Hills Times - 2025 - Term 2 - Edition 6

Welcome back to all of our families. I hope that your children are well rested following their break and that they are ready and raring to go for a big term of learning here at Hills International College. It was wonderful to see so many smiling and excited faces walking into the school on the first day of term.

A special welcome to all of our new students and their families and thank you for choosing us as your children’s school. Hills is a diverse and friendly community that has a strong sense inclusivity. I know that our current families will make the new families feel welcome.

Welcome back to Ms Caroline Barnard who returns from her Long Service Leave. I hope that she has enjoyed her break.

April Holidays China Trip

Mrs Skelton and Dr Li escorted nine of our students on an epic China trip during the holidays. The students were exceptional ambassadors for our school, and they created some wonderful memories. The students gained personally and culturally from the trip, and I thank Mrs Skelton and Dr Li for their diligence in planning a wonderful and safe learning opportunity for our students.

ANZAC Day Services

Hills' students and staff were out in force braving the rain to demonstrate ANZAC spirit and a true sense of respect. Our huge attendance at both the Dawn Service and the march was a testimony to the efforts of our staff, students and parents. Thank you to our parents for going the extra mile and supporting the march in what were truly challenging weather conditions. It was gratifying and humbling to see our students represent Hills with such distinction.

Unfortunately, Thursday’s wet weather curtailed our ANZAC Day service here at school and we moved this to an online service. Thanks to Mr Noel for his organisation of the service and to the student leaders for their contributions.

School Choice Counts-Independent Schools and the Federal Election

As we approach the upcoming federal election, we want to share some important information about the potential impact it may have on our school and the independent school sector as a whole. Decisions made during this election could directly affect funding and the ability of families to choose schools that align with their values and aspirations.

Independent schools like ours play a vital role in offering diverse and high-quality educational opportunities. These schools are funded through a combination of government support and the significant contributions of families and communities. Ensuring stable and fair funding is essential to maintaining the high standards of education we strive to provide.

Raising awareness about these issues is an important step in protecting the diversity and accessibility of education for all families. To support this effort, we are participating in the School Choice Counts campaign, which highlights the value of independent schools and the importance of fair funding.

Your support is invaluable in making a difference, not just for our school, but for independent schools across Australia.

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to our school community.

STEAM Centre Stage 1

The project has not progressed very far over the last few weeks with incessant rain and public holidays pushing our schedule back. We hope to see some real progress in the next few weeks if we get a run of fine weather.

Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews

It was wonderful to see some very positive interactions with staff and parents at the Secondary parent teacher interviews that were held on Tuesday evening.

These interviews are a follow up to the Secondary interim reports which were published during the holidays. It is now vital for students to heed the feedback of their teachers and use this to further refine and consolidate their learning.

Parents should use the information gained in the report and parent interview to build a picture of their child’s academic and social progress. Parents can support teachers by ensuring that their children start early on assessment pieces, do their own work and not plagiarise or use AI indiscriminately, and promote a positive academic culture in their household. These small steps can assist us in growing your child’s academic stamina.

Unsung Heroes

Every day whilst I am on crossing duty I watch the Year 6 students attend to the raising and lowering of the various national flags that fly at the front of the administration building. The attention to detail, commitment to completing the job well and sense of pride that these students take in doing this job well is a delight to see.

I am positive that they think that nobody notices their work, but I do, and it is lovely to see them complete this job without expecting praise or recognition.

Holiday Works

During the holiday period the potholes in the entrance road were filled in order to smooth out the road surface. The main administration building renovation was completed as it was in need of a much-needed makeover. The main building now has a professional and inviting entrance area, with new carpet, new paint and a fresh look. This will improve our front office space experience for current and prospective parents, students and staff.

Prep Interviews 2026

We commenced Prep interviews for 2026 this week and Mr Noel and Ms Comerford are busily working their way through an enormous list of applicants; such is the interest in joining our school community.

It has been delightful to take a few minutes to meet each child and parents at the conclusion of their interview.

Car Parking and Drop Off

Parents are respectfully requested to not park staff in and to not park in disabled car parks unless they are displaying the appropriate signage. Please do not drop your children off in the middle of the staff car park or in other thoroughfares. We ask that all parents use the Stop Drop and Go system that works very well. Your cooperation with these requests is greatly appreciated.

