Book Week

This week is Book Week and as such it is all about reading. Helping your child to love books and reading is one of the greatest gifts that a parent can give their child.

I believe that nurturing a love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. Reading not only supports academic success but also opens doors to imagination, empathy, and lifelong learning. Here are ten practical strategies parents can use to inspire a passion for reading at home:

1. Make Reading a Daily Habit

Set aside a consistent time each day for reading. Whether it’s bedtime stories or a quiet moment after dinner, routine helps children associate reading with comfort and connection.

2. Create a Dedicated Reading Space

Designate a special nook at home filled with books, cushions, and good lighting. A welcoming space encourages children to settle in with a book.

3. Let Them Choose

Allow children to pick their own books—even if it’s comics, graphic novels, or joke books. Choice empowers them and makes reading feel less like a chore.

4. Be a Reading Role Model

Let your child see you reading. Talk about what you’re reading and why you enjoy it. Your enthusiasm is contagious!

5. Visit Libraries and Bookstores

Make outings to the library or bookstore a regular adventure. Let your child explore and discover new titles that spark their interest.

6. Read Aloud Together

Reading aloud isn’t just for young children. It’s a wonderful way to bond and explore stories together, especially with books that may be above their reading level.

7. Connect Books to Interests

Find books that align with your child’s hobbies—whether it's dinosaurs, space, sports, or cooking. When reading connects to their passions, it becomes irresistible.

8. Use Audiobooks

Audiobooks are a great way to enjoy stories on the go or during quiet time. They can also help reluctant readers engage with books in a different format.

9. Celebrate Reading Milestones

Create a reading chart or journal to track books read. Celebrate achievements with small rewards or special recognition to build motivation.

10. Talk About Books

Encourage conversations about stories. Ask questions like, “What did you like about that character?” or “Would you have made the same choice?” This deepens comprehension and enjoyment.

Let’s work together to build a community of readers! If you have favourite books or reading tips to share, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to your child’s teacher or our librarian.

2025 Book Week Book Character Parade

Thursday was a wonderful day on our Primary calendar as we saw many incredible costumes across the College as our students dressed up as their favourite book character. Many staff joined in as well and it was a real challenge for the judges. the Secondary book character parade has been rescheduled to next Monday.

Thanks to all our parents for their support, students and staff who dressed up to support book week 2025. This year’s theme was ‘Adventure’ which is a perfect description of where a great book can take you.

Year 6 PYP Exhibition

Excitement is building as we approach the Year 6 PYP Exhibition. I can't wait to see this culmination of student learning next Thursday afternoon. The exhibition is a significant moment for our Year 6 students and is one of the academic highlights of Year 6.

Year 6 Food Collection

One student's exhibition project is focusing on homelessness, and as part of the action, the student is collecting donations to support people in need.
We would be really grateful if families could bring in any non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, or toiletries. Donations can be delivered to the Year 6 classrooms. All donations will be given to Defenders for Hope Jimboomba, a charity that helps people experiencing daily struggles. Thank you so much for your support!

Bluey Bake Sale

On Friday the English Ambassadors hosted a Bluey Bake Sale to round out Book Week. Congratulations to the English Ambassadors on this initiative.

Policy Updates

Following a process of review the following policies have been updated and are available on the College website.

   1. HIC Community Code of Conduct

   2. HIC Bus Travel Code of Conduct

   3. HIC Behaviour Management Policy

   4. HIC Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy

   5. Secondary Assessment Policy Years 7-10

   6. Secondary Assessment Policy Years 11 and 12

Dangerous Driving on the Entry Driveway

Thank you to the parents who reported recent dangerous driving behaviour on the entry driveway. We reported the matter to the police and leave it in their capable hands. We appreciate all those families who do the right thing and drive carefully around the school.

