PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:
Dear Parents/Guardians
It is hard to believe we are in week 4 of the term already. Last week I had the pleasure of sitting on a school review panel for 3 days on the North West Coast. All public schools in Tasmania have an external review every 4 years and this is a wonderful opportunity to learn and share with colleagues as well as giving and receiving valuable feedback as a school. This time makes me reflect on our wonderful school and as I said to the Grade 8’s at their assembly last week; I was very excited to come back “home” on Thursday. Not because the school I was visiting was not good, I was just looking forward to coming back to our wonderful learning environment where everyone contributes to make it a calm, welcoming and respectful place to learn and work.
This was certainly affirmed to me last Friday when I had a school visit from my new School Improvement Leader – Mrs Sam Woodham and Executive Director Learning -Ms Ann Fedyk. Ms Fedyk is a past Principal of KMHS and both were overwhelmed and amazed by our wonderful school as we toured. They commented on not only the beautiful learning environments but how calm and settled the students were and what a lovely “feel” the school had. Such lovely feedback to receive and I certainly ensured that they knew this is because of everyone’s contribution to our positive culture.
We have had some other fabulous events that have also contributed to this culture:
Leadership Camp
All of our senior student leaders have attended their Leadership Camp at Camp Banksia in Port Sorell on Monday 10th February to Wednesday 12th February. They spent time learning more about their roles and responsibilities and planning their year ahead. A big thank you to Mrs Hodges, Mr Neilson, Mrs Williams, Ms Vernon, Mr Chamberlain and Mrs Selby for attending the camp. I spent the morning with the group on Wednesday and was extremely impressed with how collaborative and supportive they all were of each other regardless of what group or roles and positions they will be undertaking. They have already brainstormed fabulous mottos and slogans and have an exciting array of ideas already for the year ahead. I have full confidence that they will be another outstanding group.
GRIP conference
Last week was a busy week for our new senior student leaders. On Tuesday 18th February a contingent representing all the leadership groups attended the Grip Leadership Conference with Mrs Hodges. I know that every year this conference provides students with some wonderful ideas and strategies to then share collaboratively with the whole student leadership group on return.
Induction Assembly
On Thursday 13th February these wonderful student leaders were formally inducted into their roles. This occurred at the Induction Assembly where they pledged their oaths and received their badges and blazers. Even though I was unable to attend due to another DoE executive meeting I know that the assembly was a wonderful event with past student Hamish Sytsma speaking and the keynote address was delivered by Mrs Wightman’s husband Brian around leadership and I know was very motivational. The celebrations continued at a reception function for the students and family members and was once again exceptionally catered for by our catering team. Thank you to everyone involved in ensuring our Induction Assembly was a wonderful event for all.
Welcome Barbeque and Communication
Thank you to all those families who attended our annual Welcome BBQ event last Monday evening. I apologise for my absence again due to undertaking the school review, but I know that the feedback I have received from parents and staff has been very positive about this event. We certainly know that to educate children requires a collaboration and positive partnership with families and to meet so many of our new families was wonderful for staff. We also know that not everyone can attend these events but certainly stress that our communication channels are always open. Please call and make an appointment to speak with a teacher, email is also a great way to make contact and we have access through Schoolzine App. We are very active on our social media sites communicating information to families and at times I will send out important information to families via an email.
F1 in Schools Nationals
Our F1 in Schools Racing Team – “Red Sprite Racers” (Ella Copeland, Riana Francia, Cleo Taylor, Chilli Kettle and Jaxon Bassett) are travelling to the National Final in Victoria early March to compete again against school teams from across the nation. This is a fabulous achievement from our team who won the State Final late last year and their second time at Nationals. It does come at a considerable expense. The team has been working very hard to secure sponsorship to cover expenses and materials needed to be able to compete equitably with others on the big stage.
The team held a Free Dress day last week to also assist with some fundraising. However, they are always happy to receive any other sponsorship they can. If you are able to assist, please contact the main office. We will bring more exciting updates about their competition soon.
Mobile Phone Policy Update
We have been very impressed with the way our students have adopted the new State Government Mobile Phone Policy ”Off and Away”. Students have been very respectful of the policy and the restrictions and I would also like to thank families for their support. If you need to contact your child during the school day please do so through the main office. If your child is unwell they need to go to the main office and First Aid and we will again provide assistance and contact home. This means we can monitor and support our students well.