9 September 2015

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

Dear Parent

What a busy term we have had and it has certainly lived up to our expectation of it being the "Business Term" of the year. During the past month, we held very successful Year 10 into 11 and Year 9 into 10 subject selection evenings and the level of parent and student involvement was significant.

I take this opportunity to thank Ms Alison Fahlbusch who acted as Principal during my absence recently. I was invited to join panels undertaking school reviews around the state as part of the work undertaken by the School Improvement Unit. It was a wonderful experience as it gave me the opportunity of supporting schools in strategic planning and during the process, I learnt a great deal by sighting best practice in other schools.

Our focus next term will clearly be around planning and strategy of school priorities for 2016.

Staff News for Term 4

Farewell to the following staff: Jasmine Dive who commences maternity leave from this week; commencing paternity leave is Scott King, Instrumental Music teacher, until the end of week one next term and Luke Harrison, Technology teacher, until the end of week two next term. Best wishes to their families during this exciting time.

Farewell and best wishes to Tarley Hawke who is relocating interstate, Lauren Morley who has accepted a transfer to Mitchell Secondary Department (Prep-Year10) from the commencement of next term and Terri Barton-Thomas on leave for the first week of next term.

School Opinion Survey

Today I received the results of the 2015 School Opinion Survey conducted state wide by the Department of Education and Training and, once again, the results indicate the high level of parent satisfaction with our school as indicated by the following results:

"This is a good school"- 95%
"I would recommend this school to others"- 95%
"The school has a strong sense of community" - 94%
"My child is getting a good education at this school" - 95%
"The teachers at this school expect my child to do his/her best – 97%

We appreciate the trust you place in us and take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support.

Student Uniform 2016

Parents are once again reminded that all black shoes, as outlined in parent information packs and the student organiser, will be worn by all students in 2016. This notice is to give you plenty of time to accommodate this change.

Subject Selection Forms

Parents of current Year 9 and Year 10 students are reminded that subject selection forms for 2016 are now overdue. The return of these forms will ensure that your student is able to select their preferred subject choices, so I encourage you to attend to this as soon as possible. Please note that Year 10 students are required to have an interview with Mr Cross, Deputy Principal, as part of the process.

Parents of Year 8 students are reminded that their subject preference forms for Year 9 2016 are due on Wednesday 16 September.

I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and relaxing Spring holiday.

Regards
Jim Baker
Principal

Dates to Remember

9 – 10 September	South Coast Athletics
9 September	Year 7 SEP Seaworld Excursion
10 September	Year 10 Wellbeing Day
10 September	Year 7 – 12 SWD Excursion – Gold Coast Annual SWD Athletics Championship Carnival
10 September	Year 12 Maths B Exam
11 September	Year 12 RACQ Presentation
12 September	Year 11 & 12 Marine Science Aquatic Practices Snorkel – Cook Island
15 September	Year 7 - 8 SEP Escape Program
15 September	P & C Meeting
16 September	Year 11 Maths B Excursion – White Water World
16 September	Year 12 Japanese Dinner
17 – 18 September	Year 12 Cert. 2 Sampling and Measurement Course
18 September	RSA Course
18 September	Last Day of School – September Holidays
5 October	Public Holiday – Labour Day
6 October	Year 7 - 8 SEP Escape Program
7 October	Year 12 Cert. 2 Sampling and Measurement Course
7 – 11 October	Year 7-12 Qld All Schools Touch Carnival
9 October	Year 12 School Leaver Presentations
12 October	Year 12 Legal Studies Guest Presenter attending
13 October	M'Oscars Film Festival
13 October	Year 7 - 8 SEP Escape Program
15 October	Y-Lead Primary School Student Leader In-Service
15 October	International Student's Cairns Trip

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 which is also closed each Friday. Finance, Receipting and Bookshop hours of operation are 8.00am to 2.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.

Kellie Johnston
Business Services Manager

Payments Via Internet Banking

Paying for Miami High School excursions and/or fees is possible using Internet Banking.

