Dear Parents/Carers

Get to Know the Year 7 Staff Team:

BRENDAN POKE

What do you teach?
Across the educational journey, I’ve been fortunate to teach across a large range of subjects and curriculums. In recent years I’ve predominantly been involved in MDT, HPE and STEM. As a teacher with 20 plus year’s experience, I’m continually learning in the space of education.

What are you looking forward to in 2025?
Community connections, opportunities for students and ensuring Kings is the best it can be is what I’m looking forward to in 2025.

Hobbies:
Somehow, I’ve found myself in the position of President of the South Launceston Junior Football Club. Between this role and ferrying my children around Launceston for sport, spare time is non-existent.

Interesting facts about you:
A fact for you:2007 Caribbean World Cup was a great trip! Plus - Collingwood 2023, JackJumpers 2024, Hurricanes 2025 – Mission complete!

BELINDA SELBY

What do you teach?
Hello, My name is Mrs Selby. I have been teaching for 28 years – 17 of them at KMHS! I teach Dance and am also Arts Learning Area Leader. I have a HPE class this year and have taught over a variety of subject areas across my teaching career – everything from Drama, English, Food Tech, Science to Languages! (but Dance is my passion.)

What are you looking forward to in 2025?
As I am almost always on the Year 10 team I am looking forward to starting 2025 with our new Year 7’s.

Hobbies:
In my spare time my favourite things are travelling (both the world and our wonderful state), reading, cooking, watching sport and relaxing at the beach.

Interesting facts about you:
An interesting fact about me is that last year my husband and I bought a Triumph motorbike and now I love going for rides every weekend and holidays - seeing the state from the view of the bike has been an amazing experience!

MEGAN PEL

What do you teach?
Hello, I am Mrs Pel.  I have been teaching for 12 years and this year I am teaching HPE and Science.

What are you looking forward to in 2025?
I am looking forward to being a Year 7 Class teacher in 2025 and building connections with the students of 7A.

Hobbies:
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends.  My favourite hobby is playing netball.

NATHAN MEURANT

What do you teach?
Hello! This year I’m teaching Year 7 HaSS, Year 9 English and Years 7 and 8 Music.

What are you looking forward to in 2025?
I’m really looking forward to balancing some exciting content in music (my favourite), and spending time at home with my wife and daughter.

Hobbies:
I love to play and write music and am unapologetically enthusiastic about music theory. I also love reading fiction and philosophy.

Interesting facts about you:
I used to have long hair past my shoulders. I have sung in an opera.

MIKHALA GRAHAM

What do you teach?
This year will be my 7th year as a teacher of HaSS and English, however this year I am excited to be teaching Photography as well.

Hobbies:
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time being creative and collecting a plethora of art-based hobbies, gardening in my veggie patch and playing with my two senior sausage dogs.  In the classroom, I like to encourage creativity, trying new things, growing resilience and focus on building a positive and supportive environment.

SAMUEL LUCAS

What do you teach?
My name is Samuel Lucas. I am a first-year graduate teacher and I have been working at KMHS since Term 3 last year. In 2025, I will be teaching science and HPE.

What are you looking forward to in 2025?
I am looking forward to connecting with Year 7 students and developing my skills within the Science Department.

Hobbies:
In my spare time, I enjoy catching up with friends and playing football.

Interesting facts about you:
An interesting fact about me is that I am a 2018 Kings Meadows High School graduate.

LACHLAN BRYAN

What do you teach?
I teach Health and Physical Education and have been teaching HPE for three years now!

What are you looking forward to in 2025?
I am looking forward to working with the new Year 7’s in 2025 and building quality relationships with all the new students!

Hobbies:
I like to spend my spare time playing footy and going to the gym, as well as spending time with my mates!

Interesting facts about you:
I am originally from the North-West Coast.

BEN KILLALEA

What do you teach?
This is my 5th year teaching Maths and Science here at Kings Meadows High School.

What are you looking forward to in 2025?
I am very excited to meet the ‘new crop’ of Year 7 students this year.

Hobbies:
In my own time, I like to keep active by running through the bush or looking for my ball on the golf course. In the summer I like to go camping with my family and friends.

JACOB FISHER

What do you teach?
I have been teaching English and History/HaSS for 3 years.

What are you looking forward to in 2025?
I look forward to teaching History, which is my favourite subject.

Hobbies:
I am often playing golf and watching the cricket. I also enjoy reading and usually read non-fiction historical books.

Interesting facts about you:
I have two cats.

GEORGE EDMONDSON

What do you teach?
My name is Mr Edmondson and i have taught here at Kings for almost 10 years, teaching everything from Maths and Science all the way to Health and Physical Education, but as a musician at heart, my favourite subject to teach is Music!

Hobbies:
Aside from teaching, outside of work I enjoy anything in the creative world like drawing, writing and of course, reading! When I’m not doing something to challenge my brain, I find most of my spare time is spent writing and recording music for both myself and other creative individuals. I was lucky enough to grow up with parents that loved to travel and naturally, I found this a big part of my life growing up, travelling the world and experiencing many other cultures from across the globe. My favourite of all the places that I’ve been lucky enough to visit would have to be India or South America! Being a lover of books, I’d like to leave you with one of my favourite quotes - "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose" – Dr Suess

STEPH SHEEDY

What do you teach?
Hello I am Miss Sheedy, I teach Maths and Science and this is my fifth year of teaching.

What are you looking forward to in 2025?
I am looking forward to meeting and working with the new group of Year 7 students.

Hobbies:
After work I go to the gym, and I love to go for brunch on the weekends.

Interesting facts about you:
An interesting fact is I have been to Turkey and Egypt and inside the great pyramid of Giza.

EMILY LOVEGROVE

What do you teach?
I have taught for 11 years and primarily in the English field however, I am now the Instructional Specialist, undertaking schoolwide testing and supporting teaching and learning with regards to reading and literacy across the school.

What are you looking forward to in 2025?
I am looking forward to Athletics Carnival days and the Write a Book in a Day.

Hobbies:
In my spare time, surprise, surprise I spend time reading, usually in my caravan that I take all over our beautiful state. I also love going to the beach with my dogs Jappy and Johnny.

Interesting facts about you:
A few interesting facts about me include my irrational fear of heights even though I have managed to conquer the steepest zipline in the world in New Zealand and that there is nearly no food in the world that I won’t add tomato sauce to.

Welcome back to all our Year 8 students for a new school year!

As is tradition, our first two school days were S.W.A.T. Days, with a focus on supporting students to re-adjust to school, as well as preparing students for what will be another busy year.

On Thursday morning, students re-acquainted themselves with their Class Teachers and class teacher classes, working through administrative tasks and ice breaker activities designed to bring people back together after their summer holiday. That afternoon students were challenged with a scavenger hunt across the school, with many students expanding their knowledge of the school grounds and its features. This was followed by a grade assembly, where Mr Johns and Mr Brewer set the scene for the year, providing clear instruction around the high expectations we have set for our students. A particular goal was set for the grade around organisation, with students challenged to ensure that they always take everything they need to class, meaning that they minimise any time out of the classroom during lessons and maximise learning time. Mr Johns also reinforced a message that Mr Stocks shared with the school earlier in the day: Embrace opportunity, accept responsibility. We encourage our Year 8s to look for the new opportunities that this school year will bring and thrive, while also believing that they are always responsible for their own actions and can use this as a platform for continued growth.

Friday saw students strengthen class relationships as a team, reviewing some learning from Year 7, setting goals for the year ahead and being reunited with their iPads. Students have been reminded of expectations for their iPad use, in that it is a learning device only. While students will be able to bring their iPads home with them, this is not compulsory and they are always welcome to leave their device in their classroom. Charging cabinets are available in each Year 8 room, so that students can leave their device knowing it is ready for learning the next day.

