From the Principal

It was so exciting to see the commencement of the 2026 school year take place. Our teaching staff were ready and raring to go, and our students were also excited to begin their formal educational journey after the long summer break. 

With a record enrolment of students, Hills is well placed to continue our growth as we continue to implement our Strategic Plan 2025-2029. 

Our exciting T block renovation has provided some wonderful new classroom learning environments.  We have invested heavily in new furniture and Ben Q interactive boards for these new learning spaces, so that the rooms really look and feel like a special new place to learn in for our upper primary students.

The STEAM Centre is in the final phases of construction and barring some horrendous weather we should be able to take possession in mid-March. The building is looking spectacular and is really becoming a centrepiece as the project draws to conclusion.

Our students have made a pleasing start, and the opening of a school year provides staff, students and parents with the opportunity to build strong routines for learning that can carry throughout the year. Building these routines takes work as does the transition to any critical juncture of schooling. For example, Prep, Year 3, Year 7 and Year 11 are all critical juncture points for students. 

Immunocompromised Student

I have previously written to the community regarding an immunocompromised student in Year 3 this year. The greatest gift that we can give young Luka is our care and support by ensuring that we do not send our children to school if they are unwell. Your love and care will assist Luka to stay well and to return to his school education after a huge year fighting cancer. Please show your care for Luka by working with us on this request.

New Staff 

I would like to welcome all of our new staff including Ms Arife Arif who replaces Mrs Kendall MacMillan as a teacher aide. Kendall served the College for over 10 years, and we wish her well in her new role. 

Mrs Angie Hall is moving to a new challenge, and we wish her all the best for her next role and thank her for her contribution to Hills. Ms Amy West-Sadler is an extremely experienced and competent inclusive education teacher who will continue Mrs Hall's good work.

Leaders' Investiture Ceremony

On Friday we held our Leaders' Investiture Ceremony in the HPE Centre. It was an exciting moment in the journey of all of our student leaders as they were presented with their badges in front of the whole student body. Congratulations to each of our student leaders for 2026 and we look forward to seeing each of you bring your own leadership style and talents to your positions. 

Congratulations to the following students:

PRIMARY HOUSE CAPTAINS:

ULURU
Lilly O’Neill and Jett Bounday

HALLA
Penelope Grammatico and Prategh Sandhu

JADE
Roni Musgrave and Mahalia Leasi

FUJI
Calais Hortz and Holly Drysdale

PRIMARY VICE CAPTAINS:

Bandgi Kaur and Mutsawashe Maramba

PRIMARY CAPTAINS
Jade-Rose Wu and Cooper Vang

PREFECTS:
Charlotte Boyle
Zander Hill
Chelsea Knight
Oliver Mackay-Nicholls
Steven Rose
Prabhjot Singh
Bailey Stringer
Chloe Sutherland

ENGLISH AMBASSADORS:

Savannah Swami
Steven Rose
Chloe Samuels
Hailey Schweizer
Ella Hipp
Lachlan Gravolin

COLLEGE ARTS CAPTAINS:

Steven Gurney
Abby-Rose Cox
Olivia Retallack

STEM AMBASSADORS:

Jared Waters
Steven Gurney
Ava Jones
Miril Passi
Ella Hipp
Olivia Retallack
Yuvraj Randhawa
Lachlan Gravolin

SECONDARY HOUSE CAPTAINS
ULURU
Savannah Swami, Jared Waters, Steven Gurney

HALLA
Faith Renzaho, Kyah Jones

JADE
Brock Withey, Abby-Rose Cox, Charlotte Boyle

FUJI
Chelsea Knight, Oliver Mackay-Nicholls, Travis McCabe

2026 COLLEGE VICE-CAPTAINS
Abby-Rose Cox and Steven Gurney

2026 COLLEGE CAPTAINS
Savannah Swami and Jared Waters

Please join me in congratulating all of our student leaders for 2026. May they lead with wisdom, a sense of service and with grace.

Immunisations

Immunisation is a safe and effective way of protecting against harmful disease. Logan City Council’s School Immunisation Program offers free immunisations to Year 7 and 10 students in the Logan and Redlands areas.

