Dear Parents/Carers

Last week, all students in Year 7 and 8 participated in DIBELS progress monitoring. DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills and is a screening measure designed to identify students who are at risk in reading. This screening occurs three times a year in Term 1, Term 2 and Term 4 and is an important part of our reading priority. This screening is one of the key measures that enables us to identify students that may require extra support in developing their reading skills, particularly in fluency and comprehension and implement supportive interventions accordingly. Thank you to Emily Lovegrove and Emma Dobson for co-ordinating this important work.

We are at the point in the year when Year 10 students and their families should be considering their options for ongoing education, training and employment beyond Year 10. As part of this, a select group of Year 10 students attended the UTAS Health Taster Day last Friday. This provided them with important and interesting exposure to the various health related courses available at UTAS and potential careers associated with these qualifications. I am sure students found this opportunity worthwhile and thank you to Belinda Selby for co-ordinating this experience for our students. Similarly, our Year 10 students will be visiting Newstead College on Friday, 20 June  and Launceston College on Tuesday, 24 June for the College Taster Days. All Year 10 students are required to have a Transition Statement to confirm that they developed and recorded their plans to move into senior secondary education or other further education and training. If you would like to know more about Transition Statements then please go to the link below: Year 10 Transition Statements - Department for Education, Children and Young People

The dates mentioned above coincide with our Year 5/6 Challenge Days, which are also an important and valued opportunity to set our future Year 7 students up for a successful transition to secondary school. Thankyou to Brendan Poke for co-ordinating these significant days. We look forward to welcoming our prospective students to our great school.

We have a valued partnership with Rotary Tasmania. Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) is a life skills program for Year 9 and 10 students. It helps develop leadership, initiative, teamwork, responsibility and communication through fun activities in a safe environment. Applicants need not be the highest achievers but have leadership potential and be able to attend the whole weekend and be willing to participate in all activities. RYPEN will run from 12-14 September at Camp Clayton, near Ulverstone. If your child is interested and could benefit from this program, then please let us know.

I have written before about the importance of regular attendance at school. As part of this focus, it is also important that students are punctual. Occasionally there are legitimate reasons for students being late to school but laziness, disorganisation or simply being too casual about punctuality, are not acceptable reasons. The first bell of the day sounds at 8.35am and students must be in class be 8.40am. If a student is late then they need to sign in at the front office immediately upon arrival. Parents and carers can also support this process by notifying us if your child is late and also supporting and encouraging them to be at school on time, particularly if they are not bringing them to school and they need to walk or catch the bus. Every school day matters and this includes part days. Even a few minutes contributes to a student’s overall attendance rate for the year. Thank you in anticipation of your support.

As we are now well and truly into winter, we inevitably see a bit more sickness occurring.  While the activity of Acute Respiratory Illness, COVID 19, Influenza and RSV in Tasmania are all low, it is important that we don’t become complacent and we all do what can to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe.  The Department of Health recommends the following:

• Be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination and annual flu vaccination. Tasmanians aged 60 years and over and pregnant women are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about RSV vaccines.
• Stay home if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms and remain at home until your symptoms have resolved.
• Wear a face mask if you must leave home while you have symptoms.  Do not visit high risk settings or people at higher risk from respiratory infection for at least seven days if you have cold or flu-like symptoms or test positive for any respiratory virus.
• Be alert for symptoms if you have been exposed to a person with acute respiratory infection or who tests positive for COVID-19, the flu or RSV.
• Cover coughs and sneezes and keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water, or by using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

This week we also have our Year 9 students on camp at the Spring Beach Youth Camp near Orford on the East Coast. Half the grade is attending Monday to Wednesday and the second half from Wednesday to Friday. We have introduced this opportunity this year as this group of students were impacted during the COVID 19 restrictions and missed their camp in Year 7. I am sure students will have a great time and create some everlasting memories. Thank you to the Year 9 leadership team and staff for providing our students with this wonderful experience and for giving up their personal time to enable this trip to happen.

Tomorrow evening, we have our next School Association Committee meeting, reports go home with students next week on 24 June and on Monday 23 June our Student Leaders are running an awareness raising and fundraising event in conjunction with SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY. I encourage everyone to wear their shorts in support of Shorts Day.

As we get into the last quarter of the term, it is important students stay focussed on their learning, attend regularly and continue to follow our R.O.C.K.S behavioural expectations. The shortest day of the day will soon be upon us and then it is onwards and upwards to the milder weather of spring.

Regards

Cary Stocks
Principal

As part of our Positive Behaviour Support Program at Kings Meadows we will be acknowledging students who have been contributing positively to our learning environment.  This means that they have been supporting our school-wide expectations.

Respect for others, self and environment

Organisation

Commitment to learning

Keeping safe

Sensible behaviour

We would like to acknowledge the following students:

Year 7:

Tilly (7A) - For exceptional work as a Class Leader throughout the term and for demonstrating courage while standing alone and giving speech in front of the entire school 

Year 8:

Zane (8A) - For consistent commitment to his learning and always being a positive role model in class.  

