17 October 2025

Principal’s Message

2025 School Explicit Improvement Agenda (EIA):
Curriculum – English
Multi-tiered Approach to support
Curriculum – Math V9

Dear Miami State School Community,

Welcome to the final term of the 2025 school year!  I hope everyone has had a wonderful Spring holiday and is feeling rejuvenated for the term ahead. We are experiencing some wonderful weather, and it is certainly warming up quickly. Please ensure children are attending school with a water bottle every day so they can keep well hydrated and a hat, so they are able to play outdoors.

This term will be very busy, and I encourage you to read seesaw posts, review Facebook and read our newsletter each fortnight to stay informed about timelines for all school programs and events.  This term we will have our school musical, Performing Arts Evening, Senior School Swimming Carnival, Street Science Incursions, school transition programs, Year 6 Graduation, Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony, Carols on the Green and Semester 2 Reports.   Such an exciting and busy term with many opportunities for all our students to shine.

Our P&C will also have three exciting fundraising events this term – an Adults only Trivia night, Carols on the Green and the Mango Drive. Please see updates on the school Facebook page and Seesaw messages for important information regarding how you can support both final fundraising endeavours for the school year. 

This year, the King’s Birthday public holiday was the first day back, so school officially started on Tuesday the 7^th of October.  There are no more public holidays for the remainder of the term, so we hope to see all our students attending every school day to finish the year strong.   School attendance is very important because it directly impacts academic success, social development, and long-term outcomes. Missing school means missed learning and can lead to lower academic achievement and disengagement. Regular attendance establishes foundational skills, fosters social connections and discipline, and is a critical indicator of student success.

Queensland Mental Health Week

Queensland Mental Health Week goes from the 4^th to the 12^th of October and aims to shine a spotlight and build awareness on individual and community mental health and wellbeing.

The theme for Queensland Mental Health Week 2025 is a continuation of the 2024 theme, “Connect for mental health”. It emphasises the proactive measures we can adopt to nurture and support positive mental health and wellbeing for ourselves and our communities.

Connect for mental health focuses on four areas:

• Connect with self: Take care of yourself, do something you enjoy, make healthy choices, and seek help when needed.
• Connect with community: Create supportive and inclusive environments, look after one another, and connect with culture. Show kindness and initiate connection with those who are struggling.
• Connect with others: Foster relationships with loved ones, friends, family, and mob. Spend time with others and make meaningful connections.
• Connect with nature: Take a break from technology, spend time outdoors, embrace mindfulness, and take care of the world around you.

Important Changes to Blue Card Requirements - Effective 20 September 2025

From 20 September 2025, the rules around which parent volunteers require a Blue Card are changing.

Parents volunteering in activities that their own child is participating in will generally not need a Blue Card. However, there are important exceptions. A Blue Card will be required if:

• The volunteering activity does not involve your own child.
• The volunteering is to attend overnight excursions or camps.
• The volunteering role includes close personal contact with another child.
• The parent is a restricted person.

This change may affect parents who assist with activities such as the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls, Colour Run, or other school events where their child is not directly participating.

If you are a parent and plan to volunteer for activities not covered by the new exemption rules, you must hold a Blue Card linked to Miami State School by 20 September 2025.

For details on how to apply for a volunteer Blue Card, please visit the Blue Card Services website:

We encourage all families who regularly volunteer to review these changes to ensure compliance before the deadline. If you require any assistance with this process, please contact the school office on 5595 4888.

2026 ENROLMENTS – NOW OPEN FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS 

Our school is now taking enrolments for the 2026 school year, please get your enrolment forms in early, if possible, to inform school planning. Should you know of friends or family looking to join our great school, please inform them that they are also most welcome to contact the school for further information and to obtain an enrolment package. 

Is your Prep-Year 5 student transferring to another school in 2026?

We would appreciate early notice if your child, or children, will be transferring to another school in 2026. Please inform the office by phone on 5595 4888 OR email admin@maimiss.eq.edu.au at your earliest convenience.

Welcome Majeed Zadeh (Visiting Deputy Principal)

My name is Majeed Zadeh, and I am delighted to be joining Miami State School as a visiting Deputy Principal for the duration of this term.

I bring with me extensive experience as a Deputy Principal, having worked across a variety of state schools throughout Queensland. During my time at Miami SS, my goal is to learn from the dedicated and passionate team of educators here and to discover what makes Miami State School such an outstanding school in our region.

I look forward to working alongside staff, students, and the wider school community during my visit.