Upcoming Calendar Events

Term 3 Week 7

Tuesday 26 August

Groups and Catch-Up Photos

P and F General Meeting 6.00pm-Resource Centre

Wednesday 27 August-Friday 29 August

Year 5 Camp-Maroochydore

Thursday 28 August

Year 6 PYP Exhibition-3.45pm-5.15pm

Term 3 Week 8

Monday 1 September-Tuesday 2 September

Year 4 Camp-Kindilan Redland Bay

Monday 1 September-Wednesday 3 September

P and F Father’s Day Stall-Resource Centre

Thursday 4 September

Prep Father’s Day BBQ-2.00pm-3.00pm

Friday 5 September

Qld Ministerial Student Free Day-No classes

This past week has been filled with joy as we celebrated the magic of Book Week and witnessed the incredible talent of our students at the Primary Arts Afternoon. The afternoon was a true celebration of creativity, with our triumphant Primary Dance Teams showcasing their dedication and skill. These occasions highlight the beauty of sharing joy with one another, students celebrating students, peers encouraging peers, and our community uniting in pride. 

How vibrant was Book Week! The celebration truly showcased reading as an adventure, and I highly commend the vast number of students who came dressed as their favourite characters. For those of you with keen eyes, you were correct, I was Uno from Uno’s Garden!

Alongside celebrating achievement, I want to pause and reflect on the importance of independence, one of our Essential Skills superpowers. At Hills, we believe that building resilience and independence in our students is essential for their growth, both academically and personally. As parents, you play a vital role in this journey. Resilience is often developed through the small, everyday actions that foster independence and belief in our children.

One simple but powerful way to begin is by encouraging students to carry their own school bags. It may seem small, but it builds responsibility, self-reliance, and pride. Similarly, encouraging students to walk into the classroom on their own and trusting them to manage pick-up routines independently makes a profound difference.

So, here’s a challenge for families: say goodbye in the morning and hello again in the car in the afternoon. By taking these small steps, you are giving your child the gift of independence, resilience, and confidence.

Finally, I am delighted to share the exciting news of our Upper Primary Precinct development. This new project will deliver state-of-the-art classrooms, offering our students vastly improved learning environments in both structure and size. It will also provide additional, purpose-built spaces, including grassed mini-oval areas for play and recreation. These facilities will enhance the learning experience for every child and continue our commitment to providing world-class opportunities at Hills.

It has been a week of celebration and forward-looking vision, and I thank you for continuing to partner with us in nurturing both the joy and the resilience of our students.

Mr Matthew Noel
Head of Primary

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

Welcome to Hills

A huge welcome to Harvey Wilkens, 3B and Aubree Blair, 5B. We hope you’ve settled in brilliantly!

Families on site

We have received feedback from both students and staff that early arrivals can be distracting during the important final minutes of learning time. For many children, simply spotting Mum or Dad outside the classroom before 3:10 pm is enough to disrupt their focus. Additionally, when groups of parents congregate near classrooms, it can create further distractions for students and staff.

By waiting until after 3:10 pm, you are not only supporting a calm and focused end to the school day, but also helping your child develop greater independence and resilience. Small steps, like students walking on their own from the crossing to class in the morning or meeting you at the car park in the afternoon, build important life skills and confidence in your child.

I am responding directly to community feedback and ask for your support with this request moving forward. Together, we can ensure that every student benefits from an uninterrupted learning environment right up until the final bell.

Why This Matters for Your Child

By waiting until 3:10pm, you are helping your child to:

• Stay focused – the last minutes of learning are just as important as the first.
• Build independence – walking from the crossing or meeting you at the carpark gives them confidence.
• Grow resilience – learning to manage routines without constant parent presence helps them adapt.
• Feel trusted – children thrive when they know their parents believe they can do it.
• Finish strong – an uninterrupted end to the day helps reinforce good habits and pride in their work.

In the spotlight - 4A

In Week 4, Year 4 had the exciting opportunity to visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, as our provocation for our new unit Sharing the Planet, and what a day it was!
We began with an engaging educational activity where we explored the roles of producers, consumers and decomposers in ecosystems. The hands-on learning really helped us understand how all living things are connected and why each role is so important.

Next, we were treated to the famous bird show. Watching the incredible variety of birds swoop and soar across the arena was unforgettable, and we were amazed at the close-up encounters with some very talented feathered friends.

Afterwards, students and an adult enjoyed exploring the sanctuary, discovering the many animals that are cared for there. For many in the class, the highlight was meeting the capybaras but the red panda and patting the kangaroos were close favourites too.

