Honoring ANZAC Day: Hills College Commemorates with Solemnity and Education

As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, Hills College stood united in reverence during a short ANZAC Day service on Wednesday 24 April. The entire school community, from our youngest learners to our seasoned educators, gathered to pay tribute to the heroes who have shaped our nation's history.


Hills College Unites in Remembrance

At the heart of Hills College's ethos lies a commitment to honour and commemorate significant historical events. On Wednesday 24 April, the school came together for a poignant ANZAC Day service. Students, teachers, and staff stood side by side, unified in their respect for the brave individuals who have defended our freedoms. Also in attendance were members of the College Board, include Chair Dr Grant Watson.

The service, though brief, was deeply meaningful. It served as a moment of reflection, allowing students to grasp the significance of ANZAC Day and the values it represents. Through readings by College Captains, an ANZAC Day message from Mr Pope, and moments of silence, we paid homage to the courage and sacrifice of our ANZAC heroes.


Jimboomba: A Dawn Service and March of Remembrance

On the solemn morning of 25 April, Hills College extended its commemoration beyond the school grounds. College staff, alongside our students, participated in the Dawn Service at Jimboomba. This sacred event, steeped in tradition, provided a profound opportunity for reflection and gratitude.

Following the Dawn Service, our College community joined the ANZAC Day march to Rotary Park Jimboomba. Led by our captains, students and members of the entire College community walked with pride, honouring the legacy of those who have served our nation. The 7:30 am service that followed was a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of ANZAC.


Embracing Education: Lessons in Remembrance

At Hills College, we believe in the power of education to impart values and foster understanding. As part of our commitment to ANZAC Day, I had the privilege of attending lessons in both Prep and Year 1. In Mrs Tomlinson's Prep class, I had the opportunity to read an ANZAC story to eager young minds.

The experience was profoundly moving. Witnessing the curiosity and empathy of our youngest students as they learned about the sacrifices of the ANZACs reaffirmed the importance of commemoration and remembrance. Through storytelling and discussion, we imparted the significance of this day, ensuring that the legacy of the ANZACs lives on in the hearts and minds of future generations.


A Tribute to Sacrifice and Service

As Principal of Hills College, I am immensely proud of our school community's commitment to honouring ANZAC Day. From solemn services to educational initiatives, our commemoration was a testament to the values of courage, sacrifice, and mateship that lie at the heart of the ANZAC spirit.

As we pause to remember the heroes of the past, let us also reflect on the values they embodied – values that continue to inspire us today. May we never forget the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Lest we forget.

Welcome back to a fresh and wonderful Term 2! 

We hope the holidays were well spent connecting with loved ones and enhancing personal wellbeing. It was great to spend time with our students during the first two weeks, reflecting on the holiday break and also sharing the joys of what will be a fabulous Term 2 ahead. A reminder to please keep up to date with all our happenings via the Parent Orbit; there is a lot going on!

The whole College cross country showcased spirit and joy, and I thank our dedicated HPE staff for making this happen, even with the unpredictability of our weather. It was a marquee morning and I thank our students who embodied the College LAWS.

I thought I would share a section from our Primary Handbook about nurturing positive connections within our community. These connections align with our parent, student, and community code of conduct. At times our staff, including me, may have to make contact with you concerning information, to make a report or share in student success. This communication is coming from a place of care that aims to reinforce the values our College is built on; the same values you chose when you enrolled your child at Hills. I hope you find them helpful.