The traditional payment methods are still available (Cash/EFTPOS/Credit Cards), but some people find Internet Banking much quicker and easier – especially because you can make payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the comfort of your own home or office.

INTERNET BANKING DETAILS

Account Name: Miami State High School General A/c
Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Branch: Burleigh Heads
BSB: 064-404
Account Number: 00090020

PAYMENT REFERENCES

Each child has a unique Education Queensland Identification number (EQ ID). For all internet payments we will require you to use your child's EQ ID number to identify your payment, e.g. 0011223344W.

Please ensure each payment sent through has the following details within the Payment Reference so that we can clearly identify your payment.

Excursions:

>>Student EQ ID Excursion>> e.g 0011223344W Seaworld

Please ensure only one payment per student per excursion – If you have multiple students/excursions to pay for, please put each one through individually, unless otherwise arranged with the school office. As internet banking payments are not instant, please ensure internet payments are done 48 hours prior to payment cut-off date.

School Fees:

<<Student EQ ID Fees>> e.g. 0011223344W 2013 Text

If you have any questions relating to payments, please contact the payment office on 07 55540333 or email Angie Johnson on ajohn543@eq.edu.au.

Kellie Johnston
Business Services Manager

Update your Contact Details

ARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS UP TO DATE – INCLUDING EMERGENCY CONTACTS?

We have been experiencing a number of students presenting to sick bay with serious illnesses/injuries to warrant the school needing to urgently contact a parent/guardian or an emergency contact but with no success. Could you please make sure that your contact details are up to date and ensure your emergency contacts are available if you're not able to be contacted. This is especially important for when parents are travelling away during the school term and leaving students with guardians. Please feel free to contact the school either by email admin@miamishs.eq.edu.au or telephoning 5554 0333 to confirm your current details.

Parent Contact

NOTE TO PARENTS/CARERS

The school database program can only allocate ONE address per student. If a student is residing equally between two addresses, the parents/carers must decide which address will be allocated as the main address for the student. The second address can be noted on the student's hardcopy personal file.

If a second report is required to be emailed, please contact the school in order for us to record this.

Helen O'Brien
Human Resources Manager

RTC SMS Text – Home Communication

To improve the communication between parents and the school, Responsible Thinking Classroom (RTC) SMS text messages will be sent daily for all students referred to the RTC. This will provide immediate feedback for parents allowing them to discuss issues with their student, and if they have any concerns, contact the school for clarification. The following texts will be used:

SMS text for daily RTC referral.

Dear parent, please be advised your student was referred to RTC today. Please discuss with your student and contact Miami SHS 55540333 if concerned.

SMS text for student reaching RTC Level 3.

Dear parent, your student has reached Level 3 on RTC. Please support by discussing this with your student. Thank you from Miami SHS.

SMS text for student reaching RTC Level 5.

Dear parent, your student has reached Level 5 on RTC. Please contact Miami SHS on 5554 0333 to arrange an intervention meeting time asap. Thank you.

SMS text for student reaching RTC Level 7.

Dear parent, your student has reached Level 7 on RTC. One more referral may result in suspension. Your urgent support is appreciated. Thanks Miami SHS 5554 0333.

Please take the opportunity to discuss this with your student, should you receive a text message regarding RTC. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Tiffany Grant / Glenn Smits
Student Support Coordinators

SEP News

JELLYBABIES PLAYGROUP

Miami State High School's 'Jellybabies' Playgroup, in conjunction with Playgroup Australia, welcomes parents/caregivers of young children to their playgroup every Wednesday morning (in school term) from 9:00-10:30am for fun-filled adventures with other young children while participating in educational games, craft, painting, water play table, dress-ups, sandpit, play dough, singing and other adventures whilst playing with other young children.

