12 December 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

As we approach the last day of school for 2018, it is timely to reflect upon what an incredible month November has been.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Year 12 Graduation on Tuesday 13 November and their Formal at SeaWorld on Thursday 15 November was a highlight for the school. Witnessing 183 seniors leave our school with their graduation certificate was a moment of joy and pride. Their final success was a culmination of their own hard work and determination, coupled with targeted support, individual tracking and guidance from our teaching staff to ensure all of our students achieved their personal best.

It is with great pleasure that I announce that 100% of our Year 12 students attained a Queensland Certificate of Education this year. My sincere appreciation extends not only to our teachers, senior school performance team and support staff, but to all parents, carers and families who have played an active role in their child’s high school journey. The sense of community and collective responsibility is evident at our school, and I am so proud of everyone. We wish the Class of 2018 all the very best as they discover life beyond the school gates – they will be sorely missed.

As we prepare for a New Year and new transitions, we also look forward to welcoming new students from in and around the catchment that will be commencing Year 7 with us in January. We had the pleasure of seeing their smiling faces on Thursday 6 December at their Transition Day. The staff at Miami are eagerly awaiting every arrival in 2019 and look forward to watching everyone excel over the next 6 years. I am also pleased to report that Miami State High School is experiencing an enormous enrolment growth for 2019 which is testament to the hard work this year in our school community. I will report our final figure in our February newsletter.

2019 Innovation and Information

Last week parents and carers were sent an email via Schoolzine surrounding changes to our timetable structure for 2019. As mentioned in my email as a school we have been looking internally at the productivity of our student timetable structure and the impact it has on student engagement and each child’s personal growth. This has given us opportunity to also enact the IPS feature to ‘innovate and trial’. Through this process our purpose has been to maximise engagement and enhance learning by providing a timetable for students that is tailored to their individual needs and passion.

From 2019, the school day will commence 5 minutes earlier at 8:45am and conclude 20 minutes earlier every afternoon at 2:30pm. This will allow students to catch buses without leaving their session 4 class early every day, as well as enabling a safer return home to those students who travel by bike or foot with less traffic congestion, and also providing opportunity to collect siblings in our feeder primary schools – a student responsibility that is on the rise. The safety and uninterrupted learning of our students is paramount.

In addition to the above, senior students (years 10, 11 and 12) will have the option to finish each Monday at 12:50pm, unless otherwise engaged in a personalised program such as QCS, Vocational Education and Training commitments, School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships or tutorials. This also enables our junior school the opportunity to be empowered every Monday afternoon by engaging in well-being and student leadership programs.

I would like to thank the school communities Local Consultative Committee, School Council and P&C Association for their work and collegiality throughout this process.

Junior Formal Uniform Clarification

In September this year I communicated with parents and carers that our school will be introducing Junior Formal Uniform at the commencement of 2019. I would like to clarify that there is no expectation for all junior students (Years 7-9) to have the new formal uniform from Day 1 of 2019.

School photos take place in week 4 of term 1 and junior students will be allowed to wear their sports uniform this year if they don’t have a formal uniform. On a daily basis students will still have the option on routine days to wear their sports uniform as opposed to their formal one, however it will be expected that all junior students will wear a formal uniform when representing the school in non-sporting events and of course at awards ceremonies.

The junior formal uniforms will be in stock and available for purchase from our Uniform Shop from 8:30am on Monday 21 January 2019.

2019 ‘Start Up’ Arrangements

As this is the last newsletter for 2018, please be advised of the following ‘Start Up’ arrangements:

Uniform Shop

8:30am to 1:30pm daily
Monday 21 to Wednesday 23 January 2019 – Uniform Shop open for incoming Year 7 students
Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 January 2019 – Uniform Shop open for all students

Finance Office

The Finance Office will be open Monday 21 to Friday 25 January 2019 from 8:00am – 1:30pm.

Return to School Dates

Tuesday 29 January 2019 – Only Years 7, 8 and 12 commence school
Wednesday 30 January 2019 – Whole school attends

Happy and Safe Holidays

On behalf of everyone at Miami State High School, we wish you a happy, healthy and relaxing Christmas holiday and sincere thanks to everyone in the school community for their commitment to our school in 2018.

Mrs Sue Dalton
Principal

Dates to Remember

International News

Internationals went on Excursion to Tangalooma 10-12 October the first week back of Term 4. Student activities included: the Desert Safari, Sand Tobogganing, Dolphin feeding and snorkelling. Internationals were offered Learn to surf lessons by Surfing Services Australia.