Logan City Council (powered by Vitavo) will email you your child’s unique booking link early in the school year. Use the unique booking link to register and give consent or decline. 

Need assistance? Contact the Immunisation team at immunisation@logan.qld.gov.au.

Immunisations provided:

Year 7 students:
human papillomavirus (HPV), given as one dose
dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough), given as one dose.

Year 10 students:
meningococcal ACWY, given as one dose
meningococcal B, given as 2 doses.

Community clinics

Council offers regular Community immunisation clinics at a variety of locations across Logan. School immunisations are available at all Community clinic locations. After-hours school catch up clinics will also be available at Logan Central Library and Capalaba Library in Term 4 of the school year.

NAPLAN 2026

Test window
The NAPLAN test window is 9 days, from Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March 2026. 
NAPLAN tests need to be taken in a specific order: writing, reading, conventions of language and then numeracy.

NAPLAN General Information

Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be sitting NAPLAN between 11 and 23 March 2026. NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning at school. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance. However, students and parents may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.

Why NAPLAN is conducted online?

• NAPLAN transitioned from a paper-based to an online assessment from 2018 to 2022, with the exception of the Year 3 writing test.
• NAPLAN online provides a better assessment and more precise results.
• One of the main benefits of NAPLAN online is that it uses tailored (or adaptive) testing. This means students receive questions better suited to their abilities, so they can show what they know and can do.
• Online testing allows ACARA to provide a wide range of accessibility options to support students with disability to access NAPLAN.
• Feedback from students is that they find the online test more engaging.

Why do NAPLAN?

NAPLAN is a nationwide measure through which parents/carers, teachers, schools, education authorities, governments and the broader community can determine how well young Australians are developing the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation
for other learning, and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community.

• NAPLAN tests are one aspect of each school’s assessment and reporting process. NAPLAN does not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance. A child’s teacher will have the best insight into the child’s educational progress. NAPLAN results do not measure overall school quality.

• NAPLAN questions are aligned with the Australian Curriculum: English and Mathematics. As such, the best preparation students can do for NAPLAN is their everyday classroom learning. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so.

• The assessments allow parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards in literacy and numeracy, and over time. Along with other school assessment reports, NAPLAN supports parents/carers in discussing their child’s strengths and areas for improvement with teachers.

• NAPLAN results can assist teachers by providing additional information to support their professional judgement about students’ levels of literacy and numeracy attainment and progress.

• NAPLAN can support school improvement by enabling teachers to monitor their students’ progress over time against the national measure, to identify strengths and areas to improve in teaching programs, and to set goals in literacy and numeracy.

• Students and parents/carers wishing to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN can visit the public demonstration site.

 Key features of a tailored test

• NAPLAN is an online tailored (or adaptive) test.
• This means students receive questions better suited to their abilities, so they can show what they know and can do.
• Trials of the tailored test design also show students are more engaged with tests that adapt to their test performance.
• Students should not be concerned if they think the questions are more difficult than they expected or they have previously experienced –this may simply mean they are taking a more challenging but more appropriate pathway.
• Tailored testing allows a wider range of student abilities to be tested than in paper tests, where all students answer the same questions.

NAPLAN is for everyone: help for students with disability sitting NAPLAN

NAPLAN is for everyone. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is committed to an inclusive testing process that allows all students to participate in the National Assessment Program.
Adjustments are provided to students with disability to enable an equivalent learner experience during NAPLAN testing and include, for example, magnification, alternative questions, keyboard accessibility, extra time and rest breaks.
Schools will consult parents, carers and students to jointly identify reasonable adjustments required for individual students with disability to access NAPLAN, in keeping with the NAPLAN national protocols for test administration.

College Yearbook

The College Yearbook for 2025 has been published and is in the process of being distributed to students. The yearbook provides a definitive chronicle of the year that was. Producing a yearbook is an enormous team effort with many moving parts that need to be coordinated. I would like to thank Ms Jodie Gilliam for her work in coordinating and editing our yearbook. I would also like to thank all those staff, students and parents who contributed articles to the yearbook. 

