Academic Awards Assembly

The Semester 1 Academic Awards assembly was a highlight of the school calendar, attended by the entire student body, teachers and staff, and a number of proud parents. The atmosphere in the assembly area reflected the ‘sense of occasion’ such a ceremony brings, with the excitement and anticipation as everyone gathered to celebrate the academic achievements and commendable service efforts of the students. 

The assembly commenced with a beautiful rendition of Australia’s National Anthem, sung in both local Aboriginal Yugambeh language, and in English. I then spoke with pride about the whole school gathering, and about the importance of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of school life.

The first set of awards presented were the Academic Honours. These awards were given to students who achieved 50% or more As (or ‘Extending’) in their subjects. The smiles on the faces of these students reflected their hard work and the acknowledgment of their academic efforts.

Following the Academic Honours and Diligence Awards, the spotlight shifted to the Academic Honours with Distinction awards. This prestigious recognition was reserved for students who achieved straight As in all their subjects. The names of these students are reproduced below:

Year 7 : Mahalia Manning, Delilah Vang

Year 8 : Ishmeet Pandher

Year 9 : Ava Jones

Year 12 : Ho Yin Chan, Gaelle Degryse, Tea Gligor, Alexandria Rose, Hollie Zavattaro

The assembly also recognised students who demonstrated outstanding diligence and citizenship throughout the semester. These diligence and service awards were presented to those who showed exceptional commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to help others. These awards highlighted the importance of character and community spirit in the school environment. The recipients, who often worked quietly behind the scenes, were given a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Their contributions to the school community, whether through volunteer work, participation in school events, or assisting fellow students, were celebrated with heartfelt applause and appreciation.

The Semester 1 Academic Awards assembly was a memorable event, leaving everyone with a sense of pride and motivation. It served as a reminder that academic success, character development, and community service are all integral parts of a well-rounded education.

Health and Physical Education Centre

I also provide an exciting update on the Health and Physical Education (HPE) building. Below are photographs showing the progress, with the stage area being built and court facilities being fitted. The projected is expected to be completed during the next school term, providing a venue for the end of year Awards celebration.

I extend a very warm welcome back to Term 3. It has been an absolute joy reconnecting with our students and families and it is truly wonderful to see such happiness and vibrancy as we recommence school.

I rejoiced in the opportunity to celebrate student success at our mid-year Academic Awards. Our student body and community are uniquely warm and supportive, and I am grateful to be surrounded by individuals who embody such authentic connections. Congratulations to all students who received awards and to those who celebrate this success with them! 

I would like to pay particular attention to our Year 5 and Prep students. 5B performed the National Anthem in our local Yugembah language, demonstrating an inspiring level of commitment, care, and attention to honouring this traditional language and culture. This instilled a deeper sense of connection and respect, and I am immensely proud of them. 

Our Prep students experienced their first full formal occasion and absolutely shone. At Hills, we emphasise Doing the L.A.W.S., and our youngest community members exemplified this beautifully. Their integrity, respect, and diligence, along with their exceptional manners, were truly brilliant!

We have a wonderfully fulfilling term ahead, promising personal and social growth, especially for those students attending camp. This term will also offer opportunities for authentic learning and reflection through our Year 6 Exhibition and Student-Led Conferences.

Term 3 is always a delight, and I cannot wait to share this joy and excitement with our students and extended community.

Mr Matthew Noel

Head of Primary/Deputy Principal

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

Welcome to Hills!

A very warm welcome to our six new amazing students and their families. I am so pleased to introduce you to Hunter, Aria, and Zade in Prep. Ryder and Ayden joined Year 4. Finally, William is new in Year 5. It has been so wonderful seeing you settle in so well and we are hoping Hills is giving you that sense of belonging. Welcome!

Behavioural Expectations at Hills International College

In this week’s Edition, I wish to focus on behaviour and the processes we follow, aligned with our Behavioural Management Policy. At Hills International College, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and respectful learning environment that aligns with our L.A.W.S. values and behavioural expectations. Our behavioural standards are encapsulated in our L.A.W.S. (Living with Compassion, Acting with Integrity, Working with Diligence, Striving for Success) which guides our students in their daily interactions and personal development.