Dance’eD in the Spotilight

Miami High was represented proudly by 37 students at Danc’eD in the Spotlight 2018 on the 26 October at HOTA. Danc’eD is a showcase of dance from primary and secondary students of the Gold Coast, organised by Gold Coast dance teachers and is held annually as a non-competitive event, bringing students and teachers who share a passion for dance together for a day of entertainment. This year Miami High was represented by MGC+1, our girls hip hop crew plus 1 male dancer and MDA, our dance acrobatics group. Performing Insomnia choreographed by Ms Miranda van’t Hof, MDA took to the stage executing highly technical acrobatics in unison. This was no mean feat and the all junior group can be very proud of their efforts. MGC+1 followed shortly after receiving a rousing applause for their high energy routine choreographed by Year 11 Crew Leader, Clara Martins de Carvahlo. The evening finished with a combined schools Finale which filled the theatre with secondary dance students. Well done to all of the students involved!

Ms Miranda van’t Hof
Teacher – Dance

Senior School: Investing in Success

Senior School: Investing in Success

2019 heralds the introduction of a new external assessment system for Queensland’s Year 11 cohort. Our school is prepared for these changes, but is your child? The structure of assessment differs from previous years, in that students are tested on cumulative knowledge across Year 11 and 12; this change needs to be met with a shift in student attitudes about study, and a positive approach towards learning. There are four key steps that every student can take in order to reach their full potential in their senior years of study.

1. Start early. The extent of content covered in Years 11 and 12 is considerable. Entering each subject with background knowledge will reduce the stress that students feel throughout the school term. Starting early also means developing study and revision habits in the first weeks of the school term; this will alleviate pressure during heavy assessment periods.
2. Work consistently. Attending school every day with a positive, active and consistent engagement in learning ensures that success is made easier.
3. Seek expert help. Your child should clarify concepts with their teachers and peers. Seeking assistance results in higher academic understanding.
4. Work collaboratively. In order to succeed, students need to work with their peers, their teachers and their parents. Communication is essential, and having a supportive home and school environment is a great way to help your child reach their full potential.

Additionally, the new senior system has an increased focus on cognitive thinking, which can only develop once basic literacy and numeracy skills are firmly grasped. Your child will be assessed on their ability to exhibit 75 key cognitive thinking capabilities, and their progress will be tracked and monitored across all of their subjects in Year 11 and 12. These capabilities are not only crucial for success at school, but lay the foundation for lifelong learning in the 21st century.

So how can you help your child to prepare for these changes? Mighty Minds has developed a framework for teaching and tracking Cognitive Verbs across our school and they are running programs in 2019 to further assist in the cognitive development of our students. These are targeted at students of all abilities.

HEAD START COURSES 14-18 January

Mighty Minds is offering these workshops, targeted at Year 11 students in 2019, in a variety of metropolitan and regional locations in Queensland for the following subjects:

• Mathematical Methods
• General Mathematics
• Specialist Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Physics
• How to Succeed in Senior and Writing Skills

Sign up today through the Mighty Minds website:

Email: courses@mightyminds.com.au
Phone: (07) 5689 1086.

Interact Club

This year the students in Miami High’s Interact Club have donated their spare time to helping others through projects that help our community and also supported International fundraisers which further international understanding and goodwill. On Sunday the 11th of November, our members arose bright and early to hold a car wash during the Organic Markets here at school. Covered with sunscreen and later a lot of soapy water, they scrubbed clean cars, vans and 4Wheel drives, raising $400 towards Rotary Australia’s Drought relief fund. To add to this the students had also held a bake sale here at school which also raised close to $200. The money donated will be used in South East Queensland aiding farmers close to home.

We still have a donation box in the library and are continuing to receive donations of sporting equipment, clothing and shoes that will be shipped to East Timor through the Rotary Club of Burleigh. The box will be there for the remainder of the month, so if you have any donations please drop them in or contact Karen Purdy at kpurd12@eq.edu.au Thank you to all those who have donated so far, helping us to help others less fortunate.

Two of our members, Mady and Danielle will be attending RYTS, a regional youth transition seminar for students from 16 to 18, in the first week of December. We wish them well as they learn some important life skills, leadership skills and have a lot of fun meeting new friends. And thank you to Rotary for their sponsorship and all their continued support.

Miami State High’s Interact club is open all students from years 7 through to 12, we are sponsored by Burleigh Rotary and we aim to complete at least two community service projects a year. Our members develop a great network of friends, develop leadership skills and personal integrity, while demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others. Our meetings will begin again in the new school year and we invite and welcome all students who are interested to come along.