Upcoming Calendar Events

Term 1 Week 3

Tuesday 10 February

Secondary Welcome Back BBQ - 4:30-6:00pm

Year 7 Information Evening - 6:00pm-8:00pm

Thursday 12 February

Hills 10 Years -Year 6 Swimming Carnival - Beaudesert Pool

Friday 13 February

Hills Secondary Swimming Carnival - Beaudesert Pool

Valentines' Day Serenades

Term 1 Week 4

Tuesday 17 February

P and F Executive Committee Meeting - 6:00pm

Primary Meet the Teacher Evening - 4:00 - 5:30pm

Wednesday 18 February - Friday 20 February

Prep Vision Screening

Friday 20 February

Primary Assembly - 2:15pm

Saturday 21 February 

Sandstorm Junior Beach Volleyball Tournament

Term 1 Week 5

Tuesday 24 February

Rivers District Sport

Wednesday 25 February

HIA Secondary Round 1 Sport

Thursday 26 February

Immunisation Clinic

Pacific District Swimming Carnival

Friday 27 February

Year 12 PARTY Program-Princess Alexandra Hospital

Sunday 1 March

Beach Volleyball Schools Cup

Welcome back to our 2026 year at Hills! 

It has been a joy to see our students return with energy, enthusiasm, and a real eagerness to reconnect. From day one, our young people have settled beautifully into their routines and are already demonstrating our L.A.W.S. attributes through kindness, respect, responsibility, and gratitude.

During my break time catch ups, it has been wonderful to check in with students, hear stories from their holidays, and listen to what they are most looking forward to this term. These moments speak so strongly to the heart of our school: relationships first, learning always.

A special highlight this week has been hearing from our Years 4 to 6 students as they settle into their new learning space, T Block. Their excitement has been contagious, with many sharing comments such as, “I cannot believe how big and beautiful it is”, “There is so much room”, and “It feels so modern”. Although their new location is a little further from the rest of the school, our students have navigated this transition with positivity and maturity. Their ability to lean into gratitude is a true reflection of the spirit of our Primary School.

We have also valued hearing their thoughts on what could make this space even better. From questions about where to find the bubblers to suggestions such as having a female only toilet, their feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

In classroom visits this week, I have seen teachers prioritising connection, establishing strong routines, and building a solid foundation for meaningful teacher-student relationships. This relational start to the year sets our learners up for confidence, belonging, and success.

This year, we are delighted to welcome 111 new students into Primary, including our wonderful Prep cohort. It has been lovely getting to know them already, and I will be checking in with families as well to ensure the transition into Hills continues to feel positive and supported.

Thank you to our families for your responsiveness to the reminders sent by both the College and classroom teachers regarding start‑ and end‑of‑day expectations.
To maintain calm, focused learning time, we kindly ask that families:

• Please hug and go in the mornings and avoid waiting outside classrooms
• Kindly do not access the College grounds before 3:10 pm

Many families have already shared their appreciation for these expectations and the clarity they bring. Your support helps our teachers nurture every student and make full use of the school day.

For families who prefer to park and wait before pick‑up, the shaded seating areas near the crossing are a fantastic spot to connect with other parents while you wait for the 3:10 pm bell.

As we begin 2026 together, I extend a warm welcome back to all our families, returning and new. Thank you for the partnership, trust, and encouragement you offer our teachers and students. We are excited for a year filled with growth, connection, and meaningful learning.

Please keep an eye out in future issues of The Hills Times or Parent Orbit for any upcoming events and celebrations across our wonderful Primary School.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Matthew Noel
Head of Primary

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

Introducing Our 2026 Primary Leadership Team

It is my great pleasure to announce the 2026 Primary Captains and House Leaders:

Primary Captains

Captains: Jade‑Rose W and Cooper V

Vice Captains: Bandgi K and Mutswashe M


House Captains

Jade: Roni M and Mahalia L

Fuji: Calais H and Holly D

Uluru: Lilly O and Jett B

Halla: Penelope G and Prategh S

Our Primary Leaders will play a significant role in amplifying student voice, supporting wellbeing, and contributing to initiatives that enhance our school community. They will meet weekly with me to reflect on school priorities, strengthen leadership skills, and contribute to shaping the Primary experience.