Our Year 8 team has had some small changes from 2024. We welcome Mr Solomon Walker-Bowd to the team as 8B’s new Class Teacher. We also welcome Ms Geet Deol to the team, who is new to the Kings Meadows High School community.

Mr Scott Brewer is continuing as Year 8 Leader, as is Mr Robert Johns as Year 8 AST and Mrs Kate Hume as Assistant Principal.

Your child’s Class Teacher is the first point of contact and we strongly encourage you to reach out to them with any queries, concerns, or barriers to attendance as the year progresses.

We are looking forward to continuing to work with families in supporting our students to have every success in Year 8.

YEAR 8 CONTACT DETAILS:

We are thrilled to share that our Year 9 students have had an outstanding start to the year! Over the first two days, they have participated in a variety of engaging activities designed to foster a strong sense of community, develop important skills and set the foundation for a successful year ahead.

To begin the term, students attended both whole school and grade assemblies. These sessions provided an opportunity for them to reconnect with the wider school community and hear important messages about the year ahead. The whole school assembly reminded students of our shared values, expectations and the support network available to them. Following this, our Year 9 grade assembly set the agenda for the first two S.W.A.T. days, giving students a clear understanding of the exciting activities and learning experiences planned for them. 

One of the most exciting moments for many students was receiving their lockers for the first time! They eagerly practiced opening and closing their coded locks, demonstrating patience and persistence. We were impressed with how quickly they mastered this skill, setting the tone for their growing independence and responsibility throughout the year. 

A key focus during the S.W.A.T. days was building connections within class groups. Students participated in a range of engaging "Getting to Know You" activities, where they interacted with their classmates by asking a series of questions to learn more about one another. These activities helped foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment, encouraging students to form new friendships and strengthen existing ones. 

Goal setting was another essential component of our program. Students reflected on their aspirations and set goals in five key areas: attendance, attitude and effort towards learning, relationships with teachers, relationships with peers and a personal goal of their choice. Setting these goals provides students with clear direction and motivation for the year ahead. Staff will continue to revisit these goals throughout the year during S.W.A.T. days to ensure students remain focused and supported in achieving them.

Additionally, students participated in an important session on consent education, facilitated by guest speakers from Laurel House and the Tasmanian Legal Centre. These sessions provided valuable insights into respectful relationships, boundaries and personal safety, equipping students with essential knowledge and skills for their personal and social development. 

To add an extra element of fun and teamwork, students took part in a series of Class of Kings Challenges each day. These challenges were designed to encourage collaboration, problem-solving and a strong sense of classroom community. It was fantastic to see students embracing these activities with enthusiasm, working together and displaying great sportsmanship. 

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all parents/carers for your support in ensuring the first two days were a success for our students. Your encouragement and involvement are invaluable in helping students transition smoothly into Year 9. A special thank you also goes to our dedicated Year 9 staff, whose efforts in planning and delivering these activities made the start of the year such a positive experience for everyone.  Congratulations also goes to Miss Ebony Jensen who has joined our Year 9 teaching staff this year.   She worked with and built relationships with students and staff across our cohort during both days when teaching and supporting activities building the foundations for further collaboration throughout the year.

With such a fantastic beginning, we are excited for the year ahead and look forward to working alongside our Year 9 students as they continue to grow, learn, and achieve great things.

YEAR 9 CONTACT DETAILS:

Year 10 Students Kick Off the School Year with Exciting Opportunities
The school year is officially underway and our Year 10 students have had a fantastic start! As they step into this crucial stage of their education, they have already been engaged in a range of informative and valuable sessions designed to support their personal growth and academic success.

One of the highlights of the first week back was the series of guest speaker sessions aimed at equipping students with important life skills and knowledge. Representatives from the Drug Education Network, Women’s Legal and Laurel House visited the school to deliver insightful presentations on key topics that impact young people today. 

