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Dear Parents/Guardians
It has been an extremely busy two weeks at Kings Meadows High School with a wide range of programs and extracurricular activities. A big thank you to the parents and guardians who attended the Arts Evening 2021. The evening was held at the Princess Theatre and was a wonderful opportunity for the students at our school to showcase their talents in Visual Art, Drama, Music and Dance. Over 200 students were involved in performing or assisting with the organisation of the event. A big thank you to the staff and volunteers that assisted with the evening and to our major sponsor Key2 Property.
State Athletics Carnival:
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to participate in the Intra State Athletics Carnival on Friday, 26th November at St Leonards athletic track:
Maddison Medwin, Amaya Summers, Jess Bula, Taylah Walters, Breeanna Farrell, Lucy Smith, Caitlin Lyons, Javed Abdul Hakeem, Bonnie Talbot, Georgia Gillow, Jaslyn Freestone, Ethan Button, Lachlan Oliver, Harry Darsaklis, Lily Pulford, Millie Smith, Jayden Eldershaw and Riley Howard.
Orientation Day:
Orientation Day was held on Wednesday 24 November for all Grade 6 students attending Kings Meadows High School in 2022. The students had the opportunity to experience high school life attending a number of classes such as MDT, Maths and English. Students made new friendships and had the time to connect with the Grade 7 teachers. Thank you to Mrs Wightman and her team for organising the day which was enjoyed by everyone.
KMHS School Association:
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our School Association and personally thank all our parents who have been involved in attending meetings and contributing “parent voice” to Department of Education policies and how they relate to Kings Meadows High School.
End of Year Events and Celebrations:
As the end of the year approaches, I know people will be looking forward to and making plans for end of year events and celebrations. These are wonderful opportunities to recognise achievement and celebrate the learning and growth of our students. I am sure that people need little reminder about the fact that we now live in a world where there are restrictions and protocols that we need to work within to ensure we remain COVID safe. Please be aware that many of the large high schools in Launceston are following the same plan for end of year assemblies and events.
- The Graduation Dinner is on Friday 10 December and while there are some restrictions around arrival at the event, the dinner can follow our usual format for students once they have arrived. We are sure that this will be a very enjoyable and special occasion for students.
- The Graduation Assembly where we farewell Grade 10 students will be held on Wednesday 15 December. Due to our large numbers and the need to comply with the venue density rule, we will unfortunately again this year be unable to have parents at this event. Arrangements for parents to collect students after the event have been communicated by the Grade 10 team via a letter to students. Parents are welcome to collect students from the school gymnasium again with appropriate social distancing and use of the ‘Check in TAS’ App. The assembly will conclude at approximately 1.00pm.
- We are putting in place a plan to record and upload onto our school Facebook page the Presentation Assembly and the Graduation Assembly so that people can be involved. We understand that this is not quite the same as being at the event but appreciate your understanding that we are required to work within COVID safe protocols.
- The Presentation Assembly will be held on Monday 13 December.
We will endeavour to use our social media and newsletter to ensure we have lots of details and photos to keep you up to speed so that you can join in on the celebrations, albeit from a safe distance.
Jeanna Bolton
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:
Skylar Capodici - for making great progress with her Mathematics.
Samira Moradi & Dylan Poulton - for both consistently trying their best.
Grade 8:
Harrison Hazelwood – for his exemplary work leading the entire grade cohort on the walk from Newstead College to Royal Park on College Taster Day, ensuring everyone was safe and sensible.
Ben Thornton – for his willingness to take on and excel in leadership opportunities and improved role modelling of behaviours.
Grade 9:
Ella Smith – for her quiet and coinsistent approach to her learning.
Seth Bassett – for his positive and kind support to his peers.
Grade 10:
Marcelline Bula - for her countless support and help with school activities/events.
Noah Tatnell - for running Tech/Audio at Arts Night and staying late to help pack up.
This fortnight the Grade 7 cohort have been focussing on being respectful and ready for their learning. Students have done a wonderful job with ensuring they are prepared for classes, on time and staying engaged with their learning. With only three weeks of school left, students are encouraged and reminded to uphold our ROCKS expectations.
This week many students were involved in extra-curricular activities. The Grade 7 Transition Leaders were outstanding role models to our Grade 6 students on Wednesday 24th for Orientation Day. These students should be proud of the way they conducted themselves and were congratulated in our Grade Assembly this week.