Congratulations to our 2026 leaders!

Primary Drop and Go and Parking Reminders

Thank you for reading through the important start-of-year information. A few key reminders:

• If you are collecting a Year 4 student (including those with younger siblings), please consider joining the P-4 Drop and Go queue from 3:25 pm onward. This supports smoother exit flow for Years 1–3
• Families, please do not access the road beyond the Prep car park. This area is not College property and must remain clear.

Your support ensures safe and efficient movement for all.

Meet the Teacher Afternoon - Tuesday 17 February

We are very much looking forward to our Meet the Teacher afternoon on Tuesday, 17 February.

Two sessions will be offered to support families with siblings, so you can visit each classroom. More detailed information will be shared shortly.

These opportunities to connect early in the year strengthen the essential partnership between teacher, student, and parent.

Secondary Insights

Welcome back! It is wonderful to have our secondary community reunited for Term 1, 2026. Hills College has already felt a renewed sense of energy and excitement as students settle back into their routines. Parents and carers, it is your commitment to excellence and student wellbeing that defines Secondary.

A special welcome to our Year 7 cohort and all families joining us for the first time. We are committed to ensuring their transition positive.

We also welcome the fresh perspectives of our new and returning staff members joining the secondary department this year. I want to formally acknowledge the wonderful work and tireless dedication every staff member has shown in getting ready for the year ahead. From meticulously planning curriculum and setting up their learning environments to attending professional development sessions, their efforts have ensured our students have the best possible start to Term 1.

Focus for Term 1

Organisation and Routine: In these early weeks, we are focusing on establishing strong habits—from knowing schedules and co-curricular commitments to maintaining high standards of school uniform.

Academic Growth: This term is a fresh start for every student to set ambitious goals and explore new topics with curiosity.

Community Connection: We look forward to strengthening our home-school partnerships. Please keep an eye on our newsletter schedule and upcoming events like parent information evenings.

Staying Connected

To stay informed about your child's learning and school events, please ensure you have access to our TASS Orbit. To celebrate the start of the year, we warmly invite all families to our Welcome BBQ and Meet the Secondary Staff.

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers in a relaxed setting, put faces to names, and chat with our leadership team about the exciting year ahead.

When: Tuesday 10 February
Time: Commencing at 4:30 pm
Where: Secondary Quad

We look forward to seeing our community come together for some food, conversation, and a great start to the term! This will also be followed with a Year 7 Parent Information Evening commencing at 6:00 pm in the Upstairs Resource Centre.

If you have any questions regarding the start of the term, our upcoming BBQ, or your child’s transition into their new classes, please do not hesitate to reach out. We value open communication and are here to support your family every step of the way.

Mrs Julie-Anne Skelton

Head of Secondary

New Staff - Ms Frawley

Ms Hope Frawley is one of the new teachers here at Hills College. She is very enthusiastic about attending Hills College in 2026 and is looking forward to meeting everyone as well as teaching Humanities and English.

Ms Frawley had heard some great things about the community at Hills College, particularly how inclusive and supportive the school is to work at and attend, so she decided to apply. Ms Frawley had taught History and English for around nine years in both Australia and New Zealand. She lived in Melbourne and Darwin before settling permanently in Brisbane with her family. 

She obtained her double major in both English and History in New Zealand, so she is knowledgeable in both subject areas. Ms Frawley hopes that she can bring passion and enthusiasm for History and English to the classes that she teaches and get them excited about learning. 

An interesting fun fact about Ms Frawley is that she has a twin sister who is not a teacher! 

Our next Hills Times will focus on another new staff member, Ms Ayli McDonald.

Written by Hallie Thomas, Jacob E-Parkinson, Shanaya Mishra, Molly Weidman and Zoe Moffitt

Under the Direction of Ms Hope Frawley

Music Announcement- Imagine and Innovator

Musically trained adults have enhanced divergent thinking which they use to adapt to new, changing, or unplanned events.

Please read the information captured below by Dr Nina Kraus, a professor at Northwestern University.