• Please telephone or email ahead to arrange a meeting with teachers, rather than just dropping in or accosting a staff member at pick up. This allows the teacher to prepare effectively for the meeting by setting aside time and     gathering any necessary information.
• We expect teachers to respond to your initial contact within forty-eight hours so that issues can be resolved quickly. They may use the phone or email to do so.
• It is natural that even in the best of situations, both partners (teachers and parents), as well as the children involved, will make mistakes. Things usually aren’t as bad as they first appear, and it is essential to hear both sides of an issue before coming to any conclusions. Please contact your child’s class teacher to find out further information and resolve concerns.
• Children need to know they have your full support as parents, and they also need to feel that you have       confidence in their school and their teacher. Please discuss any concerns with the school directly, without passing negative judgment about teachers.
• Please talk directly to teachers about any concerns before talking with other parents. Everyone’s situation is different, and car park gossip is never reliable or helpful. It is a simple courtesy that should be afforded to all in our community.
• If you become concerned with another child’s behaviour at the College, please do not approach the child concerned or call their parent to discuss the matter. This is the role of our teachers. Please inform our staff, allow them to investigate and resolve the matter.
• The College has a policy against bullying, whether verbal or physical, face-to-face or online, and takes such issues seriously. If you suspect bullying is occurring, then please contact your child’s teacher or the Head of Primary to have this investigated and dealt with as soon as possible.
• It is vital that you tell teachers about important changes or major events at home, such as a very ill relative, a potential family breakup, or even the loss of a family pet, etc., so teachers can respond appropriately to support your child.
• When your child comes home excited by learning or about something that happened in school, don’t hesitate to send your teacher a note or email – this feedback is greatly appreciated.

Please take the time to read the College newsletters or notices and posts via Parent Orbit or on the website. Your child’s learning will be captured via the digital platform Seesaw, and we encourage our families to comment and provide parent/guardian to child feedback to enhance engagement.

Thanks once again for your continuing support of our College expectations. I look forward to seeing positive connections and sharing in the joy of learning throughout Term 2

Happy Term 2!


Mr Matthew Noel
Head of Primary/Deputy Principal

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

Welcome to Hills!

Welcome to our new students, Isabella Dryden 1A, Maddison Dryden 3B, Harrison Dryden 4B, Laura Pereiria 3B, Grayson Fuller 5A, and Chloe Arlott 5B. We hope you are your family are settling in beautifully to your new school.

Buildings and Developments

The Primary Drop and Go access point is in a state of repair and rejuvenation. We have deemed the usual entry point for our students as unsafe, and request that students enter and exit the College via the concrete path that leads past the coffee van. 

A reminder to be respectful of the designated areas for parking. We kindly ask that families not park in the College Staff car park. We have prescribed zones that allow students access and exit from the College, namely the drop and go areas, and we encourage the use of this process. Prep families, we thank you for your flexibility as works were carried out around your parking area. The normal traffic flow should be back to normal as we enter Week 3. I do ask, though that you be mindful of space and consider usability for others. Please avoid open parking and park as close (as is reasonably safe to do so) to other cars to ensure all our families can access the designated Prep parking space.

The Primary Playground is scheduled for completion today. There will be some time needed to ensure the surfaces surrounding the courts and Yarning Circle are safe for our students to use and access. During Week 3, I will be taking the Primary classes out and going through the Playground Essential Agreement. This is a positive set of values, constructed by our Primary Captains that encapsulates the College L.A.W.S. and ensures our students have immense fun and enjoyment in this state-of-the-art space.

Capturing our Captains' Comments

The captains were so proud to be a part of ANZAC Day, both at the College and within the community. We pay our respect to the men, women, and families who serve our great country.

We had the joy of working with Mr. Noel and strategising some exciting activities for Earth Day on Monday. This year's theme was Planet vs Plastics. We were proud to see so many pledges towards reducing plastics and were pleased to see classes investigating the depth in which plastic has evolved in our many ecosystems. We also loved seeing so many students ‘Earthing’ in the main quad.

This term we are introducing L.A.W.S bands. This is a wonderful way to promote positive actions, aligned with our College L.A.W.S. Initially we will be working with Years 3 and 4 classes and focusing on what compassion, integrity and diligence are, and how students can action these values. Students will be awarded a band aligned to this attribute. If a student receives all three attributes the captains will give them a shout-out and enter them in a prize. We will start this at the end of Week 3.

