Dear Parents/Carers

Arts Night is over for another year and for those who participated or attended as an audience member, I am sure you will agree it was a fantastic evening which covered different genres of performing and visual art. I am always amazed at the incredible creative talents of our students and to see students develop into confident capable performers and artists is very satisfying.  Well done to all our students. The Arts not only develops specific skills but also teaches students about teamwork, communication, resilience, perseverance and disciplined practice. Thank you to our wonderful Arts team of Belinda Selby, Vince Walker, Jade Howard, Kate Blaubaum, Stephanie Donnelly, Joh Breen and Jessica Crawford, for all their hard work in bringing the night together and for their ongoing work with students.   Many other staff and students also assisted leading up to and on the night and I also thank them for their help.  We are also very grateful to the individuals and groups who supported the event from outside our school.

Last Thursday, 16 November we held our Careers on Wheels event as part of one of our Term 4 SWAT Days (Success, Wellbeing, Aspiration, Teamwork). This event is another great opportunity to engage with local businesses and organisations as part of informing students about the world of work and future pathways.  Thank you to all our business and community partners for their support. I also thank our teacher and Beacon Co-ordinator, Belinda Selby for the great work she does in co-ordinating these events for our school community.  In addition to this event, Belinda also accompanied a group of students to an industry tour of the Australian Maritime College on 14 November. All these valuable opportunities assist our students in making decisions about their future.

Our second SWAT Day for the term occurred today (22 November) to coincide with Orientation Day for Year 6 students.  It was great to see an enthusiastic bunch of Year 6 students continue with their preparation for high school next year. Other year groups participated in a range of activities, with Year 8 students visiting Newstead and Launceston Colleges, as part of preparing them for future education and our Year 9 students held an excursion at Punchbowl Reserve.

Last Friday, our school team partipated in the Inter-High Division 1 Swimming Carnival.  Congratulations to all students who were selected for the team. There were certainly some great school spirit and fine individual and team performances on the day.  Students will be recognised at our next whole school assembly.  Thank you to parents and family members who were able to support our students and the staff team who facilitated this opportunity.

The next few days are, as always, busy in our school with students partipating in the Schools Triathlon Challenge in Devonport, a school assembly on Friday and an excursion to Dance Fever for many of our Dance and Drama students. Launceston College is celebrating the 16th anniversary of Dance Fever with the show titled, Live Simply, Dream Big, Be Grateful.

We recently had a book donated by local identity and historian, Tony McCormack.  The book is titled, Reaching out from Willowdene - An Evandale Boy Kicks Goals Memoirs and Stories of my Mentors as told by Tony McCormack, Volume 4.  Thank you to Tony for his gift to our school.

Term 4 is always a busy time as we finish off the 2023 school year but also plan for next year.  A significant part of this is staffing.  At this point, I am not anticipating very many staff changes which is a good result for our school.  Recently we farewelled our groundsman of 17 years, David Biggelaar.  David is taking on some new challenges and we certainly thank him for his extensive service to our school and wish him well in the next stage of his life.

Looking ahead to next year, the 2024 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will occur in Term 1, from Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March 2024.  You may recall that NAPLAN occurred in Term 1 this year whereas in the past it has been in Term 2.

This year, we had 89 families respond to the annual Family Satisfaction Survey.  This is our highest response rate in a decade, which is very pleasing as it provides a more representative and robust data set. One of the highest results was 79% of families surveyed perceived that ‘Staff at this school expect my child to do their best’. I cannot reinforce this message strongly enough. We certainly want every child to do their best and succeed in all areas to ensure they are known, safe, well and learning. This is most likely achieved when school staff, parents/carers and students, all ‘buy in’ and are working in partnership to facilitate this outcome even when challenges arise and need to be overcome.  As is the title of the Department for Children, Education and Young People (DECYP) Strategic Plan 2024-2030, Bright Lives, Positive Futures is what we want for all our students.

Every school day matters! Even though we are now in the final few weeks of the school year this does not mean ‘taking the foot off the accelerator’. Normal standards of behavior still apply, regular attendance at school is still critical and continued engagement with learning is required. 

Regards

Firstly, I would like to congratulate all our Year 7 students who recently contributed to the success of our junior swimming team at the recent NHSSA Swimming Carnival.  For the first time ever Kings Meadows High School were able to walk away with the Junior Division 1 Shield outperforming all schools they were competing against.  I would also like to thank the contributions of our parents who have encouraged swimming as a healthy pursuit and a skill worth developing over time.  The combined efforts of our parents over time and the competitive attitude of our team certainly came together at the right time to achieve this great result.  I encourage all our swimmers to keep up their training and practice during summer to build on and consolidate their efforts this year.  Congratulations also to Miss Attard for her leadership and support of our swimmers on the day.

