Welcome Back

It has been wonderful to witness families returning to the College campus, with a very large number of Secondary College students and parents attending the parent-teacher-student interviews held earlier this week. With the Primary parent-teacher-student interviews occurring late last term, all families have now had the opportunity to check-in with teachers regarding the progress of their child(ren) across the school. I encourage all students to respond to the feedback provided, and to work diligently to achieve their personal best over the entire semester.

Anzac Day Services

I was delighted to see so many students, parents and College staff attend the Anzac Day services held at Hills College on Monday 24 April at 11am, and then again at the formal services at Jimboomba on Tuesday 25 April; the Jimboomba Dawn Service at 4:30am and the ANZAC Day March commencing at 7am. Hills International College was very well represented at both Jimboomba services, and certainly had the largest number of students of all the local schoolsattend the 7am march. I was particularly delighted to see Dormitory students Saxxon Ford, Riley Brown, Tina Butcher, CJ Steyn, and Simon Doroshenko-Smith all rising early in formal uniform to attend the Dawn Service.

It was also very heart-warming to see Year 7 student Lucyn Hytongue represent the community so well, with his involvement in the Dawn Service as one of the leading cadets.
 
The College Captains Amber Davidson, Caitlin McNee, Caitlin Rideout, Shyla Ramdeo (Secondary School), Oliver Booker, Erin Waters, and Addison Field (Primary School) all represented the College with distinction at these services.

Mr Kevin Lynch
Principal and CEO
Hills International College Ltd

kevin.lynch@hills.qld.edu.au

Welcome back to a fresh and wonderful Term 2! We hope the holidays were well spent connecting with loved ones and enhancing personal wellbeing. It was great to spend time with our students on the first day back, reflecting on the holiday break and also sharing in the joys of what will be a fabulous Term 2 ahead. These connections are so important to us and serve our students with the knowledge that we care. Please keep up to date with all our happenings via the College App, welcome back letters, and the College calendar. There is a lot going on!

I thought I would share a little about Yarning circles, one of our important routines and rituals that take place in our classrooms. Many of you are aware of our wonderful community space, the Yarning Circle, but many of you may not know that in-class ‘yarns’ take place daily. Yarning circles are respectful, safe spaces that are built into our daily classroom practice to support student engagement, build wellbeing and create a positive classroom community. Typically, they run via the following process in a circular, encompassing shape;

1. Greetings (welcome to everyone and addressing by name or contact, such as a high five)

2. Values (our College values and how this creates belonging and student connection)

3. Expectations (teacher-set goal – such as raising hands before they speak)

4. Any announcements (class news, birthdays, etc.)

5. What Went Well (focusing on the positives, what has been going well). 

Such rituals reinforce the nurture and intention we have for our students in ensuring that our learning communities are safe and predictable spaces. Through intent, our staff cultivates positive emotions and prime our students to be open, flexible, and engaged thinkers. In addition to building Indigenous perspectives, each class has been issued with Yarning Circle wellbeing cards. While following the process outlined above, our students are authentically engaged in self-reflective dialogue through the lens of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders' culture, including opportunities to explore language across the country.

Thanks once again for your continuing support of our behavioural and uniform expectations of the College. High expectations and the reinforcement of firm but fair standards show our students that we care for them, and that we have a belief that they will succeed. Again, this is a partnership and consistency here is the key.

Happy Term 2!

Matthew Noel
Head of Primary

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

New Students and Staff

Welcome to our new students, Allerah North Prep R, Natalia Petrovic 2S, Brooklyn Marcus 4C and Charlotte Marcus 5H. We hope you and your family are settling in beautifully to your new school.

We would also like to welcome Mrs Lisa Littman, Year 1, Mrs Jessica Ingham, Year 3 to our wonderful Hills College community. Both Mrs Littman and Mrs Ingham are amazing educators with a wealth of knowledge and experience in supporting students. We also welcome Rachael Gibson, who is in the 4th year of her teaching degree. Rachael will complete her practicum with 3M and we are very excited to have her at our College.

