This term has been a positive one at Parklands. Throughout Term 3, we have seen so many members of our school community achieve their goals through having high expectations of themselves and taking responsibility for their actions. Again, the one most pleasing aspect to Parklands is the diverse range of strengths and interests across our school.

The first item I would like to speak to is our preliminary NAPLAN results. NAPLAN is an annual assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. Our interim results show improved gains in reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation and numeracy. We are excited about these results and throughout Term 4, we will interrogate the results to consolidate what we are doing well and what will be a our future focus areas.

Our Student Leadership Group, with the support of Mr Hughes, continue to grow and provide our school with many memorable moments. Their recent work at our last assembly was ultra-professional and showed how far they have come with their public speaking. The leaders have also been organising days and activities to support positive wellbeing through the Wellbeing Day and the R U OK day. It is exciting for Burnie to see such a motivated group of students supporting others.

During this term, students in all grades have participated in learning activities to support them to think and plan for their futures. Our Grade 7 students have been working with the Smith Foundation on a program called Entrepreneurs, the Grade 8’s have worked with the Beacon Foundation with the Step-Up Program and our Grade 9’s have learnt off the JCP Youth Empowerment Team. These fantastic and exiting learning opportunities would not go ahead, without our hardworking Grade Leaders. We thank them for supporting our students, but also bringing in these exciting opportunities to support career and life planning.

Alongside the career activities Parklands has continued its strong work with school transitions. Our Grade 10’s have been to Hellyer, participated in further course planning and had their enrolment at Parklands. The cohort needs a massive pat on the back. This is time can be challenging for some, and the attitude of our students when off-site at Hellyer, working with staff here and being present for their enrolment meeting was really positive. Mrs and Mr Crawford should feel proud of their efforts supporting the Grade with this process.

Recently, at a Parklands Collective meeting with our feeder primary schools the Grade 6-7 transition was raised, and we were happy to receive some positive feedback on how the program has improved this year. We want to thank our feeder schools, Montello, Ridgley, Havenview and Romaine. These schools are always willing to help Parklands and invest so much time with their students on the transition to high school. Mrs Devlin and Mr Hall have been working with the Grade 6’s here at Parklands and their feeder schools. This has supported the school to get to know the Year 6 students as people and learners. We are very excited to welcome them in 2022. Another aspect of the Parklands Collective that has been exciting, has been the schools' visits, each to learn off another. Teachers have been able to watch lessons and speak to students about strategies and activities that support their learning.

Throughout this term, there have been many fun activities. One of the highlights was the Grade 7 camp/sleepover. In a time where school camps have been challenging to plan, it was excellent to see this opportunity. It was a fun night with a range of activities. A big shout out to Mr Hampton and the Grade 7 staff for giving up their Friday night and Saturday morning. Many of these teachers have families and we appreciate the care they have for the school.

A big message to pass on to the school community is about our hardworking and caring Principal. Mrs Dudley will be taking leave in Term 4. This leave is extremely well deserved. Unfortunately, the recent COVID situation has changed Mrs Dudley’s interstate plans, but we know she will be able to spend this time with her family doing exciting things at home and across our state. Mrs Dudley needs to be recognised for her consistent level of high expectations at Parklands and we know that after spending some time with her family, these will continue throughout 2022 and beyond. Personally, and on behalf of the school, I would like to say “thanks Magella!”