Miami State High School
Encyclopedia
Miami State High School is a school in Miami, Queensland
established as South Coast District State High School in 1963.
. At the time, the only public high schools were Southport High School
and Tweed River High, about 35 km apart, with the site of Miami High about midway between the two on the Gold Coast Highway
at the very northern end of Miami.
The chosen site presented a number of construction challenges because the southern half was a swamp and the northern half was on the steep slope of Nobby's Headland, an upthrust of schist about 50 m high at its highest point. The challenges were met by the simple expedient of blasting the slope and dumping the rubble in the swamp, but with a consequent complete loss of topsoil that created enduring problems for many years.
Construction always stayed behind the needs of the students throughout the sixties. This was for three reasons: (a) it was an entirely new school competing with established schools for resources in a state that had allowed chronic neglect of its education infrastructure and which was in far worse condition than the larger states of Victoria (Australia)
and New South Wales
, (b) Miami High's construction coincided precisely with the transition of the Baby Boom Generation from primary school to high school, and (c) in 1964, Queensland's primary schools ceased to teach the eighth year, which was transferred to the high schools
, so that the entry year to high school became year 8.
Consequently, in 1964, the infant Miami High went from catering to year 9 to catering to years 8, 9 and 10 with the state barely able to provide enough classroom
s for the start of the year. 1965 and 1966 saw open underschool areas, originally intended for protection from sun and rain, being converted to temporary classrooms and several flimsy demountable buildings being installed as other temporary classrooms. Despite their nominally temporary nature, many of these structures were still in use twenty years later. In 1967, the Australian federal government built a two-story, four-laboratory science block, as part of a program to improve the teaching of science throughout Australia. Several of the laboratories were promptly pressed into service as regular classrooms.
The first principal was Claude Rayner, an immensely capable man, whose integrity, approachability and fair-mindedness, made him universally respected and popular. Unfortunately, the rapid growth of the school led to its being re-classified at a higher level and a more senior principal, John Rowe
, was given the position in 1967. Claude Rayner died a premature death of a heart attack a few years later in his early fifities. John Rowe was principal from 1967 to 1968. Bill Callinan took over as principal in 1969. Known in some circles as "dollar bill", he placed a very high priority on building a large assembly hall
at the school. His vigorous pursuit of this aim and the funding targets placed on individual classes to raise money for the project were not universally welcomed.
The first deputy principal was Ken Maynard
, appointed in 1967. The first senior mistress was Beryl McSloy (later Hallam), who later became one of the deputy principals. Ken Maynard went on to become principal of Bremer River High. Beryl Hallam died in a road accident. The first school captains, George Gilltrap jnr and Frola Skovlund, were appointed in 1964.
Miami High boasts a student attendance rate of 91%, with the school opinion survey showing higher levels of satisfaction compared to "like schools" in many of the social climate items. The School Opinion Survey on data regarding school community relations indicates higher school means compared to "like schools".
Expenditure on teacher participation in professional development
for the year 2006 reached a total of $24,530. Permanent and temporary staff at the school had an attendance rate of 96% for the same year. The retention rate of staff from 2005 to 2006 was 95%. Student retention rates from year 8 to year 12 was 75%.
Miami, Queensland
286px|right|Miami road signMiami is a suburb on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 Census, Miami had a population of 6,167....
established as South Coast District State High School in 1963.
Early history
Originally named South Coast District State High School, Miami High was officially opened in April, 1963. It soon became known as Miami High and, after a number of years, the more compact name was officially adopted. It was built to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding population on the Gold CoastGold Coast (Florida)
The Gold Coast is the region of the southeastern coast of the U.S. state of Florida between Tequesta and Florida City. The region consists of the long urban cluster that runs along the eastern shores of Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade County; also called the South Florida metropolitan area...
. At the time, the only public high schools were Southport High School
Southport High School
Southport High School is a high school located at 971 East Banta Road in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Located in Perry Township, on the south side of the city, Southport is a part of the Metropolitan School District of Perry Township....
and Tweed River High, about 35 km apart, with the site of Miami High about midway between the two on the Gold Coast Highway
Gold Coast Highway
The Gold Coast Highway in Queensland, Australia links the coastal suburbs of the Gold Coast. 33 km in length, the highway passes through popular tourist resorts such as Southport, Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads and Currumbin...
at the very northern end of Miami.
The chosen site presented a number of construction challenges because the southern half was a swamp and the northern half was on the steep slope of Nobby's Headland, an upthrust of schist about 50 m high at its highest point. The challenges were met by the simple expedient of blasting the slope and dumping the rubble in the swamp, but with a consequent complete loss of topsoil that created enduring problems for many years.
