Parkes Christian School wants to maintain a small-school environment and will be limiting class sizes to cap the student numbers at 350.

Parkes Christian School (PCS) continues to experience a high level of growth, so now is the time to secure your enrolment for next year. 

The school currently has more than 300 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, having grown from around 200 just three years ago. In order to manage this rapid growth, the school is now taking applications for enrolments for 2023 Kindergarten and Year 7 students. 

School Principal Glen Westcott said while the school continued to grow, they also wanted to maintain a small-school environment. “We have made a tough decision to limit our class sizes from this point forward. In Kindergarten, we will only enrol approximately 21 students, and in Year 7 we will only take 50 students, split across two classes.

“Naturally, students who are in Year 6 will automatically be enrolled in Year 7 next year, but for everyone else, the earlier they get their applications in, the better chance they will have of securing a position,” said Glen. 

Parents of students in any year group thinking of enrolling at PCS should also apply as soon as possible, as almost a third of year groups are nearly full.

“We are big enough to have friendly competition in the classroom, all the HSC subjects that other schools offer, sporting teams, school musicals, bands and more, but we are small enough that everyone can be involved and create a really wonderful sense of community,” said Glen.

To find out more contact the school office on 6862 4164, email administration@parkescs.nsw.edu.au or take advantage of the online enrolment application form at www.parkescs.nsw.edu.au/enrolment

Carla Ash received the most votes for her portrait of Elvis in the People’s Choice Award.

Almost 800 people visited the Parkes Painting Group’s exhibition at the Parkes Elvis Festival last month. 

The group had over 120 artworks and about 18 pieces of pottery sculpture for its Elvis-themed exhibition held in the Uniting Church Hall during the festival. Some of the artists’ grandkids also entered works for the exhibition. 

“We had more than double the amount of people this year compared to previous exhibitions at the Elvis Festival with 759 visitors,” said President Kerrie Davies. 

All the visitors cast their vote for the People’s Choice award and Carla Ash from Parkes received the most votes at 130 for her graphite drawing of Elvis she called ‘Are you lonesome tonight?’. 

Carla was very surprised with her win saying she only draws when she has time, but has been inspired to join the Parkes Painting Group. 

Carla’s mum Joan Ash came second with her Elvis portrait she called ‘Reflections’. The third most votes went to Kerrie’s Elvis portrait called ‘In Concert’. 

Kerrie said about 15 paintings were sold, with one going as far as Tasmania. 

“We are very happy with the outcome of our exhibition, and are already planning to go bigger and better next year.” 

Que Club President Marg Klein, Jeanine Boland and McGrath Breast Care Nurse Dianne Green (photo on left). Dianne demonstrated how to check breasts and what a lump feels like using fake breasts containing five lumps. Dot Bradley and Raelene Rout are checking for lumps.

You may have purchased a virtual pink seat at the last couple of Ashes Pink Tests to help support the McGrath Breast Care Nurses. It was fun seeing your name appear on a virtual seat, and a ‘feel good’ moment knowing that Jane McGrath’s legacy continues to do wonderful work. 

Parkes Que members were given more than a virtual tour at our May business meeting with local McGrath Breast Care Nurse Dianne Green as our guest speaker. 

Dianne was working as a community nurse for Parkes Health Services when she recognised a need in the area for a breast care nurse. She studied for a Certificate in Breast Cancer and applied to become a McGrath Breast Care Nurse. She started with three days a week in 2011, three years later she moved to four days a week., and in her 9th year on the job she became full time. She also continued her research and study and graduated with a Masters in Breast Cancer. 

Dianne works with patients in Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Peak Hill. The youngest patient she has supported was just 25 years old and the oldest was 92. Although breast cancer in men isn’t as common, Dianne has had male patients in her care too. 

With Australian breast cancer statistics indicating that one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, the good news is that survival rates are continually improving due to the ongoing treatment changes. 

“I am very honoured to be one of 177 McGrath Breast Care Nurses and it is a privilege to care for and support breast cancer patients and their families within our community,” said Dianne. 

If you would like to ‘join the Que’ contact the Parkes club at parkesqueclub@gmail. com and follow us on Facebook. 

By Lynn Rogers

The Parkes Public School Kindergarten teaching team at the back (L -R) Judy Elliott, Jane Howard and Jayne Ware. In front are Tracey Lickess and Colleen Leonard.

Parkes Public is an excellent educational facility for children attending Kindergarten through to Year 6. Our school motto ‘Strive for Success’ reflects the attitude of our students and staff towards all aspects of our school, including academic growth, extra-curricular efforts and personal goals. 

We offer a balanced curriculum of academic, cultural and sporting programs with a strong focus on the core subjects of English and Mathematics. All children receive personalised, individualised educational opportunities. 

Our enthusiastic and dedicated staff operate under the ‘School Excellence Framework’ and the ‘What Works Best in Practice’ guidelines, which are supported by ongoing professional development, and innovative practices are embraced.

Our school maintains a strong wellbeing focus, with our core values being respect, responsibility and safety. 

Enrolment Information for Kindergarten 2023

Parents and children are welcome to attend our Open Day on Saturday, 4th June at 11am. Entry via the Kindergarten Hill Street gate. Kindergarten 2023 enrolment information will be provided along with a tour of the school. Please phone our friendly office staff on 6862 1702 for further information. 

The Parkes Public School transition to school program (Preps) begins Monday, 15th August. When you enrol your child at Parkes Public School, you will be given a date for a pre-kinder interview where you will receive all the necessary information about our Preps program. 

For more information visit https://parkes-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/, email parkes-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au or follow us on Facebook.

The 2023 Kindergarten Information Night at Holy Family Parish School is on Tuesday, 17th May at 6pm in the school hall.

Holy Family Parish School in Parkes has a student population of 170 and prides itself on being a welcoming, caring and inclusive community where all are welcome and every child participates fully in the life of our school.

“We are looking forward to sharing with you the journey your child will commence here at our school.” Says Principal Denise Gersbach.

“The staff are committed to achieving our goals and they take their role as Christian educators seriously, acting with integrity and dedication. We are very proud of the educational opportunities we are able to provide to our children. We look forward to partnering with our parents on this educational journey.”

The 2023 Kindergarten Information Night on Tuesday, 17th May is the perfect opportunity to meet the staff of Holy Family, tour the classrooms and extra-curricular spaces such as the MakerSpace, Sensory Room and Religious Education Room.

Students at Holy Family have an opportunity to experience learning as an exciting challenge and a lifelong endeavour. They do this through a curriculum that is student-centred and teaches that knowledge brings responsibility.

Holy Family offers the same curriculum as government and independent schools, whilst at the same time integrating a Catholic vision of life. Expectations of achievement and conduct are high. The growth and development of each child are fostered by providing pathways for them to achieve their potential.

Our school strives for excellent educational outcomes by enlivening the minds, hearts and souls of our children in a faith-centred learning environment.

We expect high standards of student behaviour based on respect and kindness for each other. Our school is committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for our students, staff and families.

For more information contact the school office on 6862 1610 or via email admin.parkes@wf.catholic.edu.au. Enrolment packs will also be available on the night.