Upcoming Calendar Events

Term 2 Week 3

Monday 5 May - Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 6 May - Primary School Photos

Wednesday 7 May/Thursday 8 May/Friday 9 May - Mother’s Day Stall

Friday 9 May - Day for Dolly/Kindness Day, Primary Assembly

Term 2 Week 4

Tuesday 13 May - Secondary and Sibling Photos

Wednesday 14 May - Pacific District Cross Country

Welcome to your Primary Edition of the Hills Times.

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the many students, families, and staff who participated in the Jimboomba Sub-Branch ANZAC Day Dawn Service and March. Your commitment to coming together as a community to remember and honour the men and women who served our great nation is truly commendable. Thank you for representing Hills International College with such pride and respect.

This week also marked the commencement of our first round of 2026 Prep interviews. It is an exciting time as we begin to build connections with our future families. With over 80 students in this first round, it is certainly a busy, but very rewarding, season of welcoming new faces into our Hills community.

In this edition, I would like to take the opportunity to explore the topic of change and how, particularly during times of change, we can best support one another.

Happy Reading!

Navigating Change Together

Change is a natural part of life. As we grow and adapt, changes can occur in many forms — a new teacher, an event taking a new format, or a new school term.

While these changes are often exciting or necessary, we recognise that they can sometimes feel challenging, not just for our students, but also for our parents and guardians. How children adapt to change often mirrors how the important adults in their lives respond to it.

Australian research from Beyond Blue and the Australian Psychological Society (APS) reminds us that children thrive during times of change when they feel secure, heard, and supported — both at school and at home.

Here are some ways families can help themselves — and their child — manage changes positively:

1. Acknowledge Your Own Feelings First
It’s natural for parents and guardians to feel unsettled when school routines or structures change. Take time to process your own feelings calmly, so you can model reassurance and optimism to your child. Children are incredibly attuned to adult emotions. Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, an Australian child psychologist, reminds us that children often "borrow" the emotional tone of their parents during times of uncertainty.

2. Talk Positively About the Change
Even if a change feels unexpected, framing it positively for your child builds their confidence and adaptability. Comments like, “It will be exciting to meet your new teacher,” or “I'm looking forward to seeing how this new event will look,” can go a long way in shaping your child’s mindset.

3. Maintain Predictable Routines at Home
When change is happening at school, maintaining simple routines at home (bedtime, homework, morning drop-offs) can offer important stability. According to Kids Matter, predictable routines provide children with a sense of security and help them manage bigger emotions.

4. Communicate Early and Clearly
If you are aware of a change coming up, such as a new classroom teacher or a revised event, talk about it with your child using calm, age-appropriate language. Keep explanations simple and reassuring. Preparation can greatly reduce anxiety, according to research by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

5. Focus on What Stays the Same
In times of change, it’s helpful to point out what remains familiar: the same school, friends, playgrounds, and supportive staff. Reminding your child that while some things may look different, much of their world remains the same helps maintain a sense of security.

Change is part of growth — for children and for us as adults. When we navigate change with optimism, flexibility, and understanding, we help our children learn that change is not something to fear, but an opportunity for new experiences and successes. Thank you for your partnership as we continue to grow and adapt together.

Mr Matthew Noel
Head of Primary
Hills International College

The Power of Showing Up: Agency, Responsibility and Readiness to Learn at Hills

At Hills, we believe that every learner has the potential to thrive and that agency is at the heart of this journey. When we speak about agency, we are referring to a student's voice, choice and ownership in their learning. It is about knowing they have a role to play in shaping their own growth and that each day brings new opportunities to explore, question, discover and improve.

But agency does not just happen. It begins the moment a student walks through the school gates, ready to learn. That simple act of showing up prepared, curious and open minded is a powerful statement of personal responsibility. It says: “I am here. I am invested. I care about my learning.”

At Hills, we want all students to recognise that they are active participants in their education, not passengers. This means turning up each day, engaging in learning experiences, contributing to class discussions, completing tasks to the best of their ability, and being open to feedback and reflection. Importantly, it also means not opting out of learning.

Refusing to engage in tasks, whether it is saying “no” to a writing activity, ignoring instructions, or avoiding a challenge, does not align with the responsibility we all carry as learners. At Hills, we support students in using their voice to ask for help, to share when something feels hard, and to express how they learn best. But learning still requires action. Refusal closes the door to growth. Effort, however small, opens it.