Arrival of Year 6 Shirts

Week 1 of Term 2 was a momentous occasion as our Year 6 students proudly received their Year 6 shirts, a symbol of their journey through Primary school and a testament to their leadership and commitment to our school values.

These shirts represent more than just fabric; they embody the dedication, perseverance, and growth these students have shown over the years. From their early days in primary school to now, they have embraced challenges, learned valuable lessons, and formed friendships.

One of the unique aspects of these Year 6 shirts is their role during our Canberra Tour and being out and about the school grounds. As ambassadors of our school, by wearing these shirts our Year 6 students exemplify the compassion, integrity, and diligence that define our community. They carry with them not just the shirt, but also the spirit of leadership and responsibility.

These shirts also serve as a special incentive for our students to uphold our school values even beyond their time here. They remind them of the standards they have set for themselves and inspire them to continue making positive contributions wherever they go. They wear their Year 6 shirts not just as a badge of honour but as a symbol of the bright futures they are poised to create.

Mrs Angie Henry and Ms Juliet Waud
Year 6 Teachers

In the spotlight with 1A

Welcome to 1A’s learning!
We have now been Year 1 superstars for fifty-one school days.
Last term, we had a fabulous time learning about procedural writing, addition, subtraction, data, and numbers from 1 – 20. In our Unit of Inquiry, we explored How the World Works, in particular, light, sound, and manipulating materials. This saw us create shadow puppets, heat ice and chocolate, and manipulate everyday materials such as elastic bands, foil, and cotton balls to see whether they could stretch, bend, twist, etc. We also designed and created our very own musical instrument, before writing a procedure to reflect how it was made. 

We treasured these hands-on learning opportunities in addition to our regular classroom visits from the Grade 12 STEM Ambassadors. A fan favourite of ours is learning diagraphs as part of our phonics focus, sharing our knowledge through our Show and Share presentations, and spending time with our wonderful buddies in Year 4.

We look forward to all of the fun-filled days ahead this term, including incursions, an excursion, sports carnivals, and Under 8s day.

Mrs Chantelle Thompson
Year 1 A teacher

Taking Action - Connecting with ANZAC Day 

In our journey to nurture well-rounded individuals here at Hills, we often emphasise the importance of not only learning but also taking action. This fundamental principle lies at the heart of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), guiding our students towards becoming active, compassionate, and lifelong learners. Today, we delve into the significance of taking action within the PYP framework, drawing inspiration from yesterday's ANZAC Day community commemorative services, which provided a poignant example of our students' engagement and responsibility.

ANZAC Day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during times of conflict. It's a day of reflection, remembrance, and honouring the courage and resilience of our servicemen and women. Yesterday, our students participated in both the Dawn Service and Main Service, standing shoulder to shoulder with the community in paying tribute to our fallen heroes.

Their involvement in these commemorative events goes beyond mere attendance; it exemplifies the essence of taking action. Through their presence, our students demonstrated empathy, respect, and a profound understanding of the significance of ANZAC Day. They actively engaged with history, grasping the importance of remembering and honouring the past to shape a better future.

This commitment to action is deeply ingrained in the PYP philosophy. It empowers our students to translate their learning into meaningful deeds that positively impact their communities and the world at large. Whether it's advocating for social justice, promoting environmental sustainability, or fostering intercultural understanding, our students are encouraged to be proactive agents of change.

Taking action in the PYP isn't confined to grand gestures; it encompasses everyday acts of kindness, responsibility, and leadership. It's about instilling a sense of duty and accountability in our students, empowering them to make a difference, no matter how small the endeavour may seem.

