Thursday 15 August 2024 marked the opening of the newly remodelled Music area at the top of the Resource Centre. The Arts Captains gave the speech below to mark the occasion, which was attended by members of the Executive, the architects, builders, and other interested people. It is wonderful to have this beautiful new space to work, play and create in.

"Good afternoon Mr Lynch, Board Members, Executive, Teachers, Students, and Guests.

It is with immense joy and great pride that we gather here today to celebrate the grand opening of our new Music Centre. This momentous occasion represents not just the unveiling of a new area, but the beginning of a new chapter in the life of our school—a chapter where the power of music will take centre stage in our educational journey.

Music has always been a universal language, a bridge that connects hearts and minds across cultures and generations. It’s a force that inspires creativity, fosters collaboration, and nurtures emotional expression. Today, we are not merely opening doors to a new facility; we are opening doors to endless possibilities and boundless opportunities for our fellow students.

This Music Centre is more than just a collection of rooms and instruments. It is a sanctuary where young talents can explore their passions, refine their skills, and discover the profound impact music can have on their lives. It is a place where students can come together to create, perform, and share their love for music, learning not only the technical aspects but also the joy of artistic expression.

The purpose of education is to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are prepared to navigate the complexities of the world with both intellect and empathy. By investing in this Music Centre, Hills College is investing in the holistic development of our students, recognising that musical education plays a crucial role in nurturing creativity, discipline, and teamwork.

We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to bringing this vision to life. To our dedicated educators, other staff, and the P & F who have championed the cause of music education and to the students whose enthusiasm and talent have inspired us all—thank you. Your commitment and belief in the transformative power of music have made this day possible.

As we step into this new Music Centre, let us do so with excitement and anticipation. Let us embrace the endless opportunities that lie ahead, and let us support our students as they embark on this musical journey. May this space be filled with creativity, harmony, and the joyful sound of discovery.

Thank you all for being here to celebrate this extraordinary milestone. Here’s to the many melodies and harmonies yet to be composed, and to the bright future that awaits every student who walks through these doors.

Let the music begin!

Reflecting on the past ten weeks fills me with immense joy as I consider the enriching experiences our learners have enjoyed. From Years 3-5 camps and leadership and wellbeing workshops, to student-led learning, substantial inquiry, project-based efforts, and impressive achievements in sports and the arts, Term 3 has been a vibrant tapestry of excitement and joy.

I am particularly inspired by our Year 6 students, who showcased their learning journey to the broader community during the Year 6 Exhibition last Tuesday evening. Their commitment to pushing boundaries and demonstrating their learning approaches was truly commendable. Despite the challenge of speaking to an audience, many of them stepped out of their comfort zones with thorough preparation, a strong belief in themselves, and a courageous spirit. Congratulations, Year 6 students – you were nothing short of phenomenal!

It has been heartwarming to witness the efforts of our P & F in fostering community spirit throughout Term 3. Led by Shanna Watson and Clayton Loveridge, their energy and commitment have truly shone, and I congratulate them on advancing such an important priority. To our students and families who participated in the Slime Challenge, thank you. Your involvement, no matter how big or small, was greatly appreciated and highlighted the strength of our community.

I will be stepping into the role of Acting Principal while Mr Lynch enjoys a well-deserved Long Service Leave, until 4 November. During this period, please direct all Primary school matters to our Deputy Head of Primary, Stuart Ablitt, who will be Acting Head of Primary.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone for contributing to another successful term at Hills. I wish you all a restful and joyful break with your loved ones and eagerly anticipate the start of another vibrant term when our students return on October 1.


Mr Matthew Noel
Head of Primary/Acting Principal

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

In the spotlight with 5B

The Year 5B students have taken on the role of business owners this term as part of their inquiry-based learning. They utilised their critical and creative thinking skills to design a business model centered around a good or service. By applying persuasive techniques, students showcased their ability to influence an audience to engage with their products or services.

Throughout the project, students explored the concepts of needs, wants, and resources, reflecting on how these factors impact both their customers and the broader community. They engaged in economic reasoning and made informed decisions, deepening their understanding of financial literacy and budgeting.

The students of 5B demonstrated their ability to be knowledgeable, communicative risk-takers as they applied their learning in a real-world context. Congratulations to Year 5B for a successful and impactful Market Day!

Mrs Jessica Ingham 

5B Teacher

Year 6 Exhibition Evening

On Tuesday 3 September, we were treated to an unforgettable evening as our Year 6 students proudly showcased their PYP Exhibition – the culminating experience of their Primary Years Programme journey. This event was a remarkable display of the deep thinking, collaboration, and creativity our students have developed over their time in the PYP.

