NCCD Moderation Process

During recent weeks, our teaching and support staff have participated in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) moderation process. This important activity ensures that schools across Australia apply consistent and accurate practices when identifying and supporting students who require reasonable adjustments to access and participate fully in learning.

The moderation process provides an opportunity for staff to collaboratively review evidence, discuss student needs, and ensure that adjustments are aligned with national guidelines. More importantly, it reinforces our commitment to inclusive education and to meeting the diverse learning, wellbeing, and engagement needs of every student.

Through these professional conversations, staff continue to strengthen their understanding of best practice in supporting students, ensuring that Hills International College remains a place where all learners are known, valued, and supported to achieve their potential.

The NCCD is not about labelling students. Rather, it helps schools reflect on the quality of support provided and informs future planning to enhance student success. We thank our staff for their diligence and professionalism throughout this important process. I particularly thank our Inclusive Education team led by Mrs Ashbridge, the Head of Inclusive Education, for the work that they have done to lead this process.

Year 6 PYP Exhibition: Showcasing Inquiry, Action and Growth

One of the most significant milestones in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is the Year 6 PYP Exhibition, and our students are now embarking on this exciting culminating learning journey.

The Exhibition challenges students to apply the knowledge, skills and learner attributes they have developed throughout their years in the PYP. Working collaboratively, students identify an issue or opportunity of local, national or global significance, conduct in-depth research, engage with experts, and take meaningful action to make a positive difference.

More than just a research project, the Exhibition is a celebration of student agency. Students take ownership of their learning as they ask questions, investigate real-world challenges, think critically about different perspectives, and communicate their findings to authentic audiences. Throughout the process, they demonstrate the College values of Learning, Achievement, Wellbeing and Service, while developing important skills that will support their transition into Secondary education and beyond.

Over the coming weeks, students will work closely with their teachers, mentors, peers and families as they explore their chosen lines of inquiry. They will gather information, analyse evidence, develop solutions and reflect on the impact they can have as informed and responsible global citizens.

We look forward to sharing the outcomes of their hard work, creativity and commitment with our College community at the Year 6 PYP Exhibition later this term. It promises to be an inspiring showcase of student learning, curiosity and action as our Year 6 students demonstrate what it means to be lifelong learners and future-ready leaders.

We encourage all families to engage with their child's Exhibition journey and celebrate this important achievement as we continue Building Futures Together.

Book Week 2026: A Symphony of Stories

This year's Book Week theme, "A Symphony of Stories” directly captures the transformative power of books in a child's life. Through stories, children are transported to new worlds, introduced to new ideas and inspired to dream beyond their immediate experiences. Books spark curiosity, nurture imagination and help young people develop a lifelong love of learning.

While Book Week is a wonderful celebration of literature, it also provides an important reminder to families about the critical role reading plays in a child's development. Research consistently shows that children who develop strong reading habits from an early age are more likely to experience success across all areas of learning. Reading regularly strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, concentration and communication skills, while also fostering empathy, creativity and critical thinking.

In today's world of constant digital distractions, creating a culture of reading at home has never been more important. Just 10 to 15 minutes of daily reading can have a significant impact on a child's academic growth and confidence. Whether it is reading to a young child, listening to them read aloud, visiting the library together or simply modelling reading as a valued family activity, these small moments help establish habits that can last a lifetime.

At Hills International College, we are committed to nurturing confident readers and learners. During Book Week, students will participate in a range of activities that celebrate books, authors and storytelling. We encourage all families to embrace the spirit of the week by making time for reading at home and discussing the books your children are enjoying.

As we celebrate "A Symphony of Stories", let us work together to inspire a generation of enthusiastic readers. Every story shared, every page turned and every book discovered contributes to a child's future success. The magic of reading begins early, and its benefits last a lifetime.

Of course, both our Primary and Secondary students get to also have some fun by dressing up for the respective Book Character Parades. I can’t wait to see some of the creative costumes that will no doubt grace our school during Book Week.

P and F AGM

The P and F AGM is next Tuesday at 6:00pm in the Resource Centre. There will be the opportunity for new parents to become involved in the leadership of the P and F as many of our committee members step down after some years of sterling service. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers for their willingness to give their time and energy to the school.

Upcoming Calendar Events

Term 3 Week 5

Monday 10 August

Logan Ekka Public Holiday

Tuesday 11 August

P and F AGM - 6:00pm

Secondary Book Week until 14/8

Wednesday 12 August

Secondary Book Week Costume Parade

Thursday 13 August

Write A Book In A Day

Friday 14 August

Primary Assembly

Term 3 Week 6

Monday 17 August

Science Week until Friday 21 August

Year 4 Camp until Tuesday 18 August - Kindilan, Redland Bay

Tuesday 18 August

Year 12 Camp Day 2

Wednesday 19 August

HIA Secondary Round 3

Friday 21 August

Hooray For Hills

Primary Assembly-2.15pm

Dear Hills families,

I trust you have all enjoyed the past fortnight and have managed to avoid the seasonal flu that has been making its way through our community.
In this edition, I would like to focus on an important topic: student safety. As a College, our highest priority is ensuring every student arrives at school safely, feels supported throughout the day, and is ready to engage in learning from the moment classes begin.