As families, you play a pivotal role in reinforcing the values of taking action within the home environment. Encourage your children to identify issues that resonate with them, brainstorm solutions, and take proactive steps towards effecting change. By nurturing their sense of agency and responsibility, you equip them with invaluable skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Mr Stuart Ablitt

Autism Awareness Week

Next week, Hills will be holding an event that holds significant importance to our community: Autism Awareness Week. We are excited to involve our students and families in raising awareness and support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

During Autism Awareness Week, we will be organising various activities and initiatives to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with ASD. Here are the key details you need to know:

• Daily Walks for Autism: Each day during Autism Awareness Week, we will be organising 'Walks for Autism'. These walks will commence at 8:00am, meeting at the administration area and walking sections of the cross-country course. It's a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together in support of individuals with ASD. You can join our school team https://www.walkforautism.org.au/join/hillsinternationalcollege
• Colourful Dress Day: On Friday 3 May, we will be hosting a 'Colourful Dress Day' fundraiser. Students are encouraged to wear colourful attire and bring a gold coin donation. All proceeds will go towards supporting autism awareness and advocacy initiatives for Aspect Australia
• ASD Student Poster Project: Students with ASD are invited to participate in a poster project highlighting their ASD superpowers and how ASD impacts their lives. This project provides a platform for our students to share their unique perspectives and experiences with the school community. These will be displayed in the Resource Centre along with other Autism information displays around the College
• Classroom Learning: Throughout Autism Awareness Week, classes will dedicate time during connection sessions to learn about ASD. Teachers will facilitate discussions, activities, and resources to increase understanding and empathy towards individuals with ASD.

We believe that promoting autism awareness and understanding is essential in fostering an inclusive and supportive school environment in line with our College motto, A Place to Belong. By participating in Autism Awareness Week, we aim to educate our students, staff, and families about ASD and celebrate the diversity and strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum.

We encourage you to get involved in the activities planned for Autism Awareness Week and show your support for this important cause. Together, we can make a difference in promoting acceptance, inclusion, and empathy for individuals with ASD.

If you have any questions or require further information about Autism Awareness Week, please feel free to contact Mrs Tracy Ashbridge at tracy.ashbridge@hills.qld.edu.au 

Secondary Insights

Welcome back to another edition of our Hills College Secondary Insights. As we embark on the journey through Term 2, we are desiring to achieve new heights of academic excellence and personal growth.

Academic Updates

Term 2 brings with it a renewed focus on academic achievement. Our students have demonstrated commendable dedication and resilience in their Term 1 learning outcomes, embracing new challenges with keen interest.


Parent-Teacher Interviews

This coming Tuesday 30 April from 3.30 p.m. – 7.00 p.m., we will be undertaking our Term 2 Parent-Teacher Interviews. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity for open communication between parents, teachers and students. It is a time to celebrate successes, address concerns, and collaborate on strategies to support each student's individual journey.

Please ensure you schedule your appointments promptly to secure your preferred time slots. While we relocated last year to the Upstairs Resource Centre layout, we will need to return to the downstairs Resource Centre due to the almost completed refurbished Arts Centre. Please notify me as Head of Secondary if you are unable to find the teacher in the downstairs area for that meeting in the time you have scheduled with them. (a sneak picture of one of the spaces is presented in this section of the Hills Times).

Student Spotlight

Our students recently engaged with our Term 2 HIA sporting event for which we were given first place in our competitions; twelve to count. This is certainly exciting and has reiterated the hard work undertaken by our staff during Health and Physical Education Teaching and Learning units. This area will be under spotlight in our next edition of our Hills College Times.

Congratulations to on our outstanding students who have gone above and beyond in their academic pursuits and extracurricular activities as well as our and community engagement. Their dedication, passion and leadership serve as an inspiration to us all.

Upcoming Events

Term 2 promises to be filled with exciting events and activities designed to enrich the learning experience and foster a sense of community within our College. From sports competitions to academic events, there is something for everyone to look forward to.

