Dear Parents/Carers

27 May to 3 June was National Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is ongoing. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility between all of us. Afterall, approximately 9% of our students identify as First Nations Australians and while weeks such as these highlight these themes, it is important that we remember these messages right throughout the yea, whether it be in classroom learning or in our daily lives. Having a school community that is inclusive of everyone is important. 

On Thursday, 23 May we had teams representing our school in the Science and Engineering Challenge held at UTAS. This is always a hotly contested competition with lots of talented, budding scientists and engineers involved. We came second, which is a wonderful achievement. Congratulations to all students who took up this great opportunity and thank you to Steph Sheedy for supporting our students in this experience.

On Friday, 24 May we hosted the Northern High School Sports Association (NHSSA) Interhigh Cross Country Carnival. While there was overnight rain making for good cross country conditions in my view, we were blessed with a perfect day, albeit a cold start. Thank you to the parents and family members who were able to come and watch and thank you for following instructions regarding viewing areas. Such large events do require considerable planning, so we really appreciate your involvement and co-operation. Well done to all students who ran in the carnival and also to those students who assisted in set up and pack down.  A special congratulations to Year 7 Boys and Year 8 Boys teams, who won the pennant for our school in their division. In addition, I commend the Year 9 Boys and Girls teams who came second. Finally, congratulations to Coby Praciak, who came first in the Year 8 Boys and his brother, Tyler Praciak who came second in the Year 9 Boys competition. A great achievement and something to be proud of.

Yesterday, Tuesday 4 June, we held our whole school assembly to recognise the success and achievements of our students. It was great being back in our gymnasium and utilising some of the upgraded facilities. I am always amazed at the talents, skills and attributes of our students, so it was great to be able to celebrate the success of many of them.  Thank you to Assistant Principal, Kate Blaubaum for her overall co-ordination of the assembly, Rebecca Glasby (Prefect Co-ordinator) and our Student Leaders, for all their work in planning and running the assembly.

Parents and carers should have now received an electronic letter from me relating to mobile phones and the canteen. In case you have not received this, please note that from the beginning of Term 3 students will not be able to pay for food and drink using their phone. They can pay using cash or physical cards and can order in advance through our app (Qkr). No consequences will be imposed this term and this should provide ample time to adjust to this expectation. Thank you for your anticipated co-operation and support in this regard. Please also note that while we understand many students have a mobile phone, these items are not required at school. The definition of mobile phones also extends to smart watches and the like.

As we enter the winter months and the weather becomes colder, it is important that students are still wearing full school uniform. We certainly want students to be warm and comfortable. We have plenty of different uniform options and layers available, including school beanies and spray jackets, so there should be no ongoing reason why non-school items are being worn. If students are wearing undergarments, then these should be tucked in and out of sight. Similarly, hats and beanies should not be worn while in class. I am hoping in the later part of this term I will be able to consult with you regarding some additional changes to our uniform as a result of the work occurring in the background with our Uniform Committee.

Every year, thousands of students across Tasmania participate in the Premier's Reading Challenge from 17 June to 23 August. It is a personal challenge, not a competition. The Challenge encourages personal reading goals over 10 weeks, embracing diverse formats, including recommended books. This year we are encouraging our students to get involved. We are even doing a modified version for our staff!

Reading is a priority for the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP), including our school. Reading helps children to understand the world they live in. It sparks curiosity, nurtures imagination and is fun to do. Reading is integral to developing vital literacy skills and fostering independence and self-assurance. The Challenge is most successful when parents show interest and support their children. Help your child with their reading challenge and you will be making a positive difference to their future. If you would like to know more or see some book lists and reviews, then please access the links below.

Premier's Reading Challenge - Department for Education, Children and Young People (decyp.tas.gov.au)

Book lists and book reviews - Department for Education, Children and Young People (decyp.tas.gov.au)

Please be reminded that this Friday, 7 June is a student free day due to moderation. The upcoming long weekend comes at a good point in the term, so I hope all our students, staff and families who are not working, are able to spend some time recharging and doing things you enjoy as we start to head into the winter months. Students are required to return to school on Tuesday, 11 June.