Warm regards,

Majeed Zadeh
Visiting Deputy Principal

Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to another fantastic fortnight at Miami!

Warm regards,

Jemille Malouf
Principal

Deputy Principal’s Message

Welcome to Term 4, Week 2.

The first fortnight of Term 4 has come and gone already and I know that our staff and students are well and truly back into the swing of teaching and learning and are preparing themselves for the term ahead.  I hope that everyone had a relaxing and restful break and found some time to catch up with family and friends.   Term 4 is always a very busy term as we continue in 2025 mode while forward planning for 2026.  It is important that all members of our school community take some time to stop, rest and regather as there will be times in the next 9 weeks where we all feel a little swamped.  I am sure we will finish the year off with a bang!

STUDENT LEADERSHIP 2026

Students currently in Year 5 who are interested in applying for a leadership position in 2026 have recently collected their application forms and student leadership information.  This application form is due back to school by 3:00pm next Tuesday afternoon.  From there the process of shortlisting will start.  We wish good luck to all students who will be applying.  It is always an exciting but somewhat stressful time of the year.

To start the process our Year 5 students recently participated in a Leadership workshop facilitated by the organisation LifeChanger.

 The program centred around;

• Understanding different leadership styles
• Improving teamwork skills
• Enhancing self awareness
• Recognising leadership potential in themselves and others
• Greater connections with classmates empowerment to lead

E- BIKE and E-SCOOTER SAFETY

E-bikes and e-scooters have become a common part of daily life, particularly around the suburbs surrounding our school. While they offer convenient and eco-friendly transport options, it’s important that they are used safely and responsibly to ensure the wellbeing of our students, staff, families, and wider community. We have also reached out to local police to increase their presence and provide education for riders in and around the Pizzey Park precinct, reinforcing the importance of safe and respectful riding practices for everyone.

Until next fortnight

Ben Edmunds
Deputy Principal Year 4 - 6

Deputy Principal’s Message

Term 4: Preparing for the Year Ahead

As we head into Term 4, many parents notice a shift in the classroom. While students are still working toward their current year level goals, teachers also begin preparing them for the challenges of the next step in their learning journey. This preparation is an important part of ensuring children feel confident and ready for the increasing complexities of a new year level.

What This Looks Like in the Classroom

• Shifting Pedagogy – Teachers gradually introduce strategies that students will encounter in the year ahead. For younger students, this may mean moving from more play-based approaches to structured tasks. For older students, this may include more independent projects, group collaboration, or deeper critical thinking tasks.
• Evolving Routines – Daily routines are adjusted to reflect the expectations of the next year level. For example, children may take more responsibility for organising their materials, managing transitions, or following multi-step instructions.
• Higher Expectations – Teachers carefully raise the bar with learning goals, behaviour standards, and personal responsibility. This scaffolding ensures students aren’t overwhelmed but instead grow their resilience and confidence in manageable steps.

How This Supports Students

These changes are not about rushing children forward, but rather building the skills and confidence they will need to thrive. By the time students begin their new year level, they are already familiar with many of the expectations, routines, and ways of learning. This reduces anxiety, increases readiness, and helps Term 1 feel like a natural continuation instead of a sudden leap.

How Families Can Support at Home

• Encourage Independence: Give your child small responsibilities at home (packing their bag, setting the table, planning part of their lunch) to mirror growing independence at school.
• Talk About Change Positively: Frame new challenges as exciting opportunities to grow, so children see themselves as capable of tackling “big kid” responsibilities.
• Keep Routines Consistent: A regular bedtime, reading together, and predictable home routines help children adjust to new structures at school.
• Celebrate Growth: Acknowledge the progress your child has made this year—academically, socially, and personally. Reflection builds confidence and motivation for what’s next.

Looking Ahead

Term 4 is a valuable time of transition. By gradually increasing complexity and responsibility, teachers are laying a strong foundation for success in the year ahead. With support both at school and at home, students enter their new year level prepared, confident, and excited for the learning journey to come.

Year 1 Phonics Check

In Weeks 2 and 3, all Year 1 students will take part in the Australian Phonics Check. This is a short, one-on-one assessment where students read a mix of real and made-up words to show how they are using their knowledge of letters and sounds. The check helps teachers identify each child’s progress in early reading and guides how we can best support them moving forward.

Julia Hoy
Deputy Principal Prep – Year 3

Office/Finance News

Communication: It is important that all communication relating to change of personal details and payments are directed to our office@miamiss.eq.edu.au email address.

DEBTOR STATEMENTS (Please see example below)

Debtor statements will be issued at the beginning of each month.  A statement will show all of your enrolled students at Miami State School on the one statement.

