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Outstanding HSC Results For Parkes Christian School

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The PCS Year 12 graduates are at the back (L-R) Jessica Weber, Ella Richards, Chelsea Johnson, Mikeely Bermingham, Elisha Littlewood, Tiarne Rusten and Chloe Hill. In front are Ali Himmetpasaoglu, Zak Chatman, Mark Allen, Nic Jones, Mitchell Applebee, Joel Hall-Matthews and Jesse Magill.

Parkes Christian School (PCS) is celebrating another year of outstanding HSC results with Creative and Performing Arts coming to the fore this year.

In just the fifth year of delivering the HSC, the school is very proud of the results achieved by the 2019 cohort.

Students achieved Band 5 and 6 results in Advanced and Extension English, Business Studies, Drama, Music 1, PDHPE, Software Design and Development, and Visual Arts.

Ella Richards capped off a memorable year by achieving a Band 6 in Visual Arts after submitting an impressive series of paintings for her major work.

She also achieved Band 5 in Advanced English, Drama and Music 1, demonstrating her outstanding ability in the Creative and Performing Arts.

Ella also achieved an E3 in English Extension 1, in which she received 41/50 in an extremely demanding and academic course. She will now be able to gain direct entry into a Graphic Design Course in Sydney next year.

Chloe Hill also achieved some excellent results, securing Band 5 in Business Studies and PDHPE.

She also performed extremely well in English Advanced and Mathematics, which will put her in a good position to undertake her chosen university study. She had already gained entry to a number of courses through the Schools Recommendation Scheme.

There were also some outstanding results for students completing their first year of Compressed Curriculum.

This method sees students sit Year 11 and Year 12 in one year for three subjects, before doing the same for three more subjects the following year rather than doing six subjects over two years.

Because students only have to concentrate on three subjects at once, it allows for more focused learning and less stress for HSC students.

This method has certainly proved successful, with students being far less stressed throughout the year compared to past students.

Grace Prow received a Band 5 in Music 1 and just missed another Band 5 in Multimedia, while Christopher Cox achieved Band 5 for Business Studies and Software Design and Development.

Tanya Onserio was another student to show her prowess in the Creative Arts with a Band 5 in Music 1.

These three students will complete the second half of their HSC next year.

High School Coordinator Greg Ballantyne was thrilled with the results.

“As a school we are really pleased for Ella and Chloe. Their results are the product of many hours of hard work and dedication,” he said.

“But the rest of the group have also done extremely well and have bright futures ahead of them.”

“Every student who applied for early entry to university received an offer, maintaining our 100% record over the past five years. We work hard as a staff to give our students the best possible opportunities to succeed, so it is nice to see them taking those opportunities.”

“But at the end of the day, it is the students who have done the hard work and need to take all the credit for their achievements. We’re just here to help them along the way.”

“The thing I’m most pleased with is that every student seemed to be very happy throughout their HSC, enjoyed being at school, had time to pursue other interests and hobbies, and learned a lot about being people of good character and integrity. These are the things that will stay with them throughout their lives.”

Celebrate Elvis In Forbes

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The 2020 Elvis Festival has a new event in Forbes next year with the addition of A Night on S.S. Mississippi Queen. Guests are asked to immerse themselves in the world of Frankie and Johnny, this year’s Elvis theme, and dine on the banks of the beautiful Lake Forbes on Saturday, 11th January.

“It will be an event like no other,” says Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. “Dine under the stars, by our beautiful Lake with a sumptuous three course meal catered by Eat Your Greens, Pantry Cafe and Sweet Three Vintage Van. The entertainment will be amazing with the incredible Raechel Whitchurch and her Bolo Boys performing their Hillbilly Elvis show live. If you are feeling lucky try your luck at our simulated table games.”

The event will be fully licenced and tickets are $90 per person which includes dinner and the Hillbilly Elvis live show. These can be purchased through 123tix.com.au. “Table bookings are advised to ensure you are seated with those you would like to be seated with,” said Phyllis.

“They can be in groups of six or twelve. Please don’t be discouraged if you haven’t got a table full, it will be a wonderful atmosphere to mingle and meet new people. Forbes really knows how to throw an event like this. Good food, good company and of course a good time!”

For more information about A Night on the S.S. Mississippi, contact Forbes Shire Council on 6850 2300.

Family Law – Should You Use a Lawyer?

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

It is possible to do your own divorce, property settlement, custody and maintenance matters. Remember that these areas are fraught with emotion and pit falls. Remember, too, the old axiom: “Any lawyer who acts for himself has a fool for a client.” This applies equally to lay people.

Lawyers can give you information and advice, prepare documents, assist in negotiations, counselling and mediations, and can represent you in court if your issues cannot be resolved beforehand.