Regards

Learning is in full flow across Year 7, with students engaged in a variety of activities across their various subjects. In English, classes have been conducting a novel study of Coraline, by Neil Gaiman. Through their investigations into the novel, students have had a focus on improving their comprehension of written text, as well as their ability to make inferences.

In Mathematics, students have been completing their unit on fractions. Not only exploring fractions conceptually, but also developing their skills in performing operations with fractions and applying their learning to real-world situations.

In HaSS, studies have been around ancient civilisations, including Rome, Egypt, China and Greece. Students have been conducting research to source information and constructing timelines.

Science classes have been busy in the lab as they learn about different types of mixtures, as well as techniques that can be used to separate out the combined substances. This includes using Bunsen burners to safely extract a dissolved substance from a chemical solution and filtering out a suspended solid. Students are moving towards writing their own methods, such as for using the techniques they have learned to separate sand from salt.

Year 7 Contact Details

7A Class Teacher – Mrs Anu Grewal - anu.grewal@decyp.tas.gov.au

7B Class Teacher – Miss Isabella Darsaklis - isabella.darsakli@decyp.tas.gov.au

7C Class Teacher – Miss Eloise Hart - eloise.hart@decyp.tas.gov.au

7D Class Teacher – Mr Matt Battle - mathew.battle@decyp.tas.gov.au

7E Class Teacher – Mr Matt Chatwin - matthew.chatwin@decyp.tas.gov.au

Additional teachers working with Year 7:

Mrs Renee Lunson - renee.lunson@decyp.tas.gov.au

Mr George Edmondson - george.edmondson@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 7 Leader – Mr Scott Brewer - scott.brewer@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 7 AST – Mr Robert Johns - robert.p.johns@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 7 Assistant Principal - Mrs Kate Hume - kate.hume@decyp.tas.gov.au

We invite parents to contact us either by email or by phoning the school 6343 1000.

Our Year 8 students have continued to display remarkable athletic prowess and team spirit in both the Bulldog Cup and also in their NHSSA Cross Country participation over recent weeks.  I would like to congratulate our Kings Meadows High School Junior Girls for their recent win over Queechy and acknowledge Addison McKercher and Charlotte Hammond for being recognised for their standout performances on the day.  I would also like to thank all our Year 8 girls who joined our new Year 7 students creating a dynamic and resilient team with all girls supporting and contributing to a successful win on the day.  Well done to Parker Robinson and Rylan Blyth for their brilliant performances and contributions to the Junior 2nds team.  Their efforts and teamwork on the day helped their team secure victory in a close match.  Finally, congratulations to Lennox Hazell for his outstanding performances in our Junior 1sts boys and for winning best on ground due to his consistent outstanding performances on the day.  I would also like to take the time to thank our parents who consistently support and encourage participation in sporting activities outside of school.  While there are so many positives that can be gained by involvement in club-based sports beyond skill development and competition, the strength and performance of our team certainly wouldn’t have been as strong without the years or training and dedication from our parents and students in Year 8 alike.  I certainly feel encouraged that our Year 8s and Year 7s are able to work together so effectively as a team bringing together their individual talents and forming such a strong and cohesive bond within our Kings Meadows High School community.

With the recent NHSSA Cross Country Carnival being held at KMHS and strong performances from our Year 8 students who participated on the day, I would also like to highlight the efforts from Addison McKercher who is continuing to find her flow in both Cross Country and Football. Addison put in an exceptional performance on the day finishing in 5th place. Addison has showed not just dedication to participation and competition but most importantly dedication to improvement through continues effort and this is reflective of her improved achievements from last year to this year.  Finally, well done to Coby Praciak who secured a win on the day against a competitive field.  While I know that Coby had his sights set on breaking our school record during our school carnival, finishing in a time of 9:02 allowed him to improve on the record he set previously.  Running Cross Country is not easy and I would like to congratulate Coby for his courage to face a challenge head on and to mentally and physically push himself especially when it is uncomfortable to achieve personal best performances through his resilient and competitive sporting spirit.

