9 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Welcome to our August edition of the Miami SHS newsletter. This month is certainly going to be a busy one for all staff and students with GIPSA Sport and numerous events scheduled.

Last week I returned to work following extended family leave and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jason Cross for his leadership of Miami State High School whilst he was Acting Principal during my absence.

Reporting

By now every Parent/Carer would should have received their child’s report card for Semester 1. Reporting is an opportunity for parents to gain feedback on how their child is tracking in each of their subjects and to have conversations with them and their teachers on what strategies can be implemented for continuous improvement. As a school, our staff too will unpack our student outcomes and analyse the progress being made to always look for ways to continue to improve the learning outcomes for each of our students.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

On Monday 13 August 2018 we will be holding Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews from 2:00pm to 7:00pm in the Great Hall. School will finish at 12:55pm on this day to allow for Interviews to commence at 2:00pm. These interviews are a perfect opportunity to ensure that every child is on track for success. Online bookings are now open and can be made through the SOBS program. On the same evening there will be a year 10 SET Plan & ATAR Information Session from 5:00pm to 6:00pm that I encourage parents of year 10 students to attend.

Miami Snow Trip and Japan Trip

Welcome back to all students and staff who attended the Snow Trip to Perisher Valley or the Japan Trip during the holidays. By all accounts these trips were successful and all students are to be congratulated for their enthusiasm, behaviour and attitude. It’s timely to thank our dedicated staff who gave up a week’s holiday to take students away, they included Mr Cross, Mr Lydiard and Mr Murphy on the Snow Trip and Miss Wilson, Miss Hamilton, Mr Campbell and Ms Fahlbusch on the Japan Trip.

Study Tours

At the start of the term we welcomed Kyushu Sangyo High School from Japan who is visiting Miami High for a cultural/education study tour until Thursday 2 August. Kyushu students have been involved in a range of cultural experiences that are designed to enhance their English language study. Thank you to the International Department, all Miami High Staff and our wonderful buddies for contributing to the success of our Study Tour Programs. This week we had the pleasure of welcoming Yokosuka High School students for a two week study tour.

2018 Parent/Caregiver School Opinion Survey

Our parent community is invited to participate in this year’s School Opinion Survey and have your say about what we do well at Miami High, and how we can improve. Participation in the survey is anonymous and all information that you provide will be treated confidentially. The survey is accessed online and should take less than ten minutes to complete.

In the week beginning 13 August, the eldest child of every family will bring home a blue online access letter with further instructions including a web link and two unique access codes. Thank you in advance for assisting us to continue improving our school.

Lastly, I would like to remind all parents and extended friends to submit your enrolment applications for Year 7 commencing in 2019. We are receiving a high number of out-of-catchment applications. The sooner we can confirm enrolment applications for 2019, the sooner we can plan class sizes, orientation programs and consider applications in waiting.

Thank you to all our parents and friends for your continued support. If you would like to be active members of our school community, please join our upcoming P&C Meeting on Tuesday 21 August starting at 6:30pm in our Administration Building.

Mrs Sue Dalton
Principal

Dates to Remember

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Please be reminded that school will finish at 12:55pm on Monday 13th August 2018 to allow for Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews to commence at 2:00pm in the Great Hall.

The reason for interviews to commence at 2:00pm is to enable a greater proportion of parents and students to access individual teachers for interviews.

Interview bookings can be arranged using the following link:

Parents of year 10 students: from 5:00 – 6:00p.m there is a presentation that will explain how the new Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) system will work followed by another presentation outlining the SET Plan process that accompanies the senior school journey. The presentation will take place in the library. Please arrange your interviews around this time.

Parents are requested to make alternative transport arrangements for students on this day but please do not hesitate to contact our office on 5554 0333 should you wish your child to remain supervised until the end of a normal school day.

