2021 Newsletter Term 1, Week 11
Parkes Christian School
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From the Principal
Happy Easter PCS!
I have very distinct memories of Easter as a child. Church services, fish on Good Friday, school holidays and trying to ration easter eggs out to make them last longer than my sister and brothers’ eggs. Egg rationing was a big deal in my household. For some strange reason beating siblings was somehow more satisfying than just enjoying some chocolate whenever you felt...
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Year 2
What an amazing term Year 2 has had. We have been on an excursion to Dubbo to see life sized puppets perform at the theatre, taken part in the swimming carnival and of course delved into a variety of subjects in the classroom. Children have written marvellous recounts, reviewed books, measured distances and times, looked at fractions and sharing, learned about living things and studied celebrations and commemorations throughout time. PCS students are so blessed to be surrounded by our beautiful grounds and Year 2 have been so excited to be able to help with some of the gardening. After spending a very short time outside pulling out weeds and collecting rubbish one day, the students were so happy to receive a bag full of gardening gloves from Mrs Lewer. They have used these on a couple of occasions and are very excited to be providing this service to the school. We know that God created the world and it is great to be able to help look after it.
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Easter Hats and Hunts with Stage 1
This term Year 1 and Year 2 have been studying the History topic; Language through time and important events. We have been looking specifically at celebrations and commemorations both nationally and internationally. Our most recent topic was Easter, we looked at the first Easter and the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. We then discussed how we could celebrate this time within our school and came up with a plan. Over the last week or so, students made Easter hats, decorating them with drawings related to this special time. They showed off their creations at a quad assembly. Year 1 and Year 2 also decided to invite Kindergarten to an egg hunt. We got very busy and made Easter baskets for ourselves and kindergarten. Just before the end of school on Wednesday more than 50 happy K-2 children gathered to search for eggs. They had a wonderful time and after the hunt learned how to use their eggs to tell others about how much Jesus loves them and what he did for them when he died on the cross. HAPPY EASTER!
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Year 3/4 Excursion
On Tuesday 30 March, Years 3 and 4 students along with Mr Westcott, Mrs Nunn and Mrs Naqau left on their school excursion to Orange.
They started off the day with a visit to the Museum learning all about pollinators in our environment. Students learnt that these pollinators are so important in our communities because they help with the food and the fruits that we eat.
Later the students enjoyed watching the performance of the '91 Storey TreeHouse' and afterwards they enjoyed lunch in the park.
Years 3 and 4 ended the day at the Orange Tenpin Bowling with a game. The staff were so impressed with their bowling skills and the hidden talents of some students who felt so proud of themselves after beating the school Principal in the game.
Everybody enjoyed the day and it was such a fitting way to end the school term.
See you all in Term 2!
Mrs Naqau
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Primary Netball Gala Day
The Primary School Netball Gala Day was a great success for our Stage 2 Netball Team. They won all of their games. Congratulations Stage 2 Netball Team! Our Stage 3 Netball Team had a few more challenges with lots of competitors being well practiced and taller in stature, setting our Stage 3 Netball Team some real challenges but in true PCS spirit the team played on showing good sportsmanship. Thank you to all the parents who supported our Primary School Netball Teams.
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High School State Swimming
NIne talented PCS High School swimmers were lucky enough to head to the State Swimming Carnival in Sydney during the week.
Jack and Riley McMaster, Thomas McIntyre, William Ellis, Marcus Moss, Chelsea Day, Sam Quince, Walter Smeaton and John Thomas represented the school with distinction as they took on the best swimmers from all over NSW.
Jack had a great day, finishing 9th in the 50m freestyle, while also competing strongly in his other events. A real highlight was that PCS was able to enter two relay teams on the day. What a great effort for our humble little school!
Well done to all those students, and we look forward to more sporting success throughout the year.
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High School Netball Gala Day
The sun shone brightly on us for the local netball gala day on Monday.
We fronted four teams of enthusiastic and energetic players with a great representation from both boys and girls across all age groups. Unfortunately no other schools provided teams for us to play against however our teams demonstrated plenty of spirit as they played against each other. Students also participated in drills and exercises to improve their fitness and skill level. We would like to thank the organisers from Netball NSW who ran the day and we look forward to a larger pool of participants next year.