The Family Law Act requires a lawyer to tell you about how you can settle your disputes by conciliation and the counselling services offered by the Family Court. You must also be given a copy of the information brochure “Marriage, Families and Separation”.

The reasons you should consider appointment of a legal representative are that you may want advice on multiple issues at the same time. A court will not grant final orders until it is satisfied that proper arrangements have been made for the children. There may also be tensions between the parties, which make it impossible for them to objectively deal with all issues.

Legal aid maybe available but you will need to complete and submit a legal aid application.

If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to phone me or one of our solicitors or call into our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson

Get Your Dancing Shoes Dusted For A Rocking January

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Rock up to some brand-new entertainment at Parkes Elvis Festival that will have you dancing in your seats! The Soul Movers, Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows and a Comedy Hypnosis Show: Elvis Style, are just a few of the new and exciting performances the festival has in store for locals.

Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s birthday by watching one of Australia’s most iconic soul and blues band, Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, at the Parkes Services Club on Wednesday, 8th January at 5:30pm. Joe is also the Wall of Fame inductee at the 2020 festival, which will take place at 2pm on the same day.

Tickets to this entertaining show performed by these Australian music legends would make the perfect Christmas gift.

The Soul Movers are a rockin’ pop and funky soul band fronted by Lizzie Mack and her brother in soul, guitarist and ex red Wiggle Murray Cooke, groove bass player Andy Newman (The Visitors), Marko Simec on keys (Waiting for Guinness) and drummer to the stars Lozz Benson.

This 60-minute show will be unforgettable as their sound is all about creating soul-moving music that will leave you bopping long after the last encore. The Soul Movers are performing at the Parkes Little Theatre on Friday, 10th January at 9pm.

Hypnotist Wayne Donnelly will be unleashing his hypnotic skills on willing volunteers and will make the world go away in a series of hysterical and hilarious Elvis Style hypnosis routines. It’s now or never, come and create memories that will last a lifetime at Parkes Little Theatre on Saturday, 11th January at 8pm.

For further information and tickets visit parkeselvisfestival.com.au.

• Special Elvis Issue: The next edition of The Forbes Phoenix will be a bumper Elvis edition on Thursday, 9th January filled with stories and information on the 2020 Parkes Elvis Festival.

SNIPPETS…

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Congratulations to Forbes High School’s Claudia Cheney who received the Phil Donato MP School Citizen Award of 2019.

Extreme Heatwave Warning: The Western NSW Local Health District is reminding people to be cautious during the extreme heatwave conditions that are forecast across the region for the rest of the week. It is advised for people to minimise outdoor or physically strenuous activities with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius.

Heat related injury is serious and can cause serious illness as well as exacerbate existing illnesses. Forbes residents with chronic medical conditions and those over 75 years of age are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness. Younger, healthier Forbes community members are urged to check on elderly friends, family and neighbours whenever possible.

Be aware of the signs of heat-related illness, they include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, headache, changes in skin colour, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion. If symptoms occur, get to a cool place and seek medical attention if the signs are severe. In an emergency situation call Triple Zero (000).

Another School Year Complete: Forbes Public School students from Kindergarten, year one and year two received a visit from summer Santa and his real-life elf on Tuesday. Their visit, coupled with the annual end of year party and water fight, ensured junior students ended their school year on a high. Next year will see the largest intake of Kindergarten students at Forbes Public School in many years with an extra class being made to accommodate the children.

Bust The Dust: Forbes North Public School joined hundreds of other schools across NSW and even parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory for the Bust The Dust rain dance on Friday last week at 1pm. The dance is part of a campaign created by students of Trangie St John’s Parish School that aims to lift spirits and cheer people up who are struggling with the pressures of the drought this festive season. With more than 500 schools registered, the dance has raised just over $8000 for Rural Aid Australia, as of Wednesday 18th December. Students left their classrooms at 1pm to dance and kick up the dust, a fantastic way to start summer and end their schooling year.

Ava Hughes and schoolmates from Forbes North Public School busting the dust.

Editor’s Notes

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

This holiday period is all about spending quality time with our loved ones. It is a time for good food and even better company. A time of great stress for some as well as much rest, I hope.

I’d like to say a special thank you to the many people who contribute to our paper, whether it is weekly or a one off, you are appreciated.

I’d like to wish each of our readers a very Merry Christmas and an even happier New Year. Please stay safe, hydrated and happy. We will see you in the New Year.

Alexandria Irvine

Christmas Carnival Draws In Crowds

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The Dancers from Kristen’s Dance School brought Templar and Rankins Streets to a stand still with their stand-out performance.

Last Friday saw Rankin and Templar Streets absolutely packed with activities, market stalls, food and entertainment for the Find It In Amazing Forbes Christmas Carnival. The Forbes town centre was buzzing with crowds of people who had come from near and far to take part in festivities. Numbers of participants, both vendors and carnival attendees, had significantly increased since last year’s carnival and there was something to delight the young and young at heart.

