Dear Parents/Carers

In conclusion, as we are now entering the second half of the term where attendance usually declines as the term progresses, it is timely to remind all students of the importance of attending school and engaging in learning as frequently as possible. This includes being punctual to school and lessons, also ensuring absences are only for legitimate and approved reasons.  Thank you to parents/carers in supporting student engagement of which attendance is a critical part.

Regards,

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:

Darcy Boxhall – For a determined and consistent approach to his learning in mathematics.

Zander Nicklason – For an overall great start to Year 7 while displaying a positive attitude.

Year 8:

Bella Hammond -  For her positive approach to all aspects of her learning. 

Scarlett Wischnat - For demonstrating a positive and committed approach to learning during lessons.  

Jett Knight -  For his consistent and dedicated approach to his learning. 

Year 9:

Lochlan Bruce – For a fantastic start to Year 9 with some great work being done in woodwork with Mr Chatwin. 

Ben Meader – For consistently displaying the R.O.C.K.S. through hard work in the classroom and showcasing a high standard of work.

Year 10:

Talia Dias  –  For her kindness and thoughtful gestures in class.

House Captains – For their first official leadership role, the participation and encouragement was outstanding.

Its hard to believe that we are already past the halfway mark for Term 1!  Walking into the Year 7 area, it is always a pleasure to see and hear our students engaged, positive, energetic and excited about their learning.

At the end of Week 4, we said farewell to Mrs Pel, who has taken up a position as Advanced Skills Teacher at Waverley Primary School. We wish her the very best in this exciting opportunity. We have also welcomed Mr Edmondson to the Year 7 team. Mr Edmondson is a familiar face to the KMHS community and is taking on Mrs Pel’s teaching load.

Over the past two weeks our students have been getting themselves ready for NAPLAN, which has commenced this week. Students are assessed on their reading, writing, grammar and punctuation and numeracy skills. Students are reminded that these are not assessments which should cause stress but is about giving teachers an insight into the learning needs of our students. The data from these assessments can be used to identify and target areas where students may need further support. We encourage students to try their best, as this will mean that this data is an accurate reflection of their skills and needs.

At the conclusion of NAPLAN testing, students will be permitted to take their iPads home with them at the end of each school day. Students are responsible for ensuring that they bring their iPad, fully charged, each day so they are ready to support their learning in all lessons. Having the flexibility to take iPads home can be particularly useful for those who need to finish an assignment, continue learning, or completing work missed after an absence.

Last week saw Year 7 students attend their very first KMHS Swimming Carnival. There was a fantastic atmosphere on the day with Year 7 participation and people actively supporting their peers, regardless of which house they were in. A special mention should be made to the Year 7 Lomond boys, with the number of students having a go eclipsing the other houses throughout the day. Congratulations to all students who participated on the day.

Year 7 Staff Team:
Each Year 7 class has a Class Teacher, who students will see every morning and is the first point of contact for families. We have a phenomenal team and we encourage families to communicate with their child’s Class Teacher with any queries throughout the year. Our team of Class Teachers are supported and lead by our Year 7 Leader Mr Brewer, Year 7 AST Mr Johns and Junior School Assistant Principal Mrs Hume. We look forward to working with families to support each student to achieve their best learning outcomes over the next four years. 

Year 7 Contact Details

7A Class Teacher – Mrs Anu Grewal - anu.grewal@decyp.tas.gov.au

7B Class Teacher – Miss Isabella Darsaklis - isabella.darsakli@decyp.tas.gov.au

7C Class Teacher – Miss Eloise Hart - eloise.hart@decyp.tas.gov.au

7D Class Teacher – Mr Matt Battle - mathew.battle@decyp.tas.gov.au

7E Class Teacher – Mr Matt Chatwin - matthew.chatwin@decyp.tas.gov.au

Additional teachers working with Year 7:

Mrs Renee Lunson - renee.lunson@decyp.tas.gov.au

Mr George Edmondson - george.edmondson@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 7 Leader – Mr Scott Brewer - scott.brewer@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 7 AST – Mr Robert Johns - robert.p.johns@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.

I am thrilled with the successes of our Year 8 students who recently participated in the KMHS swimming carnival last Friday. The carnival provided a platform for students to showcase their swimming skills, but more importantly, it offered valuable lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance. Regardless of individual results, every student who participated gained something invaluable from the experience. Whether it was conquering personal fears, setting and achieving goals, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of their peers, the benefits of participation extend far beyond the pool. I applaud all students for their efforts and commend them for embodying the spirit of healthy competition and participation.

As we witness our students navigate the challenges and opportunities of adolescence, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of staying physically active. Engaging in regular exercise not only promotes physical health but also fosters mental well-being, enhances academic performance and cultivates essential life skills such as discipline and time management. By encouraging students to participate in various physical activities, whether through school sports, recreational hobbies, or simply outdoor play, we are not only investing in their physical health but also nurturing their holistic development. Thank you to all parents who encourage the pursuit of physical activity with their child.

