permission to leave school to your Dean of Students or Head of Department – Student Welfare for approval prior to 8:45am. Once the note is signed take it to the Student Services office to collect a leave REQUEST. A leave PASS must be collected from Student Services before leaving the school. No parental telephone calls will be accepted after VIBES program.

I would also like to draw your attention to the following policies in relation to: Personal Property - Consequences for Inappropriate Use of Mobile Telephones and other Electronic Equipment, Code of School Behaviour - Student Dress Code which includes information on school bags, shoes, tattoos, piercings and what to do if you are late to school.

Should you require clarification around any of these policies please contact our school.

Heath Fox
HOD Student Services

Introducing New and Returning Staff

Our school welcomed a handful of new and returning members to the team at Miami State High School at the beginning of 2017. Here is a list of new and returning friendly faces you are bound to meet in our school grounds.

Principal Sue Dalton
Sports Coordinator Jessica Roe
Design Technologies Teacher Marcus Feigl
Digital Technology/ Maths Teacher Nicole Findlay
English/ Humanities Teacher Sarshee Elliott
English/ Humanities Teacher Naomi Robinson
Languages/ Humanities Teacher Peter McCosker
Maths Teacher Peter Towney
Maths/ Science Teacher Mitch Havenaar

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

Date: Tuesday, 21 February 2017 (2:00pm to 7:30pm)
Venue: Miami Great Hall

In 2017, Miami State High School will continue our proactive model in regards to the scheduling of 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.

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 21st 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

Mathematics Department News

A fast start to 2017

All Maths classes are well underway with students making an impressive start to the year and putting in a strong effort. All Mathematics teachers are speaking positively about their groups and the journey into 2017. An introductory email was sent home by Mathematics Teachers and we look forward to meeting parents and families at the many school events and functions throughout the year.

Maths Club

We are already underway with an excellent turnout of 44 students and nine Mathematics Teachers offering homework and study support from the first week. Thank you to the students and teachers giving up their own time to create such a positive learning environment. The Year 7 students present were amazed to be working alongside Year 12 students and seeing their very high quality work.

We invite all students to come along to Maths Club every Tuesday 3:00 – 4:00pm in the library (except Tuesday 21 February – Parent Teacher Night).

Year 11 Mathematics B External Assessment Trial

Miami State High School was successful in our application to be part of the Statewide External Assessment Trial for Mathematics B. This is an exciting opportunity for our school to gain valuable insight into the new assessment on the horizon. The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has developed the trial as part of the preparations for the new Senior Syllabuses being implemented in 2019. The trial involves all students in participating schools, sitting a common exam following a common sequence of units studied on the same date at the end of Semester 1. The exam is marked externally and will be part of the assessment package for our students. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of our Mathematics B Teaching team: Wendy Harrison, Andrew Farrugia and Kasey Hardman. Further details will be sent out to families involved in the trial.

“So You Think You Can Add” Maths Quiz

The Mathematics Department is hosting an afternoon for parents and families in Week 6 – Thursday 2 March at 4:30pm. “So You Can Think You Can Add” is a fun Maths general knowledge quiz for Year 7/8 students and their parents. This highly competitive team event will pit teachers and our administration team against the talents of our Year 7/8 students and their parents. Keep an eye out for some subtle and guaranteed dorky Maths Puns.

Detailed information with RSVP details have been emailed out and also posted on the school Facebook page. Look forward to seeing you there.

Todd Campbell
Head of Department - Mathematics

Interact Club Seeks New Members

Miami State High’s Interact club is back in action for 2017 and would love to see new members join our club. What is Interact? Its Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12 to 18. We welcome members from Years 7 to 12.

Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting. Our club is supported by Burleigh Rotary. Each year Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Our club has, over the past few years, supported the Food Bank, Operation Christmas Child, Seeing Eye Dogs Australia and Schools in East Timor just to name a few.

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.
• Advancing international understanding and goodwill.

But more than anything our Interactors make great friends and have a lot of fun. If this sounds like something you would like to be involved in, why not come along and check it out! Meetings are always announced in the daily school notices.

