Filter Content
- PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:
- ROCKS STARS:
- GRADE 7 REPORT:
- GRADE 8 REPORT:
- GRADE 9 REPORT:
- GRADE 10 REPORT:
- GRADE 7 2022 ENROLMENTS:
- COVID TERM 2 MESSAGE:
- CANVAS PARENT:
- BEACON INSPIRING FUTURES PROGRAM 2021:
- LAUNCESTON COMPETITIONS - DANCE:
- CHAPLAIN NEWS:
- LITERACY LEGEND:
- VINEYARD REPORT & TASTAFE VISIT:
- ARCHITECTURE & CONSTRUCTION:
- SCIENCE & ENGINEERING CHALLENGE:
- 2021 DIVISION 1 NHSSA INTER-HIGH SWIMMING CARNIVAL REPORT:
- GRADE 7 MDT:
- CONSTRUCTION SAFE TRAINING:
- UNIFORM SHOP NEWS:
- UPCOMING EVENTS:
- COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD:
Welcome back to Term 2. It is certainly wonderful to have all students on site for Term 2 this year as I reflect on the position we were in this time last year with Learning from Home being implemented and the work we all had to undertake to ensure all students continued with their learning. I am grateful for the way Tasmania and Tasmanians have continued to be vigilant in ensuring we are in such a good position with regard to the pandemic. As a school we continue to adopt the very best hygiene practices and procedures around COVID19 and thank families for their reminders and support here to ensuring everyone’s safety and wellness.
External School Review
As mentioned in the last newsletter we recently had our External School Review conducted over 3 days late last term. As Principal, I am extremely proud and humbled by the interim results and feedback we received at the Exit Briefing. The school is reviewed against “lines of inquiry” aligned to the National School Improvement Tool. This is (as the name indicates) a Nationally accredited tool to gauge school improvement against 9 domain areas and the measures are reflected as – low, medium, high or outstanding. We always speak about our positive learning environment and the wonderful culture we have at Kings Meadows which was definitely affirmed by the review feedback.
The domains are:
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An Explicit improvement agenda |
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Analysis and discussion of data |
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A Culture that promotes learning |
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Targeted use of resources |
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An Expert teaching team |
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Systematic curriculum delivery |
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Differentiated teaching and learning |
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Effective pedagogical practices |
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School community partnerships |
To be assessed at a level you have to show clear evidence against the levels in each domain and only 3% of Australian schools nationally rate in the “outstanding “category for any domain.
Our feedback indicated assessments in the High and Outstanding category for every domain. The panel assessed the school as clearly outstanding in the domains: a culture that promotes learning; targeted use of school resources and effective pedagogical practices.
We are very proud of these results and testament to all the amazing work all our staff do to contribute to making our school so outstanding.
ANZAC Day Services
Equally as proud we are of our students who represented our school at the ANZAC Services on 25th April. Thank you to all students who laid wreaths at Launceston, Longford, Evandale and Perth services.
Not Even Once Presentations
On Friday 30th April, we were fortunate enough to have our Grade 8, 9 & 10 students participate in the presentation from the National Teen Challenge Organisation, “Not Even Once”. The seminar has been presented at schools throughout Australia. It delivers a powerful message about the risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol and the misuse of prescription medication. They are aligned to the Australian Curriculum Framework and the National Drug Strategy and value added to the work we currently do in this space particularly in Health.
Other Activities Happening
- White Card – Some of our students have recently had the opportunity to undertake their White Card assessment which gives them access to building sites and workplaces. The White Card is a required qualification for access and work on building sites. Thank you to Mr Wood for organising.
- TasDance performance – Senior Performing Arts students had the pleasure of watching the performance “Trolls” last Friday on campus. It is fabulous for our students to once again be able to engage with live performances. Thanks to the team for organising.
- Inter-High Swimming – The KMHS Inter-High Team competed with other schools last term to finish a very reputable third place. The scores were very close all day and all competitors did an amazing job representing our school with pride. Thanks to Mrs Elliott and Mrs Pel for accompanying the team. Please refer to report further in this newsletter for more details.
Reporting to Families
The Department of Education is in the process of reviewing their Reporting to Families Policy and Procedures. This is to ensure that the process of communicating learning progress and achievement to students and families is contemporary best practice and suits the needs of all. This year KMHS mid-year reports will include subject and work habit ratings that provide information about progress and achievement. In order to provide further detailed information around progress, areas for further development and social and personal development we are inviting parents to engage in our Progress Conference opportunities towards the end of term. These conferences will allow staff to have two-way authentic communication with families about student learning rather than a brief 40-word comment. More information will be forthcoming closer to the end of term around these opportunities.
