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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:
- ROCKS STARS:
- GRADE 7 REPORT:
- GRADE 8 REPORT:
- GRADE 9 REPORT:
- GRADE 10 REPORT:
- LITERACY LEGENDS:
- GRADE 7, 2020 PARENTS & GUARDIANS:
- CCYP AMBASSADOR REPORT:
- SCHOOLS TRIATHLON CHALLENGE:
- INTER-HIGH ATHLETICS:
- SUNday FUNday:
- IMAGES FROM GRADE 8 COLLEGE TASTER DAY:
- COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD:
Inter-High Athletics
Oh so close again!!!!! I am so incredibly proud of the team and their efforts and so close to taking the “gold” award missing out by approximately 60 points. I know Mr Hartley, Mrs Williams and Mrs Elliott were incredibly pleased with everyone’s efforts at the Inter-High; the way everyone supported each other and stepped up when needed. Congratulations to Abbie Butler for breaking 3 records in the Grade 9 Girls comp – 400m, 800m and 1500m and Makala Bingley for breaking the Grade 10 Girls Discus record. These were the only records broken on the day.
Orientation Day
On Wednesday 27th November we had 170 very nervous and excited Grade 6 students attend our Orientation Day. This was a full day of experiencing lessons in Drama, MDT, My Education, English, Science, HPE and Music. Orientation Day is the last formal day of our Transition Program for incoming students. I know Mrs Wightman and Miss Males have disseminated lots of information to families on Orientation Day and we had a lovely group of parents attend our last information night that evening. If for whatever reason you have missed information, please contact your child’s primary school teacher and look in the Transition Canvas Room which your child will be able to navigate for you. If you have any further questions, please contact Miss Males or call the school on 63431000. Mrs Wightman is now on a well-earned long service leave break until February 2020.
Grade 8 Excursion Day
On Wednesday 27th November all of Grade 8 attended their own mini orientation day to both Newstead and Launceston Colleges. This is part of our ongoing commitment to providing students with exposure to a wide variety of opportunities for them in the future and starts their thinking around Year 11 and 12. I know that they also enjoyed a lunch break at the new River Bend Park. Thank you to the Grade 8 team for arranging and ensuring the day was a success.
EAL Program Activities
Mrs Tatiana (Hinds) our EAL teacher spoke about her role and the students in the EAL program last Friday in our whole school assembly. She acknowledged the students hard work and commitment to this program and their enthusiasm around embracing learning opportunities. Two programs students recently have been involved in are:
UTAS Refugee and Migrant Mentoring Program, which has involved tutors from the University of Tasmania working weekly with our senior EAL students around language and employment skills and pathways to their futures. They celebrated the end of this program last week with presentation of certificates to all involved. Thank you to Dr. Subhash Koirala, Project Manager - Education and Mrs Tatiana for co-ordinating this valuable program.
Aquatics Water Safety Program - We have had a small group of EAL students participate again this year in the RLSSA endorsed program developing swimming and lifesaving skills. The students participated every day for 2 weeks to build their skills and competencies in aquatic environments. Thank you to Mrs Taurian and Mrs Tatiana for co-ordinating.
Dance Fever
Last Friday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Launceston College Dance Fever event. Once again it was fantastic to see so many current KMHS students, past KMHS students and future KMHS (from our feeder primary schools) on stage in their element. The theme this year was “Grit” and all participants certainly demonstrated their grit and determination and confidence on stage, thoroughly entertaining the audience. Well done to all involved and congratulations to Mrs Belinda Selby for developing such talent within our school.
All Schools Triathlon
A very early start last Wednesday for 27 of our students and staff as they ventured off to compete in the Annual Schools Triathlon Challenge down the North West Coast. Mr Heger and Mr Hartley accompanied the team along with some parent support and all competitors had a cold but enjoyable day. Challenge is certainly the right word for this event as students had to either compete in a swim, bike or run event (if in a team’s event) or a multiple of these as an individual competitor. Our students once again did themselves and our school proud by the courage and tenacity shown throughout the day. Please see newsletter article later for more details of this wonderful day.
Basketball Finals
The NHSSA Basketball Finals have been running over the last couple of weeks and our Junior Boys and Senior Girls Teams both made the final. Our boys team lost their final last Wednesday but fought hard. Thanks to Mr Prestedge for coaching the team this season and all coaches for giving up their time to support our teams.