Students undertaking their Certificate III in Children's Services assist with activities. Morning tea is provided. Cost is $4.00 per visit per family (no charge on your first visit). For further information please call Julieta Thomas at Miami High School direct 5554 0333 or email jthom843@eq.edu.au

2015 Senior Dance & Dance Xtreme Excursion

On the 27th of August, the Senior Dance Students and Dance Xtreme travelled to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre to see '7 Deadly Sins' by Expressions Dance Company. EDC is Queensland's leading contemporary dance company and always prove to be an inspiration to the students for their contemporary dance units. This year's signature work choreographed by Natalie Weir was simply stunning and left the audience wanting more. It was certainly the best performance to date and a must see for all dance lovers. The bus ride home was full of discussion, song, laughter and fun. A fantastic cultural day was had by all!

Miranda van't Hof
Experienced Senior Dance Excellence Teacher
Dance Xtreme Artistic Director

Expressions Dance Excursion Students

Technology

What an exciting time it has been here in the Technology Department! Mr Tynan's Year 9 Computer Education class has been busy learning the intricate details of computer programming using the Game Maker interface. The class has been constructing complex algorithms in an effort to design a challenging and exciting new video game for their client 'Let's Play'. The class has many talented and innovative designers who have worked tirelessly to create the most engaging virtual realm imaginable. Highly commended participants include;

Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzpatrick who has mastered an amazing platform based interactive 2D third person game based on strategic challenges.

Kimberley 'Cat Woman' Hawkey who has been a proactive designer during the project and is now focusing her attention towards the completion of her final game "Warrior Cats".

Cain 'Power Train' Doyle, who is considered by many to be the most promising and exciting new designer in years. Cain has been very active in the completion of his platform game "The Rage Game" (named after users' reactions to his unpassable game).

All designers (students) working on the "Let's Play" project are to be highly commended for their unprecedented levels of focus and attention to detail. They are all very proud of the work they have been doing and are to be congratulated for their efforts.

Maximilian Tynan
Technology Teacher

Technology Students

2015 – "The Time of Our Lives"

Miami State High School Dance Excel Showcase

The dance is over, the applause subsided but the joy and feeling will stay with you forever."

- W. M. Tory.

The 2015 Dance Excel Showcase was held on the 12th August and was a stunning visual spectacular, showcasing everything that is Miami Dance Excellence! Involving over 140 students, it was the culmination of many months of work from students in the Years 7 and 8 Dance Excellence, Years 9, 10, 11, & 12 Dance, MDC, MGC Junior and Senior, MDA and Dance Xtreme who performed before a full house in the Miami Great Hall. The evening included the ever popular Miami High Dance Excellence Primary Links performance where 30 students from Marymount College, Caningeraba, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads and Miami State Schools danced alongside our Dance Xtreme students. The Grand Finale was also a huge hit concluding the night with all of the performers taking the stage with their Teacher and Director, Ms Miranda van't Hof for their final bows. Congratulations to all involved especially, the performers for their dedication and commitment. A special thank you must go to Miami's Technical Production Crew, the Arts Staff and the many Miami staff who assisted both prior to and on the night and to the many staff and students who came to support the evening.

Miranda van't Hof
Experienced Senior Dance Excellence Teacher
Dance Excel Showcase Director

Year 10 Art

"Creativity is Intelligence having Fun" Albert Einstein

This semester the Year 10 Art class are having heaps of "fun" exploring their creativity in an activity that asks them to create a mixed media self-portrait. Original photographic portraits are hidden in a mass of line, colour and pattern, as the students engage in the practical components of drawing, design and mixed media. They have also explored artistic composition through the creative use of the design principles of repetition, rhythm, contrast and harmony.

Students were encouraged to use their intuition (or "inner artist"), as they developed art works into striking depictions of their own face combined with amazing individually created, intricate patterns.

Highlights of the activity were the sensitive use of primary and secondary colour along with the bold expression of the student's own personality through the use of line.

…and if results are anything go by …the semester two Year 10 Art class are highly intelligent bunch!