Karen Purdy
Interact Mentor

Miami Chess Invitational 2016

On Monday 5 December 2016, 40 state school students from the South Coast region took part in Miami SHS's inaugural Chess Invitational competition. What a great way to warm up for 2017! This will see chess become a GIPSA sport for the first year in 2017. Amazingly, at the end of seven rounds of chess, two Miami SHS players were undefeated. Joey Thomas and Manomai Tirumalasetti won all seven of their games! In the rated teams division Miami SHS finished first ahead of Miami State Primary in second and Caningeraba in third place. The individual medallists were Joey Thomas, Manomai Tirumalasetti and Alex Young in the rated division, Hugo Sun, Jake O'Neil and Rachel Solomon in the U16 unrated division and Noah Henry (Miami SS), Jakobi Rose (Caningeraba) and Shay Simpson (Caningeraba) in the U12 unrated division. Well done to all the Miami Chess players who helped make our tournament a success!

Miami High Dance Excellence 2017

Welcome everyone to 2017 and Miami State High School Dance Excellence!

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 20 February 2017 (Week 5) with a sign-on followed by a three-phase audition process on Wednesday to Friday during lunch. 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 a dancer.

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 2017 program will be announced at the end of the third audition phase on the 24 February 2017. A formal presentation will then follow at an All School Assembly at a date to be announced.

Dance Auditions for Crews

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 this term:

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

Auditions will occur during second lunch and will require students to learn and perform in small groups a sequence taught by the crew leaders.

Ms Miranda van’t Hof
Experienced Senior Dance Excellence Teacher

A-Team Tuition Offers Scholarship

A Team Tuition is now an official Gold MVP Partner of Miami State High School. They are offering a once in a lifetime tutoring transformation scholarship (to the value of $5000) to one lucky Miami student! The scholarship will entail:

• 40 tutoring sessions with an OP1 specialist tutor
• 10 hours of mentoring with an Academic Strategist
• End of Term luncheons with Cameron McEvoy, aka “The Professor” and Olympic Medallist Swimmer, and multiple OP1 students.

Apply online now for the scholarship via:

The scholarship is open to all Miami students. Applications close Friday 3 March at midnight. Please note that this is a one week extension from the information advertised on the flyer.

Student Council News

Welcome to 2017! We would like to introduce our Student Council Leaders.

This year has kicked off to a great start raising funds via our swimming carnival BBQ and Valentine’s Day flowers and lollipops. Throughout the year we are looking at a theme of “Making Memories” and have lots of fundraising activities planned for charities as well as the Miami State High School community. Our first charity event will be the Shave for a Cure which will be held on Thursday 16 March, during second break, in the Great Hall. We have several staff and students who have already agreed to be part of this fundraising event. Consent forms must be filled out by any students under the age of 18 who would like to participate. The event will include shaving heads and beards, colouring hair and waxing legs. There will be a $1 entry fee at the gate for any students who wish to watch this event. All money raised will be supporting the Leukaemia Foundation.

Looking forward to a great 2017!

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Does your child require medication during school hours?

If your child requires medication while at school, please ensure you request an Administration of Medication Record Sheet from your school’s office.

You will also need to provide the school with the prescription-labelled medication in the original packaging with clear directions for its use.

For more information visit the Department of Education and Training website:

SEP News

We welcome Clare Baumann to our SEP Team, who is a teacher of the Deaf.

Clare has been working in Deaf Education for seven years. Prior to joining Miami, Clare was in the Primary sector at Toowong State School (a bilingual-bicultural program for deaf and hearing students) before moving to Indooroopilly State High School in 2015. As Case Manager and Teacher of the Deaf at Indooroopilly, she supported and assisted in creating an inclusive program for deaf students over all year levels. She is passionate about her work and looks forward to bringing her skills and knowledge to this new role.

We also welcome two Educational Interpreters who have joined us to support students who are hard of hearing. Welcome Sarah Rigg and Karen Brown, who both join us from Miami State School. We hope you enjoy working in our team at Miami SHS.