Dr Julia Pope

Head of Faculty - The Arts

English Ambassadors 2026

The English Ambassadors have recently donated a selection of young adult books to the Resource Centre, including the 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' limited edition picture book, the 'Heartstopper' and 'Lumberjanes' graphic novel series, and the award-winning 'Nimona'. The donation was possible using funds raised during events in Book Week in 2025; a great reminder that individuals who get involved in these activities create benefits for students at large. These new novels will make an excellent addition to the College's library collection.

Steven Rose

English Ambassador

Starting 2026 Independently

Welcome back!  This year, we'll be offering some ideas about a few topics that our Hills Wellbeing Community has identified as important in our school.  If you'd like to be part of the wellbeing conversation at Hills, look out for upcoming notifications about meeting times and dates!

As a community, we are committed to developing resilience and confidence in our students and children.  One of the key personality traits that can help with this is when students can develop a sense of their own ability to manage elements of their routine and feelings.  

This is all about a feeling of independence.  Independence can be a challenging thought for some students, and for parents too.  Whether it's through a fear of losing a connection; feeling less 'important'; worrying about safety, or feeling we're 'letting them down', it can be hard to allow students to do things we know we could do for them or allow them to do things we know they can't yet do perfectly.

However, there are a range of things we can do when children are at any age to help them develop this sense of power and agency and help them to become independent.  I've gathered a few of these below, with a focus on skills, habits, and gradual responsibility rather than pushing children to “grow up too fast.”

It's important to remember that different students will be at different stages on this journey, and that some students may need more assistance and support at various stages throughout their development.  Factors such as illness, anxiety, family circumstances, and similar issues can all impact on students and mean we need to provide more support.  If you think your child requires some support in developing this independence, or if you'd like to ask for assistance for any wellbeing concern, please contact me or the Wellbeing Team.

Prep

Core goal: Build confidence, basic self‑care, and a sense of “I can do this myself.”

We can encourage independence by:

• Letting children dress themselves, including selecting weather‑appropriate clothes
• Teaching them to pack and unpack their own bag with guidance
• Encouraging them to speak to their teacher (with parental support nearby) rather than relying on adults to speak for them
• Establishing simple routines (morning, bedtime, homework time)
• Giving small household responsibilities (feeding pets, putting toys away)
• Allowing children to try first before stepping in when they struggle

Parent mindset shift: From doing for → doing with

Years 1–2 (Age ~6–8)

Core goal: Responsibility for possessions and simple tasks

Parents can encourage independence by:

• Expecting children to take responsibility for school items (hat, water bottle, lunchbox)
• Encouraging them to solve minor problems (finding a lost jumper, managing friendship hiccups) before intervening
• Letting children manage simple homework tasks with minimal supervision
• Teaching time concepts (before/after, tomorrow, next week)
• Encouraging polite self‑advocacy (e.g. asking for help, expressing needs)
• Allowing age‑appropriate risk during play

Watch out for: Over‑rescuing or over‑organising

Years 3–4 (Age ~8–10)

Core goal: Planning, follow‑through, and emotional regulation

Parents can encourage independence by:

• Involving children in planning homework and activities
• Encouraging use of lists or planners for school tasks
• Teaching children to manage emotions without immediate adult fixing
• Expecting children to complete chores independently
• Letting children experience natural consequences (within safe limits)
• Encouraging them to communicate directly with teachers or coaches where appropriate

Parent mindset shift: From control → coaching

Years 5–6 (Age ~10–12)

Core goal: Preparation for high school independence

Parents can encourage independence by:

• Requiring students to manage homework deadlines (with reminders reducing over time)
• Encouraging them to problem‑solve academic challenges before seeking help
• Teaching basic time management and organisation strategies
• Involving students in family decision‑making appropriate for their age
• Expecting them to manage social conflicts with guidance, not replacement
• Supporting responsibility for personal hygiene and daily routines

Important: Independence here predicts smoother high school transitions

Years 7–8 (Age ~12–14)

Core goal: Self‑management and responsibility across multiple demands

Parents can encourage independence by:

• Expecting students to track assessments and due dates
• Supporting (but not managing) the use of planners or digital tools
• Allowing students to experience manageable failure and reflect on it
• Encouraging them to email teachers themselves (with guidance early on)
• Supporting independent travel where appropriate
• Teaching budgeting for pocket money