Ms Wilbur-Smith
Year Ten Art Teacher

International Marine Studies

Every Wednesday afternoon Mr Unsworth's Senior International Marine Science class have been learning to fish. The students are all part of Miami's International Program and have come from countries such as Brazil, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic and Norway. Most of the students have had very little experience with fishing and are enjoying the lessons on rig set up, knot tying, bait collection and actual fishing. The aim of the unit is to give the multicultural students a firsthand involvement with a very popular Australian pastime. At first, students were a bit apprehensive about using prawns but they are now baiting their hooks with prawns like professionals.

Last week, we had a guest teacher, Mr Dooley (Miami's resident fishing expert), who brought his bait net down to teach the students how to catch their own bait fish. However, after much net throwing with no results, it was decided that there was a distinct lack of baitfish and this technique was not going to work today. So… back to the prawns!!

Although the class has become confident in fishing techniques, they have so far been unsuccessful in catching anything worth keeping. Hopefully, we keep their spirits buoyed and they have another chance to land a big one this week.

Trent Unsworth
Teacher – Marine Studies

International Marine Studies Students Learning to Fish

2015 Gold Coast Eisteddfod - Dance Xtreme

Miami High can once again be very proud of the Dance Xtreme students and their achievements in the Secondary Schools Sections of the Gold Coast Eisteddfod held Friday 14th August at the Gold Coast Arts Centre. This year the standard of the secondary school dance sections was out of this world with entries from private and state schools from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast across 3 genre groups, those being All Genres (except Hip Hop), Contemporary/Lyrical and Hip Hop. Miami competed in the All Genres section performing 'Are You Gonna Go My Way' and achieved Highly Commended with Honours and also in the Contemporary Lyrical section performing 'Wicked Game' and achieved Very Highly Commended with Honours. The adjudicator was extremely impressed by both routines making special mention to both performances in his live adjudication comments. Congratulations Miami High Dance Xtreme!

Miranda van't Hof
Artistic Director – Dance Xtreme Program

Dance Xtreme Eisteddfod Students

Film and Television

As part of our fundraising for 'Murder at the M'Oscars', our 6th annual Miami High Film Festival, Shooters Video Club recently ran a Mario Kart Tournament. This was such a successful venture and everyone involved had lots of fun. Congratulations to Brenton Miller who was crowned our Ultimate Mario Kart Champion of the World!

A quick reminder that 'Murder at the M'Oscars' is fast approaching and pre-event tickets go on sale Monday 7th September at the finance window.

While you're at The Gold Coast Arts Centre for the Miami High Film Festival on Tuesday 13th October, you can visit the 'Energies' Exhibition of which artworks from three of Miami's Year 12 students will be displayed - Natasha Maher, Adele McAllister, Matilda Strauss.

Lucy Carr
Film & Television Teacher

Film and Television Students Mario Kart Championship
Brenton Miller, Tyler Scott, Jackson Buckland,Tayla Buckland

M'Oscars – Miami High Film Festival Poster

Get Active Miami High

Miami High Interact Club

Miami State High's Interact Club recently celebrated our changeover night with family and friends, inducting our new executive and members for 2016-2017. Following on from another successful and productive year, we have decided to begin this year by supporting Rotary's East Timor project. East Timor is one of Australia's closest neighbours and it is a nation which has faced decades of oppression and violence and continues to be on the list of least developed nations in the world. We are asking that our school community help us support this project which will directly benefit students in East Timor. Many of us have items that we no longer need, so please help us by donating to this worthwhile cause. Donations can be dropped off at our collection box in the library. The items we are most in need of are stationary supplies, sporting equipment and musical instruments. We would like to thank everyone for their support this year with our projects "Operation Christmas Child" and for supporting our fundraiser for Beyond Blue. Our Miami community is very supportive and we thank you for your continued generosity.

Karen Purdy
Hospitality Teacher

Year 10 Wellbeing Day

Year 10 HEALTH AND WELLBEING DAY SEPTEMBER 10th

On Thursday 10th September, all Year 10 students will be participating in their Health and Wellbeing Day. This day is designed to cover topics relevant to the students' needs and is based on student feedback from the previous year.

