Dear Parents/Carers

As we get toward the middle part of the year, I hope everyone is staying warm, dry and healthy. Our thoughts are certainly with people in other communities around Australia where this hasn’t been the case recently.

I’m happy to advise that we have been selected as part of round 3 of the Department for Education, Children and Young People’s (DECYP) Renewable Energy Program. This will see old, small solar systems removed and new appropriately sized systems installed.  We have recently had contractors visiting our site to provide submissions for the project. Hopefully, this will be installed later in the year and enable cost savings by making our site more energy efficient and more environmentally friendly.

Project Lifesaver is an initiative to equip eligible DECYP sites with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve safety. St John Ambulance Tasmania has been secured as our supplier of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative is part of DECYP’s ongoing commitment to enhancing safety and wellbeing across sites by ensuring that more locations are equipped to handle cardiac emergencies effectively. This project demonstrates DECYP’s dedication to providing timely and effective emergency response capabilities across the state, ultimately saving lives and fostering a safer environment for everyone. While we already have an AED on our site, an additional device will be most welcome, particularly for out of hours user groups. The new AED will likely be located either outside our gym or outside our administration block once installed later this year.

As part of meeting our requirements under DECYP’s Communicating Learning Progress with Families Procedures, very soon teachers will commence preparing mid-year reports. Reports will be sent home in late June and there will be opportunities for conversations with staff on the Monday and Tuesday afternoon of the final week of this term. More specific information about reports and progress conferences has been emailed to all parents/carers. Meaningful communication is integral to supporting the partnerships between families and schools that effectively promote student learning progress and wellbeing. As part of quality teaching practice, teachers regularly elicit evidence of student learning through assessment. This evidence is used to:

• assess where learners are in their learning, at a point in time
• adjust teaching practice to progress learning
• communicate learning progress with learners and families to support learning.

Regular attendance at school is important. The recommended minimum attendance rate over the course of the year is 90%. To put this in different terms, with 192 student attendance days in 2025, this means that a student must attend 173 days (i.e. no more than 19 days absent for the year) to achieve this threshold. Nevertheless, the higher the attendance rate the better. Please also note that arriving late to school or leaving early also contributes to overall attendance rates. 

To ensure our records are accurate and we exercise our duty of care, we do require direct contact from a parent or carer to authorise a student departure. Direct contact between a child and their parent/carer is not legally sufficient. We would really appreciate the co-operation of parents and carers in this regard. Similarly, utilising a mobile phone during the school day between 8.35am and 2.50pm is not permitted for students, so parents can also support us and their child by refraining from this communication platform during school hours.

Respectful Relationships and Consent Education (RRCE) is an important part or our work with young people across all schools and age groups. The cycle of violence begins with disrespectful behaviour and RRCE is critical to our efforts to stop family and gender-based violence. RRCE aims to build the skills and knowledge needed from an early age to have safe and violence-free futures. It takes a whole-school and community effort to challenge harmful gender stereotypes, support protective behaviours and foster help-seeking skills. To learn how you can play your part, view the Australian Government’s Conversation Guide for practical advice and support on how to talk about respect at home.  Together, let’s all model and promote respectful behaviours for long-term change. Let’s shape a brighter, violence-free future for our children. If you, or someone you know is impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence and needs help, contact 1800RESPECT for free confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please note that this Friday, 6 June is a student free day (i.e. students are not required at school). This day is granted to schools for the purpose of moderation. The process of moderation helps to ensure that students across all schools are being assessed against the same benchmarks and that student assessments are comparable across schools. These days are important for school staff, so I appreciate your flexibility and understanding in managing your child(ren) not being at school on this day. Please note that Monday 9 June is a public holiday. I hope that everyone enjoys the long weekend and you can find some time to do things that you enjoy, find relaxing and help you recharge.

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:

Beatrix Walker - For her positive presence in the classroom, consistently completing her work with care and showing kindness and support to those around her. 

