Hills College - 2025 - Term 4 - Edition 16

A huge week that started with searing heat which was followed by some well needed rain. We finished the week with a large suite of staff and student events. The Halloween event promises to be an exciting community building exercise. I thank Mrs Parer and the Year 11 students for their incredible work in bringing this event to life. It was wonderful to see so many families joining us for the night.

Federal Social Media Laws

The changes aim to protect under-16s from pressures and risks they can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts. These come from design features in the platforms that:

encourage them to spend too much time on screens – for example, by prompting them with streams of notifications and alerts, and pressuring them to view disappearing content
increase the likelihood of exposure to negative, upsetting or manipulative content served up in their feeds by algorithms.

These features have been linked to harms to health and wellbeing, including increased stress levels, and reduced sleep and concentration.

Of course, they are not the only risks on social media. Young people can also be exposed to harmful conduct such as cyberbullying, being asked for nudes and being sent pornography or violent material.

The age restrictions are a delay, not a ban. You won’t have to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to social media accounts, instead you can say ‘not yet’, knowing other under-16s are also being prevented from creating or keeping accounts so your child won’t be missing out.

The delay gives you extra time to talk about online safety and wellbeing with your child, to help them prepare for the risks and pressures of social media when they turn 16. It’s breathing space for them to build digital, social and emotional skills, and to understand the importance of reaching out for help if things go wrong.

Day For Daniel

Held annually on the last Friday of October, Day for Daniel is Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness event.

This special day honours the memory of Daniel Morcombe and reinforces the vital message that keeping kids safe is a responsibility we all share—parents, carers, educators, businesses…the entire community.

Here at Hills, we will be dressed in a sea of red to support this amazing cause led by two of the most amazing human beings that I have ever met. The work of Bruce and Denise Morecombe is awe inspiring such is their commitment to their mission.

Year 12 External Examinations

Our Year 12 students commenced their final external examinations this week. The students seemed to be in good spirits when I have caught up with them before and after their exams. Handling the stress by being just a little bit nervous is one of the keys to success with a rigorous exam program like this one.

Sleep, diet and exercise and having a balanced life during the exam block are also ways of promoting wellbeing. Exam results do not define our Year 12 group as individuals and we know that they will be giving their best.

Year 7 Orientation Day

Tuesday 29 October saw us host our current Year 6 students along with our newly enrolled outside students for the Year 7 2026 Orientation Day. Thank you to Mrs Ogoti and Mrs Whaley for their excellent organisation, and to all the staff involved for making it a successful event. There was a very positive feel to the day, and the students were highly engaged with the process.

Bandanna Day

It was fantastic to see so many students purchasing bandannas to support CanTeen. It is a great cause and was well supported.

Share the Dignity Fundraiser

Please support this fundraising project that has been promoted by our community. The ‘It’s in the Bag’ drive allows our community to demonstrate our sense of care and compassion for others who are not as fortunate as what we are. Your generosity could make the difference this Christmas!

Early Entry for University 2026

Congratulations to Max Garner on his offers to study piano at both the University of Queensland and at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. This is a testament to Max’s skill as a pianist. We wish him well in his decision-making process as to where he will study.

Congratulations must also go to Loki Nardello who has been given an early offer to study a double degree-Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University.

Hopefully we will be able to share a lot more exciting news about early offers and the future pathways of our Year 12 class of 2025.

World Teachers’ Day 2025

Friday also saw our staff celebrate World Teachers’ Day. World Teachers’ Day shines a light on the service, sacrifice and vocational commitment of teachers all over the world. In the Hills context we had a teaching staff breakfast and teachers were provided with a small gift to acknowledge their commitment to the profession and their students.

P and F Acknowledgement

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of the P and F who have been supporting a large number of events and projects within the school community.

Thank you to the P and F members who volunteered to be ushers for the production. I would also like to thank the P and F members who supported the purchase of staff gifts for the production.

Thank you also on behalf of the Year 12 students for their study snacks that have been so generously donated by the P and F. This is a great gesture!

The P and F is always looking for volunteers to assist them in friend raising and fund raising for the school. I know that many of you are busy with your families, jobs and life outside school but your help is greatly appreciated. You don’t have to commit to attending all meetings and helping at all events. Just a couple of hours of your time at one specific event can make the difference.

