With under two weeks remaining for the year, we are well under way with preparing to celebrate and acknowledge our achievements of 2022. Over the coming weeks we have celebration and award assemblies, and a variety of excursions and activities that will see students travelling from Sheffield to Stanley and many places in between, enjoying the fine weather and great company.

At this time of the year we also take the opportunity to farewell our Year 10 students, as they prepare to embark on their next stage of their life and learning. As with any end of year, we also have a number of staff who will be leaving Parklands. Whilst staffing has not yet been completely finalised we are able to acknowledge a few staff that have confirmed transfers for 2023.

We can announce that Jon Lewis has received a transfer to Devonport High School. Jon has been a highly valued member of our teaching team for five years and had a significant impact on the learning and development of many students during this time. In particular, Jon is to be congratulated for his work with the Frank McDonald Award which has seen two of our students win the award and have the opportunity to travel and gain greater understanding of the impact of war and those who have served our country.   

We also farewell Heidi Kerr who has been part of the Parklands teaching team for seven years. Heidi has been a highly dedicated teacher who has had a positive influence on a great many students during her time at Parklands. We wish Heidi all the very best as she takes on a teaching role at Ulverstone Secondary School.  

We can also announce that Coen Smit will be moving into retirement at the end of this year after a very long and diverse career. Coen has been the Science Lab Tech at Parklands for over twenty years and also undertaken a number of teaching roles.  We wish Coen all the very best as he begins his next adventure.

We will have an opportunity to formally acknowledge Jon, Heidi and Coen, as well as other staff who will be leaving us, at the end of the year assembly in the coming weeks.  

The Gift of Giving

As we move into the festive season we reflect on what is important: time for family, friends and giving. Over the past few weeks, our school community has had increased opportunities of giving back. Our recent donut drive along with a significant donation from  ‘Star Link’ has provided much-needed funds for our Parklands Popup Pantry. We encourage families to come in and take what they need from our well stocked pantry, to support them over the Christmas and holiday time. On Thursday we held a Christmas Fun Day, with money raised going to the Kmart Christmas appeal, whilst earlier in the week the Support Hub students donated to the Burnie Dogs Home. These opportunities provide our students with the gift of giving and helping others in need.

Hillcrest Primary School Anniversary

As the end of the school year approaches, we acknowledge the impact of the tragedy that happened at Hillcrest Primary School in December 2021. We extend our thoughts and condolences to the families, staff, and community at Hillcrest and in the Devonport area during this difficult time.

Magella Dudley

Principal