Captains' Corner

The captains wish to inform you of the leading House in our House Tokens system. The results are as follows: Jade 577, Halla 568, Fuji 557, Uluru 547.

In the spotlight with 1O

1O rounded out Term 1 with an incursion that consolidated our learning of light and sound and our How the World Works transdisciplinary theme. Students were highly engaged in the interactive experience and workshop in which the presenters demonstrated how we detect sound and light, the different characteristics of sound such as volume and pitch, and identifying different sources of light and sound in the world around us.

This term, we have been continuing to refine our writing of recounts. Each Monday students orally discuss their weekend with a peer before planning to write using the 5 Ws of when, who, what, where and why? Students have enjoyed this process and the quality of writing has improved. We are looking forward to writing a recount about our excursion to Beenleigh Historical Village that will occur in Week 8!

Our current Unit of Inquiry is How We Express Ourselves. The central idea of this transdisciplinary theme is art forms connect, express and create experiences. We are currently exploring types of creative expression. Students have demonstrated their prior learning by identifying types of creative expression such as writing, singing, drawing, painting and dancing. We have started to explore narratives as a written form of expression and this week have created some wanted posters based on the villain the Big Bad Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood.

Well done 1O on working so diligently in Term 1. I am sure the second half of the semester will be fun and filled with learning.

Mrs. Cassandra Oldham
Year 1 O teacher

Year 4 Incursion, Uncle Boomerang Visit

On Wednesday 19 April, the Year 4 cohort participated in a fantastic incursion with the wonderfully charismatic Uncle Boomerang from Burragun Aboriginal Cultural Services. He brought along some traditional artefacts and led the students on an inquiry into what they were used for. Students also played the traditional Aboriginal clap sticks and digeridoo before we took part in a boomerang throwing competition. 

We also learnt that ochre is volcanic ash and is used to paint markings on people for celebrations or other significant events. Students then had the opportunity to crush up their own ochre before painting either the male or female symbol for stingray on their peers.  

It was a superb day, and we had many laughs as Uncle Boomerang regaled us with his humorous tales whilst educating us on the traditional ways of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.   

Year 4 Teachers

The IB Learner Profile @ Hills

At Hills International College, we believe that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also developing values, attitudes, and skills that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides an excellent framework for this kind of holistic education. One of the most important features of the PYP is the Learner Profile Attributes, which are ten qualities that we strive to develop in our students.

The ten Learner Profile Attributes are: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, and Reflective. These attributes represent a set of characteristics that we believe are essential for lifelong learning and personal growth. They are not just words on a poster; they are values that we encourage students to embody in their daily lives.

Why are the Learner Profile Attributes important? 

Firstly, they help students develop a growth mindset. By focusing on attributes such as being an Inquirer or a Thinker, students learn to embrace challenges and approach learning with curiosity and creativity. This mindset is essential for success in today's rapidly changing world, where adaptability and flexibility are highly valued.

Secondly, the Learner Profile Attributes promote social-emotional learning and character development. By emphasising attributes such as being Caring or Principled, we encourage students to develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others. These qualities are essential for building positive relationships, creating a sense of community, and becoming ethical and responsible global citizens.

Finally, the Learner Profile Attributes help students become self-directed learners. By developing attributes such as being Reflective or Balanced, students learn to monitor their own learning, set goals, and reflect on their progress. They also learn to balance academic, personal, and social responsibilities, which is essential for maintaining well-being and avoiding burnout.

At Hills, the Learner Profile Attributes are integrated into all aspects of our curriculum and school culture. We have aligned them with our College LAWS and believe that developing these attributes is not just the responsibility of teachers but also parents and the wider community. We encourage you to reinforce these attributes at home by modelling them yourself and discussing them with your children. A few ways that you can do this at home include:

• Share personal stories: Talk about a time when you exhibited one of the Learner Profile Attributes, such as being a Risk-taker or a Thinker, and how it helped you overcome a challenge or achieve a goal. Encourage your child to share their own stories.

