17 December 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Newsletter KHS Term 4 2019

Welcome to the end of Term 4 and by definition, the end of the school year! We have achieved so much together in 2019, though admittedly a lot of the work focused on establishing the future vision of the school from 2020 onwards. Yes, I have to admit, as a Principal, a restless mind is both a strength and a weakness; no sooner is something completed and the next thing appears exciting already. Still, in education, there is little time for standing still.

This Term saw some exciting learning opportunities for all of our students beyond the classroom. The Grade 10 Outdoor Education class experienced the incredible location of KHS by riding out of our school grounds, venturing over the Wellington Ranges, back to the coast and finally catching a Pennicott boat to Kingston Beach, where they swam ashore to make their way back to school. Now, where on Earth could you do that in such a phenomenal environment? Thanks to Patrick Horan, Simon McKenzie, Rob Shaw, Jen Grubb and Mel Phillips for making it all possible. School triathlon and inter-school athletics also took their places in the sporting calendar for Term 4. Our Art students provided their skills to community art projects under the skilled eye of Mr Wanders. The whole school athletics carnival was a huge success with participation, inclusion and fun highlights of the two days, and records fell yet again. Mr Murgatroyd and his Physical Education Team made sure that organisation created a safe and dynamic event. The Cricket Gala Day saw some stellar performances too.

The Big Picture program once again showed that learning through student led inquiries is a powerful approach to engagement and learning outcomes for students. Students experienced the challenge and fulfilment of Internships and exhibitions. Next year we welcome two full classes, including some students in Year 11. Big Picture has now introduced the Architecture and Construction package of learning. Mr Horan is joining with Mr Prichard and Ms Murphy as a dynamic 2020 team.

The activities of Z Club (Zonta International) this term included the White Ribbon Walk and fund raising. Supported by Ms Phillips and Ms Kumar, Z Club provide a crucial social justice focus both locally and globally. The Solar Car Challenge extended our STEM capabilities with Mr Waddilove ensuring that we had a superb team representing the school in the challenge. Mrs Dobell’s catering class has produced beautiful food for both class and school events as well as excellent cake decorating.

Individual students also excelled this term in both academic and sporting fields. It was great to see so many students recognised in the Aspiration and Achievement Awards for the Department of Education this year. Elijah’s award winning essay for the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize is a stunning piece of academic writing, and a truly worthy piece of work. Toby was selected for a phenomenal experience with the Windeward Bound Youth Leadership Challenge. Our gymnasts once again prepared for competing at National and international level.

Throughout this year we have had a significant focus on wellbeing. It has been a huge investment of time, money and energy in lifting our professional understanding of adolescent wellbeing in schools. Every Tuesday after school our pod teams of staff investigated teaching for wellbeing. The whole of grade 9 participated in Youth Mental Health First Aid and we celebrated our community wellbeing through the wellbeing expo where community mental health providers contributed to our stalls and activities. Our school Zumba class was a highlight. There is much more we need to do in partnership with families on this topic.

In music, the performances have seen an extension of students’ talents on show, including the Term 4 Twilight Concert. Mr Salter’s team has been encouraging students to find their own music and extend themselves in front of an audience. What courage and great music was on display! We also welcome our new Grade 7’s and I want to thank the parents for the wonderful turnout at our Orientation Day. It is the beginning of a crucial partnership in the next phase of your child’s life. Mrs Bennell’s organisation and her team of junior school staff demonstrated the care and dedication they have for our newest students.

Our Grade 10 students have been selecting their pathways post-year 10. Visits to Hobart College, work place experiences and the introduction of our KHS sports pathways have all been investigated by our senior class. We wish them all the very best but we are really excited about our elite athletes joining us in 2020 for Grade 11. We may even have some surprise guests in our Athlete Development Program with Ms Nichols. A new classroom above the basketball courts will set the scene. Mr Shea has worked as project manager on the extension of our school to Year 11 /12 in 2020 in close partnership with Mr Scott Wade at the Kingborough Sports Centre.

Dr Libby Robinson
Principal

Kingston High School Association

Wow, what a year! I can't believe how quick that has gone.

