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This is always such a busy time of the year as we begin finalising things for the 2023 school year and start planning for 2024. Recently we had a group of students participate in the Triathlon Challenge at the Devonport Bluff, an excursion to Dance Fever, a group of students visit the Peppers Silos Hotel as part of an industry tour and a whole school assembly to celebrate the success of our students. I am sure students would have found these experiences engaging and enriching in addition to their regular classroom program. Thank you to the staff for providing these opportunities for our students.
Recently our 2023 PAT (Progressive Achievement Testing) results were made available. All state schools are required to undertake these tests. These tests provide individual teachers, collaborative teams and school leadership, with valuable data regarding student achievement and growth in reading and mathematics. We had a 94% participation rate and some very encouraging results. We consider this dataset along with other information we have at our disposal. While there is a lot of data to examine, I would particularly like to celebrate the Year 8 students and teachers, where 92% of students achieved medium to high growth. This is simply an outstanding result, even when compared to Tasmanian figures.
As we near the end of the year, teaching staff will be finalising assessments and preparing end of year summative reports. It is planned for reports to go home with students on Friday 15 December with Year 10 reports to go home on Wednesday 20 December. Students should be ensuring that all work is up to date and submitted by the due date. Thank you to Jake Chamberlain for co-ordinating the reporting process. If your child(ren) does not bring home their report then please let us know. Reports will include an attendance summary percentage. Please note that the recommended minimum attendance rate is 90%.
Congratulations to our Year 7/8 boys basketball team who represented our school in the Northern High School Basketball Competition recently. The team won the Division 2 Premiership, defeating St Patricks College. Thank you to families and friends for your support and Denita Garwood for coaching the team. Well done boys!
For those of you who follow AFL, you may have noted Colby McKercher was drafted at number 2 in the recent draft. This is an amazing achievement from a past Kings Meadows High School student.
Please note that 2024 levies have now been published. There is no increase in levies from this year. Having had the restriction of activities during COVID, I am pleased to be able to inform our community that we have planned a camp for Year 7 students in 2024. There is a cost associated with this. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please do not hesitate to reach out for support and we will help where we can. I know some people are proud and may find asking for help difficult but in the end it is about ensuring students do not miss out on aspects of their education.
This Friday, we are holding our final S.W.A.T. (Success, Wellbeing, Aspiration, Teamwork) day for the year which includes the Big Day Out and Healthy Me Expo, organised by some of our student leaders. We receive some fantastic support from the community for this event and I hope students not only enjoy the day, but take up the opportunity to visit some of the stalls and presentations on offer.
In the coming weeks, we have our Year 10 Presentation/Graduation Assembly. We also have the Year 10 Leavers Dinner on Friday 15 December at the Grand Chancellor Hotel. I am sure that our Year 10 students are looking forward to their end of year events and while this may bring mixed emotions for some, it is still important that our Year 10 students adhere to the normal routines and expectations. While completing Year 10 is a significant point of transition, it is not the end of their journey in education, training and/or employment.
You may be aware that our gymnasium requires some major roofing works and we were anticipating that this may have started prior to the end of this year. It now appears that this work will commence in January 2024. This will require some flexibility, adaptability and tolerance from students, staff and community user groups. Thank you in anticipation.
In response to some survey data that we collected on behalf of the School Association, we made some interim adjustments to student uniform earlier this year and certainly the take-up has been significant, particularly in relation to trackpants and shorts. Following on from this we had planned to conduct a broader review of uniform and this group met last week to continue this work in 2024. Please watch out for information on this as we get into the new year. Additional consultation with our community will be a critical part of this work.
As we get towards the end of the school year and people start to tire and begin thinking about holidays, it is important that we do not let standards slip and we treat all members of our school community with tolerance, respect and kindness. I look forward to a busy but positive final few weeks.
Regards
Cary Stocks
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:
Year 7:
Millie Adams: For demonstrating improvement in her commitment to learning throughout the year and improved attendance.
Ben Barker: For his mature and thoughtful attitude when working with staff members and for his efforts in improving his attendance this year.
Sophie Allison: For being recognised by other staff members around the school for her caring and thoughtful example as a Transition Leader towards younger students on Orientation Day.
Year 8:
Charlie Hogarth: For showing exceptional leadership in STEM.
Seth Sharman: For consistent improvement in application to his studies.
Year 9:
Bodie Brooks: Bodie constantly displays the R.O.C.K.S. values. He is a caring and focussed student who respects both the staff and his peers. Bodie is punctual, organised and always willing to help others. He is empathetic and respected by those around him.
Amir Rahmi: On the Year 9 picnic, Amir went above and beyond to support teachers and students run the BBQ. He showed leadership, organisation and excellent communication skills whilst helping and can always be counted on to support when needed.
Year 10:
Lachie Harris: For his enthusiastic participation in the AMC excursion.
Will Muktevi: For always being a polite and respectful student.
In the last newsletter it was mentioned that our junior swimming team achieved great success in the pool walking away as winners in the Junior Division of the Northern High Schools Swimming Carnival.