Throughout this year our staff will continue to navigate the exciting journey of high school as our students grow into responsible young adults within our school community. We endeavour to not only impart academic knowledge but also to instil invaluable life skills that lay the foundation for responsible adulthood, positive futures and bright lives.  This stage of growth isn’t always easy and our staff continue working hard to mentor, guide and set high expectations for students while empowering them to take ownership of their learning, make informed decisions and navigate challenges with resilience and responsibility as they help to co-create a positive and friendly culture amongst their peers. 

Our students have immense power to cultivate kindness and care for others through their actions and conversations. Parents and staff all play a role in helping students to develop a sense of care and kindness towards each other.  We encourage our students to lead by example, demonstrating kindness in daily interactions with peers and teachers. Whether it's offering a smile, lending a helping hand, or expressing genuine concern for others, these small acts of kindness create ripple effects of positivity throughout the school community. Moreover, students can actively listen to their classmates, showing empathy and understanding during conversations. By practicing inclusivity, standing up against bullying and advocating for those in need, students can foster a culture of compassion and support, creating a school environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

I hope as parents you can help us to prioritise kindness as an essential life skill as we work together in helping our students to grow into fit, healthy, resilient and responsible young adults who learn more every day. 

Parents continue to play an important role in helping our students to become further committed to learning, which includes encouraging good study habits, prioritising academic responsibilities, and fostering a love for learning.  If you haven’t already done so, we certainly encourage you to have a conversation with your child about how they are going with their commitment to learning and new class this year.  We also ask that you talk with their Class Teacher, Grade Leader or Grade AST if there are areas that might need extra support or assistance.  

Year 8 contact details:

8A Class Teacher – Mr Todd Nankervis - todd.nankervis@decyp.tas.gov.au

8B Class Teacher – Mr Leigh Richardson - leigh.richardson@decyp.tas.gov.au

8C Class Teacher – Ms Sherron Casey - sherron.casey@decyp.tas.gov.au

8D Class Teacher – Mrs Emma Dobson - emma.l.dobson@decyp.tas.gov.au

8E Class Teacher – Mr Dylan Warren - dylan.warren@decyp.tas.gov.au

8F Class Teacher – Mr Nick Stokes - nick.stokes@decyp.tas.gov.au

Additional teachers working with Year 8:

Mrs Jade Howard - jade.howard@decyp.tas.gov.au

Mrs Jo Bent - joanna.bent@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 8 Leader – Miss Emma Attard - emma.attard@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 8 Leader – Mr Daniel Richardson - daniel.richardson@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 8 AST – Mr Nathan Karas - nathan.karas@decyp.tas.gov.au

Year 8 Assistant Principal – Mrs Kate Hume  kate.hume@decyp.tas.gov.au

We are incredibly pleased with the start our Year 9 students have put together. With a busy term happening, our students have hit the ground running with their organisation and getting themselves ready as they consolidate their position in the senior school.

Last week our Year 9’s participated well in the annual swimming carnival, with the girls in particular putting in a fantastic effort.

NAPLAN:
Over the next two weeks NAPLAN be happening for our Year 9 students, with devices required to stay at school throughout this period as well as chargers.

Our Class Teachers should be the first point of contact for your child here at Kings Meadows High School with Grade Leaders and Grade AST being there for more urgent or important matters. Please find the contact information for each teacher on the Grade Team below:

Year 9 contact details:

9A Class Teacher – Mrs Jessica Crawford - jessica.crawford@decyp.tas.gov.au 

9B Class Teacher – Mr Solomon Walker-Bowd – solomon.walker-bowd@decyp.tas.gov.au

9C Class Teacher – Mrs Joh Breen - joh.breen@decyp.tas.gov.au

9D Class Teacher – Mr Nathan Meurant – nathan.meurant@decyp.tas.gov.au

9E Class Teacher – Mr Lachlan Bryan – lachlan.bryan@decyp.tas.gov.au

9EL Class Teacher - Miss Emily Lovegrove - emily.lovegrove@decyp.tas.gov.au

9F Class Teacher – Mr Mick Bent -  mick.bent@decyp.tas.gov.au

Additional teachers working with Year 9:

AST - Mr Jake Chamberlain - jake.chamberlain@decyp.tas.gov.au

Mr Isaac Pinnington – isaac.pinnington@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade Leader - Mr Sean Stevenson – sean.stevenson@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade Leader - Mr Sam Maddern – sam.maddern@decyp.tas.gov.au 

Grade AST - Mr Brendan Poke – brendan.poke@decyp.tas.gov.au

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

Celebrations

Leadership Retreat
A couple of weeks ago our 25 Student Leaders attended the Leadership Retreat. Day 1 involved a variety of activities and discussion opportunities around what leadership is and how to be great leader. As part of this bonding experience, students had the opportunity to “camp” the night at school with more activities and learning taking place alongside the Tim Tams and Milos provided. Finally, day 2 was a chance to face some fears and tackle the High Ropes Course at Hollybank. Congratulations to all involved.