Ms Clark had her own special highlights, seeing a koala with a joey clinging to its back and witnessing a live operation at the Wildlife Hospital, where a swan was having a fishhook and line carefully removed. This experience was a powerful reminder of why it is so important to look after our environment and never litter, as even small items of rubbish can have a big impact on wildlife.

It was a wonderful day of learning, adventure and discovery, and one that left us all with a deeper appreciation for the amazing creatures we share our world with.

Ms Clark 

4A Teacher

Year 6 Exhibition - Action Pieces

Together, we can stop the spread of fire ants!
By Patrick Weaver, 6A

As part of my PYP Exhibition, I have been learning about fire ants. They are dangerous, invasive ants that are spreading quickly throughout South-East Queensland. They can sting pets, hurt people, damage crops and destroy habitats for native animals. They are smart, highly adaptive and can survive in a range of climates. They spread by travelling over and underground, flying up to 5km, raft on waterways after floods and hitchhike in organic materials moved by people.

What do they look like?

Fire ants are:
· Copper brown in colour
· 2-6mm long
· Swarm when their nest is disturbed

Fire ant nests are:
· Dome-shaped piles of loose soil
· No visible entry hole
· Found in grass, parks, garden beds or footpaths

Fire ants are already covering more than 600,000 hectares, and they are spreading at a rate of approximately 5 km per year. We MUST work together to fight fire ants, if they win, it will cost the Australian economy $2 billion per year, forever! There is something we can do to stop them!

How can you help?

Order free ant bait!

I am encouraging families at our school to order free fire ant bait from the National Fire Ant Eradication program. It’s quick, easy and really helps! Visit: Order a free fire ant treatment kit | National Fire Ant Eradication Program

If you find a nest, you must take a photo of the nest and ants, and report it within 24 hours at fireants.org.au or by calling 132 ANT (13 22 68).

Thank you for supporting me and my action! Together, we can protect our homes, animals and the environment from the threat of fire ants.

Captains Captions

The Primary Captains thought we'd share an insight into the Year 6 Exhibition. We asked some of our peers about what inspired them and the action they are taking.

Elijah (Ocean Pollution):
I care deeply about animals, and I’ve seen pollution in the ocean, which made me want to learn more. I chose ocean pollution because I want to educate and inform people so that they can take action and make a difference.

Memphis (Motocross and How it Benefits Mental Health):
I want people to know that motocross is good for them, so more people might try it. My uncle used to ride, and he and my dad taught me a lot about it, so I already had knowledge to share. I chose to focus on the mental health benefits because I think more people need to hear how important good mental health is.

Ruby (Recycling):
I thought recycling would be an interesting topic to explore. I want people to understand that recycling bins should only be used for recycling, and I hope to raise awareness so more people recycle. This would help create a cleaner, healthier world and reduce pollution.

Zoe (Many Uses of Scraps):
I became interested in scraps because of the rising problem of climate change. I learned that food and waste scraps are a major contributor, so I wanted to raise awareness. If people don’t act, it will become harder to survive on Earth, as the planet struggles under the pressure of climate change.

Nick (Soccer Strengthens Mind and Body):
I believe soccer can help people with mental health challenges, while also keeping both mind and body healthy. Soccer also has the power to bring people together—no matter their looks, race, beliefs, or gender.

Brooke (Too Many Electronics):
Too many people are addicted to technology and waste time in virtual games instead of using their brains. Many are bullied or tricked online, which can lead to serious consequences. Overuse of screens can also hurt their future, with some people even turning to unhealthy behaviours.

Ruben (Responsible Fishing):
When I go fishing, I often see fishing lines and hooks left behind, which isn’t good for the environment. Fish can get caught and die, and boats can also get tangled. I think this needs to change, so fishing can be safe for both people and marine life.

Uniform Expectations

At Hills, we place a strong emphasis on our students wearing their uniform with pride. A neat and correct uniform helps build a sense of belonging and reflects the high standards we hold for our community.

In recent weeks, uniform expectations have been highlighted with students during our weekly Connection Time gatherings. Staff will be sending emails home if students are not in the correct uniform.

We kindly ask families to be diligent in ensuring that children are dressed in their full and correct uniform each day. If, for any reason, your child is unable to wear the correct uniform on a particular day, please notify their classroom teacher as well as Mr Noel or myself. This will help us to support your child appropriately.