Daily attendance and active participation are foundational. Learning is a continuous journey, and every missed day or missed opportunity to engage can make the path harder to navigate. By showing up each day, mentally and emotionally as well as physically, students keep themselves connected with their learning, their classmates, and their goals.

So, as we move further into the term, we encourage every student to:
✅ Turn up every day, ready to learn
✅ Ask for help when needed
✅ Try, even when the task feels tricky
✅ Take ownership of their learning
✅ Know that effort is a choice and a powerful one

Because at Hills, agency is not about doing whatever you want, it is about understanding that what you do matters. Your learning is your responsibility. And it all starts with showing up and being willing to try.

Mr Stuart Ablitt

Deputy Head of Primary and Head of IB Programmes

In the spotlight with 1B

We’ve had an amazing start to our Inquiry learning this term as we launched our new Central Idea: ‘The Past Shapes our Present’.

To kick things off, we explored a mystery bag filled with curious objects from the past—like a CD player, floppy disk, old telephone, radio, and a cassette tape! We were all so intrigued and full of thoughtful questions. It sparked fantastic discussions about how these objects were used, how they’ve changed over time (or stayed the same), and what that means for us today.

We also explored the ideas of “past” and “present” by comparing photos of bedrooms, shops, and classrooms from long ago to how they look now—there were lots of wow moments!

Then, using our iPads, students investigated even more mystery items from the past, guessing what they might have been used for before discovering the real answers.

We can’t wait to keep diving deeper into our transdisciplinary unit, ‘Where We Are in Place and Time’ and continue uncovering how the past truly shapes the world we live in today.

Stay tuned for more discoveries!

Mrs Thompson and 1A

Arrival of Year 6 Shirts

Week 1 of Term 2 was a momentous occasion as our Year 6 students proudly received their Year 6 shirts; a symbol of their journey through primary school and a testament to their leadership and commitment to our school values.

These shirts represent more than just fabric; they embody the dedication, perseverance, and growth these students have shown over the years. From their early days in primary school to now, they have embraced challenges, learned valuable lessons, and formed friendships.

One of the unique aspects of these Year 6 shirts is their role during our Canberra Tour and out and about the school grounds. As ambassadors of our school, when wearing these shirts our Year 6 students exemplify the compassion, integrity, and diligence that define our community. They carry with them not just the shirt, but also the spirit of leadership and responsibility.

These shirts also serve as a special incentive for our students to uphold our school values even beyond their time here. They remind them of the standards they have set for themselves and inspire them to continue making positive contributions wherever they go. They wear their Year 6 shirts not just as a badge of honour but as a symbol of the bright futures they are poised to create.

Ms Angie Henry and Ms Juliet Waud
Year 6 Teachers

Our Very Own Ms Barnard!

If you are thinking of something to do during the Labour Day long weekend, then you may be interested in the Arts Trail taking place on Tamborine Mountain from 3 - 5 May.

Over 80 artists are involved (including Ms Barnard) in exhibitions at different venues including their own Art studios. Some studios will offer the opportunity for the public to be involved in different Art activities. More information can be found in the link below and using the QR code on the leaflets:

Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail 2025

Ms Barnard will be a part of a group exhibition at The Escarpment Retreat (just past St Bernards Hotel), working on a painting during the event. Ms Barnard will be there for most of the time (except for Sunday afternoon) and is looking forward to catching up with members of our community. Ms Barnard also has some work in the '5 Degrees Cooler' exhibition in The Art Post Gallery on Main Street.

Here's a bit more about Ms Barnard and her work:

Caroline Barnard - Tamborine Mountain Arts Collective

Caroline Barnard - Tamborine Mountain Arts Collective
Growing up in Kenya gave Ms Barnard a strong appreciation of nature and a desire to capture its detail through Art. After leaving Africa when she was 16 years old and graduating with a first-class degree in Scientific illustration in London some years later, she worked as a freelance illustrator producing commissioned work by a variety of Publishing Houses including Hamlyn, Penguin, Quarto and Blackwell Scientific.

The travel bug kicked in and she left the UK to teach Art at an International school in Indonesia for 5 years. She embraced this new culture and enjoyed the sensory overload that this beautiful country gave her by capturing the surrounding environment through photography, drawing and painting.