Stay Connected

Don't forget to stay connected with us through our College website, social media channels and newsletters. We value your feedback and encourage you to reach out to us with any questions, suggestions, or concerns. You can make a time to meet together by phoning reception at Hills College and further to this, please email me for any academic questions.

As we continue our journey through Term 2, let us embrace the opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration. Together, we will strive for excellence and make this term a resounding success.

Mrs Julie-Anne Skelton
Head of Secondary

julie-anne.skelton@hills.qld.edu.au

Teaching and Learning- Year 12 Chemistry Incursion

The Year 12 Chemistry class has begun preparation for IA2 which is their Student Experiment. In recent years we have found that providing students with an additional block of time, outside of regular lessons to complete the practical work required, is of great benefit.

To this end, the Year 12 Chemistry class had an incursion on Wednesday 24 April to conduct their experiments over the course of the day. Students were able to collect the data they needed over the course of the day to commence undertaking the writing of their report which is to be completed over the following weeks.

Mr Chris Schultz

Head of Faculty - Science

Teaching and Learning - Year 7 Earth Science

A terrarium is a miniature garden enclosed in glass, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that requires minimal maintenance. These captivating creations bring a touch of nature indoors, making them perfect for any living space.

Some of our Year 7 Students had a hands-on experience as they design and built their own terrariums in conjunction with Mr Chris Schultz. The students chose from a variety of plants, including succulents, ferns, mosses and more to personalise their group's terrarium and bring their vision to life.

The purpose for this learning experience was to provide ongoing educational insights about the importance of ecosystems, plant care techniques, and the science behind creating a balanced terrarium environment.

Teaching and Learning - Arts Report 

Our first lunchtime concert for 2024 took place on Monday 11 March in front of the Resource Centre. We had Year 9 guitarist, Jackson Rideout and Year 11 pianist, Max Garner performing, and a Dance performance from the Secondary Dance Team led by Chanel Vang. It was great to see students happy to share their creative talents with the wider College community.

The lunchtime concerts are always popular and well attended. Our next concert is on Thursday 2
May and will feature a range of Secondary performers. There will be a concert later in the term with something a bit different – the Queensland Police Service Pipes and Drums Band will be visiting the College to jam with our Secondary students. This will be a wonderful opportunity to forge positive connections between our students and the Police and should be great fun for everyone watching too.

The remodelling of the upstairs of the Resource Centre is nearing completion and it is looking amazing. We can’t wait to show off the area to the College community. Watch this space for news of when that will happen.

And lastly, just a reminder that the Music rooms at the top of the E Block are open every lunchtime except Wednesdays. Come and practice guitar, keyboard or drumkit. Everyone is welcome.

Dr Julia Pope

Head of Faculty- The Arts

Teaching and Learning - STEM Ambassadors Report -Term 1 Success and Term 2 Plan

Term 1 was extremely successful for our STEM team as we have made a promising start on our pre-established yearly goals, located in the first STEM report. Along with continuing the weekly Maths Zone and Makerspace activities, run by Mrs Rummins and Mrs Hansel respectively, our team has begun to work with primary to promote STEM in the lower grades. This was done by running weekly, science nutrition-inspired activities for the Year 3s for their unit 'How the World Works' and assisting the Year 1s with teacher-run Science activities in their classrooms. 

Our Head of Technology Mr Borg, has also partnered with our STEM team to run 'Robotics' with Mrs Smith and 'Drone Building' with Mr Hallerman during Wednesday activities, which have been very successful with high school students.

Over this past term, our STEM Ambassadors also organised activities for Pi Day on 14 March, which included giving out free party pies to the school and running a Maths competition with Mrs Rummins’ assistance. These were both extremely effective. A coding competition was also attempted with limited success. Overall, Term 1 was an excellent starting point for this year's goals.

For Term 2, we plan to continue Maths Zone, Makerspace, Robotics, Drone building, and STEM-run activities with the primary students, working with different cohorts weekly instead of termly to promote STEM more evenly among Primary. Planning an activity for World Environment Day on 5 June and conducting a high school Chess Competition in partnership with the English Ambassadors will also be conducted over the course of this term.

