From the Principal

Year 6 PYP exhibition

The Year 6 students have worked incredibly hard on their exhibition. I have witnessed this learning process firsthand with my mentor group of four students. Tuesday 8 September promises to be an amazing afternoon that celebrates the process of learning not just the product.

I hope that our students have loved the exhibition experience and would like to thank our Year 6 teachers Miss Waud and Ms Conlon and all the staff who have volunteered to mentor groups of students along the way.

Primary Oval Update

The oval project has received operational approval, and we are now waiting on transport approval. I am excited that our start date is drawing nearer but apologise for the lengthy approval process that has significantly delayed commencement of the project.

Primary Student Led Conferences Tuesday 15 September

Student-Led Conferences are a valuable opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning by sharing their progress, achievements, and goals directly with their parents. Rather than teachers leading the conversation, students take centre stage, reflecting on their work, celebrating successes, and identifying areas for growth.

These conferences play an important role in developing student agency by encouraging learners to think critically about their learning journey, set meaningful goals, and take responsibility for their progress. Students build confidence, communication skills, and self-awareness as they explain their learning and demonstrate their understanding.

For parents, Student-Led Conferences provide a unique insight into their child's learning experiences, strengths, and aspirations. They foster meaningful conversations between home and school and strengthen the partnership that supports every student's success.

We look forward to welcoming families to this year's Student-Led Conferences and celebrating the growth, learning, and achievements of our students together.

School Choice Counts: Why Parental Choice Matters

Independent schools across Australia are working together to ensure that the voices of families, students and school communities are heard in the national conversation about education.

Recently, Independent Schools Australia (ISA) launched its national School Choice Counts campaign alongside a major research report, The Great Education Shift. The campaign highlights an important reality: families choose schools based on what they believe is best for their child, and those choices should be respected and supported by public policy. 

Across Australia, more than 767 000 students attend over 1 240 Independent schools. These schools are diverse in size, location, culture and educational approach, but they share a commitment to helping young people learn, belong and thrive. Independent schools educate students in metropolitan, regional and remote communities, and include faith-based schools, community schools, boarding schools, special schools and First Nations community-controlled schools. 

Recent national research commissioned by ISA found that families value a combination of academic quality, safety, wellbeing, strong values and a positive school culture when making decisions about their child's education. Parents consistently identified a safe and supportive environment, high expectations, student wellbeing and strong alignment between family and school values as key reasons for choosing an Independent school. 

The research also highlighted the significant sacrifices many families make to access the education they believe is right for their children. Many families save for years to meet school costs and make adjustments to household budgets to prioritise their child's schooling. This reinforces the importance of maintaining affordable access to high-quality Independent education for families from a broad range of backgrounds. 

Independent schools receive government funding, but families and communities also make substantial contributions through fees, fundraising, volunteering and philanthropy. These contributions help provide learning opportunities, facilities, programs and support services that enrich the educational experience of students. 

The School Choice Counts campaign aims to build greater public understanding of the important role Independent schools play within Australia's broader education system. It also seeks to ensure that policymakers recognise the diversity of Independent schools and the valuable contribution they make to local communities across the nation. 

At Hills International College, we understand that every family's educational journey is unique. We remain committed to partnering with parents to provide an exceptional learning environment where students are known, challenged, supported and inspired to reach their full potential. As a school community, we appreciate the trust families place in us and celebrate the shared commitment that helps our students flourish.

For families interested in learning more about the campaign and the accompanying research, further information is available through the School Choice Counts website.

Upcoming Calendar Events

Term 3 Week 9

Tuesday 8 September

Year 12 Camp Day 2

Year 6 Exhibition

Wednesday 9 September

HIA Primary Round 3

Thursday 10 September

Kingfisher Cup Netball and Rugby League

R U Ok Day?

Friday 11 September

Kingfisher Cup Netball and Rugby League

Term 3 Week 10

Tuesday 15 September

Primary P-5 Student Led Conferences

Wednesday 16 September

Staff vs Student Touch Football

Thursday 17 September

Term 3 concludes

Friday 18 September

Student Free Day

Dear families,

I trust you have all had a wonderful fortnight. It is hard to believe that we are already wrapping up Week 8 and nearing the conclusion of another busy and rewarding term. As we approach the final weeks of Term 3, I have found myself reflecting on one of the most important life skills we can nurture in our children: resilience.

