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Welcome to the 2023 school year at Kings Meadows High School. I hope that students, families and staff had a restful and enjoyable summer break. I have been looking forward to seeing everyone after the holidays, so it is great to be back. We started the first day with a whole school assembly, followed by grade assemblies and then class teacher groups. During the first week of the year we suspend the regular timetable and run S.W.A.T. Days. We also conduct a few of these days throughout the year. S.W.A.T. stands for Success, Wellbeing, Aspiration and Teamwork. These days provide any opportunity at the beginning of the year to attend to many of the organisational and routine matters, build relationships, help teachers get to know the needs of students and provides a positive start to the school year.
I was impressed with the way students arrived in uniform on the first day. Thank you to parents and carers for supporting us through ensuring your child is in uniform and prepared for school. This does have an effect in supporting students’ education. We are a ‘uniform school’ which means all students should be in full school uniform every day. The uniform should be worn with pride and students should wear the uniform appropriately rather than looking dishevelled. I believe that uniform is important for a number of reasons. Uniform promotes identity, pride and loyalty to the school; it is equitable as students do not need to worry about who has the best or most fashionable clothing; uniform prepares students for the workforce whereby a uniform or standard of dress is required; and wearing uniform supports safety during the regular day and when on excursions. Thank you for supporting uniform!
Last year, as a result of discussions with the School Association Committee, some direct discussions with parents and subsequently through some surveying of students, families and staff, we gathered a great insight into the views on uniform in our school. We will be starting a review of our uniform this year and we will use the data collected to inform this work so that we can maintain appropriate uniform traditions, better meet the needs of all students through contemporary approaches to uniform and provide some greater flexibility for students. I was thrilled with the number of responses received last year, so thank you to those who contributed. I will communicate some more about this in the near future.
Further in this report I have included an article about student attendance. You may have heard or read in the media, concerns regarding school attendance right across Australia. While our overall attendance is better than like sector schools, it could still improve. The only way this can happen is through improving individual student attendance. However, if a student is genuinely unwell they should not attend. Every school day matters when it comes to learning. I have encouraged students to attend school as often as possible. Parents and carers can provide support and encourage this too. Regular attendance at school improves learning outcomes and this then sets students on a more positive life trajectory. If a student absence is essential, even for part of a day, could parents and carers please let us know at your earliest possible convenience. Please remember, every school day matters!
Over the summer break and leading into the start of every year a significant amount of work is needed in cleaning and maintaining grounds, administration to ensure students are enrolled, attending to the end of the school financial year, setting up classrooms, updating iPads and many other things. I thank all our Education Facility Attendants, our office Administration team and our Laboratory and Library Technicians, for all their tireless work in ensuring a smooth and well organised start to the year in a clean and pleasant environment. Many teachers have also been in over the holiday break preparing for their classes. My sincere thanks to them all.
With approximately 600 students and more than 50 staff, the start and the end of day can be very congested in and around the school. When you are driving, please slow down, observe speed limits and be vigilant around our school for students that may be disembarking a bus, riding a bike or walking. Please take care and help keep all students safe.
We have a very strong staff team at our school for which I am very grateful. No doubt you are hearing in the media the challenges with staff shortages. While this continues to be a real issue, I am pleased to report we have our full complement of staff to begin the year. Our staff team has been further enhanced with the addition of teaching staff Jo Bent, Scott Brewer, Christian Cook, Mikhala Graham, Anu Grewal, Jade Howard, Robert Johns, Renee Lunson and Liz Self. We also have Jemaya Hilder and Jasmine Billing joining our Teacher Assistant team. Danielle Seadon is returning as our School Health Nurse after a period of leave. I am sure everyone will make them feel welcome and supported.
Over the holiday break, our Year 11/12 building has been completed and is now being used. This is a wonderful, contemporary, practical and fit for purpose addition to our school. Hopefully it will support students who elect to undertake the senior secondary program at our site. We are also running another program from this location that we have called Elevate. Elevate is targeted at supporting students who are disengaged and where mainstream education is proving challenging.