This newsletter allows us to acknowledge and promote our boys’ basketball teams who have been training and playing together on weekends and also after school on a Thursday afternoon. Engaging in team sport outside of school offers multifaceted benefits for students.
Firstly, it promotes physical fitness and overall wellbeing, countering the sedentary nature of academic pursuits. Through teamwork and collaboration, students develop essential interpersonal skills such as communication, co-operation and leadership, which are pivotal in both academic and professional realms. Additionally, participating in sports fosters a sense of discipline, time management and resilience, as students learn to balance their extracurricular activities with their academic responsibilities, contributing to their holistic growth and preparing them for the challenges of the future.
With these benefits in mind, I would like to congratulate our Year 7 boys who with the help of Mrs Denita Garwood and some of our Year 8’s, were able to play together against other Northern High Schools in the Regional High Schools Basketball Grand Final and achieve victory over St Patricks College on Sunday. This is a terrific achievement and it highlights the importance of students committing to sport and spending time pursuing their interests and passions together. It also highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration as success in a team sport requires everyone to play together and work as one team to achieve success.
Following on from this I would also like to congratulate both Year 7 boys teams who have been participating against other High School teams on a Thursday night over the last few weeks when representing Kings Meadows High School.
Thank you also to Miss Attard who gave up her time to coach one of the teams and also to Mrs Garwood who coached the other. Both teams played exceptionally well and it was a great opportunity for our students who often play against each other in other Launceston Club teams to play and work together.
Miss Attard’s team played well during the season and finished their last game together on Thursday night last week and Mrs Garwood's team defeated a very strong Riverside High School team last Thursday allowing them to play in final against Queechy this Thursday at the Elphin Sports Centre.
Many of our students who don’t play basketball arrive at the games to support and encourage their peers and we hope we continue to have a great turn out this Thursday. While it would be great to achieve a win it’s also important to understand that our students are already winners through the opportunities that they have gained through team sports and we are proud of the way they represent not just themselves but Kings Meadows High School when competing.
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
Although there are only a few short weeks left we still have plenty to complete. Over the last two weeks the Year 8 cohort have been extremely busy enjoying S.W.A.T. days and College Taster days. On Wednesday 22 November, Year 8 students visited Newstead and Launceston Colleges and experienced taster sessions of subjects which are on offer in Year 11/12. The morning at Newstead College consisted of Performing Arts, Children’s Services, Health Services, Music, Computing and E-sports, Food, Hair and Beauty Services and HPE. After an enjoyable walk in the sunshine, we had lunch at Royal Park, enjoying activities and spending time with peers. In the afternoon, students watched 'a day in the life' video and competed in a highly contested scavenger hunt at Launceston College to discover what subjects are available. Year 8 students should be congratulated for their excellent behaviour following our R.O.C.K.S. expectations throughout the day.
In the sporting arena, we had several students compete in the Triathlon at Devonport on 23 Thursday. These students did a wonderful job of representing our school. Congratulations Ruby, Tahli, Lucy, Lincon, Lauren A, Ace, Archie, Lauren B-C, Ella, Rose, Giaan, Indianna, Amelia, Mattea, Lacie, Hannah, Lacey and Zara! In the field of basketball we had Asher represent our school in the recent High School Championships in our Year 7/8 Boys team. These boys did an amazing job over the weekend defeating all other teams to be named Premiers of the Division 2 competition. Congratulations to all players!!
Over the next few weeks, we have several exciting days and events coming up. Our students will be notified of the details of these events in Grade Assemblies and Class Teacher Groups, so it is important that students are at school on time, to not miss any events.
Teachers are also consolidating the end of year reports, so maintaining high standards of attendance, task completion and a positive attitude are important for students to receive the marks that they deserve.
iPad Return
Friday 8 December, Year 8 students are required to return their iPads, original 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. Please get in contact with your child’s Class Teacher, 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
Term 4 is moving quickly in Year 9! Students are working to complete assignments and take on new challenges in their learning. In English, classes are continuing their study of Shakespeare, reading The Taming of the Shrew. The energy that has been observed in some classrooms has been exciting to see as students enhance their language skills and explore the relevant themes.
In Mathematics, students have been studying the application of the index laws, practicing their analytical and procedural thinking, as well as their problem-solving skills.
On Saturday 25 November, Shade and Levi (9C) travelled to Hobart to compete in the Tasmanian Model Solar Challenge. This competition has students race their custom-built solar-powered cars and is a fantastic opportunity for students to put their STEM skills to use.
On Wednesday 22 November, the entire Year 9 cohort walked to Punchbowl Reserve for a delightful picnic. The day was an excellent opportunity to build on positive relationships within the year group as students enjoyed games, relaxation, a BBQ cooked by Mrs Glasby, Miss Sheedy and our student leader elects and (most importantly on a warm day) Zooper Dooper icy poles!
What was particularly heartening was the impeccable conduct of our students, noticed not only by our school community but also by members of the public sharing the space. It was fantastic to receive feedback from the other users of the park about the politeness and respect shown by our students.
