Filter Content
- Assistant Principals Report
- Student Leadership Camp
- Kmart Wishing Tree 2022
- Student Leadership Group 2023
- Student Spotlight - Joey Walsh State Hockey Selection
- The HUB Round Up
- Year 10 Excursion - 10 Pin Bowling and Mini Golf
- End of Year Excursion - Year 10 Taste of the Northwest Coast
- End of Year Excursion - Year 9 Stanley and Blue Hills Honey
- End of Year Excursion - Year 7 Tasmazia
- Hive Summer Holiday Program
- Hive - December Schools Update
- Sora - Free eBooks, Audiobooks, Graphic Novels and more.......
- Vaping Fact Sheet
Dear Parklands Community,
With the end of our 64th school year at Parklands upon us, it is time for our final newsletter of the year. This gives us the opportunity to reflect on our achievements and thank those who have made this year such a success.
Thankyou – it can take a village to raise a child
Firstly, congratulations to all our students. Adolescence is as challenging as ever before and navigating a school year has several challenges. It has been pleasing to see our students display our school core values and continue to learn and grow. It was exciting to see many of our students being recognised for their efforts at our Presentation Assembly on Tuesday – a list of major award winners is below.
Last week many staff attended the Year 10 Celebration Dinner, marking the end of four fantastic years with our departing Year 10s. The students were a credit to the school community, and we thank the families of the leavers for supporting them to have such a wonderful evening. I would also like to thank the team of staff and students, led by Mr Allan Frankcombe, who made the night so memorable. This event is another example of staff going above and beyond normal duties for our students. Our community is lucky to have such a hardworking staff.
Whilst reflecting on the year, I hope our parents and caregivers create space to reflect on your efforts supporting your child this year. Every day at Parklands, we see parents and caregivers who love their children and want them to be successful. We understand that teenagers can bring a level of anxiety to adults as they grow up, and they are lucky to have your support.
A big shoutout must go to our School Association, which includes Belinda Young (Chairperson), Bill Johngschaap (Deputy Chairperson), Chris Swain (Secretary), Ivan Markota (member), Emma– Jo Hennessy (member) and Giovanna Simpson (member) who continually give up their time to support our school. For anyone thinking of joining the association in future years, I encourage you to do so. Working with this group of people is both purposeful, rewarding and fun.
School Improvement Summary
Schools of Parklands size have so many exciting things going on, so to make sure we are focussing on what matters most we identify school improvement priorities. Below I would like to share with you our progress towards our three improvement priorities:
Priority 1 – Literacy - A whole school commitment to developing student reading skills and confidence to participate successfully in lifelong learning
This year Parklands has made strong progress with Priority 1, achieving our best results for PAT – Reading since this process started in 2017. This achievement is due to our hardworking students and staff, the implementation of our school’s literacy program (Year 7 & 8) and teachers gaining confidence in implementing reading comprehension strategies into their teaching. We have set a really strong foundation for this work to continue in 2023.
Priority 2 - Access, engagement, and achievement for all students - A tiered approach to learning that monitors and supports all students to access, participate, engage
This year we achieved great success towards Priority 2, wirh the number of students achieving their individual learning plan goals for Literacy, Numeracy and Personal and Social Learning increasing by over 20% compared to 2021. Further to this, the number of students whose behaviour required disciplinary follow up in the form of a suspension decreased. This is evidence that our tiered approach to learning through offering a range of Alternate Learning Programs is supporting all students to access learning and achieve.
Priority 3 Academic rigour and differentiation for all students - A culture of high-functioning PLCs to support student learning and promote academic rigour using evidence-based pedagogy, differentiation, and data literacy
Pleasingly, we can share that the percentage of students achieving a C rating or higher in core subjects has increased this year. We believe a big factor contributing to this is the way our staff learn together and collaborate. This has been a big learning journey for everyone this year, reshaping the ways we learn and plan our teaching together. A quote I have stumbled across from Richard Bath illustrates this: “I’ve yet to see a school where the learning curves…of the adults were steep upward and those of the students were not. Teachers and students go hand in hand as learners – or they don’t go at all.”
2023 Staffing update
Schools are dynamic places. To add to the previous newsletter that acknowledged staff who were leaving (Mr Jon Lewis, Mrs Heidi Kerr and Mr Coen Smit), we also need to farewell some more fantastic staff members who have given our school community so much.
Andrew Sushames
Andrew joined out teaching team in February 2019, teaching in the catering and hospitality area for the past four years. Andrew has been a highly dedicated teacher working with students to achieve their best. Over the four years, Andrew has also been teaching at Hellyer college and will be returning there in a full-time capacity. We wish Andrew all the best.
