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Dear Families
Ministers Visit
On Monday 17th August we had the Minister for Education – The Honourable Jeremy Rockliff, visit the school to have a look at our Packages of Learning Program. There are a few schools across the State who deliver Packages of Learning Programs in a variety of industry areas. We offer ours in Building and Construction and Architecture. Mr Glenn Wood leads this very successful program and the students undertake the majority of their learning across learning areas of English, Maths, HaSS and Science through the core work in these areas. They remain in normal class groups for options and Health and Physical Education classes. This is a strong pathway for students who may wish to continue into areas of Building and Construction or Architecture, growth industry areas for Tasmania. Minister Rockliff was impressed with the course and program we have at Kings Meadows High School. Thank you to Ms Kate Blaubaum and Mrs Katie Wightman for hosting the Minister in my absence on a school review in Hobart.
I would like to acknowledge the wonderful industry partnerships that Glenn has established for our students to be involved with and Mr Steve Frankcombe from Haywards attended the visit from the Minister on Monday.
Another fabulous partnership is with Island Block and Paving and we thank General Manager, Mr Jason Bassett and Mr Greg Lyons for assisting our students with on-site visits to their facility and supporting the program.
11/12 at Kings Meadows High School for 2021
Kings Meadows High School is an extension school, offering subjects for Year 11 and 12 students. In 2021, we will be broadening our scope to include, CPC20211 - Certificate II in Construction Pathways (with a focus on bricklaying and tiling) as well as Level 2 English, Mathematics, ICT and Agricultural Enterprise (with a focus on Viticulture).
Below is an excerpt from our Kings Meadows High School 11/12 Course Guide Booklet available for interested students:
Why should I choose to study at Kings Meadows High School?
Kings Meadows High School is a great choice for students who have a particular interest in construction, particularly in the fields of bricklaying or tiling, as well as students who are interested in agriculture with a focus on viticulture. Students who are currently enrolled in Packages of Learning (POL) Architecture and Construction will find that this course is an excellent foundation for the Certificate II in Construction Pathways VET course. However, it is not necessary for students to have undertaken POL in order to enrol in the Cert II. The smaller size of the school means that students can connect more closely with their peers, teachers and the wider school community. Smaller class sizes also afford students more 1:1 time with their teachers, allow teachers to cater for different learning styles to ensure that students stay engaged and understand what is being taught and give more opportunity for teachers to individualise feedback.
Why focus on bricklaying and tiling?
This focus is unique to Kings Meadows High School and has been chosen due to the high demand for these skills and to complement the focuses of the other colleges. Brick and block laying is a craft that takes time and skill to master. Bricklaying is a structural trade where students work with bricks, blocks and mortar to create structures. Bricklaying provides pathways for students to work for themselves or for a building company and can be the first step towards becoming a builder. Tiling is one of the finishing or allied trades and there is high demand in Tasmania and beyond for people who are qualified in the allied trades. Allied trades provide a pathway for students to work in or own a small business or to become a construction or project manager. The allied trades include plastering, painting and decorating, glass and glazing, tiling and flooring technology. In order to gain full qualifications in bricklaying, building or the allied trades, students will need to complete an apprenticeship.
Agricultural Enterprise with a focus on Viticulture AGR215117 – Agricultural Enterprise:
Kings Meadows High School runs the TASC subject Agricultural Enterprise Level 2 (AGR215117), specialising in the area of Viticulture. Successful completion of this subject provides students with 15 credit points towards their TCE. This learning program is unique to Kings Meadows High School because of the specialisation in Viticulture. Kings Meadows High School owns a vineyard, situated at the back of the school. Our Year 11/12 students will have ready access to this vineyard, which will provide hands on, real world viticultural experiences.
What is Viticulture?
Viticulture is the scientific study and production of grapes. It involves the cultivation of grape vines, generally for making wine, though viticulturalists also produce high quality table grapes.
Why study Viticulture?
Australia has seen significant growth in the wine industry and been internationally recognised for their high standard of wine production, product development and marketing. Viticulture can provide a range of future pathways from grape pickers and vineyard workers, through to fully qualified agricultural scientists and viticulturists. Further study in the area of viticulture can be completed at both TAFE and University level. Viticulture also offers pathways for students interested in Horticulture, Tourism or Business. Please note: All course offerings are subject to student enrolment numbers.