While all our staff have continued to work hard in providing high quality educational programs for students daily, I would like to continue to encourage our parents to have a continued interest in their child’s commitment to learning, especially by accessing our Canvas Parent App to check on learning progress.  If you haven’t downloaded the Canvas Parent App yet, please do so.  Opening conversations about learning at home and working with our staff to monitor and discuss learning will certainly help our students in continuing to show commitment to their learning through strong partnership and teamwork between home and school. 

In our last newsletter article, I mentioned that I would like to encourage more Student Voice from our cohort and sharing of their learning.  I would like to thank Emily and Lucy Boarder who have contributed to these efforts by writing an article that shares their current learning in English and also to Mohadase, Amy M and Sophie A for their reflections on our guest speakers during S.W.A.T. day that are included within this newsletter.

YEAR 8 SWAT DAY GUEST SPEAKER REFLECTIONS

Mohadase

Lauren Taylor talked about how you can just make small, good vibes in your life and to create colours and to always greet your family. Most people don’t live forever so it’s better you spend small times or even long times with your family/friends and relatives.  Her business is Taylor Made Change.  She helps you make the most out of your life.  What inspired me was how she opened my eyes and was right about how some people don’t live for a long time, life is short.  Her life and the way she talked was inspiring.

Amy M

Mathew Garwood was really inspiring to me because he went through a lot of different career choices and he made me realise it’s ok to not know what you want to do straight away.  He also made me realise it’s ok to look different because he has lots of tattoos and people think differently of him because he does, but he is still a loyal, honest person on the inside.  He inspired me so much for that.

Sophie A

Today we had two guest speakers, one of which was Lauren Taylor from Taylor Made Change.  Lauren is a mum of three and a life and leadership coach who is working with business leaders to create better leaders.  Lauren spoke to us about what her role is as well as how she got to where she is now.  She spoke about careers and how we need to take accountability, ownership and responsibility as well as consciously thinking about your impact on not only other people but yourself and your reputation.  We also heard her speak about living life to the fullest and having fun because life is too short to be bored, unhappy and stuck in a negative/unproductive mindset.  Lauren's main messages were live life to the fullest and how important self-love is.

Year 8 contact details:

8A Class Teacher – Mr Todd Nankervis - todd.nankervis@decyp.tas.gov.au

8B Class Teacher – Mr Leigh Richardson - leigh.richardson@decyp.tas.gov.au

8C Class Teacher – Ms Sherron Casey - sherron.casey@decyp.tas.gov.au

8D Class Teacher – Mrs Emma Dobson - emma.l.dobson@decyp.tas.gov.au

8E Class Teacher – Mr Dylan Warren - dylan.warren@decyp.tas.gov.au

8F Class Teacher – Mr Nick Stokes - nick.stokes@decyp.tas.gov.au

Additional teachers working with Year 8:

Mrs Jade Howard - jade.howard@decyp.tas.gov.au

Mrs Jo Bent - joanna.bent@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 8 Leader – Miss Emma Attard - emma.attard@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 8 Leader – Mr Daniel Richardson - daniel.richardson@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 8 AST – Mr Nathan Karas - nathan.karas@decyp.tas.gov.au

Year 8 Assistant Principal – Mrs Kate Hume  kate.hume@decyp.tas.gov.au

Students in Year 9 have had an excellent start to the term, with a key focus on effort and attitude in all areas of work. 

The S.W.A.T. Day was a highly engaging day, where various representatives from industries were present to speak to our students about pathways/careers. Some of the opportunities available were popular ‘first job’ employers (McDonalds, Woolworths, Coles etc.) discussing the process involved in gaining employment and the requirements of an employee. 

If students are keen on applying for employment through these pathways, use the QR codes below:

McDonalds 

Coles

Woolworths

Speak Up–Stay Chatty was in attendance for the duration of the day to reinforce the importance our valuing mental health and knowing where and how to seek support when required. The students were extremely receptive to their presentation and both groups displayed fantastic listening skills. 

