At Kings Meadows High School we are in continuous conversations with our primary schools through our targeted transition program. Our transition program supports a smooth transition into Year 7 where students have a core team of teachers for English, Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS), Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education. 

Our Year 7 students remain in their class teacher group for their core and option lessons in Design Technologies, Drama, Food Technology, LOTE, Music and Visual Arts. The building that is home to Year 7 is separate from other year groups providing security and comfort while students are gradually exposed to the school environment. Class teachers are responsible for the welfare and pastoral care of students in their class teacher group.

In addition, students choose four enrichment courses that they study with Year 8 students. Studying enrichment courses with students from across Years 7 and 8 classes supports everyone to increase their circle of friendships, confidence, resilience and motivation to succeed.

Every year group has access to leadership opportunities.  A particular highlight is the opportunity to be a Transition Leader.  In this role Year 7 students act as mentors to Year 6 students, sharing information about High School and offering friendship and support as they transition from Primary School to Kings Meadows.  

The Department provides us with data describing academic achievement of our students.  Across the Connect 6 schools we engage with a range of survey tools to gather answers about how students are feeling about school and their learning.  We gain valuable information that informs our carefully phased, year-long transition program that responds to the social and emotional needs of adolescents. We use our Department values of Respect, Growth, Courage and Aspiration to create a safe learning environment that responds to the needs of individuals in order to motivate and engage students to be the best version of themselves. 

We have a Peer Support program, designed to build successful peer relationships and leadership skills.  Peer Support Leaders work with the Year 7 team to support students to develop personal organisation, time management skills and a greater understanding of high school life.

Our teachers have high expectations for teaching and learning.  They understand they need to prepare students for an ever-changing world.  Our transition program provides collaboratively developed experiences for all our students.  We work closely with students and their families, Year 6 teachers, learning support teachers, social workers and psychologists to develop our transition program. 

Some of the ways we work to create a shared successful transition experience include:

• Challenge Day
• Parent information Evening
• In school observations
• Online community and digital platforms for increased communication of information
• Flexible programs
• Enrichment courses
• Learning support visits
• Social Work groups; and
• Orientation Day

Ask us a question:

Do you have a question about Kings Meadows High School? Ask us a question through our online form so we can answer it for you in upcoming information.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xzq-qWAMHkmLO6Mvj0auyNqVsztZNUdDl8vjC82pa9JUQUNMUENRS1RVVkYzVEFXVTJDSFFJUTFSMi4u

We are delighted to let you know that in 2024 the Grade Leaders for Year 7 will be Mr Scott Brewer and Mrs Megan Pel. Scott and Megan have already been involved in meeting students at our 5/6 Challenge Days, as well as our Open Night Information Session held in Term 2.

Hi, I’m Scott Brewer and I am a Co-Grade Leader for Year 7, 2024.  I was a Grade AST and Grade Leader at my previous school for approximately 7 years.  It is a really fulfilling role which I am really looking forward to next year.

I have been teaching Mathematics and Science for 15 years and I am really excited for the 2024 cohort of Year 7 Kings Meadows High School students. I will work hard to ensure that their experience at Kings Meadows High School will be supported and memorable.

My goal is to create rewarding and supportive relationships with the 2024 grade team, parents/carers and students to work in partnership to provide the best learning environment for all.  There will be open 3-way communication between teachers, parents and students to ensure clear expectations with a focus on growth of the whole student and ownership of learning goals.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hi, I’m Megan Pel and I am the current Year 10  Grade Leader at Kings Meadows High School.

This is my third year of being a Grade Leader at KMHS and it is a role I thoroughly enjoy through building connections and relationships with students, staff and the community.

As Grade Leader in 2024, my vision is to continue to build a strong and supportive school culture for staff, students, and parents through open communication, clear expectations and a focus on student growth and success.

I teach HPE and Science, both subjects that I have taught over the last 10 years.

In 2024 I look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 cohort to Kings Meadows and helping all students make a positive transition to high school.

Kings Meadows High School has a proud history of ensuring that young people have a smooth transition into life at high school.

We are a member of the Connect 6 network of schools which includes Longford, Perth, Evandale, Youngtown and Glen Dhu Primary Schools. School leaders from across our network regularly collaborate and attend meetings where the focus includes transition events but importantly, on the development of common approaches to learning.