Upcoming Calendar Events

Term 4 Week 5
Monday 3 November
Year 3 Camp - Kindilan, Redland Bay

Tuesday 4 November
Year 7 Information Evening - 6:00pm - Resource Centre

Friday 7 November
Primary Assembly - 2:15pm - HPE Centre

Term 4 Week 6
Tuesday 11 November
Remembrance Day Service - 10:50am - HPE Centre

Friday 14 November
Hills College Sports Awards Night - 6:00pm - Jimboomba Hall

Saturday 15 November
Year 12 Formal - 5:30pm - Mantra On View, Surfers Paradise

Supporting Respectful Behaviour in the Classroom

You may have noticed or heard that some students have been using the phrase “six-seven” (often shouted with great enthusiasm) during class. While it may appear harmless or silly, this trend has started to distract from learning time, so we wanted to share a little context and how we are addressing it.

This phrase is part of a recent online trend that grew from a song and some viral sports videos. It doesn’t really carry any clear meaning. Children and teenagers across Australia, the UK, and the US have been repeating it simply because it feels fun and helps them join in with peers. However, as with many online fads, it has made its way into classrooms, where shouting it out has become a disruption for teachers and students.

At Hills, we are not concerned with the slang itself. Our focus is on learning and on maintaining a respectful and calm classroom environment, where every student has the chance to focus and engage.

What we're doing:

Reminding students that there is a right time and place for joking around.
Reinforcing the importance of listening, staying on task, and respecting others’ learning.
Addressing any repeated interruptions, including this one, in line with our behaviour expectations.

How can you help at home:

Have a short chat with your child about making positive choices in class.
Encourage them to think about how their actions affect others.
Remind them that online trends come and go, but learning is important every day.

We want every student to enjoy school and feel connected to their classmates, while also demonstrating our LAWS values: Living with Compassion, Acting with Integrity, Working with Diligence, and Striving for Success.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students thrive. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss this further.

Mr Stuart Ablitt

Deputy Head of Primary

Welcome everyone to our Primary Happenings,

I had the absolute joy of witnessing the Year 5 Leadership speeches for the 2026 Primary Captaincy. Out of a cohort of 51 students, we received an incredible 29 nominations. A powerful reflection of the pride, respect, and sense of belonging that thrives within the Hills College community. Research consistently shows that student leadership opportunities foster confidence, communication skills, and a strong sense of agency, all of which are essential for lifelong learning. It was humbling to hear our nominees articulate future initiatives and demonstrate how the Hills College L.A.W.S. have shaped their vision for leading and serving their peers.

I extend my congratulations to every nominee for their courage and commitment throughout this leadership process. These experiences are not just symbolic. They are evidence-based practices that build resilience, empathy, and collaboration, qualities that underpin success both in and beyond the classroom.

It was also wonderful to see so many students recognised for their attributes and for actively demonstrating the L.A.W.S. values in their everyday interactions. Recognition not only affirms positive behaviour but also reinforces a culture of excellence and character development, key pillars in holistic education.

A sincere thank you also goes to our dedicated staff and families who partnered with us during recent excursions. Out-of-class learning experiences are more than a day out. They are proven to deepen engagement and strengthen knowledge retention by connecting curriculum to real-world contexts. These opportunities enrich student learning and create memories that last a lifetime.

As we navigate the warmer weather, I’m delighted to report that our student climate remains 'cool as a cucumber'. Recently, I’ve been challenging students to embrace what I call the Hills superpower: connection. From Prep to Year 12, nothing beats the simple yet profound act of saying, “Hi, how are you going?” or “I’m doing great—how about you?”. These interpersonal skills are not just polite gestures; they are foundational to emotional intelligence and wellbeing. By promoting care and compassion in everyday interactions, we are living out our commitment to Live with Compassion and nurturing a culture where every student feels seen and valued.

Mr Matthew Noel

Head of Primary

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

Happy World Teachers Day

Today, we celebrate the heart of our school community: our teachers. Their work goes far beyond the curriculum. They inspire curiosity, nurture resilience, and build the foundations of character in every student you teach. In classrooms filled with challenges and triumphs, they show up with compassion, creativity, and unwavering commitment.

Now more than ever, our teachers' role is vital not just in shaping minds but in shaping lives. They are mentors, role models, and champions of growth. The impact teachers make echoes far beyond the school crossing and drop-and-go.