Swimming Carnival
Last Friday was the final Swimming Carnival at KMHS for our Year 10 students. Congratulations to all who participated and earned points for their house. It was fantastic to see our House Captains organising and co-ordinating events and the positivity and enthusiasm demonstrated by Year 10 students throughout the day.

World’s Greatest Shave
Kings Meadows High School are again this year taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave aiming to raise much needed funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. Our very own Arthur Bishop has been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, with over $2,000 already raised. If you are in a position to donate to this worthy cause, please do.

Grade Focus
Our Grade focus for Term 1 is about setting ourselves up for a successful year here at Kings Meadows High School. Staff have explained to students this can be achieved by doing the “basics” well throughout the year. The basics include being organised, committed to everything we do, being accountable for our actions and remembering that we are the role models of the school. The Year 10 staff have been more than impressed with the start the majority of our students have made and look forward to a successful year.

Year 10 Contact Details:

10A Class Teacher – Mr Chris Murray - chris.murray1@decyp.tas.gov.au

10B Class Teacher – Mrs Rebecca Glasby - rebecca.glasby@decyp.tas.gov.au

10C Class Teacher – Miss Mikhala Graham - mikhala.graham@decyp.tas.gov.au

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

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

10EL Class Teacher - Miss Emily Lovegrove - emily.lovegrove@decyp.tas.gov.au

10F Class Teacher – Miss Steph Sheedy - steph.sheedy@decyp.tas.gov.au

Additional Teachers working with Year 10:

Mr Richard Goss - richard.goss@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 10 Leader – Mrs Nicole Lynch - nicole.lynch1@decyp.tas.gov.au

Grade 10 Leader – Mr Stuart Withington (stuart.withington@decyp.tas.gov.au)

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

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

Congratulations to the following ex Kings Meadows students who were recognised at the 2023 Newstead College Awards Evening!

• Henry McMahon - Dux of Newstead College and an ATAR of 99.7, ranking in the top 102 students in Tasmania for 2023. Henry studied Physics 4, Chemistry 4, Maths Specialised 4, Maths Methods 3, Maths Specialised 4, Biology 3, English 3, Physical Sciences 3 and Life Sciences 2. He also received an Outstanding Academic Achievement Award from TASC.
• Campbell Stebbings - ATAR of 96.3, Performing Arts Award and Newstead College Respectful Student Award.
• Ashton Peachey - ATAR 83
• Nina Hizzard - ATAR 87.7
• Eason Liu - Outstanding Year 11 Results: Maths Specialised 4, Maths Methods 4, Physical Sciences 3, English 3
• Jet Rhind - Outstanding Year 11 Results: Ancient History 3, General Maths 3, Physical Sciences 3 English Foundations 2, Athlete Development 2
• Marcus Kelly - Outstanding Year 11 Results: Ancient History 3, Maths Methods 3, Physical Sciences 3 English Literature 3
• Charlotte McClennan - Outstanding Year 11 Results: Ancient History 3, Maths Methods 4, Physical Sciences 3 English Literature 3
• Caden Swindells - Outstanding Year 11 Results: Maths Methods 4, Physical Sciences 3, Athlete Development 2, English Foundations 2
• Ethan Stebbings - Newstead College School Association Award
• Narges Moradi - Newstead College School Association Award and Outstanding Achievement in Vocational Education and Training (VET) Award from TASC

Student leaders across the school have been assisting with our local feeder primary schools in recent weeks. This week our students helped out with Glen Dhu Primary School. Not only does this assist our students in their leadership capacity, it assists in the transition process, connection between schools and also the running of the carnival. Well done to all involved.

The Prefects are excited to announce that Kings Meadows High School is again proudly participating in the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave (WGS) – an event aimed at raising funds to support families facing life with blood cancer. They would love for you to get involved.

How Can You Get Involved?

1. Sponsor our team. We already have four students and one teacher who have committed to shaving their heads on the 27 March at school, between 1.10pm – 2.00pm. You can show your support by sponsoring them.

To donate, you can either scan the QR Code below or go online and type World’s Greatest Shave, click “donate” and then search for the “Kings Meadows High School” page. We’re aiming to raise over $3,000 and incredibly, our team has already raised $2,605. 

We are also vey thankful to the Meadow Mews Banjos team for donating bread for the sausage sizzle that will occur on the day.

2. Sign up for a colour, cut or shave: There is still time for students to collect a form to join this event. They can shave, cut or colour their hair. In the past, students have been able to colour their hair on the day without prior permission, however, this year is a bit different (more details will be shortly forthcoming).

We encourage you to share this exciting news with family and friends and let's make the World's Greatest Shave a resounding success at Kings Meadows High School. Together, we can contribute to the vital research, support services and care provided by the Leukaemia Foundation.

Warm regards

The Prefect Leadership Team

Leadership Staff

Support Staff