Over recent weeks, we have noticed an increasing number of students arriving at school before 8:00 am. While we understand that family schedules can sometimes be complex, this has resulted in some concerning behaviours around our Primary Drop and Go area. Students have been observed running along the roadway, moving between parked vehicles, and gathering in unsupervised areas while waiting for the school day to commence. PCYC staff have also reported students running between cars as families arrive for before school activities.

These situations present a significant safety risk and serve as an important reminder that student supervision does not commence until 8:20 am. Students arriving prior to this time should be enrolled in and attend Before School Care (PCYC), where they can be safely supervised until the beginning of the school day. As parents, carers, and educators, we share a collective responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of our children. Thank you for your support in ensuring students arrive at school safely and at the appropriate time.

I would also like to remind families that the College Adventure Playground is not available for use before or after school. This expectation applies to all students and aligns with the safety procedures outlined in our Primary Handbook. While we appreciate that students are eager to play and connect with friends, the playground can only be used during supervised school hours. We ask families to support this expectation and ensure that children remain with their parent or caregiver when arriving at or departing from the College.

Today, our Primary Dance students proudly represent Hills International College at the Beenleigh Eisteddfod. These students have committed countless hours to rehearsals and preparation, demonstrating perseverance, teamwork, courage, and a genuine passion for performing. Opportunities such as these allow our students to showcase their talents, build confidence, and represent our College with pride. On behalf of our entire Primary community, I would like to wish all of our dancers, along with their teachers and coaches, the very best for their performances. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the way they embody our College values. We know they will take to the stage with confidence and make our community proud.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in helping us create a safe, supportive, and successful learning environment for every child.

Yours sincerely,
Matthew Noel
Head of Primary

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

Authentic Inquiry in HPE

This semester, our Year 1 and Year 2 students are embarking on an exciting Health and Physical Education inquiry under the guidance of Mrs Larcombe. Students will investigate a range of health messages and practices within their community and explore how these messages help people make safe and healthy choices.

Throughout the unit, students will examine important topics including:

• Safety in the home
• Road safety
• Water safety
• Sun safety
• Media campaigns
• Healthy nutrition
• Mental health

As part of their learning, students have begun photographing and analysing their lunchboxes to determine how closely their food choices align with the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. This inquiry encourages students to identify foods from the five food groups and consider how nutrition supports growth, development, learning, and overall wellbeing.

This learning also aligns closely with the expectations outlined in our Primary Handbook 2026, which reminds families that every part of the day is a learning opportunity, including food times. The handbook asks families to provide children with healthy and safe food choices that support wellbeing and learning. 

The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommends that children consume a variety of foods from the five food groups:

• Vegetables and legumes
• Fruit
• Grain foods, preferably wholegrain
• Lean meats and alternatives
• Dairy foods and alternatives

As a College, we know that healthy nutrition plays an important role in supporting concentration, energy levels, physical health, and academic success. This inquiry provides an excellent opportunity for all families to reflect on lunchbox choices and consider how we can work together to establish healthy habits that support our students' growth and development.

A big thank you to Mrs Larcombe for providing our young learners with such a meaningful and practical learning experience that will benefit them both now and into the future.

In the Spotlight with 4A

This term, 4A has launched into our new Unit of Inquiry, exploring the fascinating world of forces. Students have been investigating how forces affect movement and have begun thinking like designers and engineers as they prepare for an exciting term-long project.

Throughout the term, students will be using their knowledge of forces, materials, and design technologies to create and construct games for their class buddies. To begin the inquiry, students explored a variety of different games, analysing what made them fun, engaging, and successful. They then invited their buddies to do the same and collected data about their interests and preferences. This valuable information will help guide the design process as students work to create games that are both enjoyable and purposeful for their younger peers.

Beyond the classroom, students are eagerly anticipating their first overnight school camp in Week 6. This exciting experience will provide opportunities to develop resilience, independence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while participating in a range of challenging outdoor activities. We look forward to seeing students step outside their comfort zones, build new friendships, and create lasting memories together.

It is shaping up to be a busy and rewarding term for 4A, and we can't wait to highlight more of our learning and adventures in the weeks ahead!