Secondly, our first round of postcards were written out to students with over 40 students receiving positive messages for their efforts and success in transitioning to Kings Meadows High School this year.  We will continue these efforts over the coming weeks with the goal of every student in Year 7 receiving positive and encouraging words that can be shared and discussed with their parents.  It is our hope that these cards help motivate our students over the coming weeks while strengthening the partnerships and discussions about learning between home and school.  If your child hasn’t received a post card yet, it’s not far away.

Finally, it was encouraging to see our Year 7 students participate in a range of activities during their Careers on Wheels SWAT Day.  At the start of the day, our students listened to a range of guest speakers who gave up their time to talk with our students about their careers and to provide them with advice and suggestions in helping to shape their thinking into possible future work choices.  Our students were then given time to reflect and discuss the presentations while preparing to better understand possible career options through research and inquiry. They were then given the opportunity to participate in talking with and asking questions to a range of businesses that gave up their time to set up displays and work with colleagues in the hope of inspiring our students towards possible career opportunities.  The latter part of the day consisted of more collaborative and individual inquiry into the reasons why people work beyond the financial benefit to better understand the social and emotional reasons why people might pursue a particular career choice in their community or around the world while broadening their understanding of the depth of career choices available now and possibly in the future.

Overall, our students, staff and parents should feel proud of their achievements, efforts and contributions over the last two weeks.

Year 7 contact details:

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 Vince Walker - vince.walker@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

Term 4 seems to be flying. We have only a few short weeks left as a Year 8 cohort. Although we only have a small time left, it is proving to be a very action-packed end to the term.  Our Year 8s have continued their settled approach in Term 4. It has been great to see students engaging with their learning and following the R.O.C.K.S. expectations daily. In grade assemblies this term, we have been discussing how important it is to get the most out of yourself during Term 4. Staff have been encouraging students to take every opportunity that comes their way and to “get out of their comfort zone”. As always, we are on the lookout for students “Caught in the Act” of doing something positive in their daily activities.

Last week we had the first of our two SWAT days for this term. The focus for the day was around preparing for the future and career discussions. Our students also had the opportunity to visit Careers on Wheels, our Beacon Foundation Careers Day run by the Beacon Student Ambassadors and Mrs Selby. Our students approached all activities on this day in a responsible and respectful manner. This week we have the second of our SWAT days with the focus being on the College Taster Day.

During this term, there will plenty of events where students can be actively involved such as sporting events, Healthy Me Expo and Big Day Out activities. It is important that students keep an eye on upcoming events and plan and organise their time well to complete set learning tasks as well as enjoy the many extra-curricular activities that are planned for them during the term. Teachers are consolidating the end of year reports, so maintaining those high standards are important for students to receive the marks that they deserve.

Congratulations to our students who competed in the recent Inter-High Swimming Carnival, our junior team did extremely well to win the Junior Shield beating all other Division 1 schools in the North. This is an amazing effort and we are very proud of you all! Our Arts students did an amazing job in our recent Arts Night. You were fantastic and the performance standard was amazing. Our Year 8 students should be very proud of how they performed and conducted themselves on the night.

Finally, a huge congratulations to our Year 8 students who have been successful in gaining a Beacon Ambassador position for 2024. We are very proud of all the students who showed courage and aspiration to aim for selection. The calibre of students interviewed was outstanding which made the selection a tough one. Congratulations, we cannot wait to see you flourish in your roles.

iPad Return
Now is the time to start checking 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 each school year. Over the next few weeks in preparation for collection, can iPads please be checked for damage and all original accessories accounted for. Failure to return these items in correct working order will result in the need to replace these items at the families cost. Apple charging cords and charging blocks are available for purchase from the Kings Meadows High School office. Class Teachers will begin this process of ensuring iPads are ready for the end of year collection in November. Please contact with Mrs Elliott, Mr Stevenson or Mr Maddern if there are any issues with this.

Grade Focus

The Year 8 focus for the remainder of this term will be centred around finishing off the year in a strong and positive manner. We are asking our students to ensure we are focussed for learning, making the most of all opportunities that arise and ensuring that we are looking out for one another. Our focus remains centred on 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. With only a few short weeks left of the year we are continuing our emphasis on wearing our uniform with pride, maintaining our school grounds and classrooms and displaying positive interactions with each other.

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, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Class Teacher, Mr Stevenson or Mr Maddern the Grade 8 Leaders, or Mrs Elliott the Grade 8 AST via email or phone the school on 6343 1000.