Starting this term, our Ambassadors also plan to begin work on a school-wide recycling program, an idea presented by Ambassador Alexandria Rose, which would include hiring multiple recycling bins and researching environmentally friendly methods for disposing of other, less used materials. Overall, our team is excited to continue working with teachers to promote STEM school-wide and help create an ecologically friendly school environment.

More information about each of the events and activities will be released closer to their dates in a separate report.

Hollie Zavattaro

Hills STEM Ambassador

Media Report - From Naps and Netflix, to News reports: Welcome back to Term 2 from Hills Reporting Team

On 16 April, Hills College welcomed back its students after a two-week break. The school year continued with new teacher arrivals. Mr Ficici has taken over the design class from Mrs Lee-Perkins, who is on term leave and will be back for Semester 2. The English department also welcomed Mrs Lal, who will be taking over the junior high school English and Humanities classes. When asked about her expectations as a teacher at Hills, she replied, "I look forward to building relationships within the community of Hills."

It was great to hear from senior students Jeshua Nery and Charlotte Reeves. When asked about what they were looking forward to most this term, both gave the same response, "The carnivals are what I am looking forward to the most for being our last year." The College has many upcoming carnivals for secondary and primary students to look forward to. As the senior class, every school event is exciting as it's their last year.

The picture below features senior students Charlotte Reeves and Jeshua Nery.

Olivia Retallack is a new Year 9 student at the school. She shared her first impression and expressed her excitement to get involved in volleyball with her new friends and the band crew. The College welcomes Olivia and any other new students and wishes them the best of luck for their time here.

As the term progresses, the reminder to Hills students is to use the teachers at this school for their assignments or other issues. If any other help is needed, students are encouraged not to hesitate to discuss their issues with their designated year-level coordinators or any of the staff members around the campus.

Joshua Feeney

Edited by Hills Reporting Team member Caitlyn Underdown

Under the direction of Ms Grace Dwyer

Parent Resources - Webinar on Student Anxiety

Our Online Wellbeing Software partner, Wellio, has the following resources available for parents who want to learn more about teenage anxiety:

Our Managing Anxiety Parent Webinar discussed practical strategies for helping your children manage stress and anxiety. If you couldn’t make it, you can access the recording here and some post-webinar resources here!

We have three more engaging sessions planned for your parents this year. Here are the dates:

• Tuesday 14th May 6:30pm - Phones & Social Media
• Thursday 29th August 6:30pm - Building Healthy Relationships
• Thursday 31st October 6:30pm - Resilience & Setbacks
  
  
  Registration Link for Parents
  
  
  
  Webinar Newsletter Materials

QLD Schoolgirls Cup Volleyball State Championships

Chelsea Knight in Year 10 competed at the Qld School Girls State Championships last week for South Coast held in Cairns.

Chelsea was the team libero (back court specialist) for her team, which played 7 matches in 4 days. Lots of volleyball was played and everyone learned a lot from the experience.

South Coast finished 7th overall out of a 10-region tournament.

Please join us in congratulating Chelsea for such a great effort!

Step up to Man up - Prostate Cancer 

Jimboomba Rotary have asked us to provide information for a good cause that they are supporting.  

About ManUp

Founded in 2010 by Brian and Jill Costello, Man UP emerged from their own very personal struggle with Brian's prostate cancer diagnosis. Faced with a scarcity of relevant information and support, they recognised a crucial gap in prostate cancer education and awareness, particularly in very rural and remote communities.

"By joining our lunch or sponsoring this event, you'll contribute to Man UP's vital efforts to provide hands-on assistance, support, and information to men in these underserved areas."With a staggering 27% increased chance of prostate cancer-related mortality in rural settings compared to major cities, the need for proactive education and early detection initiatives could not be more urgent.

