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- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:
- ROCKS STARS:
- GRADE 7 REPORT:
- GRADE 8 REPORT:
- GRADE 9 REPORT:
- GRADE 10 REPORT:
- LITERACY LEGENDS:
- KINGS MEADOWS HIGH SCHOOL CANTEEN:
- 2020 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL:
- HEALTHY ME EXPO BOOK SWAP:
- 2019 PREFECT BOARD LEGACY GIFT - CANTEEN REFURBISHMENT UPDATE:
- CONGRATULATIONS:
- IMPORTANT DATES:
- COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD:
Dear Families
Extra-Ordinary Celebration
On Thursday 5th November Department of Education staff from across the agency including schools, libraries and Child and Family Centres, joined together to celebrate what has been achieved by our department during this very challenging year. With celebrations held at each site, we were able to connect through a livestreamed event that included messages from the Hon Minister for Education, Jeremy Rockliff and DoE Secretary, Tim Bullard. We had the pleasure of hosting 2 Deputy Secretaries, Ms Jodee Wilson and Mrs Trudy Pearce who did their live cross from our meeting. There was huge acknowledgement of the work undertaken in schools and the way that staff have collaborated, supported each other and shown great flexibility, ensuring that student learning and wellbeing has been at the forefront of our work. As a school and community, we have been very proud for the way in which we have been able to keep our students connected to learning during this year and it was lovely to celebrate with others. Thank you to Mrs Emma Dobson for planning our event and the senior team, especially Mrs Claire Lovitt for their work in assisting with hosting the live feeds across the state.
Deputy Secretary of Learning, Trudy Pearce, acknowledged a large group of staff who were being recognised for 25 Years of Service to the Department of Education. It was my pleasure to be able to present this award to Mr Nic Parker from our school and acknowledge this outstanding achievement in front of our staff.
Thursday 12th November was our first Term 4 My Education Day and a huge one on our calendar with the annual Careers on Wheels event. Despite inclement weather the event was a huge success with our car park full of businesses and industry representative groups set up with their displays and information booths (from their cars and vehicles) to enable our students to engage through the stalls and discuss aspects about possible future pathways. This year we had ALL our students attend the event which was fantastic and a huge thank you to Mrs Belinda Selby and the Beacon Student Ambassadors for their meticulous planning and outstanding work to ensure this year’s event was such a wonderful success.
We also hosted another Beacon event for some Grade 8 students – The Prepare Program. Our presenters were very impressed with our students, their focus and input during the day and we thank Ebony Bridle and the Beacon Foundation for continuing to support our school with these wonderful vents.
Boys Cricket Gala Day
Recently we have had two teams compete in the Northern High Schools Boys Cricket Gala Day. We hosted games at KMHS and others played off site. Teams were coached by Mr Battle and Mr Stevenson and both teams have made it through to the final this Thursday. We wish them all the best in these final playoff matches.
Remembrance Day
The 11th November is always a special day on the calendar to mark Remembrance Day and as a school community it is important that we acknowledge this day and remember all those who have served and continue to serve our county to ensure we have the life we are lucky enough to lead in this country today. Our school settled near to 11am on the 11th and listened to a piece read by Nykahlia Down. I was accompanied by our Head Prefects, Jemma Walters and Caleb Nason, and we attended the Longford Service at the Cenotaph. Jemma and Caleb laid a wreath on the school's behalf.
11/12 Enrolments
Last week our Grade 10 students were involved in their enrolment process for both Launceston and Newstead Colleges. Feedback from both college enrolment teams indicated our students were well prepared and well supported for these enrolments. Thank you to the Grade 10 team and especially Mr Jake Chamberlain for all your work in supporting students as they progress to the next stage of their learning.
