Dear Parents/Carers

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:

Luca Swift - For his continued commitment to his learning and supporting his peers with their learning.

Zane Chapman - For being a positive role model in the classroom.

Year 8:

Charlotte Hammond (8E), Bella Hammond (8D), Jett Knight (8F)  -  For supporting students competing in after school basketball competitions by attending games to encourage and cheer on participants.

Cruz Duddington (8A) - For helping to support after school basketball by umpiring games between other schools during this year’s  roster.

Year 9:

Dechlan Leeder - For always trying his best in class, abiding by the R.O.C.K.S. and being a helpful student to his peers.

Lacie Pearton - For giving 110% at Interhigh and achieving some fantastic results.

Year 7 have had a lot of fantastic learning opportunities across the last four weeks! Alongside their regular learning programs, Year 7 students have participated in after-school basketball, Interhigh athletics, S.W.A.T. days, our Careers on Wheels Expo and more!

On 14November, students participated in a S.W.A.T. day which focussed on areas related to health and wellbeing identified from the School Wellbeing and Engagement Survey (SWES) data collected in late Term 3. One of these activities asked each Year 7 student to provide their voice, thinking and suggestions around aspects of the SWES data, some of which have already been implemented.

This S.W.A.T. day also included our annual KMHS Careers on Wheels program. Over 30 different businesses and industries in the wider Launceston area were represented and it was a delight to see the mature manner in which our students engaged with our guests and actively sought to learn more about the different pathways that will be available to them once they finish school.

The next week saw the majority of Year 7 walk to Punchbowl Reserve where they participated in team building activities and challenges organised by our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders. Students were also treated to a BBQ lunch and icy poles to take a bit of heat out of the beautifully sunny day.

While most of our students were at Punchbowl, our Year 7 Transition Leaders were at school supporting Year 6 classes in our Orientation Day. As always, our Transition Leaders did a fantastic job helping our next generation of Year 7 students acclimatise to life at KMHS. Well done to all of our Transition Leaders for the work you have put in this year, you should be proud of the manner in which you have represented our school and supported others!

This week, to enrich students as part of their HaSS learning program, Councillor Alan Harris came to speak to Year 7. Students not only found out about his role as Councillor, but also about how Australia’s three levels of government function and their respective roles.

Even with the end of the school year drawing closer, there are still several opportunities students can look forward to. This Thursday is our annual KMHS Big Day Out, which is a fantastic experience to encourage students to bond as a grade and we are quickly approaching our picnic to Bridport on the final school day of the year.

Our Year 8 students have certainly been busy over the last two weeks.  Our excursion to Launceston College and University of Tasmania provided excellent experiences for students opening their eyes to future educational pathways and opportunities.  On Friday this week we head to Newstead College for a Taster morning before returning to school for our Healthy Me Expo. We hope you enjoy some of the pictures from Launceston College and the University below.

I would also like to congratulate Sarah Nicolson, Anabel Joshy, Halle Ralston, Imani Davern and Alix Maynard for being successfully elected as Beacon Student  Ambassadors in 2025 and to also thank all students across Year 8 who applied for the position but were unsuccessful in their applications.  Well, done to all students in Year 8 who participated in the All-Schools Triathlon Challenge and the Interhigh Athletics Carnival and to those students who have now finished competing in the after-school basketball competitions.  Thank you to Jamie Hazell for coaching our Year 8 boys basketball team in the recent State Basketball Championships with them experiencing success in many of their games.  Congratulations to Sam, Lenny, Brody, Xavier, Mitchell, Kasper, Cruz and Reuben for all their efforts over the weekend. 

Before I conclude this article, I would like to share some thinking on the importance of helping to develop positive relationships and interpersonal skills amongst students to minimise negative verbal interactions amongst peers.

Building strong, positive relationships and interpersonal skills among students is a cornerstone of a healthy school environment. Research consistently demonstrates that these skills not only enhance academic performance but also lay the foundation for emotional well-being and resilience throughout life.  Positive peer relationships create a sense of belonging and safety, both of which are essential for academic and personal growth. When students feel connected to their peers, they are more likely to engage actively in school, develop self-confidence and navigate challenges effectively. These relationships foster empathy, collaboration and mutual respect, which are critical for thriving in diverse social settings.

Despite efforts to cultivate inclusive environments, negative verbal comments between students often remains a significant issue in schools because it is easy for students to detect and report physical bullying however at times students find it difficult to share concerns relating to verbal bullying.  Research published in Child Development highlights that victims of verbal bullying often experience heightened levels of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem well into adulthood. These effects can extend to academic struggles, difficulty forming trusting relationships and even physical health problems such as chronic stress and weakened immune systems.

Developing positive relationships and interpersonal skills among students is more than an educational goal—it is a necessity for lifelong success.