Cooper (8A) - For improved attitude in class towards learning and participation in class discussions.  

Year 9:

Josie, Savvy & Ruby (9D), Luke (9A) – For demonstrating improved attitudes and effort towards learning in class settings.

Erin (9F) – For going above and beyond in Catering often looking for extra work to complete while also supporting others.

Reigan (9F) – For her improved organisation, focus and attitude in all subject areas.

On Friday 20 June, we will be having a grade-based day instead of regular classes.  This is to enable smooth running of Year 5/6 Challenge day and other events in our school.

On this day our Year 7’s will be focussing on some work around their social and emotional wellbeing – particularly focussing on Belonging and Resilience. They will also be participating in some friendly ‘Class of Kings’ Competition activities.  We hope students can engage in the days activities and get the most out of this day!

Our fortnightly focus for the past two weeks has been the Department value of Growth. We have been challenging students to talk to someone they haven’t spoken to before or set themselves a goal of trying something new.

“If you find a path without obstacles it probably doesn’t lead anywhere”

“It never gets easier you just get better”

In our Year 7 Block we have recently had two new TV displays installed – this will enable us to display important messages, events and celebrations within our environment.  We are even initiating a ‘student of the week’ which will be displayed so that we all get to know each other a bit better!

As we head towards Term 3 it is an important reminder to students and families that Half Year Options courses will finish and new ones will start in Week 1, Term 3.  For your information the new courses will be:

7A: Food Technology, Drama and LOTE

7B: Food Technology, Art and Drama

7C: Food Technology, Art and Music

7D: MDT, Drama and Art

7E: MDT, Art and Music

7F:  MDT, Drama and LOTE

Term 2 Learning Topics:
Maths:  Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

English: Persuasive Essays

Science: Forces

HaSS: Ancient Civilisations

HPE: Bullying and Respectful Relationships + Dance 

Student Celebrations:
The Year 7 team have recently been recognising student achievement by sending home ‘Postcards’.  These are a nice memento for families and students to display or keep as recognition of great behaviour, work or commitment to our school.  Congratulations to students who have received these so far and we hope to write and send many more!

Congratulations to Hanya for achieving fifth place in the All Schools Cross Country at Symmons Plains last week.

Please feel free to contact your child’s teachers for more information. 

I would like to start today by congratulating all Year 9 students who competed against Queecy in our recent Bulldog Cup Challenge at the South Launceston Football grounds.  Their participation on the day not only showcased great teamwork and competitive spirit but also fostered stronger friendships. Competing in sports allows students to develop strengths and talents that extend beyond the field, enriching their overall growth as young adolescents. Their dedication and efforts on the day were truly inspiring and we look forward to seeing their continued success as they continue to play together in their sporting endeavours during winter sports this year.  A huge congratulations to our Year 9 boys 2nds who won their game convincingly and well done to Zane who received best on ground during the match.

Year 9 students have been receiving glowing feedback from various teachers around our school recently in many different subject areas. Teachers have noticed an increase in students volunteering to help their peers who are facing challenges, as well as helping teachers without being asked. Positive feedback plays a crucial role for young adolescents as they develop into young adults, as it helps build their confidence and sense of belonging. It also plays a vital role in fostering a supportive community of learners, where everyone feels valued and encouraged to grow.  With nearly 60 individual Chip Champion slips written out from staff around our school already this term we hope this positive momentum continues to help our students feel valued through when we notice their contributions and efforts towards others or their learning.

Our attendance across our cohort continues to sit at 87% as I write this article and I would like to thank our parents who are continuing to support their children in attending Kings Meadows High School daily.  I would like to ask any parents who feel like their child is having problems attending school to organise a time to discuss their challenges with their child’s class teacher, Miss Attard or myself during progress conferences on Monday 30 June or Tuesday 1 July via our booking system. 

Finally, our staff our looking forward to spending time with our students on camp this week.  Attending school camps offers high school students invaluable opportunities for personal growth, fostering independence, resilience and confidence through new challenges. Camps also help students build stronger peer relationships and develop essential social skills, creating lasting memories and friendships.  Additionally, the immersive experiences promote physical health and environmental awareness, encouraging a more active and responsible lifestyle.

I extend our heartfelt thanks to all the staff and especially Miss Attard for their dedication and support of camp. Thank you also to our wonderful parents for their meticulous organisation and communication, ensuring every student who attends has a successful and enriching camp experience this week.

Mr Nathan Karas
Year 9 AST

YEAR 9 CONTACT DETAILS:

As Term 2 rapidly draws to a close and the weather turns colder, it’s a good time to remind everyone about a few key expectations and upcoming opportunities.