Ms Katie Barber
Head of Department – High Impact Teaching

Night of Excellence

Coming up on Wednesday the 22nd of August we will be holding our inaugural ‘Night of Excellence’. Contrary to our traditional midyear academic awards ceremony, the ‘Night of Excellence’ looks to celebrate outstanding behaviour, diligence, attendance and contribution to school life, alongside exceptional academic achievements. Letters will be distributed to students requesting their attendance if they are receiving an award, however the invitation is open to the whole school community.

The night will comprise of certificate presentations, performances from The Arts Department and a special Q & A session with one of our local Gold Coast Suns Players.

5:00pm-6:00pm – Food Trucks & Live Music in the Great Hall Courtyard
6:00pm-8:30pm – Formalities in the Great Hall

Refreshments will be available for purchase prior to the event and during the short intermission.

As this is a formal occasion, all students receiving awards are required to attend the evening in their full formal school uniform. A rehearsal will be held during school hours on Monday 20 August in the Great Hall – students will be advised of their required attendance through school notices.

Ms Catherine Crowe
Public Relations and Events Officer

Queensland Core Skills Test

The final preparation for the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) test on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th September is underway. Attendance at the recent Friday Masterclasses has been excellent with 94% of QCS students attending, showing the fabulous team mentality of the group to work for each other. A big thankyou to Josh Ellem and Mia Hori who have done a great job as our QCS Facebook page administrators ensuring efficient and motivating communication throughout the year. Instructions to students was distributed last week with all the essential and optional equipment required for all the tests. Thank you to our fabulous partners Mighty Minds that have assisted students in their preparation for the upcoming tests. Monday the 3rd September will be the final QCS preparation day in I block from 8.55-2.50pm. We wish all students success for their tests.

Mr Grant Webster
Head of Department – Senior Secondary

SEP Showcase

Late last term we had the pleasure of hosting our annual SEP Showcase. Parents and teachers were invited to come along and admire the hard work completed by each of the students so far this year. Students, Teachers and guests chatted, marvelled over the presented work samples and video displays, shared afternoon tea and kicked the footy together for the afternoon. Guests were even treated to a self-defence demonstration where students showed off their skills with Mr Marshall. We thank all those who came and made the showcase a success.

Ms Kellie-Anne King
Teacher - Supportive Education

Bangarra Rekindling Program & Creative Generations

Over the June/ July school holidays, four of Miami’s Indigenous students participated in the 2018 Bangarra Rekindling Program. Talia Donoghue, Kalani Ripley, Kealy Williams and Mahalia Williams danced, stretched and rehearsed alongside students from all over the southeast region, dancers and mentors from ACPA (Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts) and Bangarra Dance Theatre Company. These students showcased their talents and cultural pride on stage at this year’s Creative Generations: State Schools on Stage, which will be aired on Network Ten at 1.30 pm on Saturday 27 October.

A massive congratulations to Talia, Kalani, Kealy and Mahalia on an awe-inspiring performance!

Ms Karis Hill-Milnes
Teacher – English, Humanities and Indigenous Education Worker

Sports Report

As always it has been a massive start to Term 3 with the Miami SHS Annual Track and Field Carnival, the start of GIPSA Interschool sport and various other sporting events our school students have been participating in.

The Athletics carnival was a cracking day with fantastic weather and some extremely talented athletes taking to both the track and field. Age Champions were again extremely closely contested in some cases with only one point separating students. Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding efforts.

12Yrs: Kailannah Leigh and Bliss White
13Yrs: Sophie Clements and Jay Skinner
14Yrs: Kasea Mitchell and Taj Williams
15Yrs: Breanna Raymond and Joel Ottaway
16Yrs: Ethan Mooney and Lucy Single
17Yrs: Cody Clark and Baylen Boniface

The Oceanic District Track and Field Carnival will be held on Thursday 23rd and Friday the 24th of August at Griffith University Athletics Centre. Any 12 old student who came first in an individual event or first or second in an individual 13 to 17 years event has made the Miami SHS Track and Field Team. Please have your student return their permission form to Miss Gardiner in D Block staffroom by Tuesday 7th of August to ensure their nomination in the events.

CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS

At the start of this term three extremely talented Miami SHS students, Blade Rose, Saxon Rose and Kali Byres, competed for South Coast at the State Cross Country Championships. Congratulations to Blade who came 3rd in the 17yrs boys event and Kali who placed 4th in the 13yrs girls event. Both students have been named in the Queensland team to compete later this term at the National Cross Country Championships.

GIPSA Interschool sport is being hotly contested against Varsity College, Helensvale SHS and Southport SHS. Students are asked to ensure they take enough food for the day, plenty of water and to wear their Miami SHS hat and sunscreen. It is fantastic to hear good news stories of students displaying good sportsmanship, respect and high quality skill.

Ms Danielle Gardiner
Sports Coordinator

AFLQ Cup

On the 24th of July, the Miami SHS Senior Girls AFL team competed in the Qualifying Finals of the AFL Q Schools Cup. The team defeated Lourdes Hill College in their first round game, 88 to 26 which meant they played off for a semi- final position. The girls showed determination in their second game to take out the win, defeating Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School 82 to 6. Congratulations to the dynamic midfielder, Lucy Single who was named ‘Best of Ground’ by the coaches. Jyrah Bradfield won the ‘Coaches Award’ for showing depth and skill in the forward line.

Well done to the Miami SHS Senior Girls AFL team who participated in the semi-final on the 7th of August and defeated Narangba Valley State High School 52- 44 and now progress through to the preliminary final in October. Best on ground for this game went to Lucy Single, Liv Stephenson & Maddison Levi.

In other AFL news, a huge congratulations to Ashley Irvine and Teagan Levi who competed recently for Queensland School Sport in AFL in Adelaide. Both girls were selected for this team back in May at the State Championships after representing South Coast School Sport. Teagan Levi was also named ‘Best on Ground’ over two games. Teagan has also gone on to be selected in “The All Australian” AFL team after being selected at the national AFL Competition in Adelaide.

Well done to both girls, you have certainly paved the way for AFL success at Miami SHS.

Ms Pippa McGinniskin
AFL Coach/Teacher – Physical Education

Ms Courtney Innes
AFL Coach/Teacher – Physical Education

Open Boys Rugby League

Being in the Titans Trophy competition for 12 years and have not as yet won a grand final, the players were keen to play hard against the favourites Helensvale State High School at the senior Burleigh Bears Rugby League Field on the 20th of June. Whilst the Miami Open boys Rugby League team were underdogs coming into the game the players were full of confidence only losing one fixture match all season.

The crowd was spectacular as the players ran on to field with both team showing nerves early, Helensvale ran in a few quick tries. After a tough defensive 20 minutes Helensvale scored another try in the corner making the score 18-0. After a quick debrief the Miami Maddogs scored a fantastic try late in first half making the half time score 18-6.

After a well-deserved break the boys were keen to keep the momentum going and after a few moments the boys scored a quick try making the win within reach. With the majority of the crowd being Miami Supporters the players were keen to capitalise on this but unfortunately the Helensvale team score another try due to some fatigue in the forward pack making it quite difficult for the team comeback. After an amazing team effort and cheers from the crowd the boys came back scoring a few quick consecutive tries with the final score being 24-22 with the win going to the Miami Maddogs.

The players represented their school with pride and made history being the first Miami squad to win the Titans trophy. Thank you to all the supporters were come along to support the team and for the parents and caregivers for donating their time and helping with organisation. Secondly, thank you to the co-coaches Mr Dooley and Mr Chapman and all the other teacher who help with water running.

There will be a special assembly in week 6 this term to celebrate the team win and the official handing over of the trophies.

The school is very proud of their achievements and we wish all year 12 players all the best for their futures.

Mr Lee Freeman
Rugby Coach/ Teacher – Aerospace Systems, Mathematics and Science

Kwerky Kandles – Supportive Education Program

Our Supportive Education Students enrolled in the QCIA program are proud to announce they are making and selling candles to the Miami community. Our label is Kwerky Kandles.

