23 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

A warm welcome back to term 2 to all of our families following the extended Easter break. I hope that your Easter break enabled you to relax and spend time with family and friends and that you had the opportunity to embrace some events during the Commonwealth Games.

It has been a busy start to term 2 with many events already taken place within our school community. Below is a summary of these.

Executive Student Leader Study Tour 2018

On Saturday 5 May our six Executive Student Leaders Adam Puetter, Lauryn Nelson, Isaac Singh, Emily Campbell, Kobi Rankin and Divisha Tirumalasetti headed off to Melbourne for five days for a Leadership Tour with a difference as part of their leadership program with Mr Jason Cross and myself. The students were put to the test to enhance their leadership skills and teamwork learning, whilst working behind the scenes to generate a legacy for the future students of Miami SHS. What a busy itinerary we had! From watching Richmond Tigers beat the Freemantle Dockers at the MCG and school visits, to a visit to Treasury Place to meet with the Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education & Training Victoria, the eye opening experience was priceless and one that sure will be remembered.

Cross Country Carnival

In the last week of April we held our annual Cross Country Carnival which highlighted the spirit of our school and positive relationships between staff and students. The winning house was Rakumba. Congratulations to the 2018 Cross Country Age Champions: 12 years – Ethan Currie-Lewis and Bella Thompson, 13 years – Harrison Martin and Kali Byres, 14 years – Noah Bushell and Anna Haggerty, 15 years – Will Brown and Hollee Abbott, 16 years – Saxon Rose and Belinda Maher and Opens – Blade Rose and Pia Plagens.

Well done to Miss Gardiner and all staff who helped make this carnival a successful one.

NAPLAN

Last week our years 7 and 9 students sat the annual NAPLAN tests. Many hours of preparation and dedication by staff and students go into making this week as smooth and successful as possible. Thank you to Ms Roberts, Mrs Mahon and Mrs Flynn for their management and organisation of both the NAPLAN tests and the preceding program. I am confident that our students will perform to the best of their ability and it is important to remember that the results of these tests are only a small measurement of each child’s performance at a certain point in time. At Miami we value all forms of teaching, learning and assessment instruments to ensure each child’s strengths across a diverse range of fields are measured and valued.

Student Attendance

With just 6 weeks to go until the end of Term 2, we ask that your children make that extra effort to be punctual, attend school daily and give their very best. We understand that as we head into the winter months more illness arises, however a commitment to making every day count out by attending every day (outside of illness) can only enhance student learning and outcomes.

Congratulations Ms Alison Fahlbusch and Mrs Michelle Flynn

It is with great pleasure that I announce that Ms Alison Fahlbusch, Deputy Principal has been appointed to Palm Beach Currumbin High School as Acting Head of Junior School through to the end of the term with the possibility of extension. This is a wonderful opportunity for Ms Fahlbusch that is well earned. Ms Fahlbusch has been replaced by Mrs Michelle Flynn as Acting Deputy Principal Junior School at Miami State High School. Congratulations Mrs Flynn.

Mrs Susan Dalton
Principal

Dates to Remember

Math’s News

This semester Year 7, 8 and 9 STELLAR Mathematics classes have been involved in data analytics projects with the NRL. These investigations are in addition to the Mathematics curriculum and extend the understanding and uses of data in sport. A recent highlight was a visit from NRL project officers lead by Brett Reese where the Year 7,8 and 9 STELLAR Mathematics classes were involved in games activities. As part of the data analytics projects being undertaken in conjunction with the NRL, the games helped students understand the ways data is collected. It was great to see plenty of competitive fun, and participation from academic excellence students as groups rotated through activities.

As we reach mid-term, students in all Mathematics classes are preparing for exams. The best preparation is practicing questions that have already been completed in class. Why? Students will have worked solutions with full setting out in their own handwriting in their exercise books. This is a tremendous way to build confidence – being able to find solutions to questions learnt weeks ago.

Effort. The number one factor determining grades at the end of a semester is effort. This means working hard in class and working hard at home preparing for assessments. I am very proud of our Mathematics students and their desire to succeed. Keep up the good work!