Several students also competed in the Triathlon at Devonport on Wednesday 24th. These students did a wonderful job of representing our school. We have several exciting days and events coming up on our calendar, including My Education Day on Wednesday 1st December and Big Day Out on Friday 3rd December.
Last Friday all Grade 7 students were required to return their iPads, charging blocks and cords back to school to be stored for the remainder of the year and school holidays. Students with missing or damaged items will be required to replace them at their own cost. Replacement items can be purchased at a discounted fee through our main school office.
Grade 8 College Taster Day
Last Wednesday the Grade 8 students and staff attended the annual Newstead and Launceston College Taster Days. The purpose of this day was for students to explore the colleges to allow them to start thinking about which college they would like to attend. At each college, students were given information about what subjects, VET courses and apprenticeship pathways are on offer to assist them in career direction. A big congratulations must go out to the Grade 8 students. They represented the school with pride in the public eye and followed the ROCKS expectations exceptionally well in what was quite a hot day. The next My Education Day is this Wednesday where students will have the opportunity to look at colleges, subjects and My Futures website in greater detail.
Ipad Collection:
Grade 8 iPad collection will take place this Wednesday as part of our My Education Day. Please encourage your child/children to check over iPads, making sure they are ready to be handed in with all original accessories. As detailed in the loan agreement, all iPads are returned at the end of the school year. It is important that all original iPad accessories be returned this Wednesday, as per information sent out over the last few weeks. Please get in contact with Mrs Hume or Mr Battle if there are any issues with this.
Reminder – As we head towards the end of the school year
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.
Celebrations
On behalf of the Grade 9 teaching team, we would like to say a big congratulations to all of the students who were successful in gaining positions on the Student Leadership Board for 2021. After a rigorous process of applications, interviews and speeches, the voting process has been completed and our leaders for next year have been decided. To all students who entered into the process, we commend you on having the courage and aspiration to apply and to the following students, well done on winning positions for next year. We have no doubt that you will do a magnificent job and lead our school with pride. The following students were successful in winning leadership positions for 2021:
Prefects:
Oscar Alberti, Marcus Kelly, Eason Liu, Maggie Robins, Charlotte McLennan, Amelia Lethborg, Zavier Langerak, Henry Kusnezow, Emma Kusnezow, Hannah Anderson, Beau Skinner, Kaili Powe.
House Captains:
Zeshawn Ricketts, Elijah Daley, Bonnie Talbot, Georgia Gillow, Mackenzie Grant, Riley Nason, Harry Darsaklis, Bella Keating.
Beacon Student Ambassadors:
Jessica Hutton, Fatemeh Rezaei, Brianna Murfet, Rita Nabikolo.
Peer Support Leaders:
Grace Powers, Nicole Copolov, Brielle Banks, Lucas Towns, Adut Yel, Ethan Button, Liarna Robins, Ella Wiggins, Klarissa Watson, Makedde Brooks.
Grade Focus
With our final My Education Day for 2021 fast approaching, we currently have a focus on resilience. When completing the activities on Wednesday we would like students to remember this and reflect on the resilience that they have had to show so far this year in order to be as successful as they have.
Celebrations
We have just over 2 weeks left of school for our Grade 10 students and we are getting excited but also a little sad about the final few days.
Today our students had their last My Education Day for the year. During the day our students had the opportunity to finalise some of their end of year activities and visit the Healthy Me Expo run by the Peer Support Leaders. The day proved to be a fun-filled day of activities and seeking information centred around supporting their own wellbeing.
In addition, over the last couple of weeks some of our students have completed their VET course suitability interviews. Congratulations to all students for gaining an interview. We know that you would have done very well and hopefully you hear back from the colleges in the coming weeks about your application.
Congratulations also to some of our students who recently competed Dance Fever for Launceston College. Well done to Courtney, Ella, Liana and Taylah on a wonderful performance. You were amazing! Your hard work and hours of practice paid off.
Over the next couple of weeks, we have multiple activities that our students will be involved in.
On Friday 7th December the Peer Support Leaders are holding “Kings Christmas Fiesta”. Students can come dressed in their favourite Christmas gear for a gold coin donation. All funds raised will be donated to The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.