Thank you for working with us to maintain these high expectations.

Mr Stuart Ablitt

Deputy Head of Primary and Head of IB Programmes

Secondary Insights - Tenacity in Learning Experiences and Outcomes

At Hills College, we continue to emphasise the importance of tenacity in our students’ learning journeys. Tenacity is more than persistence; it is the ability to engage deeply with challenges, adapt when confronted with setbacks and maintain focus on long-term goals.

In the learning environments at Hills College, tenacity is seen when students push beyond initial difficulties—whether that be grappling with a complex mathematics problem, refining a draft in English, persisting through a science investigation, or committing to rehearsal and practice in The Arts or Sport. These moments of determination lead not only to improved outcomes, but also to the development of lifelong habits of resilience, discipline and self-belief.

Hills College staff design learning experiences that encourage perseverance, stretch thinking, and celebrate progress as much as achievement. This ensures that students see value in the process of learning as well as in the results. At Hills College, technology is not just a tool but a platform for demonstrating tenacity. Whether coding, solving digital simulations, or collaborating through online platforms, students learn that perseverance leads to mastery. Tenacity with technology means pushing through challenges, adapting to new tools, and recognising that every setback is part of progress toward greater outcomes.

As we look ahead, I encourage all students to approach their learning experiences with a mindset that values persistence and growth. Tenacity not only shapes strong academic outcomes but also prepares young people for the demands of further study, employment and life beyond being at Hills College.

If you have any questions pertaining to an academic matter in Secondary, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College or email me at julie-anne.skelton@hills.qld.edu.au

Mrs Julie-Anne Skelton

Head of Secondary

LAWS Awardees

Secondary Students have been displaying the College LAWS. Certificates will be presented at next week's Secondary Assembly.

Working with Diligence

Erin Waters always listens attentively in Maths class, takes detailed notes, and asks questions whenever she needs clarification.

Mahalia Manning stays focused, completes tasks responsibly, and consistently puts in her best effort in Mathematics.

Striving for Success

Constance (Cookie) Hawkins actively seeks improvement, extends her learning independently and pushes beyond basic requirements to achieve better results in Mathematics.

Dr Yuhua Li

Teacher of Chinese and Mathematics



Living with Compassion 

Luke Frost nominated himself to assist his teacher during wellbeing class last Wednesday.

Acting with Integrity

Riley Griffin has been helping younger students with Basketball during Wednesday Activity sessions.

Working with Diligence

Harnoor Kaur always works hard in her learning experiences.

Striving for Success

Shanaya Mishra is always seeking ways to improve her achievement.

Mr Tomoki Kanaya

Teacher of Japanese



Working with Diligence 

Sienna Osmond is always trying to understand the concepts and apply them to her learning.

Emily Hood has been working consistently with her learning.


Striving for Success 

Max Garner has been working consistently and diligently in Year 12 General Mathematics.

Ms Katherine Wellings

Teacher of Mathematics

Teaching and Learning Delicious Creations in Year 8, 9 & 10 Design & Technologies

Our Year 8, 9 and 10 Design Technologies students have been busy in the kitchen and classroom this term, developing practical skills, creative thinking, and a deeper understanding of food sustainability and innovation.

As part of their unit on street food, the Year 10 students embraced a sweet challenge by preparing traditional French beignets. From mixing dough to deep-frying and dusting with icing sugar, they explored international flavours while refining their cooking techniques.

Meanwhile, our Year 9 students are currently working through a unit focused on plant-based alternative foods. This week, they prepared tasty vegetarian sausage rolls, using puff pastry and a flavourful, plant-based filling. The task encouraged students to consider sustainable and healthy eating choices while practising safe food handling and presentation.

Our Year 8 students have taken on an exciting design challenge in their unit on sustainable lunch products. They’ve been researching and developing innovative ideas for edible packaging, aiming to reduce waste while creating functional and appetising solutions for school lunches. This creative project blends design thinking with environmental awareness and has sparked some truly inventive ideas.

Mr Christopher Borg

Head of Faculty- Technologies

Teaching and Learning - Year 10 Students Explore Mechatronics in Digital Technologies

This term, our Year 10 students are exploring the exciting world of mechatronics as part of their Digital Technologies class. Mechatronics is a field that combines mechanics, electronics, computer systems, and control engineering to design and build smart machines such as robots, automated systems, and self-driving vehicles.

