Hills Times - 2024 - Term 4 - Edition 15

Welcome back to Term 4! I trust that you all had a restful break and are ready for a rewarding final term of the year. This term is always a special one as it not only marks the culmination of the year's hard work but also signifies new beginnings, particularly for our Year 12 students, who are about to embark on the next chapter of their journey beyond Hills International College. For the rest of our students, Term 4 is a time of reflection and celebration, as well as a chance to set new goals as we prepare for the year ahead.

I would like to take a moment to express how impressed I have been with the way our students have recommenced the term. Their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to their learning have been outstanding. I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our staff for their tireless efforts in providing an exceptional educational experience for our students. It is their dedication and passion that continue to make our school such a special place. I look forward to our community celebrating World Teachers Day on Friday 25 October and encourage everyone to take a moment to show their appreciation for the dedication and hard work our teachers put in every day to inspire and support our students.

A warm welcome to our new students and their families who have joined us this term. We are excited to have you as part of our community and look forward to supporting your journey at Hills College.

I am also pleased to provide an update on the progress of our H/PE Precinct. I am happy to announce that our brand-new volleyball courts will be ready for use by Week 4, adding another world-class facility for our students to harness their volleyball skills. Additionally, the hall is nearing completion, with the flooring currently being installed. This will ensure that the space is fully ready for our much-anticipated awards ceremony later in the term, as well as our subsequent specialist offerings.

I take this opportunity to communicate a special mention to our Year 12 students who are moving into their Study Vacation today before their final exams. We wish you all the best as you enter this important period of preparation. You have our full support, and we are confident that your hard work will lead to success.

Looking ahead to 2025, I would like to inform families that we will be partnering with Edstart to help manage school fee payments more easily. This partnership will offer flexible options to assist families in planning and managing their fees. Please take the time to read through the additional information about Edstart to familiarise yourselves with the process. Edstart Information

As we move into this busy term, I encourage all families to stay up to date with notifications and important updates through Parent Orbit. This will ensure you are well-informed of all the key events and activities happening across the College.

Matthew Noel
Acting Principal

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

New Reading Initiative: Strengthening Connections Across Primary and Secondary

We are excited to announce a new initiative at Hills this Term! Every Wednesday afternoon, a group of dedicated high school students are volunteering their time to support the younger students in our community with their reading skills. This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity for students of all ages to build connections, share learning experiences, and foster a stronger sense of community within our school.

Mrs Smith and I ran training for the students last week. They learnt how to support younger students to practice their reading. This included tips for sounding out words, how to sit with the students, and how to respond positively.

The high school students have been paired with younger students, spending time listening to them read, offering encouragement, and sharing feedback. Through these weekly reading sessions, our younger students not only practice their literacy skills but also gain confidence and develop a positive attitude towards reading. The high school volunteers, in turn, are learning valuable leadership and mentoring skills, as well as the joy that comes from helping others succeed.

The program has been a great success so far, with students from both age groups enjoying the sessions. The younger students look forward to reading to their older peers each week, and there is a noticeable improvement in their reading fluency and comprehension. For high school students, it's a rewarding experience that allows them to give back to the school community in a meaningful way.

A special thank you to the staff who have helped coordinate this initiative, ensuring that each pairing is well-matched and that the sessions run smoothly. Your support is invaluable, and it's clear that the program is making a positive impact.

We look forward to seeing this initiative grow and evolve, and we encourage all families to continue supporting their children’s reading journey at home. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how this program benefits our students, please reach out to the school office.

Let’s celebrate our students’ commitment to helping one another and fostering a love of reading. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected school community!

Mrs Tracy Ashbridge

Head of Inclusive Education

Q: What do you call a person who loves Mondays?

Slime Challenge

The Splash ’n Dash Colour Run event to celebrate the end of the Slime Challenge was an absolute blast! Held on Wednesday 11 September, the day was packed with fun and excitement as students made their way through a lively course featuring inflatable equipment, bubble stations,
water activities, and engaging games.

One of the highlights was the grand finale, our Slimy Spectacular, where the remaining staff volunteers, including Mr Lynch, were hilariously slimed to the cheers of enthusiastic students. The event wrapped up with a sweet treat as all students enjoyed delicious Sno Cones, a perfect end to a fantastic day.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event a huge success! Your support and energy truly showcased the strength and spirit of our school community. We are so proud to belong to such a wonderfully engaged and supportive group!

BBQ Meat Festival

We would like to extend a BIG thank you to the wonderful parents and students who dedicated their time and energy during the school holidays to assist with this event. We truly appreciate your commitment & enthusiasm in assisting the P & F with the event. Thank you for going above and beyond to help our school community!

Fidget Sales

Edition Two Fidgets Sale was a huge success! The long lines and smiling faces were clear signs that the students were thrilled with the exciting range of products on offer. With unique features like gemstones and vibrant designs, the fidgets were a crowd favorite, sparking interest
and conversation throughout the day. Many students mentioned how much they enjoyed choosing their own custom pieces, making it a truly interactive experience.

Mr Lynch’s Retirement

As the school year wraps up, we’re excited to celebrate a big milestone in our school community; the retirement of our amazing Principal, Mr Lynch.

After 14 years of dedication, hard work, and inspiring leadership, it’s time for him to kick back, relax, and enjoy all the adventures that lie
ahead.

Throughout his time here, Mr Lynch has made a lasting impact on our school, fostering a warm and welcoming environment, truly transforming our community into a place where students feel valued and inspired to learn.

We all have so much to be thankful to Mr Lynch for and to give him the farewell he truly deserves, the school is hosting a retirement party! It’s a fantastic opportunity for parents and staff to come together and celebrate all that he has done for us and our children during his time at Hills College. So, please come along to share your stories, express your heartfelt thanks, and create some wonderful memories as we bid him farewell.

So, mark your calendars for Friday 15 November @5pm in the new HPE Precinct for a memorable evening! Join us for drinks and canapés while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere in smart casual attire. This is an 18+ event, and tickets are priced at $30 per head.

Please make sure to RSVP by 14 October to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there!

A: Retired