I encourage everyone in our Hills College community to pause and recognise the extraordinary, often unseen, efforts of our educators. Their dedication lights the path for tomorrow’s leaders and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

Captains Captions

A big congratulations to all of our L.A.W.S. Awardees recognised at last Friday’s assembly. Being a L.A.W.S. student means consistently living out what is expected—through compassion, integrity, diligence, and the continual drive for success.

We also send a massive shout-out to Isla Loveridge, who received the Captain’s Award. Isla has shown incredible dedication by organising a lower Primary lunchtime dance group. Together with Maddi, she spent countless lunch breaks choreographing and coaching younger students, culminating in a vibrant performance at assembly. This initiative reflects strong leadership, creativity, and a sense of service to others—qualities we deeply value at Hills College.

Wonderful work, Isla, Maddi, and all our L.A.W.S. Award recipients. Your commitment to our College values makes our community shine.

In the spotlight with 3A

In Term 4, our Year 3 inquirers have begun exploring living things as part of our Unit of Inquiry, Sharing the Planet, guided by the idea that the survival of living things depends on their features and changing environments.

Our first line of inquiry, features of a living thing, has sparked curiosity and wonder in the classroom. Students began by investigating what makes something living, non-living, or once-living, and quickly discovered that there’s more to it than meets the eye!

A highlight of our learning so far was our visit to David Fleay Wildlife Park, where students observed an incredible range of Australian animals up close. They noticed how physical features, such as the strong tail of the yellow-bellied glider, or the smooth scales of the olive python, help living things survive in their unique habitats. Back at school, students have been grouping and classifying living things in different ways, much like real scientists do, using observable features to make sense of the natural world.

Through questioning, observing and reflecting, our young inquirers are developing a deeper understanding of how interconnected all living things are. Their curiosity and growing sense of responsibility for the world around them are a wonderful reflection of the PYP learner profile in action!

Mrs Jeppesen

3A teacher

Secondary LAWS Awardees

Working with Diligence

Year 11 - Jared Waters

With unwavering commitment and focus, Jared has made significant progress in mastering Chinese. His outstanding achievement reflects his diligent study habits and enthusiasm for language learning.

Year 10 - Keera Sakdikornthanasiri

Keera has consistently demonstrated strong diligence and commitment to learning Chinese. His steady effort and attention to detail have led to pleasing progress in language comprehension and communication skills.

Year 9 - Alana Cassels

Through continuous effort and active participation, Alana has shown remarkable diligence in learning Chinese. Her willingness to practice and improve has resulted in noticeable growth over the term.

Year 8 - Andew Chen

A diligent and conscientious learner who works hard to develop skills in Chinese, Andew’s consistent effort has contributed greatly to their steady improvement.

Year 7 - Amelia Mullen

Amelia’s diligence and positive attitude toward Chinese learning are commendable. She consistently puts in her best effort, showing perseverance even when faced with challenging language tasks.

Strive for Success

Year 8 - Tristan Gaviglio

Tristan always approaches Chinese lessons with enthusiasm and persistence. His diligent attitude towards learning and completing tasks reflects genuine interest and self-motivation.

Dr Yuhua Li

Teacher of Chinese

Teaching and Learning - Exploring Language and Storytelling in English – Term 4 Highlights

Term 4 has been full of energy, creativity, and critical thinking in our English classrooms! Across all year levels, students have been engaging with exciting units that challenge their thinking, sharpen their skills, and ignite their imaginations. Here's a peek into what our students have been up to:

Year 7 – Picture This!

Under the guidance of Mrs Noffke and Mrs Clifton, our Year 7 students have been diving into the world of visual storytelling through the unit ‘Picture This!’. They’ve been exploring the unique features of children’s books, analysing how images and words work together to create meaning. Students are now creating their own original picture books – and we can't wait to see the creativity on display!

Year 8 – Sustainable Futures

With Mrs Noffke and Mrs Stone leading the charge, Year 8 students have been developing persuasive writing skills by researching real-world issues related to sustainability. They’ve been exploring how to influence an audience using rhetorical techniques and evidence. Their final project? A persuasive vlog where they take a stand and pitch their ideas to a YouTube audience.