Parent mindset shift: From manager → consultant

Years 9–10 (Age ~14–16)

Core goal: Identity formation, decision‑making, and accountability

Parents can encourage independence by:

• Involving teens in goal setting (academic, personal, vocational)
• Expecting ownership of learning outcomes—not negotiating marks or deadlines on their behalf
• Encouraging reflection after poor decisions rather than punishment‑only responses
• Supporting part‑time work or volunteering if appropriate
• Allowing autonomy while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations
• Encouraging direct communication with schools, employers, and community groups

Key balance: Autonomy with accountability

Years 11–12 (Age ~16–18)

Core goal: Transition to adulthood and independent functioning

Parents can encourage independence by:

• Treating teens as primary decision‑makers for study, work, and pathways
• Expecting students to manage their own deadlines, schedules, and commitments
• Encouraging them to seek academic help independently
• Teaching life skills: budgeting, cooking, managing appointments, transport
• Supporting reflective thinking about consequences and long‑term planning
• Shifting conversations from rules to values and impact

Parent mindset shift: From authority → mentor

Final Principles for All Ages

• Independence grows gradually, not suddenly
• Competence comes from practice, not protection
• Mistakes are essential for learning
• Support should reduce as capacity increases
• Confidence grows when children feel trusted

Music Opportunities at Hills College

We are excited to offer a range of enriching music experiences for our students this year. Under the leadership of Dr Julia Pope, our Secondary Music Teacher and percussion specialist, students from Years 4–12 are invited to participate in two unique ensemble programs: 

• Gamelan Group
• Hills Drum Circle (Years 4–12)

Students are welcome to join our Drum Circle, where they will explore a variety of hand drums—such as djembes and congas—and percussion instruments in a fun, supportive group setting.

• Participation helps students build:
• Listening and teamwork skills
• Fine and gross motor coordination
• Musical confidence and creativity

Rehearsals:

• Tuesdays, 8:00 – 8:30 am
• Music Room A, upstairs in the Resource Centre (via the back stairs)
• Cost: Free
• No experience required

The Drum Circle runs all year, with performances throughout the year.

Hills Junior Gamelan Group (Years 4–12)

Our Indonesian Gamelan ensemble offers a rare and culturally rich musical experience. Students have the opportunity to learn traditional instruments and develop ensemble skills in a unique musical tradition seldom found in Australian schools.

Rehearsals:

• Thursdays, 8:00 – 8:30 am
• Top of the Resource Centre (via the back stairs)
• Cost: Free
• No experience required

The Junior Gamelan Group serves as training for the Senior Gamelan Group, which performs regularly. Entry to the Senior group is by invitation only.

Interested in Joining?

To sign your child up for either group or for further information, please contact: 

Dr Julia Pope

Head of Faculty - The Arts

Julia.Pope@hills.qld.edu.au

Beach Volleyball State Team Success!

Three BV@Hills students have been selected in the Queensland Beach Volleyball Travelling team to compete at Nationals : Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships held at Coolangatta Beach, March 9-12.

This is an amazing achievement, representing a full 10% of our athletes!

Congratulations to:

• Sheldon Noun - U14 Boys

• Alyce Castner - U14 Girls

• Tristan Gaviglio - U15 Boys

QLD School Districts Sport Facebook Page Update:

The Pacific District FB page was deleted recently, and a new one was created.  It looks identical but has a new link.

Please take note of the new link: https://www.facebook.com/PacificDistrictSchoolSports

HIA Sports Success

Please congratulate our Hills College Swimmers on their win at HIA Swimming on Wednesday! It was a fantastic day out at the Beaudesert Pool.

Age Champions

• Tristan Gaviglio (JNR Boys)
• Allira Hughes (JNR Girls)

Overall Champion

• Hills College!

Thanks to Mrs Stone, Mr Nicholl and Mia Sunderland for the running of the day.

Cricketing Success Continues for Leah!

Some breaking news; Leah Henley has been selected in the U/19 girls South Coast Cricket team, travelling to Toowoomba 10/03/26-13/03/26.