The Education Act requires all students in Tasmania continue to Years 11 and 12 and further learning and the majority have chosen to move on to a college. As an Extension School we do have the capacity to also provide for students to remain either full time or as a dual enrolment at Kings Meadows High School. In 2021 we are also offering a Vet Certificate II in Construction Pathways (focusing on bricklaying and tiling) and it was wonderful to host some students from another school who potentially will be undertaking that course with us next year. We are heavily into the planning phase of the new building which will house our Year 11/12 students and will share the plans to our community soon. You may have heard our advert on the local radio station, and we are certainly excited about this new additional subject to our 11/12 offerings and will continue to offer up Ag Enterprise (with a focus on Viticulture) next year.
School Association Meeting (Online Option to attend)
I often speak about our School Association and the important work that it does to support the school – these being decisions around budgets, ratifying policies and supporting our Chaplaincy program to name a few. Our meetings are usually once a month and don’t usually run for longer than around an hour. Schools are required to have Associations to undertake these important responsibilities and their role in highs schools is not like many parents would have potentially experienced if involved with Primary P & F or Associations.
We are really struggling for members which is a little disheartening as we have a student cohort of over 600 students and are looking to attract more members to our meetings. As such and in an attempt to do so, we are inviting parents to join our next meeting on Wednesday 25th November at 7.00pm via a Microsoft Teams meeting event. We are very happy to have parents and family members attend in person and on site but understand that this can be challenging at times so are going to trial a dual meeting via Teams as well.
To join this meeting please connect on the link below :
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+61 3 6169 5130,,338287890# Australia, Hobart
Phone Conference ID: 338 287 890#
Find a local number | Reset PIN
Changes to Student Assistance 2021
The Department of Education recently announced that we would be expanding the Student Assistance Scheme for 2021.
Parents who have a current concession card as listed below can apply for dependent students for assistance under the STAS:
- Services Australia – Centrelink Health Care Card
- Service Australia – Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
- Services Australia – Pensioner Concession Card or
- Department of Veteran Affairs – Pensioner Concession Card.
Please note that if you are already receiving student assistance you do not need to complete a form.
For 2021 a new on-line form has been developed to assist with processing applications for new applicants.
The online form can be completed here:
https://stasonlinesubmission.education.tas.gov.au/
The form will be available for public use from the 10th of November.
Once a validated form is completed the Department of Education will confirm the outcome of your application in writing, this process takes approximately 14 days.
We understand this online option may not be possible for all families, so if you require a hard copy form please contact us at KMHS or stas@education.tas.gov.au or 1800 827 055.
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:
Yalda Madadi - For always giving her best effort in class and being such a wonderful classmate to everyone in 7A.
Lily L'Huillier - For her dedicated approach to her schooling and always striving to improve her work.
Kohan Brown - For his amazing effort at the Athletics Carnival.
Grade 8:
Allora Bishop - For her excellent work ethic during class and always following the ROCKS expectations.
Amber Hartland - For being an excellent role model during Careers on Wheels.
Grade 9:
Jayda Laskey-Roles - For her application to work and commitment to the school.
Will Fearn - For commitment to his learning and application to all aspects of the school.
Grade 10:
Katie Cross and Summer Kelly - For their outstanding supportive behaviour and commitment in Drama performances.
Class Placements 2021 - Update
Thank you to all students who submitted their friend preferences for 2021, Grade 8 class placements. Our Grade Team are in the process of creating our class placements for 2021 taking into consideration these preferences and information about how they learn best (feedback from teachers) with the expectation that students will receive their 2021 placement during the last few weeks of term.
Celebrations
We would like to thank our Grade 7 students for the fantastic way in which they engaged with their learning activities during our recent My Education Day. This included writing a letter to their Grade 10 selves that the Grade Team will keep in a sealed envelope and give back to students on their last day of Grade 10 in 2023. Our Grade Team was impressed with the way students engaged with the Beacon ‘Career’s on Wheels’ event, completing their scavenger hunts and demonstrating fantastic Commitment to Learning. Our students have also created some informative and engaging classroom displays with their class awareness project. Their room decorating, creativity and research has certainly not gone unnoticed and we look forward to seeing what our secret judging panel thinks of their efforts during our last My Education Day this term.