Year 9 – Refugee Stories

Mrs Clifton and Ms Goyne have been working with Year 9 students on a powerful unit exploring the global refugee crisis through Patricia Cornelius’ adaptation of ‘Boy Overboard’. Students have been thinking critically about staging, symbolism, and characterisation as they create their own insert scene and directorial vision.

Year 10 – Writing the Past through Historical Fiction

With Ms Goyne and Ms Tyne, Year 10 students have been transported into different historical contexts as they craft their own short stories. Through workshops and feedback, they’ve been refining their narrative voice, developing authentic characters, and shaping compelling plots – all grounded in real-world history.

Year 11 Literature – Power and Perspective in the Congo

In Mrs Dwyer’s class, students have been studying ‘Heart of Darkness’ by Joseph Conrad through a post-colonial lens. This unit has encouraged students to examine how literature can reflect and critique the pursuit of power, wealth, and control. Through in-depth discussion and critical essays, students have explored how Conrad’s work exposes the brutal realities of imperialism.

Year 11 Essential English – Exploring Human Experiences

In Ms Tyne’s classroom, students are engaging with a range of texts for young people that depict diverse human experiences. Students are just starting to create their own illustrated children’s book.

Year 11 General English – Mighty Macbeth

With Mrs Noffke and Ms Goyne, Year 11 students are wrapping up their study of ‘Macbeth’ by analysing how the play reflects values, attitudes, and beliefs of the Jacobean era. They’ve been honing their essay writing skills and learning to craft well-supported interpretations in preparation for their final examination.

As always, we are incredibly proud of the way our students continue to grow as thinkers, writers, and readers.

Ms Jacinta Goyne

Head of Faculty - English

Student Achievement

Max Garner in Year 12 has been offered a place to study piano at both the Griffith University Conservatorium and the University of Queensland in 2026. The audition process for piano at both these institutions is extremely competitive and Max has worked very hard to get to this point. His development as a musician over the last few years has been incredible to witness. He truly is a very gifted pianist.

Dr Julia Pope

Head of Faculty -The Arts

Student success

Year 11 international student Pan Pan Pang competed at the World Table Tennis Youth Championships in Perth during the spring holidays. Pan Pan now has a world ranking in the Under 19 division - his ranking is 2341 in the world. This is an incredible achievement for Pan Pan, who has long dreamed of a world placing. Well done!

ASEAN - Bridge Program

Hills International College has been successful in gaining a coveted place in the ASEAN-Bridge program, run by the University of Melbourne. Here is some information about this amazing collaborative opportunity for our school...

The ASEAN Building Relationships through Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement (BRIDGE) School Partnership Program delivers ongoing, deep, reciprocal partnerships between schools in Australia and ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste. It complements and builds on the Australia-Indonesia BRIDGE program.

The ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE Program builds sustainable school partnerships, enhances teacher capacity, and promotes student engagement through activities and exchanges.

Teachers and students engage in virtual activities and in-person school visits that:

build sustainable, long-term partnerships with international colleagues
expand skills through shared learning experiences
strengthen global competence, intercultural understanding and cross-cultural communication skills
build stronger educational ties between ASEAN and Australia.

Participants gain valuable insights into cultures and develop lifelong friendships and professional networks. The program enriches and creates a lasting impact on teachers, students and the school community.

The program’s impact extends beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of global citizenship and mutual respect among young people and educators alike.

(ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE School Partnerships Program | ASEAN–Australia Centre)

We are incredibly grateful and proud to be involved in this program, and excited to make these connections with our nearest neighbours.

World Teachers Day

Today we recognise our dedicated and caring staff. The teachers at Hills go above and beyond to ensure our vibrant school culture is maintained through acceptance, compassion and encouragement.

I would like to thank Mrs Isla Perrett for her contribution to the Hills Language College's High School Preparation course. Mrs Perrett has been a teacher at Hills for over 10 years, and her kindness is known around the school. She skillfully teaches a multi-age, multi-level English class, ensuring our students learn in a safe and welcoming environment.

Thank you, Mrs Perrett, for all you do for our international students!

Sister School visit - Myeong-In Middle School, South Korea

Next week, we will be welcoming a small group of students and staff from Myeong-In Middle School to Hills College. The school is coming for their first visit, and they will be signing a sister school agreement with Hills International College during their stay. We are so excited to make new connections with our friends in Korea! Photos to come!

Mrs Vanessa Newbery

Head of International Programs