Students are learning how to program microcontrollers, wire circuits, and build simple mechanical systems. Working collaboratively, they are tasked with developing a model solution to an identified real-world problem. For example, some students are designing automated delivery systems, while others are prototyping small robotic devices that could help with tasks around the home, agriculture and other industries. The students will have the opportunity to work with a range of actuators, such as servo, DC and stepper motors, and combine these with their own 3D printed parts to create their mechatronic systems.

This unit encourages the students to think broadly about real-world applications for innovative digital solutions, as well as build their skills in problem-solving and collaboration. The students are currently in the research and prototyping stage, and we look forward to showcasing their final projects later this term!

Mr Christopher Borg

Head of Faculty - Technologies

Arts Ambassadors Report

The next lunchtime music concert performance is on Monday 25 August. Our performers are all ready to go and include piano, drums, electric guitar and vocals. The concert will be in front of the Resource Centre during lunch so please come along, bring your lunch, and support your fellow students.

This year’s College Production rehearsals are going well. The Band has now joined the cast in their rehearsals. We wish the Production team all the best as they prepare for the performances in October.

The Music rooms at the top of the Resource Centre are open every lunchtime except Wednesdays. Come up and practice guitar, keyboard or drumkit.

Dr Pope runs three ensembles every week. They are open to all Secondary students. There is the Hills Drum Circle which uses djembe (Jem-Bay) drums and other percussion instruments, the Senior Gamelan (Gam-Eh-Lan) Group, and the Junior Gamelan Group. Please see Dr Pope if you would like to join any of the ensembles.

The Arts Ambassadors

Under the Direction of Dr Julia Pope

English Ambassadors Report

Happy Book Week! A reminder that next Monday is our Dress-Up Day! Come dressed in your best book-inspired costume, whether it be a character or otherwise. We will have a Connection Time assembly to give out prizes to:

• Best Dressed in each grade (Years 7 to 12)
• Best Group Costume
• Best Overall Costume
• And yes... even Best Staff Costume!

We also had our Bluey Bake Sale during lunch today. Students brought some change as well as their EFTPOS card to enjoy some yummy treats! Bluey-themed treats like puppy cookies, pawprint cupcakes, and even “doggy bags” (with chocolate 'poop') were available. 😄 Prices ranged from $1.50 to $4 and all proceeds will go to Reading Out of Poverty, a charity helping kids in need in Far North Qld access books and literacy support. Books and Reading Program - ROOP

A reminder that we have our very own Secondary Book Fair this year on the secondary side of the Resource Centre! Books are available for purchase from Years 7 to 12. The books available were reading books, notebooks, colouring books, journals and awesome stationery! Big thanks to Mrs Hansell and QBD for sponsoring the event.

Let’s make Book Week one to remember – dress up, eat treats, and most importantly... get reading this coming Monday! Parents are most welcome to attend this upcoming Parade.

English Ambassadors

Under the Direction of Ms Jacinta Goyne

Journal Reporting - Term 3 Book Reviews

Term Three has started at Hills, and Wednesday activities are finally back. The Reporting group took some time to ask students from D.E.A.R. (“Drop Everything and Read”), about their current book recommendations.

Year 7 students had a number of awesome insights, including Angel who recommended Princess Ever After, a graphic novel with a fairy tale twist. She gave it a 4 out of 5 and said it was a really fun and magical story.

Sophie and Braxton both picked Wings of Fire, another graphic novel that is currently very popular amongst our age group. They each rated it 4 stars and said it was full of action and interesting characters.

Amelia chose One Wish, a fantasy book that also received a 4-star rating. She said the storyline was captivating, and kept her reading the whole way through. Meanwhile, other students have been diving into The Hunger Games – a dystopian novel, which is their class text for the term. Charli P. had lots of praise for it, rating it 4.5 out of 5. In fact, Hunger Games actually continues to be a strong favourite among many year levels, not just those reading it in class.

Whether it’s graphic novels, fantasy or dystopian stories, it’s clear Hills students really enjoy their books. Keep an eye out for more book recommendations coming soon, because honestly, who doesn’t need a good excuse to read more?!