Alumni News

We have recently heard that a past student, from the graduating class of 2016, Lachlan Illsley, has secured a position in a Summer Camp near New York, USA. He will be working as a Councillor for eight weeks with students at the camp. We are sure Lachlan will enjoy a rewarding experience and commend him for taking on such a challenge. This provides an inspirational example of what can be achieved when you take a chance and believe in yourself. Well done Lachlan!

STEM Study Tour

During 2016 December school holidays, Mia Hori, Year 11, participated in the inaugural STEM Student Study Tour to Japan.

As part of the program, 11 students and two chaperones from a number of state schools in Queensland travelled to Japan where they attended three schools - Kokutaiji High School and Saijo Agricultural High School in Hiroshima and Nanyo High School in Kyoto. They also experienced living with two different homestay families. The students had the opportunity to develop their Japanese language skills and STEM learning through participation in STEM classes and activities at the host schools and industry visits. These experiences broadened their vision of the career opportunities that become available when the study of STEM and languages is combined.

The participants in the program represented Queensland at a meeting with the Superintendent of the Hiroshima Board of Education, and at welcome ceremonies by Kokutaiji High School and Saijo Agricultural High School, where they had the opportunity to showcase Queensland State Schools in an international setting. They were wonderful ambassadors for Queensland and this provided them with yet another opportunity to develop as global citizens.

The 2016 STEM Student Study Tour to Japan on their departure day from Brisbane, at a kimono wearing cultural activity in Hiroshima and at the Welcome Home Reception on 18 December 2016.

Year 7 Immunisations

Year 7 parents should have received your child’s immunisation consent form. Please complete and return by next week. Immunisation is extremely important for your child’s protection

School Immunisation Program webpage:

It is requested that all parents please read the information about vaccines being provided in the Information for Parents and Legal Guardians Package before completing the consent form.

Please note: A consent form is requested to be completed for all Year 7 students even if parents do not want their child vaccinated at school. This assists us to confirm that the immunisation offer was received by each family.

Tennis Program

Welcome to the 2017 new look tennis program available at school.

At Miami State High School our coaching team, Tennis Central, coordinate a range of timetabled programs to meet your tennis needs. Programs range from Performance based programs to Fitness, and Participation programs.

1. Excellence:

Our Excellence Program is structured so as to provide a holistic training and playing program enabling students to maximise their potential and attain their personal goals.

Each student will receive a personalised periodised training program incorporating the technical, tactical, physical, nutritional and psychological components required to play elite tennis.

Tennis Australia certified coaches will oversee all aspects of each player’s development.

Through the use of video analysis, the provision of comprehensive coaching notes and the measuring of personal fitness and anatomical levels, each player’s knowledge and understanding of their own games will be maximised.

Each player will be mentored on their personal goals whether they have career path opportunities e.g. Marketing and Management, Sports Science or a pathway to University e.g. USA scholarships or trying to make the Pro Level.

2. Player Development:

This program is aimed at players of a solid standard providing them with the information and direction to develop their potential, enhance their love and understanding of the game and to provide a pathway to our Excellence Program. The technical, tactical, physical, nutritional and psychological components of the game will be taught and developed through structured training and playing programs.

3. Participation:

This program is open to players of all ages and standards looking to improve their health and fitness levels; meet new friends and develop a skill that can be used for their lifetime.

The fun and social aspects associated with tennis will form the basis of this program.

All classes are timetabled and so come at a small weekly fee $44 for 3 x 60 min sessions per week.

All enquiries to Tennis Director, Terry Saunders (level 3 Tennis Australia Coach)

Sign on:

When: 16 February at second lunch break
Where: School Tennis Courts

If you require further information, please contact Terry on 0414 620 203.

Interested in the Kokoda Youth Program?