Consequences for misbehaviour are applied consistently and fairly. This consistency helps students understand the repercussions of their actions, reinforcing the importance of accountability and safety. Consequences range from restorative practices, where students can be reflective of their actions and take accountability, to more formal disciplinary actions when necessary, involving referral to the Executive Heads of school or the College Principal.

Our expected standards can be maintained through:

Clear Communication

• Interview process: Introduces prospective families to the College’s non-negotiables and values.
• Classroom Discussions and Essential Agreements: Regularly reinforce expectations.
• Student Code of Conduct and Behaviour Management Policy: Provides detailed guidelines on behaviour and a student's commitment to Hills' behaviour standard.

Positive Reinforcement

• L.A.W.S Awards: Acknowledge exemplary behaviour with a certificate.
• Token Systems: Reward positive behaviour with House Tokens.
• Celebrations of Success: Regular events to honour students' achievements.

Proactive Interventions

• Social-Emotional Learning: Teach empathy, self-regulation, and conflict resolution authentically within UOI’s and *through targeted means, such as Connection Time.
• Student Counseling: Offer support for managing emotions and behaviour.
• Buddy Programs: Pair students and year levels with buddies for guidance.

Consistent Consequences

• Restorative and trauma-informed Practices: Focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships.
• Progressive Discipline: Escalate consequences for repeated offenses.
• Behavioural Contracts: Outline expected behaviours and consequences.
• Review enrolment: for ongoing behaviours that do not align with our behavioural expectations.

Parental Involvement

• Regular Communication: Keep parents informed through reports and meetings.
• Encouragement: Encourage families to be aware of the Code of Conduct and Behavioural Management Policy
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Involve parents in addressing issues.

Continuous Monitoring and Support

• Behavioural Tracking: Monitor and analyse student behaviour.
• Regular Check-Ins: Provide ongoing support and guidance.
• Individualised Support Plans: Develop tailored plans for students with ongoing challenges.

Through these strategies, Hills International College ensures a consistent, supportive, and fair approach to behaviour management, creating an environment where high expectations are upheld and every student can thrive. Thank you, families, for sustaining and promoting our values and I hope you gain valuable insight into our behavioural management processes at Hills.

Uniform Update

It has been very cold this week, and we can expect more cold weather, I'm sure. We have allowed students to wear non-uniform items before Connection Time classes begin in the morning, but it's important to remember that this does not allow students to wear non-uniform items at other times. We have a good stock of jackets, jumpers, and other items (including beanies and fleece vests that can be worn before school).

If students feel cold with a jumper or jacket, they are absolutely permitted to wear thermal vests, shirts, or singlets under their formal shirts or sports shirts, as long as they are white or skin-toned and do not protrude from sleeves or hems.

It is an expectation and requirement of enrolment that students are provided with the full uniform at all times, and this includes both the sports jacket and the formal jumper. If students do not like one item or the other, this is not sufficient reason to allow them to wear the alternative. Students can wear a long-sleeve thermal under their jumper if they find it itchy, and take off the shirt once it has warmed up for the day.

We are constantly reviewing and updating our uniform policies and expectations, but it is important that parents support the College policies and procedures in place at all times.

NAIDOC Week at Hills

During NAIDOC Week, our students kept the fire burning by connection. In Prep, students have engaged in child-led experiences thanks to their peer, Charlie, who brought in original Aboriginal artwork drawn by her Dad, a didgeridoo, and ancestor artifacts. Students also connected with Country and enjoyed the many outdoor spaces. Learning continued with a gathering in the yarning circle to discuss natural ways of life, a nature hunt, and story time. As also mentioned, our Year 5 students have been learning Yugembah. This understanding took them to new heights as they performed the National Anthem in Yugembah to our College community.

In the spotlight with 2C

2C has kicked off Term 3 with a burst of excitement and energy!

This term, our Unit of Inquiry is all about "How The World Works," and we have plunged into exploring the fascinating effects of forces. Our hands-on experiments with toys and their movements have been a highlight, sparking curiosity and joy. We've delved into gravity, discovering how height influences the speed and distance objects travel under its pull.

In Maths, we have begun participating in daily ‘Number Talks’ where we challenge ourselves to solve problems and show our thinking so we can learn from each other. We're also diving into the world of shapes, learning to describe their features with formal spatial terms. Our creative juices flowed as we designed wanted posters in response to a letter from ‘Constable Carton’ after the shapes made a daring escape from Shape City Prison. Through building, manipulating, and comparing shapes, we are gaining a deeper understanding of their unique characteristics.

