Back to the 80’s... The Totally Awesome Musical! 

By Abbey Granger

This year a great number of the student body, and a fantastic team of staff, put together our school’s first production in four years; Back to the 80’s... The Totally Awesome Musical! and what an amazing show it was. Our talented team of performers, musicians, technicians and behind the scenes extraordinaires all came together to take the audience back almost four decades to William Ocean High School’s graduating class of 1989. The story followed Corey Palmer (portrayed by Alexei Dean) as he narrated the highs and lows of his Senior Year, starring a dorky young Corey (Sarah-Jane Dennis Browne). We were introduced to several interesting characters, all having unique and entertaining dynamics with one another. Throughout the show, our actors' talents were put on display, with a number of totally radical songs and dances being showcased. Looking back to the start of the year, the improvement shown from everyone is nothing short of phenomenal. Students have gone from quietly resting in their comfort zone, to giving incredible performances in a field that is new for so many. Behind the scenes, we were lucky enough to have an awesome team who put in such amazing effort to bring William Ocean High School to life; backdrops, banners, even a car and an aerobic magazine! Out of all 74 students involved, (cast, backstage, band, and behind the scenes) there is not one who has not done an incredible job. The talent, creative input and hard work from everyone has been astounding. The arts community here at Parklands is really something special, and this show was a true example of that. 

What Went Well for students during Production: 

‘All the friendships we have all made with each other who we probably thought we would never talk to, the confidence we have grown it takes a lot to stand up and act, sing, and dance in front of loads of people. We’ve grown a family and I’m so happy to say that. ❤’ -Kelcie Brydon, 8 

‘Making so many memories and experiencing so many new things with a bunch of people I've gone to school with for nearly three years but hadn't found the time to get to know them all. Making life-long friendships, memories and stretching my skills and personal growth had been massive achievements.’ -Gi’Annie Kingdon, 9 

‘This whole experience has just been truly amazing and I am so glad I am one of the 48 students that got to make this happen. I love all the relationships I’ve made through the production.’ -Teleeka Campbell, 9 

‘It was fantastic to see so many amazingly talented students come together to put on such a cool show. A very unique experience. ?' -Abbey Granger, 10 

‘The family we made along the way and the confidence we built.’ -Sarah-Jane Dennis-Browne, 10 

‘A what went well was keeping up the energy the whole week, while some of us were dying inside. By that I mean people were sick and still kept going.’ -Carole Self, 10 

‘Everyone's confidence grew so much and everyone made some new friendships that will last a lifetime.’ -Akira Foster, 10 

‘The entirety of the production was phenomenal. Being able to watch everything come together and seeing everyone's confidence grow, throughout all of the dancing, acting, band, backstage crew and all of the staff involved. I enjoyed the production experience and I especially loved being on stage in front of the booming crowds that we were lucky enough to perform in front of. I would like to thank everyone for this amazing experience, it is definitely one that I will never forget.’ -Maddie Lamprey, 9 

‘The energy from everyone each night was incredible. ♡’ -Tiffany Heald, 8 

‘Everybody was incredible in it with the energy never fading during the whole show and everybody supporting each other, it was the greatest experience I've had this whole year.’ -Noah Smith, 9 

‘What went well: the energy and support from everyone, and being able to make new friends throughout the show and rehearsals. It’s amazing to see the family we have created as well as the memories and laughs. ❤️’ -Kirralee Lowery, 10 

‘When the production crew had first met they were so shy with each other and didn’t know what to do, but the fact that by the end of the show all of the crew were just a big family who supported everyone through everything. lots of people had made friends for life. ’ -Ash Reider, 10 

‘The freezes where amazing people looked like statues and the energy was incredible.’-Danika Johnston, 9 

‘The energy that everyone brought to each performance. ' -Mio Wright, 10’ 

‘Everyone's love and support was incredible and so was the energy towards the dances and acting.’-Hannah Frankcombe, 9 

‘All of the energy and support from everyone in, around and backstage; you could always find someone smiling, dancing, singing and grooving out.’ -Izzy Riley, 9 

‘Everyone was so supportive and the energy was amazing the whole show went so well and you should all be proud!’ -Grace Bray, 9 

‘The whole show was incredible and I pity those who didn't get to see it.’ -Lauren Palmer, 9 

‘What went well- everyone's energy was super! All the vocals were absolutely brilliant well done to you all. The lead cast, I'm so impressed with you, you completely slayed. And I really enjoyed getting to know everyone and making new friends. I really enjoyed performing with you all.’ -Tayah Ollington, 9 

‘Everyone’s energy for each night was amazing and all the people checking up on everyone if they were not okay.’ -Maddison Connelly, 9 

‘I loved how everyone has become so close during the show, everyone did an amazing job with everything. I’m so proud of each and everyone of you. I think a massive ‘What Went Well’ was everyone's support!!!!!!’ -Ella Triffitt, 9 

‘The liveliness was extreme! everyone has so much talent its unreal, the energy and support from everyone was unforgettable. this production was a massive success and i am so proud of everyone!’ -Alyssa Morrisson-Cross, 9 