Uniform Reminder
With winter setting in, students are reminded that full school uniform must be worn at all times. Non-school items such as hoodies and non-uniform beanies should not be visible. Wearing the correct uniform is a sign of pride and respect for our school community.

Mobile Phone Policy – ‘Off and Away’
There has been an increase in mobile phone usage during school hours. We remind students and families that phones must remain off and away throughout the school day. Parents and carers can support this policy by avoiding texting or calling students directly. If contact is needed, please go through the school office, where our staff are always happy to assist. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Transition Planning
A big congratulations to the majority of Year 10 students who have begun their Transition Plans. These are an essential part of preparing for life after high school, whether that’s college, training, or employment. Well done on taking this important step!

College Open Days
Students are encouraged to ensure they have submitted their preferences for the upcoming college open days:

• Newstead College – Friday, 20th June
  Meeting point: Flag poles in front of the main office
• Launceston College – Tuesday, 24 June
  Meeting point: Cube Café

Students will need to make their own way to and from these events. If transport is an issue, please contact the Year 10 team as soon as possible so we can assist.

Leadership Opportunity – RYPEN
To any aspiring leaders out there: the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) will be running from 12–14 September. This is a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, leadership skills and meet like-minded students from across the region. For more information, visit:

? rotary9830.org.au/programs/rypen

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to help our Year 10 students finish the term strong and prepare for the exciting steps ahead.

YEAR 10 CONTACT DETAILS:

A reminder to all Year 10 students, parents and carers that the College Open Days are happening this week and next.

Newstead College - Friday 20 June. Please meet out the front of the College no later than 8:50am with a book and a pen/pencil.

Launceston College - Tuesday 24 June. Please meet in Cube Café in College Lane no later than 8:50am with a book and a pen/pencil.

It is important to note that these days are designed to provide a snapshot of College life and what students can expect in 2026. Attendance at these days is compulsory and should be strongly encouraged. There is no program for Year 10 students at KMHS on these days. If students need transport assistance to either/both Colleges, please contact James Guy on 6343 1000 or james.guy@decyp.tas.gov.au as soon as possible.

Our hardworking students in the King’s Garden & Maintenance Group have been busy honing their practical and leadership skills through a series of fantastic new projects!

Recently, they mixed and poured a reinforced concrete slab, then bolted in a new outdoor seat with reinforced, welded support braces — creating the perfect spot for our school community to relax and enjoy the garden.

They’ve also been tackling lawn maintenance with the snipper and clearing pathways to refresh and open up the space and prepare it for our team’s grand plans!

Inside the greenhouse, a forest of overgrowth was removed, the soil was turned and a fresh batch of winter veggies planted — completely transforming the space!

A huge thank you to the team at Allan’s Garden Centre in Prospect for supporting our program and helping students grow their horticulture skills.

On Tuesday 3 June at our mid-term whole school assembly, we celebrated the successes of our students in the areas of Performing Arts and Sports. 

Students across all year levels participated in the Launceston Competitions through the mediums of dance and drama. Our students performed magnificently and did our school proud. They were presented with certificates of participation at the assembly. 

Additionally, students across all year levels participated in the annual KMHS Cross Country Carnival, which was closely followed closely by the Interhigh Cross Country carnival. Again, our students are to be commended for their excellent efforts at both of these sporting events. Students who placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the school carnival were presented with an award, while those who were chosen to participate in the Interhigh Carnival were presented with certificates of participation.

On Thursday 5 June,  Mr Bryan’s 9/10 Sport Science class attended Newstead College to participate in a STEM and Basketball Workshop with Dr John Drazan.

Dr John Drazan is a U.S. biomedical engineering professor and former college basketball player, who has been involved in the NBA Summer League and Jr NBA, with his programs reaching over 40,000 students in the U.S.

Dr John Drazan conducted this workshop to demonstrate to students the correlation between sports performance and real-time data. Students participated in a variety of different tests, involving many different bodily movements and then analysing the data from each respective station.

We would like to thank Newstead College and Dr John Drazan for providing a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage in such an insightful workshop!

We kindly ask all families to remind students about the importance of keeping their personal belongings safe, especially when it comes to carrying large amounts of money to school. If a student needs to bring a large amount of money to school ($50-$100 or more for any reason (uniform purchasing, after school activities etc.), they are strongly encouraged to visit the front office upon arrival and request to store their money securely in the school safe. 

This ensures their money is protected and gives everyone peace of mind. Students are welcome to retrieve their funds when needed during the school day.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and responsible school environment. 

Kate Hume
Assistant Principal | YR 7&8

On Friday 13 June, a group of Year 10 students were lucky enough to visit the new Inveresk UTAS Campus for a Health Careers Taster Day. They participated in tours and hands-on activities in fields of Medicine, Pharmacy and Psychology. A wonderful experience enjoyed by all.

Last week, students represented KMHS at the annual event at Symmons Plains. Congrats to all involved, especially our Year 7 student Hanya, who was able to finish 5^th in the state. Well done.