The Drug Education Network provided students with essential information about the effects of drugs and alcohol, emphasizing informed decision-making and personal responsibility. The session encouraged students to think critically about peer pressure and the consequences of substance use, helping them to make safe and healthy choices in the future.

The Women’s Legal session focused on educating students about their rights and responsibilities under the law. This valuable discussion covered important topics such as consent, respectful relationships and legal protections available to young people. The interactive format allowed students to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of their legal rights in various situations. 

Laurel House, a service dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by trauma, led an engaging session that provided strategies for self-care and resilience. The discussion encouraged students to prioritize their mental wellbeing and seek support when needed. It was an empowering experience that reinforced the importance of looking after both themselves and their peers. 

In addition to these engaging sessions, students also received their lockers and book packs, ensuring they are well-equipped for the term ahead. With their books and resources in hand, they are ready to tackle new subjects, projects and challenges with enthusiasm and dedication. 

A few important reminders for families:

• Validation forms need to be completed and returned by Friday 21 February to ensure all student information is up to date.
• Rugby Top forms must be submitted by Wednesday 26 February.
• Leadership Retreat Forms should be returned promptly for those interested in participating in this fantastic leadership development opportunity. 

We encourage all students to stay organized and proactive in returning these forms to the office to avoid missing out on any important activities or opportunities. 

Future Focus: Respect and Organisation
As we move forward into the term, we encourage all Year 10 students to focus on two key areas: Respect and Organisation.

Respect — both for themselves and other is fundamental to creating a positive and inclusive school environment. This includes being mindful of language, treating peers and teachers with kindness and valuing the perspectives of others.

Organisation is another crucial skill that will help students navigate the demands of Year 10 successfully. Keeping track of assignments, managing time effectively and maintaining a tidy workspace (including their lockers!) will set them up for a productive and stress free school experience. By embracing these principles, our Year 10 students will continue to grow into responsible and capable young adults. Let’s make 2024 a year of success, respect and achievement!

YEAR 10 CONTACT DETAILS:

The 2025 school year has begun on an exciting note for our Year 11, 12 and 13 students, with a wide range of engaging and practical programs already underway. Our students have embraced the diverse opportunities available in the senior school curriculum, with particular enthusiasm for our vocational and career-focused courses.

The Certificate II in Construction Pathways has seen students dive into hands-on learning, exploring the fundamentals of the building and construction industry. With practical experience in both classroom and workshop settings, they’re gaining valuable skills that will set them up for future career opportunities.

In addition, the Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways is preparing students for life beyond school, helping them develop essential workplace skills, from communication and teamwork to numeracy and problem solving, that are highly valued by employers.

Our Digital Projects course is proving to be a highlight, with students immersing themselves in the world of technology, coding and digital innovation. This course offers a creative space for students to build their digital literacy while working on real-world projects that showcase their developing skills.

The Work Readiness program is supporting students as they prepare for employment, focusing on practical job search techniques, interview skills and workplace expectations.

In the Design and Production course, students are learning the importance of design thinking and production processes, equipping them with a diverse skill set to excel in various industries.

Finally, Career & Life Planning is empowering students to make informed decisions about their future pathways, helping them plan for both their educational and career goals.

It’s clear that our senior secondary students are off to a fantastic start in 2025, with each course offering them valuable skills, experiences, and opportunities that will shape their futures. We’re excited to watch them progress throughout the year!

Our school has again appointed Assistant Principal Kate Blaubaum as our Safeguarding Lead. Safeguarding Leads are appointed in every DECYP school and CFLC in Tasmania to help ensure children and young people are known, safe, well and learning. As Safeguarding Lead, Kate will enhance our efforts in promoting and nurturing a culture of safeguarding at our school. This will enable us to better support the wellbeing of all our students and reinforce the understanding that keeping children and young people safe is everyone's responsibility. By continuing to improve our safeguarding culture, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for all. For further information on Safeguarding in Schools and CFLCs, please visit the DECYP Keeping children safe through safeguarding webpage.