To assist us with ensuring your son/daughter is set up for success for their transition to Grade 7 2024, please click on the link below or copy and paste the link into your browser and complete the intention to enrol form, if you have not already done so.

https://bit.ly/enrol2024

We thank you for providing us with this information. It will make available a communication channel for future correspondence and also give valuable information that will assist us with the formation of 2024 Year 7 classes.

If you have any concerns or problems completing this form, please contact Claire Lovitt or Nathan Karas on 63431000 or via email: 

claire.lovitt@decyp.tas.gov.au

nathan.karas@decyp.tas.gov.au

Times of the school day

Kings Meadows High School Website

Kings Meadows High School (education.tas.edu.au)

OVERVIEW OF KING & CROWN SCHOLARSHIP

2023 Grade 6 students are invited to apply for a Kings Meadows High School ‘King & Crown Scholarship’. There are five scholarships available to the value of $200.00 each.  Students can utilise this towards levies or uniforms at Kings Meadows High School.  Students who have demonstrated commitment and excellence in areas of Primary School life are invited to apply for a scholarship.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications should give evidence of students’ commitment and contribution to some/all of the following aspects of school life:

• Applicants must attend our Connect 6 feeder schools (Youngtown Primary, Glen Dhu Primary, Evandale Primary, Perth Primary, Longford Primary)
• Academic achievement/pursuits
• Attitude and commitment to learning
• Peer support and relationships
• Community involvement
• Extra-curricular activities
• Leadership
• Contribution to school (primary)

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will open Monday 16October 2023 and should be completed on the electronic application form by Friday 10th November 2023 at 11:45pm.

https://bit.ly/2024kingandcrown

Applications should also include a supporting statement from a parent/carer.  Written applications will be considered by a panel and all applicants will be notified in writing of the results of their application.

Scholarships will be announced at individual primary schools’ presentation assemblies and presented at the Kings Meadows High School Leadership Assembly in 2023/2024.  

Last year's recipients were:

Bridging the Gap: Year 7 Transition Leaders Create a Path to High School Success 

As the end of the school year approaches, there's a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation among Grade 6 students as they prepare to take their next big step into high school. At the same time, there's a sprinkling of anxiety and uncertainty among the Grade 6 students in primary school, who will soon embark on this thrilling yet somewhat daunting journey to Kings Meadows High School. Recognizing the importance of supporting a seamless transition from primary to high school, in Term 3 Kings Meadows High School initiated a heart-warming practice that not only benefits the younger students but also empowers the older ones – the Year 7 Transition Leaders & Peer Support Leaders in Year 10, who visit primary schools to provide a mini expo, creating a bridge of support, understanding, and excitement for both sides. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Year 7 Transition Leaders program is the opportunity it provides for older students to design, plan and teach their younger peers about the crucial aspects of high school life. This experience empowers these young leaders, teaching them responsibility, leadership and the importance of giving back to their school community and beyond. By taking on the role of educators, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in Kings Meadows High School, which significantly impacts their sense of community and motivation. They become role models for their peers and understand the value of setting a positive example, both inside and outside the classroom.   

For Grade 6 students facing the transition to high school, the mini expo organized by the Year 7 Transition Leaders is nothing short of a lifeline. It provides them with a glimpse into their future, helping to alleviate the anxiety that often accompanies such a significant change. They have the opportunity to ask questions about what high school will be like, explore the facilities and even talk about subjects, teachers and with peers from previous years. This familiarity goes a long way in making the unknown seem less intimidating.   

Moreover, this initiative fosters strong partnerships and relationships between our connected primary schools. It's not just about a one-time visit; it's about creating a bridge of support that extends beyond the mini expo. Primary school students see the older students as mentors and friends they can turn to for guidance. The sense of continuity and connection helps smooth the transition process and ensures that students are not stepping into high school feeling like strangers in a foreign land.   

Ensuring a successful transition from primary to high school is a shared responsibility of both educators and students. It's not just about academic readiness but also about creating a positive and supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and socially. The Year 7 Transition Leaders program embodies this commitment to fostering success.   

In conclusion, the Year 7 Transition Leaders visiting primary schools and providing mini expos is a heartwarming and impactful initiative that benefits students on both sides of the transition. It empowers Year 7 students, reduces anxiety in Grade 6 students and strengthens partnerships between schools. Ultimately, it lays the foundation for a smooth transition to high school, setting students up for success in their educational journey. By nurturing this bridge of support and understanding, we ensure that every student's path to high school is paved with confidence, knowledge, and excitement for the adventures that lie ahead.   