• Set goals: Encourage your child to set goals that align with the Learner Profile Attributes. For example, they could set a goal to be more Reflective by spending a few minutes each day reflecting on what they learned or what they could do differently next time.
• Use real-world examples: Point out examples of people who exhibit the Learner Profile Attributes in real life, such as scientists who are Inquirers or activists who are Principled. Encourage your child to think about how they can emulate these qualities in their own lives.
• Discuss current events: Use current events as an opportunity to discuss the Learner Profile Attributes. For example, you could talk about a news story where someone showed empathy and Caring towards others, or where someone demonstrated risk-taking by trying something new.
• Incorporate the Attributes into daily life: Encourage your child to practice the Learner Profile Attributes in their daily life, such as by helping out around the house (showing Responsibility) or trying a new hobby (being a Risk-taker).

Secondary Insights

I hope you had a relaxing and safe term break and that you were able to spend some quality time together with your family. It has been fantastic seeing the students return to school and settle quickly into Term 2, albeit commencing at a quick pace. I welcome you as families of the College to all that is about to unfold during Term 2. 

We finished Term 1 on a high note with the visit from the Police, Emergency Fire Services, Ambulance and Pediatric Services, who brought a driver simulator for students to engaged with. We are very keen to continue developing our relationship with these services as they undertake such wonderful work in our community.

Our Hills College staff began this term with a professional learning day, which enabled staff to continue preparing for Term 2. Students came back refreshed and ready to receive these learning outcomes.

The first two weeks have been filled with;

* start of Wednesday afternoon Activities

* HIA Cross Country

* College Academic Assembly

* Parent Teacher Interviews

Our Academic Assemblies are always led by our College Captains. During this assembly, some students were presented with their Pi Day certificates as well as Bronze Medallions and Certificates for their recent course during the Health and Physical Education learning experiences in Term 1. Students were also presented with their STEM badges.

Our Parent Teacher Interviews were very well attended with over seventy families attending over the course of three and a half hours. Comments made from you as parents about our new layout and the professionalism our College staff demonstrated with their understanding and insights with your child, continues to reflect our positive growth together. It is now important to discuss the meeting outcomes with your child and really congratulate them on their strengths. If the teacher made suggestions of things you could do at home, discuss these with your child and commit to following through with them.

If there is anything you may wish to discuss with me at the College, please contact me either through Reception or via email

julie-anne.skelton@hills.qld.edu.au

As always, I want to thank you for your continued support for our College and our College staff. A true partnership I believe is continuing to develop as time moves forward. Thank you for ensuring that Hills College is a Place to Belong.

Mrs Julie-Anne Skelton

Head of Secondary

College LAWS Awardees

The following students have acknowledged the College LAWS;

Working with Diligence

Striving for Success

Acting with Integrity

Living with Compassion

Please congratulate when you see them.

Year 8

Jake Davidson – Working with diligence

Ella Hipp – Working with diligence

Thomas Koen - Working with diligence
 
Year 9

Jared Waters – Working with diligence

Mrs Melanie Clifton

Drama and English Teacher

Teaching and Learning - Mathematics Zone

Every week, Mathematics Zone is available to all students. Our Mathematics teachers and our STEM Ambassadors are there to assist.

Parents, the Mathematics problem below is for you to solve. Please send your solution to Mrs Sharon Rummins - sharon.rummins@hills.qld.edu.au as soon as you have solved this problem.

Hills College Event- ANZAC Day Service

On Monday 24 April, Hills International College held an early ceremony of commemoration for the ANZACs who landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. All students and staff gathered in front of the College Resource Centre to listen to the school captains, staff, and guest speakers as they gave speeches. 

An impactful speech was given by a veteran of war, Major Oliver Booker, who provided an insightful perspective on the mindset required when fighting for your country and the effects of war on soldiers. This allowed for a better understanding of what our service people have to endure in conflict. A recording of the song The Last Post was played over the speakers for the assembly to hear, followed by a minute of silence to commemorate and acknowledge the fallen and the fighters from Australia and New Zealand. 