Year 7 Reporting Team

Under the direction of Ms Grace Dwyer

STEM Ambassadors Report - Science Week

Last week, the students from Years Prep-6 and most secondary classes participated in a Science Week demonstration with the Scanning Electron Microscope. This involved looking at various items ranging from the holes in paper towel, to the barbs on hairs around the mouth of a tick that make it so hard to remove. Most students were able to see various small objects on prepared slides through regular microscopes. Students also had the opportunity to respond to a Science quiz. Thank you to those students that responded and Ms Salmon’s Connections class for responding every day.

Chess Competition

Last term, the annual Chess Competition was held. Many spirited contests led to the following winners of the initial round robin.

• Year 7: Harrison de Rouw
• Year 9: Ryan Samuels
• Year 10: Balian Hill
• Year 11: Steven Gurney

Harrison, Laykin, Cameron, Balian and Steven then won their quarter finals.

In the semi-finals, Steven defeated Harrison, and Laykin upset Balian, the 2024 champion. This led to a thrilling grand finale where Steven came out on top and defeated Laykin.

STEM Ambassadors

Under the Direction of Mr Chris Schultz

Student Awards - Seth Stone

Seth Stone undertook work experience with the Australian Governments Program with the Australian Signals Directorate.

Congratulations Seth

Student Award - Leah Henley

Leah Henley has been selected in the South Coast Cricket team. She is our first South Coast Athlete for 2025! This has been a goal she's been working towards for three years.

Leah will attend State Champs later on in the year, which is from 3 until 13 November in Rockhampton.

Congratulations Leah!

Driver Safety

Previously I have sent letters to all members of our community after vehicles on campus have struck wildlife.  Yesterday afternoon, another kangaroo was struck on the College Driveway. This was very distressing for those who witnessed the incident or who saw the injured animal yesterday and today.

I am again writing to request and require that drivers on the campus adhere to the stated speed limits on College roads.

More importantly, I ask that we all maintain active and extra attention when driving on areas of road (near carparks and buildings) where lines of sight are obstructed, or where obstacles and dangers are likely to be increasingly evident. Children and animals act unpredictably, and this needs to be considered and accounted for in our circumstance.

As a further safety measure, I would again remind all parent drivers that the roadways are not an additional parent carpark. Parents currently using this space as a carpark are causing significant disruptions, and compounding traffic delays. Additionally, parents are again directed to avoid parking in the bus stop carpark. This area is expressly reserved for visitors, and must not be blocked in the afternoon by parents parking for student pickup.

I appreciate that most drivers on campus are attentive and cautious, but we do receive periodic reports of parents and other visitors speeding, driving too quickly over speedbumps or pedestrian crossings, and cutting corners. I have been forced to make multiple reports to police regarding driver behaviour.

Thank you for your support in helping us ensure that student and pedestrian safety is our top priority with regard to the use of our facilities and access roads.

🏐 Hills Athletes Shine at the Primary Schools Beach Volleyball Cup! 🌟

What an incredible day of sun, sand, and sporting spirit! Our stunning beach volleyball courts recently hosted a thrilling Primary Schools Beach Volleyball Cup, and Hills athletes absolutely brought the heat!

With a number of schools competing, our teams showed outstanding skill, teamwork, and determination. We’re proud to announce some fantastic results:

🥇 1st Place – Year 4/5 Boys Team 1

🥈 2nd Place – Year 6 Girls Team 1

🥉 3rd Place – Year 6 Boys Team 1, & Year 4/5 Girls Team 1

🏅 4th Place – Year 6 Boys Team 2, Year 6 Girls Team 2, Year 4/5 Boys Team 2, Year 4/5 Girls Team 2

🎖️ 5th Place – Year 4/5 Boys Team 3, Year 4/5 Girls Team 3

Every single Hills athlete gave it their all, and their sporting behaviour and energy were truly inspiring. Whether diving for the ball or cheering from the sidelines, our students made us proud.

Congratulations to all our athletes! Your hard work and passion continue to make Hills a powerhouse of positivity and performance. Here's to many more victories ahead!