With a number of the committee members being new parents to the school and new committee office bearers we have done really well in coming together so quickly and working on the business of the School Association.

Three small student grant applications were received and reviewed over the term. All three were approved and congratulations must go to the students for the quality of the written applications.

The last newsletter mentioned our application for a Tasmanian Community Fund grant. We have just received confirmation that unfortunately we weren't successful. Information provided from the Fund indicated that out of 240 applications received 196 were accepted for assessment, 53 funded in full and 18 partially funded. As can be seen it is a competitive process. The Association work to prepare the application won't be wasted as we will be looking for alternative funding sources and also considering re-submitting a new grant application when the time arises (which is encouraged by the Fund).

As the year draws to a close there are a number of activities to be considered as required by the School Association constitution.

The AGM is set for April 2 2020 where School and Association reports will be delivered. It is also a requirement that at least half of the committee member positions are offered for election. This is a great opportunity to get involved, although I hasten to say I'm not trying to dissuade the current committee members from standing for re-election!

Our next School Association Committee meeting is at 5.30 pm on Thursday March 5 in the Board room. All are welcome to attend.

Thank you to all of the committee and association members, both parents and staff, for your contribution and support throughout the year.

I look forward to working with you all in the new school year but until then have a safe and enjoyable break.

Scott Fairbrother
Chairperson Kingston High School Association

A Year 11-12 promotion

Do Years 11 and 12 your way

When you finish Years 11 and 12, anything can happen. If you are currently in Year 10, you will need to continue studying until you finish Year 12 (or meet a leaving requirement). Once you leave school, it can be tough out there. Most jobs today require you to complete Year 12 as a minimum and 91% of all new jobs will also require a VET or university qualification. That’s why there are now more ways than ever before to finish Years 11 and 12 your way.

You don’t need to finish school the old-fashioned way. There are courses and training programs available to suit everyone. Just ask your teachers, Year 10 or My Education Coordinator – who will be able to tell you about your options. There are so many more opportunities available to you when you complete Year 12.

Always remember if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, you’re not stuck. You can always shift focus and find the best options to suit you. To find out more, talk to your teachers or head to:

Do Years 11 and 12 your way

leif.shea@education.tas.gov.au

View our Kingston High School Aerial footage

A Pod

Has been a very busy, hardworking term for the students in A Pod. The year 9 students focused on earthquakes in Science, investigating data in Maths, interconnections in History and facts and opinions in English. They also participated in mental health workshops towards the end of the term. We congratulate the grade 9s on their hard work and wish them good luck in their final year at Kingston High.

The year 10 students put a lot of effort in this term to get prepared for their examinations. In between studies they had ballroom dancing lessons leading up to their celebration dinner. They finished off the term with many celebratory activities including beach and BBQ outings. We wish them all the best and congratulate students on their effort over the last 4 years.

Thank you to the wonderful A pod staff for a successful year and for their support of all our learners.

B Pod

Grade 9 Camp Melbourne Arts Camp

The popular Melbourne Arts Camp undertook its third year of running. For a start, students love the experience of being in a lively big city. Throw in a whirlwind of live musicals (Jersey Boys), major exhibitions (Escher), live Shakespeare plays (Romeo and Juliet, performed in Runnymede, a historic house and garden), and a personal tour of the subversive and vibrant graffiti scene, students certainly had their fill of art!

My Education

This year Kingston High School has continued its tradition of delivering quality education and offering students a wide range of events in order to inform their choice of a future career pathway.

Our partnership with the Beacon Foundation continued to deliver career support through local connections. This helps students decide what career path they should take, at the same time it gives them the opportunity to discover and explore their interests and passion and use these as a tool to become productive individuals.

MyRoad Career Mentoring

Grade 10 girls participated in the MyRoad career mentoring which was organised through the Beacon Foundation. Students were encouraged to think about their career aspirations and the personal qualities they bring to the workplace. They get a glimpse of the work environments and conditions straight from experienced mentors.

Building Experiences

Kingston High School expanded its relationship with a number of programs aimed at training students for careers in the building industry. These included programs with The Australian Master Builders Association, The Building Futures Program, and work experience at Vos Construction and Fairbrothers.

Australian School Based Apprenticeships

Kingston High School increased the number of students undertaking this program, with students in the cooking and retail industries.

Forestry Education Program

A number of students participated in workshops in this industry and many took up the opportunity to attend day excursions to visit various parts of the industry, from seed collecting, to propagation, to logging coupes.

Hospitality Opportunities

A range of students attended workshops at Drysdale House and Wrest Point, where they gained insight into the huge range of opportunities offered in this industry today.

There were many other opportunities that engaged the students; from being allowed to climb on a military vehicle, trips on the tall Ship Windeward Bound, attending the Working on Water program and participating in the AI Challenge and the Big Day In.

There were many more programs offered and it was terrific to see so many students take up these opportunities.

Big Picture

The Big Picture program offers individualised learning to all its students and what a range of opportunities students engaged in!

Students followed their passions and this led to such diverse experiences as working in a mine, preparing for a ball at government house, working with a surfboard maker, attending multi-day culture and art experiences, interviewing computer game designers, working in the building industry, developing skills in the food industry and being involved in multi-day defence industry experiences.

Part of the program includes working with adult mentors, as well as presenting work to parents, peers and teachers. It is very rewarding as an educator to see students grow in confidence and ability. This is a program where students develop an understanding of the world outside of school and consequently grow in confidence and maturity.

C Pod

It has been a great year in C Pod – the fish are still alive! Our lockers are clean after numerous moves from one side of the Pod to the other. Thanks to the C Pod staff, Mrs Stanford, Mr Bowers, Ms Geason, Mr Mislov, Mr Horan, Mr Burdick & Ms Aitken for their care and support of students through the year. We wish our Grade 10s all the best for next year. Have a great holiday and may all our learner drivers stay safe on the roads.

D Pod

Hi, I’m Bonnie, and I am a Junior Leader/Representative from D Pod.

This year has been very productive for our Pod.

Every week, we have a pod assembly. This is when we share our ‘specks of gold’, which are the main focuses of the assemblies. All the teachers and one student from every class always has one bit of appreciation and gratitude to share with the pod. It’s always fun and interesting to see who and what people are grateful for.

In English (this term), Grade 8s have been designing an ad campaign for chocolate bars. Grade 7s worked on poetry. Thank you to our amazing English teachers, Mrs Hall, Mrs Bennell and Mrs Grubb for a marvellous year and great teaching. Where would we be if not for you?

This term, both grades worked on an integrated inquiry (Science and HASS together). Our big question: How do we know what we know about the Solar System? We created astronomical timelines, answering both scientific and historical/social questions. This year HASS and Science have been one of my personal favourite subjects and I hope to have just as good teachers for these subjects in the future. Thank you to Mrs Hall and Mrs Grubb (again!) and to Ms Payne and Ms Windle. You have taught me so much this year and I’m so grateful for that.

Thank you, D pod for a wonderful year and a great first two years into High School. I look forward to seeing everyone in 8D and my Junior School teachers around the school in the future.

Kingston High School Breakfast Club

Thanks to our Parent and Community families for donating items to the Breakfast Club which is much appreciated by students and staff on Monday and Friday mornings.

E Pod

In E Pod this year we have had a busy year full of learning and meeting new people.

With each new term we have started a new inquiry, exploring many topics and questions. In term one we had to answer the question, “What is the Value of Water?” We each chose a topic based on this, such as aquaculture, hydroelectricity, and access to clean water in third world countries. Many other interesting topics were also chosen.

In term 2 we asked ourselves, ‘How do we paint a picture of the past?’ For grade 7s this included researching a History Mystery from around the world such as The Great Stone Spheres of Costa Rica, The Baghdad Battery or The Plain of Jars. We had to analyse primary sources to find a theory about how the item or items that we chose were used.

Grade 8s were challenged to look at the format of Horrible Histories, and mimic that in a report or video of their own based on a certain topic or time period. Topics that were focused on include the Great Plague, Ghengis Khan and the Vikings.

While learning about primary sources and how to analyse them, we went on an excursion to the John Elliot Classics Museum at the University and learnt about Ancient Roman lifestyles and looked at lots of amazing and surprising artefacts.

The Let’s Get Together program in term 3 had us challenging stereotypes in society and trying to make a positive change in our school community. We were put into groups chosen by our teachers so that we could learn how to work with new people and manage and regulate our emotions. Groups tackled issues like negative self-image, Guide Dog etiquette, Racism and Religious Discrimination. We all worked towards Action Day, where we presented our research and action plan to members of the community.

Our final inquiry for the year asks us, “How do we know what we know about the solar system?” For part of this inquiry we are making a timeline on sutori.com. We are looking at how the understanding of astronomy has developed over time, from the Australian First Peoples and the Ancient Greeks, through the Scientific Revolution and to the Modern era.

In English the grade 7s enjoyed a novel study on the book Parvana by Deborah Ellis. The book focuses on ethical issues in Afghanistan under the rule of the Taliban and gender inequality. We looked at how to develop a sense of empathy for the characters and looking at the language the author used and inferring why she chose certain processes and noun groups. We also looked at the idea of juxtaposing, and how we can use it in our own writing.

Throughout the year we have all enjoyed House Day. Students enjoyed many activities such as a MasterChef Challenge, Ten-pin bowling, Golf, Bushwalking, Circus Skills, Mountain biking and many more. We have also had sports carnivals, such as the Surf Carnival, Athletics Carnivals, and the Cross Country Carnival.

Congratulations to all students in E Pod this year. We did it! To our grade 8s, we wish you all well for your transition to the senior school, and to the grade 7s, we have completed our first year at high school, and have three years ahead of us.

Let’s all make the most of our high school experience. If we take away a lesson from this year, let it be this:

Everyone you meet deserves the same as you. In the Let’s Get Together Program we looked at equality, and moving towards a Fairer World. Make this something you take with you so that YOU can make a difference.

Ruby and Hannah Eddleston

F Pod

It has been another busy and enjoyable term in F Pod with many students charging to the end of the year with a sense of purpose. We have studied a vast array of interesting topics with Inquiry being a main focus. The Inquiry this term has been ‘How do we know what we know about the solar system?’ In Science, we studied predictable phenomena, looking at moon phases, tides, exploring various indigenous perspectives and getting creative by making constellations. In HASS, we studied the history of Astronomy and worked on creating detailed and intricate timelines to represent our learning.

Poetry was the focus for English this term and it was wonderful to see so many students explore their creative side and write Haiku, Tanka, Alliteration and Cinquain poems. A special mention to those students who were brave and entered their poems in the annual KHS poetry competition. The grade 8s focused on advertising and enjoyed working on an advertising competition to promote a new chocolate bar. In maths, students learnt about data analysis, probability and the chance of games, including a robust game of ‘greedy pig.’

We would like to wish all F Pod students and staff a wonderful and relaxing holiday. Good luck to the grade 8s on their journey up the ‘learning street’ to the senior school and a restful break to our grade 7s. We look forward to welcoming our new grade 7 students into F Pod next year and can’t wait for another fun filled year of learning, opportunity and success.

Poetry

Kingston High School Poetry Competition

This year, we received a selection of wonderfully emotive poems including, for the first time, entrants from Year 6 students from our feeder primary schools. Congratulations to all who entered.

Grade 8 and Overall Winner: Oscar Wadsley

I’ll put it in my box of deepest fears
Forgotten dreams
My dearest dears;
I’ll put in my box a fallen star,
My hope and wonders
From near and far;
I’ll put in my box a summer’s day
My oldest friends,
With whom I’ll play;
I’ll put in my box the sun and the sky,
And secrets I’ll treasure,
‘till the day that I die;
For my box is hewn form the strongest of woods
But strength can be used for bad or for good;
For my box is one without a key,
That all can open,
But none can see;
My box is fashioned of love and pain
A nightmare’s kiss,
A dragon’s bane;
It will follow me always,
From the end to the start,
For this is my secret:
My box is my heart.

Grade 6 Winner: Sean Coulson – Kingston Primary School

Screaming
Shouting
In change rooms
Emerge
Howling wind
Harsh chilling rain
Siren wails
Bright yellow ball
Collision
Oozy, ice cold, dark mud
Get up
Run and run
Howling wind slaps my face
Siren wails
Game over
Victory
Home
Hot shower

Grade 7 Winner: Hannah Eddleston

An old woman is kind, warm and bright
She provides a soft light in the darkness
A gentle light to guide the way,
Comforting us as it glows.

Given time her light will waver,
But it will come right back and shine,
A gentle light to show the way,
To burn brighter whilst it’s able.

The light burns bright until the day,
When there is nothing left to burn,
But still, the comfort that it gave
Reminds us where to go.

Grade 9 Winner: Isabella Hippel

A Bird Set Free

Gnarled legs losing grip
Soft touches of warbling
Iron bars draining life,
Eyes becoming duller
The thread of life so thin, watching it slip
The key to freedom so close, a crow surfacing

She lies there still and silent,
Yet rejoicing in her new-found life
The absence of reliance
Drawing me in, losing myself in a sense of peace
She was never violent but now macilent
She was always mild but now causing strife
I move her head, an act of defiance
Her bright energy only now to cease
She is now, a bird set free.

NAPLAN

Congratulations to our Grade 7 & 9 students who were recognised for Aspiration and Achievement in NAPLAN. The certificates were presented by the Minister for Education and Training, the Honourable Jeremy Rockliff at New Town High School on Monday 4 November.

Congratulations on the outstanding achievements, and keep up the great work everyone!

School Health

Kingston High school celebrated our mentally strong community on Wednesday December 4. The event was a culmination of the huge work we have done this year to educate students and staff alike, on the value and importance of staying mentally strong. A cohort of staff and all grade 9 students have undertaken the Youth Mental Health First Aid training this term. Each year, 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness. Many people are not knowledgeable or confident to offer assistance. The mental health first aid program equips our school community with the skills and confidence to assist someone in need.

Our celebration day was a huge success. All students from grades 7 to 9 attended, along with our grade 6 students on their orientation day, accompanied by their parents.

Many community organisations supported us and ran activities. Representatives attended from:

Headspace, Kingborough Y space, Maranoa Heights community centre, Bravehearts, LegalAid, Kingborough Gym, Royal Guide dogs (therapy dogs), Holyoake, Rotary, Flinders Island aboriginal organisation, Pulse youth centre, Cancer Council, Life without Barriers, Anglicare and Speak up Stay ChatTy.

After lunch students participated in a dance session run by local fitness instructor Sheree King – bringing students together in movement, music, friendship and laughter.

Bec Osborn School Nurse

Equity

While we prepared for our activities for International Day of People with a Disability we reflected on all the amazing things our students had achieved this year. The students have helped us put it into a video to share.

Robotics

Tasmanian Model Solar Car Challenge - Saturday November 2

Congratulations to the Solar Car Challenge Team of 2019.

In term 4, students have been working on constructing a solar car to compete in the Tasmanian Model Solar Car Challenge. The event was held at Clarence High School,

These 7 souls braved the weather to compete in the Tasmanian Model Solar Car Challenge. Overall Kingston High School had 6 teams of 3-4 students enter a vehicle. Unfortunately, a number of students could not make the weekend event but this did not take away from the amazing job they did of soldering, gluing, vacuum forming, cutting, gluing again, taping and assembling their cars into existence.

Low light conditions proved to be a great challenge on competition day and there were many modifications carried out minutes before races. After many hard fought races, one of our Kingston teams, Thermopolis, managed to qualify for the National Model Solar Car Championship.

Students involved should be very proud of their achievement in building, testing and racing their solar cars.

Tasmanian Model Solar Car Challenge

The team Thermopolis was one of many from around the country racing their vehicle around the tracks at UTAS competing in the Australian-International Model Solar Car Challenge. A special congratulations to Team Thermopolis members, Seb G, Ruben W, Josh G and Jack S.

The Solar Car Challenge was challenging due to the cloudy day, however Seb's comment "On the downhills we're fast, uphills we're really slow, but all in all we've had so much fun".

Japanese

Japan Tour 2020

Planning for the Japan Tour in 2020 is well underway, with students from Kingston High School and Taroona High School joining forces to make this exciting adventure possible. At the end of term 3 next year 24 students will set off to Japan for two weeks. They will visit Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Yaizu City and Tokyo whilst taking in famous sites and landmarks. Some highlights for the trip will be visiting the Golden Temple in Kyoto, the Peace Park and Museum in Hiroshima, Studio Ghibli in Tokyo and exploring the many wonders of Miyajima Island including the famous Itsukushima Shrine and interacting with the ever endearing local wildlife, deer!

The next few months will fly by and we look forward to jetting off on this amazing adventure. Once again, thank you to all parents/carers and families who support their children in these endeavours and make it possible for our young people to have such life changing experiences.

Kate McCarthy

Music

Kingston High School Twilight Concert

Students celebrated musical achievements and personal choice pieces in the November Twilight Concert. The Hobart College Stage Band opened the evening with some bright numbers which included many post Kingston High School students. A wide array of contrasting songs entertained the audience, from solo acoustic/vocal pieces from Bonnie Pedersen to heavy rocking hits led by Jack Scarborough. Gabriel Gill and Brendon Sims wowed the crowd with very high standards and hugely emotive pieces, while the ensemble ‘Watch Your Words’ showed people how to rock and Jacob Wallace nailed a detailed Metal piece on the drums.

In early December, the combined Kingston High School bands toured local primary schools. A rich cross section of styles demonstrated our hard work over the year as renditions of Bohemian Rhapsody, Shallow and You’re Welcome were performed to many future Kingston High students. Mr Simon Cawthorn led grade 1 students to wave the conductor stick resulting in sixty instruments blasting the room.

We would like to thank Simon Cawthorn, Sara Mason, Emma Gregory, Tom Robb and Jamie Pregnell for their patience and expertise this year. The final weeks have been a celebration of personal and group achievements that made the classes seem secondary to personal interest and enjoyment.

Drama

Kingston High showcased this year’s production titled Popstars! The 90’s musical presented a battle between boyband vs girl band, fighting to win the state talent show and gain fame. The musical was presented with enthralling songs from mega-artists such as Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, MC Hammer and more. With many hilarious references and one-liners that left you gasping for oxygen, it was a show you definitely did not want to miss.

The experience was a great learning opportunity for us as we learnt the real definition of patience when the world seemed to be falling apart. Learning new lines weeks before the show, whilst blocking new scenes were all part of this learning curve (though a stressful one!). The stressful moments were fortunately outweighed by the positive instances. Fun and laughter filled the auditorium as we learnt to sing to the music with the illustrious Mr Salter, act to the best of our abilities, and dance thanks to our great choreographer Taylor. It was a blast and really created a great energy on stage, especially when the teachers would join in the sing-alongs and tongue twisters.

Mr Bowers’ very intriguing teaching method and Mr Mislov’s guidance always seemed to surprise us, especially when we would appear to be insane to the outside world. One of Mr Bowers’ teachings saw us running whilst singing on the netball courts which was perplexing to us (and passers-by). It wasn’t just torturous fun for the teachers though, as it taught us to understand how to properly breathe during singing, project our voices, and articulate our words correctly. Both our teachers believed in us, pushing each student to do their very best on stage, even when times got tough.

The colourfully detailed set caught the eye of all guests that entered the theatre. Ebony Steele, Emma Spurr and I took it upon ourselves to create a backdrop that did the 90’s justice. Numerous after school sessions and weekends (shout-out to parents, Bowers and Mislov for sacrificing time) spent working on it, allowed us to have a set that we believe matched the enthusiasm of the actors on stage.

Combining the stage direction and creative vision from our amazingly talented director, Mr Bowers, the wise words of encouragement and advice from Mr Mislov, along with the utmost professionalism from Mr Salter, we pulled together a fantastic show.

One we certainly won’t ever forget.

Dakota Kingston

Z Club

Throughout this year our illustrious Zonta Club have been working harder behind the scenes than Santa’s Elves on Christmas Eve to recruit, fundraise and support both local and international causes.

Alongside members of non-profit organisation COTA Tasmania, students raised their voices and sang along the streets of Hobart in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in June. The efforts of our students were recognised by the honourable Governor Kate Warner and the team were invited to a morning tea at Government House in late October.

Close to our hearts as young and active citizens of Kingston High School is supporting White Ribbon Australia. With student-made posters and a bedazzling collection of high heels, members of Z Club and the greater student body stumbled, strutted and stomped their way through Hobart with messages of support for survivors of domestic violence.

Some of our other projects have included fundraising bake sales and barbeques, assembling birthing kits for women in developing countries and donating to the Share the Dignity drive. Next year, the junior-led Z Club are planning to expand our work further to the local community and sustainability groups.

Z Club are all about empowering women, girls and those who often go without a voice through continued advocacy and support. This is all made possible by our fantastic student body, led by current President Amelie Hudspeth and support by teachers Mel Phillips, Rachel Kumar and Marcus Bremner. Our new leaders have been announced, and we’re all excited to see what the new year brings Z-Club. All are welcome and encouraged to join us in the future.

Z Club at Government House & COTA walk

In conjunction with Mental Health Week, members of Kingston High Z-Club were invited to participate in a forum ‘The Power of Your Words’. The session was held at Ogilvie High School and included drama, a guest speaker, and a Q&A session. The session allowed the future leaders of our schools an opportunity to explore the affect our speech has on each other, our relationships and our wellbeing.

This is an amazing opportunity for our students and an acknowledgement of the commitment they have demonstrated to supporting the causes of those in our wider community.

New members are welcome to join Z-Club please contact Mel Phillips if you are interested mel.phillips@education.tas.gov.au

History

Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize 2019 competition winner

Congratulations to Elijah 9B1 who is one of the six prize recipients of The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize 2019 competition.

The winners travel to Belgium and France for approximately 10 nights, incorporating ANZAC Day 2020 at Villers Bretonneux!

Elijah was presented with a plaque from RSL Tasmania which remains at Kingston High until next year's prize winner is announced.

The presentation of awards was held on Friday 1.11.19 at Ulverstone Secondary College by The Minister for Veteran Affairs, Hon. Guy Barnett.

Elijah Hughes winner of Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize 2019

Grade 9 Catering

The Grade 9 Catering class have been busy making novelty cakes and as a way of displaying their talents and efforts, the cakes were on display in the staff room. Staff were asked to participate in the People’s Choice competition to decide which cakes were most deserving of a prize, the students have been very involved in this activity and made some AMAZING cakes!

Remembrance Day

Armistice Day was recognised on November 11. We gathered as a whole school to recall the tragic loss of lives and the terrible impact of war. A minutes silence was held in recognition of the sacrifices made.

Senior leaders Alice, Emma, James and Gabby represented Kingston High School at the Kingston Beach Remembrance Day Service.

HPE

Health and Physical Education at KHS has been one for the ages this year with new events, new additions to the team, and more twists and turns than a young Shane Warne flipper. Working like a well-oiled machine, the HPE team is extremely happy with what has been achieved this year at the school.

If there are three things to be sure of in this world, it’s death, taxes, and a vast amount of school-based activities within the HPE department. The pivotal four events (Beach Day, Athletics Carnival, House Day & Cross-country) were incredibly successful, yielding record numbers of participation. A surplus of inter-school carnivals and events fitted between the main four, giving every opportunity to showcase the talent Kingston High’s athletes have to offer. The Mud-run, Swimming Carnival, 3-on-3 Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Cricket Carnival, Mental Health Expo and Football Gala day were some notable events that KHS participated in to round out the decade.

To provide some extra learning, the HPE department created a Staff vs Students sports tournament in order to teach the students a lesson in being graceful in defeat. The tournament consisted of 3 sports: Netball, Soccer, and Basketball. A wide range of staff and students from all areas of the school participated in the event, all seeking the ultimate prize of bragging rights. Unfortunately, it was the staff that received a slice of humble pie, as the students proved too strong and came out as the overall champions. Staff would like to think that this was because they had been taught too well, instead of the more likely scenario that staff are athletically on the decline. Despite the devastating upset, it was a great event with all benefiting from the experience.

2019 has provided some exciting experiences for students and the HPE team, which is guaranteed to roll onto the 2020 school year. The team would like to thank all who have helped and participated, and look forward to a new decade where students do not enter the class singing ‘Old Town Road’ and ‘Anaconda’.

Athletics Carnival

Outdoor Ed in 2019

Adventures abound this year with students in both senior grades enjoying everything that our local area has to offer! The 9’s focused on mountain biking and kayaking, whilst the 10’s having a full year course really delved into their climbing and camps program. Camp adventures included the Tasman Adventure activities camp, Mt Field Snow camp and the Final Expedition which saw the group traverse the Wellington Ranges from Kingston to Cygnet. Big thanks to Mr Horan and Mr McKenzie for the year of Outdoor Education and looking forward to 2020 with more classes in the senior school and an increased focus in the junior school.

Inter School Cricket Gala Days

Junior and Senior students competed in the cricket gala day series which ran over consecutive Tuesdays in November. Cricket Tasmania officials ran a limited overs event for our 7/8 and 9/10 Boys teams. The junior team played at Wentworth Park, Bellerive. The senior team played against Huonville at Sherburd Oval, Blackmans Bay.

Girls Cricket Gala Day & WBBL Game

As part of the Cricket Clinics run by Cricket Tas on Tuesday mornings the girls were invited to participate in a Cricket Gala Day to play against other schools and then watch the WBBL game Hurricanes and the Adelaide Strikers at Blundstone Arena on Saturday 23 November.

Thanks to Cricket Tasmania who provided transport by bus and free entry to the WBBL game for each student and one parent.

Redbanks Schools Mud Run

This years’ Mud Run held at Redbanks, Nugent was on Friday 18 October and coincided with the second day of the schools Athletics Carnival. A bus load of enthusiastic students completed the

4km obstacle course which is a mixture of climbing and running and includes water challenges. Everyone had a great day!

Art

Congratulations to Dakota K (Gr 10) and Maddie D (Gr 7) who each won $500 first prize in the ‘Drawer up a seat’ competition run recently by the Kingborough Council. This competition was open to all high school students in the greater Kingborough area and had a junior and a senior section. Students were asked to come up with a design around the theme of ‘new discoveries in science’. Dakota and Maddie’s designs will be printed onto stools which have been made from recycled drawers from the old Kingston High School science lab. The stools will be used in the new Kingborough Community Hub.

Dakota and Maddie, Draw(er) up a seat winners

Young Archies

Students who participated in the 2019 Young Archies Awards were presented with certificates at the Award ceremony, held at UTAS School of Creative Arts and Media on 8 September 2019.

Congratulations again to all students who entered the 2019 Young Archies Awards.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to the following students who are recognised for their achievements and have represented the state in their chosen sport:

Amber French and Flynn Caro were chosen to represent Australia at the World Age Trampolining championships in Tokyo. This year Amber was the U17 Australian champion at both the Australian Nationals and National clubs competition. Flynn has had to overcome many injuries throughout the year, but a great performance at National Clubs saw him qualify for Worlds.

In Tokyo, Amber had a great first individual routine but unfortunately the second routine fell short. With her synchronised partner from Queensland, they performed really well and came 13th.

Flynn competed in individual trampoline, synchronised and double mini. He jumped brilliantly in the double mini, making the finals, and came 7th.

Both athletes were proud members of the Australian team.

In November, Hugh Clements travelled to Sydney for National Development Squad Training Camp for kayaking.

Toby Barret was selected as a mentor participant in the 2019 Youth Leadership aboard Windeward Bound. Supported by Rotary Tasmania in the 2019 Youth Leadership Challenge for Young Tasmanians and Young Refugees. The goal of the voyage is to expose our young Tasmanians to issues of the broader world.

Amalie Connor travelled to Melbourne competing at National Championships for cheerleading from 29 November to 4 December.

Isabella Hippell travelled to Perth for School Sports Australia Athletics Championships competing in Shot Put, Discus and Javelin.

Uniform News

Second Hand Uniform

Any unwanted uniform items can be donated to the Second Hand Shop. Money raised is used to assist struggling students and families.

Important Dates

Community Notices

Kingston Tennis Club

If you are looking for some activities in the holidays, why not try playing tennis at The Kingston Tennis Club located past the Kingborough Sports Centre? New members welcome.

Australian Navy Cadets

Australian Army Cadets intend to open a new unit in the New Year 2020 for further information follow the link on the flyer.