The following day, 25 April, was Anzac Day. On that day many students and staff from the College got up very early in the morning to join the community of Jimboomba at a dawn service to remember the dawn landing at Gallipoli. Following the dawn service, members of the school and the community marched down to Rotary Park to commemorate ANZAC Day, starting at 7:00am. We listened to speeches and again joined a minute’s silence to pay our respects to the fallen, veterans and members of the armed services.

Matilda McBain
Joshua Feeney

Hills Reporting Team (Under the guidance of Dr Valerie Spall)

College Student Awardee

At a recent junior cricket carnival, Leah Henley bowled a maiden with a wicket on her 5th ball. It was a challenging carnival. She has shone in the field and put in some solid quick runs with the bat. Leah has made some good friends over the course of the carnival.

Leah Henley

Year 7 Student

Welcome to Term 2

On 18 April Hills College students were welcomed back to the school for Term 2 after a two-week break. This term is a busy and short, nine-week term, which includes the Foundation Day race, HIA carnivals, the Mother’s Day stall and the Athletics carnival. It is great to have all staff and students back in the classrooms and we look forward to a great term ahead at the College. 

We remind all students that with the new term starting, taking care of yourself and the students around you is extremely important. If you or anyone you know are struggling in any way, please talk with your year level coordinator or any of the wonderful staff at this College.

Joshua Feeney
Hills Reporting Team Captain

Year 9 Qld Police Service Visit

On the first day of term, our Year 9 students had the opportunity to hear from members of the Qld Police Service.  The officers spoke about three main topics:

• Physical Misconduct
• Language and Discrimination
• Social Media use and legislation
• Vaping

The aim of the visit was to highlight how words and actions can easily spill over from a moment of poor choices into a complex and unwelcome legal situation.  The officers discussed the fact that many teenagers don't realise the very real legal implications of their actions, especially when making comments, posts, or reactions to social media content or accounts.  The students heard how these investigations can take place, and how even anonymous accounts can quite easily be tracked and identified.

The officers stressed the importance of making smart choices when dealing with disagreements or risky behaviours, and we are grateful to them for visiting with such an important message.

Board Games

Each term, students choose new activities. A very popular one this term is the board games activity chosen by almost 30 students. Students from a variety of year levels are having fun competing with one another to win a particular game. This activity is very enjoyable as it is a social pursuit and it helps you connect with people you have not met in the College before. Students can meet new people and play against them in a fun but calm game of chess, Monopoly, Jenga, or any card game that comes to mind. People like to do this activity to play a calm game or to just have fun with a friend or multiple friends. Some students play games online to connect with people around the world during this time. Pictured below are Blayke Windon and Ella Hipp enjoying a game of chess.

Kayden Munoz

Hills Reporting Team

Student vs Staff volleyball match

On 20 April, students and teachers met at the new volleyball court to compete in a lunchtime volleyball match. The student team consisted of students in Years 11 and 12, and the staff team consisted of teachers from both the primary and secondary areas of the College. 

The match started off well, particularly for the student team, which gained points to strengthen their lead. 

However, the teachers pushed back with loud support from the primary students, and it became a close game. 

Unfortunately for the teachers, the late push was not enough, and the students ended up winning the friendly match with a score of 2 - 0 on sets. 

We would like to thank all the students and teachers for playing and we look forward to another sporting competition at the end of term.

Joshua Feeney
Hills Reporting Team Captain

Celebrate 10 Years of the Jimboomba Community Garden at Hills

New International Students - Term 2

This term we welcome two new students to the College, who bring a wealth of language, culture and educational experience with them from another country.

Bryan Heng joins our Year 10 cohort, coming from Singapore. Bryan is an experienced golfer and a fantastic addition to the dorm community. He brings a kind and confident positivity to the dorms.