I encourage all parents to to make contact with your child’s teachers prior to these conferences or to log onto the Canvas Parent App to see your child’s feedback around work.
Information on how to log onto the CANVAS Parent App can be found further in this newsletter.
NAPLAN Testing
A reminder that Grade 7 and 9 students will be participating in the NAPLAN testing program during May. The tests will be delivered online and are far more targeted to the level of the students completing them. The program is able to adjust the difficulty of the questions based on how many your child is getting correct. NAPLAN tests the skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. NAPLAN results provide valuable information on how your child is progressing against national minimum standards of literacy and numeracy skills expected for each year level. The best way you can support your child is by ensuring that they attend on testing days as this provides both the school and parents with important information to help in the learning process. It is also important to help students feel comfortable by reassuring them, that the tests are an opportunity to show what they have learned in class.
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:
Piper Withington - For always being organised, working well in groups, completing tasks in a timely fashion and seeks and listens to feedback.
Nathan Stanley - For always following the ROCKS expectations and being a kind and caring individual.
Grade 8:
Grace Anderson & Isaac Chapman - For always following the ROCKS expectations and fully applying themselves in all classes.
Grade 9:
Abbey Chapple - For demonstrating a fantastic commitment to her learning and persevering with challenging tasks.
Nicole Copolov - For her commitment to her learning and the positive approach she has towards her studies.
Grade 10:
Paige Smith - For going above and beyond to represent our school community at the Anzac march.
Cain Goldfinch - For his improved attendance and dedication to his learning across all subject areas.
Celebrations
Term 1 has gone in a flash and we enter Term 2 full of energy and ready to learn. Many subject areas will be beginning new units of work, whilst continuing to develop the skills necessary to be a successful learner at Kings Meadows High School. Term 2 will see our Grade 7 students engage in their first cross country race. This will be their second opportunity to represent their respective houses, as they build upon the house spirit and take part in the healthy rivalry that exits. Over the coming weeks, students will be learning the course and training to improve their aerobic fitness. Students are encouraged to bring a change of clothes and a spare pair of socks to HPE lessons as the weather gets a bit colder and a touch wet!
Grade Focus
With the beginning of Term 2 comes the opportunity to engage in new and exciting enrichment courses. Enrichment courses offer students the opportunity to engage in subjects of interest, to further develop skills and curiosity. For students engaging in winter sport comes the first opportunity for Grade 7s to represent Kings Meadows High School in team sports. We look forward to seeing the success and teamwork this fantastic opportunity presents. Shorts and socks for football and soccer are available at the Uniform Shop. Other subjects on offer include Wood and Metal Projects, Photography, Celebratory Cooking, Readers Café, STEM Challenges and Art.
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 Rebecca Glasby
7E - Mr Sam Maddern
7F - Mr Sean Stevenson
7G - Mr Nicholas 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
At the end of last term our newly elected Grade 8 Leaders hosted their first end of term Grade Assembly. During our assembly we acknowledged students for their fantastic work this term. This included our ROCKS STARS from across the term. Each Class Teacher also awarded students based upon our Department of Education Values Growth, Respect, Aspiration and Courage. Congratulations to those students who were recognised.
8A - Lily and Jack
8B - Eliza and Oliver
8C - Poppy and Emily
8D - Katelyn and Cadel
8E - Callum and Amy
8F - Kyah and Anneka
8G - Abbigale and Ethan-Mae
Congratulations to the following students who were selected late last term for the U/14 Tasmanian Devils Development Squad (North): Breeanna 8F, Sophie 8D, Grace 8B and Caitlyn 8A. A fantastic opportunity for them to develop their AFL skills. Great work Girls.
If your child has achieved any extracurricular success, please contact their Class Teacher or Grade Leader so that we can celebrate their achievements.
Grade Focus
Last Friday our Grade 8 students were fortunate enough to view the presentation of ‘Not Even Once’. The seminar has been presented at schools throughout Australia. It delivers a powerful message about the risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol and the misuse of prescription medication. The presentation challenged student's belief around the use of drugs and alcohol amongst young people in the community and gave great insight into the long and short term affects this can have on not only themselves, but their loved ones (friends, family etc.)
The Grade 8 team were impressed by the way students were actively engaged in the presentation and the maturity their displayed afterwards. There were some fantastic and thoughtful conversations had around the key messages of ‘Not Even Once’ and we encourage our parents/carers to discuss the presentation with their child this week to find out more information. If you would like to learn more information about ‘Not Even Once’ follow the link to their website: https://notevenonce.org.au/
Celebrations
Across a range of learning areas and extra-curricular activities, Grade 9 students have continued to work hard and demonstrate leadership, initiative and commitment. Students returned to school re-charged after extra-long holidays at the end of Term 1 and it has been pleasing to chat to the Grade 9 teaching team about how settled and focused students have been over the last couple of weeks.
We would like to acknowledge our Literacy Leaders in Grade 9, who have done an outstanding job of mentoring our junior students and supporting them with their reading.
In addition, we would like to congratulate our Grade 9 Student Grade Leaders! The position of ‘Student Grade Leader’ has replaced ‘Class Leader’ in Grade 9. These students will be responsible for bringing student voice and feedback to the teaching team, organising major grade assemblies, supporting with My Education days and representing the views and ideas of their peers. Congratulations to the following students, who have been elected as our Student Grade Leaders:
Brielle Banks, Chloe Widdowson, Ethan Button, Cooper McKinnell, Alana Hayes, Mitchell Shadbolt, Fatemeh Rezai, Makedde Brooks, Thomas Spencer.
We have two upcoming My Education days this term, where a number of Grade 9 students will be selected to take part in the Beacon High Impact Program, Polish. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to develop their confidence, self-esteem, leadership aspirations and communication skills. The Grade 9 teaching team will select participants who we believe to be demonstrating qualities of aspirational leaders. Watch this space!
Grade Focus
Celebrations
Grade 10 students have started Term 2 in a very settled and positive manner. This term will be a very busy one with two My Education days pencilled in and multiple transition visits from colleges and the traditional college orientation days.
This term will again bring a lot of preparation and planning for life beyond Grade 10 for our students. We have our two college open days this term. Our Grade 10s will be visiting Launceston College on June 21st and Newstead College on June 24. As well as guest speakers from both colleges coming on our My Education day on Monday May 31st.
Our student leaders have been working hard over the last few months organising events and activities for our students. In the coming week we have the much anticipated World’s Greatest Shave on Friday 7th March. We currently have 7 brave students and staff signed up to do the shave. With over almost $6000.00 raised for this good cause, we are hoping that we reach over and above our fundraising target. If you would like to donate to this marvellous cause, please contact Mrs Elliott or Mrs Pel for details on how to do so.
Whilst recognising some leadership efforts of our students, congratulations must go to our Grade 10 students who recently represented our school assisting at the ANZAC day marches held in Launceston, Evandale, Longford and Perth. The feedback from those events was very positive and we know our students represented our school with pride. Thank you to Paige, Tom, Jasmine, Millie, Deagan and Bree for laying the wreaths in these ceremonies and to all student leaders for paying their respects to honour our past and present defence force fleet.
Grade 10’s are continuing with their academic rigour this term. In English students are studying personal response unit on current events and news articles and learning how to articulately express their own point of view. In Science our students are completing a module on evolution and will then move onto Physics centred around motor vehicles. HaSS students are studying and focussing on the Great Depression. In HPE practical lessons students are completing a fitness module leading up to our Cross Country Carnival and in Health lessons where are undertaking work based around mental health. Mathematics classes have out students working on expanding and factorising algebraic expressions.
This term also means the start of school winter sport enrichments. In the Senior School we have two boys football teams, one girls football team, four netball teams and one senior soccer team. We look forward to seeing how our teams do in a full roster of two terms this year.
Grade Focus
Our Grade focus this term will be preparing for the transition from Grade 10 to further education.
We will be setting ourselves goals that challenge us and establishing good learning behaviours and academic rigour in all classes.
GRADE 6 PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
We are delighted to be able to meet face to face for our Grade 7, 2022 Transition Program at Kings Meadows High School.
Come along to our relaxed parent information evening to find out more about our school and the Grade 7 2022 transition program and enrolment process. Light refreshments will be served. Please complete the online form to indicate you will be attending our first information evening. http://bit.ly/ParentInformation2021no1
You will find on our Facebook page a link to this event
The Kings Meadows High School transition program has been developed and refined over many years. The federation of Connect 6 Primary schools has enabled us to tailor an innovative program that is informed by the needs of Grade 6 students and their families.
We are fortunate that the most of our communications have been digital for some time to ensure that everyone, regardless of location, can engage in the Transition Program.
WELCOME:
Welcome to Kings Meadows High School. Grade 7 enrolments will open for 2022 on Monday May 10th 2021. Here is the link to the enrolment form.
http://bit.ly/IntentionToEnrolGrade7_2022
If you have questions about the transition program please contact Katie Wightman at the school on 6343 1000.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Coming into the cold and flu season, it’s important that we all continue to keep healthy and safe. To ensure we can keep on top of COVID and also cold and flu, make sure you:
- Be alert to any symptoms of cold or flu that you or your child may exhibit
- Get tested for COVID if you or your child have symptoms
- Practise good hygiene, such as covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands
- If you or your child do get sick, stay at home until symptoms has passed, even if a COVID test is negative
Remember, symptoms include fever, tiredness, cough, headache, sore throat, sniffling and sneezing.
To keep our school safe, we are still:
- continuing with increased cleaning
- making sure there is plenty of soap, sanitiser and tissues available
- applying restrictions to large gatherings of adults and encouraging physical distancing
- requiring visitors to check-in on our sites
Beacon Student Ambassadors Update
So far the 2021 Beacon Student Ambassadors have had a great start to the year. We first had our Induction Assembly which officially recognised us as leaders of Kings Meadows High School. From there, we faced many challenges and it took us some time to learn how to work as a group but eventually we got there. Helping us along were the two days we completed at Leadership Retreat at the Tailrace Centre. This assisted with letting us learn more about each other and developing a sense of trust. One of the most challenging but fun activities was when we were all instructed to put on blindfolds and navigate around a park.This activity allowed us to practise trusting each other’s sense of judgement which required strong communication and led us to coming first in the competition.
In the coming months we are striving to create opportunities for future career pathways through programs like Career on Wheels, Speed-Careering, Workplace tours and the successful Polish and Prepare Programs. We are very proud of the progress we have already made this promising year and we are excited to continue our leadership journey. Thank you.
Written by the Grade 10 Beacon Student Ambassador Team
An important reminder for students and parents! Next week on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th May, Dance students will be competing in the Launceston Competitions at the Princess Theatre. It is extremely important that students arrive at school on time on these days and are organised for their performances. ALL STUDENTS are required to wear ‘theatre blacks’ on these days so they must have those ready to change into at school. A letter has gone home to parents with more specific times for each students performances. Ticket prices to attend are $10.00 or $7.00 Concession. If you have any questions please contact Mrs Selby at the school. Good Luck to all students competing!
On Tuesday 30th March we finished Breakfast Club for Term 1 with Hot Cross Buns and hot Milo. We would like to acknowledge and thank Bakers Delight at Meadow Mews for their kind and generous donation of the Hot Cross Buns for this event.
Bakers Delight also provide the bread we use for toast at our Tuesday and Thursday morning Breakfast Clubs which we are very grateful for.
Student Name: Sienna Ripp
What can you tell us about this piece of work?
I got this idea for the book from some historical fiction books and TV shows/movies.
What is your favourite thing about English?
My favourite thing about English is writing stories or persuasive texts.
What are you working on at the moment in English?
I am right now working on maybe rewriting an actual novel from this book I have written now.
What book are you reading at the moment?
The books I am reading at the moment at home are ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘The Giver’.
What is your favourite book and why?
My favourite book is ‘Satellite’ by Nick Lake because I find the book really interesting and once I started I couldn’t stop.
What are some books that you would really like to read?
The books I would really like to read are ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ and ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ because of the time it was set and the setting and background.
Just like How it Started
Chapter 1
The book
I never thought this would be the way to live and die, but doing it for someone I love sounds almost perfect to me.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man must be in want of a wife” I read, I love a new book. The feel of the fresh, golden brown pages and the smell of the ink printed on the paper, it excites me. Pride and Prejudice, it is an old book, been out of a while now but I could never afford such royalty. He asks me if I like it, Louis Ralph Mills, I scream in delight,
“Of course! I love it thank you so much Louis Ralph Mills.” I have known him since we were around 5 years old because our parents use to be such great friends. Ever since I have come to know the boy I have always called him Louis Ralph Mills and he has always called me Jeanette Liliana Rose. We have always named each other by our full names it seems more proper and fun sometimes.
“My parents have chose to invite you to a celebration dinner, if the madam would like to accept,” Louis quoted too me.
“It sounds so very strange hearing you speak like that young Louis,” I replied as a joke in the most posh sounding tone, i could manage back. A dinner in the massive château of the royal Mills family, I smiled, that manor is primarily my home. I spent most of my afternoons and days leaning across the walls reading and leaping down the wooden floorboard hallways.
Chapter 2
The brothers
The ruling brothers, people call them ‘elegant trio’ or the ‘Mills Brothers’. Everyone knows their fixed jawline, bronzed skin, flawless curls and sapphire blue eyes it is such one of a face to remember . You would almost think they are identical, bar one. Pale face, chaotic hair, untidy and grimy clothes and hazelnut eyes, Louis Ralph Mills. Of a rich fortune he should dress like such royalty, but If there was one thing to never mention when you shall come across Louis, never compare him to his brothers. Louis would reenact is mother every time she mentioned it,
“ Go change into to proper clothes immediately young man,” he would speak in a special accent. I would try to contain such laughter as it would seem rude but he turned around stares me straight in the eye and we would roar out laughing.
Chapter 3
The dinner
I arrived at 7 o’clock sharp as being late would be considered rude. I knock at the slab of charcoal coloured wood, It creaked open and we locked eyes, Mr Ely Mills, one of the so called twins, a grin from ear to ear.
“Good evening Miss Rose,” his dignified voice said.
“Good evening Ely,” I replied in a monotone. He ushered me through the grand, towering archway, I looked up from my scuffed leather foot wear. I knew I forgot something, there was dirt and mud all round them, Ely noticed.
“Shush, be quiet,” he spoke to me. I followed his directions as he guided me to a hallway. Over the many years I’ve been here I have never noticed anything here. It’s where Louis told me not to go, but through the corridor, I see a bed, covered in matching red velvet bed covers. A stream of light flows onto the bed like a waterfall, I take peek around the corner and then that’s when I saw it. The most magnificent thing ever, it is marvellous and stunning and over the many libraries I have ever seen I have never found one so fascinating,
“I’m amazed at this stunning piece of art, how could one afford such royalty,” I ask. The spines of books, lined in alphabetical order and Colours range from maroon to onyx. Books I have never read before are staring down at me. I only just noticed his disappearance when he returned back behind me with an almost identical pair to my shoes that I have on now. They look novel as I could see my reflection in the polished boots. I gracelessly accept and return to the dining hall, slipping them onto my feet.
“Where on earth have you been,” boomed a voice at me, it is Florence. I look up to see the family sitting at the dining table.
“As a special birthday treat I showed Jeanette my library,” responded Ely. I glance at him, and smile. Ely Mills, the Ely Mills I used to know has definitely changed from being very full of himself. I peek up at the table, Sitting there I catch a stare. Florence, Rune, Louis and Stanley, I go to take a take a seat on the vanished oak seats, a beautiful sage green silk table runner I want to run away and start a fashion icon with how it catches my eye like that. Louis must of told them that my favourite colour was sage green, it reminded me of earth and nature, I was too busy admiring the colour sensation when Rune said to me
“Now why on earth would such a birthday girl be standing and not seated?” The family stares at me, not in a creepy way but in a way to say hurry up. I take a seat, I cross my legs and try to make small talk. I remember the lessons Louis taught me before arriving. A lady never lets her elbows meet the table, always sit upright and have a good posture and to always use the right cutlery.
Chapter 4
The mistake
The next morning I woke to the sound of the birds chirping. Sitting on my windowsill, a eager blue bird. At the sight of movement he fluttered his wings and flew away. I find it absolutely fascinating how such small creatures could be capable of such amazing things. I force my glass panes open when the feeling of freshness hits me, I can smell the nature in the air it makes me happy. I was about to get changed when I heard a knock. I glance around as I would want no such human seeing me in such clothes. It was a familiar face
“C’mon Janette Liliana Rose I know your in here,” such a recognising sound.
“ Ok Louis Ralph Mills ,” I chime out. I scatter around, choosing something to wear, either a crimson red, velvet dress or a baby blue and white cotton dress, I chose the blue dress.
I look myself up and down I wonder why I don’t wear such a beautiful blue colour against my skin. That’s when I remember I have a guest waiting outside,
“ In such a cold climates hope he has a jacket or blazer on,” I think as I scurry around the house. I invite Louis in for a cup of tea as he said he wanted to talk about something especially important.
“ So I know you might not want to do this but, I found this truly mesmerising building out towards Paris Lane,” he tells me. I think about Paris lane, trees covering you as a sky of green, cobblestone drive and the view of everything. They tell us that if you squint hard enough you can see Paris. I’m excited, I have always wanted to be a famous author, writing beautiful books for people to travel far and wide to see. Such adventures I shall experience will prompt me a great start.
Chapter 5
The house
The clicking and clacking of the steel horseshoes against a hard surface draws to a near stop as I can now view the house.
“How on earth did you manage to lend your mother and fathers transport?” I question Louis,
“ Magic” he replied with a smirk on his face. A remark like that wouldn’t surprise me. Louis hopped out and grabs my hand as I descend down from the carriage
“ladies first,” he whispered.
We walk together up the pathway, alone. I feel a sudden sense of coldness, the taste of fear rolled off my tongue but today is the day that inspire my adventure so I proceed forward. Louis noticed my concern
“ we don’t have to do this if you want,” He breathes into me, those words send goosebumps running frantically up and down my back. In a hushed tone I murmur
“no it’s fine.” The tug on the brass door handle. The wood is rotting under a breath, I run my hands down the cracks. It was clearly untouched for a while as dust latches onto my finger. The door handle catches my attention. How could I building so old and have rotting wood have something so shiny, not a speck of dust or dirt. I freeze.
Chapter 6
“Freeze,” they yelled, I turn around in an instant. Black, oval helmets, badge that of been once shiny and a gun pointed towards the both of us. I wanted to run, sprint far away, start all over but I could’ve dare bring myself to leave Louis behind. Think about Louis, his family, his brothers, my family, who I will probably see soon, my cat, my sister, my future and books. I think of books, The way authors play around with words, like it is some free for all. No one is against what they say. Despite the odds and all the words an author could use, I whisper into Louis’s ear “run.” That’s when I realise, this could be over in the matter of a second.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man must be in want of a wife.” Just like how it started.
My name is Simon Lucas and I am the caretaker of the vineyard - orchard space located at the rear of Kings Meadows High School. For those who are unaware, we have 200 pinot noir grapevines, 30 assorted fruit trees including apples, pears, apricots, quinces and a range of berries - approximately 150m² of garden space.
With this wonderful resource we are always looking for ways to bring students and community members into this great outdoor learning space. We have established a good relationship with TAFE, so invited TasTAFE Certificate 3 Horticulture students on site for an apple tree pruning class. We had 20 students attend for their first hands-on pruning experience.
After receiving their safety and pruning instructions the students were eager to start the snipping!
Kings Meadows High School would greatly like to thank TasTAFE Cert 3: Horticulture students for their assistance!
2020 Vineyard news
Continuing on from 2020 it has been a peculiar year in the vineyard. We saw snow mulching the vines in Winter, to some rough winds in early summer and finally some very favourable conditions in late Summer/early Autumn leading to harvest. Above average rainfall for December and January meant we didn’t need to irrigate the vines as heavily.
A cooler and wetter Summer made for an increased disease climate and we experienced small areas of powdery mildew. Through careful canopy management and timely fungicide spraying, we expect only a small yield loss to be less than 5%. We are expecting an increase from the 2019 vintage yield of 619kg. to possibly around 820kg.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the help and assistance of Mr Chris Eldershaw for taking care of the vineyard during my unexpected medical leave in December and January. Thanks Chris!
Cheers from the Vineyard
Simon Lucas.
On Wednesday 31st March 2021 Architecture and Construction students visited Casting Tasmania.
Castings Tasmania is the oldest foundry in the southern hemisphere, commencing business in 1834. It has had a range of owners throughout its distinguished history. Amongst the most significant were when it traded as Phoenix Foundry from 1914-1957, producing a range of castings that were important for Australia’s efforts in the second world war.
In December 2019 it became part of the Recycal Group, who are investing heavily into upgrading the site, with new equipment and ‘refurbishments’ to ensure it retains a leadership position as one of the most efficient foundries in Australia.
Students witnessed all aspects of casting. The industrial processes used on site align with 3D modelling, metal and timber fabrication, CNC processes used within KMHS classes. On behalf of the students and from myself I would like to thank Todd, Simon and Matthew for informative tour and look forward to continuing future partnerships.
Glenn Wood
On Monday 22nd March, 29 Grade 9 students had the opportunity to participate in the Science and Engineering Challenge at the Albert Hall. The aim of this challenge is to provide students with challenging hands on activities and to inspire them to make a difference in the world by choosing a career in Science and Engineering.
Students had the opportunity to further refine their STEM skills. They worked as a productive part of a collaborative team to offer solutions to a challenge activity presented to them. Such activities included: designing and constructing a model bridge from provided materials to support a trolley carrying ‘gold’ ingots across a gap in the tracks, creating functional codes to accurately send secret messages using pulses of coloured light and building towers using common materials to withstand a simulated earthquake. Special mention must go to Ethan Button, Felicity Johns and Chloe Widdowson who scored the highest points for the day for their bionic hand. Their bionic hand was constructed using straws and string mounted to an artificial wrist and was able to successfully pick up objects and complete finger signs.
The Science and Engineering Challenge is one of Australia’s longest running STEM engagement programs and without the support of local Rotary Clubs, University of Tasmania, businesses and industries these days would not be possible. On behalf of the students and staff at Kings Meadows High School, we would like to thank these groups for providing these opportunities.
On 31st March our Kings Meadows High School swimming squad competed in the Inter-High swimming carnival at the Launceston Aquatic Centre. Our team had a massive day of swimming, competing against Riverside, Prospect, Scottsdale, Exeter and Queechy High Schools! It was a day of action, with several close finishes and all students doing us proud. Whether it was students swimming up an age group to make sure we had a competitor in every race, or students cheering on the ‘Meadows’ from the stands.
The carnival began with the medley relay followed by a full day of events with KMHS represented in every event yet again! With all swimmers doing their absolute best it is difficult to single out individual performances. Congratulations to Jessica Homan, Ashlea Harrison and Ryan Schieler on winning or placing in all events they entered. Jessica was a record breaker in the Grade 10 Girls 50m Butterfly and 100m Freestyle which is a fantastic achievement. There were also numerous swimmers who participated in multiple events, with some swimmers even having eight different races, and giving their all in each and every event. The school spirit shown by all team members cheering and encouraging each of our participants in all events was first class.
This year we saw a massive 35 placings across all events! Mrs Pel and Mrs Elliott were very proud of the team. Throughout the day they showed competitive sportsmanship whilst enjoying a day of racing against the strongest schools in Division 1 Northern Competition, finishing with a hard-earnt 3rd place behind Prospect High and Riverside High in the overall shield. All in all, it was an excellent day and we look forward to returning even stronger and faster next year.
Grade 7 MDT students have been working on their first Metalwork project here at Kings Meadows High School; a customised toasting fork. We hope students enjoy toasting marshmallows on these for years to come!
Check out some of these amazing examples below.
On behalf of the students and I would like to thank Amy from the MBT for organising the enrolments and Peter Kelbassa for delivering the course.
Glenn Wood
We are pleased to advise that as we come into the cooler months the Uniform Shop is now stocked with KMHS tracksuit pants.
The tracksuit pant does not form part of the “everyday uniform” but is part of the sport uniform. This means that the tracksuit pants can be changed into for HPE classes and/or inter-school winter sport. They are a very warm option.
Cost: $45.00
You can order these items via the Qkr app for click and collect.
| Friday 7 May | World's Greatest Shave |
| Monday 10 May | Grade 7 2022 Parent Information Evening 1 5.30-6.30pm |
| Tues 11 May to Fri 21 May | NAPLAN testing |
| Monday 24 May | KMHS Cross Country |
| Tuesday 1 June | Inter-High Cross Country at KMHS |
| Monday 31 May | My Education Day |
| Friday 11 June | My Education Day |
| Monday 21 June | Grade 5/6 Challenge Day 1 |
| Monday 21 June | Parent Information Evening 2a 5.30-6.30pm |
| Monday 21 June | Launceston College Open Day |
| Thursday 24 June | Grade 5/6 Challenge Day 2 |
| Thursday 24 June | Parent Information Evening 2b 5.30-6.30pm |
| Thursday 24 June | Newstead College Open Day |
| Friday 2 July | Last day of Term 2 - School holidays begin |
| Monday 19 July | Student Free Day |
| Tuesday 20 July | First day of Term 3 for students |
