Welcome to the Primary edition of the Hills Times!
This week, we were delighted to welcome our newest students onsite for their first Building Foundations transition session. These sessions provide a wonderful opportunity to support children and families as they begin their journey with us at Hills International College. Students engaged in hands-on activities and explored daily routines, helping them to feel familiar, confident, and excited about their upcoming start in the classroom.
A special thank you to our Prep team for facilitating these sessions with such care. Your commitment to connection and your thoughtful approach in creating a warm, supportive environment set the tone for a positive beginning for every child.
While our new students explored the learning spaces, our parents were introduced to key aspects of College life, including the importance of strong and respectful parent-school partnerships. Education is a shared endeavour, and positive outcomes are achieved when schools and families work together with a united purpose. These partnerships are underpinned by seven important principles:
- Partnership
- Communication
- Trust
- Transparency
- Respect
- Advocacy
- Confidentiality
These principles help foster a school community that is collaborative, supportive, and focused on the wellbeing and growth of every child.
We would like to take a moment to kindly remind all families that communication with staff should always reflect these values. At times, concerns may arise. When they do, we ask that conversations occur respectfully and constructively. Reacting in the moment, sending an accusatory email, or approaching staff in anger does not reflect the shared trust and mutual respect that are central to our College expectations. Our educators are dedicated, compassionate professionals, and often, there is more context to a situation than what may initially be understood. Working together openly and respectfully ensures that we continue to build a positive, supportive environment for all students.
Mr Matthew Noel
Head of Primary
Year 3 Camp Experience
It was a joy to join our Year 3 students at PGL Kindilan on Monday for their introductory camp experience. Our students represented the College beautifully. The camp instructors made several comments throughout the day about how well-mannered, respectful, and determined our students were, noting the way they embraced each challenge with a positive attitude.
What stood out most was the way our students supported one another. Whether it was offering words of encouragement, a reassuring pat on the shoulder, or enthusiastic applause when someone stepped out of their comfort zone, their kindness and teamwork made us incredibly proud.
This day-trip experience plays an important role in gently preparing students for their overnight camp next year in Year 4. It provides the opportunity to practise independence, take managed risks, and develop confidence — all while having fun and building stronger connections with peers.
Well done to our wonderful Year 3 cohort. You represented Hills International College with maturity, care, and courage. We cannot wait to see you continue to grow.
Hills Musical Recital
A special congratulations to all of our budding musicians who performed so confidently at the recent Hills Musical Recital. It was inspiring to see students from Year 1 through to Year 9 share their talents across solo, trio, and ensemble performances. The afternoon was filled with joy, courage, and artistry.
Thank you to the staff who supported this event and to the families who encouraged practice, perseverance, and the love of music. We are incredibly proud of each performer and the community that surrounds and uplifts them.
In the spotlight with 1C
This term in Year 1C, our young inquirers have been exploring the fascinating world of animals. Through our investigation, students have been learning about animal facts, including their appearance and how they use their external features for survival. We have examined their diets and how they catch their prey or find food, as well as the different habitats they live in. Students have also been thinkers as they considered the impact humans can have on animals, both positive and negative, and discussed ways we can take action to protect our environment. The class has loved discovering fun facts, such as how dolphins use half their brain to sleep while the other half stays awake to remind them to breathe!
In Mathematics, our knowledgeable learners have been busy collecting and interpreting data, learning how to organise information and represent it in different ways. We have also been working on recognising, ordering, and writing numbers up to and beyond 120. Students have shown persistence and enthusiasm as they build confidence and accuracy in their number work.
As we begin to wind down the year, we are reflecting on what it means to be caring and principled members of our class community. We continue to remind one another to show kindness, respect and cooperation as we finish our learning journey for the year on a positive note.
Mrs Boehm
Year 1C teacher
Premiers Reading Challenge 2025 - What a Page Turner!
This week we celebrated our amazing readers as students received their certificates and a special prize for taking part in the statewide Premiers’ Reading Challenge
Across Terms 2 and 3, our classrooms were filled with book talk, friendly competitions, creative alternate book cover designs, and even some furry reading buddies during our therapy dog reading club.