Year 8 contact details:

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

In Year 9, students learning is in full swing, with classes investigating quadratic functions in Maths, body systems in Science, while in English students are engaged in writing, reading and performing play-scripts inspired by Shakespearean insults.

As we head into the second half of Term 4, our focus for students is to ensure that they complete all learning tasks and assessments to the best of their ability.

Year 9 students participated in SWAT Day on 16 November. The focus for this day was fostering a deeper understanding of different career pathways, with lots of learning opportunities and conversations around our students’ aspirations for the future.

Students started the day with the screening of the film 'Jobs', which provided valuable insights into the life and career of Steve Jobs, a visionary entrepreneur and pioneer in the world of technology. This cinematic experience not only entertained but also inspired our students to reflect on their own potential paths in the dynamic landscape of careers.

In addition to the film, our students actively engaged in the Careers on Wheels Expo, an innovative showcase designed to introduce them to diverse career options. This hands-on experience allowed students to interact with professionals from various fields, gaining valuable insights into the skills and attributes required for success in different industries.

SWAT Day was more than just a break from the regular routine, it was an investment in our students' futures. We believe that by exposing them to a variety of career pathways, we empower them to make informed decisions about their educational journey and future professions.

Wednesday 22 November, as part of our next SWAT day, Year 9 students will be going to Punchbowl Reserve. Information on this has been sent out through Schoolzine.

As part of our weekly Year 9 assemblies, we like to recognise students who are upholding our R.O.C.K.S. expectations through our Caught in the Acts. Teachers add student names to potentially win a prize in each week’s lucky draw. Last week our winners were:

• Zoe (9C) for her fantastic engagement in Health.
• Meleyah (9F) for performing in front of others and encouraging others to do their best and perform.
• Maddy (9B) for consistently showing all of the right attitudes in Netball.

We look forward to witnessing the continued growth and exploration of our Year 9 students as they carry the lessons and inspiration from SWAT Day into their future planning.

Year 9 contact details:

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.p.johns@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 9 Assistant Principal - Ms Kate Blaubaum - kate.blaubaum@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade Focus

Term 4 is flying by, week 6 is upon us and we a getting to the pointy end of the year. In saying this, there is still plenty of teaching and learning that needs to be completed. Year 10 staff are planning engaging lessons with key content for our students. The grade focus for this fortnight is to remain focused, be organised and try your best in class. In grade assembly, staff have been talking about not going through the motions and undoing all the hard work you have done thus far. We know it is exciting times for students, but staff will remind students to stay grounded and enjoy the last four weeks of their high school journey, as these weeks will go extremely quickly.

What are we learning this term?
Science – Chemical reactions
Maths – Statistics and probability
English – Comedy in the classroom
HaSS – Universal declaration of human rights
Health – Gender and Power

Student Achievements
Well done to all Year 10 students who participated in Kings Meadows annual Arts Night. Whether it was in a performance, technical or behind the scenes capacity, all students are to be congratulated on how they represented our school in such a positive way. All in attendance would say the performances were fantastic and it was an enjoyable show. Thank you to all the staff, especially Mrs Selby and Ms Blaubaum for their organisation of the show. I am sure all Year 10 students enjoyed their last Arts Night and I am very sure we may see some familiar faces in productions next year in college.

Well done all the Year 10 students who represented the school in the recent Inter-High Swimming Carnival. In what is the last Inter-High Carnival students will attend, we thank them for their representation of our school at the next level. A big congratulations to Ryan Schieler who continued to dominate in the pool by breaking the Year 10 50m Backstroke record that has been in place since 2006. Ryan registered a time of 30.59 seconds beating the old record of 31.69 seconds. Congratulations Ryan.

SWAT Day
Just a reminder that there is another SWAT Day today (Wednesday 22 November) which is an important one for Year 10 students. There will plenty of decisions that need to be made regarding end of year activities, so students need to be here to make their contributions to the events. It is a day not to be missed and is always an enjoyable day with class teachers.

Launceston College & Newstead College Enrolments
Launceston College and Newstead College enrolments are now completed. If for some reason your child/ren have not enrolled, please contact Year 10 staff and we can organise an enrolment interview.

