PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:
Inter-High Athletics
Oh so close again!!!!! I am so incredibly proud of the team and their efforts and so close to taking the “gold” award missing out by approximately 60 points. I know Mr Hartley, Mrs Williams and Mrs Elliott were incredibly pleased with everyone’s efforts at the Inter-High; the way everyone supported each other and stepped up when needed. Congratulations to Abbie Butler for breaking 3 records in the Grade 9 Girls comp – 400m, 800m and 1500m and Makala Bingley for breaking the Grade 10 Girls Discus record. These were the only records broken on the day.
Orientation Day
On Wednesday 27th November we had 170 very nervous and excited Grade 6 students attend our Orientation Day. This was a full day of experiencing lessons in Drama, MDT, My Education, English, Science, HPE and Music. Orientation Day is the last formal day of our Transition Program for incoming students. I know Mrs Wightman and Miss Males have disseminated lots of information to families on Orientation Day and we had a lovely group of parents attend our last information night that evening. If for whatever reason you have missed information, please contact your child’s primary school teacher and look in the Transition Canvas Room which your child will be able to navigate for you. If you have any further questions, please contact Miss Males or call the school on 63431000. Mrs Wightman is now on a well-earned long service leave break until February 2020.
Grade 8 Excursion Day
On Wednesday 27th November all of Grade 8 attended their own mini orientation day to both Newstead and Launceston Colleges. This is part of our ongoing commitment to providing students with exposure to a wide variety of opportunities for them in the future and starts their thinking around Year 11 and 12. I know that they also enjoyed a lunch break at the new River Bend Park. Thank you to the Grade 8 team for arranging and ensuring the day was a success.
EAL Program Activities
Mrs Tatiana (Hinds) our EAL teacher spoke about her role and the students in the EAL program last Friday in our whole school assembly. She acknowledged the students hard work and commitment to this program and their enthusiasm around embracing learning opportunities. Two programs students recently have been involved in are:
UTAS Refugee and Migrant Mentoring Program, which has involved tutors from the University of Tasmania working weekly with our senior EAL students around language and employment skills and pathways to their futures. They celebrated the end of this program last week with presentation of certificates to all involved. Thank you to Dr. Subhash Koirala, Project Manager - Education and Mrs Tatiana for co-ordinating this valuable program.
Aquatics Water Safety Program - We have had a small group of EAL students participate again this year in the RLSSA endorsed program developing swimming and lifesaving skills. The students participated every day for 2 weeks to build their skills and competencies in aquatic environments. Thank you to Mrs Taurian and Mrs Tatiana for co-ordinating.
Dance Fever
Last Friday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Launceston College Dance Fever event. Once again it was fantastic to see so many current KMHS students, past KMHS students and future KMHS (from our feeder primary schools) on stage in their element. The theme this year was “Grit” and all participants certainly demonstrated their grit and determination and confidence on stage, thoroughly entertaining the audience. Well done to all involved and congratulations to Mrs Belinda Selby for developing such talent within our school.
All Schools Triathlon
A very early start last Wednesday for 27 of our students and staff as they ventured off to compete in the Annual Schools Triathlon Challenge down the North West Coast. Mr Heger and Mr Hartley accompanied the team along with some parent support and all competitors had a cold but enjoyable day. Challenge is certainly the right word for this event as students had to either compete in a swim, bike or run event (if in a team’s event) or a multiple of these as an individual competitor. Our students once again did themselves and our school proud by the courage and tenacity shown throughout the day. Please see newsletter article later for more details of this wonderful day.
Basketball Finals
The NHSSA Basketball Finals have been running over the last couple of weeks and our Junior Boys and Senior Girls Teams both made the final. Our boys team lost their final last Wednesday but fought hard. Thanks to Mr Prestedge for coaching the team this season and all coaches for giving up their time to support our teams.
The Senior girls team (who recently won the Northern Championships) will play their final tomorrow evening against Deloraine. We wish them all the best.
“Springfest” Musician Support
Youngtown Primary School held their recent Springfest Fete after school and we had a number of our music students attend to support and entertain the crowd on that evening. I know the Principal, Mrs Coyle, was very grateful and impressed with their support and performances. Thank you to Sam Brophy, Bella Dyer, Angie Collins, Taylor Hughes, Cleo Taylor, Jude Hastings, Chilli Kettle and Mr George Edmondson for assisting in this event.
Congratulations to CCYP Ambassador – Jasmine Jones
This year Jasmine applied for and was accepted as a Commissioner for Children and Young People of Tasmania Ambassador which is a wonderful achievement and accolade. Jasmine has been attending meetings throughout the year where she has been an active voice and contributor to discussions with the commissioner and other leaders around contemporary topics and areas of concern and interest for our young Tasmanians. Please take the time to read her report further in this Newsletter and congratulations Jasmine for being such an outstanding ambassador.
School Association BBQ
Last Saturday our School Association ran the BBQ at Bunnings Kings Meadows. It was a wonderful way of fundraising for the Association and whilst this is not a main focus of their role, they do endeavour to have some funds to support the school where they can. A huge thank you must go to our Committee and in particular Chairperson, Ms Sue White and Secretary Mrs Tracey Kirk for all their work in organising the day. A big thank you to those parents and volunteers who gave up their time and assisted on the day. Also, a big thank you to Banjos Meadow Mews, JJ’s Bakery Longford and JBS Meats Longford for donating goods.
Congratulations to:
Cobey Evans and Bailey Mitchell for being selected in the State Under-18 Devils football program and Ryan Lowe and Josh Harris in the Under-16 Devils program.
25 Years’ Service Awards
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the 25-year Service Awards Presentation for three of our wonderful staff;
Ms Karen Furley
Mrs Liz Wilson
Mr Richard Goss
This is an outstanding achievement and we congratulate them on this recognition and acknowledgement.
Long Service Leave
As we near the end of the year we already have 2 staff taking early leave (Long Service Leave) - Mr Thor Pedersen, Mrs Katie Wightman both started their leave this week and will be away for the remainder of the term. Mrs Claire Lovitt will be acting Junior Assistant Principal in Mrs Wightman’s absence.