Miami Sound Wave Concert

MVP Spotlight

A massive thank you to the below businesses and organisations who have played an active role in the Miami Valued Partners (MVP) program and enabled us to deliver innovative and exciting opportunities to our students. These are just some of the awesome partnerships that we have formed and continued in 2018:

Prestige Training Services
Mighty Minds
Miami Business Centre
Crisps Coaches
RACQ Bank
Yellow Brick Road

Bond University – Platinum MVP Member

At Bond, you will not become just another student in the background. You are always visible. Your lecturers will know you, your tutors will invest time in you, so your learning will get the attention it deserves. It’s what sets us apart. An individual approach to learning that makes us different from the rest. And it’s why we produce graduates who get noticed above others.

Bond students don’t get lost in the crowd. They get personal attention.
They’re visible. They stand out. Now and after they graduate.

Aurora Training Institute – Platinum MVP Member

If there’s a life you want, we can help you make it happen. No more excuses.

Why do people choose to study with Aurora Training Institute?

• Nationally Recognised – Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Innovative training and education programs
• QLD User Choice Pre-qualified Supplier
• VET Student Loans Approved provider
• Flexible online or on-site study options
• Supportive, industry qualified trainers

Zoo Sport – Platinum MVP Member

AT ZOO SPORT WE ARE CONSTANTLY RESEARCHING, DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING OUR TEAMWEAR OFFERINGS WITH CONTINUED PRODUCT INNOVATION WHICH IS KEY TO OUR SUCCESS.

Our goal is and has always been to enable and assist those wearing our apparel to aspire and achieve their goals and potential.

Every garment in the Zoo Sport range has been produced to the highest standards, utilising fabrics which have been tested in the harshest conditions.

At Zoo Sport, we’ve taken a fresh approach to the way teamwear has traditionally been produced and we think you will like it.

Choose Zoo Sport, and release your animal instinct.

Livin – Gold MVP Member

THE LIVIN HEALTH INITIATIVE

LIVIN was founded in honour of a great man Dwayne Lally who like many others took his life after suffering in silence from a mental illness. LIVIN is all about living your life at the top and breaking the stigma of mental health. Connecting, supporting and encouraging one another to talk about their feelings and challenges because “It Ain’t Weak to Speak”. Through the development of cutting edge education programs, trendy fashion apparel and cool awareness initiatives, LIVIN will launch a generational change. Let’s unite to help people start LIVIN again. Join the movement.

VISION

“Breaking the stigma of mental health.”

MISSION

• Help promote wellness and positive living for young people through awareness and early education programs.
• Encourage young people to be open, engage in conversation and be vulnerable.
• Connect to young people through innovative means.
• Create a movement with a brand that makes mental health relatable and that people can build an enduring relationship with.

The College of Health & Fitness – Gold MVP Member

Have you always had a passion for exercise and fitness? Does the concept of helping others to achieve their health or fitness goals interest you?

If you are someone that has the motivation and passion to work in the fitness industry, you are most probably wondering what the process to become a fitness instructor or personal trainer involves. There are three specific qualifications, leading to different job outcomes, but everyone starts at the same place. The entry into the industry is with Certificate 3 in Fitness ; with that you can advance to the Certificate 4 in Fitness , and finally you can undertake a Diploma in Fitness . Whether you decide to complete all three qualifications or not will depend on a range of factors, such as the time that you have to complete the courses, the price, what role you really want and what qualifications and experience you already have.

It is not always an easy process choosing where you want to end up and what you decide initially may not be where you finish! Your career is important and there are various pros and cons to weigh up and consider. Whatever you decide, the Certificate III is your starting point.

Tangalooma Island Resort – Silver MVP Member

Tangalooma Island Resort

BEACHFRONT RESORT ACCOMMODATION ON QUEENSLAND'S BEAUTIFUL MORETON ISLAND

Tangalooma Island Resort is only a 75-minute catamaran cruise from Brisbane. The Resort is the perfect family holiday destination for guests seeking an understated yet unique adventure, educational or nature based experience - right on Brisbane’s doorstep on the incredible Moreton Island.

Protected and treasured, this is nature’s theme park where amazing natural encounters are just part of the everyday experience. With heaps of tours and activities on offer, Tangalooma is the jewel of Moreton Bay and Island’s region. Activities on offer include ATV Quad Bike Tours, Marine Discovery Cruise, the Desert Safari tour with sand tobogganing, Snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks and much more! The star attraction at the Resort is the unique guest activity of hand feeding a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins!

Life's better uncomplicated

Miami One Zaraffas Coffee – Silver MVP Member

At Zarraffa’s the commitment to product, service, freshness, convenience and a genuine love of coffee, is what makes the Zarraffa’s Coffee experience – just like its namesake the Masai Giraffe – ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest.

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