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We have had our External School Review panel with us for the last 3 days engaging with our school community to ascertain how the school is going with respect to some specific lines of inquiry around school improvement. These days have involved as many staff as possible being interviewed by a panel member, a big sample of students along with some parent voice. The review focus was specifically on how well the school creates learning environments in which all students are engaged, challenged and supported in their learning. It has been fabulous to share our journey with our panel and I look forward to sharing the External Review recommendations with our community in the near future.
Swimming Carnival
Friday 12th March was the annual Swimming Carnival day for KMHS. It was great to be able to have carnivals once again! This year due to COVID19 restrictions the carnival was held at the Riverside Aquatic Centre as this allowed us to have our whole school attend due to being an outdoor venue. In near perfect conditions, students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the day which once again saw the competitive house spirit alive and well along with many outstanding results from our swimmers. Congratulations to all competitors and a huge thank you to staff and the HPE team in particular for their wonderful planning, adapting to changing circumstances so quickly and ensuring the carnival was able to go ahead and in such a fabulous way for all. Congratulations to Lomond on winning the carnival.
This year the Inter-High will be held at the Launceston Aquatic Centre but with a significantly reduced number of team members (once again to allow for venue density restrictions). This will be held on Wednesday 31st March.
My Education Day
Our My Education Day this term was held on Tuesday 16th March. Due to our SWAT days at the beginning of the year which focussed on success, wellbeing, future aspirations and teamwork, we are only conducting one My Education Day this term. As normal, all grades engaged in a variety of activities that related to career and life planning. The Grade 7 team were able to do the traditional walk to Punchbowl Reserve and have some grade activities there. The senior Peer Support Leaders co-ordinated and ran activities along with a BBQ lunch. These activities are important for our Grade 7 students as they have opportunity to get to know each other better (with so many feeder schools). The Grade 10’s had their first introduction to thinking about Year 11/12, what is on offer at KMHS if they choose to stay here. They also heard from the College Transition Team members from Launceston College and Newstead College. Our Beacon Ambassadors will be busy planning activities for the next My Education Days next term.
Women’s Breakfast
On Wednesday 10th March, Mrs Elliott attended the International Womens Day breakfast at the Hotel Grand Chancellor with Jasmine Jones, Liana Connie and Jessica Homan. This was an invitational event and they were able to listen to inspirational women talking about leadership and success. Thanks to Mrs Elliott for co-ordinating and attending with the girls.
Leadership Retreat
Once again due to COVID19 restrictions the normal Leadership Camp had to be revised. The opportunity for all our leaders to have some specific time focussing on their leadership and plans for their year is important so in order to still facilitate such opportunity, the Grade 10 team arranged the “Leadership Retreat”. All our senior leaders spent 2 days at the Tailrace Centre undergoing activities around leadership and team bonding. The days gave all the groups time to think about their own individual leadership along with what each teams’ goals are for the year. Thanks to Mrs Elliott, Mrs Pel, Mrs Selby, Mr Bent and Mrs Lovitt for co-ordinating and running this retreat for our leaders. We know they are set for a fabulous year in their roles.
Science and Engineering Challenge
Another activity that has been fabulous to see back on the calendar for 2021 is the Science and Engineering Challenge. This year it was held at the Albert Hall on Monday 22nd March. Our team competed in the usual activities and events including the infamous Bridge Building competition. We placed first in the “Grasping at Straws” event and finished 6th overall which was a wonderful achievement. Our students, all in Grade 9, conducted themselves with the utmost pride and commitment to their tasks, competing against many teams who were well above their age and experience. Thank you to Mrs Casey and Mr Killalea for taking our team this year.
Reports
Student interim reports were sent home last Friday. I encourage all families to read together and please do not hesitate to contact teachers for follow up if needed.
Maree Pinnington
Principal
Microsoft Teams meeting
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+61 3 6169 5130,,878359015# Australia, Hobart
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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:
Amir Reza Rahmi - For always following the ROCKS and being a polite and supportive student.
Harry Self - For his positive participation and attitude at the swimming carnival.
Grade 8:
Caidyn Leeder - For excellent application in Extension Mathematics.
Jack Rudling - For outstanding commitment to his learning.
Grade 9:
Felicity Johns - For consistent commitment to all areas of her learning.
Max Blazely - For a concerted effort during our most recent My Education Day.
Grade 10:
Phoebe Fahey & Paige Murray - For their co-operation, teamwork and commitment to taskes in homegroup activities.
Celebrations
Students recently received their Term 1 reports. In this report, students were assessed against our work habits rubric. In the morning of our My Education Day, students engaged in a sorting activity and self-assessment against this rubric. It is our aim for students to take control of their learning behaviours and explore the link between their application and results of achievement.