For the remainder of this year our Year 8 team will have a continued focus on addressing verbal bullying, reporting concerns, promoting collaborative problem-solving and encouraging open dialogue with trusted adults to help students who are engaging in negative verbal comments towards their peers to stop this behaviour while understanding the impact their choices are having on others.  We look forward to working with parents and students over the coming weeks to address and respond to any concerns raised in the hope of building healthier connections and relationships amongst all Year 8 students. 

This term has been quite a busy time for many students in Year 9, especially with all the extra curricular opportunities, outside their normal learning program. From Arts Night, triathlon, basketball championships, Dance Fever and athletics carnivals, these are some of the many programs that continue to build connection, respect and responsibility (DECYP values) in our students. In addition to the above, some students in Year 9 are starting to explore employment options for 2025, through starting to undertake work experience programs and gaining an understanding of the requirements of chosen pathways. 

With the leadership positions being announced last week, we congratulate all the students who were able to go through the selection process over the past few months. From the initial meetings, application work, interview process through to the whole school speeches which took place in the gymnasium, we are extremely proud of all the students. As with any democratic process, only a number can be selected, therefore we congratulate the ones who have been selected for 2025. We look forward to the work you and your peers do in helping to shape and support the students at KMHS. For the students who missed out, it’s important to view it as a stepping stone rather than a setback. Many successful leaders have faced similar challenges, therefore keep your vision and drive, by using this as a chance to grow and prepare for future opportunities. 

Regarding 2025, an expression of interest has gone out to students for the Melbourne Trip in 2025. This fantastic opportunity will take place in Term 2.  If your child is interested in this, students need to return their form ASAP, so planning can start. Any questions, please see Mr Poke. 

As we wind down the year, it is important that we keep our standards high, coming to school each day focussed and ready to learn. Year 9 has absolutely flown by in a flash and we are looking forward to entering Year 10.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected as our 2025 leadership group.

Luca Swift Wins 2024 ICAS Medal for English

We are thrilled to share an incredible achievement by one of our students, Luca Swift, who has been awarded the prestigious 2024 ICAS Medal for English. This medal is a testament to Luca’s dedication and academic excellence, as medal winners are recognised for placing first in their subject and grade level across all of Tasmania.

During our final presentation, our Principal, Mr Cary Stocks, had the honour of presenting this prestigious award to Luca. It was a proud moment for Kings Meadows High School as we celebrated Luca’s outstanding accomplishment together. Congratulations, Luca - your success inspires us all!

To all our students, let this moment encourage you to push your academic boundaries in 2025. Competitions like ICAS challenge you to explore your potential and develop skills that shape your future.

As you look ahead, consider these words:
"You’ve got more in you than you think. Success is about trying, learning and growing. Next year, when the opportunity arises to register, take a chance on yourself. You might just find you’re capable of more than you ever imagined."

Let’s celebrate Luca’s success and look forward to what the next year holds for all of us. 

Celebrating Student Achievements
Our students continue to demonstrate incredible woodworking and craft skills in Senior Woodwork. This year, the quality of projects has reached new heights, with custom cabinets, tables, epoxy walking canes and other impressive personal creations.

We look forward to showcasing the excellent craftsmanship of our students. If your child/ren participated in Woodwork, please ensure arrangements are made to collect their projects before the end of the year.

Please note: Any unclaimed student work will be recycled, as the school cannot store projects. If special arrangements for collection are required, please contact Mr Jake Chamberlain at jake.chamberlain@decyp.tas.gov.au

Last week 8 Dance students from Year 9 and 10 participated in Launceston College’s Dance Fever 2024 ‘Elevate’. This was a fantastic show and the girls did six shows over three days to a full house of enthusiastic audiences each time. We were so thrilled to see their Thursday morning show and are very proud of the commitment the students have shown, since May, to learn many dances and perform to a high standard. Congratulations Taryn, Bella, Lucy, Ella, Tahli, Lacie, Lauren and Mattea.

Over the weekend, the State Basketball Championships took place at Elphin Sports Centre. This is an annual event where the best teams in each region of Tasmania, battle it out for not only the title, but the opportunity to participate against some of the most talented athletes in the state.

The 9/10 Boys (Coached by Mick Bent) and the 7/8 Boys (Coached by Jamie Hazell) were exceptional in their conduct, performances and sportsmanship.  The 9/10 boys finished the weekend with wins over Mackillop and Wynyard, while the 7/8’s finished the comp with a number of wins over the two days. Highlights of the weekend included Jess Bula’s dunk, Lenny Hazell’s buzzer beater to win over Queechy and passion and pride displayed by the boys for KMHS. A huge thanks to Mick and Jamie for coaching and the many staff and family members who were able to get down to support the boys.

The school has developed a levy structure in line with the Department for Education, Children & Young People Levy Policy. The school’s levies and charges form an essential income component for the school. 

The levy contributes towards the cost of the educational program studied across Years 7 – 12.  The activities and materials are a necessary part of the curriculum.  All parents or carers, other than those approved for Student Assistance (STAS) are required to contribute towards the cost of their child’s education through levies.

The Student Levy for 2025 will be

Leadership Staff

Support Staff