And finally a reminder that Maths Club is on every Tuesday afternoon in D Block from 3:00 to 4:00pm. We are growing in popularity as we get closer to exams with 42 students attending last week. A big thank you to our Mathematics Teachers giving up their time to assist Students. All students most welcome!

Mr Todd Campbell
Head of Department – Mathematics

Bond National Mooting Competition

On Wednesday the 9th of May four Miami students took on the challenge of competing in the Bond University National High School Mooting competition. The ‘Bond Moot’ is an event for Year 11 and 12 students from every state and territory to develop their legal advocacy skills in a highly challenging and competitive environment. Each year students from over 80 of Australia’s most prominent schools battle it out in the courtroom in front of real judges, barristers and members of the legal profession. Courtney McCauley and Peta Duncombe proved to be outstanding advocates, appearing before the court alongside Angelina Grgich and Lillith Wallis as instructing solicitors. These year 12 students have spent countless hours of rigorous preparation during lunchtimes and late into the evening, researching and writing their submissions over the last few months. Mooting can be exceptionally difficult and involves developing an understanding of highly contentious and specific issues of law at a University level. It also requires an enormous amount of courage in presenting these arguments in a real-life courtroom environment. Congratulations to our 2018 Miami State High School Mooting team for representing our school at such a prestigious event.

Ms Naomi Robinson
Coach and Legal Studies Teacher

Debating at Miami High

This year Miami has entered four teams in the Gold Coast High School Debating Competition. Consisting of over 28 schools from the State, Catholic and Independent sectors, GCD is a prestigious inter-school competition that provides a unique forum for students to develop their debating skills. Participating students gain extensive public speaking and debating experience, learn a wide range of ‘higher level thinking’ skills and make friendships not only from within their own teams but also with keen debaters from other Gold Coast schools.

Our Miami teams have competed in 2 rounds of the GCD competition so far this term, with our Intermediate and Senior Team 1 taking out their very first debates in round 1 of the competition. All our Miami Debaters have been working incredibly hard, showing courage and determination in getting up and debating against far more experienced teams. I would also like to thank all our wonderful coaches who have been working tirelessly with students during lunchtimes and after school, as well as supporting our teams at evening debates.

Congratulations to all our Miami Debaters for doing Miami proud and being outstanding representatives for our school. We can’t wait to see what happens in the next few rounds!

Ms Naomi Robinson
Debating Coordinator and Legal Studies Teacher

Sports Report

Teachers Vs Students

It has been an extremely busy in time in the Sport department so far this year! At the end of last term on Thursday the 15th of March the first Teacher Vs Student game of the year was held. A team of eager students from years 7-12 took on a team of highly enthusiastic teachers in a modified game of water polo. In a very close game the teachers took out the win 3-1 with a goal in the final 30 seconds. Well done to all competitors on the day. Watch out teachers I’ve heard that the students have already started talking tactics for next year!

QLD State Secondary School Swimming Titles

At the end of last term Miami had a group of extremely dedicated students head off to Chandler in Brisbane to compete for South Coast at the QLD State Secondary School swimming titles. Congratulations to Davide Romei (an international exchange student from Italy), Abbie Street, Ben Hance, Ruben Rees, Kaiden Hubbard, Tasmyn Askew and Max Kennedy.

Miami has had a very strong tradition of exceptional swimming students and this year was no different. Congratulations to the following students on placing:

• Tasmyn Askew placed third in the 400m Freestyle
• Exceptional results from Max Kennedy who competed in the Multi class events winning Gold in the 100m Breaststroke, 200m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke as well as Siver in the 50m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke, 100m backstroke and 200 Individual Medley also Bronze in the 100m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly.
• Ruben Rees placed first in both the 800m Freestyle and the 1500m Freestyle, breaking the record by an incredible 20 seconds. He also received Sivler in the 400m Freestyle and bronze in the 200m freestyle.
• Kaiden Hubbard also had impressive results with silver in the 200m backstroke, 400m Individual Medley and bronze in the 100m Backstroke.

Well done to Tasmyn, Max and Ruben on their selection in the Queensland team to compete at the National Titles in Hobart in July.