If you don’t receive a statement, it means that you have nothing owing on your student’s account. 

If you receive a statement and it shows a (-) negative sign in front of the $ amount, it means you are in credit on your account.  PLEASE DO NOT PAY.  When future invoices are issued, please advise the school and we can apply the credit to your invoice.  If you would like the credit on your account applied to a current invoice that is showing on your statement, you will need to notify the school for us to apply this credit.  If you have any queries, please email the office on office@miamiss.eq.edu.au or call on 5595 4888. 

Please ensure when you are making a payment, that you pay it against the original invoice NOT against a statement.

Excursions / Incursions :

Payments

Please ensure when making a deposit into the school bank account you put your students name and invoice number as a reference.  This ensures we can apply it to your invoice promptly.

No late payments will be accepted, please note direct deposits can take up to 3 business days for funds to clear.

If you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact our office (office@miamiss.eq.edu.au) to request a payment arrangement.

How to record a Student Absence

• Option 1 - Text our SMS line on 0427 904 333 with student’s full name, class and the reason for absence (This is our preferred method). As the SMS text automatically goes into our school system.
• Option 2 - Email absentee@miamiss.eq.edu.au, with student’s name, class and reason for absence.
• Option 3 - Contact our office on 07 5595 4888 and press 1 to leave a voicemail informing students full name, class and the reason for absence.

If you receive a text message for an unexplained absence, please reply to the text ASAP with a reason for absence to avoid us contacting you and interrupting your busy day.

Thank you 😊
Office Staff

Student Resource Scheme

As part of our implementation of QParents, consent for SRS will now transition from the paper participation agreement to digital consent. Consent requests have been issued via QParents for SRS. The P & C have endorsed keeping the SRS fee at $125. If you could please complete the consent as soon as possible as invoices for 2026 SRS will be issued in Week 4 of Term 4 and will be due 20.2.26.

HPE News

Miami Mavericks NFL Flag Update

Only two weeks to go before our Miami Mavericks NFL Flag team head off to the Nationals!

In Week 1, our teachers laced up once again for a rematch against the student team. With a few new recruits adding some extra pace — the staff showed plenty of improvement, but the students kept their cool and claimed another impressive win in front of their cheering peers!

Mr Crilly also organised a special training session with Jacob, an NFL representative and local gridiron player/coach. His expertise helped the team sharpen their strategies and polish their skills in preparation for Nationals.

A big thank you to Burleigh State School, who travelled over for a friendly match on Friday afternoon. The game gave our Mavericks flag team some valuable match experience and allowed the coaches to test a few new positions. Burleigh will return this Friday for another warm-up, and to mix things up, the Surfers Paradise Dolphins U11 Rugby 7s team will also take the field for a friendly crossover match. Both teams will benefit from the challenge — and plenty of fun!

Stay tuned — we’re hoping that in our next newsletter we’ll be celebrating even bigger news… perhaps Mr Crilly and Mr Stephens packing their bags for the World Championships in America! US

🏀 Year 5 PE – Basketball Term

This term, our Year 5 students are diving into basketball for their PE unit. Thanks to Sporting Schools funding, we’re lucky to have support from our very own JEP/TSP basketball coach, Mr Rod, who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the court.

Mr Rod will be assisting Year 5 classes with skill development and game play, and will also visit some of our younger grades to give them a fun preview of what the JEP Basketball Program has to offer.

Oceanic Aquathlon Trials

In last term’s newsletter, Mr Crilly shared an expression of interest for the 2026 Oceanic Aquathlon Trials — and a few of our students took on the challenge over the weekend! It is great to announce two of our athletes did exceptionally well, Lucas P came 1^st in the region for his age group and Noah B placed 6^th. Both will be heading to State Trials and we wish them all the very best.

Senior Swimming Carnival – Nominations:

Past week, Mr Crilly-Hargrave has been collecting nominations for our Senior Swimming Carnival, which will be held later this term.

Championship Races (50m events)

These championship races are aimed for our competitive swimmers who train regularly and are aiming to secure a place in the Miami Swim Team for 2026. Students entering the championship races are asked to nominate for at least three events on the day (Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, Breaststroke, and 200m Individual Medley). No nominations will be taken on the day of competition and finalised week prior as they will need to be organised into our timing program.

25m Participation Races

For all other students, we’ll also be offering 25m fun races. These events are a great way for everyone to get involved, enjoy the carnival atmosphere, and earn valuable House points in a relaxed setting. We will also have novelty races in between each stroke to maximise enjoyment for the day!