Our Writing Genre this term is narratives, and the creativity flowing from our Year 2 cohort is truly impressive! We are learning about narrative structures, the significance of language features in crafting engaging stories, and the essential elements of complications and resolutions.

We have commenced this term with a fresh and eager spirit, ready to dive into our learning adventures. The journey ahead promises to be filled with discovery, creativity, and fun!

Mrs Farrow
2C Teacher

Captains Captions

The Primary Captains are pleased to run with Years 3 and 4 students this term L.A.W.S. Bands. A student will get a band for a valued action. e.g. “You are getting a compassion band as I was grateful for you including Tyler in your group activity”. Students will attach their bands with glue. If they receive all 3 (Compassion, Integrity, and Diligence), they must let us know as the student will go into a prize draw, drawn at assembly. If a student receives all 3 bands they will reset for the next day.

The Primary Captains are also excited to be working with the P and F. We met with Mrs Watson and Mr Loveridge on Wednesday to discuss the Slime Challenge. This wonderful college fundraiser will be held this term, with the aim to slime Mr Lynch. Other staff, such as Mr Noel and class teachers will be slimed along the way. We will be busy drumming up support during Connection Time and we encourage you to read over the notifications and posters surrounding the school grounds. I really hope we can slime Mr Lynch!

Primary Captains

Containers for Change - Important Notice

As you know, our Year 6 students have been actively participating in the Containers for Change initiative throughout the year, and have placed individual collection points in each of the primary classrooms. This program has not only encouraged our students to engage in recycling but also taught them valuable lessons about environmental sustainability.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and dedication our students have shown so far. To keep the momentum going and to further support their efforts, we remind you to continue sending in eligible containers. These include:

• Aluminium cans (non-alcoholic) 
• Glass bottles
• Plastic bottles
• Juice boxes

Please ensure that all containers are clean, and free of any residue before bringing them in. Importantly, we emphasise that no alcoholic cans or bottles should be sent to the College for this initiative.

Mr Stuart Ablitt

Deputy Head of Primary

stuart.ablitt@hills.qld.edu.au

Ancient History Excursion

On 9 July, Year 11 and 12 Ancient History students, along with Ms Salmon and Mr Whaley, attended an excursion to the University of Queensland's "The Fall of the Republic - Student Experience Day". Students joined hundreds of others from around Queensland to attend lectures and examine the literature and material evidence of the Roman Republic. 

The day focused on unpacking the idea that the fall of the Roman Republic was ‘inevitable’. Students investigated how Late Republican Romans understood problems and attempted to improve their Republic through institutional reform. 

The day was a great way to launch the Year 11 and 12 alternative sequence studies of Unit 4: People, Power and Authority. Students also explored UQ's campus and visited the RD Milns antiquities museum. Our students demonstrated the Hills LAWS admirably, and actively participated in the day’s activities with highly thoughtful and nuanced contributions. What a great day for the Ancient History students!

STEM: Term 2’s Successions and Term 3’s Plan

Term 2 was extremely successful for our STEM team as we gained support and positive feedback for our pre-established yearly goals, located in the first STEM report. Along with continuing the weekly Maths Zone and Makerspace activities, run by Mrs Rummins and Mrs Hansel respectfully, our goal to promote STEM in Primary has been a roaring success. This was done by inviting either the year 3, 4, 5, or 6 cohorts to an ambassador-run activity based on STEM and the grades unit every Wednesday afternoon. Our Head of Technology teacher, Mr Borg, has also partnered with our STEM team to run Robotics and Drone Building Wednesday activities which have been very successful with high school students.

Over this past term, our STEM Ambassadors started planning for the annual Chess competition, organising the participants, dates, and materials to be ready for the beginning of Term 3. Our team has also begun organising a school-wide recycling program; however, it is still in its research stage. Overall, Term 2 was a success goal-wise.

For Term 3, we plan to continue Maths Zone, Makerspace, and Drone Building, however, Robotics has unfortunately been stopped due to a lack of interest. Wednesday STEM-run activities with the Primary students will continue though, and our ambassadors in Years 11, 10, and 9 will lead them. Planning for this year’s Science Week has already begun over the holidays. The activity planned will commence in Week 3 and continue till Week 6. 