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Student Representative Council
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Name: Samuel Quince.
Class: Year 8.
Quote to live by: You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
Person who inspires you the most and why: The person I am inspired by is not just a person but a community and the diversity of Parkes Christian School is something that I am really inspired by.
What do you want to see happen at PCS in 2021: For all students to be nice in the playground in class and out of school it is just great to know that the people you play with are good friendly people and that they will be there for you.
What is your definition of leadership: A person who can not only teach you about things but be a great mate and always have everyone's back.
What is something that you want people to know about you: That I love my sport but I appreciate all the work that goes into school and the SRC.
Favourite thing about school: That we are growing every day.
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Name: Joshua King.
Class: Year 8.
Quote to live by: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” - C.S Lewis.
Person who inspires you the most and why: My grandpa inspires me the most. As he grew up in a somewhat poor family he wanted a better life. He started doing garden work for his neighbours, then working as a golf caddie, then more gardening as well as working 2 paper runs. A total of 5 jobs! As an adult he started working for Shead and Nicholson and helped it grow from a business with $400k turnover to over $3m turnover. His story reminds me that you can do anything if you just keep trying.
What do you want to see happen at PCS in 2021: I would like to see a lot of new and interesting events throughout the year, as well as the occasional organised games at lunchtime.
What is your definition of leadership: I think leadership is about being someone who people can go to if they need someone to talk to, as well as going out of your way to help out wherever you can.
What is something that you want people to know about you: Believe it or not I actually talk- just not much in class. I love playing tennis, programming, gaming and pretty much anything to do with a computer.
Favourite thing about school: I love that the teachers are willing to go out of their way to help you achieve your goals.
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Easter Assembly
Easter is a very special time of the year for Christians and a time for us at PCS to stop and recognise the enormous impact that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus has on each and every one of us. On Wednesday we were able to host parents at our Easter Assembly where students lead us through the Easter story and Pastor Elle McCutcheon spoke to us about the incredible reckless love of Jesus! We had performances from our Worship Team of Matilda Wilson, Angelique Bland and Joshua King as well as items from Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 and Isobelle Moss and Georgina Greenland. These amazing students used their talents to show our school community just how special Easter is to us and how the sacrifice of Jesus allows us to have a connection to God and a life of purpose!
Each year we like to give each new student a Bible so they can continue or start to figure out their relationship with God for themselves. We began the process of gifting these Bibles at our Easter Service with Kindergarten receiving their Storybook Bible and Year 7 their Bible. All other new students to our school will receive their bibles in classes early next term.
The SRC wanted to make the day even more special by providing a delicious hot cross bun for everyone for morning tea. A very big thank you to everyone for making this important celebration in the Christian calendar even more special at PCS!
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Pizza Party for Team Endeavour!
Another term and Endeavour have taken the lead in the House Points Cup. After a hard fought term, the proud Lions only just managed to take the victory in Term 1 by a handful of house points. In traditional manner, a Pizza Party was held on Tuesday, with the victorious Lions sporting their red house colours. Much Pizza was consumed, as well as hot chips. Sadly the Stage 2 Lions were absent on the day, but were enjoying an excursion to Orange. On Wednesday they were able to have a smaller Pizza Party with Mrs Jackson, celebrating in a slightly more subdued fashion.
The Lions have had a number of areas where we have performed well, including the Swimming Carnival, representative sports, the touch footy competition, performing in MADD night, helping teachers and staff, and working well in class.
I hope to see the Lions push themselves in the next three terms, but I will enjoy seeing the competition continue between all the houses, and seeing the success of everyone, regardless of when the Lions win again! UP THE LIONS!
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AFL Gala Day
Selected students went down to Cowra to participate in an AFL gala day on Wednesday 31 March. The gala day was run very professionally and the organisers were amazing. We did not have full teams and they went out of their way to combine schools so that we could have games on the day.
The Year 9/10 boys were amazing. Steven Unger and Tom McIntyre both scored goals and behinds, and won 2 out of 3 games. 7/8 girls also had very good games and the scorers of goals and behinds were Chloe Amery, Ruby Wilson and Nalani Barber. Gabby Redfern was named the tackle queen of the day. Our third team, Year 9/10 girls had a lovely day and it is the team where I heard the most laughs from both sides. The girls enjoyed themselves and that was our aim for the day, To go and have fun. They even ended up with a combined team with the other schools so that they could play a friendly for around 10 minutes a side. Ona Thabano stood out in all of her games.