Ryan Bradley – For his consistent dedication to his studies, showing genuine enthusiasm and a strong commitment to achieving excellence in his work.  

Year 8:

Elaina Hendriksen - For her commitment to learning and supportive attitude in class. 

Isabel Brain - For her positive outlook, and commitment to her learning.

Year 7’s are halfway through their second term and whilst most students are developing some good work habits and behaviours there are many aspects of school life we think show room for improvement.  The Year 7 team are having a fortnightly focus and at the moment the focus is the department value of Respect.  We have been guiding the students through expectations, not only around respect for each other, but respect for their environment – specifically their classroom spaces and school surroundings.  Year 7 students are reminded that they are not to be in a classroom without an adult present.  This is a safety aspect as well as ensuring everyone’s belongings are safe.

We would also like our students to think about their choices and decisions as they mature into young adults.  Learning to take a more thoughtful and mature approach to their decision making and choices.  When incidents occur between friends or around the school how they respond and react has an impact on the result of the incident, those around them and staff trying to support them.  As always we encourage students to seek staff assistance on any matters they need support with.

Year 7 students are also engaging with their first chances to represent the school at NHSSA Winter Sports-  Football, Netball, Soccer and Girls Football.  It has been fantastic to see them excited to represent and compete for their school.

Term 2 Learning Topics:

Maths:  Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

English: Persuasive Writing including Writing Arguments and Paragraph Structures

Science: Forces

HASS: Civics

HPE: Bullying and Respectful Relationships + World games

Student Celebrations:

Well done to Hanya Rush for achieving 2nd Place in the Interhigh Cross Country and Chace Martin for getting 5th. These are fantastic results for these students competing against a big field of runners from over eight schools.

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

It is hard to believe that Year 8 is already halfway through Term 2.  Both students and teachers are busily working away on assessments and finalising grades, ready for the mid-year reports, in what is a very busy time of the year for everyone.

The school’s cross-country event was held on Friday of Week 3, with all the students to be congratulated for their participation.  Further congratulations are to be given to Luca, the Year 8 Boys Champion, followed by Blair and Chase in second and third positions respectively.  Kiara is the Year 8 Girls Champion, with Alex second and Olive third.  With this, we would also like to recognise all the Year 8 students, as well as those from other year levels, for their selection and participation in the Interhigh Cross Country event held here yesterday. 

The Junior House Captains were assisting on the day and are also currently working with a group from the community in the rebranding and renaming of the YMCA.  This is a huge honour and this is something to look forward to in the future.

Looking forward, DIBELS Screening will be carried out again in Weeks 7 and 8 and a reminder to families that there is a Student Free Day this Friday, 6 June.  It is important that our students are also aware that the Year 5/6 Challenge Days are fast approaching as well, when students will be undertaking a Grade Based Learning Day on Friday, 20 June, where the grade team are busily planning activities for this.  In Week 10, it is important to note that the parent/teacher/student conferences will be taking place.  

As we are coming into winter and it has already started to cool down, could parents and students be aware of the appropriate uniform options.  If students opt to wear items under their uniform, they are not to be visible.  For example, long sleeve t-shirts and hoodies.  Football shorts as an item of the KMHS uniform are not permitted and if they are a part of the football team, they are to change into these at the appropriate time. 

In all, it has been a really positive first half of Term 2 and we can continue this for the remainder of this very busy term for both students and teachers.

YEAR 8 CONTACT DETAILS:

Year 10 Update: College Pathways, Melbourne Adventures, Cross Country Success & Winter Reminders

Our Year 10 students have had a busy and exciting term so far!

Recently, representatives from Newstead College and Launceston College visited to speak with students about subject selections and the transition to college in 2026. These sessions provided valuable insights and helped students begin thinking about their future pathways.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to remind families about the upcoming College Open Days:

• Newstead College – Thursday, 20 June
• Launceston College – Monday, 24 June

These open days are fantastic opportunities for students to experience college life first hand and explore the subjects and facilities on offer.