On Friday 3rd December, 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, sports, staff v student basketball match 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. We look forward to seeing the success of all our Student Leader Groups in organising these events.
Our Graduation dinner committee along with Mrs Pel and Mrs Elliott have been working tirelessly over the last few weeks putting together our Graduation dinner. With only a couple of weeks to go until the big event, students are reminded that these invitations are a privilege to those students who have met the Grade 10 behavioural expectations set out last term and that breeches to this contract particularly in regard to behaviour in the last couple of weeks may see this invitation revoked. We are hoping our students will keep up their exemplary conduct right until the end of the school year as we would hate to see them miss this opportunity.
A reminder to parents and guardians about the notice that went home outlining the final costs for the end of year celebratory events and payment for these. If parents or students have any queries regarding anything please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Home Group Teacher, Mrs Pel the Grade 10 Leader or Mrs Elliott the Grade 10 AST via email or phone the school on 6343 1000.
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, finishing off the last 2 weeks at Kings Meadows High school in a positive and respectful way will be our goal.
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 |
On Thursday 18th November over 100 Kings Meadows High School students performed at the Princess Theatre for our 2021 Arts Night. This night saw Art and Photography students' work projected on the big screen as well as Dance, Music and Drama performed live.
Arts Night is a very special occasion on our school calendar as well as a being a nervous and exciting time for all students. Getting up on stage and performing in front of a live audience is a big deal and all students who performed should be very proud of themselves.
It was a long day of rehearsing and getting organised, multiple briefings by our teachers and the theatre staff but overall the day went smoothly and everyone enjoyed the short break in town to shop and eat and spend time with friends.
Once back in the theatre we prepared one last time before our audience started to arrive. The show was amazing with all 23 items being presented in a polished and professional way. Students in the audience were supportive of each other and performers on stage felt encouraged to do their best. The smiles, energy and focus of performers is to be commended. Teachers, parents and all other staff were immensely proud!
A most memorable quote from the night came from one of our Grade 10 student ushers who simply stated “I’m so proud of my school”.
We would like to thank all of the staff who came and helped supervise and assist backstage but we would especially like to thank the Arts Night staff – Ms Crawford, Mrs Wightman, Mr Parker, Ms Blaubaum, Mrs Breen and Mrs Selby for all of the hard work they put in to make this night the spectacular success that it was. We know everyone is looking forward to it again next year!
We would like to acknowledge the following people:
Delia Breen, Tom McGee, Gemma Walters
Technical Crew
Princess Theatre staff, Chelsea Britton, Mark Bryan, Noah Tatnell, Ella Willmott, Samantha Woore
Ushers
Micah Boxhall, Mrs Coleen Elliott, Leah Fisher, Sumaya Hassan, Mrs Kathleen Hodges, Holly Lethborg
KMHS Staff support
Mr Mathew Battle, Mr Matthew Chatwin, Mrs Amy Jansen, Mrs Kate Hume, Mrs Claire Lovitt, Miss Isabella Maskell, Mr Christopher Murray
Photography
Sumaya Hassan, Noah Tatnell, Campbell Stebbings
Arts Night Staff
Ms Kate Blaubaum, Mrs Joh Breen, Ms Jess Crawford, Mr George Edmondson, Mr Nic Parker
Last Wednesday in near perfect conditions, our Inter-High Athletics Team represented our school at the NHSSA Division 1 Athletics competition. Our 80-member team took to the St Leonards track competing against the best athletes from Prospect High, Riverside High, Brooks High, Queechy High and Exeter High performing exceptionally well in all events. Personal best results were the order of the day and the teamwork and comradery of all members of our squad made us incredibly proud. Both our senior and junior teams had close competition with Riverside High all day for the overall championships.
In the junior shield we finished in second place narrowly behind Riverside High School.
Our senior team reversed this result with a sensational performance to defeat Riverside and win the shield.
In the aggregate points tally we came so close but ended up with second place by just 58 points!
We had so many personal best scores and too many wonderful performances to single out. Some students stepped up to fill in for those who could not compete, others competed in multiple events throughout the course of the day. All students represented our school with pride, and we are incredibly proud of how they performed. Special mention should go to our record breaker on the day, Bonnie Talbot. Bonnie broke the Grade 9 girls Triple Jump record by almost 20cm which is phenomenal. Congratulations Bonnie!
