Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- Changes to reporting in 2022
- 2022 Levies
- Guest Speaker - Glenn Manton
- Year 7 Update
- Packages of Learning - Robot Man Returns
- Year 11 and 12 Update
- Covid-19 symptoms - What to look out for
- School Photo Catch-Up Day Rescheduled
- Oral Health - FSFVP
- Easter Raffle 2022
- Car Park Speed Limit Reminder
- Parklands Pop-Up Pantry
- Penguin District School Production 2022 - Rapunzel
- Slipstream Circus - School Holiday Program
- Communites Tasmania - Ticket to Play
- 2022 Tasmania Term Dates
- Burnie Rugby Union Club
- Come and Play Hockey
- Your Go-To Guide to Rapid Antigen Tests
- Do's and Don'ts of Mask Wearing
It is hard to believe that we are at the end of Week 8 with only two weeks left of the term. Our dynamic school environment continues to provide our students with diverse learning and growth opportunities. The staff at Parklands High School are excited to be learning and growing alongside our students. We continue to provide opportunities that support our students to take on responsibilities, contribute to our broader community and successfully transition into young adults. Over the past few weeks, the Student Leadership Group has been promoting ‘Relay for Life’. They have raised funds by organising a casual clothes day and activities. They also supported our school team’s participation in the relay on the weekend. Parklands had a great turn-out of students and staff throughout the weekend; all were walking, reflecting, and enjoying the event together. Thank you to Mr Hughes for coordinating our team and to our staff who encouraged our students and supported this great cause.
Staffing
We welcome back Mr Luke Hickman from leave following the birth of his daughter. We also have Mr Triffitt currently on leave for the arrival of his first child. Mrs Victoria Dean and Mr Ritchie Dona will cover Mr Triffitt’s classes for the remainder of the term.
Glenn Manton – Motivational Speaker
Last week, our Year 8 students had the opportunity to listen and work with Glenn Manton, an ex-Carlton football player and motivational speaker. Glenn engaged students in sharing stories and provoking conversation to support them to make connections within their lives. Students were challenged to extend their thinking and ability to self-reflect. We were fortunate to have Glenn for a second day to work with targeted groups of students, to support their engagement with school and work on goal setting and aspirations.
Student Safety Onsite
For the safety of our students, parents are asked to drop students off and pick them up at the designated area at the school entrance. We have observed an increase in the number of cars pulling up near the administration entrance or bus area, causing safety concerns. We also ask that if your child is riding or scootering to school that they wear an appropriate helmet and that the bike or scooter is parked in the bike rack outside the administration office. When visiting, we ask that you enter the school via the main entrance and sign in.
School Association
The School Association has deferred its Annual General Meeting until early Term 2 due to Covid. There is still an opportunity for nominations from parents and community members to join the association. If you would like to consider becoming a member, please contact the office.
Uniform
This is a reminder that students are expected to wear the correct school uniform to and from school. As the temperature cools, it is recommended you check if last year’s school jacket fits. If your child requires a new jacket, one can be purchased via the office. We do have a range of new and second-hand jackets available. During Term 2 and 3, students can wear a dark thermal top (navy or black) under their school shirt. We have also noticed an increase in the number of students wearing incorrect shorts, pants, and shoes. Below is our Dress Code policy listing the correct uniform. If you have any questions or concerns regarding uniform, please contact the school.
During this term we have been flexible with caps due to Covid and encouraging outdoor learning. However, we are asking that students only wear school caps or beanies when outside during the school day. These are available for purchase through the school office.
Magella Dudley
Principal
Changes to reporting in 2022
This year, you will notice some changes to reporting in Tasmanian Government Schools.
Firstly, you won’t see A-E reporting any more for Prep to Year 10 students.
Most families in Tasmanian Government Schools have told us that A-E reporting isn’t meaningful enough for them. So, the Department is introducing a new 9-point visual scale.
Along with the visual scale a worded description will be included to help you understand how your child is going against the expected standard for their year level. The 9-point scale will show more specifically where your child is at with their learning. This change won’t apply to students in Years 11 and 12.
The second main change you’ll see is that teachers will be communicating with you more regularly throughout the year, instead of providing written comments on reports.