The central idea explored during the Exhibition, "Everything in our world is interdependent," served as the perfect foundation for students to inquire into a variety of global and local issues. From environmental sustainability and the importance of ecosystems to the interconnectedness of human societies, our students embraced the challenge of diving deep into topics that matter, highlighting how everything in the world is connected and reliant upon each other.

Throughout the evening, students shared their research, hands-on projects, and personal reflections with parents, teachers, and peers. Each exhibition booth was unique, showcasing a personal passion and an independent line of inquiry, while emphasising the transdisciplinary approach that is at the heart of the PYP.

We are incredibly proud of the work and effort that went into preparing for this milestone event. Special thanks must go to our dedicated Year 6 teachers, Miss Waud and Ms Henry, for their tireless guidance and support, ensuring every student felt empowered to share their learning in meaningful ways.

The Year 6 Exhibition is a testament to the growth and maturity of our students as they prepare to transition into the next phase of their education. It was an evening that truly demonstrated their ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and act responsibly, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to flourish in the future.

Mr Stuart Ablitt

Deputy Head of Primary & Head of IB Programs

Secondary Insights

As we reach the end of Term 3, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been an incredibly rewarding and eventful term for Secondary at Hills College. These include academic achievements, extracurricular successes and participation in College events where our students have continued to demonstrate our College LAWS.

The opening of the Performing Arts Centre was a highlight, providing a world-class venue for our talented musicians, dancers and actors to showcase their abilities. I extend my congratulations to all the students who participated in Science Week, Book Week and our various sports events. These activities foster teamwork, leadership, and a sense of community, all of which are integral to a well-rounded education.

We have also had wonderful feedback on the integration of digital tools into the curriculum, with students engaging more deeply in coding, digital literacy, and data science. It is inspiring to see how these future-focused initiatives are shaping their learning and expanding their skill sets. A special thank you to Mr Christopher Borg and Ms Rachel Carter, who have led this Digital Technologies implementation in Secondary.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to our dedicated teachers and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success and to our parents and guardians for your continued support and partnership.

As we prepare for Term 4, there are many exciting initiatives and events on the horizon. Our focus will remain on supporting all students to achieve their personal best, both academically and in their personal development. Parent-teacher interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 8 October commencing 3.30 p.m. in the Resource Centre, upstairs. This will provide a valuable opportunity to discuss each student’s progress and ways to further support their growth.

I would like to remind students to rest, recharge and return in Term 4 ready for new challenges and opportunities. The final term of the year is always a crucial one, especially for our Year 12 students as they complete their final examinations and transition to the next chapter of their academic journey.

Wishing everyone a restful and enjoyable break. We look forward to welcoming students back in Term 4, ready to finish the year hoping that students' goals have been reached.

Mrs Julie-Anne Skelton

Head of Secondary

LAWS Awardees

The following students have been displaying the College LAWS of Working with Diligence and Striving for Sucess this edition of the Hills College Times

Working with Diligence - Michael Cetin and Choin Sohn - to prepare for and complete their 9A Science examination

Striving for Success - Prabhnoor Singh for Striving for Success in his preparation for the Unit 2 Psychology examination. 

Chanel Vang and Gaelle Degryse - Live with Compassion and also Act with Integrity in their leadership roles at the College, always helping to organise and run events.

Dr Valerie Spall

Science and Mathematics Teacher

Striving for success in Year 7 Science and having earned high grades as a result - Addison Field, Gursakhi Kaur and Shanaya Mishra

Striving for Success in Year 8 Science - Harnoor Anand, Year 9 

Working with Diligence in Science - Darcy Lynham and Kobi Lapwood, Year 7

Working with Diligence and Striving for Success in Science- Thomas Koen, Jake Davidson and Jyla Mollard, Year 9

Mr John Hallerman

Science Teacher

Teaching and Learning - Music and Drama

It has been a busy term with the Grand Opening of the new Music Centre, the final concert of the 2024 Lunchtime Concert Series, the Hills Drum Circle performance, the Hills Gamelan Group starting up again, and all the usual classes and assessment happening.

The Grand Music Opening took place on August 15 and involved students of all ages. It was a wonderful event with great excitement at the potential of the new dedicated space.

The lunchtime concert took place on August 26 and featured a range of high school students playing instruments such as piano, marimba, electric guitar, and singing. It also featured a Dance performance by the Secondary Dance Team. The performances were a great success, and thanks go to all the students who were brave enough to perform in front of their peers.

The Hills Drum Circle involved students in Year 4 to Year 7. We gave a performance to family and friends on Tuesday 10 September. We played three pieces that we have been working on and then invited the audience to grab a spare drum and join in with us for some drumming games. The audience were delighted to hear what we’ve been up to and to get a chance to join in.