Last year we also received some funding which has been used to resurface and upgrade our outdoor basketball and downball courts. These are heavily used spaces in our school. These works are still underway and we are hoping they will be finished in the near future. As a result of this, the two Jack’s buses that previously collected students from this area will now be located outside the netball courts. Similarly, this will also mean that parents/carers can no longer collect students from the area near to the gym and after hours hirers/users will not be able to park there. While this may create some hassle, it is about providing and maintaining the optimal space for our students. We are also having some ongoing issues with our gym which will require future work. At this point, I am unsure of the scope or timelines in relation to this.
This first half of this year is a little bit unusual with dates and timing. Term 1 is slightly shorter this year and Term 2 longer. I thought I should mention this in case families are booking holidays or need to attend to care arrangements. Students will commence Term 1 holidays on Thursday April 5 (this is Moderation Day for teachers) and students return on Wednesday April 26 (the day after ANZAC Day). This means that students will have nearly a three week break at the end of term. NAPLAN will also be occurring in Term 1 this year. Many schools that form part of the Northern High Schools Sports Association (NHSSA) have agreed to a carnival swap, so athletics is in Term 1 and swimming in Term 4. In the past, these have been the other way around. This will provide better alignment across all schools and assist in selection of representative teams. Please also note that Launceston Cup Day on Wednesday, 22 February is a part day public holiday for staff and students do not attend on this day. The long weekend occurs on Monday, 13 March.
One of the key messages I gave to students on the first day is that they are here to learn. In addition, we are all different in many ways and every student, irrespective of their background, race, religion, appearance and so forth, has a right and responsibility to learn and to treat everyone respectfully. We are a great school but I aspire for us to be the best. This can only be achieved by everybody contributing and playing their part. Public schools take all people and every student has the right to learn and teachers have the right to teach without interference. I am sure that if everybody plays their part, we will have a great year and, ‘fingers crossed’, COVID does not return with the same impact as in the last two years.
Regards
Cary Stocks
Principal
Welcome back for another school year – we’re excited for what’s ahead.
Start the year right by making every school day count. Check out this video Every school day matters - YouTube
There are lots of things you can do to set your child up for success:
Make sure your child goes to school, every day
Going to school every day gives your child every chance to learn and grow and connect with their mates and teachers. It’s where bright futures start and where they’ll benefit the most.
Get them excited for school
If you show a positive attitude and excitement towards school, your child will pick up on that.
The most common thing we hear from students, of all ages, is that school is where they can:
- Spend time with their friends and teachers
- Create new and fun experiences
- Find their interests
- Learn new things
- Open up their options – for whatever future they want (whether that’s their dream job or to travel around the world).
Share these positives with your child.
Talk to your child about school
Open up a conversation with your child about what’s happening at school. It will help you to better support their interests and confidence in learning. If you show an interest in school, they’ll know that getting an education is important and valued.
Celebrate the milestones
Big and small! Celebrate milestones such as making it through the first day or week of school. And remember: all milestones look different. If it’s a big achievement for your child, it’s important to recognise it.
Set up a time to talk to your child’s teacher or principal
If you’re struggling to get your child to school, help is available. Please talk to us at school about your situation. We’ll support you in whatever way we can.
Know when to seek help
There is no weakness in admitting you need help. If your child has completely disengaged with school there is support to help you. In the first instance, talk to us at school.
For more helpful tips, please check out Anything can happen - Department of Education, Tasmania.
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:
Year 7:
Jazzuri Kelly - For being positive, helpful and inclusive of other Year 7 students.
Coby Praciak - For being compassionate, respectful and positive of other Year 7 students.
Year 8:
Gabby Van Geytenbeek - For having a wonderful start to Year 8 and demonstrating leadership through respecting the classroom environment.
Vincent Mottl Sadler - For being a good role model amongst his peers and showing great initiative.
Year 9:
Thomas Portelli - For helping staff throughout SWAT Days.
Amir Rahmi - For working diligently and being supportive to staff and students.