The aim of the Wellbeing Day is to encourage the development of positive relationships and skills that are relevant to growing teenagers. The day also allows the students to establish important contacts with community organisations that support the school.

Guest speakers will address the students covering four areas. Students will rotate through each session, following normal school bell times and breaks. Students are required at school at the start of the day in full school uniform.

Topics to be covered are:

Bill Wakefield : Self defence
Moni : Aim High – Goal setting
YODA: Drugs and Alcohol
Work Preparation : Busy At Work

Please be aware that some of the topics may raise personal issues with your child. If you have any concerns about your child please do not hesitate to contact the Student Support Coordinator Tiffany Grant or Guidance Counsellor Josh Atkins on 55540333.

Regards
Tiffany Grant
Student Support Coordinator.

Global Blanket

On Wednesday 26th August, my Year 9 Global Blanket class cooked for guests from TriCare. We believe connecting to the community, young and old, is important for our growth and learning. As a way to connect to this community, we decided to invite our friends at TriCare to lunch. We served them delicious foods such as coconut brownies, healthy pizza, and quiche among other healthy snacks. As we ate, our guests told us fascinating and exciting stories about their life, as well as more recent events they have undergone, with us telling our own stories in return. It has been a fantastic experience to learn from those with so much knowledge and to create memories of our own and maybe even tell our own stories to future generations. It was a lot of fun to cook for our guests as well as have a bit of fun with our classmates. This experience is also relevant to our future career options as well. For anyone looking to go into the hospitality business, cooking or catering careers or helping the elderly, every bit of involvement is a step closer to achieving our goal, and the encounter may even convince some of us to change our career goals. This experience was enjoyable and interesting, and I would happily enjoy getting together again.

Students in the photo are: Amy Kleinhans, Ella Rosenfeldt, Jess Hema, Tayla Buckland, Cooper Cavenett-Kaleta, Brittanee Gleeson, Hudson Matthews, Amber Clark, Harmony Gula

Tayla Buckland
Student

TriCare Global Blanket Morning Tea

Prac. Arts -Matt Guild Fundraiser

Recently two Year 9 Healthy Lifestyles classes held a Coffee Shop Fundraiser for Matt Guild. This Coffee Shop Fundraiser took place in the D Block Restaurant during second break on Friday, 21st of August.

Our coffee shop served tea, coffee and hot chocolate for $2.50 and a variety of cakes for $3.00 each, or a cake/coffee special for $5.00 that included a hot beverage and any choice of cake.

This fundraiser was held for Matt Guild so he can afford to go to the Oz Rapid Games in South America. Matt has an intellectual disability and lives with his father who also has been very sick so we decided to help raise money for this trip so Matt can compete overseas. Everyone at Miami High wants to do everything we can to help Matt achieve his goal and by this fundraiser we raised a total of $560. We hope we can achieve the goal of $6,000 by the help of Miami High students and teachers.

Jessie Clift / Danielle Gardiner
Teachers – Prac Arts

Community News

YEAR 8 PARENTS…HAVE YOUR SAY!

The Gold Coast Public Health Unit wants to hear your views about the School Vaccine Program

Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Responses will be kept confidential. Contact person: Dr Paul Van Buynder Paul.VanBuynder@health.qld.gov.au or 5687 9000

Gold Coast Oral Health Services

Gold Coast Oral Health Services are offering free dental check-ups to children in years 7, 8, 9, 10

This service will be provided off-site by either Broadbeach or Burleigh Dental Clinic. Hours of operation for this clinic are Monday to Friday, 8 – 4pm.

To arrange an appointment for your child telephone:

The Oral Health Client Service Centre
1300 300 850
Monday – Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
Excluding Public Holidays

Child Dental Benefit Schedule Vouchers are accepted. When your child's $1000 cap is reached, there will be no out-of-pocket expenses provided your child meets *eligibility criteria.

* Eligibility – All Queensland resident children aged four years or older who have not completed Year 10 of secondary school.

Further information on public funded oral health services can be accessed via URL: