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- ACTING PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:
- ROCKS STARS:
- GRADE 7 REPORT:
- GRADE 8 REPORT:
- GRADE 9 REPORT:
- GRADE 10 REPORT:
- SMS MESSAGING & ATTENDANCE:
- COVID-19 VACCINATIONS FOR STUDENTS AGED 12 AND OVER:
- GRADE 7 & 10 IMMUNISATIONS:
- KMHS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL:
- ARTS NIGHT:
- QUILTING:
- UPCOMING EVENTS:
- COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD:
Dear Parents/Guardians
Across the first week in Grade assemblies the focus has been about Term 4 being a time of transition. As we prepare students for the next grade, we ask that you continue to chat to your child about their personal goals for Term 4 and how you can support them.
Supporting learning could be:
- Parents using the Canvas app to guide conversations about assignments and working with your child to develop a calendar of when things are due.
- Discussing the amount of sleep your teenage child still needs for their health, memory and energy. Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep per night. For more information about teenagers and sleep - https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/healthy-lifestyle/sleep/sleep-teens
- A chat about the need to balance screen time with other activities as this is good for development and wellbeing. At the end of this article are instructions to set up screen time on the school iPad.
- Asking your child who is in their top 5 to stretch their thinking and support them in their learning journey.
Term 4 is also a time for review. We review our year of learning and measure the growth we have made against personalised goals.
We must also acknowledge that transition and responses to COVID-19 requires us to navigate uncertainty; that is, not knowing for sure what is next.
It is completely normal to not have all the answers and sometimes this gives rise to feelings of anxiety. Sometimes uncertainty can stop us from taking the next step. We need to seek out trusted people, our top 5, to help us think through our options. Often the ability to think through our options, to review our goals and to determine next steps can come from knowing our own values and how they will support us to navigate what is coming next.
You may have heard teachers talk about a growth mindset. Specifically, grit which is passion and perseverance for long term goals and this is a significant predicator of success. At KMHS we have an unconditional regard for Growth Mindset that all our student’s ability to learn is not fixed.
Another talking point could be about the growth your child has made in their learning.
We can reassure students that they are still adapting and evolving as a learner. Who they are and what they believe in their values can remain steadfast and secure to take on uncertainty. For some assurance and guidance you may like to watch Angela Duckworth speak more about grit.
Follow the link to:
Remember it is okay to be in flux. If you need support for your child’s learning please contact their class teacher. If you would like to know more about anxiety and the effects on your child’s mental health please click on the link for more information.
What Is Anxiety & The Effects on Mental Health | headspace
If you are concerned about anxiety effecting your child some good contact points are your GP or Launceston Headspace Ph: 1800 650 890.
If you are concerned that anxiety is effecting your child’s schooling please contact the school to discuss supports for your child.
Classes 2022
At Kings Meadows High School, we work collaboratively with our Connect 6 primary schools and within our grade teams to make decisions regarding class placement for Grade 7. In Grades 8, 9 and 10 we make decisions within and across the grade teams to determine class placements. The procedure ensures decisions regarding class placements is informed by students, teachers, parents and guardians. Classes are formed to provide the best possible learning environment for all students catering for a range of academic abilities, to increase social connections, to improve work habits and to foster diversity.
- Individual class placements will be informed by:
- Enrolment trends;
- Educational needs of the student;
- Classes are to be homogenous with respect to academic performance, social development, emotional needs and classroom behaviour;
- Gender balance;
- Class room observations;
- Friendships – classes will be determined to both enable the integration of new students and provide opportunity for students to broaden their friendship group; and
- Constraints of resources and facilities including teacher assistant allocations.
- Parents and carers may provide specific information about their student's learning and/or social needs. Such information would not include a request for students to be in a particular class or with specific students or teachers. The information should be provided in writing (letter or email) to the Junior School Assistant Principal by Week 6, Term 4. This information will be referenced, along with other available information, during the class placement process.
- In the Junior School, Grade 7/8, we will invite students to:
- Nominate three (3) friends that they would like in their class.
- Nominate up to three (3) students they feel they should not be in a class with.
- For Grade 8 we will invite students at the end of Grade 7 to indicate if they would like to remain in the same home class group.
- For Grade 9 and 10 class changes will be minimal as students transition into the Senior School, this is subject to change as informed by points 1 and 2.
School Uniform and Hats
Our uniforms are very distinctive and many new families to the school commented on how wonderful our students looked in full school uniform on the first day. Please ensure that children also have appropriate footwear as per our uniform policy that has been approved by our School Association.
Kings Meadows High School is a ‘sun-safe’ school and hats are recommended in Terms 1 and 4 for playing outside during recess and lunch breaks and during PE. ‘Sun-safe’ bucket hats and caps are available for purchase from the Uniform Shop (opening hours 9.00am-3.00pm daily).
Our duty policy describes students not in full school uniform are not permitted to spend recess and lunchtime on the oval side of the playground. That is -
Area 5A: Soccer field to tennis courts
Area 5B: Lawn lunch area, grass apron and oval
Across the Road - General
- Students must be in full school uniform.
- Students must use marked crossings to gain access to other areas.
Regards
Katie Wightman
Acting 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:
Zannan Nicholls - For constantly making positive choices to enable him to work quietly and well.
Bree Dwyer - For always working diligently in class.
Grade 8:
Eva Hjort - For showing initiative by completing homework for English and HaSS.
Addison Keegan - For consistently aiming for and achieving high standards in her HaSS and English work.
Grade 9:
Maddi Parker & Liarna Robins- For making positive learning choices to benefit their learning.
Grade 10:
Lachlan Kingshott - For showing initiative and dedication in his role as Student Leader.
Zaide Simmons - For consistently following our school ROCKS expectations and being a role model to others.
Getting back into the swing of things:
Getting back into routines, especially following a lovely holiday, require some adjustment, even for adults! Please talk with your children about routines at home that can support their transition in to the start of Term 4. Whether it is simple things like packing their own lunchboxes, checking off a reminder list on the fridge, having some expectations of the amount of sleep and screen time that are healthy for their age and stage of development or routines that you establish in the home can have a positive impact on your child’s time at school.
New term, new enrichment courses and new challenges! This week, students have been excited to try new subjects and challenging themselves to develop new skills within their Thursday enrichment courses. In Week 3, Grade 7 students will compete in their first Kings Meadows High School Athletics Carnival. Students are currently busy practising in their Health and Physical Education lessons. This will be the third formal opportunity for students to contribute points for their respective house groups as they compete to be crowned champions of the Athletics Carnival. As always, the most successful houses are the ones who show high levels of participation across the two days. There are a range of traditional events on offer as well as some extra novelty events for students to participate in.
Grade Focus
The Grade 7 focus for the current term will be centred around how to be a respectful member of the Kings Meadows High School Community. We have emphasised the importance of being proud of our school and the wider community. Wearing our uniform with pride, maintaining our school grounds and displaying positive interactions with each other. It is important for students to understand that they are Kings Meadows High School students beyond the school gates and their positive interactions create a positive school culture and wider opportunities for all.
Celebrations
A big congratulations must go out the Grade 8 cohort for their settled start to the Term 4. It has been great to see students engaged with their learning and following the ROCKS expectations on a daily basis. In grade assembly this week we discussed how important it is to get the most out of yourself this during Term 4. Staff will be encouraging students to take every opportunity that comes their way and to “get out of the comfort zone”. During the term, there will plenty of events where students can be actively involved such as My Education days, Athletics Carnivals and Big Day Out activities. An exciting term ahead.
Beacon Applications
A big congratulations to all students that applied for Beacon Ambassador positions for next year. Beacon applicants have now been shortlisted. Successful applicants will now move onto interview stage. Good luck to all.
Reminder
Kings Meadows High School follows the “Off and Away” policy with mobile phones. Phones are to be off and in lockers for the duration of the day. Students will accumulate phones offences if caught with phones during the day.
In Grade assemblies, we have been discussing how quickly the school year is going, and the fact that students will soon be entering senior school. Staff have discussed that in Grade 9 you will be role models for junior school and the positive decisions you make today will hold you in good stead ready for senior school.
Grade Focus
The Grade 8 focus for this term will be centred around how to be a respectful member of the Kings Meadows High School Community. We have emphasised the importance of being proud of your school, looking after our fantastic facilities, wearing uniform with pride and being respectful to all members of our school community. An important point we are focussing on is being a respectful member of the Kings Meadows High School community which extends outside the school gates. We want each and every student to build upon our schools already positive reputation.
The following reminders have been discussed in this week’s Grade assembly:
- Lockers must be locked at all times with your phone placed inside.
- Please wait until you are outside B Block before you start eating.
- Breakfast Club - food and drinks need to be consumed before entering B Block.
- After you have accessed your locker head straight to class.
- After school move directly to the location where your bus picks you up from.
- Students who are walking or catching a bus outside of the school gates need to leave the grounds quickly.
Celebrations
It is fantastic to see the Grade 9 students refreshed after a two week break and keen to get started in what is sure to be a busy and rewarding Term 4. Grade 9 students who are participating in the leadership process have the opportunity to address their teachers and peers in an assembly in Week 2, outlining their reasons why they should be considered for a leadership position in 2022. On behalf of the teachers, we wish them all the best in this process.
Grade Focus
No doubt Term 4 will be action packed with many activities planned throughout, with that it mind it is important that students keep an eye on upcoming events and plan and organise their time well in order to complete set learning tasks as well as enjoy the many extra-curricular activities that are planned for them during the term. Teachers have begun the end of year reporting phase, so maintaining those high standards are important for students to receive the marks that they deserve.
Celebrations
Welcome to Term 4. This term is going to be a very busy one with lots of activities and opportunities for our Grade 10 students. This week students have been asked to sign up for their college enrolment interview. These will take place on Tuesday 9th November for Launceston College, in the KMHS Wellbeing Space from 9.00-11.30am. On Wednesday 10th November, Newstead College will conduct their interviews from 1.00pm-2.50pm in the KMHS Wellbeing space. Students will be allocated a 20-25 minute interview timeslot. We are encouraging parents to attend, however this is not compulsory. Students will be given more information about how to prepare for this enrolment process in the coming weeks. They will need to know predicted Grade 10 results which their core teachers are finalising over the next few weeks. These results will only be a predictor and are open to change over the course of this term.
This Friday our students are attending a RYDA excursion which is held at Symmons Plains. This will involve a driver awareness program and risk management and road safety sessions. It will be a very informative day which will equip our students with risk management skills centred around driving.
In week 3, Grade 10’s will have their final opportunity to represent their house in our school Athletics Carnival. Like previous years, this will be run over two days on the 27th and 28th October. We encourage all students to participate fully in this event as it is their final carnival at Kings Meadows High School.
Last week was the final cut-off date for the ordering of our school leavers hoodies and these have now been ordered. Students will be given these on the last Monday of Term 4 and they will be permitted to wear them on the school picnic day only. We ask that students do not wear these on any other day in the final week as we have formal assemblies organised for this time.
This term our student leaders will be organising and facilitating a few big events. The first of these is the Careers on Wheels Expo which is run by the Beacon Student Ambassadors. This day involves grade groups accessing the Careers Expo and gaining valuable information around various careers opportunities within the local community. The Peer Support Leaders will be organising the Healthy Me Expo which is another day where grade groups have access to activities and seeking information centred around supporting their own wellbeing. Finally the House Captains and Prefects will be conducting the KMHS Big Day Out which is an afternoon of fun activities and teamwork for our students. This afternoon will involve food stalls, water slides and other fun games for students to participate in. All funds raised on this day will go towards the Student Leaders Legacy Gift for 2021.
Our Arts students will be now focussing their attention this term to our KMHS Arts Night. This is being held at the Princess Theatre on Thursday 18th November from 6.30pm. This will be a fabulous night showcasing the talent of our Art, Drama, Music and Dance students. There are many Grade 10 students involved in this night and we look forward to seeing them under the spotlight.
This term we will be holding some extra college transition sessions for some students who either missed our college transitions days or would like some more information. These sessions will be informal sessions and will be open to anyone who seeks interest. If students would like extra transition visits, they should speak with their Class Teacher, Mrs Pel or Mrs Elliott. If parents wish to gain more information about what each college offers, both colleges’ have websites with videos, course selection guides and information about their campuses. The Newstead College website link is https://newsteadcollege.education.tas.edu.au/ and Launceston College’s link is https://launcestoncollege.education.tas.edu.au/
As said in previous newsletters, Newstead College has opened their VET course applications for 2022. If students are intending on studying at Newstead College and would like to be considered for a VET course, application forms can be obtained from Mrs Pel, Mrs Elliott or the Grade 10 staffroom. These applications must be completed and returned to Mrs Pel or Mrs Elliott as soon as possible. In addition, the Northern Urban Collective also have their applications open for 2021. If a student wishes to enrol in any of the VET course run through the high schools in Launceston, including our own programs at Kings Meadows, students must return their expression of interest forms to Ms Blaubaum as soon as possible. Launceston College will be completing their VET course application process in person next term when they come for enrolments. More information around this will be given closer to the date.
As we are heading towards the end of this year, we have many and varied events coming up. If parents or students have any queries regarding anything please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Class Teacher, Mrs Pel the Grade 10 Leader or Mrs Elliott the Grade 10 AST via email or phone the school on 63431000.
Email contacts for our Grade 10 Team:
10A – Ms Karen Furley karen.furley@education.tas.gov.au
10B – Mr Mick Bent mick.bent@education.tas.gov.au
10C – Mr Andrew McLean andrew.mclean@education.tas.gov.au
10D – Mr Solomon Walker-Bowd solomon.walker-bowd@education.tas.gov.au
10E – Mrs Katie Mathews – katie.mathews@education.tas.gov.au
Grade 10 Leader – Mrs Megan Pel megan.pel@education.tas.gov.au
Grade 10 AST – Mrs Coleen Elliott coleen.elliott@education.tas.gov.au
Year 11 and 12 – Mr James Guy james.guy@education.tas.gov.au
Extra transition/Student support – Ms Mel Hudson mel.hudson@education.tas.gov.au
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. We will also be placing focus on preparing our students for transition to further education.
End of Year Dates:
Friday 10 December | Grade 10 Graduation Dinner | 6.00pm arrival - Country Club Casino |
Monday 13 December | Presentation Assembly | 11.15am - Gymnasium |
Tuesday 14 December | Grade 10 Picnic | Mystery location |
Wednesday 15 December | Grade 10 Graduation Assembly | 11.15am - Gymnasium |
From Monday 18 October, parents will be informed by mobile phone (SMS) each time their child is away from school.
At Kings Meadows High School, student attendance and safety are a high priority. We know that students who attend regularly are more likely to be successful and safe at school.
To improve our attendance procedures, we will be informing parents/caregivers about any unexplained absences for their child. The school expects parents/caregivers to contact the school in advance if they know their child is to be absent.
As part of the process of implementing this new system, the school is seeking your assistance. We already have an extensive list of parent’s mobile numbers; however, if you have changed your number please advise the school so we can make sure our records are fully up to date.
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS FOR STUDENTS AGED 12 AND OVER:
There are a number of different options available for parents to arrange for students aged 12 and above to be vaccinated, these include:
- At one of the community clinics across the state. Appointments can be made by visiting coronavirus.tas.gov.au/booking or calling the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
- At participating GPs - contact your local GP directly to make a booking.
- At selected pharmacies - find one near you at findapharmacy.com.au
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and the wider community from COVID-19. Don’t wait. Vaccinate.
Young people under the age of 16 are encouraged to attend their vaccination appointment with a parent or guardian.
There are a number of places where you are able to find more information in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine. You may like to look at this information with your child to support them in understanding more about the vaccination:
Information from the Australian Government about COVID-19 vaccines
Information from the Tasmanian Government about COVID-19 vaccines
Your child may be due to have the routine Grade 7 & 10 vaccines on 26 October at the school.
Please contact City of Launceston if your child has had a Covid-19 vaccine recently or is booked to receive one, the recommended minimum interval between COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines is 7 days (pre and post).
If you need to withdraw your child's consent from the school program or make changes please contact Sonya at City of Launceston before the Council's visit to the school.
You can email Sonya at contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au or phone 63233208. Please include your child's name, their home group and school attending.
Sonya Jack
Technical Officer
6323 3208
www.launceston.tas.gov.au
Our annual school Athletics Carnival is being held during Week 3 of this term. Like previous years our carnival is being run over two days: Wednesday 27th October at Kings Meadows High School and Thursday 28th October at St Leonards Athletics Track. Our carnival is run as a tabloid event which involves our students moving around the various events and working with their grade groups to participate. The program for the two days can be seen below.
It is good to let you know we can allow parents to spectate at this event. To support Public Health contact tracing, all people over the age of 16 years attending a DoE site for any length of time must check in.
The Check in TAS app is the preferred method for check in, where practicable. Using the app means:
- Public Health have direct and immediate access to contact tracing information.
People with cold or flu-like symptoms are still not permitted to visit a DoE site.
If you are going to attend the carnival to make our school community as safe as it can be you must adhere to the following COVID-19 procedures:
- Use the Check in TAS app upon entering our school (Wednesday) and St Leonards Athletics (Thursday). We will have the KMHS QR check in code at the entrance to the gym the track and in the designated spectator areas. This is for COVID-19 contact tracing.
- You must also register that you are on site with us as part of our school based procedure.
- On Wednesday please report to the gym to sign in using our visitor sign in sheet.
- On Thursday please report to the welcome tent at the St Leonards Athletics track to sign in using our visitor sign in sheet.
- All adults must maintain physical distancing from other parents and students.
- Sit/stand only in designated spectator areas and do not mingle with the school population.
- Stop the spread of germs by covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands, and use hand sanitiser.
- Do not attend or enter the school if you are feeling unwell or if you have cold and flu like symptoms.
Last year the winning house for the carnival was ESK. Can Esk continue with this strong performance again in 2021, or will Nevis, Tamar or Lomond take out the title?
Mrs Coleen Elliott – HPE Learning Area Leader
After a COVID forced hiatus in 2020 the Arts team at Kings Meadows High School are extremely excited to be able to announce the 2021 Arts Night “Showcase” will be held on Thursday 18th November, this term at the Princess Theatre from 6:30pm to 9.00pm.
Students from Dance Music, Art, Photography and Drama have already begun working on pieces to be shown and performed on this evening. An important note: due to changes in the COVID safety plan parents are now required to pre-purchase tickets from Theatre North (either online or at the Box Office) as there will be no general admission. This means you will be able to select your seats and it will be first in best dressed. As part of this process you will also be given a specific arrival time depending on your seat as the ushers and Theatre North staff will have organised ‘staggered’ arrival times as part of the safety plan.
Please click on the link below to purchase tickets. These will be available from 10.00am Wednesday 20 October - $10 Adults, $6.00 Students/Concession, Free – 0-3 years. Please Note: Theatre North will not be charging any additional transaction fees for this event.
https://theatrenorth.com.au/arts-night-2021
Students will also soon be issued with permission forms for the event and it is extremely important that both parents and students read all of the information provided on these letters carefully and that they are signed and returned to school promptly.
We look forward to giving further Arts Night updates in the newsletter and on the Facebook page – keep your eye out for these important messages. Looking forward to seeing you all in the audience on the 18th November!
22 October | RYDA - Symmons Plains - Grade 10 students |
27 October | Athletics Carnival - Day 1 @ KMHS |
28 October | Athletics Carnival - Day 2 @ St Leonards |
29 October | STUDENT FREE DAY |
1 November | Public Holiday |
9 November | Launceston College enrolments |
10 November | King & Crown applications due (Grade 7 2022) |
10 November | Newstead College enrolments |
11 November | My Education Day - Careers on Wheels |
17 November | NHSSA Inter-High Athletics Carnival - St Leonards |
18 November | Arts Night |
24 November | Grade 7 2022 Orientation Day |
24 November | Parent Information Evening - Grade 7 2022 - No. 4 |
24 November | School Association Meeting - 7.00pm |
24 November | Triathlon - selected students |
29 November | Parents Cyber Safety talk with Susan McLean - 7.00pm |
30 November | KMHS students Cyber Safety talk with Susan McLean |
1 December | My Education Day - Healthy Me Expo |
10 December | Grade 10 Graduation Dinner at Casino |
13 December | Presentation Assembly |
14 December | Grade 10 Mystery Picnic |
15 December | Grade 10 Graduation Assembly |
16 December | Grade 7, 8 & 9 picnic - Last day for students |
Youngtown Primary School Springfest
Youngtown Primary School will be holding this year's Springfest on Friday 19 November from 4.30pm to 7.30pm. There will be a variety of food to choose from whilst you wander the craft stalls (perhaps a spot of Christmas shopping!) and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy! Come along for a great family night. Kings Meadows High School students will be providing the musical entertainment and there are some great raffle prizes up for grabs! Please see the link below to the Facebook event page for more information and details on stall holders. See you there!