In other exciting news, 47 of our Year 10 students recently returned from a memorable trip to Melbourne. They enjoyed thrilling AFL games and visited many of the city's top attractions. These enriching experiences wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our amazing staff. A huge thank you to Ms Blaubaum, Mrs Breen, Mr Maddern, Mr Guy and Mr Poke for making this trip a success!

We would also like to extend a big congratulations to all students who participated in the recent school cross country. Your effort, determination and school spirit were outstanding. A special congratulations to those who have been selected to represent our school in the Interhigh team—a fantastic achievement!

As we head into the colder months, a few important reminders:

• Uniform Expectations: While the weather is cooling down, our expectations around school uniform remain the same. Please continue to wear your full school uniform with pride.
• ‘Off and Away’ Policy: Mobile phones should remain off and away during school hours. If students need to contact home—or if parents need to reach their child—please do so through the front office, where our friendly staff are always happy to assist.
• Attendance Matters: Every day at school counts. We encourage all students to be present and on time each day. Consistent attendance is key to staying connected, engaged, and on track with learning.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students thrive!

YEAR 10 CONTACT DETAILS:

It’s been a fantastic term in Senior Woodwork, with students showcasing impressive skill and creativity in the workshop. Our major focus has been on the design and construction of bespoke bedside tables, with students experimenting with a wide range of joinery techniques to produce outstanding pieces. The quality and variety of finished projects reflect both the students’ commitment and the diverse design solutions they’ve brought to life.

We are now transitioning into our next build—a small shelf cabinet—where students will continue to refine their craftsmanship and design skills.

A few important reminders for families:

• Project Collection: Once completed, all projects need to be taken home. Please ensure your child has a plan for transporting their finished work home in advance.
• Free Choice Projects: Later this year, students will begin to design and cost their own free choice projects. Each student has a set materials allowance and any extra costs over that allowance will need approval from families and the teacher before work can begin. Please discuss this with your child’s Design in Wood teacher if you require further clarification

Thank you for your ongoing support. It’s wonderful to see students taking such pride in their work and striving for excellence in the workshop!

It’s been a busy and rewarding term for our Year 7s in Junior Woodwork. Students have tackled the challenge of building their own desk tidies, gaining hands-on experience in a range of essential skills. From accurately measuring and marking out, to safely gluing, nailing, drilling, sanding and shaping timber, students have navigated each step with growing independence.

What’s been especially impressive is the way students have supported one another—sharing ideas, asking questions and helping classmates through challenges. For many, this has been their first time using tools like the drill press or working with timber and they’ve approached each task with a positive attitude and genuine curiosity.

A real highlight has been experimenting with the desktop laser machine. Students have designed and added personalised touches to their desk tidies, making each project truly unique. The creativity and pride on display have been fantastic to see.

I’d like to congratulate the entire class on their teamwork, effort and willingness to try new things. It’s been a pleasure to watch students grow in confidence and skill, and most importantly, to see them enjoying the process of making something with their own hands.

Well done, Year 7!

Congratulations to the 2025 KMHS Cross Country Team who competed on home turf on Tuesday 27 May. Our team put in an outstanding effort and we could not be prouder.

Special mentions to place getters:

Hanya Rush – Year 7 Girls placing 2^nd

Coby Praciak – Year 9 Boys placing 1^st

Lacie Pearton - Year 10 Girls placing 2^nd overall and 1^st in Div 1

Logan Groves – Year 10 Boys placing 2^nd

Our school hosted over 18 schools on the day and we feel privileged to be able to use our course and host this event.

Thank you to our house captains and Mr Stevenson for running a BBQ and drink stall on the day.

A special thank you to all staff who assisted in preparation and duty on for this event to occur and lastly to Miss Attard for all her hard work and time that goes into planning such a successful event.

It was great to have ex-student Colby McKercher from the North Melbourne Kangaroos on site on Wednesday 28 May. He spent time talking to the 9/10 football and soccer teams before signing autographs, taking photos and having a kick with some students at lunch. An absolute legend!!!