End of Year Events
Friday 15 December - Year 10 Graduation Dinner at the Grand Chancellor
Monday 18 December - Presentation Assembly & Graduation Assembly
Tuesday 19 December - Year 10 Mystery Picnic

Year 10 contact details:

10A Class Teacher - Mr Ben Killalea - ben.killalea@decyp.tas.gov.au

10B Class Teacher - Mr Matt Chatwin - matthew.chatwin@decyp.tas.gov.au

10C Class Teacher - Mrs Belinda Selby - belinda.selby@decyp.tas.gov.au

10D Class Teacher - Mr Solomon Walker-Bowd - solomon.walker-bowd@decyp.tas.gov.au

10E Class Teacher - Ms Mel Hudson - mel.hudson@decyp.tas.gov.au

Additonal teachers working with Year 10:

Mrs Liz Self - liz.self@decyp.tas.gov.au

Miss Isabella Darsaklis - isobella.darsakli@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 10 Leader - Mrs Megan Pel - megan.pel@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 10 Leader - Mr Matt Battle - mathew.battle@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 10 AST -  Mr James Guy – james.guy@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 10 Assistant Principal - Ms Kate Blaubaum - kate.blaubaum@decyp.tas.gov.au

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:

Emily Boarder, Lucy Boarder & Lisa Pinel - For their consistent and reliable work ethic and commitment to learning.

Cassie Davis -  For her conistent effort and commitment ot learning and for her critical thinking skills.

Cody Davey, Coby Praciak, Eamon Farrell & Lexi Albers - For their efforts, support and commitment to helping out during Arts Night.

Year 8:

Ava Coglan - For working extremely hard to grasp concepts in all her classes, particularly in her English essay writing.

Izzy Slater - For aspiring to achieve high results without fail, while also being extremely considerate of her peers.

Year 9:

Levi Swift, Amir Rahmi & Michaela Swindells - For their amazing leadership and support with the Career On Wheels expo. 

Year 10:

Emily Rossiter & Mathew Leonard - For their outstanding performances at Arts Night.

On Thursday 9 November Kings Meadows High School hosted its annual Arts Night at the Princess Theatre. Audience and participant feedback has been that it was the best show ever! Students performed beyond their amateur status to present a polished and professional show. Teachers were certainly very proud of all students efforts and performances on the night and we know students are already excited for being part of it in the future. Congratulations to all students and teachers involved! 

NHSSA Inter-High Swimming Carnival: Kings Meadows High School Makes History

On Friday 17November, the Division 1 NHSSA Inter-High Swimming Carnival was held at the Launceston Aquatic Centre. Kings Meadows High School achieved unprecedented success, coming away with the Junior Shield for the first time. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and talent of our young swimmers.

In addition to the Junior Shield triumph, Kings Meadows High School demonstrated outstanding performances by securing the third position overall in the highly competitive Aggregate Shield. This collective achievement underscores the depth of talent and commitment within our students.

One of the standout moments of the day belonged to Ryan Schieler, whose exceptional prowess in the pool left spectators in awe. Ryan not only secured victory in all his individual events, but also shattered the 50m backstroke record by more than a second. His remarkable achievement showcases the hard work and determination our athletes bring.

What truly impressed on the day was the collective spirit and commitment to success. Many students went above and beyond by competing in races in higher grades to fill vacant spots, ensuring that Kings Meadows High School was represented in every event. This level of dedication highlights the unity and teamwork fostered within our swimming community, with a focus on a culture of sportsmanship and personal growth.

Congratulations to all those that participated on the day and gave 110% for both themselves and the school.

On Tuesday 14 November a group of Year 9/10 students were able to take part in an excursion to the Australian Maritime College courtesy of the Beacon Foundation. This was a fantastic day involving tours, demonstrations and an engineering challenge won by Mackenzie and Lucy. Highlight of the day was definitely the ship simulation where students tried to navigate up the Tamar River - this was won by Ollie and Jonty. A follow up session participating in survival skills in an ocean simulation will be soon! Students are now aware of the variety of degrees and career pathways offered by the AMC.

On Saturda 11November members of the Prefect Board attended the Launceston Remembrance Day Service. We listened to the important speakers talk about their time in service and memories of past wars. 

We reflected on past wars and paid our respects by laying a wreath on the cenotaph. After laying the wreath we participated in the one minute silence at 11.00am,  as we do every year, to pause in silence and gratefully reflect on the soldiers who went into war to fight for Australia.

Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) 2024

STAS provides assistance to eligible families by waiving levies for students. It applies to students enrolled in a school from kindergarten through to Year 12.

STAS is not a direct payment to you but means you won’t have to pay the school levy charge.

Are you eligible for STAS?

If you have a current concession card as listed below, you can apply for dependent students for assistance under the STAS:

• Services Australia – Centrelink Health Care Card
• Services Australia – Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card
• Services Australia – Pensioner Concession Card
• Department of Veteran Affairs – Pensioner Concession Card

Note: Parents/guardians must have a concession card.

STAS does not apply to a student’s concession card.

Leadership Staff

Support Staff