Emigrating to Australia was a natural transition for her and she feels fortunate to have taught Art in some wonderful schools in Queensland. In 2016 and 2021 Caroline achieved the Award of Excellence in Qld in the Open category of the QIEU Awards for Excellence in Art Design for two of her artworks. She thinks it is important to be able to capture the beauty of nature and also highlight environmental issues.

www.tamborinemountain.art

This year for the first time, school students were involved in the Arts Trail. Over 200 artworks will be displayed at Tamborine Mountain State School. Our Primary and Secondary students will be involved in this next year as it's a great opportunity to display their artworks to the public.

Well done, Mrs Newbery!

Mrs Newbery, our Head of International Programs, is being recognised for her contributions to International Education through an invitation to participate in the upcoming NEAS (National English as a Second Language Accreditation Scheme) conference. Here's what NEAS has to say:

Mrs Newbery has been teaching at Hills International College since 2012, and has been Director of Studies in Hills Language College for over eight years. She is now part of the College Executive team in her role as Head of International Programs.

Before joining Hills, Mrs Newbery worked around Australia and overseas in ELICOS, AMEP and LOTE (French) teaching roles. She has travelled extensively through Europe and Asia, enhancing her international understanding and perspective.

Transition and support were her two main objectives when joining Hills Language College, and together with her teachers and the Hills community, she is working towards achieving these goals despite global and local challenges.

Mrs Newbery also facilitates the Hills Homestay Program. She is an active member of the College Wellbeing Team and coordinates the College’s Culture Club.

Mrs Newbery is a certified NEAS Master Practitioner and member of the NEAS High School Preparation Community of Practice. She is involved in state and national networking with other schools to ensure best practice for international students at not only Hills International College, but also Australia.

Mrs Newbery will be presenting on 'Finding your place when you don't belong':

What happens when you don’t belong? When you are new to the country, language, educational environment? Add to the mix living away from your support networks and friends. This is a challenge facing many international students.

Three High School Preparation providers, all based in school contexts, share their strategies and best practice approaches for helping disengaged and/or unmotivated high school students to feel that they ‘belong’.

Traffic Concerns

I'm sure you will have noticed that traffic is now moving more swiftly at pickup times. Some decisions we do make around traffic management may feel like they are contributing to any delay.

All of our decisions regarding traffic management are based on student safety. We have had multiple instances of parents risking the safety of their own and other's children by attempting shortcuts and dangerous parking in an effort to save as little as 20 seconds in a queue. Recent incidents include:

Parking in the bus stop carpark. A family was almost hit be a bus this week attempting to cross here
Driving out of the 'no exit' primary carpark entrance
Parking on the sides of the road near the Prep gates
Ignoring diversions through primary pickup, across the path of cars exiting the primary carpark

The best approach to spend less time in traffic is still to delay your arrival time at the College. Currently, cars arrive as early as 2pm each day. However, cars that arrive after the bells have sounded do not have to wait in longer traffic queues on arrival, but will have a shorter wait time in the departure line. Unfortunately, we are not able to control the traffic flow onto Johanna Street, especially with the current roadwork being undertaken.

The best way to promote independence, resilience, and self-reliance in your children remains the use of school busses. Each student on a school bus also reduces the congestion on school grounds.

Winter Uniforms

As we approach cooler weather, please note that uniform standards remain high. Students in secondary receive detentions for untucked shirts, incorrect hairstyles and uniform accessories, and other infractions.

Students are not permitted to mix their sports and formal uniforms. This includes the formal uniform with the sports jacket, and the sports hat with the formal uniform. The formal jumper is an acrylic blend, and should not irritate even sensitive skin when correctly laundered. The new formal jacket is a great option for most students.

Please also remember that boys should be clean shaven, and students are not permitted to have visible makeup. This includes obviously false eyelashes.

Exceptions may be made for medical or religious reasons. As we have hundreds of students, from a wide range of backgrounds, we do ask that you notify us if you believe these exemptions may apply to you.

The uniform policy is available on our website, and all decisions are at the discretion of the College.

Mental Health Support Service (advertisement)

Disclaimer:

The services advertised are provided by an external organisation and are not affiliated with the College. Hills International College does not endorse or take responsibility for the services offered. Families are encouraged to exercise their own discretion when engaging with external providers.