Grade Focus
Our focus continues to be around our ROCKS expectations with particular attention to Keeping Safe, Sensible Behaviour and Organisation. Students are reminded every Monday in our grade assemblies about their commitment to the ROCKS. Our students have now been with us for 3 terms and this term will be making their transition to Grade 8. Our staff have high expectations of behaviour and it is important that students rise to the occasion to grow and mature as they head towards the end of their first year of high school.
The following video was shown to students in their most recent grade assembly to focus students in their commitment to learning.
If You Want to Change the World, Start Off by Making Your Bed - William McRaven, US Navy Admiral
Grade 7 iPad Return
Towards the second half of Term 4, Grade 7 students will be required to hand back their school iPads so that over the summer holidays they can be serviced by our IT department. When handing back their iPad as per our iPad Standard Operating Procedure, students will be required to hand their iPad back to their class teacher with their Apple Charging Block and Apple USB Cable. Students who have lost or misplaced any of these items will be invoiced for replacements which will then be given to students to use next year 2021.
Celebrations
In Grade 8, we would like to celebrate the wonderful work of Mrs Pooley and our Class Leaders with their Shoebox Project initiative.
Last term, the Grade 8 Class Leaders decided to be a part of the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Appeal. This involved each class packing shoe boxes with Christmas gifts for children in need this Christmas. Each class were given a box to fill by the end of them with Class of Kings points to be awarded to the class who packed the most thoughtful gifts. Students brought in a variety of accessories, toys, cards and stationery. Every Grade 8 class filled their box and 8E were successful in winning the Class of Kings points, including a wonderful card to be delivered to their child. Well done to all Grade 8 students and staff for helping us successfully be a part of this fundraiser.
Grade Focus
We have some exciting upcoming events in Grade 8; predominantly, our Newstead College/Launceston College Taster Day! This is taking place on Wednesday 25th November and we are encouraging students to make the most of the opportunities provided to them on this day. It’s never too early to start thinking about the future – we certainly know the importance of backwards planning! This will be a great chance for students to familiarise themselves with the College environment, explore courses on offer, meet some teachers and start thinking about how their future goals can inform their subject choices and learning behaviours in their final years of high school.
Celebrations
Wow! We are already heading into week 6 of our final term of Grade 9. This term is certainly flying and we still have a lot more to pack into the few short weeks we have left. The focus for Grade 9 this term continues to be around developing leadership in every student. We are continuing to ask our students to strive to achieve their best, to lead by example and be exemplary students of Kings Meadows High School. For the most part they have done this well and will continue to do this for the remainder of Term 4.
This week we completed another My Education Day. The focus of our day was around job readiness. Our students completed online resumes and cover letters and looked at the skills needed for employment in the future. My Education Day also included our very successful annual Careers on Wheels day. This involves businesses and workplaces from our local area setting up information sessions in our school for students to access and gain information from. This session fitted nicely into our My Education focus for the day around job readiness and careers.
In our Learning Areas the Grade 9s have been focussing a variety of concepts and modules. In English some students are studying a Shakespeare module, whilst others are participating in a unit centred on the theme of survival. In Maths, the students will be beginning a unit in on data and statistical analysis after completing linear relationships. Science are completing a unit on chemical reactions, including combustion and the reactions of acids with bases, metals and carbonates. The next unit they will be exploring the theory of plate tectonics and how this helps to explain global patterns of geological activity and continental movement. In HaSS students are working on to a unit focussing on World War I. HPE is completing a unit on athletics in the practical component and in theory we are looking at harm minimisation and a Party Safe Unit.
Our leadership journey for our Grade 9 students is well underway. This week our Beacon leaders were responsible for organising and facilitating the Careers on Wheels Event. All of these students did an exceptional job and should be congratulated on their organisation and preparation for the day. Our 2021 House Captains have also already jumped into their role helping to run and facilitate some activities with our grade on My Education Day. They all did a wonderful job and the future looks bright for their roles in 2021.
Grade Focus
Our focus for Grade 9 this term continues to be developing formal and informal leadership in all of our students as we head into our final term for Grade 9. 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.