Jaz Johnson
Jaz has been a highly valued member of our Teacher Assistant support term. Jaz had built positive relationships with the students she has worked with. Jaz has supported students in our support programs through providing a diverse range of learning opportunities both within the classroom and via our Alternate Learning Programs. We would like to thank Jaz for her time with us and wish her all the best for the future.
Ritchie Dona
Ritchie began the year as a Teacher Assistant before moving into the role of Teacher. His flexibility and capacity to step in where and when needed demonstrate his high level of professionalism. Ritchie displayed a positive and encouraging approach to his teaching, challenging students to become critical and creative thinkers. We wish Ritchie all the best as he embarks on his teaching career.
Welcoming new staff
We are very happy to announce that next year Mrs Jo Stirat and Ms Courtney Millerwill be joining the Parklands High School Team. At the beginning of next year, we will share the roles of Jo and Courtney
Holiday message,
As families now embark on some long overdue family time, we ask that you make the most of the holidays together. Look out for each other, students help out with the housework, make time for your friends, be outside and enjoy the weather – but do it all safely. Rest up and recharge for a huge 2023.
List of Major Award Winners
Year Group |
Award |
Award Winner |
7 |
Academic Achievement |
Isabella Black |
Best All Rounder |
Isabelle Scott |
|
Citizenship |
Rhune Nichols |
|
Endeavour Award |
Ashlee Collins |
|
Excellence in Attendance |
Reign Puracen |
|
Certificate of Achievement in the Arts |
Reign Puracen |
|
Certificate of Achievement in Sciences |
Charlie Schuman |
|
8 |
Academic Achievement |
Asha Chappell |
Best All Rounder |
Russi Sturzaker |
|
Citizenship |
Samantha Chilcott |
|
Endeavour Award |
Asha Chappell |
|
Excellence in Attendance |
Layla Wilson |
|
Certificate of Achievement in the Arts |
Keshana Opatha |
|
Certificate of Achievement in Sciences |
Ryan Rieder |
|
9 |
Academic Achievement |
Alexie Dean |
Best All Rounder |
Maddie Lamprey |
|
Citizenship |
Gi’Annie Kingdon |
|
Endeavour Award |
Noah Smith |
|
Excellence in Attendance |
Danika Johnston |
|
Certificate of Achievement in the Arts |
Oktober Goss |
|
Certificate of Achievement in Sciences |
Madeleine Constable |
|
DI Bartley Award |
Danika Johnstone |
|
Ron Chequer Memorial Award |
Gi”Annie Kingdon |
|
10 |
Best All Rounder |
Ava Crawford |
Excellence in Attendance |
Ryan Smith |
|
Certificate of Achievement in the Arts |
Abby Sharman |
|
Certificate of Achievement in Sciences |
Regan Dobson |
|
Excellence in Sport |
Mitchell Burley |
|
Mavis Tregurtha Memorial |
Sarah – Jane Dennis - Browne |
|
Joy Coton Memorial |
Emma Clayton |
|
Excellence in leadership |
Taleah Smith |
|
Community Leadership |
Abbey Granger |
|
Respectful Student |
Carole Self |
|
Future Innovators |
Ryan Smith |
|
ADF Long Tan |
Abbey Granger |
|
Most Improved |
Piper Leslie |
|
Liz Gergely Arts |
Sarah – Jane Dennis - Browne |
|
Kevin Breaden Memorial |
Travis Newdick |
|
Olympic Change Maker Award |
Mitchell Burley |
|
Vincent Thorn VET |
Jack Medley |
|
Cradle Coast Academic Encouragement |
Isabella Last and Jackson Young |
|
Dux of Parklands High School |
Regan Dobson |
Sam Wells
Assistant Principal
Student Leadership Camp
On Monday 12 and Tuesday 13, December students from this year’s and next year’s leadership groups ventured to Narawntapu National Park for a two day camp. Upon arrival, staff and students set up camp at the Horseyards Campground. Once Jack Gardam had approved everyone’s set up, the group set of on a hike; tackling Archer’s Knob. During the hike, students were tasked with a house A-Z challenge in which they would earn points if the other houses did not have the same responses. Throughout the walk, Deegan Emmerton formed a close relationship with the local birds and Miss Williams set a cracking pace. Once we arrived at the summit, students shared their fun facts from their lolly wrappers and Arliya Potts unfortunately injured herself whilst taking in the view, making for a steady walk back. On the return, we travelled along Bakers Beach. Abbey Granger and Russi Sturzaker were searching for the illusive purple clam and Brad Smith dragged a massive piece of seaweed for 2km.