As we reflect on these moments, it's evident that Year 9 is not just about academic achievements but also about fostering a sense of community and leadership.
The feedback below was sent to Mr Stocks by a member of the public after the event:
My elderly mother nominated Punchbowl Reserve as the destination for a birthday picnic today. As we (mother, older sister & I) drove down into the venue we spotted a large group of students across the site. Oh no, we thought, anticipating noise & mayhem. Nevertheless, we spotted a shady table & made our way to have our picnic fare. I am delighted to report from us all that we were very impressed with the whole group. It was a joy to watch them enjoying cricket etc or gathering in small groups around the grounds. Our enjoyment was not impeded at all so our positive experience will be shared widely. We did talk to the teachers there, but I wanted to pass on our delight direct to you.
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
Week 8 is upon us, 13 official school days of Year 10. Year 10 students are still busy completing work and being productive members of our school. Our message is to remain committed to learning during this time and follow our R.O.C.K.S. expectations. Our grade focus for the rest of the year is to enjoy each other’s company, remain respectful and to be kind as our time together is quickly coming to end. Year 10 staff are looking forward to the last few weeks with our students as there are some exciting planned activities which will bring the year to an end nicely.
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
Congratulations to the students who have represented our school on various excursions during the last two weeks. A select few students attended AMC on the 21 November for a practical session on survival techniques at sea. It was fantastic to see students getting out of their comfort zones and participating in all the planned activities. It was great to see the co-operation and teamwork to complete set objectives in these tasks in some trying simulated conditions. Students were extremely impressed with the facilities on offer and were interested in the wide spread of career opportunities in this area.
Last Tuesday, Year 10 students attended the Silos Hospitality Excursion at Seaport for a day behind the scenes of daily operations. Students were addressed about career opportunities and listened to the personal stories of Silo staffs' journey through hospitality. Students were given the opportunity to create some food, tour the facilities and enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch. This excursion gave plenty of students insight into the sector and what to expect in a career centred around hospitality. Thank you to Mr Pinnington for assisting on the day.
S.W.A.T. Day/ Big Day Out
This Friday is always an exciting day on the Kings Meadows High School calendar. The Big Day Out is always a fun filled afternoon with live music and planned activities from our House Captains. Students will have the opportunity to purchase food and drink from a variety of invited businesses.
Launceston College & Newstead College Enrolments
Launceston College and Newstead College enrolments are now completed. For some reason if your child/ren have not enrolled, please contact Year 10 staff and we can organise an enrolment interview. Staff can arrange catch up enrolments at either college.
End of Year Events
Friday 15 December - Year 10 Leavers Dinner at the Grand Chancellor
Tuesday 19 December - Year 10 Mystery Picnic
Wednesday 20 December - Presentation & Graduation Assembly at KMHS gymnasium
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
On Thursday 23 November, 26 students from Year 7 to 10 travelled to Devonport to compete in the Triathlon School’s Challenge. Students were able to compete both individually and in teams. Kings Meadows High School had six individual participants and nine team entries.
On what was a warm sunny day, students embraced the challenging and competitive event to make both the school and themselves proud. A highlight for the day was Alice Patten who finished 6th place overall in the Year 7 girl’s individual event.
The students who participated on the day were:
Year 7 - George Darsaklis, Jaspar Wilcox, Jack Mortimer, Alice Patten, Sophie Allison.
Year 8 - Rose Jones, Tahli Rabac, Lacie Pearton, Archie Fadel, Lincon Talbot, Ace St Claire, Ella Fish, Lucy Stone, Lacey Keegan, Indianna Leonard, Zara Brooks, Lauren Anstey, Amelia Armstrong, Giaan Plummer, Hannah Long, Ruby Steel.
Year 9 - Amir Rahmi, Levi Swift.
Year 10 - Jonty Groves.
All children in Tasmania have a right to be known, safe, well and learning. We are highly committed to the safety of all students at our school.
Earlier this month, DECYP launched the Tell Someone initiative, to raise awareness in the community about child sexual abuse and grooming.
The Tell Someone website gives children and young people clear advice on what to do in situations where they feel worried, unsafe or unsure. It also gives adults advice and support on how to respond if they suspect or know a child is being groomed or sexually abused or is at risk of harm.
Please visit the website, read the information, and try to find a suitable time to talk with your child/children about this issue and the resources available. It’s important that everyone understands the possible signs of sexual abuse or grooming behaviour, and how to stay safe online and offline.
If reading this information has caused you distress, please visit DECYP’s website for a list of support services.
Please contact the school if you have any questions about this information.
Friday 8 December | Big Day Out / Healthy Me Expo |
Friday 15 December | Year 10 Graduation Dinner |
Tuesday 19 December | Year 10 Mystery Picnic |
Wednesday 20 December | Presentation & Graduation Assembly at KMHS |
Thursday 21 December | Years 7-9 End of Year Picnic - Last day for students |
Leadership Staff
Principal |
Cary Stocks |
Assistant Principal 9/10 |
Kate Blaubaum |
Acting Assistant Principal 7/8 |
Kate Hume |
Acting 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 |