Research for the school-wide recycling program will continue this Term, and hopefully gain support from the Logan Council, developing into trialing different recycling techniques by the end of the Term. Overall, our team is excited to continue working with teachers to promote STEM school-wide and help create an ecologically friendly school environment.

More news will be published closer to the date.

Hollie Zavattaro

Hills Stem Ambassador

Egg Drop Challenge

The STEM team is holding An Egg Drop Challenge this term as part of Science Week – all materials will be provided.

If you would like to volunteer, please inform one of the STEM Ambassadors. Teams are made up of four students from your house (preferably from your Connection Time class). Teams should be made up from multiple grades.

From Weeks 3-6, students can design and construct their egg drop with the provided materials during Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes. If you are interested, inform your teams and show up to I3 on Tuesday Week 3.

Remember to come and watch the competition take place during Week 6.

Winners will receive a gift card prize.

English Ambassador Update - Wonderland Week Reflections

At the end of Term 2, Hills was overcome by 'Wonderland Week', which was devised and run by our Hills English Ambassadors. The team was ecstatic about the large turnout of eager students and teachers who participated in the week’s daily festivities, which led up to the widely-anticipated Mad Hatter Bake Sale and Picnic. 

On the Monday, the Ambassadors, assisted by Ms Goyne, created an Alice in Wonderland colour-by-number mural and encouraged students to come and paint a section at lunch; an incredibly successful idea that was continued the following day. 

For Tuesday, all high school Connection Time classes were supplied with craft items and tasked with decorating their door with a Wonderland theme for the chance of winning the first, second, or third prize, an idea that received unanimous participation.

Wednesday’s activity recruited 32 Year 11 and 12 students to play chess pieces in a life-sized chess game that lunch, while on Thursday, students participated in a mad Hatter Hunt where a free Bake Sale item and a mysterious prize were offered to anyone who found five green hats or the much-sought-after singular golden hat. Both activities gained massive support and successfully promoted Friday’s Bake Sale, which was a huge success.

The week’s success is especially rewarding as, alongside the gratification of having an idea planned and successfully run, all profits collected were donated to the Literacy For Life Foundation; an Australian charity that assists in bridging the Indigenous literacy gap.

Thank you for all your support!

Hollie Zavattaro
English Ambassador

English Faculty - Semester Two Welcome

The English Faculty welcomes students back to Hills for a Semester Two filled with rewarding learning experiences.

Year 7: The Hero’s Journey
Students are enjoying their second novel study of the year with J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’. Under the expert guidance of Mrs Noffke, Mrs Clifton, and Mrs Stone, students are following Bilbo and his companions as they navigate through a world filled with trolls, wargs, and goblins. In addition to reading the novel, students will learn how to create bite-sized educational videos to illustrate their understanding of Bilbo’s hero’s journey.

Year 8: Speculative Fiction
Ms Tyne and Mrs Stone are introducing students to speculative fiction via the anthology ‘Eat the Sky, Drink the Ocean’, which features short stories from Pakistan and Australia. This unit prompts students to engage with the central question “What If?”, and encourages creative thinking and storytelling.

Year 9: Aussie YA Study
Students are deeply immersed in John Marsden’s YA classic, ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’. Through this novel, students explore themes of courage, leadership, and coming-of-age. Under the guidance of Mrs Clifton and Ms Goyne, students will analyse the text’s constructions of meaning and consider their own stances on the moral issues presented. Soon, they will participate in writing workshops to prepare for their first analytical essay under examination conditions.

Year 10: Animal Farm and the Russian Revolution
In Year 10 English, students are studying George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ in conjunction with learning about the Russian Revolution. This unit, led by Ms Tyne and Ms Goyne, delves into the allegorical aspects of the novel and its historical context. Through critical analysis, students will understand its themes of power, corruption, and inequality, and how these themes are relevant across historical and contemporary contexts.

Senior School: Advanced Studies and Creative Writing
Year 11: Ms Goyne’s General English students and Ms Dwyer’s Literature students are engaging in narrative writing workshop units, honing their skills in storytelling and character development. Dr Pope’s Essential English students are using the Australian film ‘Lion’ as inspiration for their creative writing projects.