48th Annual Miami SHS Surfing Competition

At the start of the term the 48th Annual Miami SHS Surfing Competition was held at Burleigh. It was a cracker of a day, kicking off with bacon and egg sandwiches then the students hit the water with the first heat starting at 7am. It was tough competition right through to the final round, when the overall winners were in some cases decided by the last wave of the day! Congratulations to the following winners:

Junior Boys Bodyboarding- Luke Ellison
White Water Challenge- Cooper Regan
Girls Surfing- Abby Gain
Junior Boys Surfing- Casper Evans
Senior boys Surfing- Maccoy Hassett

A very big thank you to the following business for their donation of prizes for the day: Rubber Jungle Wetsuits, BodyScience, Havaianas, Found Bodyboards and Local Knowledge.

Miami SHS Cross Country

On Friday, at the end of week 2, the whole school made their way down to Pizzey Park for the Miami High Cross Country. It was a fantastic day of colour, enthusiasm and smiles. Student effort and participation was extremely high and every point counted in the race to be the champion house of 2018.

Congratulations to the following age champions on their awesome effort.

12 Yrs
Ethan Currie Lewis and Bella Thompson

13 Yrs
Harrison Martin and Kali Byres

14 Yrs
Noah Bushell and Anna Haggerty

15 Yrs
Will Brown and Hollee Abbott

16 Yrs
Saxon Rose and Belinda Maher

17 Yrs and Over
Blade Rose and Pia Plagens

In the accumulated points congratulations to Rakumba House on winning both the males and females championship trophy as well as the overall Cross Country championship house for 2018.

Oceanic District Cross Country

On Thursday the 10th of May the Oceanic District Cross Country Championships were held. Congratulations to all students who made the team. Excellent results for a number of students with Blade Rose and Will Brown being named as Oceanic District Age Champions. At the conclusion of the day, Miami SHS came second overall in the school district.

For any student who made the Oceanic team please electronically complete the South Coast booklet, print and then hand it in to Miss Gardiner in D block staffroom for signing. The booklet can be found at the following link:

GIPSA Sport

GIPSA (Greater Independent Public School Alliance) is five full days of sport for all students at Miami SHS over terms 2 and 3. Training has started in period 4 on Fridays in the lead up to the first day in Week 7. On these days, all students will be expected to attend school in their full school sports uniform, with any specialised equipment they may require for the sport they have chosen. All students will then be bussed to various locations around the Coast in order to play in organised competition with other high schools in the GIPSA alliance. Students will then be transported back to school at the end of the day, arriving before the last bell at 2:50pm. The dates for this year’s full GIPSA sports days are 1/6/18, 8/6/18, 20/7/18, 27/7/18 and 3/8/18.

Ms Danielle Gardiner
Sports Coordinator

Miami High To Become a Centre of Excellence

Mr Matt Chapman
Girls Rugby 7s Excellence Program Coordinator/ Health & Physical Education Teacher

Year 9 Drama

The Year 9 Drama students have engaged in a series of workshops focussing on their development and understanding of Theatre in Education. Workshops have included developing performances for which explore messages and themes suitable for young audiences. Most recently, the students have been involved in the recreation of fairytales which they will perform in Theatre in Education production at the end of this term for a community audience.

Ms Miranda van’t Hof
Drama Teacher

Year 9 Art

ART9A have recently completed their self-portraits that use symbolism to represent something about them. The aesthetics are inspired by Australian artist, Del Kathryn-Barton, who has won the Archibald twice, and currently has another of her portraits entered in this year’s prize. The students find this watercolour and ink task challenging but also rewarding when they see the results. Their artworks speak for themselves.

Mr Scott Barnard
Art Teacher

Year 10 Art

Year 10 Art students began the year with an A4 pencil portrait task that quickly moved on to a larger A1 sized Portraits Distorted task, where they were confronted with a large sheet of white paper in which they had to fill, only using pens, with words and faces. The unit this task is a part of is called, From Figuration to Abstraction. Both classes enjoyed the tasks involved and created outstanding work. I don’t think I have ever awarded so many A grades to an entire class in my life.