Building Resilience: A Key Skill for Children in Today's World

Life is not always smooth sailing, and that is okay. One of the greatest gifts we can provide our children is the ability to bounce back when things do not go to plan. This skill, known as resilience, helps children navigate challenges, adapt to change, and persevere when situations feel difficult.

Resilient children learn that mistakes are a natural part of learning, that setbacks provide opportunities for growth, and that success is often built through persistence rather than perfection. When children develop confidence in their ability to work through challenges, they are far more likely to approach new experiences with courage and optimism.
Importantly, resilience is not something that develops overnight. It is nurtured through everyday experiences and strengthened by the adults who support our children.

One of the most powerful ways children learn resilience is by observing the adults around them. How we respond to disappointment, unexpected challenges, and setbacks provides a blueprint for how they approach their own difficulties. As parents, carers, and educators, we play a vital role in helping children understand that challenges are not barriers to success but opportunities to grow stronger.

How Can Families Help Build Resilience?

There are many simple ways families can nurture resilience at home:

• celebrate effort by recognising persistence, determination, and growth rather than focusing solely on outcomes
• encourage reflection through conversations such as, "What felt challenging today?" and "What might you do differently next time?"
• allow opportunities for independence so children can experience success, solve problems, and learn from setbacks
• model calm problem-solving when things do not go to plan
• prioritise wellbeing through healthy routines, quality sleep, physical activity, and time for fun and connection
• access your free Open Parachute parent resources

When children know that mistakes are part of learning and that trusted adults will support them through challenges, they develop the confidence to keep striving for success.

Celebrating Learning Through Student-Led Conferences

Next week, our Prep to Year 5 students will take part in Student-Led Conferences, one of the highlights of the school year. Unlike a traditional parent-teacher interview, these conferences place students at the centre of the conversation. Students guide their families through their learning journey, showcasing achievements, reflecting on growth, and identifying goals for the future.

Student-led conferences are a powerful way to promote ownership of learning. They provide students with an authentic opportunity to develop confidence, communication skills, and self-reflection while celebrating the progress they have made throughout the year.

We thank our families in advance for taking the time to participate in this important learning partnership. Your involvement reinforces the message that learning matters and that every child's growth is valued and celebrated.

Year 6 PYP Exhibition

Our Year 6 students have also been working tirelessly towards the culmination of their Primary Years Programme journey, the PYP Exhibition. The Exhibition represents far more than a final project. It is an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge, skills, and understandings they have developed throughout their years in the PYP. Through inquiry, research, collaboration, and action, students investigate real-world issues that are meaningful to them and demonstrate how they can contribute positively to their communities.

I have been continually impressed by the breadth, depth, and quality of the work our students have produced. Their curiosity, commitment, and willingness to challenge themselves have been remarkable.

The Exhibition is also a celebration of partnership. Thank you to our dedicated Year 6 teachers, specialist teachers, support staff, mentors, and families who have guided and encouraged our students throughout this process. Together, we have helped our students develop the confidence and capabilities to be thoughtful, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are ready for the next stage of their educational journey.

We wish all of our Year 6 students every success as they proudly share their learning with our community.

Kingfisher Cup Representation

We also extend our best wishes to the students who will represent Hills International College at the Kingfisher Cup on 10 and 11 September.
Representing your school is a privilege and an honour. While competition is certainly important, it is equally important that our students represent our College values through their conduct, sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for others.

Whether celebrating success, supporting teammates, or demonstrating perseverance through challenges, these experiences provide valuable opportunities for students to live our LAWS values of Living with Compassion, Acting with Integrity, Working with Diligence, and Striving for Success.

We are incredibly proud of all students selected to represent our College and look forward to seeing them showcase not only their sporting abilities but also the character and values that make our community so special.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing partnership and support. Together, we continue to nurture resilient, capable, and compassionate young people who are prepared to embrace both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Matthew Noel
Head of Primary

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

In the Spotlight with Prep B

As we move through a busy and exciting Term 3, Prep B has been enjoying a wonderful range of learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity and confidence. Our students continue to grow as learners, developing new skills while making the most of our engaging classroom and outdoor learning environments.

Mathematics
In Maths, we have been exploring teen numbers and building our understanding of how these numbers are formed. Through games, hands-on tasks and interactive learning experiences, students have been practising counting, ordering and representing numbers in different ways. We have also been investigating patterns, using colours, shapes, objects and movement to identify, extend and create our own repeating sequences.