On our My Education Day, after recess, students walked to Punchbowl Reserve. The afternoon saw our Peer Support Leaders run a range of activities, including a scavenger hunt, flags and tug-o-war. This day provided a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to connect outside of the classroom in a less formal setting. Relationships between peers and staff alike are key to student success, both socially, emotionally and academically. This is a theme that we will continue to explore and develop upon throughout our future My Education Days.
Grade Focus
iPads offer our teachers a wonderful opportunity to extend and differentiate learning for our students. Our teachers work very hard to ensure that class work is available on Canvas and iPads allow students to connect, collaborate, enrich and extend their learning. To facilitate this we encourage all students to remember that their iPad is an important learning tool and it needs to be charged and ready each day. Your support with this is greatly appreciated.
Important Contacts
The Grade 7 teaching team this year consists of Mrs Katie Wightman (Junior School AP), Mr Tom Hartley (Grade 7 AST), Miss Nicole Williams (Grade Leader), Mr Stuart Withington (Grade Leader) and Class Teachers:
7A - Mr Leigh Richardson
7B - Mr Taylor Neilson
7C - Mrs Storm Pooley
7D - Mrs Bronwyn Platz
7E - Mr Sam Maddern
7F - Mr Sean Stevenson
7G - Mr Nicolas Parker
A reminder about the important contacts for Grade 8 in 2021.
Assistant Principal - Mrs Wightman katie.wightman@education.tas.gov.au
Grade 8 AST - Mrs Hume kate.hume@education.tas.gov.au
Grade Leaders - Mr Battle & Miss Males mathew.battle@education.tas.gov.au lillian.males@education.tas.gov.au
8A - Mr Chris Murray chris.murray1@education.tas.gov.au
8B - Mr Matthew Chatwin matthew.chatwin@education.tas.gov.au
8C - Mrs Kathleen Hodges kathleen.hodges@education.tas.gov.au
8D - Miss Grace Bannon grace.bannon@education.tas.gov.au
8E - Mrs Amy Jansen amy.jansen@education.tas.gov.au
8F - Mrs Jessica Crawford jessica.crawford@education.tas.gov.au
8G - Mrs Tracey MacFarlane tracey.macfarlane@education.tas.gov.au
Grade Support - Mr Pedersen thor.porsbro-pederse@education.tas.gov.au
Celebrations
Last Wednesday morning 20 of our Grade 8 students presented speeches as candidates to be Grade 8 Leaders for Term 1 and 2. To get to this stage of the process, students had to submit a written application which was then reviewed by the Grade 8 team and a shortlist was created. When students presented their speeches the Grade 8 team were blown away with their confidence and content. It was a big ask for our students to present to the grade however the Grade 8 team felt that it was an important step on their leadership journey and progression of skills in preparation for Grade 10 leadership positions.
We would like to encourage any students who aspire to be in a leadership role in Grade 10 to seek out opportunities to be leaders to further their skills in this area.
Congratulations to our elected Grade 8 Leaders for Terms 1 and 2.
Charli M, Addison K, Lucy S, Abbigale M, Ben T, Stella J, Nikki W, Oliver W, Georgie G, Jonty G, Cobi G, Zeynab N.
Grade Focus
Our grade focus for the remainder of Term 1 is self–awareness. Self–awareness can be described as being aware and confident of who you are. As a grade we are promoting self–awareness as our students are beginning to learn more about themselves and what they are capable of. This theme was explored during our recent My Education Day on Tuesday, where students got out of their comfort zone to participate in activities with fellow peers. Students had the opportunity to self-reflect on their contributions to teamwork throughout the day, especially on the “shark tank” pitch activity. As we come to the end of Term 1, the Grade 8 team will continue to present opportunities for students to be self–aware and learn more about themselves in a high school setting.
Celebrations
It has been a busy few weeks in Grade 9 and we cannot believe how quickly the term is flying by! Last week, our first My Education Day took place on Tuesday. The theme of this day was ‘managing our wellbeing’ and once again, we were incredibly impressed with how well students participated and made the most of opportunities provided throughout the day. An activity that particularly stood out and had an impact on staff and students was called ‘Don’t put people in boxes’. This activity required students and staff to stand in a big circle in the gym. Mr Stokes read out a range of different statements (for example, ‘I have days where I feel overwhelmed’) and if students agreed with this statement, they moved into the middle of the circle. It was a powerful experience and really highlighted the fact that despite all of our differences, we have so much in common and we all encounter the highs and lows of life in different ways. We wish to applaud students for their bravery, their vulnerability and the great deal of respect they showed each other as we completed this activity.