Construction always stayed behind the needs of the students throughout the sixties. This was for three reasons: (a) it was an entirely new school competing with established schools for resources in a state that had allowed chronic neglect of its education infrastructure and which was in far worse condition than the larger states of Victoria (Australia)
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
and New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, (b) Miami High's construction coincided precisely with the transition of the Baby Boom Generation from primary school to high school, and (c) in 1964, Queensland's primary schools ceased to teach the eighth year, which was transferred to the high schools
Queensland State High Schools
Queensland State High Schools cater for Years 8 to 12 . Years 8 and 9 are known as Junior and Years 10, 11 and 12 are known as Senior. The term "Senior" is widely applied to those in Years 11 and 12...
, so that the entry year to high school became year 8.
Consequently, in 1964, the infant Miami High went from catering to year 9 to catering to years 8, 9 and 10 with the state barely able to provide enough classroom
Classroom
A classroom is a room in which teaching or learning activities can take place. Classrooms are found in educational institutions of all kinds, including public and private schools, corporations, and religious and humanitarian organizations...
s for the start of the year. 1965 and 1966 saw open underschool areas, originally intended for protection from sun and rain, being converted to temporary classrooms and several flimsy demountable buildings being installed as other temporary classrooms. Despite their nominally temporary nature, many of these structures were still in use twenty years later. In 1967, the Australian federal government built a two-story, four-laboratory science block, as part of a program to improve the teaching of science throughout Australia. Several of the laboratories were promptly pressed into service as regular classrooms.
The first principal was Claude Rayner, an immensely capable man, whose integrity, approachability and fair-mindedness, made him universally respected and popular. Unfortunately, the rapid growth of the school led to its being re-classified at a higher level and a more senior principal, John Rowe
John Rowe
John Rowe may refer to:*John Rowe , English clergyman*John Rowe , British actor*John Rowe , navy officer of the U.S...
, was given the position in 1967. Claude Rayner died a premature death of a heart attack a few years later in his early fifities. John Rowe was principal from 1967 to 1968. Bill Callinan took over as principal in 1969. Known in some circles as "dollar bill", he placed a very high priority on building a large assembly hall
Assembly Hall
An assembly hall is traditionally a building used for the purposes of holding deliberative assemblies. An example is the Assembly Hall where the general assembly of the state of Mississippi was held. Some Christian denominations call their meeting places or places of worship, assembly halls, such...
at the school. His vigorous pursuit of this aim and the funding targets placed on individual classes to raise money for the project were not universally welcomed.
The first deputy principal was Ken Maynard
Ken Maynard
Ken Maynard was an American motion picture stuntman and actor.-Biography:Born Kenneth Olin Maynard in Vevay, Indiana, he was one of five children. His younger brother, Kermit Maynard, also became a stuntman and actor....
, appointed in 1967. The first senior mistress was Beryl McSloy (later Hallam), who later became one of the deputy principals. Ken Maynard went on to become principal of Bremer River High. Beryl Hallam died in a road accident. The first school captains, George Gilltrap jnr and Frola Skovlund, were appointed in 1964.
Current status
The current principal is Mr Jim Baker and attendance at the school has approximately 900 students with over 50 teaching staff, and many more non-teaching and ancillary staff members. Miami High has also introduced an international exchange program with students from all over the world now attending the school. With the sudden increase in population on the Gold Coast, Miami High expect; and are on track with their target enrolment figures of 900 to 950 students.Miami High boasts a student attendance rate of 91%, with the school opinion survey showing higher levels of satisfaction compared to "like schools" in many of the social climate items. The School Opinion Survey on data regarding school community relations indicates higher school means compared to "like schools".
Expenditure on teacher participation in professional development
Professional development
Professional development refers to skills and knowledge attained for both personal development and career advancement. Professional development encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework, conferences and informal learning...
for the year 2006 reached a total of $24,530. Permanent and temporary staff at the school had an attendance rate of 96% for the same year. The retention rate of staff from 2005 to 2006 was 95%. Student retention rates from year 8 to year 12 was 75%.
Notable alumni
- Amanda WareAmanda WareAmanda Ware is an Australian model, best known for being the winner of Cycle 6 of Australia's Next Top Model.-Career:...
, Australia's Next Top Model, Cycle 6 Winner - Anna BlighAnna BlighAnna Maria Bligh is an Australian politician and the Premier of Queensland since 2007. The 2009 Queensland state election was the first time a female-led political party won or retained state or federal government in Australia...
, Premier of Queensland.