Year 12 Preparations: Ms Salmon’s General English class is preparing for their final internal assessment, a narrative writing examination, and will soon begin their study of Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ for their external examination. Essential English students are analysing popular culture texts to examine representations of women in superhero films. Ms Goyne’s Literature class is wrapping up their culminating, independent narrative assignment before diving into Truman Capote’s true crime masterpiece ‘In Cold Blood’ in preparation for their external exam.

The English Faculty thanks you for your continued support and looks forward to a productive and enriching Semester Two.

Ms Jacinta Goyne
Head of English

School bells ring again, welcome back students and faculty

9 July marked the start of another school term.  Welcome back to the amazing faculty, students, and teachers of the Hills community. As the term revamps, we remind students of the support available during the stressful times. Please don’t hesitate to visit your Heads of Year, who are Mrs Ogoti for Year 7 and 8, Mrs Lee-Perkins for Year 9 and 10, and Mrs Parer for Year 11 and 12. If your year level coordinator is unavailable, please visit any of our staff who would be happy to assist.

The start of Term 3 marks the return of the beloved Mrs Lee-Perkins, who was on a well-deserved break, after numerous trips to UK, Istanbul, Croatia, Italy, Barcelona, France, and Norway. When asked about how it feels to be back, she said, “It is really lovely seeing everyone, I am enjoying seeing familiar and new faces”. Mrs Lee-Perkins also suggests students should focus on going outside and moving along with finding a healthy balance of study and relaxation.

More exciting news for the school is the arrival of new English teacher Mrs Noffke. She joins us with a wealth of experience, and we are very excited for her to join our ever-growing community. When asked about she felt, Mrs Noffke described the arrival as exciting as it is a new challenge for her. The College wishes her well and we look forward to seeing how she helps our students excel in the learning environment.

The College wishes both the students and faculty a very successful term as assessments and deadlines reaches ever closer. Once again for any student struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help from your teachers. Additionally, the senior students are always available and happy to help if any difficulties come your way.

Joshua Feeney
Edited by Jaxson Lees

Hills Reporting Team

Foundation Day 2024

Another milestone in the round of sporting events is the Foundation Day Race. As the name may imply, the Foundation Day Race is a celebration and competition centered around the founding of the school over 30 years ago in 1992. For the Year 12s and one special individual, this was their last appearance at the event, and that individual is Mr Lynch. The atmosphere at the event was as lively as ever with the cries and screams of those wishing for their triumphant victory.

In the later stages, an unlikely prospect for the win was the Uluru house as they had fallen well behind.  However, the house would show a change of pace by leading the Year 11 stage. Jade at this point was having similar issues until the first Year 11 in Jade, Jakayla Au, made the comeback of the century elevating the house from 2nd to 1st.  The pace from Jakayla carried over to Ben Tattersall, stealing Uluru’s chances of victory at the last possible moment, giving Jade their well-deserved triumph.

When asked about his thoughts on the event, Mr Borg’s response was “It’s a really great time. It was also really fun to see everyone get together and support one another.” Of course, given the nature of this event, he wasn’t the only teacher we interviewed. For his final time at the event, the team got incredibly lucky with an interview from the Principal of the College himself, Mr Lynch. When asked what race means to him, he answered that the reason he loves the Foundation Day event is a purely personal one, with one of the first things he did as the Principal of the College is pushing for the creation of an event that not only celebrated the founding of the college, but also united the community towards a goal.

Thank you to all staff members for your incredible organisation and hosting of the event.  Also, thanks to Mr Borg for reviving the digital aspect of the event and for the final time, Mr Lynch’s involvement and continuation of the College’s legacy with this event.

Jaxson Lees

Hills Reporting Team

Drum Circle Performance

On Tuesday June 14, Dr Pope's Primary School Drum Circle made excellent use of our new playground space with a marvellous performance for families. It was a delightful experience for all involved, and it was so good to see the primary playground being used for this performance.

Thanks for your support of this ongoing group.

If your child/ren are interested in joining the drum circle, please email Dr Pope to register your interest.  Rehearsals are on Tuesday mornings from 8-8:30, beginning on July 23.

Winter Uniform

It has been very cold this week, and we can expect more cold weather, I'm sure.  We have allowed students to wear non-uniform items before Connection Time classes begin in the morning, but it's important to remember that this does not allow students to wear non-uniform items at other times.  We have a good stock of jackets, jumpers and other items (including beanies and fleece vests that can be worn before school).