More information will be shared with our Grade 10 students in the coming weeks and an opportunity to attend a parent information evening soon.
School Satisfaction Surveys
Annual School Satisfaction Surveys for parents and staff are being conducted during August 2020 across Tasmanian government schools.
The surveys provide an opportunity for parents and staff to give important feedback on what the school does well and where we can improve. Questions cover a range of topics about our school.
All responses are secure and anonymous.
Parents selected to participate in the parent survey will receive a letter in coming days.
We encourage you to complete the survey to give our school a clear direction for future programs and services for students.
Please contact the office if you wish to use a school computer to complete the survey.
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:
Katelyn Chilcott & Isaac Chapman - For consistently working diligently and following ROCKS expectations.
Grade 8:
Mackenzie Grant - For her inclusive attitude and leadership skills on My Education Days.
Zavier Langerak - For always being an exemplary role model and following the ROCKS.
Grade 9:
Upasana Gurung-Webster - For her continued application to Mathematics.
Alex Airey - For showing high levels of respect and commitment to his studies.
Grade 10:
Will Faulkner - William has been engaged and given a sustained and determined effort in Mathematics. Modelling work ethic for his peers, he is commended on his effort.
Alex Jordan - Alex is showing a mature and consistent approach to his Mathematics, striving to achieve the best results he can.
Celebrations
Last Monday we held our second ‘Retreat Day’ where students continued to work towards teambuilding, communication, resilience skills participating in a variety of team-based activities and challenges. Our day started off with an inter-team show down in the gym where our 10 teams faced off against each other in a series of teamwork and relay-based races. Teams who were the most successful with this displayed effective communication and commitment to each of the relays. All teams showed great competitive spirit. Students then completed a series of three activities in their rotation before meeting back with their team teacher mentor, debriefing their learning across the two Retreat Days and reflecting on the skills they have been developing.
We would like to thank the Grade 7 teaching team for providing such wonderful, engaging and challenging activities for our students to complete across the two retreat days.
Grade Focus
Our Grade focus for the remainder of the term is students arriving to class on time and organised with all their necessary equipment. We have provided students with a 5 minute window for them to arrive to class on time which has been trialled and tested by a staff member coming in from lunch. Students need to ensure that as soon as the music begins to play, they make their way to the Junior Common Room to access their locker. They should be in class no later than 5 minutes after the bell. It is important for students to note that during break times they need to ensure they are organised, having been to the bathroom, eaten and had something to drink. This will help better prepare them for their learning. Students should not be visiting the bathroom when the music plays or after the bell.
Mrs Hume and Miss Males are sent the names of students each day who are either late to class or arrive to class without their required equipment. These students are then sent an email on CANVAS or via their student email to meet them at lunchtime the next day. During these lunch time sessions organisation is discussed with the students and supports, or strategies are put in place to ensure that students are better organised.
Grade Assembly
Last week we were fortunate enough to have Constable Johns as a guest speaker at our Grade 7 assembly. Constable Johns spoke to the grade about ‘Hands Off’ behaviour and the legal implications of physical behaviour if it is taken to the police. At our school we have a ‘Hands Off’ policy that aligns with Respect, Keep Safe and Sensible Behaviour in our ROCKS school-wide expectations. It is vital that our Grade 7 students understand the implications of their physical behaviour and the significant consequences that can lead to later in life. Constable Johns took lots of questions from our Grade 7 students during the session who were interested in discussing the legal implications of being reported to the Police and how that can impact future job prospects. We would like to encourage parents/carers to discuss these topics with students.
Celebrations
It has been a fantastic few weeks in Grade 8, with lots of settled learning taking place and some fantastic work being submitted across a range of learning areas. We have been impressed with how well students have been taking on board feedback to improve their learning outcomes and their proficiency in using Canvas is outstanding!
A particular highlight of our fortnight has been our My Education Day, where students participated in a range of activities to prepare them for the changing world of work. They explored unconventional jobs, labour market information, jobs in STEaM, and coping mechanisms for when things don’t go their way. Students did a fantastic job of de-bunking gender stereotypes in the workplace and exploring changing trends in a number of industries. Our day ended in a ‘Battle of the Classes’ challenge; we saw creativity, teamwork and a whole lot of cool dance moves! We were incredibly proud of our grade and the way they have grown in maturity and confidence through the year.