In addition, there will be a big focus on attendance for Term 2, ensuring students are at school and engaged in learning. If parents/carers have concerns regarding their child’s attendance, they are encouraged to contact their class teacher to discuss options moving forward. 

Parents/carers are reminded that there will be a student free day Friday 7 June followed by a Public Holiday on Monday 10 June. 

Year 9 contact details:

9A Class Teacher – Mrs Jessica Crawford - jessica.crawford@decyp.tas.gov.au 

9B Class Teacher – Mr Solomon Walker-Bowd – solomon.walker-bowd@decyp.tas.gov.au

9C Class Teacher – Mrs Joh Breen - joh.breen@decyp.tas.gov.au

9D Class Teacher – Mr Nathan Meurant – nathan.meurant1@decyp.tas.gov.au

9E Class Teacher – Mr Lachlan Bryan – lachlan.bryan@decyp.tas.gov.au

9EL Class Teacher - 

9F Class Teacher – Mr Mick Bent -  mick.bent@decyp.tas.gov.au

Additional teachers working with Year 9:

AST - Mr Jake Chamberlain - jake.chamberlain@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade Leader - Mr Sean Stevenson – sean.stevenson@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade Leader - Mr Sam Maddern – sam.maddern@decyp.tas.gov.au 

Grade AST - Mr Brendan Poke – brendan.poke@decyp.tas.gov.au

Year 9 Assistant Principal - Ms Kate Blaubaum - kate.blaubaum@decyp.tas.gov.au

Celebrations

Bulldog Cup
A big congratulations to all students who represented KMHS at the Bulldog Cup a few weeks ago. Our senior 1st teams may not have come away with wins, however the spirit and sportsmanship demonstrated across the day was fantastic and Kings Meadows won the day overall with some strong early performances.

Science and Engineering Challenge
Congratulations also to Shade St Claire, Levi Swift, Cohen Walmsley, Cameron Gurteen, Reese Hansen, Brett Lane, Arthur Bishop, Angelina Souto, Stephanie Watson, Ash Clarke, Caleb Johnston and Amir Reza Rahmi for their well-earned second place in their heat at the Science and Engineering Challenge.

College Open Days
The majority of our Year 10s have already selected taster sessions to attend at both Launceston and Newstead Colleges on Open Day. It is important to note that these sessions are designed to provide a snapshot into what those subjects offer, to aid in selections for enrolment in Term 4. Please encourage our students to attend these days and seriously consider their pathway options for next year.

2025 Newstead College Family Information Evening on Tuesday 11 June, 5.30pm

2025 Launceston College Parent Information Evening on Thursday 15 August, 7:00 pm

Grade Focus

Our focus for Year 10 this term remains centred around making positive choices and being responsible for our own learning. With college Open Days approaching, it is important that our students not only attend these days, but make the most of the opportunities they present in preparation for what may come beyond 2024.

Important Dates

• Student Free Day – Friday 7 June
• Long Weekend – Monday 10 June
• Launceston College Open Day – Tuesday 18 June
• Newstead College Open Day – Friday 21 June

Year 10 Contact Details:

10A Class Teacher – Mr Chris Murray - chris.murray1@decyp.tas.gov.au

10B Class Teacher – Mrs Rebecca Glasby - rebecca.glasby@decyp.tas.gov.au

10C Class Teacher – Miss Mikhala Graham - mikhala.graham@decyp.tas.gov.au

10D Class Teacher – Mrs Belinda Selby - belinda.selby@decyp.tas.gov.au

10E Class Teacher – Mr Ben Killalea - ben.killalea@decyp.tas.gov.au

10EL Class Teacher - Miss Emily Lovegrove - emily.lovegrove@decyp.tas.gov.au

10F Class Teacher – Miss Steph Sheedy - steph.sheedy@decyp.tas.gov.au

Additional Teachers working with Year 10:

Mr Richard Goss - richard.goss@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 10 Leader – Mrs Nicole Lynch - nicole.lynch1@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 10 Leader – Mr Stuart Withington (stuart.withington@decyp.tas.gov.au)

Grade 10 AST – Mr James Guy (james.guy@decyp.tas.gov.au)

Year 10 Assistant Principal - Ms Kate Blaubaum - kate.blaubaum@decyp.tas.gov.au

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:

Edith Bishop: Edith is to be recognised for always following our R.O.C.K.S. expectations, quietly going about being the best version of herself and being a positive role model for others. Well done, Edith!  