The Senior girls team (who recently won the Northern Championships) will play their final tomorrow evening against Deloraine. We wish them all the best.
“Springfest” Musician Support
Youngtown Primary School held their recent Springfest Fete after school and we had a number of our music students attend to support and entertain the crowd on that evening. I know the Principal, Mrs Coyle, was very grateful and impressed with their support and performances. Thank you to Sam Brophy, Bella Dyer, Angie Collins, Taylor Hughes, Cleo Taylor, Jude Hastings, Chilli Kettle and Mr George Edmondson for assisting in this event.
Congratulations to CCYP Ambassador – Jasmine Jones
This year Jasmine applied for and was accepted as a Commissioner for Children and Young People of Tasmania Ambassador which is a wonderful achievement and accolade. Jasmine has been attending meetings throughout the year where she has been an active voice and contributor to discussions with the commissioner and other leaders around contemporary topics and areas of concern and interest for our young Tasmanians. Please take the time to read her report further in this Newsletter and congratulations Jasmine for being such an outstanding ambassador.
School Association BBQ
Last Saturday our School Association ran the BBQ at Bunnings Kings Meadows. It was a wonderful way of fundraising for the Association and whilst this is not a main focus of their role, they do endeavour to have some funds to support the school where they can. A huge thank you must go to our Committee and in particular Chairperson, Ms Sue White and Secretary Mrs Tracey Kirk for all their work in organising the day. A big thank you to those parents and volunteers who gave up their time and assisted on the day. Also, a big thank you to Banjos Meadow Mews, JJ’s Bakery Longford and JBS Meats Longford for donating goods.
Congratulations to:
Cobey Evans and Bailey Mitchell for being selected in the State Under-18 Devils football program and Ryan Lowe and Josh Harris in the Under-16 Devils program.
25 Years’ Service Awards
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the 25-year Service Awards Presentation for three of our wonderful staff;
Ms Karen Furley
Mrs Liz Wilson
Mr Richard Goss
This is an outstanding achievement and we congratulate them on this recognition and acknowledgement.
Long Service Leave
As we near the end of the year we already have 2 staff taking early leave (Long Service Leave) - Mr Thor Pedersen, Mrs Katie Wightman both started their leave this week and will be away for the remainder of the term. Mrs Claire Lovitt will be acting Junior Assistant Principal in Mrs Wightman’s absence.
Maree Pinnington
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:
Grade 7:
Abby Chapple - for showing kindness towards her peers.
Jye Walmsley - For always giving his best effort and approaching all aspects of his schooling with a positive attitude.
Grade 8:
Grade 9:
Remi Smith - For her patience, understanding and initiative with the Grade 6 students on Orientation day.
Josh Harris - For his amazing efforts at the Inter-High Athletics Carnival winning the 100m, 200m, Long jump, Javelin and Relay - an outstanding effort.
Grade 10:
Celebrations
Our ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ challenge continues to be a success in Grade 7. It has been so wonderful to read the nominations each week for students who have committed random acts of kindnes. Students have been nominated for tidying up the classroom without being asked, sitting with students who might be feeling lonely, giving compliments to students they would not usually spend time with, holding doors open for people, helping teachers carry books to classes and just for being wonderfully kind human beings. As a result, there is a very positive vibe in Grade 7 at the moment and we are very proud of how well our students are stepping up to the challenge.
We would also like to celebrate our fabulous transition leaders and the great leadership they showed on Wednesday last week, during the Grade 6 Orientation Day. Our transition leaders displayed initiative, commitment, patience and resilience throughout the day and their efforts were certainly appreciated by staff and students alike.
Finally, we would like to celebrate our awesome Grade 7 teaching team. It has been an action-packed and exciting year full of new challenges and experiences. Throughout each term, our teaching team work tirelessly to provide wonderful learning opportunities for our students, including a broad range of extra-curricular activities. Thank you to our team for all hours you have spent and all the hard work you have put in to make this year such a successful one. Thank you for your patience, your kindness and your ‘can-do’ attitudes - your commitment is so appreciated.
Grade Focus
Making the most of our last 3 weeks together and making positive choices!
Upcoming events
5 December - My Education Day 8
6 December - Big Day Out
19 December - Grade 7, 8 and 9 picnic at Bridport
Celebrations
Students had a wonderful opportunity on Wednesday at both Newstead and Launceston Colleges to experience what life might be like for them in a couple of years time. Thank you to Mr Cottam at Newstead College and Ms Bennett from Launceston College for their organisation of the day.