We would also like to congratulate our students on their immaculate uniforms and how well they represent our school. We are looking forward to a fantastic remainder to Term 3!
Grade Focus
Making sure we bring our iPads to school each day, fully charged and ready to learn.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following Grade 8 students who will be Class Leaders for Terms 3 and 4:
Zavier Langerak, Jorja Walters, Lucas Towns, Zachary Bosworth-Firth, Fatemeh Rezaei, Thomas Spencer, Ella Wiggins.
ALSO.....
Congratulations to:
Riley Nason for his recent touch football achievement.
Lachlan Oliver was named 2020 State Junior Under 15 Cycling Time Trial Champion on 26 July.
We have sporting superstars in our midst!
Celebrations
My Education Day last Monday was a brilliant day out for Grade 9. The concept of the day was for the students to focus on sleep and its effect on productivity and engagement. We also spent some time looking at job readiness and preparing ourselves for the workplace. As always we finished with an activity to build teamwork with their classmates. Next week we have our second My Education Day for the term and we will be looking at resumes and job interview readiness. We are aiming for a few guest speakers to come in and discuss with students what they expect to see from applicants in their job applications and also what to do and not to do in a job interview.
In our Learning Areas the Grade 9’s have been focussing a variety of concepts and modules. In English they are currently studying novel studies. In Maths the focus in on Algebra. Science are completing a unit on Chemistry but this week have been focussing their attention to Science Week activities, increased understanding of oil spill disaster and environmental consequences. HaSS has a focus on Australian Inland Explorers. Health and Physical Education has just completed a unit on Dance in the practical component and in theory work has been done on Respectful Relationships, they are now working on Australian Sports Culture.
Our leadership journey for our Grade 9 students is well underway. This week staff have been busily reading the applications for our formal leadership positions. Grade 9 students who have completed this process should be congratulated on some excellent applications. The next process of elimination will be a tough one. In the coming week students will receive a letter stating their outcome of this first part of the process and we wish all of our Grade 9’s the best of luck in this process.
Grade Focus
Our focus for Grade 9 this term continues to be developing formal and informal leadership in all of our students. We will be continuing to apply good learning behaviours and academic rigour, ensuring that deadlines are being met and that we have caught up on anything we are behind in.
Term 3 is a very busy term that helps prepare students for transition to college or employment. It is important that students remain focussed right through until the end of the year. This means being on time to school, on time to class and starting each lesson ready and focused for learning. Courses in Year 11 and 12 have prerequisites for entry, so it is important that students make themselves aware of these and continue to work towards or maintain their current level of achievement. Soon students will be provided with transition packs that will contain lots of information about courses and their requirements.
Year 11 and 12 Extension Schools
In 2021, Kings Meadows High School will be broadening our scope to include, CPC20211 - Certificate II in Construction Pathways (with a focus on bricklaying and tiling) as well as Level 2 English, Mathematics, ICT and Agricultural Enterprise (with a focus on viticulture). This may be a possible pathway for some students. More information will be provided in students transition packs.
Other Extension School Offerings:
There are also other extension school opportunities for students who are interested in particular Designed Learning Programs.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) – Brooks High School
Agriculture – Certificate II in Rural Operations – Exeter High School
Agriculture – Certificate II in Agriculture and Certificate II in Horticulture – Lilydale District High School
Advanced Manufacturing – Launceston Big Picture School
Languages – Japanese – Prospect High School
Certificate II in Animal Studies – Campbell Town District High School
College Orientation Days
We are approaching a very important time for our Grade 10 students. We have some events coming up that will have a significant impact on the decision making process for your child regarding the steps they are preparing to take after 2020.
Information in regards to the college orientation days and subject selections were given out on our past My Education Day. Students who were absent must see their class teacher for further information.
College Transition: Orientation Days
Both Newstead and Launceston Colleges are offering orientation days. Information sessions have been held at school and students are in the process of selecting subjects for these days, which we try to run as an authentic college experience. Both orientation days are compulsory activities for students to participate in – there is not a program at Kings Meadows High School for Grade 10s on either day.
Newstead College:
- Orientation Day is on Thursday 3rd September
- Students will need to make their own way to and from the college - as they would for a normal day of Grade 11.
- Students will be required to meet Newstead College and Kings Meadows High School staff outside the main entrance of Newstead College at 9:00am with the day finishing at 2:05pm.
- Students will need to be in full school uniform and will NOT be permitted to leave the college during the day.