The highlight of the day was definitely our 7/8 boys. Their last game was spectacular. Up until half time they were in the lead and they played so well together. It was really an amazing match to watch. They boys were congratulated after the game for playing the best game of the day. Unfortunately we ended up losing the game, but the boys can be super proud of themselves. Scorers of goals and behinds were Oliver Mayo, Haidin Hodge, Lachlan Unger. Sam Quince and Oliver Westcott.
I just want to thank the players for the amazing sportsmanship they showed, for keeping the school's name high and for just being amazing! I really enjoyed the day with all of you! Congratulations on a very successful day!
Mrs van Wyk
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King and Queen of the Mountain Cross Country Festival
Today was a beautiful day for our King and Queen of the Mountain Cross Country Festival, and a wonderful way to finish the term.
The Endeavour Lions took out the overall carnival by 8 points from the Discovery Eagles in a result that came down to the last couple of races.
Our obstacle courses were also very enjoyable and well run by our Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation students under the guidance of Mrs van Wyk.
Mr Westcott is a passionate Cross Country enthusiast, and he did a great job running the events and encouraging students over the PA system all day. Thanks Mr Westcott and Mrs van Wyk for all the work you put into today.
Our Kings and Queens of the Mountain were:
Kindy - Lebron Murray, Alesandra Davis
Year 1 - Owen Collier, April Unger
Year 2 - Zoe Amery, Hudson Field
8-9 years - Zoe Amery, Patrick Kite
10 years - Arabella McCutcheon, William Westcott
11 years - Lilee Bell, Liam Denmead
12 years - Nicole Ellis, Johann Smit
12 years (high school) - Maddie Nash, Jack Greenland
13 years - Evie Allen, Lachlan Unger
14 years - Chloe Amery, Thomas Fredericks
15 years - Arabella Kite, Thomas McIntyre
16 years - Mackenna McGuire, Jack McMaster
17 years - Kyra Bracamonte, Caleb Hill
18 years - Laura Rusten, William Greenland
Special congratulations to Chloe Amery and Thomas Fredericks who had the fastest times of the day!
Obstacle course results:
Year 3-6 - Nicole Ellis, Mila Ballantyne
Year 7-12 - Tyler Boland, Luke Magill
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Happy Retirement George!
Parkes Christian School is sad to say that Mr George Ward is leaving our school and retiring at the end of Term 1. George has been working at PCS for the last six years and has spent tireless hours keeping our school grounds and buildings maintained.
George stated 'working at PCS has been a delightful experience and the Christian culture is an atmosphere I have enjoyed being a part of. The staff and students have always been kind and respectful. I will always treasure the time I worked at PCS and I look forward to seeing how the school grows.'
George you have been a valued addition to our school and we wish you all the best in your retirement and look forward to seeing your smiling face when you visit us at PCS in the future!
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Name: Shannon McCutcheon.
Your Role at School: Teachers Aide, Groundsman, Bus Driver.
Favourite School Memory: School excursions!
Fun Fact: I used to be a limousine driver
The Best Thing about Working at PCS: The great staff and students!
Favourite Quote/Verse: Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
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Name: Alice Milne.
Your Role at School: English, LOTE, History, Geography, PDH Teacher and Year Advisor for Year 8.
Favourite School Memory: In my second year of teaching I had a really tough student seek me out to help him with his English assessment. He had been a really hard kid to teach and it was such a privilege to reach him on some level.
Fun Fact: Country music was my first great love.
The Best Thing about Working at PCS: The respectful and caring atmosphere in all areas of the school.
Favourite Quote/Verse: Psalm 139 - You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR
- First Day Back for Term 2
- Homework Hub - Yrs 2 - Yr 12 (3:07pm - 4:00pm)
- Primary Assembly (2:20pm - 3:00pm)
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Students in the Community
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Parkes Junior Tennis Competition Term 1
Four Parkes Christian School students won Sportsmanship Awards for their divisions at the Parkes Junior Tennis Term 1 Competition awards presentation on Tuesday evening.
Well done Charlie Moss, CJ Woods, Johann Smit and Suzanne Smit.
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