Leah is also coaching a beginner's level U12 side for Jimboomba Bushrangers, which includes two primary school students, Jaxson and Mason Luke. 

The team has been together three weeks and won their first game last Saturday morning, and Leah is keen to have more students from Hills join the team!

Training is 4:30-5:30pm on Thursdays, with games scheduled once a week on a Friday night or Saturday morning until the end of March.

Enquiries can be made to: jimboombacricketclub@hotmail.com or by dropping down to a Thursday training session.

Spare cricket gear is available for use.

Burleigh Bears Sign-on

The 2026 Burleigh Bears Talent Development Program will be kicking off in May and will run over five sessions, which includes physical development, mental development and on-field skills/team sessions, for boys and girls aged U13-U15.

The Talent Development Program is a new platform for the pathways system at the Bears and will be taking over from the RISE Program. This new initiative gives players and coaches from across the whole of the Gold Coast Region a great opportunity to develop their skillsets and better prepare them for future aspirations, when moving through our pathways system.

Some key differences for the new program include; cheaper cost for players; new training apparel; more condensed time frame over 2 months; carnival earlier in the year; fewer drills, with more game-based activities/team time.

For any questions, please reach out to: troy@burleighbears.com.au

Registration: https://linktr.ee/rladmin

2026 New international students

Welcome back to an exciting new year at Hills. This term, we have welcomed the following new international students into the College:

• Harnoor and Jihoo join Year 11 as new international students
• Aurora also joins Year 11 as a six-month exchange student
• Rohan and Jennifer have completed their English studies in Hills Language College, and have joined Years 9 and 11 respectively

We are eagerly waiting on visa approvals for:

• Emma to join Year 4
• Jamesame to join Hills Language College

Welcome everyone, and we wish you success as you begin your studies at Hills! We welcome you from India, Korea, Italy, Fiji, Hong Kong, the USA and PNG to our culturally rich College.

Hills Homestay Program

Over the holidays, our homestay families participated in a few important events; their homestay inspection and the 2026 Homestay Orientation. Thank you to my amazing families for welcoming me into their homes for a lovely catch up, and for then in turn coming to the College for the orientation.

Our Homestay Program is designed for our international and interstate families, providing a welcoming and safe home for their child during the school year.

Host families commit to: ​

• Provide a safe, supporting environment  ​
• Interact and develop a rapport with homestay students  ​
• Support the student in their academic or sporting activities during their enrolment ​
• Provide a clean and reasonable environment for their homestay students, ie.​
  • A bed in their own bedroom ​
  • A practical study area (desk, chair, lamp)  ​
  • Access to Internet facilities  ​
  • Access to sufficient quality food and meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner daily​
  • Linen and towels  ​
  • A house key (if required)  ​
  • Transport to and from Hills College (and extra-curricular activities)  ​
  • Provide guidance and support – particularly during the initial ‘settling in’, when students may still be suffering cultural shock and language problems ​
  • Adequate supervision for their homestay 
  • Support Hills College’s uniform, behaviour, and academic policies ​
    
  • Acknowledge and cater for the cultural and social needs of the student  ​
  • Communicate with Hills College whenever a situation arises (such as illness, unrest in the homestay family, commending the student’s behaviour) ​

We also provide accommodation for our visiting sister school students and staff during their short visits, usually in Terms 1 and 3.

If you would like more information about being a homestay family, or all things international, please reach out to me.

Lunchtime Club opportunities 

I am seeking expressions of interest from students across the College who would like to be part of the following lunchtime clubs:

• Culture Club - championing all things cultural, helping to celebrate our cultural diversity at Hills, organising events like Harmony Day
• Cosy Gamers Club - 'cosy gaming' refers to any games - online or offline - which make you feel warm, content and safe. These could include online games such as Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and other 'small world' building games. We will not be playing games in the club - we will be talking about the games, sharing hints and tips, exploring new games, rating our game experiences, etc

If your child is interested, please let me know, or send them to C5 next week (next to the Uniform Shop).

Mrs Vanessa Newbery

Head of International Programs

vanessa.newbery@hills.qld.edu.au