Mr Scott Barnard
Art Teacher

Year 7 Art

During term 1, 7I studied Art and Media. They made aboriginal culture inspired coloured pencil drawings depicting Australian native animals; they created posters promoting inspiration, which are displayed in their VIBES classroom; and they are currently studying Drama before moving on to Film and TV where they will create a TV advertisement. All students are engaged and enjoying learning.

Mr Scott Barnard
Art Teacher

Year 7 Arts Program

The Year 7 Arts program has ventured across several Arts disciplines. From Drama, Digital Art amd Dance to Music Construction, and Media. The class has written and participated in mini group plays, with individuals writing their own supporting script. Participated in Drama activities and learned the terminologies required to Dance short expressive performances. Constructed Rain Sticks, utilising Photoshop for their decorative coverings, then infilled with Aluminium, Rice, Corn and Pasta for the rain dropping sound effects. As a visual backdrop, Mr Berton’s year7 ARTS class will also film and prepare an abstract visual narrative for an interpretive Arid landscape pre rains, Rural lush setting post rains, as well as Celebrating spectral colours metaphoric of the refractive light from the Serpents scales.

This is all to culminate in a small scale performance of the Rainbow Serpent, everyone having contributed to some degree in the modified cultural story of the Rainbow Serpent with Mr Berton. Planning this activity will also include in the class constructing costumes, inventing specific soundscapes, head wear, and timed movements choreographed to tell the story.

Mr Marco Burton
Visual and Digital Art Teacher

Year 8 Art and Digital Design

Year 8 Digital Art and Design have been pushing the very extremes in the conventional use of Photoshop. When most would be creating a flat two dimensional title page for art journals, we in Mr Berton’s Digital Art and Design class, are making animated 10second title pages, with inserted sound tracks and sound effects. This is very high-end foundations in the industrial use of Photoshop. Well done 8G.

Currently, this year 8 cohort is deep in the use of Illustrator, generating continuous-line self-portraits, along with tight line realistic self-portraits. Focus and good control of the pen tool in Illustrator offers digital expression worthy of an A3 sized colour printout that would hang proudly in all family homes, because Mother’s Day, really is every day.

Mr Marco Burton
Visual and Digital Art Teacher

Year 9 Media FTV

Activating Students as Instructional Resources for each other – Marco Berton
(Using strategies that appear in all types of lessons)

Students acting as instructional resources for each other

The year 9 MEDIA class grouped themselves into members of 3, and were given key roles to allocate between them. The learning was centered on Face to Face Survey Questioning of Teenagers and Adults – specifically the use of digital devices and how the two groups go about using them.

The Art and Science Of Teaching Focus was DA6, around the use of students as a resource in teaching fellow students. Primarily (but not exclusively specific to) group work.

The task covered working as a group; professional deportment and public speaking; gathering of data; converting the data into percentages for viable comparison; the effective use of Adobe Illustrator to present the data in an appealing themed graph form; and finally to construct a professional looking WORD document of the processed results tabulated with supporting graphs.

The task’s aim was realised part way through when students automatically began sharing of what they had learned with their peers.

At the stage between the gathering of information out in the field and the effective use of Adobe Illustrator, the first group of proactive individuals returned ready to be shown how to use Adobe Illustrators Graph Making feature.

Becoming experts able to act as instructional resources!

There began an organic proactive move by a majority of two groups, to instruct others who had moments earlier returned from the field of data collection and who would require upskilling and instruction.

At Task’s end, Students reported that they enjoyed the autonomous, self-determination aspect as set by the task. It is enjoyable to see students supporting each other. Students appreciated the freedom to make mistakes and that in itself not being frowned upon, rather an opportunity to ask further questions and seek further guidance.

Mr Marco Burton
Visual and Digital Art Teacher

Year 11 Film, Television and New Media

On Thursday 26th of April, the year 11 Film, Television and New Media class was lucky enough to attend Future Filmmakers Seminar Day at Bond University. This is an initiative of The Gold Coast Film Festival to support youth wishing to pursue a career in the Film and Television Industry. Students were able to rub shoulders with successful producers, directors, production designers, and my personal favourite, the location manager who worked on the most recent Thor instalment. They were also treated to a tour of Bond University's amazing film department facilities. We had a great day and students came away with a renewed enthusiasm for the subject.