Dog Phobia Assistance

As part of her doctoral research, registered psychologist and Clinical Psychology PhD candidate Imogene Calteaux is leading a study investigating a parent-led intervention for children aged 7 to 17 who experience a phobia of dogs. This project has received full ethical clearance from Griffith University (GU Ref No: 2023/417).

The study aims to evaluate a brief, parent-delivered training program designed to support families in managing dog-related fears using evidence-based exposure strategies. Participation includes:

A free eligibility assessment with the parent
Structured online parent training modules delivered via telehealth
Ongoing support and weekly check-ins with a psychologist
Flexible scheduling to accommodate family needs
Recruitment is currently underway, with intervention delivery scheduled to commence in April 2025.

Free Mental Health & Wellbeing Event for Students and Families – May 16 at Currumbin RSL

The Southern Youth Wellbeing Exhibition & Festival is happening on Friday 16 May 2025 at Currumbin RSL, and it’s open to all young people and their families on the Southern Gold Coast.

It’s a great opportunity for students to:

Get involved in hands-on workshops like yoga, art therapy, music, and self-defence
Hear from real people with lived experience and practical tools for managing mental health
Find out what local services are available to support young people and how to access them

Event Details:

Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Currumbin RSL
Registration: Free entry for all attendees, a quick registration is required Register Here - Southern Youth Wellbeing Exhibition & Festival

This is more than just a festival—it’s a collective effort to support and strengthen the wellbeing of our youth. We’d love your help in sharing it with the families and students in your community.

If you would like more information or need promotional materials, contact admin@healedtribe.org.au.

Q: Why was the strawberry late for their Mother's Day lunch?

Welcome Back to Term 2!

We hope everyone had a wonderful, restful break and is feeling refreshed and ready for another exciting term ahead!

Term 2 is always a busy and vibrant time at Hills, filled with special events, new opportunities, and lots of learning and growth. From our upcoming Mother’s Day stall and raffle, to sports carnivals, excursions, and classroom activities — there’s so much to look forward to!

We’re excited to continue building our strong school community together and can't wait to see what this term brings. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support — let’s make it another amazing term at Hills!

Mother’s Day Stall

Our P & F Mother’s Day Stall is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to help our Hills students celebrate the amazing women in their lives!

The stall will run across three days: Wednesday 7 May, Thursday 8 May and Friday 9 May.

Students will have the opportunity to visit the stall during their class’s allocated session time (please see the schedule on Orbit) and choose the perfect gift to spoil their mum, grandma, or other special women in their lives.

We have sourced a beautiful range of gifts, with prices ranging from $2 to $12, making it easy for everyone to find something special. Some of the wonderful items available for purchase include:

* Wine glasses
* Coffee travel mugs
* Perfume
* Mum and Me bracelets
* Colour change mugs
* Shoelace charms
* Assorted fake plants
* Range of candles
* Jewellery boxes
* Platter boards
* Assorted lunch bags
* Crochet flowers
* Steamed rose soaps
* Water bottles

There’s truly something for every taste and style!

Mother’s Day Raffle

To add even more excitement, we’ll also be holding a Mother’s Day Raffle during the week!

Tickets are just $1 each and can be purchased during stall times.

The prizes up for grabs are:
1st Prize – Gold Class Head Spa Experience Voucher (valued at $199)
2nd Prize – Manicure and Pedicure Voucher
3rd Prize – Hamper of Special Goodies

We encourage everyone to support the raffle — you might just win a fantastic treat for someone special (or yourself)!

Upcoming Events this Term
* 7, 8 and 9 May – Mother’s Day Stall and Raffle
* 28 May – Prep and Year 1 Athletics Carnival
* 29 May – Year 2, 3 and 4 (Under 9s) Athletics Day
* 30 May – Under 10s Athletics Day
* 3 June – P & F General Meeting
* 13 June – Under 8s Day
* 21 June – Rodeo
* Date TBA – Primary Community BBQ

Volunteer Opportunities this Term

We have several opportunities for parents and community members to get involved:

* Under 8s Day Activities – 13 June
* Rodeo – 21 June

We will provide more details about these opportunities closer to the time, including specific roles and how you can sign up. Volunteering is a fantastic way to be part of our school community and make a difference. If you’re interested in helping out, please let us know!

A: They got stuck in a jam!