Miss Clark
4A Teacher

Senior Music Excursion

On Friday 24 July, our Year 11 and 12 Music students enjoyed an exciting excursion to Brisbane, beginning with a visit to Vivace Music, where they explored a wide range of instruments and equipment. Students then toured the prestigious Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium, gaining a valuable glimpse into tertiary music studies and future career pathways.

The highlight of the day was attending the Queensland Symphony Orchestra's spectacular performance of Music from Video Games, where iconic gaming soundtracks were brought to life by a full symphony orchestra.

It was a fantastic opportunity to experience the many pathways and possibilities within the world of music while being inspired by outstanding professional musicians.

Keeping Our Campus Safe: Every Decision Matters

Recent events on and around our campus have highlighted the importance of safe and considerate driving. We have seen several concerning incidents, including vehicles bypassing queues, excessive speed, a cyclist being forced from the roadway, and a collision on the school driveway.

While arrival and departure times can be busy, our shared focus must always be safety and efficiency, rather than convenience or frustration.

Every day, hundreds of students, staff, parents, cyclists and visitors move through our campus. The systems we have in place are designed to move traffic as smoothly as possible while protecting everyone who uses our roads and pathways. These systems only work when all drivers follow them consistently.

We ask all members of our community to:

• Follow the designated traffic flow and queue arrangements.
• Maintain a safe speed at all times on school grounds.
• Give cyclists and pedestrians plenty of space.
• Avoid overtaking or bypassing waiting vehicles.
• Remain patient during busy periods.
• Follow directions from staff managing traffic.

Most delays on campus amount to only minutes. Those few minutes are never worth risking the safety of a child, parent, cyclist, staff member, or fellow driver.

Thank you to the many families who model safe and respectful behaviour every day. By working together and exercising patience, we can ensure our campus remains a safe place for everyone while keeping traffic moving as efficiently as possible.

Safety comes first. Convenience comes second. Every time.

National Science Week 

National Science Week is an exciting opportunity to celebrate curiosity, discovery and innovation across our College. This year's activities will run from Monday 17 August to Friday 21 August, with a range of engaging experiences for students, parents and families.

Throughout the week, each Science laboratory will feature interactive displays and activities centred on a different area of science:

• Monday 17 August: N8 - Chemistry
• Tuesday 18 August: N7 - Biology
• Thursday 20 August: N6 - General Science
• Friday 21 August: N5 - Physics

Secondary students will participate in these activities during their regular Science classes. In addition, the laboratories will be open to all students at lunchtime on their designated day, providing everyone with the opportunity to explore the displays and take part in hands-on experiences.

Parents and family members are warmly invited to visit the laboratories before school (8:10am-8:40am) and after school (3:25pm-4:00pm) on the relevant days to share in the excitement of National Science Week.

We are also pleased to present a special Science Show for primary classes on Monday and Wednesday. These entertaining and educational demonstrations will showcase fascinating scientific concepts and experiments. Parents are welcome to attend the session scheduled for their child's class. To assist with planning and seating arrangements, please notify the College in advance if you wish to attend.

We look forward to an inspiring week of discovery as students explore the wonders of Chemistry, Biology, Physics and General Science. Join us in celebrating National Science Week and the important role science plays in understanding and shaping our world.

Mr Chris Schultz

Head of Science

Sister school visits

The next few weeks are incredibly exciting at Hills, as we welcome two sister schools.

From 9 - 16 August, our new partner school, SMK Takis Papar from Malaysia, will be visiting Hills College. We will be welcoming teachers Adelyn Chin and Haidah Unos, as well as ten students. They have a very full program while they are here, including:

• staff visiting classes across the College
• sharing food with staff, parents and students
• sharing teaching and learning ideas
• students joining classes with their buddies
• sharing their language and culture
• visiting golf and volleyball programs
• living with homestay families, and sharing family life
• going on excursions to Lone Pine, South Bank, Surfers Paradise

This visit is the culmination of our involvement in the ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE Program. The program aims to create sustainable school partnerships between Australian schools and schools in ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste. It promotes intercultural understanding, global citizenship, and professional networks among educators and students. To date, we have had staff and student connections, in person and online, and I visited Malaysia in April.

We look forward to an ongoing connection with our newest sister school, SMK Takis Papar.

The following week, we will welcome short stay visitors from our sister school in Japan, Seibudai Chiba. Principal Mr Nakamura will bring two staff and ten students to Hills from 15 August until 23 August. This school is a valued partner with Hills, and we have reciprocal visits between the two campuses. in fact. Mr Whaley will lead a group of Hills students to Japan in the upcoming holidays, where we will visit Seibudai Chiba for a few days.

The students will join buddies in classes across Years 9 to 11. I know the Hills students will make them feel at home. The visitors will also enjoy the warm hospitality of our Hills Homestay Program. 

During the visit, Mr Parks and Mr Nakamura will sign a new sister school agreement, cementing our close friendship for years to come.