Together, let's help Man UP fulfill its mission of educating men and their families, ultimately working towards saving lives. Your sponsorship will not only make a tangible impact on individuals and communities but also demonstrate your commitment to health equity and wellbeing for all.

Tickets are available here:  Step up to Man Up - Eventbrite

Research Opportunity - Autism and Bullying

The Parenting and Family Support Centre (University of Queensland) is currently trialling a family program for autistic children who are bullied. This program is called Resilience Triple P and is designed to help families support a child aged between 7 and 12 years. This research is conducted online and has been approved by the University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee.

Should you require further information about this program and associated research, please do not hesitate to contact the coordinator on 01404763580 or at alexandra.johnstone@uq.net.au .


Miss Alexandra Johnstone
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) Student at the University of Queensland, Provisional Psychologist

Doctor Karyn Healy
Honorary Principal Research Fellow at the Parenting and Family Support Centre, Psychologist

Professor Matthew Sanders
Foundation Professor of Parenting Studies and Family Psychology, Strategic Advisor of the Parenting and Family Support Centre, Clinical Psychologist

Year 9 Camp Cooby Update

The staff from Camp Cooby have been kind enough to send through an update regarding some of the community activities the students undertook - behold, the fruits of their labour!

Take Action

Does your child feel overly fearful, anxious, or worried in certain situations? Many children can feel anxious, fearful, or worried in certain situations. In most situations this is a normal emotion when faced with something threatening. Everyone can feel anxious from time to time. However, some children experience anxiety more intensely or more often than others and it stops them from having fun, going to school, or getting the most out of their life. 

Take Action is an evidence-based program for 7- to 12-year-olds experiencing anxiety. Each child session takes approximately 1 hour, and the program runs over 10-12 weeks (either in-person or online). The program also includes six x 1-hour sessions for parents/carers to provide additional education and support on managing children’s anxiety. 

All children receive a comprehensive assessment before and after the program, and all child and parent/carer workbooks and materials to practice Take Action skills at home are provided. The project has full ethics approval from the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC: 2023/381). 

To find out more information and register to complete an initial assessment over the phone, please email us at cadrp@griffith.edu.au.

Japanese visitor

This week, we welcomed a young Japanese visitor to Hills Language College and Year 7. Ishin comes to us from Kyoto, and has worked exceptionally hard during his short stay at Hills College. We look forward to Ishin's return as a full-time student in the future!

Songkran 13-15 April

The Songkran festival, or Water festival, is the Thai New Year celebration. This is a vibrant and happy occasion which is held annually in April. Happy Songkran to our Thai community at Hills College!

Homestay feedback

As part of our cycle of improvement, we regularly seek feedback from our community on our various programs. Last term, I asked homestay family for feedback on their experiences, and suggestions for improvement.

The results are pleasing, with some fantastic feedback for me to work on. Overall, the homestay program satisfaction percentage was 94%. This means that our students and families are overwhelmingly happy with the program.

If you would like more information about the Hills Homestay Program, please contact me for more information!

Mrs Vanessa Newbery

Head of International Programs

vanessa.newbery@hills.qld.edu.au

Why did the cowboy get kicked out of the rodeo?

The P and F has been working hard to ensure that all our arrangements are in place for the rodeo tomorrow. Luckily the rain has not beaten us this time and rodeo is going ahead. We are extremely thankful to all the parents who have helped out in the lead up to the rodeo and the parents and staff who will be manning the bar on the day of the rodeo.

In the next newsletter, we will be able to announce some immediate benefits to the school of the rodeo fundraising.

The Mothers Day Stall will be held in the next fortnight and there has been a considerable amount of work in choosing a range of products for purchase to celebrate the diverse people who provide care and support in our community. We hope that families support this fundraising effort.

Please reach out to us if you have questions, suggestions or opportunities you would like us to consider,

Adam Healey

President
Answer: He was horsing around