The Hills Gamelan Group started up again at the start of term after an enforced 6 month break due to the Music Centre remodelling. It was wonderful to hear the sounds of the instruments again. The group has members from Year 3 to Year 8 and performs regularly.

Students in Year 8 and 9 Drama have been working on their scripted performances showing how they have manipulated the Elements of Drama. Students were given a choice of two non-contextual scripts and had to interpret and create a context (time, place and space) as well as decide on situation and characters.

Dr Julia Pope / Ms Melanie Clifton

Head of Faculty The Arts / Drama Teacher

Teaching and Learning- Visual Art

It has been another busy term for Secondary Art, and I am always impressed by how many talented individuals we have at the College. The Art room is often filled with students at lunchtime as they work towards the end of term deadlines.

The Year 7 students were inspired by the artist Vorja Sanchez to create several graphite pencil studies of natural objects. They understood how to achieve a three-dimensional effect using tonal contrast in their work. After their initial observational drawings, they combined animals, insects, birds and reptiles to create their imaginary creatures using water-soluble coloured pencils and watercolour paints. For the Exploring and Responding task they analysed the work of the artists Vorja Sanchez, Shaun Tan and Vladimir Stankovic.

For the printmaking Unit ‘Realism to abstraction’, Year 8 and 9 students explored insects and created drawings, drypoint etchings and lino prints. The tonal contrast achieved on their drawing was recreated on their etching through cross hatching techniques. The elements of shape and pattern were explored for their lino prints through abstract symmetrical designs. For the Exploring and Responding task, students answered questions about a variety of different printmakers.

Year 10 students have been creating their Skate deck designs. They responded to an open theme and were introduced to a range of materials and techniques before choosing the best one to suit their design. For the Exploring and Responding task, they analysed and compared the work of two skate deck artists.

Year 11 students completed Unit 2: 'Art as Code'. Through the Making task they explored the formal and cultural contexts by examining codes, symbols, signs, and art conventions. Through the criteria of Developing, Researching, Reflecting and Resolving, they produced an experimental folio and a resolved art piece by exploring a range of different techniques and processes.

Students in Year 12 created a wide range of different artworks for Unit 4: 'Art as Alternate'. Through the criteria of Developing, Researching, Reflecting and Resolving they completed their Project for Inquiry Phase 3 by communicating the concept (Art as Alternate), the contemporary context and their evolved focus.

As Henry David Thoreau once said: “The world is but a canvas to the imagination.” As Year 12 Visual Art students prepare for their upcoming external examinations next term, I wish them all the very best and reflect on their artistic journey at Hills College. I am confident that they take away the necessary skills that will support them in the future, whichever path they choose to take.

Ms Caroline Barnard

Visual Art Teacher

Teaching and Learning - Mathematics

This term, the Mathematics team has been sharing algebra strategies across the school in our efforts to improve numeracy across the curriculum. Our summary shows how algebra skills incorporate understandings from many aspects of mathematics and leads to the development of mathematical modelling.

One of the highlights of Term 4 has been our Year 11 and 12 Essential Mathematics classes quest in data collection. They attended a laser tag excursion with the purpose of collecting data for processing in their studies on statistics and data and had a fun day doing so.

Mrs Sharon Rummins

Head of Faculty Mathematics

Teaching and Learning - Design Technologies

Year 7 students are cooking up their carefully crafted pizza designs, putting into practice their understanding of sustainability by choosing eco-friendly ingredients and minimising waste. They also consider accessibility, ensuring that their pizzas cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences, making them inclusive for everyone. Additionally, they've thought about durability, creating recipes that maintain their quality and taste even when scaled up for mass production. This hands-on experience integrates design thinking with real-world challenges

Mrs Rachel Carter

Design Technologies Teacher

Parents and Friends- A Heartfelt Thank You to Parents and Friends

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the Parents and Friends who enthusiastically participated in the Slime Challenge and the Splash and Dash events. Your involvement not only made these activities incredibly fun but also helped create lasting memories for our students and community. Your support is truly appreciated, and we look forward to more events where we can come together in such wonderful spirit! Thank you for raising such a wonderful amount of money for Hills College

Mrs Julie-Anne Skelton

Head of Secondary

Teachers Triumph in Exciting Staff vs Senior Secondary Students Netball Showdown!

The end of term at Hills International College was celebrated in style with the annual staff vs senior secondary students netball game, and this year’s event was nothing short of spectacular. In a thrilling match, mixed teams of male and female players battled it out on the court, with the staff ultimately claiming victory by a clear margin.  Thanks must go to the primary school students who refereed the contest.

From the opening whistle, both teams displayed impressive skills and teamwork. The senior students, showing determination and agility, put up a strong fight with quick passes and sharp shooting. However, the staff team, combining experience with unexpected athleticism, dominated much of the game. 