All candles are made from soy wax and are quality products. Funds raised with this project will go to further support the project or other work based projects within the SEP.

Cost of candles are very competitive – Large $20, Medium $15, Small $10.

We have a wonderful range of scents:

• Lemongrass and Coconut
• French Pear
• Grapefruit and Lime
• Salted Caramel
• Vanilla

Candles can be purchased from the front administration office.

Mrs Susan Millett
Teacher - Supportive Education / Special Education Transition Officer

Vicki Wilson Championships

On the 25th & 26th of July, Miami SHS netball teams competed in the Vicki Wilson championships - the premier netball competition for high schools across Queensland. This year was the first year we had a junior and senior team representing the school. The girls played very well, with our senior team coming 6th in their pool. It was fantastic to see our netball girls having the opportunity to represent Miami SHS at such a high level. Well done girls!

Mrs Lisa Johanson
Teacher – English & Humanities

Legal Excursion

On the 24th of July, the Grade 12 Legal Studies classes, taught by Mrs Schnitzerling and Ms Robinson, participated in an excursion to the Queensland Supreme Court Library to investigate and research their independent legal assignment topics for their term 3 assessment. Some students from the class were invited by Mr Campbell to witness admissions with graduating university students being admitted into the law profession.

Lilith Wallis
Student - Year 12 Legal Studies

Maths Department News

Here we are at mid term 3 and most of our year levels will be working an assignment now or in the weeks to come. Assignment work provides a great opportunity in Mathematics to build results provided students are organised with their time, seek assistance and meet monitoring and drafting deadlines.

In Year 8 and 10 our Maths Assignment takes the form of a Problem Solving and Modelling Task (PSMT). This is a new assessment instrument designed by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) to replace the traditional assignment model. It is based on a semi open ended investigation using Microsoft Excel and takes the form more like a scientific report. Students will be guided through the PSMT and we look forward to some creativity and excellent written analysis. Technology is essential – a computer with Microsoft Excel will need to be accessed – a school or personal computer can be used. There is no need for internet connectivity so non BYOD machines are totally fine. Please ask me if you have any questions.

A reminder that Maths Club is well underway in D Block every Tuesday Afternoon 3-4pm. I would like to invite all students to come along and get assistance from our hardworking Maths Teachers. The contribution and involvement from students and teachers is well appreciated.

With subject information evening, parent teacher interviews and subject selections for Year 9 and 10 close by, I extend an open invitation to make sure you come and say hello and meet the Mathematics Staff at Miami State High School. Our Staff and myself look forward to meeting many families and offering advice and assistance with student outcomes, future subject selections and career pathways in mind.

Mr Todd Campbell
Head of Department – Mathematics

Wellbeing Update

The term has started as busy as ever with the year 9 Good Vibes Day on the 7th August. A great day with important topics such as Cybersafety, Drumming, Healthy Relationships, Mindfulness, Understanding other cultures and Safe Gaming. These days always receive positive feedback with students engaged in exciting activities and learning valuable skills.

As our world becomes increasingly busy, we need to take time out to stop and let our minds be quiet and silent. Remember to use the Smiling Mind app or website to help settle the busy minds, help relax for restful sleep and to reduce anxiety. Research has shown that being able to settle our minds improves our focus and concentration. The power of the breath of calm our thoughts is a useful tool in all areas of our lives.

In previous articles we have talked about the 24 character strengths and how we use these strengths in our day to day life. This week the focus is on LOVE. Love is defined as ‘being loving and being loved and valuing close relations with others. We all need to be loved to feel valued and accepted and this helps build positive relationships with both friends and family.

The article below talks about the Five Languages of Love and how different people express this in different ways.

Ms Tiffany Grant
Acting HOD - Student Engagement

MVP Spotlight

Zaraffas Miami One are a proud member of the Miami Valued Partners program and as such help us deliver unique and exciting opportunities for our students. We are very thankful for their contributions and active involvement in the program. Zaraffas at Miami One would like to offer the Miami High Community a free upsize on a variety of different beverages.

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