Year 10:
Emma Cross, Lily Johnson, Sophie Thomas, Emily Rossiter, Sharni Farrell and Mia Stone – For being fantastic role models and Peer Support Leaders during SWAT days, welcoming our new Year 7 students to the school.
Harry Hazelwood – For looking out for the wellbeing of new students at our school.
Our Year 7 students had a wonderful transition to Kings Meadows High School last week and participated in their SWAT Day activities with passion and enthusiasm.
Our team designed activities to help students develop positive relationships with each other and a strong sense of belonging within our school community as identified through a whole school Student Voice Survey held last year. They also dedicated time to support students with general classroom organisation within their classroom and the setting up and support for their new iPads.
On Wednesday, all students met their Class Teachers, Grade Leaders and Peer Support Leaders before heading to a welcome assembly held by Mr Stocks in the school gymnasium, they then moved to their grade area where they were once again brought together, welcomed and introduced to what to expect over the next three days. Their behaviour was impeccable. After recess students were supported with becoming more familiar with the school through a team-based scavenger hunt where they needed to find and answer questions hidden throughout the school.
On Thursday, our school Social Worker, Jasmine Poslon came as a special guest. She gave an interactive presentation for our students on Respectful Relationships and what we can do to form positive relationships with each other while identifying relationships that might be unhealthy for our wellbeing.
On Friday, for most of the day each class participated in a series of rotational challenges allowing them to win points for their class group by completing activities. This gave our students the opportunity to work with all teachers in our Year 7 area and for our teaching staff to build relationships with all students. This also allowed students the opportunity to win points in the hope that their class might win the first Class of Kings Award.
During our first grade assembly we will announce which class are the winners of our first Class of Kings Award for 2023. To become the overall winner of this award the winning class will have scored well in all their challenges while also being scored against the ROCKS by their class teacher and all Year 7 teachers for their effort and participation last week. The results so far are looking extremely close.
We could not have been prouder of all Year 7 students and the start they made at Kings Meadows High School last week. They certainly impressed all our team with their Respect, Organisation, Commitment to Learning, Safety and Sensible Behaviour.
This success would not have been possible without dedication, hard work and effort of their teachers and Year 7 team.
Please find below the contact details of our wonderful Year 7 teachers.
7A Class Teacher – Mr Nick Stokes - nick.stokes@decyp.tas.gov.au
7B Class Teacher – Mrs Jo Bent - joanna.bent@decyp.tas.gov.au
7C Class Teacher – Mr Leigh Richardson - leigh.richardson@decyp.tas.gov.au
7D Class Teacher – Mrs Emma Dobson - emma.l.dobson@decyp.tas.gov.au
7E Class Teacher – Ms Sherron Casey - sherron.casey@decyp.tas.gov.au
7F Class Teacher – Mr George Edmondson - george.edmondson@decyp.tas.gov.au
Additional teachers working with Year 7:
Quality Teaching and Learning Coach - Miss Emily Lovegrove - emily.lovegrove@decyp.tas.gov.au
Mrs Jade Howard - jade.howard@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 7 Leader – Mr Daniel Richardson - daniel.richardson@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 7 Leader – Miss Emma Attard - emma.attard@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 7 AST – Mr Nathan Karas - nathan.karas@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 7 Assistant Principal - Mrs Kate Hume - kate.hume@decyp.tas.gov.au
We invite parents to contact us either by email or by phoning the school 6343 1000.
Celebrations
A huge welcome back to our Year 8 families and community. Last week, return to school was in full swing. It was great to see the Year 8’s return to school with smiling faces, looking well rested and ready for the year ahead. The first three days have been centred around setting our students up for success, welcoming them back to Kings Meadows High School and reconnecting with one another. We have named this up as our S.W.A.T. Days. S.W.A.T. is an acronym for Success, Wellbeing, Aspiration and Teamwork. This new application for the start of the year has been well received by the Year 8’s and has been a huge success in connecting with our students. Our first teamwork challenge for the Year 8’s, called the Class of Kings, was held on the final S.W.A.T. Day for Week 1. This involved teamwork challenges, art and craft, games involving strategies and group work. All our Year 8 groups did an amazing job on these tasks with the points being very close. However, we can only have one winner. Congratulations to 8E on being the first winner of our Class of Kings Trophy for 2023!! We look forward to completing many of these challenge days and seeing the teamwork develop amongst our Class Teacher groups.