If students feel cold with a jumper or jacket, they are absolutely permitted to wear thermal vests, shirts or singlets under their formal shirts or sports shirts, as long as they are white or skin-toned and do not protrude from sleeves or hems.

It is an expectation and requirement of enrolment that students are provided with the full uniform at all times, and this includes both the sports jacket and the formal jumper.  If students do not like one item or the other, this is not sufficient reason to allow them to wear the alternative.  Students can wear a long sleeve thermal under their jumper if they find it itchy, and take off the shirt once it has warmed up for the day.

We are constantly reviewing and updating our uniform policies and expectations, but it is important that parents support the College policies and procedures in place at all times.

Behaviour Management

This fortnight, Mr Noel and I would like to provide some renewed focus on our expected behaviour and the processes we follow, aligned with our Behavioural Management Policy. At our College, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and respectful learning environment that aligns with our L.A.W.S. values and behavioural expectations. Our behavioural standards are encapsulated in our L.A.W.S. (Living with Compassion, Acting with Integrity, Working with Diligence, Striving for Success) which guides our students in their daily interactions and personal development.

Consequences for behaviour that challenge our values are applied consistently and fairly in line with our processes and policies. This consistency helps students understand the repercussions of their actions, reinforcing the importance of accountability and safety. Consequences range from restorative practices, where students can be reflective of their actions and take accountability, to more formal disciplinary actions when necessary, involving referral to Executive Heads or the College Principal.

Our expected behaviour standards can be maintained through:

Clear Communication

• Interview process: Introduces prospective families to the College’s expectations, non-negotiables and values.
• Classroom Discussions and Essential Agreements: Regularly reinforce expectations.
• Student Code of Conduct and Behaviour Management Policy: Provides detailed guidelines on behaviour and a student's commitment to the Hills College behaviour standard.

Positive Reinforcement

• L.A.W.S Awards: Acknowledge exemplary behaviour with a certificate.
• Points Systems: Reward positive behaviour with House Points (Secondary).
• Celebrations of Success: Regular events to honour students' achievements.

Proactive Interventions

• Social-Emotional Learning: Teach empathy, self-regulation, and conflict resolution authentically through specific lessons and programs.
• Student Counseling: Offer support for managing emotions and behaviour.
• Buddy Programs: Pair new students with buddies for guidance and reinforcement of college values.

Consistent Consequences

• Restorative and trauma-informed Practices: Focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships.
• Progressive Discipline: Escalate consequences for repeated offences.
• Behavioural Contracts: Outline expected behaviours and consequences.
• Review enrolment: for ongoing behaviours that do not align with our behavioural expectations.

Parental Involvement

• Regular Communication: Keep parents informed through reports and meetings.
• Encouragement: Encourage families to be aware of the Code of Conduct and Behavioural Management Policy.
• Supportive: Supportive of the disciplinary action taken by the college.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Involve parents in addressing issues.

Continuous Monitoring and Support

• Behavioural Tracking: Monitor and analyse student behaviour.
• Regular Check-Ins: Provide ongoing support and guidance.
• Individualised Support Plans: Develop tailored plans for students with ongoing challenges.

Through these strategies, Hills International College ensures a consistent, supportive, and fair approach to behaviour management, creating an environment where high expectations are upheld and every student can thrive. Thank you, families, for sustaining and promoting our values and we hope you gain valuable insight into our behavioural management processes.

Mr Ben Pope

Head of Wellbeing

ben.pope@hills.qld.edu.au

Homestay at Hills

Term 3 sees an influx of short stay visitors to our College. If you would love the cultural experience of hosting a short stay visitor, please reach out to me. The visitor will need their own room, desk, and three meals per day. They are expected to be a part of your family during their short stay. There is an allowance paid for the stay of $320/week. I am seeking families for August now, so please email me for more information vanessa.newbery@hills.qld.edu.au

Short stay visitors

This week, we welcomed the following short stay visitors to our College;

• Year 3 - Charlotte (UK), Sara (Japan) and Allen (China)
• Year 4 - Marco (China)
• Year 5 - Roko (Japan), Elina (China), Junyi/Yujun/Qianna/Yuchao (China)
• Year 7 - Katie (China), Meredith/Jeremy (UK), Yihe/Zirui/Tony /Yiting/Shun /Tong (China)
• Year 10 - Xuanhui (China)

As always, our incredible students have stepped up to the mark and made these visitors feel welcome. Thank you everyone!