Ms Lucy Carr
Film & Television Teacher

Year 7 Dance Excellence

The Year 7 Dance Excellence students received an amazing opportunity as part of their Dance Excellence Program in week 4 as part of their term 2 musical theatre unit. Jack Chambers, who acts as Artistic Director of RAW Company, when he is not working as a highly sought after Musical Theatre Performer and Choreographer conducted a musical theatre workshop with the students. Jack Chambers' career highlights include winning So You Think You Can Dance - Australia, choreographer and teacher at Joffrey Ballet School and Peri Dance Centre in the United States of America, winner of the 'Young Choreographer ' Award at the American Dance Awards and appearing in a number of theatre productions including the Australian production of Hairspray. This was a truly wonderful opportunity for the students to work with an international industry professional!

Congratulations is also extended to the Year 7 Dance Excellence class on receiving the 'The Excellence Cup' for their outstanding term 1 reports. 7E's reports reflected exactly what it means to be a member of a Miami Excellence Program - pushing yourself to be successful in all aspects of school life. I am extremely proud of the Year 7 Dance Excellence students and I encourage them to keep up their great work!

The Year 8 Dance Excellence students have filled the studio this term with loud banging, clapping and stomping in their percussive dance unit and recently experienced a professional workshop with RAW Dance Company. The workshop was thoroughly enjoyed by all students and formed the basis to their collaborative percussive dance choreographic tasks to be performed at the end of this term.

Ms Miranda van’t Hof
Experienced Senior Teacher - Dance

Miami High Dance Xtreme 2018

The Dance Xtreme Program, now in its 13th year, is designed as an extension program in Dance enabling students to further develop their abilities, undertake workshops with professional choreographers, showcase Miami High, compete at eisteddfods and foster primary links. The Dance Xtreme Students underwent a three-phase audition process to demonstrate their diversity as dancers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the dancers who auditioned for their efforts. Students of the program are committed to an extensive rehearsal schedule, weekly lessons during lunch hours, competition at an elite level and the opportunity to teach primary students. On Friday 11th May, at a special presentation on assembly, the students were formally introduced and presented with their Miami High Dance Xtreme kit followed by the announcement of the 2018 Miami High Dance Xtreme Captain, Talia Donoghue. The 2018 Dance Xtreme students are: Elyse Cochrane, Gemma Laan , Rachel Staub, Lauren Howard, Alex Palmer, Indy Vergotis, Lilla Dennett, Lily Grant, Elysium Hipwood, Kaylea Davis, Sienna Kearns, Ella Cooper, Lucy Wemyss, Olivia Lopez & Maiya Stevens.

Ms Miranda van’t Hof
Artistic Director I Dance Xtreme Program

MUNA Debate 2018 – Miami SHS Represents Greece with Flair

On Saturday, March 24th, three outstanding Philosophy and Reason students, Tayla Buckland, Raven Clodd and Jake Alabaster participated in Rotary's annual Model United Nations Debate. The Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) is an educational event designed to teach students about the United Nations organisation and its fundamental principles, providing the opportunity for students to improve their public speaking skills and debate with one another on current world issues. Schools from QLD and NSW represented countries from around the world while debating heated international topics such as the Syrian refugee crisis and addressing North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Miami SHS represented Greece and contributed to the discussions with flair.

“The experience, personally, has been a wonderful way to educate myself on world topics and potential solutions brought up not only in my own research, but the ideas of the other teams. I would certainly recommend any student who is interested in current political topics, eager to learn more about the ideas and cultures of other countries or simply have the desire to improve their public speaking and boost their confidence,” – Tayla, Year 12 Philosophy Student

Well done to our young philosophers!

Mr Matt Smith
Philosophy and Reason Teacher

SEP Information Session for Parents

True Relationships and Reproductive Health are presenting an information session at Miami High on 4 June, 8:00am – 9:00am. The session is for parents of a student with a disability. The presenter will be discussing a variety of topics, including relationships and sexual education. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to SEP administration.