This year a combined schools Northern Team was selected from the Inter-High Athletics meet. The athletes chosen will represent the Northern Collective Schools to compete against teams from the South and North West in the State Schools Athletics titles. The following Kings Meadows students were successful in gaining selection in this team and represented the North on Friday 26th November:
Maddison Medwin, Amaya Summers, Jess Bula, Taylah Walters, Breeanna Farrell, Lucy Smith, Caitlin Lyons, Lochlan Harris, Javed Abdul-Hakeem, Riley Howard, Bonnie Talbot, Georgia Gillow, Jaslyn Freestone, Ethan Button, Lachlan Oliver, Harry Darsaklis, Lily Pulford, Millie Smith, Colby McKercher, Jayden Eldershaw.
Congratulations again to all of our athletes who competed at the Inter-High Carnival. We are incredibly proud of your efforts and we are looking forward to the challenge again next year.
NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOLS CRICKET COMPETITION:
On Thursday 4th November, Kings Meadows High School competed in the annual Northern High School Cricket Competition held on our school oval. The students arrived early on Thursday morning ready and rearing to go for a big day of cricket, carting their bags filled with pads, bats and balls in preparation to hit a few 6's.
The team kicked off the day after a quick briefing and took to the pitch with Kings choosing to bat first against Star of the Sea. After a quick 14 overs, Kings Meadows managed to tonk a solid 4/112, coming out on top for our first game. With a short break in between our next game, we prepped for a bigger challenge from the notorious Campbelltown, who proved to be a strong contender in previous years.
After a long 16 overs and deciding to bat first, Campbelltown came out with a tough score of 5/92 in the blistering heat. Kings Meadows took this challenge on head first and came away with the win in a nail biting finish, tonking 6 after 6 to scratch the win with a fantastic score of 5/98 sending us to the Northern High School finals with smiles all round and the boys heads held high.
Day 2 of the competition took place at St Patrick’s College on Thursday 18th November. In overcast conditions, Kings Meadows took on Queechy High School for a place in the grand final. Queechy got off to a good start, scoring 74 runs before Kings Meadows were able to find their first breakthrough. After 16 overs Queechy made 6/130. Wicket takers included Lucas Freestone, Beau Skinner, Thomas Nicholson, Harrison Lamperd, Tom Murfett and Saxon Anderson. Kings Meadows got off to a great start in their batting innings, making 107 runs before our first wicket fell. Digby Bellchambers ensured the game didn’t go down to the wire, smashing 14 runs in 3 balls to reach our target with 2 overs to spare. Tom Hawkins led the way with the bat scoring 35.
The grand final was played on the turf pitch against St Patricks College and the boys were pumped up ready to go. The Kings Meadows bowling brigade kept St Pats to 100. Hayden Murfett was the leading wicket taker with 2/18 off 2 overs. With an achievable total in sight, Kings Meadows got off to a slow start. The rain came in and the game was put on pause for a short while. This was the reset we needed. Murfett, Hawkins and Bellchambers came out and went whack, leading the run chase with boundaries galore, clearing the fence frequently. With rain now pouring, Kings Meadows came away with an inspirational win, taking out the Northern High School Cricket Competition.
During Term 4, both Child Studies classes re-visited Glen Dhu and Youngtown Primary Schools with a focus on expression through the Arts. Students planned activities linked to dance, visual art, music or drama. These activities also explored physical, cognitive, language, emotional and social development. Child Studies students also completed a reflective journal to demonstrate their understanding. Students from all schools had a fantastic time reconnecting with each other from Term 3. Excitingly, through these experiences in Terms 3 and 4, we have had 2 students complete work placements at Youngtown Primary and Norwood Primary, with a future career focus on Early Childhood Education.
Last week we spent three days filming inspiring stories from locals about connections to the Kings Meadows community and it was so much fun.
The Kings Meadows High School students worked really hard alongside their teacher Joh Breen, film makers Evi and David from Action Crew and Sarah McCormack from the Launceston City Council.
Thank you to all our wonderful community members for being involved in the creation of the film which we have now named The Hidden Gems of Kings.
Evi and David will now spend time editing the film and we will launch it when school goes back sometime in February 2022.
1 December | My Education Day - Healthy Me Expo |
3 December | Big Day Out |
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 |