Mehikdeep 'Deep' joins our High School Preparation class, on his pathway to Year 10 later this year. Deep has come from the Philippines, and speaks Tagalog, Punjabi and English. Amazing! You may see Deep scooting along College drive before and after school on his way to the bus stop. Please give him a welcoming wave!

Boarding News

Boarding captains Riley and India have been invited to a gala dinner at Nudgee College in May, representing Hills College as part of National Boarding Week celebrations. Watch this space for how Hills College will celebrate our boarders during this week; it will be 'delicious'!

Hills Language College update

While Term 2 will be short and sweet, in HLC we will be busy working on our English skills, in preparation for high school. Currently we have three students, who come from Japan, Poland and the Philippines. We will be joined later this term by students from Hong Kong and Switzerland. 

Our regular HLC teacher Miss Sandy Huang is on leave this term, and we welcome Mr Trent Newcomb to the team. Mr Newcomb is a Science specialist, and we welcome his expertise in our Science lessons in HLC.

Next week, I will be representing Hills International College and Hills Language College at the NEAS conference in Sydney. Held annually in May, the conference brings together English language specialists from ELICOS centers which offer HSP like HLC, universities, private English colleges and other organisations. I have the privilege to be a panel member, speaking with colleagues from other schools on the topic of professionalism in HSP.

This industry is full of acronyms! Want a translation?

• HLC = Hills Language College
• HSP = High School Preparation (the course we offer in HLC)
• ELICOS = English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
• NEAS = National ELT Accreditation Scheme
• ELT = English Language Teaching

Mrs Vanessa Newbery

Head of International Programs

vanessa.newbery@hills.qld.edu.au

Four of our Golf Academy students competed in the Australian Junior Championship which was held in Hobart, Tasmania over the break. Fiona Feng, Jennifer Cho, Saxxon Ford and Tiger Xie travelled with coach Peters to play at the Tasmania Golf Club. Playing in cold windy conditions made the scoring tough. Our best performer was Fiona who made the cut and finished 31st with scores of 82, 81, 74, 78.

All the others missed the cut but Tiger was our next best with scores of 73,78,77. It was another great learning experience and our students are better for having competed.

The 4BBB Match Play Championship is our first "Honour Board" event of 2023, and is almost complete. The semifinals saw Saxxon Ford and Samuel Tan defeat Naoki Takahashi and Stanley Lin on the 21st, and Daniel Gould and Danny Lin triumph over Ashton Gurung and CJ Steyn 5&4. The final will be played next week and it is anyone's guess who might get their names on the board. Good luck to both teams.

Until next time, Good golfing

Tom Berndt 

Director of Golf

Hills Golf Academy

tom.berndt@hills.qld.edu.au

Welcome back to Term 2, we hope you all enjoyed the Easter break and got to enjoy some time with your loved ones.

Term 2 is off to a busy start for the P & F.

WINTER WEAR

I'd love to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the P & F in ordering items from our Winter Wear range, the orders have been flying in and we've already had to order more stock so thank you so much for your support.

MOTHER'S DAY STALL

The 2023 Mother's Day stall will be held next Thursday 1 and Friday 2 May in the Resource Centre. Our lovely convener Sarah Weir has put a call out for volunteers on the P&F Facebook Group so if you haven't seen it and would like to volunteer some time to the stall, please let us know. Each Primary class has a designated time slot to visit the stall and Secondary students are able to visit in lunch breaks. Items will be between $2 - $15 so please send money with your student on their allocated days; some of the lower grades may ask that it is given to the teachers the morning of. 

NEXT P&F MEETING

The General Meeting for Term 2 is on Tuesday 9 May, so if you would like to attend, or can't attend but would like any matters raised for discussion, please email them through to committee@hillspf.com. If you are able to attend, please RSVP to the event on the Facebook group so we can cater accordingly.

HAVE YOU JOINED THE FACEBOOK GROUP?

To keep up to date with all the P & F news and information, please join The Hills P&F Community Facebook group or email any queries or feedback to president@hillspf.com.

Have a great long weekend

Lacey Easter

President

0414 702 495