International student achievements

A huge congratulations to these international and domestic non-native speaking students, who are succeeding at Hills College. Please pause to think - they are doing this in a second or third language!! I am constantly amazed at their diligence, confidence and abilities. Well done, everyone!

• Joshua Chan - Year 12 - Academic Honours with Distinction
• Ernest Khmelevskoi - HLC - Citizenship
• Sarang Kim - Year 3 - Diligence 
• Zac Li - Year 10 - Academic Honours
• Danny Lin - Year 11 - Diligence
• Keeratikorn Sakdikornthanasiri - Year 9 - Diligence
• CJ Steyn - Year 12 - Academic Honours
• Jagoda Zapiec - Year 8 - Diligence
• Xiaoou Zhu - HLC - Diligence

Mrs Vanessa Newbery

Head of International Programs

vanessa.newbery@hills.qld.edu.au

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability - NCCD

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school. 

Mrs Tracy Ashbridge

Head of Inclusive Education

tracy.ashbridge@hills.qld.edu.au

Hills Golf Academy wishes to congratulate Jason Day and Ashley Lau on qualifying for their respective countries to compete at the Paris Olympic Games. Jason is representing Australia as the highest ranked Australian after a successful comeback after some health issues. Ashley made the Malaysian team via her world ranking after two victories as a professional. We wish them the very best in their quest for gold and will follow their progress with much interest and pride.

Saxxon Ford has had a busy run of first-class tournaments in the last five weeks. After finishing ninth in his first international tournament, he went on to finish third in the NSW Junior Amateur Championship recently played in Sydney. Congratulations to Saxxon on your great play, the experience of competing in the bigger events will serve him well in the future.

Sarang Kim, our 8-year-old student, has been competing in U S Kids events around the Brisbane area and is in contention to qualify for a U S Kids Event in the USA after some stellar play. Sarang has a true passion and love of the game of golf and has worked diligently to improve her golfing skills this year. We wish her the best of luck.

Why did the slime go to the party?

This term The Hills College P and F is launching one of its most thrilling and hilarious school fundraising events, embarking on an exciting challenge to help raise money for some fantastic ideas brought to us by the kids.

The wish list includes additional water bubblers and drink bottle filling stations, more seating and undercover areas, and a giant media screen for the new Multipurpose Centre. So, to help make these ambitious ideas as much of a reality as possible, we're spicing up our regular fundraising efforts with a slimy twist that we’re sure will motivate both kids and parents alike!

The Slimy Fun Begins!

Here's the fun part - every fortnight, as we reach our milestone checkpoints, our dedicated teachers and staff will face the slimy consequences in a public sliming extravaganza! Yes, you heard it right – our incredible staff members are gearing up to be drenched in sticky, gooey slime to mark our progress and keep the thrill alive!

Picture the laughter, the cheers, and the priceless memories we'll create as our school spirit and community support shine through this slimy spectacle.

What’s in Store?

Our fundraising initiative promises a whirlwind of engaging activities, fabulous prizes, and the opportunity for our school community to unite in making a meaningful impact. It's not just about fundraising; it's about cultivating a vibrant and supportive school environment for all to enjoy.

Grand Prizes and Fun Activities

But wait, there's more! The grand prize for our students is an afternoon filled with fun and hilarity, culminating in a public sliming of Mr Lynch (the more we raise, the more slime we unleash!), followed by a Splash & Dash School Fun Run event.

How to Get Involved

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and gear up for the ultimate sliming showdown as we join forces to help bring our kids' ideas to life! Let's shower our teachers with love, get slimed for a cause, and make this fundraising event truly unforgettable.

Look out for an information pack heading home with your child soon, or dive in right away by creating an online profile for your child at funrun.com.au and kickstart your fundraising journey. Within your child's profile, they can set personal goals, earn badges, select prizes, and even access a cybersafe link to share with family and friends.

For businesses interested in contributing, the P and F Committee can issue a receipt upon request.

Thank you in advance for your support and enthusiasm for this incredible fundraising event.

Answer: To gel with new friends.