Ms Nicole Locke
SEP Teacher

Tournament of Mind (TOMs) 2018

Miami State High School are very pleased to offer Tournament of Minds again this year. What an exciting program for all students of diverse abilities, interests and specialities to engage their creative side and learn to collaboratively solve problems; helping our young people to succeed, much more capably, in our 21st Century world.

We will be taking expressions of interest at our next assembly on Friday 11th May, whereby we will conduct auditions soon after. There are four disciplines or categories: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), Social Sciences, Language Literature and a new discipline for TOM this year … The Arts. These are all in alignment with ACARA and the new curriculum for Senior School and ATAR.

We look forward to fostering a lifetime love of learning, helping our future world problem solvers blossom throughout this exciting 21st Century.

Ms Michelle Flynn
Acting Deputy Principal – Junior Secondary

Ms Cheryl Yamazaki
English, Humanities and Japanese Teacher

Mrs Michelle Flynn: Head of Department - Junior Secondary
Ms Cheryl Yamazaki: Teacher – English, Humanities and Japanese

Bullying No Way!

Student Article

Bullying is becoming a big problem in schools worldwide, and is resulting in talented young people taking their own lives. In response to this bullying epidemic, Miami high raised awareness for being bullied through ‘Bullying No Way! Day’ on the 16th of March 2018. All vibes classes participated in an anti-bullying poster competition and students wore orange t-shirts and socks to show their support for the fight against bullying. Two of our reporters had the opportunity to interview Ms Andre, an adored teacher throughout the school, and it’s safe to say that the staff at Miami High are ready to support any students that have struggled with bullying or are being bullied at the moment. Here’s what Ms Andre had to say when asked what she would do if a student confided in her that they were being bullied.

“I would listen to their story and bring them to the RTC to report the bullying. I would then follow up with the RTC to make sure the bullies are dealt with. If I need be, I would also provide them with a safe place to be during breaks until everything is sorted out.”

At we Miami, we have made it our goal to stand up to bullies even if we ourselves aren’t the ones being bullied. We hope to create an environment where students feel comfortable in talking to teachers, parents, friends or guardians if faced with a problem such as bullying.

By Students Hana Gomibuchi and Sakhi Tidyman.

SEP Showcase

MVP Spotlight: Miami One Dental

The Miami Valued Partners (MVP) Program is a school initiative that was founded in 2017 to make use of partnerships with local businesses and community organisations. Our school has a proud history of providing students with every opportunity to reach their full potential and we recognise the important contribution that community-minded businesses and individuals can play in supporting our efforts in this regard. As one of our Platinum MVP members, Miami One Dental plays a significant role in providing these opportunities.

Dentist Dr Jan Kossyrev qualified with a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry from Griffith University, graduating in 2010. He’s lived in the Gold Coast since 2001, and when it was time to open his practice, he knew that he wanted to remain close to the beach and enjoy the laid-back vibe of our community. Miami One Dental was founded in Miami in 2017.

At their brand-new facility, you can benefit from a range of dentistry services, including general, cosmetic and restorative. Jan also provides Invisalign® and traditional braces, so if you’d like to straighten your smile, need a checkup and clean, require a crown or bridge and more, your needs can be met at their clinic.

Miami One Dental serves many young professionals and families who live or work in and around Miami. Even those who may have felt nervous about visiting the dentist in the past are soon put at ease by Jan and his caring, compassionate team.

Jan has a couple of messages for the Miami High Community:

Ms Catherine Crowe
Public Relations and Events Officer

Wellbeing Update

This term we will be continuing with our Vibes program with our emphasis on building our strengths. Our Year 8 wellbeing day will be on the 24th May and will involve a new structure. This time we will be running 30 minute sessions rather than 70 minutes. This way the students will be able to have access to more activities than in previous wellbeing days. The theme of the day is self-regulation and the students will have activities such as cyber safety, mindfulness, gratitude tree, photography, team building and puberty. The day will follow normal bell times and break times. All students are required to attend in full school uniform. These Good Vibes Days are full of important information for the students and have proven to be an informative and fun day.