This more regular communication might be through online communication, telephone calls, or face-to-face conversations.
By having more regular information about your child’s learning progress you’ll get a better understanding of how your child is going across the entire school year (not just twice a year).
What you should expect across the school year:
Term 1 |
Week 5-8 |
Communication focussing on application to learning Or conversation about learning plan goals with families and students |
Term 2 |
Week 6-9 |
Opportunity for a two or three-way conversation focussing on learning progress, application to learning and wellbeing and/or learning plan goals. |
Term 2 |
Week 10 |
Mid-year report of learning achievement |
Term 3 |
Weeks 6-9 |
Opportunity for a two or three-way conversation focussing on learning progress, application to learning and wellbeing and/or learning plan goals. |
Term 4 |
Week 9-10 |
End of year report of learning achievement |
Families will be supported to understand the new reporting requirements and the changes to mid and end of year report as they are implemented.
Watch the video introducing the changes: Changes to reporting in 2022
If you’d like to know more about why these changes are occurring, visit Review into Reporting to Families - The Department of Education Tasmania
Levies
Levy payments are now due.
If your circumstances have changed, or if you are experiencing financial difficulty or financial hardship, or if you are receiving an invoice for levies and you shouldn’t be, please contact the school’s Business Manager, Angela Townsend or angela.townsend@education.tas.gov.au
You may be eligible for the Student Assistance Scheme. If you are eligible and your application is approved, you will not need to pay any levies. An application form is available from the School Office or you can apply online.
Last week, we were lucky to have Glenn Manton visit our school. He travels the country inspiring, educating and entertaining audiences with his unique blend of humour, passion and integrity. Glenn spent some time with our Year 8 and ACE students, sharing stories about his life and some insights on being willing to take on new challenges by not being afraid to get out of your comfort zone. The students really enjoyed the experience and can now carry a lot of his messages into their future. Thanks, Glenn.
‘I loved it. His stories were so touching and interesting. It was also fun and he had so much to talk about and he was so open with his stories and past.’
‘I loved his talk. It was sad to see him go because it was fun to have someone who has been through so much and to be confident enough to talk about his life. He was overall a cool guy and I loved his stories.’
‘Glen is a very real person. He is honest and strives to be himself each day, like it is his last day.’
‘Talking to Glenn was very inspiring. He had so many stories to tell us and it was a really fun time. I’m very glad I got this opportunity and I hope I get to do something like this again.’
‘I had a fun time and Glenns storys always pulled you in.’
‘Glenn Manton was very inspirational to me.’
The Ultimate Team Challenge:
This term Year 7’s are involved in the ultimate team challenge. This is where students are placed in small teams with their Year 7 peers during pastoral care lessons and will need to use their character strengths and team building skills to complete a range of tasks (academic, athletic, creative and otherwise). Over the next few weeks, and into Term 2 students will be able to earn some points for their team through teamwork and completing set challenges. They will also be able to earn RAK points (random acts of kindness) when leadership skills, teamwork, and core values are demonstrated in other areas of the school. These points will be tallied up and awards/prizes will be given at our ultimate challenge next term.
What did this look like: we got placed into some different groups this week and we have to decide a team name for next pastoral care lesson. If you’re being good or doing helpful things you get RAK points (random acts of kindness) also. Some students have already begun receiving these.
Some other fun things that have been happening in our grade:
In drama we have been doing space jump: you get into a group of 5 and Miss Cordwell gives you a scene to act out for 30 seconds and when she says space jump you have to make up a scene based on the positions you were in. When space jump is called again we revert back to the original scene and this continues. It’s lots of fun.
It’s been fun in Music learning to play the guitar. Last week we started learning to play E minor and G cords, we also got to practice in groups which was fun and easy. I love guitar but I’m excited to learn to play drums later in the year.
In food and textiles we have been doing both cooking and sewing. My favourite food cooked so far has been the ANZAC biscuits. We have also been learning a blanket stitch when in sewing and are currently designing what we would like to sew onto our blankets. Some students have chosen to do an emoji and even a pineapple has made an appearance. I haven’t finished my design yet.