CALLING ALL 15-17 YEAR OLDS! Are you ready to start the challenge of a lifetime? Applications are now open for the 2017 Kokoda Youth Program. The Kokoda Youth Program will help you push yourself beyond what you ever thought you could do. You will make lifelong friends, push your physical boundaries in endurance and earn the right to travel to Kokoda PNG during the September school holidays. The Kokoda Youth Program is fully funded by the Kokoda Youth Foundation. The KCYP 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 you can experience a physical, mental and cultural journey of a lifetime, followed by a period of community service and forming community support networks. To find out more, check out kokodachallenge.com or speak to Ms Purdy in the F Block staff room.

Chaplaincy at Miami SHS

Hi, my name is Shane Scott. 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, School Council 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.
• Liaison between the school and community groups/agencies/churches.

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

Please visit the link below for further information on School Chaplaincy.

Wellbeing Update

Welcome back to school and to Term 1. I trust we all had a restful break and back into the swing of daily routine. Once the holidays are over, we start looking to repair the damage that the Christmas break has done. We look at our diets, our exercise program and all our sporting and cultural commitments and wonder how we will fit them in. While eating healthy and exercising are very important for our wellbeing, so is finding time for ourselves. This time can include mindfulness activities such as meditating, walking on the beach, bubble baths, reading a book or spending time with your pet.

This year we will continue to develop our wellbeing program here at Miami. Each year level will participate in their wellbeing day now called Good Vibes Days, and take part in their Vibes program that covers Positive Education Wellbeing Program. The detail of this program is in the student Learning Planner. Each week various topics will be addressed in class and the students can follow these up at home. If you haven’t seen the Learning Planner, please take the time to peruse your student’s Planner.

One of the key components to the Vibes program is looking at Character Strengths and Emotions.

On page 6 of the Learning Planner you will find the definition of Character Strengths and how these can be used to enhance our wellbeing. Encourage your students to complete the survey and fill in the Character Strength Wheel. These character strengths are referred to throughout the diary and how we can develop these strengths are the focus of our wellbeing program.

The Good Vibes days will cover topics such as Cyber Safety, Sexual Health, Drugs and Alcohol, Resilience, One Punch Can Kill, Grief and Loss, Self Defence and Mindfulness. Each Year level will be allocated a day to attend sessions run by guest speakers. These days are a compulsory part of the school program and the positive feedback received from previous Good Vibes days reinforces their value to the students. Dates for these days will be available later in the term.

Greetings from the School Nurse

My name is Wendy Woodward or ‘Nurse Wendy’, and I am the School Based Youth Health Nurse here at Miami State High School.

I am available Tuesday and Thursday. My office is situated in G block between the RTC and Chaplain’s office.

I have been a SBYHN for five years and have a background in Neonatal nursing, Family Planning and Sexual Health. I am very passionate about health and wellbeing.

As a Queensland Health employee all persons accessing my service for health information and advice have the right to do so confidentially under the Health Act. This means that unless a student is at risk of harm of self or others we keep the content of their consultation private. We will always encourage and assist the young people with strategies to talk with significant adult/parents in their lives and school staff when appropriate about their health and other important issues.

Parents and Teachers can refer students to the service however it is a voluntary service for young people to attend.

As a School Based Health Nurse my primary focus is on health promotion, supporting students and staff with related health information and promotion plus brief intervention consultations with students and referral onto other services.

I can see students or staff for:

Health concerns
Relationship issues
Personal and family problems
Smoking, alcohol or drug issues and problems
Sexual health
Unhappiness or stress
Puberty
Referring you to an external provider
Anything that affects your health and wellbeing

I am looking forward to working in Miami SHS school community in 2017.

Nurse Wendy’s: Work Mobile 0432 005 257

Work emails:

wendy.woodward@health.qld.gov.au
wwood41@eq.edu.au

Industry Liaison Office Update

SCHOOL BASED TRAINEESHIPS, WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES & INDUSTRY EVENTS

The beginning of the year is already busy with many exciting opportunities available for Year 10 – 12 students whether doing a school based apprenticeship or traineeships, VETiS certificate courses at TAFE or with other training organisations or work experiences in the different industries.