This Friday (26th March), class leader applications are due. Each class in Grade 9 will appoint two class leaders; students submit an application, complete a short speech in front of their class and votes are then submitted by students. Successful class leaders will be announced before the end of Term 1. We encourage all students to apply via this link: https://bit.ly/g9classleaders.
What a wonderful leadership opportunity and a great way to ‘get comfortable with being uncomfortable’. We would like to remind students that growth can only happen outside of their comfort zones!
Another cause for celebration is the success students experienced at the Science and Engineering Challenge with Ms Casey and Mr Killalea. It was an excellent day, with lots of critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork on show. Our students represented our school incredibly well and displayed our ROCKS at all times.
Finally, we wish to congratulate students on their participation in our recent swimming carnival! It was a fantastic (albeit different!) day at the Riverside Pool, organised by our amazing HPE team. The Grade 9 teaching team commented on how well students encouraged their peers and showed sportsmanship throughout the day – it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Grade Focus
As the term draws to an end, we urge students to remain focused on their learning until the last day! It is important that we make every moment count, and commitment to learning is so crucial in order for students to grow, improve their knowledge and skills, and set themselves up for a successful 2021.
Celebrations
As we begin week 8 of Term 1 we are heading into a very busy two weeks. Last week we had the first of our My Education Days. This year our focus for My Education is based around transition plans and preparing our students for education post Grade 10. On Tuesday we had Liz Bennett from Launceston College and Brad Cottam from Newstead College visit to conduct the first of their transition sessions with our students. In this session we got a small taste of what college life offers our students and started to challenge our students on their pathways post KMHS. Our students also heard from Mr Glenn Wood, our Kings Meadows High School Year 11 lead teacher, Year 11 Assistant Principal Ms Kate Blaubaum and AST Mr James Guy about what options are available to them on our Kings Meadows High School campus for 2022.
My Education Days also allow our Student Leaders more opportunities within their roles and we congratulate our Peer Support Leaders for organising and facilitating some sessions with the Grade 7’s on this day.
Whilst recognising some leadership efforts of our student’s, congratulations must go to our Grade 10 students who recently represented our school assisting our feeder primary schools for their Athletics Carnivals. Feedback from the principals and organising teachers at Youngtown Primary, Evandale Primary and Perth Primary schools was overwhelmingly positive and our students should be very proud of their conduct and efforts.
Congratulations also goes to both Jessica Homan and Bryce Stone who swam exceptionally well and were awarded Age Group Champions for Grade 10 at our recent swimming carnival. They both, along with 30 other students from our school, will represent KMHS at the Inter-High Swimming carnival on March 31st. We wish the whole team good luck!
To finish, last week all of our student leaders were involved in a two day retreat where they focussed on developing teamwork, set goals for the year and worked on leadership skills they will need for their various roles. This was a wonderful two days which was valuable for all who attended.
In our final two weeks of this term we are continuing to have high expectations of our Grade 10 students in academic rigour and are encouraging each of them to continue to set goals for themselves in their learning. Our Term 1 progress reports have been sent home and from these reports, we are challenging our students to take on feedback that is given to them and act on this early to ensure they are achieving their full potential.
Grade Focus
Our focus for Grade 10 this term will be developing formal and informal leadership in all our students. We will be setting ourselves goals that challenge us and establish good learning behaviours and academic rigour in all classes.
2021 SWIMMING CARNIVAL REPORT:
Lomond leads from the front to win the 2021 Swimming Carnival!
The participation seen from Lomond was impressive, with so many students entering various events on the day. This was a massive turnround from last year where they were in last place! Congratulations Lomond on a wonderful effort!
2021 was again a very successful swimming carnival, with participation from all houses and grades making it one to remember. The traditional events alongside the novelties had many students participating, particularly in the junior grades, again showing the positive sporting culture at Kings Meadows High School!~
The day's novelties consisted of the King Meadows High Biggest Bomb and Grade Speed Waterslide contests, both were enjoyed by all grades and were great to watch. With the event being held for the first time at Riverside Pool, the traditional swimming events were battled over new distances of 33m and 66m, slightly longer in distance however we still saw some wonderful performances.
Thank you to Felicity Cooper, Sam Lucas, Tarkyn Webb and Anthony Schieler for volunteering their time to help us on the day. Special mention should also go to our student helpers and student leaders on the day.
The HPE team and House Captains did a brilliant job and we would like to thank all staff who helped make it so successful.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING 2021 GRADE CHAMPIONS AND RUNNER UPS FROM OUR SCHOOL CARNIVAL.