Lincon Woulleman (7D Captain) and Miss Devlin
Packages of Learning - Robot Man Returns
On the 24th of March, the Advanced Manufacturing classroom had a surprise visit from the one and only ‘Robot Man’. The Advanced Manufacturing class, alongside the Health and Community Service class, worked together as a team-building exercise to create robots of mass destruction. Allies were formed, and enemies were established amongst classmates for the battle to the death. Although customising our robots to destroy others was a thrilling experience, the feeling of watching multiple bots battle was extraordinary. Steve, the instructor, was extremely informative, and his commentary was hilarious. Georgia Blight’s Robot was left standing at the carnage's end, crowning Georgia the victor.
Robotman’s Battlebots was a super fun experience that I would absolutely recommend to others. You learn simple coding, how to build Lego robots, and battle to be victorious. I recommend 10/10 the Package of Learning class to those who wish for these experiences.
It has been a very positive start to the year for the Year 11 and 12 students at Parklands. This year, we currently have eighteen students enrolled in our VET Health Services Assistance III course. Seven of these students are returning for their second year to complete the full certificate. Students are fortunate to have the energy and experience of Hayley Wolstenholme and Jenny Garnsey as their VET coordinators, and training and assessment has commenced in complying with infection prevention and control, bed making, WH&S and first aid.
We also have a small group of students studying Year 11 and 12 at Parklands full time this year, studying Maths, English, Visual Art, Career and Life Planning and ICT. It’s been really pleasing to witness their level of engagement and commitment to the learning so far. We look forward to a productive and successful year.
Mr Leigh Crawford
Year 11 & 12 Coordinator
Covid-19 symptoms - What to look out for
COVID-19 symptoms to look out for
Thank you to our entire school community for your cooperation this term by practising COVID-safe behaviours.
As you know, an important COVID-safe behaviour is to stay at home if you’re unwell and get tested for COVID-19 using a rapid antigen test.
Public Health tells us that the number of cases of COVID-19 in children is low, and they’re likely to have milder symptoms.
It’s a good reminder to be mindful of the symptoms of COVID-19 in children. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in children are cough, fever, runny nose and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
For more information, please visit the Tasmanian Government Coronavirus website or contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738, or Department of Education COVID-19 Support Hotline at COVID19support@education.tas.gov.au or on 1800 816 057.
If you need support translating or interpreting this information, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
School Photo Catch-Up Day Rescheduled
Back Up Photo Day Announced
Tuesday 5th April 2022
For any students that were absent for our photo day on Tuesday 15th March.
Communites Tasmania - Ticket to Play
Ticket To Play Vouchers
Communities Tasmania - Ticket to Play
Information for parents/guardians/carers
To be eligible for a voucher, children must be:
- living in Tasmania;
- aged between 5 and 18 at the time of application; and
- listed on a valid Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card (either their own or their parent, guardian or carer’s) or be in Out of Home Care.
Eligible participants receive two vouchers worth up to $100 each. Vouchers can be used at two different activity providers, or both at one activity provider.
Important dates
Ticket to Play runs on a financial year.
Applications are open from 1 July 2021 to 5 pm on 30 May 2022.
Vouchers must be given to an Approved Activity Provider by Monday 6 June 2022.
How to apply for a Ticket to Play voucher
Voucher applications are online. To apply for a voucher click here.
For each application you will need:
Parent/carer details (name, address, contact details and Centrelink Customer Reference Number)
Participant details (name, date of birth, Centrelink Customer Reference Number)
After submitting your application, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your email address by clicking on a validation link. Once your email address is confirmed, you will receive your Ticket to Play voucher codes by email.
What are the vouchers?
Each Ticket to Play voucher is a unique code (eg 22- ABC-ABC1-ABC).
Find an Approved Activity Provider
Vouchers can only be used at Approved Activity Providers (organisations/clubs) who meet certain eligibility criteria.
To find a list of Approved Activity Providers click here.
How to use Ticket to Play vouchers
Give your voucher code(s) to an Approved Activity Provider when you register your child for membership. You will need to show your voucher code(s) and Health Care or Pension Concession Card. The Approved Activity Provider will reduce membership fees by up to $100 per voucher.
