Parents and caregivers helped students complete a 'checklist' of activities that took them on a tour of the amazing school facilities and allowed them to see the opportunities that are offered every day. After open classrooms, families were able to enjoy a special picnic lunch in the playground.

Thanks to the generous volunteers of the P&C, there was a cake stall with some delicious treats and a special lunch available to order through the canteen. There was also an amazing assembly which showcased the tremendous talent of students, including some wonderful performances given by the Cultural Dance Group, Primary Choir and the Band.

Students were recognised and awarded for their academic achievement and their citizenship, with both staff and students enjoying the opportunity to strengthen connections with parents, grandparents, carers and families during this years Education Week celebrations.

PARKES High School celebrated Education Week by holding a number of events across the week, that focused strongly on allowing students to celebrate the merits of public education. The week started with Year Assemblies to acknowledge positive student behaviour.

This year has seen the introduction of PBL Likes, which are merits that teachers give students which culminate in a lucky draw prize. This initiative has been very popular with the students as it is important to keep the students motivated and recognise academic effort and positive behaviour.

Year 8 students, along with year advisor Mrs Moran, travelled to Dubbo to participate in their rewards excursion. Students with exemplary behaviour had a blast at the Dubbo Sports Centre where they played laser tag, bubble soccer and had fun on the inflatable world.

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Education Week also saw the start of the Rural Fire Service (RFS) Cadet program, with Parkes High remaining the only school in NSW to have 15 years of consecutive participation. This year sees 25 students enrolled, who all had a great time at Pac Park learning the ropes of the RFS truck.

Elsewhere students in the Special Unit ventured to the Parkes Historical Museum to see how people lived in years gone past and found the experience very valuable, with lots of smiling faces throughout the day. Students also travelled to Dubbo to participate in the Game Changer Challenge which helps students to flourish, encouraging students to be critical, reflective and deep thinkers.

The staff, students and community work closely together to ensure that a broad curriculum which is both academic, sporting and cultural, is delivered.