Information is disseminated through the Students’ Notices, uploaded on the school FACEBOOK page and through the students and parents EQ email address. Flyers are also posted outside the Library boards for more details. Parents and students are welcome to visit or call the Industry Liaison Office for any inquiry or to submit application documents and resumes.

School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) points
1 day work per week = 50 days in 12 months. 80 days for Electrotechnology apprenticeship
Year 10-12 students (employer preference)
Government funded training
Earn while you learn
Received a Cert II or III Accredited Industry Qualification upon completion

Various employers are looking for school based trainees and apprentices for their businesses and who will undertake one of the below qualifications.

Cert II WAREHOUSING with Reece Plumbing, work in the warehouse/retail and get the product knowledge in the industry.

Cert III COMMERCIAL COOKERY, become a Chef and travel the world!
Burleigh Heads Surf Club
Ruffles Lodge and Spa, Willowvale

Cert III HOSPITALITY, numerous exciting positions available.

CERT III TOURISM
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – work in the tourism section of the sanctuary
Space Flight Academy, Pimpama

CERT III BUSINESS, numerous positions available including:

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary retail shop
Classic Holidays resorts: Tiki Village Surfers, Jadon Place Broadbeach, Beachcomber Coolangatta and two other resorts in Labrador

Cert III BUSINESS (IT focus) YNR.com.au online employment/personnel company, Southport.

CERT III BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION several positions available including:

Anglicare Robina
Reflections Resort in Coolangatta
Rainbow Bay Realty
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cert III in EDUCATION SUPPORT - for Indigenous Students, Year 10

Cert III in BUSINESS with BUPA Health Insurance, Pacific Fair - for Indigenous Students, Year 11

Gold Coast Health work experience and workshop

Nursing/Midwifery Education and Research Work Experience Workshop is offered at the Robina Hospital for Year 11 and 12 students. The work experience start in February but places are filling up fast. Available dates to date: 13 June, 25 July, 22 August and 3 October.

Career presentations on the day will include Medicine, Nursing, Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Social Worker, Physiotherapy as well as some simulation activities.

Department of Defence familiarisation and field experience

The Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS).

The programs are located all over Australia in the Army, Navy and the Air Force training sites. Below are the Queensland events around Brisbane area. For more choices and to apply online visit the link below.

• Army Familiarisation and Field Experience – Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera, QLD
  27 Feb – 1 March 2017. Application due on 20 Feb 2017
• Army Familiarisation and Field Experience - Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera, QLD
  27 – 29 March 2017. Application due on 17 March 2017
• Air Force Introduction and Familiarisation – RAAF Amberley, QLD
  27-29 March 2017. Application due on 17 March 2017
• Female Army Adventure Camp - Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, QLD
  4-7 April 2017. Application due on 20-Mar-2017
• Malaria Institute Research Centre - Secondary Students: Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera
  18-20 April. Application due on 24-Mar-2017
• Army Familiarisation and Field Experience - Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera, QLD
  26 – 28 April 2017. Application due on 18 April 2017

On 31 January 2017, Brisbane Times’ sports section published an interview Ashleigh Dwan, Sports Writer, had with the manager of Gold Coast Surfing Academy, John Preston, one of Miami High School’s employer-partners regarding the School Based Traineeship Program.

John discussed how the business started, his passion in the industry, how the classes are delivered, future plans, community project and partnership with the local high school. Below is an excerpt of the interview:

Q: Can you delve into your work with the local high school and the ongoing apprenticeships?

A: This is also something I hold dearly. I have a great relationship with the Miami High School and sign up young students for government supported level three sports coaching apprenticeships. Students stay with me for around 18 months and go through the general mechanics of running a business, talking to customers and organising surf lessons in preparation to become surf coaches. It is a very rewarding experience for both them and me as they are able to deal with adult responsibilities before they are actually adults themselves.

Ryan Amey, Year 11 student from Miami SHS, current school based trainee.