Milla Keegan: For attempting all English tasks to the best of her ability. Milla is a positive role model for her peers and is a pleasure to have in the classroom. Keep up the great work, Milla!  

Scarlett Pearton: For always trying her best in English by asking good questions, listening carefully and avoiding distractions. Keep up the great work, Scarlett!  

Year 8:

Gracie Burridge: For her quiet, patient and kind attitude towards staff and students alike and for her constant commitment towards learning and improvement in class.

Bella Hammond: For her dedicated Commitment to Learning across all subject areas and her respectful attitude in class.

Ashlyn Quillerat: For showing and organised and committed attitude towards learning in all subject areas on a daily basis.

Halle Ralston: For consistently following all our R.O.C.K.S. expectations on a daily basis and for her caring attitude towards peers and staff.

Year 9:

Jayda Hodgetts: For always leading by example and proving to be a great role model for her peers in Year 9.

Dechlan Leeder: For continuing to show improvements across all areas of his schooling and always abiding by the school R.O.C.K.S.

Year 10:

All Senior Dance students: For their attitude and application to the Primary Schools Dance Project.

Bulldog Cup Showdown: Kings Meadows High School Triumphs Over Queechy High School

In a remarkable display of athletic prowess and team spirit, Kings Meadows High School emerged as the champions of the Bulldog Cup, securing a hard-fought victory over Queechy High School. The event, held on Wednesday, 22 May at Youngtown Oval, the home of the South Launceston Football Club, was a highlight of the school sports calendar, with students, staff and supporters gathered in anticipation of an intense competition.

The series of matches were a true spectacle, with both schools showcasing their best talents in a bid for the prestigious shield. Kings Meadows displaying their determination and skill, did not disappoint, winning 4 out of the 6 games played. The final tally stood as a testament to the hard work and strategic play honed by the KMHS teams over the day.

Junior Girls: In a game that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, the KMHS Junior Girls displayed incredible teamwork and resilience, winning 35-10. Best on ground for KMHS was awarded to Alexandra French. Stand out performances were also seen from Addison McKercher, Ellah Dudman, Charlotte Hammond and Ignatia Van Der Pols.

Junior Boys 2nds: The Junior Boys 2nds faced a tough challenge but rose to the occasion, securing a win that highlighted their skill and potential, winning 46-41. Best on ground for KMHS was awarded to Connor Shepheard. Brilliant performances were witnessed from Rory Lindsay, Parker Robinson, and Rylan Blyth.

Senior Boys 2nds: The Senior Boys 2nds game was a strategic masterpiece, with Kings Meadows High School outmanoeuvring their opponents in a thrilling encounter, winning 58-41. Best on ground for KMHS was awarded to Tyrhys Farley-Richardson. Stellar performances were given by Charlie Hogarth, Ben Tronerud and Noah Robinson.

Junior Boys 1sts: The Junior Boys 1sts was a showcase of emerging talent, with KMHS players demonstrating why they are the ones to watch in future competitions, winning 93-12. Best on ground for KMHS was awarded to Lennox Hazell and outstanding performances by Harry Pickering, Coby Praciak and Sam Garwood.

Senior Girls: The Senior Girls match was a display of sheer determination and sportsmanship, with Queechy High School shining through as the better side, winning 98-1. Best on ground for Kings Meadows was awarded to Meleyah Dudman. Incredible efforts were also seen from Holly Dunn, Lucy Oliver and Sadie Marshall.

Senior Boys 1sts: In the highly anticipated Senior Boys 1sts game, Queechy proved their mettle with a quality performance that had KMHS falling short. QHS won 138-28. Best on ground for KMHS was awarded to Jack Walker, with standout performances by Charlie Hogarth, Hudson Langerak and Tyler Praciak.