Wear it Purple

Next week in Secondary, the GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) will be raising money
for the charity ‘Wear It Purple’ by selling wristbands to Secondary students for a gold coin
donation and selling raffle tickets for some amazing prizes including merchandise from
Billabong, Roxy, Volcom and Bite Me Now. Wearing the wristband will allow secondary
students to wear free dress on Friday 29 August.

Wear It Purple is a volunteer-led and -run organisation that focuses on creating safe
spaces for rainbow youth in schools, universities, workplaces and public spaces. 13 years
ago, Wear It Purple was founded in response to many global stories of teenagers taking
their own lives due to bullying and harassment. These real stories, real responses and
real heartbreak resulted from a lack of acceptance, a lack of community, support and
safety due to their sexuality or gender identity.

Wear it Purple was established to show young people across the globe that there was
hope, that there were people who did support and accept, and that they have the right
to be as proud as anyone about who they are.

Thank you for supporting our Rainbow Youth at Hills College

External Volleyball Trials

In Week 10, we will be holding trials for external students keen to take part in our BV@H program.  Currently we have almost 40 secondary students enrolled in this amazing program, and we have already seen enrolments from other schools.

If you know anyone who might be interested in securing a position in the program (Years 7-12 only, currently, as Year 6 has no enrolment space), please contact me (ben.pope@hills.qld.edu.au) or Mr Robinson (mark.robinson@hills.qld.edu.au)

🏃‍♀️🏅 Congratulations to Our District Athletics Representatives!

We are proud to announce that three outstanding students have been selected to represent our school in the Pacific District Athletics Team!

Please join us in congratulating:

• Emerson Cunington
• Memphis Aitchinson
• Ivy Carter

Their dedication, sporting behaviour, and athletic excellence have earned them this exciting opportunity. We wish them all the best as they compete and represent our community with pride!

Let’s celebrate their achievement and cheer them on!

Free Parent Webinar: Emotions Under Control - A Parent’s Guide to Emotional Regulation

Thursday 4 September, 6:30pm AEST

As part of our Wellio wellbeing package in secondary, all parents gain access to this FREE webinar.

When our children’s emotions run high, it can be challenging to respond in a way that de-escalates the situation rather than unintentionally fuelling their frustration or distress. In these moments, our reactions are essential in helping them feel heard, understood, and supported.

Join Wellio's own David Threadgold to explore strategies that help you to:

• Recognise Emotional Cues: how to spot early signs of stress or overwhelm in your child, before they escalate.
• Manage Intense Feelings: practical techniques to help your child self-regulate and build healthy coping mechanisms
• Foster Emotional Resilience: strategies for boosting confidence and healthy coping skills across the whole family.

If you can't make this session live, don't stress: Wellio will send out the recording and any relevant supporting resources to all registrants the day after the session.

Register Here





Click HERE to register

District Cricket Success!

Congratulations to Leah Henley (Year 9) for being successfully selected as part of the 13-15 years girls South Coast District Cricket Team.  We wish her all the best of luck at the State Championships in November!

Catchup and Group Photos

A reminder that group photos and catch-up photos will take place next Tuesday, August 26.

Farewell Sebudai Chiba short stay sister school visitors

This Sunday, fifteen visitors and their two teachers from a Japanese sister school, Sebudai Chiba High School, leave Hills College. These visitors have enjoyed mainstream classes, English classes, Wednesday activities, break times with Hills students, and warm homestay experiences. Special thanks to their two dedicated teachers, Mr Masakazu Kikkawa and Mr Kaname Sekiguchi. 

Sebudai Chiba school has a long and friendly relationship with Hills, and we look forward to visiting them again in the future.

Bon voyage Chloe!

Today is also the last day for French exchange student Chloe. Chloe has been at Hills for 10 weeks of study. She has made such a positive impact on her Year 10 classmates, teachers and the College as a whole. Chloe's dream is to be a pilot, and she returns to France to begin her Year 11 studies and undertake work experience in the field of aviation.

Chloe, you have been an absolute delight, and we will miss you! You are welcome at Hills College any time!

THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who has worked with me to make our visitors' stay so wonderful this term. This includes the staff and students at Hills College, who have welcomed our sister school and individual visitors so warmly.

Special thanks to our amazing homestay families, for creating a home away from home for our young visitors. I truly appreciate you and thank you!