Milpera State High School eNewsletter

Message from our Acting Principal

Term 2 has been full of learning and fun for our Milpera community. We held our first ‘Back to Milpera Day’ in nearly two years, which was full of music, dancing and catching up with old friends. We welcomed over 400 past students who enthusiastically revisited their first school in Australia. Despite the rain, the Milpera spirit was very strong, and it was a clear reminder of how important our meeting place of sisters and brothers is for our community. We look forward to organising another Back to Milpera Day for past students in the future.

This term we have reinstated our Cooking program, which has been run by the wonderful Louise Pope. Students have been learning how to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner. In Term 3, we are going to grow our cooking program so that all students have the opportunity to develop these very important life skills.

As we head towards the end of Term 2, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate students who are transitioning to high school or TAFE. They have worked very hard to build a strong foundation for their education in Australia. They have developed their English, their study skills across all their subjects and made new friendships with students from all over the world.

It is amazing to think that for most of our graduating students it was just over a year ago that they walked through our gates for the first time, many of whom had not spoken English before. Thank you, students, for sharing your language, your culture and your stories with us. Our school community has been much stronger for having you here.

I would also like to acknowledge the support and hard work of the parents and carers in getting your children through what can be a challenging time. We wish you all the best as well.

To the continuing students and their families, we hope you have a safe and restful winter break and we look forward to welcoming you back after the Winter break.

Mr Sam Dilly

Message from our Acting Deputy Principal

Refugee Week

At Milpera, our students and staff come from all over the world. More than half of our students have come to Australia as refugees. According to Australia for UNHCR, “refugees are people who have been forced to flee their homes to escape war, violence, conflict or persecution”. Families and students who have left their homes under these conditions have usually experienced many difficulties in coming to Australia. Settling into a new life here can also be challenging.

Refugee Week (15-21 June) was last week and it is a time to think about the experience of refugees around the world. This year’s theme was Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community and focused on the crucial role that communities play in helping people who have come to Australia as refugees begin to live safer and happier lives.

A community can be a group of neighbours in a suburb, it can be a group of people who share a language and culture, and it can also be a school of people who come from all over the world to learn together. Belonging to a community, or to many communities, helps to make people feel more connected and happier. Milpera helps students and their families to connect to their communities through organisations that work closely with Milpera, such as Multicultural Australia, NAYS Reconnect and QPASTT to name a few.

We at Milpera acknowledge the profound bravery and strength it takes to come to Australia as a refugee and thank all refugees for their important contributions to our school community.

Ms Romy Stevens

Changes to transport for Week 1 - Term 3

Dear Parent/ Carer,

From Monday 14^th – Friday 18^th July the Beenleigh train will stop at Banoon Station.

For the first week of Term 3, students will use Banoon Station to travel to and from Milpera.

Three big buses will collect the students at the bus stop at Banoon Station and drive them to Milpera. The buses will depart from 8.00am.
The buses will depart Milpera at 2.55pm on Oxley Road and take them to the bus stop at Banoon Station.

The 702 BCC bus will continue to run between Milpera and Yeerongpilly Station.

Back to Milpera Day

On 31st May, Milpera welcomed past and current students to an afternoon of nostalgia, catching up with friends and teachers, lots of food, talent shows, games and experiencing the changes at Milpera School. It was a wonderful day to share memories, relive old times and make new ones.

Despite the rainy weather, the students’ spirits remained high as they showcased their incredible talents. From singing and dancing to juggling and more, the atmosphere was alive with laughter, applause, and joyful tears.

May 27th to June 3rd: Bridging Now to Next

At Milpera, we marked Sorry Day with a special reflective gathering around the fire. Students learnt about the significance of fire in Indigenous culture and shared stories about its importance in their own cultures. Students also brought their traced and decorated hands to add to the Milpera Sea of hands display. The fire circle was a space for empathy, reflection and respect.

On 29th May, staff and students came together for a heartwarming picnic and shared lunch, celebrating unity and reconciliation. We also showed our support for First Nations children by wearing yellow as part of the Children's Ground 'Wear it Yellow' campaign. Together, we made a difference!

Excursions

School excursions turn lessons into adventures, helping students learn beyond the classroom while building confidence, curiosity, and connection.

Indooroopilly library

Students enjoyed their excursion to Indooroopilly library on Thursday 5^th June. They had a tour of the library, received their BCC library cards, played some chess and even logged in to the PCs there. Thank you to Maggie and Jason from the library for showing us around. Also, thanks to Ms Duffield our librarian for facilitating this experience.

Mrs McKenna and Ms Penny were very impressed by the students and their demonstration of the Milpera values throughout the day.

Stanley River Camp

This term, the students of Senior Prep 1 embarked on an exciting three-day adventure to Stanley River Camp. During their stay, they took part in a variety of outdoor activities, including canoeing and damper making. The experience gave them the opportunity to form new friendships and deepen their connections—with each other, with the school, and with the camp environment.