While the students showcased some brilliant moments, including some impressive shots and swift defensive moves, the staff’s cohesive play was simply unstoppable. By halftime, the teachers had built a strong lead, and despite the students’ best efforts in the second half, the gap continued to grow.

The staff victory was sealed with a final score that left no doubt about their dominance on the court, much to the delight of the cheering crowd. The spectators, including many younger students, enjoyed the fun and competitive spirit of the game, which embodied the strong sense of community and camaraderie at Hills College.

Though the teachers claimed the win, the event was all about celebration and enjoyment, rounding off the term with a memorable experience for all involved. Congratulations to the staff on their well-deserved win and to the students for their great effort and sportsmanship. We can’t wait to see what next year’s rematch brings!

Hills College Celebrates the Success of Wear it Purple Day and RU OK Day

Hills International College came together in a powerful show of support for mental health awareness with the success of Wear it Purple Day and RU OK Day. Secondary students proudly donned purple, yellow, or black attire and purchased purple armbands to help raise awareness about Australia's mental health and the impact of bullying on LGBTQIA+ young people in Australia.

The day was filled with meaningful conversations and activities, all aimed at promoting inclusivity and support. As part of the fundraising efforts, students could enter a raffle to win an exciting LSKD voucher worth $250, with a $50 voucher and a backpack as runner-up prizes.

The event was a reminder of the importance of mental health and standing together as a community. Hills College is proud of the students' participation and commitment to making a difference!

The BLUE LIGHT is Back!

The Jimboomba Blue Light Association is holding its second blue light disco for the year on Friday 13 September.

It is open for Years 3-6.

Scenic Rim Holiday Activities

Term 3 update

Today marks the end of an incredibly busy term for all things international. To date, we have welcomed 181 short-stay students, including primary friends from Japan and China, a keen soccer player from France, and a Rotary exchange student from Germany. Most of these visitors have joined us in Term 3, bringing their cultures, knowledge and friendship to our community. We are incredibly humbled to be able to provide these opportunities to new friends from around the world, knowing that we learn as much from our visitors as they learn from us.

A huge vote of thanks to the dedicated and compassionate Hills staff, who opened their classrooms to these visitors. Special thanks to the Primary and Secondary buddies who gave special attention to their new friends. It is always so heartwarming to see the real and meaningful connections made within the Hills College community. Finally, thank you to our incredible homestay families for providing safe and welcoming 'homes away from home' for our visitors.

In Term 4, we look forward to welcoming two new long-term Chinese students into Hills Language College, where they will spend some time improving their English to be ready for secondary classes sometime in 2025. We also have some short stay Japanese visitors arriving in November, for a cultural and educational experience. Please make them all feel welcome!

How many times do you have to tickle an octopus to make it laugh?

We have reached the end of Term 3 and have a number of items to wrap up:

Outdoor Movie:
The P and F were happy to assist the Year 12s with finance for the recent outdoor movie night. Congratulations to the Year 12 students for putting together a lovely family experience. We would also like to extend our thanks to BOQ Jimboomba who donated funds.

Flame BBQ Festival:
Over the school holidays the P and F will be participating in the Flame BBQ festival with a sausage sizzle and raffle. If you are able to volunteer for this event, please nominate at volunteersignup.org/WWXR9 for a position. We are expecting this to be a fun night and as our last fundraiser for the year, it will set the P and F up to fund events in Term 4.

Music Room:
The P and F accepted a donation of Bunnings buckets for the music room this week. We would like to thank Bunnings at Springfield Lakes for their generosity, and we look forward to seeing these being used for drumming lessons.

Fidget Sale:
Thank you to Tatiana for putting together another great fidget sale, focused on gems. It was a pleasure to have this opportunity to interact with the students and to hear how wide their knowledge is on this matter.

Last but not least Slime Challenge:
This week saw the culmination of the slime challenge with a splash and dash run for all the students and the main event - sliming Mr Lynch. 

There are a number of people the P and F would like to thank in relation to this event.

To the police and fire personnel who attended and enthusiastically participated, thank you for being part of our wider community supporting the students.

To the families and students who did an incredible job raising funds, we would like to acknowledge each contribution as it all added up to a wildly successful fundraiser.

To the staff who were not only willing to be covered in slime for the students' enjoyment, but also actively encouraged students to participate in fundraising and decorating, we are very thankful for your support of the P and F.

Finally, the P and F would like to acknowledge Clayton Loveridge and Shanna Watson who spearheaded this event and have spent many, many hours planning, negotiating and breathing life into this project. Thank you, you did a fantastic job!


Answer: Ten-tickles.