Our dedicated primary students achieved an incredible milestone, recording nearly 2,000 books on their own. Classes also contributed more than 200 books or chapters each week during the challenge. That is a whole lot of stories, imagination, and inspiration filling our halls.
At Hills, we are so proud of the strong reading culture our students have built; proof that we are truly building futures together through the joy of books. We cannot wait to take on the challenge again in 2026!
Bringing the community in
Our Prep C students recently enjoyed an exciting visit from a local paramedic (and Hills parent) as part of our learning about community helpers. The students had the opportunity to explore an ambulance, see some of the special equipment used, and learn about how paramedics help people in need.
The visit helped ease any worries students might have about ambulances or emergency situations by showing that paramedics are friendly, caring people who keep our community safe. Paramedic Joe put it perfectly;
"It is really hard for emergency persons to help young children in heightened situations when they are scared or anxious about the equipment being used on or around them. So today it's my goal to show the students that the things we do aren't scary, in a nice calm and safe environment".
The children loved asking questions, listening to the siren, having their blood pressure checked and discovering the many ways paramedics help others. It was a wonderful, hands-on experience that built both knowledge and confidence.
Mrs Tomlinson
Prep C Teacher
The power of Agentic Learners- Year 6 Legacy Gift
The Year 6 cohort proudly presented their 2025 Legacy Gift to the school community at last week’s Primary Assembly. This legacy gift was inspired by their collective love of sport and their desire to give back to the place that has shaped so many of their primary school memories.
When reflecting on their years in Primary, the students came together and spoke about some of the moments that brought them the most joy. From lunchtime games on the oval to PE lessons and inter-school competitions. It was clear that sport, especially soccer and footy, has been a huge part of their time at school.
Wanting to leave a gift that would continue to bring fun and connection to future students, the Year 6 cohort decided to donate new soccer and footy goals. The Legacy Gift includes permanent goals for the new Upper Primary Area, as well as two portable soccer goals for flexible use across the school. One of which was proudly displayed during their presentation.
“We’re really proud that these goals will be used by so many students for years to come, for games, training, and fun at lunchtime”
The Year 6s also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the P & F for supporting their idea and helping bring it to life.
As their time in the Primary school draws to a close, the Year 6 students leave behind a gift that reflects their teamwork, passion, and spirit. They hope the new goals will continue to inspire play, friendship, and a love of sport for many years to come.
“We absolutely love Hills! The Primary school years have been full of friendships, fun, and lots of sports! We hope this gift reminds everyone of the joy that comes from teamwork and being part of such an amazing school community.”
From the Year 6 students 2025
Keeping Learning Alive Over the Holiday Break! - Part One
As we head into the holidays, many families start asking how they can help their children keep learning ticking along without it feeling like schoolwork. The good news is that the most valuable learning over the break often comes from simple, everyday experiences. With a bit of curiosity, conversation and creativity, the holidays become a rich space for children to practice their skills in natural ways.
Read together often
A few minutes a day makes a big difference. Whether it’s picture books, chapter books, magazines or instructions for a new toy, reading helps build vocabulary, comprehension and confidence. Take turns reading, talk about the characters, and ask your child what they think might happen next.
Build maths into daily life
Cooking, shopping, building and travelling all offer chances to practice maths. Let your child measure ingredients, compare prices, estimate distances or tell the time. These small moments help children see the purpose of maths in the real world.
Encourage curiosity
Holidays are the perfect time for children to ask questions, explore ideas and follow their interests. Visit parks, museums or libraries, or simply spend time outdoors noticing the world around you. Ask open questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” or “What could we try next?”.
Part Two will share more practical ideas for families, including creative projects and fun ways to keep thinking, problem-solving and communication skills growing all summer long.
A Sweet Start to the Day: Thanks, P & F
A big thank you to our P & F for their amazing support and for putting on a wonderful pancake morning today. The smell of fresh pancakes across the Primary courtyard set such a positive tone for the day, and our students loved every moment.
We’re grateful for the time, energy and care our P & F put into events like this. They help build community, bring joy to our students, and remind us how lucky we are to have such committed families at Hills.
Thank you again for everything you do.
Mr Stuart Ablitt
Deputy Head of Primary and Head of IB Programmes