Grade Focus
Our Grade foci for the first term will be ‘Acceptance’ - acceptance of ourselves and others. We will be completing activities focused on students' similarities and what makes them unique.
‘Differences make us interesting and unique. Exploring and respecting other people’s differences and connecting through similarities enables us to feel safe, to trust others and to express ourselves.’
Whilst getting to know their new Class Teacher groups students will explore ‘acceptance’, what it means and how we can show/be accepting of others. It is important that our students are accepting of each other, their similarities and differences as this provides us all with a positive, safe and welcoming learning environment where students and teachers can be the best they can be.
This week we will moving our focus to starting our new subjects and classes for the year. We are encouraging all Year 8’s to grasp any opportunities made available to them and strive to achieve their best in every subject. This is a fresh start to their learning, where they each can set goals to achieve in their learning.
We will be setting ourselves goals that challenge us and establishing good learning behaviours and academic rigour in all classes.
We have a wonderful team of teachers who have hit the ground running this week ensuring that students have started the term on the front foot and been given opportunity to connect with the school community.
Our Year 8 team is as follows:
8A Class Teacher – Mrs Jessica Crawford - jessica.crawford@decyp.tas.gov.au
8B Class Teacher – Mr Isaac Pinnington - isaac.pinnington@decyp.tas.gov.au
8C Class Teacher – Mr Christian Cook christian.cook@decyp.tas.gov.au
8D Class Teacher – Mrs Joh Breen - joh.breen@education.tas.gov.au
8E Class Teacher – Miss Mikhala Graham - mikhala.graham@decyp.tas.gov.au
8F Class Teacher – Mr Mick Bent - mick.bent@decyp.tas.gov.au
Additional teachers working with Year 8:
AST – Mr Jake Chamberlain - jake.chamberlain@decyp.tas.gov.au
Mrs Renee Lunson - renee.lunson@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 8 Leader – Mr Sean Stevenson - sean.stevenson@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 8 Leader – Mr Sam Maddern - sam.maddern@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 8 AST – Mrs Coleen Elliott coleen.elliott@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 8 Assistant Principal – Mrs Kate Hume kate.hume@decyp.tas.gov.au
We welcome all parents to contact any teaching staff throughout the year either by phone call or email.
Celebrations
Students in Year 9 have made a positive start to the new school year. Their first week consisted of S.W.A.T. activities (Success, Wellbeing, Aspiration and Teamwork) designed to help students settle back into learning after their break. In these sessions, students received their timetables and book packs, set up their iPads ready for learning and set personal goals for the new school year. Students also participated in a range of fun activities to build and strengthen positive relationships within each class. These activities concluded with the year group walking to Punchbowl Reserve on the Friday, with a BBQ lunch provided by Miss Hart and her excellent cooking crew! After a first week of preparing for learning, students were ready to begin their regular timetabled lessons on Monday.
There are several new faces joining the Year 9 teaching team this year. We welcome Mr Brewer, Mrs Grewal, Mr Warren, Miss Hart, Mr Goss and Mr Johns to the team. Ms Blaubaum also joins the team as Assistant Principal.
Grade Focus
We take pride in maintaining high expectations of student behaviour and learning. Our focus for this term will be for students to refamiliarise themselves with classroom routines and expectations, such as ensuring they are punctual and organised for class, leaving chewing gum at home and hats in lockers when indoors and not wearing headphones during class
A reminder about the important contacts for Year 9 in 2023.