Once we returned to camp, Ryan Smith enjoyed the company of the local wallabies, Sebastian Jongschaap put on a croquet masterclass whilst others played a series of backyard sports and relaxed before the evening activities. During the evening, students cooked dinner, went to the beach, played some games to get to know each other, toasted marshmallows and played a few rounds of spotlight. Deegan’s grey on grey outfit certainly made him easy to find, whereas Ryan’s full black made him the pro.
With the forecast of rain on Tuesday morning, students packed their tents up and took part in some more get to know you activities. Ella Dummett, Teleeka Campbell and Gi’Annie Kingdon showed their acting prowess during a competitive range of charades. The bus arrived just as the rain start to set in and students ventured back to school. Upon our return, students spoke strongly about how much they enjoyed getting to know everyone and next year’s team are really excited to work together.
Kmart Wishing Tree
On December 8, the Student Leadership Group organised a Christmas Fun Day. The school community were invited to wear their best Christmas attire for a gold coin. At recess, some brace staff stepped up for a sponge throw. Micah was once again a popular target, but it was Dylan who had the buckets tipped over his head thanks to Zander Brown rallying $20 from the student body. At lunch, our regular BBQ was a hit and overall for the day we raised $397.50. This money was spent at Kmart, and paired with a collection of donations, we donated two trolleys of presents for those in need.
A big thank you goes out to the Parklands community for their support.
Parklands High School would like to take this oppourtunity to introuduce our Student Leadership Group for 2023
Russi Sturzaker
Gi'Annie Kingdon
Sebastian Jongschaap
Benita Leary
Jack Gardam
Izzy Riley
Brad Smith
Jack Gillam
Deegan Emmerton
Ella Dummett
Isabella Wilson
Asha Chappell
Teleeka Campbell
Piper Wickham
Danika Johnston
Keshana Opatha
Student Spotlight - Joey Walsh State Hockey Selection
Under 15 Boys Tasmania State Hokey Selection
Hi my name is Joey Walsh, I have been selected to represent Tasmania in Under 15 Boys State Hockey Tournamen. The team will travel to Darwin in April for 9 days where we will play against many other State teams. We have been told it will be very hot, but fortunatley where we are staying has a pool to help cool us down. I have been playing hockey since I was in Grade One and now play for the South Burnie Hawks which are a great team, very supportive and have helped me hone my skills in preperation for the upcoming Tournament. Going to Darwin and representing my State will be a new and exciting experience and I can’t wait.
Joey Walsh
Year 8 Student
What an incredibly busy term this has been. With so many memories to choose from, we selected a few to share:
- The slo-mo Star Wars enactments (thanks to Rhenn, Nic , Tye and Ainslie)
- The sunburn from carnival
- The many, many chats in the office comfy chair
- 7, 230, 455 toasted sandwiches
- The three amigos giggling in the corner (Wade, Jacob & Maverick)
- Fundraising for the Burnie Dog’s Home
- The senior’s multiple trips around Burnie (including a ride in a fire engine).
- 45 of 57 learning goals achieved (this semester)!
And with a few special mentions for our grade ten leaver’s:
Nic: 437 jigsaw puzzles competed, 724 lego creations and loads of smiles.
Kaleb: Gets the Garfield Award (nap, eat, repeat..).
Tye: Can now read the notes we write about him..
Rhenn: The quiet deliverer of sarcasm and inappropriate jokes.
Year 10 Excursion - 10 Pin Bowling and Mini Golf
10 Pin Bowling and Mini Golf
On Friday December 16, Mr Frankcombe treated the tired Year 10’s (After their Celebration Dinner) to Ten Pin Bowling and Mini Golf. The bus was quiet as students slept on the way, but they soon revived for two games of Ten Pin Bowling; after that was the option to buy lunch at Hungry Jacks or KFC before busing to the driving range/mini golf. On Monday, the year 10’s went on a ‘Taste of Tasmania’ trip on the Forage Trail. Our first stop was Ashgrove Cheese, where we had a self-guided tour of the factory. A few of our students partook in the purchase of cheese while others relaxed on the John Deere mini tractor, played in the playhouse, and took photos with the cows. The next stop was The Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, where we had lunch—consisting of Burgers or a Packed Lunch, while some of the staff had some yummy Raspberry waffles, pancakes and toasted sandwiches. Some people played cricket, and Grant hit the ball in the lake. Game Over. After lunch, we nipped across the road for Ice cream. (Yummo) then back on the bus and a quick stop at Anvers Chocolate Factory while Mr Frankcombe timed us for 9 minutes of chocolate buying before the bus had to leave to get back to school.
It was a great day, with beautiful weather.
Miss Cindy Wescombe