Celebrations
Congratulations to all Grade 10 students who participated in the annual Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th. This was held in excellent weather conditions with Esk house once again being crowned the winner as they accumulated the most points over the two days. Excellent participation by all Esk team members. Track and Field champions will be announced at the next full school assembly.
Senior rock band “House of Leaves” Jaxon Bassett, Chilli Kettle, Seb Clarke, Sam Brophy and Cleo Taylor have made it through to the State Final of the Rock Challenge last Friday. Well done.
Congratulations to the House Captains for organising a very successful sports colours day on Friday 6th November.
Grade Focus
Students are reminded and encouraged to continue to work hard and to complete all assessment tasks by the deadline to ensure they receive their full graduation packs at the end of the year.
Organisation
Remembering to bring back all permission forms for end of year activities and any overdue library books and monies owed for lunch passes and buses.
Please remember mobile phones are to be off and away and kept in lockers during the day.
Reminders/Dates:
- VET forms are now overdue.
- If students are intending to sit Mock Interviews they must sign up through the link found in their student emails.
- Inter-High Athletics Division 1 St Leonards.
December
- Wednesday 2nd My Education Healthy Me Expo
- Thursday 10th Graduation Dinner @ The Country Club Casino Tasmania 6-6.30
- Monday 14th Presentation Assembly @ 11.30am
- Tuesday 15th Grade 10 Picnic (beach location)
- Wednesday 16th Graduation Assembly and last day for Grade 10 students.
Student name: Bella Keating
Student class: 8B
What can you tell us about this piece of work?
Our Claymation is based on the movie ‘IT’. We really wanted to do this theme because we thought people would be intrigued and on the edge of their seats while watching.
What is your favourite thing about English?
The thing I love about English is that there is more freedom and hands-on activities like the one we just did (making our stop-motion Claymation films!).
What are you working on at the moment in English?
We are still working on finishing off our Claymation work and our reflection tasks at the moment in English. Next we will look at Poetry.
What are you reading at the moment?
I am reading a book called ‘Noughts and Crosses’ at the moment. It is by Malorie Blackman. This book is about people’s skin colour and all the differences we have in our world. Two teens who are different races/backgrounds fall in love with each other and they have to struggle with their families being against it.
What is your favourite book and why?
My favourite book is called ‘The Way it Works’ by William Kowalski. I really love this book because it engaged me and made me want to not stop reading it! It was set out well and was just a good book.
What are some books that you would really like to read?
I would like to read more of William Kowalski’s books, because I really enjoyed ‘The Way it Works’ and these books interest me.
____________________________________________________________
Student name: Bonnie Talbot
Student class: 8B
What can you tell us about this piece of work?
It is inspired by the horror film ‘IT’. Each character and object we created for our Claymation took a lot of time and effort!
What is your favourite thing about English?
My favourite thing about English is that you have more freedom and choice than in other subjects. It’s more independent!
What are you working on at the moment in English?
At the moment, we are finishing off our Claymation work and our semiotic analysis work. Then, as a grade, we get to watch all of our Claymation films!
What are you reading at the moment?
At the moment I am reading a book all about world sport scandals. It’s very interesting and I like finding out about these issues and drug cheats etc.
What is your favourite book and why?
My favourite book I have ever read is ‘My Journey’ by Jim Stynes. I was so interested in his footy career and his character. It connected with me as I enjoy playing footy myself.
What are some books that you would really like to read?
I would love to read more books about sport because they interest me the most!
KINGS MEADOWS HIGH SCHOOL CANTEEN:
Kings Meadows High School Canteen is using Qkr! to enable online ordering and social distancing in our Canteen for lunch orders. This is a secure and easy way to order and pay for items from your phone/device at a time and place that suits you.
Cancellation of orders:
If you place an order via Qkr and then the student does not collect the item on the day, this cannot be carried forward to another day or a refund given. If you notify the school prior to 11.30am on the day, we can cancel the order and provide a lunch voucher for another day.