- A sausage sizzle will be available and students can also bring along lunch or money to purchase food from the college cafeteria. Please note – recess is not provided and the cafeteria will be busy!
- Students will be provided with a small bag, pen and book on the day.
- Subject selection – to be selected online via a link that has been emailed to each student.
Launceston College:
- Orientation Day is scheduled on Monday 7th September.
- Students will need to make their own way to and from the college - as they would for a normal day of Grade 11.
- Students will be required to meet Launceston College staff in the “undercroft” area, located next to the main hall at Launceston College (the Royal Park side) at 8.55am. From there they will go into home groups to get their timetables for the day.
- Students will need to be in full school uniform and will NOT be permitted to leave the college during the day.
- There will be a sausage sizzle at lunch, Cube Café will be open and students can also bring along their own lunch.
- Students will be provided with a small bag, pen and book on the day.
- The day will conclude at 2:30pm and dismissed to go home from the college.
- Subject selection – to be selected online.
English in Grade 10
This term our Grade 10 students have been studying Romeo and Juliet to investigate different text types. Students have looked at scripts, comics, stage productions and a movie to analyse the themes within the story.
Reminder: Romeo & Juliet discussion essay due Friday 4th September.
Student name: Harry Woods
Student class: 8F
What can you tell us about this piece of work?
This piece of work was for an advertising assignment, where I had to choose an existing product or a make up one and create an advertisement for it. I chose to promote mountain bike grips from a brand called DMR. This is because of a joke in my friend group, where if you have these grips, then you are automatically better at riding!
What is your favourite thing about English?
I really enjoy creative writing, mainly because each piece of writing is never the same. I also find it easier, and more enjoyable than most subjects at school.
What are you working on at the moment in English?
At the moment, I am working on and examining the book Coraline by Neil Gaiman. This has been very interesting because I haven’t read or seen the movie in a long time.
What are you reading at the moment?
Coraline, by Neil Gaiman
What is your favourite book and why?
My favourite book would probably be The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, this is because I found it enjoyable, fast paced and addictive!
What are some books that you would really like to read?
I’d like to read ‘The 100’ by Kass Morgan, because I have heard lots of good feedback about it.
On Tuesday 28th July the Grade 10 students attended an excursion to Island Block and Paving. Students had an opportunity to watch the manufacturing of concrete products from start to finish. Island Block & Paving is one of Australia’s leading independent manufacturers of concrete masonry products. They produce a unique range of house bricks, DIY retaining wall systems, concrete building blocks, architectural coloured blocks and a wide range of pavers. They also manufacture a Green Tag certified range called, “Sustainable Products for the Future”.
Students investigated the skills and personal qualities associated within the range of occupations along with safe practices used on site. They started to understand the industry requirements when calculating quantities and pricing the materials, also the ordering and delivery logistics.
| Tuesday 1 September | My Education Day |
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Thursday 3 September |
Newstead College Orientation Day |
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Thursday 3 September |
Year 7 Challenge Day - Punchbowl, Norwood, Youngtown, Glen Dhu & Non-Feeder School students |
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Monday 7 September |
Year 7 Challenge Day - Perth, Evandale and Longford students |
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Monday 7 September |
KMHS hosting second Parent Information Evening at 5.30pm via Microsoft teams LIVE events |
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Monday 7 September |
Launceston College Orientation Day |
| Monday 21 September | Grade 7 & 10 Immunisations |
| Friday 25 September | Last day Term 3 |
| Monday 12 October | First day Term 4 |
| Wednesday 28 October | KMHS Athletics Carnival - Day 1 at KMHS |
| Thursday 29 October | KMHS Athletics Carnival - Day 2 at St Leonards |
| Friday 30 October | STUDENT FREE DAY |
| Thursday 12 November | My Education Day - Careers on Wheels |
| Friday 20 November | NHSSA Division 1 Athletics |
| Wednesday 2 December | My Education Day - Healthy Me Expo |
| Thursday 10 December | Grade 10 Leavers Dinner - Country Club Casino |
| Monday 14 December | Presentation Assembly (invited guests only) |
| Tuesday 15 December | Grade 10 Mystery Picnic |
| Wednesday 16 December | Grade 10 Graduation Assembly - last day for Grade 10s |
| Thursday 17 December | Last day for Grade 7, 8 and 9 students |