Wellbeing Tip:

As the weather cools down and the days get shorter and we get out the heaters and electric blankets, we still need to ensure that we are putting into action some important steps to keeps us healthy. Staying hydrated is essential as the heating we use can dehydrate our bodies. Getting quality sleep is another important way to maintain a healthy body and healthy mind and help fight off those winter bugs.

To ensure that we get the best for ourselves in winter, check out the top 10 tips from Body and Soul.

Health advice - Bodyandsoul.com

10 tips for winter wellness

Here Sharon Labi gives her top ten tips to keep you in flu-fighting shape.

Winter can be a trying time both mentally and physically. The days are darker, colder and shorter and our bodies become more susceptible to all kinds of winter nasties like cold and flu. While it sounds tempting just to stay inside and hide from it all, being proactive about your health and wellbeing will help ensure that you make it through the cooler months cold and flu-free, and in tip-top shape to enjoy the summer. Here are body+soul's tips for supercharging your winter wellness.

1. Wash hands
   Sounds simple but it’s the number one way to stop the spread of germs. Experts recommend washing hands every few hours and in particular after using the toilet and before meals. Give them a wash after touching someone else’s phone or keyboard at work.
2. Get vaccinated
   The seasonal flu jab provides 12 months of cover against the major strains of flu including the 2009 pandemic swine flu. If you’re considered at risk (for example over 65, pregnant, or have a chronic illness), the government picks up the tab.
3. Keep exercising
   It’s hard to get motivated when it’s cold and dark, but your body has to work overtime to get warm, so you can burn more kilojoules on that early morning walk or run. Find an exercise partner to keep you motivated and if it’s too cold outside, go to the gym or do laps at an indoor pool.
4. Eat well
   Keep your immune system in shape by making sure you’re eating a healthy diet. For your body to be able to respond to infection, it needs to have enough protein, so enjoy lean meat, fish and poultry.
5. Dose up on vitamins and minerals
   Iron, zinc and vitamin C are also key to a healthy immune system. But before popping supplements, boost your dietary intake of these substances. Look for dark, leafy greens and red and yellow vegetables, which are all high in antioxidants.
6. Stay hydrated
   Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. If cold water is unappealing when the mercury dips, try boiled water with a slice of lemon. The moisture will also help make mucous membranes, including those in your sinuses, more resistant to bacteria.
7. Rest up
   Regular sleep is vital to staying healthy. Don’t let yourself get run down. Those who aren’t well rested are more likely to get sick.
8. Quit smoking
   Smokers are far more susceptible to upper respiratory infections, which tend to strike in winter. Even if you’re a social smoker, now’s a good time to quit and clear your airways.
9. Clean up winter mould
   Mould can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, respiratory infections and worsen asthma and allergic conditions. So move your spring clean forward to autumn.
10. Save your skin
    Cold air, wind and heating will dry out your skin, so keep your face and body well moisturised.

I hope these tips help as we get set for winter!

Ms Tiffany Grant
Wellbeing Coordinator

MSHS Early Departure Policy

We, at Miami State High School, value the education of your students and believe that every lesson is crucial to the academic success of our students. As a result, we wish to remind parents and students of our Early Departure Policy as outlined on page 6 of our Student Planner (see below).

If a student requires an early departure from school, they must:

• Present a note from their parent/carer requesting permission to leave school to their Dean of Students for approval prior to 8:45am
• Once the note is signed, the student takes it to the Student Services office to collect a leave pass
• Please be aware that any other early departure from school needs to be approved by a Deputy Principal

Student Absentee Line

For all student absences please call our direct number on 5554 0334 or email absences@miamishs.eq.edu.au.

Leaving Forms

Parents, please note: If you are planning on leaving the school at the end of the year, please contact Christine Nowicki at Student Services on email cnowi1@eq.edu.au or 5554-0333 for the leaving form before the close of term.

Finance Office Trading Hours and Payment Options

Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8.00am to 12.00pm (closed Friday).

Student Payment Times: Before school or during first break

Receipts will always be given for payments made over the counter and will always be available on request for payments made by Internet Banking or Credit Card over the phone

Kellie Johnston
Business Services Manager

Important Information from TransLink

Translink suggests using 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

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.

Kellie Johnston
Business 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.

Heath Fox
Head of Student Engagement