English
Prep B students are making fantastic progress in their literacy learning. Through daily reading, writing and phonics activities, students are becoming increasingly confident in sharing their ideas and communicating their thinking. They have been focusing on correct letter formation, reading with greater fluency and writing simple sentences. It has been wonderful to see the pride and enthusiasm they show as they celebrate their achievements and growth.

Unit of Inquiry
Our current Unit of Inquiry, Where We Are in Place and Time, has encouraged students to think about the people, places and experiences that are important in their lives. Through our central idea, “Important moments and people connect us,” students have been exploring their own personal histories and learning how special events and relationships help shape who they are. This inquiry has sparked meaningful conversations and helped students make connections between their own experiences and the broader world.

Excursion Highlights
A memorable highlight this term was our first excursion to the beautiful Mt Tamborine Botanical Gardens. Students thoroughly enjoyed exploring the gardens alongside their classmates, taking part in learning activities and creating special memories throughout the day. Of course, having their favourite teddy bears join the adventure made the experience even more exciting!

Term 3 has been filled with learning, growth and many joyful moments. We are so proud of the enthusiasm, resilience and progress shown by every student in Prep B and look forward to all the exciting opportunities that still lie ahead this year.

Keep up the wonderful work, Prep B!

Mrs Weaver and Mrs Atkinson

RUOK? Day: A Conversation That Matters

This RUOK? Day, we are reminded of something both simple and powerful: people are not always okay, and they are not always able to tell us.

On September 10, students and staff will be wearing yellow and/or black to help raise awareness for this important cause.

At school, we spend much of our time helping young people develop knowledge, skills, and character. Just as importantly, we help them develop connection. We want our students to know that they matter, that they belong, and that there are people who care enough to notice when something seems different.

The question "Are you okay?" is not a solution in itself. It is an invitation. It tells someone, "I see you. You matter to me. I'm willing to listen."

For our young people, meaningful relationships are a protective factor against many of life's challenges. A conversation with a friend, a trusted teacher, a parent, or a family member can make a significant difference. Often, it is not about having the perfect words. It is about showing up, listening without judgment, and staying connected.

As a community, RUOK? Day challenges us to be active in helping others. Take the time to check in on a colleague. Sit with someone who seems alone. Ask the question and be prepared to listen. Then - follow up in the days that follow.

We also know that genuine wellbeing is built every day of the year, not just on one awareness day. Mental health needs kindness, inclusion, compassion, and the small moments when we choose connection over convenience.

For the remainder of term (at least), I encourage all members of our community, students, staff, and families, to pause and reach out to someone. A simple conversation might not solve every problem, but it could be the very thing that helps someone feel seen, supported, and hopeful.

Because sometimes the most important question we ask is also one of the simplest:

"Are you okay?"

Senior Languages Excursion

On Tuesday, students studying the Senior Languages (Japanese and Chinese) visited Brisbane city to experience some cuisine typical of these two language regions. The students, accompanied by Dr Li, Anna Sensei and Whaley Sensei enjoyed lunch at Shabu House, where they ate a variety of hot pot dishes and sushi. Being a buffet menu, that students were able to partake of good portions and try new things. Students had been studying the themes of social customs, influences and leisure, and this experience tied those all together nicely.

Golf@Hills program

Our Golf@Hills students have been working hard at Beaudesert Golf Course, honing their skills and preparing for local tournaments. Seven golfers will participate in a tournament at Kooralbyn this Sunday, under the expert care of our PGA professional coach, Lachlan Ritson.

Next week, four Hills students will have the honour of playing in the Beaudesert Pro Am. We wish Hyunjong, Zac, Keera and Henry well in this professional tournament. They will be playing alongside Hills alumni Jordan Hampson, and Australian pro Lucan Higgins. 

Farewell Seibudai Chiba term-long visitors

On 13 September, four students from our sister school in Japan, Seibudai Chiba, will leave Hills. They have been in our High School Preparation class since 18 July, spending time improving their language and communication skills. The incidental learning at break time and in homestay has been equally valuable; these boys have made deep and meaningful connections.

We thank them for bringing a little bit of Japan to Jimboomba, and hope they will take a piece of Australia home in their hearts.