The Bulldog Cup event is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of the spirit of high school sports. The camaraderie and mutual respect between the teams was evident, making the day a memorable one for all involved.

As we celebrate the victories, we also commend Queechy High School for their formidable opposition and the excellent sportsmanship they displayed throughout the event. Such competitions remind us of the value of friendly rivalry and the lessons we learn both on and off the field.

Additional thanks to the umpires for the day, those provided by NHSSA, as well as students from both schools covering multiple games, demonstrating professionalism and leadership. Further still, a huge thank you to the South Launceston Football Club who allowed access to their fantastic facilities and ran the canteen for the entire day. Our students, staff and spectators were extremely grateful to have hot chips and gravy available long into the cold evening.

Congratulations once again to all the KMHS teams for their outstanding performance in securing the Bulldog Cup. Your dedication to excellence is what makes our school community proud. Up the Meadows!

On Friday 24 May, Kings Meadows High School hosted the annual Northern High School Sports Association Interhigh Cross Country Carnival. Across the course of the day, we held host to eighteen visiting schools from within the North of the state and surrounding regions.

Kings Meadows High School had 32 students across both male and female races from Years 7-10 participating on the day, four in each race. All students participated to the best of their ability on the day, which was great to see.

As a result of our incredible effort in participation, we were also able to get some great results across the day, both individually and collectively as a team.

From an individual point of view, brothers Coby and Tyler Praciak finished as place getters for their respective races. Coby finished first in the Year 8 boys race, whilst Tyler finished second in the Year 9 boys race. A terrific effort, well done boys!

As for our teams, the Year 7 boys finished in first place on 27 points, ahead of Riverside on 35 points and Exeter on 38 points. The Year 8 boys also finished in first place for their race on 27 points, ahead of Queechy and Riverside who finished equal second on 44 points each, and the Year 9 boys and girls both finished second for their respective races as well, a brilliant effort from all involved.  As a school we finished fourth in Division 1 on 356 points across all races for the day.

We thank all students for their terrific efforts across the course of the day and look forward to cross country in 2025!

On Thursday 23 May, 20 students from Years 9/10 participated in the Science and Engineering Challenge at the University of Tasmania in Inveresk. This competition saw students split into small groups, tackling tasks requiring teams to work collaboratively to design solutions to solve increasingly complex problems. While one group was constructing a wind turbine to generate electricity, another group was using coloured lights to design a coding system to transmit a message and a third was designing a model fish catchment system using 3D printed rocks and sticks!

All challenges showcased student aptitude, while also highlighting their ability to think critically and creatively. It was fantastic to witness so many stories of personal success throughout the day, with students radiating a sense of achievement when learning new skills, discovering that their designs worked and testing innovative solutions to complete their tasks. All our student teams’ scores were combined throughout the different challenges across the day, with our students coming 2nd overall on the day!

Congratulations to all students who participated in this opportunity for your outstanding achievement, as well as the teamwork, growth and courage you showed across the day!

On Wednesday 22 May, a group of our students attended the Variety Sports Day excursion at Elphin Sports Centre. Students had the opportunity to participate in a range of sports including soccer, dodgeball, softball, AFL, basketball, athletics and table tennis. It was fantastic to see our students engaged in these activities and build connections between other students within our community.

A big thank you to our Junior House Captains who attended as helpers for the day.

Help us better understand any barriers that may be in the way and what supports are needed to help with getting to school.

The Department for Education, Children and Young People is doing statewide consultation on school attendance. 3P Advisory is independently running the consultation. Your answers are confidential, and you won’t be identified.

We want to hear from you. You can take part in an online survey, share or vote for suggestions, or join an online drop-in session via the 3P website. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

You can also share your thoughts about what you like or don’t like about our Every school day matters campaign.

As a parent or carer, please have your say. Please encourage your child/ren, too.

Every piece of feedback counts. Thanks for helping shape future DECYP initiatives, school-based engagement strategies and public awareness campaigns. 

Regards

Cary

Leadership Staff

Support Staff