With ice cream and food vans, an animal nursery, mechanical bull riding, jumping castles, stilt walkers, craft stalls, live music and a licenced bar, Forbes residents’ main challenge was choosing what to do first and how to fit everything in.

Eugowra local girl Maddie Woodbridge, who attended the Carnival said, “It’s so good an event like this has so much for us to do for free, it allows families to get into the Christmas spirit without the added stress of having to pay for extras at this time of the year.” This time of the year is often a stressful and expensive time for people and the turnout for this year’s Carnival was clear evidence of their support and appreciation for this event in particular.

For those with young families in this time of economic strain caused by the drought, it is refreshing and encouraging to see so much available to all in the Forbes and surrounding communities.

By Alexandria Irvine

NAPLAN Results 4th In NSW!

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Parkes Christian School students Madeline McCutcheon, Hudson Field, Jasmine Collier, Mark Allen are part of a supportive school environment where they feel valued.

Parkes Christian School is one of the top NAPLAN schools in the state following the release of a comprehensive analysis of results.

The analysis reported on the growth of student results from Year 5 and Year 9 over a five-year period. Parkes Christian School’s growth in Year 9 results since 2014 was a staggering 9.1%, placing the school fourth out of 811 schools in NSW.

The Year 5 result was also impressive, with a 5.5% growth recorded, resulting in the 184th best result from 2,071 primary schools in the state.

According to Parkes Christian School Principal Glen Westcott, these rankings are the result of a “back to basics” approach to classroom teaching.

“Over the past few years we have had a real focus on explicit, direct instruction that involves teaching students exactly what they need to learn through repetition and fast-paced, dynamic teaching strategies,” Glen said.

“This leads to massive improvements in literacy and numeracy skills as reflected in our NAPLAN results.”

“Having a strong base in these fundamental skills is just so important for students as they move into high school and start exploring more abstract concepts. The link we have between our primary and high school has also led to our impressive Year 9 results.”

While being very pleased with the NAPLAN results, the Principal said the school was far more interested in overall improve- ment rather than the results of a standardised test.

“As a school we emphasise to our students to strive for improvement in all areas of life.”

“We aim to build students of strong character, who are well-equipped for the challenges that life will throw at them.”

“We work very hard to create a school where students are valued and they actually enjoy being at school. Happy students will always want to work harder and improve.”

As one of the only Kindergarten to Year 12 schools in the local area, and the only school delivering Compressed Curriculum for the HSC, Parkes Christian School provides a unique opportunity for students to grow up in a supportive and dynamic environment for the entirety of their schooling.

Congratulations Year 12!

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The 2019 graduating year 12 class.

This year our students demonstrated their personal best yet again. Our Dux, Sophie Cowan was declared an all-rounder because she scored a top band result in 10 or more units. Together our class of 2019 attained five Band 6’s, six Band 5’s and 36 Band 4’s. A stellar achievement.

Our staff are passionate, diligent and committed to each and every student to ensure they have a strong sense of belonging and inclusion.

We offer a balanced approach to learning and develop all-rounders through our extensive extra-curricular programs.

Our wellbeing team work extraordinarily hard to support students emotionally, socially, academically and physically during all their years at high school.

Year 12 worked closely with their mentors to ensure they manage study, eating, rest- ing and socialising at a level that supports their capacity to do their best.

At our school we are proud to be recognised through external validation this year for excelling in leadership and wellbeing. Our peers and colleagues acknowledged that every student is valued, cared for and known at Forbes High School.

Sophie Cowan, 2019 Dux with Principal Safija Britina.

Barb Dejong and Toby Hurford, the Andrew Smart Memorial Award winner.

13 Days Of Double Demerits

December 20, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Highway Patrol Officers; Senior Constable Kelvin Jubb, Senior Constable Melanie Maguire, Senior Constable Nicholas White, Senior Constable Katherine Ellis, Senior Constable Nadia Batten and Sergeant Martin Ling want you to stay safe on the road this Christmas.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils want to remind motorists to drive safely over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Double demerits will be in place for 13 days beginning from Friday, 20th December 2019 through to New Year’s Day. Demerits for speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and not wearing a motorcycle helmet will be doubled during this time. In addition, drivers caught using their phones during a double demerit period can expect to be hit with a hefty fine as well as up to 10 demerits.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said, “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We all have a part to play in driving down the road toll. The message is clear: Don’t drive tired. Don’t text while driving. Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs/alcohol and please wear your seatbelt no matter what.”

NSW Police’s Central West Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said that double demerit points did work as a deterrent for motorists’ bad behaviour. Sergeant Ling also said, “The road toll usually makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons at this time of year. Let’s get it in print for the right reason this year by recording a fatality free holiday period.”

For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.

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