Parkes Public School
Parkes Public School is located in the centre of Parkes. It has a strong academic, sporting and performing arts history. Parkes Public School is highly inclusive of all students and operates strong learning and support programs.It is situated on a split site which offers the advantage of separate playgrounds for the Infants and Primary children. The school operates as a K-6 school and children participate together in many whole school activities. The school has a support unit which caters for 28 children enrolled across 4 multicategorical classes. 420 students are in 17 mainstream classes. Children with disabilities are also welcomed into the mainstream classes. Over 90 of our students are from an Aboriginal background and 12 students come from families where English is their second language. Our students are supported by an experienced and collaborative teaching staff of over 35 teachers, 15 School Learning Support Officers and an Aboriginal Education Officer/Language Tutor. Parkes Public School is a Positive Behaviour for Learning school. It strives for excellence in the education of responsible and respectful learners in a safe environment. As responsible citizens students are taught to be accountable for their own actions. Parkes Public School has a strong focus on Literacy, Numeracy and the Performing Arts. Parkes Public School is an Early Action for Success school. Specialised Literacy and Numeracy programs include L3 and L31, Jolly Phonics, Focus on Reading, Teaching Early Numeracy (TEN), Taking off with Numeracy (TOWN) , Reading to Learn, Mutilit, Reading Recovery and Speech and Language. A specialist teacher teaches music, drama and dance to K-4 students. Pupils also have the opportunity to participate in the school band, choir, recorder group or African drumming group. Wiradjuri Language and culture is embedded in the school's programs. The school operates a very effective Preschool to Kindergarten transition program as well as a regular playgroup session. Parkes Public School offers an extensive range of student well-being programs such as social skills groups, breakfast club , Peer Support and an innovative prefect system. Our school boasts a sensory gym which is utilised daily by at least 30 students. Technology development is a major focus of the school. Google Classroom is used in Stages 2 and 3 classrooms to enhance the learning of the students. Stage 3 students have access to notebooks. Our computer lab has over 50 computers and each classroom has an interactive smartboard.Our school has 2 connected classrooms. IPads are used for some activities in the Infants classrooms and in the Library. Parkes Public School is a proud member of the Henry Parkes Learning Community.Our school has a strong P&C and is well-supported by parents and the wider local community.