Families placed their trust in Milpera teachers to care for the students throughout the journey, and we hope the experience helped them grow in confidence and feel more connected in their journey as new Australians.

Coochiemudlo Island excursion

On June 20th, Room 21 students embarked on a memorable excursion to Coochiemudlo Island. The day was filled with meaningful reflection on their time at Milpera, enthusiastic class performance rehearsals accompanied by acoustic guitar, and a heartfelt circle time on the beach - complete with a group hug!

Students also enjoyed a delicious lunch at Curlew Café, making the day even more special. A big thank you to Ms Iliana for her wonderful supervision and to Mr Michael for getting the students to Cleveland safely.

Brisbane Careers Expo Room

Room 21 had the opportunity to visit the Brisbane Careers Exposition on Friday the 13^th of June. The students took part in the mechanical challenge, used VR headsets for simulation of being inside a helicopter for the AMDF and an opportunity to speak to TAFE representatives about the range of diplomas on offer. Special shout-out to Mr Abdul for joining the class on their excursion to the Brisbane Careers Exposition.

Cooking program

This term, our students had an absolute blast during their cooking lessons, getting hands-on in the kitchen and preparing a variety of delicious treats—from pizza scrolls and French toast to granola with yoghurt and so much more! Each session was filled with excitement, creativity, and of course, mouth-watering aromas. They not only enjoyed eating their tasty creations, but also developed a range of important life skills along the way.

Through these lessons, students learned about knife safety, the importance of kitchen hygiene, how to follow recipes carefully, and the value of working together in a shared space.

A special shout-out to Ms Louise, whose enthusiasm and commitment to teaching have inspired our students to develop a genuine love for cooking and a deeper understanding of healthy eating habits.

Baby farm animals visit

We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Emerald, who recently organised an unforgettable animal encounter experience for our students! The schoolyard was buzzing with excitement as students met and interacted with a delightful array of baby farm animals—including adorable goats, lambs, fluffy chicks, waddling ducklings, and even cheeky little piglets!

These hands-on experiences are more than just fun—they’re paw-fect for helping children build empathy, confidence, and a deeper connection to the natural world. By learning how to care for and respect animals, students begin to understand the value of kindness, responsibility, and nurturing relationships.

Visit to the Parliament House

On 11th June, our student leaders Muhammed and Milana along with our Principal Ms. Peel visited the Parliament House in the City. The Hon. Mark Bailey guided them through a thoughtful and engaging tour and shared fascinating historical insights about women in Parliament and explained how the Houses operate.

He left them with a memorable quote from Winston Churchill: “Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others." A truly enriching experience — there's always so much to learn!

Destination School Lunch

On 17th June, exiting students of Milpera met representatives from their new school, to ensure a smooth transition between schools. Over lunch, students had the opportunity to connect with staff from their future school, alleviating anxieties and building excitement for the next chapter of their education journey. This program provides valuable insights, answers questions and fosters a sense of belonging, making the transition to the new school a positive experience.

School Cleaners' Day

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible school cleaners — Charity, Myrna, Mavis, and Gala for the vital work you do every day. Your dedication to keeping our school clean, safe, and welcoming does not go unnoticed. From early mornings to the final bell, your efforts create a positive environment where students can learn, play, and thrive.

On School Cleaners’ Day 16th June, we celebrate and appreciate the essential role you play in our school community. Thank you for all that you do — you are truly our behind-the-scenes heroes!

International Day of Yoga

Our teachers at Milpera understand the importance of Yoga for both body and mind. They make it a point to practice yoga every week, helping them stay calm, focused, and energized. Their commitment to mindfulness not only benefits their own wellbeing but also inspires a positive and balanced learning environment for our students.

International Day of Yoga on June 21st celebrates yoga as an ancient practice that remains deeply relevant in today’s fast-paced world.

Vulcana circus

Our students are discovering that in unity, there is strength.

The expert trainers at Vulcana Circus, have guided our students throughout this term in performing acrobatics, juggling, hula hoops, and more. Through teamwork, trust, and perseverance, they’ve not only developed new physical abilities but also built confidence and a strong sense of collaboration. It’s been a joyful and empowering experience for all!

The circus sessions will continue next term, after school on Thursdays.

Exit Assembly

On 26th June, Milpera said goodbye to students from Rooms 1, 15, 21 and 25.

The Peace Award recognises students who embody the values of respect, initiative, and cooperation. These students lead by example — solving problems constructively, showing kindness, and working harmoniously with peers from all cultures and backgrounds. Congratulations to our Peace Award recipient - Milana from Room 21.

Our exit assembly was a vibrant celebration, filled with memorable performances, heartfelt messages, and touching farewells. It was a special occasion to honour the achievements of our graduating students, who accepted their certificates with pride and smiles. The atmosphere was alive with emotion — a beautiful mix of joy, nostalgia, and excitement for the journey ahead.

We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to our students as they take their next steps into high school or TAFE. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of them.