9A Class Teacher - Mr Scott Brewer - scott.brewer@decyp.tas.gov.au
9B Class Teacher - Mrs Rebecca Glasby - rebecca.glasby@decyp.tas.gov.au
9C Class Teacher - Mr Chris Murray - chris.murray@decyp.tas.gov.au
9D Class Teacher - Mr Dylan Warren - dylan.warren@decyp.tas.gov.au
9E Class Teacher - Miss Eloise Hart - eloise.hart@decyp.tas.gov.au
9F Class Teacher - Miss Steph Sheedy - steph.sheedy@decyp.tas.gov.au
9G Class Teacher - Mrs Anu Grewal - anu.grewal@decyp.tas.gov.au
Additonal teachers working with Year 9:
Mr Richard Goss - richard.goss@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 9 Leader - Mr Stuart Withington - stuart.withington@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 9 Leader/AST - Miss Nicole Williams - nicole.williams1@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 9 AST - Mr Robert Johns – robert.johns@decyp.tas.gov.au
Grade 9 Assistant Principal - Ms Kate Blaubaum - kate.blaubaum@decyp.tas.gov.au
We are so excited to welcome back our students for Year 10. We are going to have a busy but very exciting year which will include college transition, work placements, transition plans, student leadership opportunities, organising and participating in school events and carnivals for the last time.
We look forward to again working with our school community and families to provide the best learning experiences for our students as they start to prepare for life beyond Year 10.
This week we have started off with three days of S.W.A.T. Day activities. This has included: getting to know class teachers, aspirations for 2023, starting to become familiar with transition, team building activities and Friday the whole grade 10 cohort spent the day walking from Trevallyn to Riverbend Park. This was a fantastic opportunity to build on connections, get to know teachers and students also completed some Class Teacher challenges. A great day was had by students and staff.
Upcoming events/information:
Athletics Carnival – 28 Feb and 1 March
Leadership Retreat – 2 and 3 March
Year 10 Rugby Jumper printing – Please return form and payment to the office by Friday 24 February.
Our Year 10 team is as follows:
10A Class Teacher - Mr Ben Killalea - ben.killalea@decyp.tas.gov.au
Hi, I’m Mr Killalea. This year I am teaching Maths, Science and Sport Science across Years 9 and 10. In my own time, I enjoy mountain biking and bouldering. Family time includes hanging out with my wife and our very cute dog Maggie.
10B Class Teacher - Mr Matthew Chatwin - matthew.chatwin@decyp.tas.gov.au
My name is Mr Chatwin and I am returning to the grade team this year as 10B’s Class Teacher. This year I am teaching a combination of senior HPE and senior Design in Wood, as well as being the Prefect Co-ordinator. I like to spend my free time walking my golden retriever named Archie, playing lots of golf and maintaining the best lawn amongst all staff here at Kings Meadows High School.
10C Class Teacher – Mrs Belinda Selby - belinda.selby@decyp.tas.gov.au
Mrs Selby teaches Dance and HPE at Kings Meadows High School and is the Arts Learning Area Leader. Performing Arts is her area of passion! She also enjoys cooking, reading, binge-watching and travel. This year she will tick off another two countries to bring her world tally to 15. Her favourite season is summer and she loves all the outdoor activities and events held here at Kings Meadows High School.
10D Class Teacher – Mr Solomon Walker-Bowd
solomon.walker-bowd@decyp.tas.gov.au
I’m Mr Bowd and I teach History and English at Kings Meadows. History is an especially big passion of mine, particularly the industrial revolution and the early modern world. My hobbies include gaming, miniature-painting and reading science fiction. I’m very much looking forward to the 2023 school year!
10E Class Teacher – Ms Mel Hudson - mel.hudson@decyp.tas.gov.au
Hi, I’m Mel and this is my 11th year at Kings Meadows High School and my 16th year of teaching. I have two young children and enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends. I am passionate about helping my students succeed and reach their full potential whilst having fun along the way. I teach English & History as well as assisting students through my Learning Support role.
Mrs Liz Self – Grade 10 Team - liz.self@decyp.tas.gov.au
My name is Liz Self. 2023 is my first year at Kings Meadows High School. I teach in the Technology (Foods) area. My favourite thing to do is cook for my friends and family. My husband and I have two sons and a cheeky little Toy Poodle named Solly. I am looking forward to getting to know the Kings Meadows High School community.