Please enjoy the photos from our Mini Expo held during Term 3. 

Dear Parents/Carers

Year 7 camp has historically been a key learning and teambuilding experience for our Year 7 students at Kings Meadows High School. Due to the rise of COVID-19 in 2020, we have been unable to provide our Year 7s with a camp opportunity over the last 3 years, however we are now delighted to announce that our Year 7 camp program will be up and running again in early Term 1, 2024! We believe that offering a camp to our Year 7 students provides them with the opportunity to build extended friendships, improve self-esteem and enables greater teamwork and cohesion as a year group.

Year 7 camp will be held across the second week of Term 1 where students will be split into two groups for a two night, 3 day stay.

Group A:

• Class Teacher groups A, B, C
• Monday 12 February - Wednesday 14 February

Group B:

• Class Teacher groups D & E
• Wednesday 14 February - Friday 16 February

During the time that the alternative group are at camp, a normal school day will occur, and it is an expectation that all students either attend camp or are at school during this week.

Accommodation:
Port Arthur Holiday Park are catering for us with their bunk houses and cabins. Students will not require a tent but will require a sleeping bag. Sleeping arrangements and rooms will be discussed and allocated at a later date.

The experience:
While away, students will experience:

• A chance to build relationships with students both in their Class Teacher and the wider Grade.
• Develop stronger relationships with the staff participating.
• Involvement in co-operative indoor and outdoor activities.
• Communal living involving helping and supporting one another during activities and chores.

We are actively encouraging all students to embrace this opportunity and participate in the camp to ensure its success, and the success of future camps.

A sample of the activities offered to students during our camp experience include:

• Port Arthur Historic Site visit and tour
• Richmond lolly shop
• Visit to Zoo Doo
• Team building activities at the camp site.

Cost:
The cost of the camp is estimated to be around $200.00, which covers accommodation, meals, travel, materials and activities. All students attending the camp will be invoiced for the final cost.  We felt it was important to communicate the cost early as we understand the current cost of living pressures and financial hardship some families may be facing. This is just an estimate as plans and details are still being finalised.  If the cost of camp presents a challenge, please contact our Assistant Principal, Kate Hume or Wendy Dalton, School Business Manager to discuss support we can offer, as having your child attend is important to us.

This communication about our 2024 Year 7 camp is an initial communication to families. Further information about the finer details of camp including dietary requirements, meals, final cost, what to bring etc., will come out later in the term, however if you have any questions or concerns about camp, please contact Kate Hume at the school.

Yours faithfully    

Mrs Megan Pel - Grade 7 Leader / Mr Scott Brewer - Grade 7 Leader

Mrs Kate Hume - Assistant / Mr Cary Stocks - Principal              

During Term 3, a major focus for us was on ensuring that we are continuing to build strong and supportive partnerships with students, staff and school communities. We want all our future students, their teachers and parents to feel supported through open and transparent communication with a focus on activities and conversations that allow students to feel comfortable next year and for us also to understand the unique learning, social and wellbeing needs of all students who will be attending high school next year.

In pursuit of this goal, we are working with schools to finalise enrolment numbers and to ensure that anyone who will be attending Kings Meadows High School next year has completed their intention to enrol form and that they have chosen courses that inspire and motivate them so we can finalise their subject timetables ready for 2024.   We are also working closely with classroom and leadership staff to ensure that we are getting to know the needs of each new student behaviourally, academically and socially so that we can work together in creating classes that allow all students to experience academic success and emotional fulfilment while removing any potential challenges or problems they might face in a new setting.

Our Learning Support Team at Kings Meadows High School are working closely with schools to ensure that we have an understanding of all students who require adjustments to their learning and that we have copies of up-to-date learning plans that will allow us to accommodate and understand the needs of students with a diagnosed disability, have been impacted by trauma or who have challenges attending school on a regular basis. As part of this process, we will work with our primary schools in creating extra transition visits for some students allowing them to participate in an enrichment program of their choice helping them to have more personalised support prior to Orientation Day held on the Wednesday 22 November.  During the later part of Term 4 we look forward to hosting another parent information session but more information on this will be included in the next newsletter.