Welcome to our September edition of the Miami SHS newsletter. Term 3 is nearly over and what a challenging term it has been. With a lockdown, hard border closures and the return of school restrictions we have certainly had to adapt swiftly. We have continuously worked together and adapted to the ever-changing landscape and I thank all staff, students and families for their understanding and cooperation during these changes throughout Term 3.

Infrastructure - Indoor Sports Facility

Our new multi-million-dollar sports facility is getting closer to starting. The plans are finalised and we have an incredible steering committee compiled that have designed and collaborated to ensure our community have the very best facility for learning and activity. The project is on track for construction to commence in December 2021 - just 3 months away. The appointed architect has generated images for our whole community to view. These will be uploaded on our social media platforms shortly and will be visible in our administration building.

Winter Uniform Guidelines

A reminder that as we end the term, so does the wearing of the optional winter uniform (track pants). Upon return to school in Term 4 track pants should not be worn, in order to align with the guidelines created between the school and P&C for the wearing of a winter uniform.

NAPLAN Results Released

Last week NAPLAN results were released nationally and all individual reports have been sent home via hard mail. Initial analysis of the results are positive – particularly given this was the first time NAPLAN was introduced online at our school and also the added complexity of COVID-19 disruptions. I congratulate all our students for participating in this test. Our message here at Miami surrounding NAPLAN remains strong – these results do not define who you are nor do they indicate how you are tracking within each of your subjects.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

On Wednesday 13 October 2021 we will be holding Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews from 2:00pm via Microsoft Teams. These interviews are taking place online to ensure that if any future COVID restrictions are put in place that it will not interrupt the interview process and also continue with the school’s ongoing commitment to a blended learning model.

School will finish at 12:50pm on this day to allow for Interviews to commence at 2:00pm. Online bookings are now open and can be made through the DayMap Parent Portal or by clicking the following link https://miamishs.eq.daymap.net/daymapconnect. Instructions on how to book an interview and how to use Microsoft Teams was emailed to all parents on Friday 10 September 2021. These interviews are a perfect opportunity to ensure that every child is on track for success.

Year 7 2022 Enrolments

Our Junior Secondary staff are now planning to ensure Year 7 classes are compiled for 2022 to meet the needs of every student, I encourage all families who have not yet made the initial steps to enrol a grade 7 child for 2022, to please do so by contacting our Enrolments Officer, Heidi Clack on 5554 0340 or hclac3@eq.edu.au as soon as possible to ensure a smooth start to 2022. Initial enrolment figures for 2022 are very strong and aligning with projected school growth in the junior years.

Thank you and Happy Holidays

Our students have been very busy in the past few weeks with assessments, exams and planning for their final term. Thank you to all of our parents, carers, and teachers, who supported our students in numerous ways to ensure their individual success and personal best was achieved.

Although we still have travel restrictions in place and the Queensland/New South Wales Border remains closed for non-essential travel, I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy family time and on behalf of the Miami State High School Team I wish you all a safe and relaxing spring break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 5 October 2021 for the final term of 2021.

Principal, Mrs Sue Dalton