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