Congratulations to our Grade 8s who aquitted themselves very well at the Inter-High carnival. We were very proud of your efforts and hopefully we can pip Riverside High next year.
Grade Focus
Being at the College on the taster day highlighted to the students the importance of becoming independent and even more responsible for their own learning. Students should now be practicing these skills for the last month of school in preparation for transition into the senior school.
Upcoming events
5 December - My Education Day
6 December - Big Day Out
19 December - Grade 7, 8 and 9 Picnic at Bridport
Celebrations
Abbie Butler is a rising star. Abbie has been identified by Athletics Tasmania in the Tassie Talent Program this year before winning gold in the State All-Schools Competition in the 1500m and 2000m steeplechase events.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Joshua Harris for winning all events at the Inter-High athletics carnival 100m, 200m, 400m, Javelin and Long Jump.
Abbie Butler for breaking 3 records at the Inter-High Athletics Carnival in the 400m, 800m and 1500m.
Congratulations to all other participants from Grade 9 at the Inter-High Athletics - you represented your school with pride and were fantastic ambassadors for KMHS - Caleb Nason, Brady Colgrave, Josh Harris, Dom Capodici, Jacob Barker, Mitchell Butler, Alex Jordan, Hunter Nuss Monique Booth, Abbie Butler, Liana Freestone, Ellie Fearn, Amy Littlechild, Summer Kelly, Alexandra Mulcaster, Tate Zacharyga and Paige Gibson.
F1 RED SPRITE RACERS:
After having come away from our last F1 in Schools competition as State Champions, the Red Sprites Racing Team is preparing for the National Finals in March of 2020. Our current focus is on publicity in the aim of making our name a known one. This will help as we continue to contact businesses around Tasmania and even around the world in hope of receiving material, mentorship or financial support.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the team over the past few years and also mention our sponsors which made our journey to winning the State Final possible - Island Block and Paving, Definium Technologies, Reece Plumbing, Think Big, Tamar River Cruises, Wyllie Tiles, YMCA and Chilli FM.
If you would like to hear more about the competition, follow us on Instagram @redspritesracing or send us an email at redspritescbce@gmail.com.
Grade Focus
In Term 4 we will continue with the focus on leadership opportunities exploring the roles and responsibilities for Grade 10 positions. These will include: Prefects, House Captains, Beacon Ambassadors and Peer Support Leaders. On our My Education day the theme with student consultation will be investigating SUSTAINABILITY and making positive choices and contributions on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The Grade 9’s will be working in various groups throughout the day and will be involved in activities including making bees wax wraps, worm farms, plant propagation, tree planting, paper making and video recording and photography.
Upcoming events
5 December - My Education Day
6 December - Big Day Out
19 December - Grade 7, 8 and 9 Picnic at Bridport
Celebrations
Congratulations to our Grade 10 students who were last week involved in our Inter-High Athletics Team. They certainly represented out school with pride (for the last time) and should be proud of their achievements. A special mention to Makala Bingley (10B) who broke the Grade 10 girls discus Inter-High record throwing 28.92m beating the old record of 28.33m. Awesome work Makala!
Last week Angie Collins (10D), Eliza Matthews (10D), Caitlin Jordan (10A) and Abbie Watt (10A) were all involved in Launceston College’s ‘Dance Fever- GRIT’. This is a huge commitment for the girls who have been rehearsing since the beginning of Term 2. It was a fantastic show! Great work girls we are proud of you all.
We also had a number of students participate in the school triathlon held in Devonport last Wednesday. Congratulations must go to Sam Talbot (10B), Cobey Evans (10C) and Kaiden Page (10A) who finished first overall for Grade 10 students in their teams’ race. Great work boys!
We would also like to congratulate one of our Grade 10 Team teachers Ms. Liz Wilson. Last week, Liz was recognised for her 25 years of service at the Department of Education. Congratulations Liz, we are so fortunate to have such an experienced and outstanding teacher on our grade team and in our school.
Grade Focus
For the last remaining weeks of this term and our Grade 10’s time at Kings Meadows, our grade focus is students following our ROCKS expectations. We have had high behavioural and attendance expectations of our Grade 10 students throughout this year and will continue to have these high expectations until students last day with us. It is important to us that our Grade 10 students finish off the year, their learning and their time at KMHS strongly in every way possible.