Miss Emily Lovegrove – Grade 10 Team/Elevate - emily.lovegrove@decyp.tas.gov.au
Hi, my name is Emily Lovegrove and I am the Quality Teaching Coach and Head of English at Kings Meadows High. This is my ninth year of teaching, working across both primary and high school but this is only my second year at Kings Meadows High School. On the weekends, I spend my spare time running (slowly), camping far and wide and playing netball with which, I now get to play alongside some of the students here at school. I have been lucky enough this year to be allocated to 9/10 Elevate Class Teacher and look forward to working with the Year 10 Team.
Grade 10 Leadership Staff:
Grade 10 Leader - Mr Matt Battle - mathew.battle@decyp.tas.gov.au
This year I will be Grade Leader again and I am looking forward to a fantastic year setting our students up for college and potential apprenticeships. I will be teaching a mix of Mathematics and Science across multiple grades. I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, as well as playing golf. This year I am trying to read more books and complete a half marathon.
Grade 10 Leader – Mrs Megan Pel - megan.pel@decyp.tas.gov.au
Welcome to 2023 Year 10 students and families. I am looking forward to being Co-Grade Leader again this year, with many exciting events and opportunities coming up for our grade. This year I am teaching HPE and Science across various grades which I am super excited and passionate about. On the weekends I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends. Some of my favourite hobbies include playing netball, F45, online shopping and travel!
Grade 10 AST – Mr James Guy - james.guy@decyp.tas.gov.au
I’m really excited to be working with the 2023 Year 10 group. I teach Maths and also in the new Elevate Program, and co-ordinate Work Experience. I am married, have 2 daughters and enjoy spending time with them, going on lots of different adventures.
Grade 10 Assistant Principal – Miss Kate Blaubaum - kate.blaubaum@decyp.tas.gov.au
This year I am teaching Senior Drama again and I can't wait to meet my class and start some comedy work with them. In my spare time I love reading, gardening, spending time with family and friends and taking my dog Maisie out walking.
Hi, I’m Hannah and I’m the School Chaplain. I’m here for social, emotional and spiritual support. Starting a new school year can be daunting! If you need a bit of help, or just someone to talk to, I’m here for you. I’m at school on Wednesdays and Fridays. You can find me in my office in the wellbeing space, or talk to a teacher to get in contact with me. I’m looking forward to meeting you and having another great year at KMHS!
Leadership Staff
|
Principal |
Cary Stocks |
|
Assistant Principal 9/10 |
Kate Blaubaum |
|
Acting Assistant Principal 7/8 |
Kate Hume |
|
Assistant Principal |
Claire Lovitt |
|
School Business Manager |
Wendy Dalton |
Support Staff
|
Psychologist |
Anita Markham |
Wednesday & Thursday |
|
Social Worker |
Jasmine Poslon |
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday |
|
School Nurse |
Danni Seadon |
Mondays & every second Wednesday |
|
Chaplain |
Hannah Van der Velde |
Wednesday & Friday |
| Wednesday 22 February | LAUNCESTON CUP HOLIDAY |
| Thursday 23 February | Whole School Photos |
| Tuesday 28 February | Day 1 Athletics Carnival at KMHS |
| Wednesday 1 March | Day 2 Athletics Carnival at St Leonards |
| Monday 13 March | PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
| Friday 24 March | Inter High Athletics Carnival |
| Thursday 6 April | STUDENT FREE DAY |
| Friday 7 April | Good Friday |
| Thursday 6 April - Tuesday 25 April | Term 1 School Holidays |
| Wednesday 26 April | First day of Term 2 |
| Monday 15 May | Grade 7 & 10 Immunisations |
| Friday 19 May | KMHS Cross Country Carnival |
| Tuesday 30 May | Inter High Cross Country Carnival |
| Monday 24 July | STUDENT FREE DAY |
| Monday 10 July - Monday 24 July | Term 2 Holidays |
| Tuesday 25 July | First day of Term 3 |