Year 3 Swimmers (Born 2016)

Year 3 students who are 9 years old this year and currently part of Rackley’s Mini-Squad (evidence must be provided) or equivalent at other establishments are invited to submit an expression of interest to compete in the 50m Championship events. Please note that only the two fastest swimmers in each age group will be eligible for Oceanic Trials 2026. This means your child will be competing alongside our current Year 4 Mini Squad level or higher swimmers during the carnival. This can be daunting for our younger students and usually are happy to wait until next year as it's by no means compulsory. Mr Crilly has been sent a couple of names from Miami Pool and emailed those parents already, however if you child is swimming at a different establishment can also nominate their child. This is not an invite for stroke correction squads as the standards are just too high for 50m races. (Just for reference 2024 9yrs 50m freestyle 2nd place was 43 seconds).

📅 Event Date: Friday 21 November
📍 Venue: Miami Pool

Ben Crilly-Hargrave - HPE
Jessica Dutton - Dance

Guidance Officer News

Hello Families,

This QMHW we encourage everyone to come together for mental health.  It is important that we create strong, supportive, communities that genuinely care for each other.  If you require support or need to reach out to have a chat with any of our support staff, please do so as we are here to help.

This is just a reminder around safety as we have a number of students that make their way to and from school independently.

Reminder:

• Slowdown in school zones
• Keep an eye out for students crossing
• Ride safely and follow road rules
• Let’s all help make the journey to and from school safe for everyone.

Office Notice Board Week 1 – 5K

Office Notice Board Week 2 – 6S

Tuckshop

Our wonderful tuckshop is always looking for an extra pair of hands to help out. If you have a little spare time, they would love for you to pop in and give them a hand.  Please contact the tuckshop via,

email:  miamisstuckshop@gmail.com

After School Programs

Please note these programs are facilitated by external providers and you are required to make any enquiries or bookings directly with the relevant provider. Please ensure you are on time to collect your student from the relevant location. Collection of students from the oval and multi-courts to be via Pizzey Road tennis courts (not through the school).

TERM 4 – 2025 AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITES

Sports X (Soccer)

• Nate Kast Ph: 0488 756 751 Monday’s Wk 2 to Wk 9 (8wks) from 3.00pm – 4.00pm

Sports X (Flag Football)

• Nate Kast Ph: 0488 756 751 Friday’s Wk 2 to Wk 9 (8wks) from 3.00pm – 4.00pm

THURSDAYS

Tae Kwon Do

• Gavin Salter - Ph: 0423 249 742 (Runs all year from 5.45pm – 7.45pm)

         Location: Miami State School Hall

ChessMates 

• Miles – Ph: 0475 431 622 (Week 2 – Week 10 (9wks) from 3.00pm – 4.00pm)

Location: Classroom I202

Miami Beach Surf Club Sign On 2025 – 2026 Season

Mornington Island – Donation Drive

Dear Miami State School Community,

Hi, my name is Jada Tourish and I am one of the teachers at Miami SS. In 2023 I was fortunate to participate in a program in Japan with another teacher from a very small school called Mornington Island State School, at the very top of Australia. We have remained in contact, and I have really enjoyed learning about her small school and community.  I am reaching out to enlist your support in a crucial initiative to assist the students and families of Mornington Island State School. As many may know, head lice can be a persistent issue, and we want to help ensure that every individual has access to effective products to combat this challenge. 

Recently, we had a conversation with community members from Mornington Island who expressed a strong need for head lice products. What started as a request for a few items for one class has grown into an exciting opportunity to set up a stall at their upcoming festival, allowing families to access these products as they need them. This initiative can significantly impact the community, and we invite our school and community to contribute to this worthy cause.

What We Need:

We are seeking donations of head lice products, including shampoos, sprays, and treatments. Every small contribution makes a difference. We encourage you to gather any items you can spare, knowing that your kindness will have a lasting effect.

Additionally, the local salon on Mornington Island mentioned they could use some updated magazines from the last year or two for the community to read while waiting for services, if you have any recent ones you have read, we would love for you to donate too.

How to Donate:

There will be a donation box set up in the administration office at where you can drop off your contributions. Donations will be collected and delivered to Mornington Island State School.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support the Mornington Island community. Your generosity can empower families and make a real difference in the lives of students facing this challenge. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this initiative further, please feel free to reach out.

Please see a link to a YouTube video about this small but beautiful community.

Thank you for your support, 
Jada Tourish

Halloween Disco

E-Bikes/Scooter Rules