Upcoming events
2-5 December - Prefects Kings' Culture Week
5 December - My Education Day - Healthy Me Expo
6 December - King's Big Day Out
Graduations Events
Parents/carers please note that students received important information in regards to the Leaver’s Dinner and Picnic last week, including permission forms.
Thursday 12 December - Graduation Dinner - Country Club Casino (arrival from 6:30pm)
Monday 16 December - Presentation Assembly (invite only)
Tuesday 17 December - Grade 10 Mystery Picnic
Wednesday 18 December - Graduation Assembly
Student name: Anouk Strange-Hack
What can you tell us about this piece of work?
This piece of work is an image that I created after we read a chapter in our novel: Mallee Boys. In the chapter, the main character, Sandy is sitting alone in a paddock on his outback property. He had applied to go to two schools in the city but had received letters from both schools informing him that his applications had unfortunately been unsuccessful.
What is your favourite thing about English?
I love reading and I really like being able to ‘draw’ my ideas about the texts that I read, I also love learning new ideas and just English in general.
What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment we are working on finishing our last role in the Literature Circle unit and we are finishing off our class novel; ‘Mallee Boys’.
At the moment I am reading, ‘Mallee Boys’. It is about two brothers living on a property in the outback. They have lost their mum and they are both trying to deal this event and the change it has brought into their lives.
What is your favourite book and why?
My favourite series is, ‘The Lost Rainforest’ by Eliot Schrefer. It is set in the Amazon and the main character is a panther called, Mez. She discovers she has special powers and goes on a quest with a serpent.
What are some books that you would really like to read?
I would like to read more of the ‘My Hero Academia’ comic books.
Literature Circles-Illustrator role
This illustration is set in a paddock during a sunset with two rejection letters sitting in the grass. I chose this scene from a chapter where Sandy had received the letters from two of the three Adelaide schools he had applied for. Sadly, both of the schools had turned down his application and Sandy was really disappointed so he took the dodgy old motorbike from the shed and rode it to one of the paddocks. Just as he arrived, the bike ran out of fuel, so he sat there with the rejection letters until his brother, Red was looking for him, found him, picked him up and took him back home.
GRADE 7, 2020 PARENTS & GUARDIANS:
Dear Families
At the final parent information evening, held Thursday 27 November, we distributed small cards to parents to write a positive message of encouragement that we can share with your child when they might be experiencing a tough day at school. If you were unable to attend the parent information evening and would like to participate please call at the office. There is a box of cards and one with your child’s name on it so that you can write a positive message of hope and encouragement.
By Jasmine Jones
This year I’ve had the amazing opportunity to be a CCYP Ambassador. This has involved meeting with the Commissioner for Children and Young People of Tasmania and other ambassadors from around the state to discuss topics of concern and importance in the eyes of todays youth. This year we have had 2 regional meetings and on the 4th of October our state wide meeting took place at the Door of Hope, with over 100 ambassadors in attendance from across Tasmania.
We started the day with a quick briefing and a visit from the State's Premier before we were able to choose 2 activities to go to for our morning session. All of these were based on our 7 key topics that we decided as a group were most important to young people and the community and we had guest speakers specialising on each subject or issue. Our options were “Sustainable You, Sustainable Future” (Climate Change and the Environment), “The power of Gratitude, Kindness and Respect” (Equity and Diversity), “Making School a Better Place – where is the Voice of Student?” (Education and Opportunities), “Stop and Prevent Bullying” (Bullying), “Mental Health Survival Tips with Kids Helpline” (Mental Health) “Message Umbrellas” (Safety, Access to Necessities, Services and supports) and “Empowering Safety on the Road” (Road Safety). The first session I went to was about Equity and Diversity with Sarah Bolt, the Anti-Discrimination Officer, where we spoke about laws influencing kindness or a lack there of, discussing what we think could be done better and the importance of being grateful for what we have.
For my second session I went to “Sustainable You, Sustainable Future”. We talked about the leading factors in what contributes to climate change and ways that we could be more sustainable. This talk was given by members of the Tasmanian Climate Change Office. After this we heard from Toby Thorpe, a young Tasmanian climate change and sustainability advocate who spoke to us about his journey and where his passion began. We were then given the chance to individually brainstorm our own answers, ideas and solutions to a few questions which were all based around what we can do to make our world a more sustainable place, and how we could help prevent or slow the effects of climate change.
Later on in the day we were given the opportunity to speak to some of our State's political leaders and ask them questions. Cassy O’Connor, Rebecca White and Roger Jaensch were all there to respond to our questions and there were other leaders and important decision makers in the audience to listen. It was interesting to listen to their responses and learn more about hat our government is doing and what the individual representatives thought.
I strongly encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to apply for the CCYP Ambassador role to go for it. I’ve found the experience really enjoyable, I have learnt a lot and it’s a fantastic chance to use your voice somewhere it will be heard.
On Wednesday 27th November students arrived at school for an early 7.00am bus trip down to The Bluff in Devonport. Excitement levels were high and enthusiasm was at it's peak throughout the journey as our competitors were keen to get underway. The conditions that greeted us upon arrival were less than welcoming. Those that had to enter the water on the day had facial expressions that displayed some regret. KMHS kids are brave though and soldiered on through rain, gale force winds and chilly waters with smiles on their faces and positive vibes all day.
As a school we are very proud of how our competitors conducted themselves during the event. They showed sportsmanship, perseverance and the willingness to have a go. We had some fantastic results on the day – our Grade 7 girls team consisting of Ashlea Harrison, Mackenzie Grant and Bonnie Talbot took out 1st place. As did our Grade 10 boys team made up of competitors Cobey Evans, Kaiden Page and Sam Talbot. In the Grade 7 boys individual race we had Elijah Daley and Lachlan Oliver both place in the top 5, with Bryce Stone achieving the same result in the Grade 8 boys individual race. Mr Hartley and Mr Heger couldn’t have asked for any more from our students and are looking forward to next years event!
*Photography by Callie Macaulay.
Oh so close, but not quite far enough! The Inter-High Athletics team represented our school in force last Friday at St Leonards Athletics Centre. All students gave their best performances with most producing personal best times, heights and distances. Only four records were broken at this meet and these were all by Kings Meadows High School athletes. Congratulations to Makala Bingley and Abbie Butler for their record breaking performances. Makala broke the Grade 10 Girls Discus record with a throw of 28.92m beating the previous record of 28.33m. Abbie broke three Inter-high records in the Grade 9 Girls Division, 400m, 800m and 1500m. Her times were at a blistering pace: 60.39s for her 400m beating a previous record of 61.40s, 2:24.53 for 800m breaking the record by over 3 seconds and her 1500m beat the previous record by 11 seconds with a time of 4:47.30. At the conclusion of the day our team were pipped at the post by reigning champions Riverside, coming in just 64 points behind. Congratulations to all team members on a stellar performance and a massive thank you once again to Mr Gillow and parents who supported us on the day. Next year will be our year!!
Makala Bingley - Female - KINGS MEADOWS HIGH SCHOOL
Girls Discus Throw 1Kg Grade 10/1 28.92m (1)
Meet Record: 28.33m All Schools: 28.33m
Abbie Butler - Female - KINGS MEADOWS HIGH SCHOOL
Girls 1500 Metres Grade 9/10 4:47.30 (1)
Meet Record: 4:58.00 All Schools: 4:58.00
Abbie Butler - Female - KINGS MEADOWS HIGH SCHOLL
Girls 400 Metres Grade 9/1 60.39 (1)
Meet Record: 61.40 All Schools: 61.40
Abbie Butler - Female - KINGS MEADOWS HIGH SCHOOL
Girls 800 Metres Grade 9 2:24.53 (1)
Meet Record: 2:27.86 All Schools: 2:27.86
On 19th November, we held the very successful SUNday FUNday! Everyone looked absolutely fantastic in their summer outfits and we raised over $270.00 for the Cancer Council. We would like to thank Ella French for her brilliant presentation to the Senior and Junior School. We would like to encourage everyone to bring your favourite hat from home for break times for the remainder of the year. They are a super effective sun safety device that are easy to wear and definitely worth the effort. It is the hope that next year a school hat will be introduced to further encourage our students to be sun safe at break times.
Youth Robotics taster workshops with Metal Minds Robotics Teams
Booking through the link below. 11- 16yrs of age. Sunday 2nd February. $50pp
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/robotic-taster-workshop-for-11-16yr-olds-tickets-82306084715