Boys | Girls | |
Grade 7 Champion | Harry Self | Georgiana Layton |
2nd | Riley Ambrose | Georgie Hawkins |
3rd | James Harris | Gizaye Williams |
Grade 8 Champion | Ryan Schieler | Hallianna Madden |
2nd | Jonty Groves | Caitlin Lyons |
3rd | Jakob Anderson | Breeanna Farrell/Jenna Kirk/Stella Menzies |
Grade 9 Champion | Riley Nason | Ashlea Harrison |
2nd | Darcy Cunningham | Bonnie Talbot |
3rd | Beau Skinner | Jaslyn Freestone/Brydi Grice |
Grade 10 Champion | Bryce Stone | Jessica Homan |
2nd | Alexander Lyons | Millie Smith |
3rd | Saxon Anderson | Erica Kirk |
Records:
No records broken due to new venue and different distances.
Final House Points
1st Lomond 965
2nd Nevis 843
3rd Tamar 816
4th Esk 757
WANTED - GRADE 8/9 STUDENTS TO TRAIN AS LIBRARY ASSISTANTS:
Aims of the Program:
1) To provide leadership opportunities within the school.
2) To encourage ownership of the library by students.
3) To further improve the library environment following student input.
4) To assist with the growing student population and pressure on the library and its resources and staffing.
5) To learn new skills.
6) To encourage a tradition of leadership and commitment from students.
Position Description:
Students in Grade 8 and 9 are eligible to apply to be a Library Assistant. Library Assistants have a range of responsibilities during their allocated times and special Library events. These responsibilities include: -
- Assist in the library a minimum of one session a week
- Shelving books (Return items to appropriate shelves - check if not sure)
- Tidying and ordering shelves (if all books have been returned)
- Assisting with the organising and promotion of resources within the Library
- Assistance with the creation of displays (TV book display, themed genre displays, wall displays, etc)
- Creation and production of promotional material (bookmarks, handouts, etc)
Who would this position suit? What skills do you need?
Focused and detail orientated.
Books need to be shelved in the correct order – otherwise it can be impossible to locate the correct book! We have over 5000 books in the library, so it is very important we know where they are. Therefore tidying the shelves and looking for things in the wrong place is important too.
Able to do the right thing without having someone looking over your shoulder.
Able to focus and get the job done, even when it is not exciting.
Able to ask for help.
You are not expected to know everything and being able to ask for help is very important.
A love of reading is a plus.
Obviously, a love of reading and books would help but is not necessary. If you are not a big reader, please outline why this position appeals to you!
If you are interested please fill in the form and email it to Mandy (mandy.ritchie@education.tas.gov.au) or come and see Mandy in the library. All Grade 8 and 9 students should have received an email with the application to their school email address. Applications are due Thursday March 25th 2021.
KMHS Library Assistant Application
Name: ………………………………………………………….. Home Class: .............
Teacher Referee: (Nominate a teacher who you feel can vouch for you suitability for this role – make sure you ask their permission before listing them!)
Why do you want this job?
(Think about what made you apply for this job. What about the job description attracted you?)
Why do you think you will be good at this job? (Think about the ‘skills’ needed – how can you demonstrate you have these skills? – give examples).
Anything else you feel would help your application? (Do you visit the library? Do you have any skills that would be an extra help? Why do you love the library?).
Name (printed) Date Signature
Grade 7 MDT students have been working on their first project here at Kings Meadows High School - a personalised cheeseboard made from Tasmania timbers. Check out our amazing designs and execution of some of the finished projects below.
Architecture and Construction students participated in a tour of the Mitre 10 truss manufacturing site in Kings Meadows on 17th March.
The Mitre 10 truss manufacturing site is part of the Australia wide network of Mitre 10 Trade Centres. Mitre 10 has been servicing the trade since 1959. They are generally independently owned and operated having local knowledge of timber qualities along with current construction techniques. The site engineers and manufactures roof and floor trusses along with prefabricated wall frames, which are delivered to builders state-wide. They are required to provide products that conform with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) which is contained within the National Construction Code (NCC) and provides the minimum necessary requirements for safety, health, amenity and sustainability in the design and construction of new buildings (and new building work in existing buildings) throughout Australia.
Students investigated the skills and personal qualities associated with being a safe and valuable team member. Scott (Manager) mentioned the high standard of safety within the site and the fact that there have been no reportable injuries in the last 6 years. Students also started to understand the industry requirements when calculating quantities and pricing the materials, also the ordering and delivery logistics.
I would like to thank Scott Ryland, Kenny (Truss Detailer) and all the team, for their informative and interesting tour.
Glenn Wood
Wednesday 24 March | School Association Meeting |
Wednesday 31 March | NHSSA Swimming Carnival |
Wednesday 31 March | Last Day Term 1 (incl. Easter break) |
Wednesday 21 April | First Day Term 2 |