‘I loved the community and family we have created. We had the time of our lives prepping and performing for this fantastic production, and our hard work paid off. Thank you all for this experience, it was definitely one to remember. ‘ -Emma Clayton, 10 

‘Just all the acts and dances went smoothly and the transitioning from scene to scene was amazing. Kids in America and Time of Our Lives prom were the absolute best scenes/dances, they just lit up the stage and energy was amazing and the brownies at the end were good (Thanks Mr Wilcox). Oh and Abbey’s Centerfold solo. ??’ -Benita Leary, 9 

‘Backstage did really well and the drummer was okay I guess.’ -Lachie O’Rourke (Bassist), 9 

‘I absolutely loved the crowd’s energy every night, it was brilliant, especially how the crowd would react to the iconic line "I would like that" from Michael Feldman. Couldn't hear the bassist though.’ -Logan Rice (Drummer), 10 

‘The astronomically high level of maturity displayed by a group of high school kids is absolutely astonishing, the absolute quality of performance that has been displayed is very high, and I am proud of each and every one of the people that participated in any way, shape or form.’ -Russi Sturzaker, 8 

‘Being surrounded by human beings that were lovely and had the heart and mind that I love (some people need that in our school!) but I was so proud to watch my friends and teachers gain even more confidence than they already had! Well done everyone, LOVE YA!’ -Arliya Potts, 9 

‘There are too many things that went well to write them all, but everyone's progress throughout the year has been amazing. I hope you all find success in whatever you do after the production. ’-Alexei Dean, 9 

The Advanced Manufacturing class recently went on an excursion to TMEC and experienced the augmented reality welding simulators and virtual reality headsets. The welding simulators are useful for training techniques as they use limited resources with no waste. Students wore a mask that looked identical to a welding mask and positioned themselves to weld in the same fashion they would in real life. Through the headset, they could see a screen that showed their accuracy as they proceeded to weld and then a score of how well they completed it at the end. The simulators help with muscle memory to train welders on how to hold the welder for a perfect technique. The highest score was 96, and the lowest was under 20. So some of us have some practising to do!

Students were also surprised to hear of all the career opportunities within the minerals, manufacturing, and energy sectors right here in Tasmania.

Miss Wescombe

Packages of Learning (POL) Coordinator

Cows Create Careers in Year 8

Year 8 Aspire have had a busy term participating in the Cows Create Careers program. Their calves have taken to life out in their paddock, excitedly racing students to the calf shed every feeding time. Everyone has enjoyed raising calves and learning about careers associated with the dairy industry, while gaining hands-on skills in animal husbandry. We even had a visit from the local RSPCA inspector, who was unfamiliar with Dairy Australia’s program and appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand how it is benefiting students across the country. She was very impressed with the school’s calf-raising facilities and the fantastic condition the calves are in, thanks to the dedication of everyone involved.

Mr Dona recently sent off student entries, concluding the diligent effort Year 8 Aspire students have put into the activities provided by the Lite Milk program. During Week 2 of Term 4, these students will participate in an online presentation session – fingers crossed Parklands picks up another blue ribbon this year.

Keep an eye out for our four bovines next term as they ruminate on life at Parklands High.

Mr Hall

Izzy Riley

If you could tell a future student sonething about learning at Parklands what would it be?

It's ok to be nervous, it gets easier.

In my future I would like to be House Captain.

So I can help lead Tarapa to a win.

The best experience I have had in Grade 9 is ...

Having my best friends in my classes.

The thing I have enjoyed most at Parklands is …

Being able to spend time with my friends and having great teachers.

If I could change one thing about the world now it would be?

Make world peace, have less homelessness and find a cure for COVID-19.

To be the best you can be at Parklands as a student you need to ...

Have a go at everything, ask questions and know that is ok to be nervous and unsure about things.

Mullets for Mental Health Fundraiser

Mullets for Mental Health is a fundraising event hosted by Black Dog Institute each year. The focus of the fundraiser is to raise awareness and to try and end the stigma around talking about mental health. September is the nominated month for participants to cut in their mullets after growing them in the lead up to September. One of our Teacher Assistant’s, Micah, participated in the fundraiser this year and made the decision to raffle off the mullet. Students and staff could purchase a ticket to help support the fundraiser and they would go into the draw for a chance to shave off the mullet. 3 students and a staff member were drawn out to shave the mullet.

The fundraising total came to $281.70

Thank you to all those that supported the fundraiser.

Our Year 7 Literacy Class watched this three-minute video where Australians discussed their experience of racism, and then we thought about these questions:

What is your idea / definition of 'racism'?

Can you think of ways that people you know might behave in racist ways even though they may not be aware of it (UNCONSCIOUS BIAS)?

https://youtu.be/6-5ezuQmVm0

And the Winners Are..........

3rd Prize - Kayil Blundell

2nd Prize - Zena Hicks

1st Prize - Cindy Keep

Nambi Sales Now Open!

The Nambi can now be pre-ordered for $16.00 through the school Office. 

See our friendly Office Staff to pre-order your copy today.

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.

Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) (education.tas.gov.au)