If the full membership fee is less than $100, vouchers can only be used for this amount. For example, if membership costs $80, one voucher will cover the whole amount. The remaining amount of $20 cannot be used at another provider.
If the membership fee is more than $100, you can choose to pay the rest out of pocket or use your second voucher. For example, if full membership costs $150, the voucher will cover $100 and you will pay $50 out of pocket or use the second voucher for $50.
If you are using two vouchers at one activity provider, the vouchers will cover membership fees up to $200. For example, if full membership costs $150, the vouchers will cover $150. If full membership costs $250, the vouchers will cover $200 and you will pay $50.
Contact us
Contact us at tickettoplay@communities.tas.gov.au or on 1800 252 476.
Frequently Asked Questions for parents/carers/guardians
What if my child turns 5 or 19 during the season?
Children must be aged between 5 and 18 at the time of application. A child is eligible to apply on the day they turn 5 and until the day before they turn 19.
If I am 18, do I need to enter parent/guardian/carer details?
No. If you are 18 at the time of application, you can enter your own details on both pages of the application form.
What if my child is not listed on an eligible Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card?
Your child must be listed on a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card to be eligible to apply.
Applicants who are in Out of Home Care and are not listed on an eligible card can apply for a voucher by contacting tickettoplay@communities.tas.gov.au or 1800 252 476.
Can I apply for vouchers for more than one child?
Yes. You can apply for vouchers for more than one child in one application form. Each child must be listed on a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card and their own unique Customer Reference Number (CRN) must be used in the application.
How much funding is available?
Two vouchers worth up to $100 each are available for each participant in the 2021-22 financial year.
How do I apply if I don’t have internet access?
You can access the internet for free at your local library and even book a time for a library volunteer to help you.
Your chosen activity provider may be able to help you to apply online.
Some community organisations such as the Salvation Army may be able to help you access the internet.
If you still can’t access the internet, please contact us on 1800 252 476.
What if I don’t have an email address?
You can sign up for an email account through free providers including Gmail, Yahoo Mail or Mail.com.
What if I have made a mistake in the application?
Contact us at tickettoplay@communities.tas.gov.au or on 1800 252 476.
What if I receive an error message when I try to apply?
Check that you have correctly completed all sections of the application form.
If you are still unable to complete the form, contact us at tickettoplay@communities.tas.gov.au or on 1800 252 476.
What if I don’t receive my vouchers?
If you do not receive an email asking you to confirm your email address after submitting the online application form, please check your junk and spam folders.
If you do not receive anything within 24 hours, please do not try applying again. Contact us at tickettoplay@communities.tas.gov.au or 1800 252 476.
What if I lose my voucher codes?
Contact us at tickettoplay@communities.tas.gov.au or on 1800 252 476.
What can the voucher be used for?
The vouchers can be used for membership fees with Approved Activity Providers including Sporting clubs, Learn to Swim centres, Scouts, Girl Guide and Cadet organisations.
To find a list of activity providers click here.
Vouchers cannot be used for:
- individual equipment items or uniforms
- court fees or match day fees
- gym membership or classes run by a private gym
- travel to and from activities
- programs that run for less than six weeks
- activities that are part of the school curriculum or school-run competitions, including weekend inter-school sport competitions or activities
Can I use the voucher for dance classes?
No. Dance is not recognised as a sport by Sport Australia. DanceSport is a recognised sport and the voucher may be used if the club is affiliated with DanceSport Australia and meets the Approved Activity Provider eligibility criteria.
What if my local club isn’t an Approved Activity Provider?
Clubs must be registered as Approved Activity Providers to redeem vouchers. Contact the club to see if they have considered registering as an activity provider.
What happens if my child changes their mind about joining a club?
Activity providers cannot refund vouchers that have already been redeemed.
You will need to contact the club your child has joined to notify them. If the voucher has not been redeemed, you may use it at another Approved Activity Provider.
Can I use a voucher more than once if the activity costs less than $100?
No. Vouchers are single use only. Any remaining amount is not redeemable for cash and cannot be used towards membership at another activity provider.
Can I use my vouchers towards club fees I have already paid?
No. You must use vouchers at the time of registration.
Who can I contact for help?
Contact us at tickettoplay@communities.tas.gov.au or 1800 252 476 for help.