Anchalee King, past Year12 student from Miami SHS, completed a Sport Coaching traineeship in 2016.

(NOTE: information about the photo are provided by Floribel Legaspi and not included in the Brisbane Tines publication).

Floribel Legaspi
Industry Liaison Officer
flega2@eq.edu.au

Miami Valued Partners (MVP) Program – A New School Initiative

The Miami Valued Partner’s Program is a new school initiative that is establishing or enhancing partnerships with local businesses and community organisations. Miami State High School has a proud history of providing our students every opportunity to reach their full potential. We wish to attract potential traineeships, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities for our students. In addition, we envisage that the MVP Program will enhance our ability to access intellectual, physical and other resources not available within the school. This will enable our staff to enrich our Junior and Senior curriculums through community and business support. The MVP program will also create promotional and networking opportunities for community minded businesses, as we recognise the importance of these associations. For more information on the MVP Program, or to become a partner or member, please go to the link below.

We would like to thank the following businesses / organisations for their support of the MVP program to date:

Platinum Level Partners

Aurora Training Institute – A leading Australian nationally recognised training organisation of vocational education and training, Aurora Training Institute offers an extensive range of courses that are accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework, from Certificate through to Diploma level courses. Aurora Training Institute’s mission is to offer flexibility to students, a supportive facility, tailored learning, innovation and accessibility. In delivery of this mission the institute strives to uphold transparency in its dealings, and empower its staff, students and stakeholders. Aurora Training Institute’s values are to demonstrate courage to do the impossible, be at the forefront of everything you do, create opportunities for the future, and to commit to being the best at whatever we do. They are offering one of our graduate Year 12 students a free Diploma Course to the value of up to $18,000.

Bond University – Australia’s first private university with a spirit to innovate, a commitment to influence and a dedication to inspire tomorrow’s professionals. Bond University’s values are to show respect for students and colleagues, as well as having a productive engagement between all students and staff, to strive for excellence in everything they do and take pride in achievements. The university is modelled on the traditions of the world’s most elite educational institutions, with the aim of providing exclusive educational experience of the highest international standards. Bond University have established a connection with Miami State High School through the MVP Program where they will offer our Year 12 students a range of scholarships.

Gold Level Partners

The College of Health & Fitness - The College of Health and Fitness is a family owned and run business that has been operating since 2002. The College offers a personalised service that ensures your training is delivered professionally and truly exceeds the minimum industry standards.

Rokket Teamwear – Rokket Teamwear are suppliers of high quality sublimation team wear for all sporting codes and work uniforms. They are the current sponsors of our Touch Excellence Program, providing our students with playing and training uniforms and Touch Football accessories.

A Team Tuition – A Team Tuition are the creators and innovators of Academic Personal Training. They were not established to merely provide the world with competent tutors; they were established to change lives.

Silver Level Partners

Mighty Minds – Mighty Minds is Queensland’s largest educational consultancy company, with over 30 years of experience delivering resources to schools across the state. They pride themselves on developing long term relationships with their clients and have had a partnership with Miami State High School for an extensive period of time. Mighty Minds offers 25 years of teaching experience, has exposure to over 700 schools and a variety of assessment systems. They provide a very thorough analysis of a school’s existing resources and procedures, resulting in recommendations and comprehensive programs for the school that are personalised and realistic. Mighty Minds has assisted Miami in becoming the school that we are today in regards to academic performance.

Bronze Level Partners

QT Mutual Bank – providing financial support for teachers for more than 50 years.

Crisps Coaches – Scheduled Services from Brisbane and Toowoomba to regional centres throughout Southeast QLD and Northern NSW.

Prestige Service Training – a leading provider of exceptionally, nationally recognised learning solutions that meet the highest standard of excellence.

Members

A body 2 Fit Triathlon Club
Bestway Driving Training
DCM Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd
DesignByLook
Ignite Education
Juice 107.3
The Outdoor Education Consultants
TAFE Queensland Gold Coast
The University of Queensland

Jason Cross
Deputy Principal (Senior Secondary)