What a magic couple of days we had for our athletics carnival this term. Despite the restrictions COVID-19 had placed on us we conquered all the challenges and in the end, staged a great event. The students were fantastic as always. Their effort, enthusiasm and participation across all houses and year levels really made the day. There were many impressive performances on the track and in the field - too many to single out. Despite good conditions we had only two record breakers this year. Bonnie Talbot in Year 8 broke a 23 year record in the Girls Year 8 Triple Jump and in the Year 9 boys Colby McKercher broke the 200m record previously held since 2011. Congratulations to both athletes on their stellar performances.
F Yr08 Triple Jump TABLOT, Bonnie TAM 10.11
Old Record: 9.99 H Grima (Tamar 1997)
M Yr09 200m MCKERCHER, Colby NEV 23.56
Old Record: 23.95 Jordan Bennett (Nevis 2011)
Esk House dominated the two days from start to finish. Congratulations to all Esk team members on a wonderful effort!
Final House points were as follows:
Esk – 3101
Nevis – 2122
Tamar – 2092
Lomond – 1861
Congratulations to the following athletes who had some outstanding performances to earn Age Group Champions or Runner Up Champions.
Age Group |
Track Champion |
Track Runner Up |
Field Champion |
Field Runner Up |
Grade 7 Girls |
Lucy Smith |
Grace Weldon |
Lucy Smith |
Caitlin Lyons |
Grade 7 Boys |
Riley Howard |
Lochlan Harris |
Lochlan Harris |
Lucas Freestone |
Grade 8 Girls |
Bonnie Talbot |
Jaslyn Freestone |
Bonnie Talbot |
Georgia Gillow |
Grade 8 Boys |
Liam Walters |
Zeshawn Ricketts |
Liam Walters |
Zeshawn Ricketts |
Grade 9 Girls |
Millie Smith |
Jessica Homan |
Millie Smith |
Lily Pulford |
Grade 9 Boys |
Colby McKercher |
Jayden Eldershaw |
Jayden Eldershaw |
Alexander Lyons |
Grade 10 Girls |
Abbie Butler |
Liana Freestone |
Equal: Liana Freestone/Monique Booth |
Abbie Butler |
Grade 10 Boys |
Josh Harris |
Mitchell Butler |
Josh Harris |
Hunter Nuss |
On Friday our athletes will be representing our school at the Division 1 Inter-High Athletics Carnival at the St Leonards athletics track. We are looking forward to seeing our team do their best and produce some wonderful performances.
Parents and family are more than welcome to attend this athletics event to support their children, but are asked to follow social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 safety measures in place at the venue.
Go Team Meadows!!
Swap your finished books for something new and exciting. Come and find a new favourite. No swap? No worries! Come and find a book to relax with. Reading is awesome for your mental health - The University of Sussex found that reading for just 6 minutes a day reduces stress by 68%. Find Mandy @ the Healthy Me Expo 2nd December 2020.
2019 PREFECT BOARD LEGACY GIFT - CANTEEN REFURBISHMENT UPDATE:
In the past two weeks the 2019 Prefect Board Legacy Gift finishing touches have been installed into the Canteen. It has been a long process due to unforeseen circumstances this year, however we are pleased that the new furniture and murals have now been hung for both staff and students to enjoy. Below you will find some before and after images where you can see the difference that has been made to the space.
We would like to thank the 2019 Prefect Board for their vision, commitment and contribution to making our school a better place. It takes great courage to tackle, fundraise and complete such a big project and we are thrilled that it has been finally completed.
We look forward to students using this space in its fullest capacity for many years to come. Your legacy in our school will certainly live on and have a lasting impact. Congratulations to all involved.
#CCubedPrinciple #CourageCultureCreativity
BEFORE:
DURING:
AFTER
Congratulations to Lachlan Oliver 8E. Lachlan has won the Under 15 State Title in cycling for the State Criterium Championships 2020.
Friday 20 November | NHSSA Division 1 Athletics |
Monday 23 November | Grade 7,8 & 9 library book end of year return date |
Wednesday 25 November | Grade 8 College Taster Day |
Wednesday 25 November | Grade 6 Orientation Day |
Wednesday 25 November | School Assn. Meeting 7pm via Teams or on site |
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 |