Great Start of the Year

What a wonderful start it has been to the 2025 academic year. Sunny skies and hot weather have been present for the start of the year. I have really enjoyed getting out and about and interacting with students and parents at the crossing before and after school. I have also enjoyed getting to assemblies and visiting classrooms. By being out and about it gives me the opportunity to develop an understanding of the culture of the school and allows me to see our students in action.

It has been great to see so many new students commence at Hills this year and we are excited that these families have decided to join us as their school of choice for their children’s education.

Year 12 Results 2024

The Class of 2024 achieved some very pleasing ATARs with several very high scores in the 90s and 80s. We hope to bring you further news of the post-school destinations of our Class of 2024 students and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Welcome to New Staff

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new staff to Hills. We hope that they enjoy their time here and that they feel a positive sense of connection to our community. Our new staff have joined us from a variety of schooling contexts and geographical areas.

Primary
Sam Jeppesen
Stephanie Johnson

Secondary
Krista Klein
Kate Wellings
Sam Wockner

Primary and Secondary
Riley Nicholl
Emma Hewett-Smiles (contract)

Administration
Errin Matthews

Please make our new staff welcome to Hills.

International Visitors

Hills is a school with a strong international connection and multicultural flavour. We are delighted to be having many student visitors from Japan and China early in the school year. It is important that we make our visitors feel welcome and that they enjoy their time at Hills.

We have our first small group of international visitors here at Hills this week. Thank you to Mrs Newbery for her work in coordinating and overseeing the international program. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to develop intercultural understanding.

P and F Welcome Arch

Thank you to the P and F for their wonderful Welcome Arch that they provided to the Primary for the first day of school. There were many excited students getting their photos taken under the arch and it was a big hit on day one.

Introducing Toddle

Toddle is our new Junior School learning management software system. Toddle is an app that is used extensively in schools and is designed to showcase student learning and increase parent engagement in what their students are learning here at school. Mr Ablitt and the Primary School team have done some wonderful work getting Toddle ready to be rolled out across the year levels.

Please look for Mr Ablitt’s letter along with communications from the school regarding how you can set up your access to Toddle. It is going to be an exciting journey as we transition from Seesaw to Toddle.

Swimming Carnivals

I am anticipating some hotly contested house competition at next week’s swimming carnivals at the Beaudesert Pool. May the best house win, and each student do their best.


Mr Darren Parks
Principal/CEO

It has been an absolute joy to welcome our students and families back for another exciting year of learning and growth. From the very first day, the warmth and energy that typify a Hills Kid has been on full display. Our students have returned with enthusiasm, settling in beautifully and embracing the new year with confidence and curiosity.

One of the highlights of the start of term has been reconnecting with students and hearing all about their holiday adventures, as well as their hopes and aspirations for 2025. Their excitement is contagious, and it’s inspiring to see them step into new opportunities with such positivity.

A special mention must go to our dedicated team of educators, who have thoughtfully designed welcoming and engaging learning environments that nurture a sense of wonder and excitement. These spaces encourage our students to explore, discover, and challenge themselves in ways that foster both personal and academic growth.

Being back among our students and families reinforces the strong, connected community we are so fortunate to be part of. Hills is more than just a place of learning—it’s a place where relationships thrive, where every child is valued, and where we work together to create a supportive and enriching experience for all.

Wishing all parents, students, and school staff a fabulous start to a fabulous year ahead!

Mr Matthew Noel
Head of Primary
matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

New students

This year, including our Preppies, we welcomed 122 new students. It has been a joy seeing them settling in so beautifully and showing pride in their school. Our buddies and teachers have set the foundation of what entering a positive and connective environment means and it is so great to have you join the Hills family. I will be touching base with many of our new families to see how the settling-in process is going soon over the coming weeks.

Primary Student Leadership Team

Our 2025 Primary student leadership team consists of:

Primary Captains
Vidya Maanya Balusu and Mason Watson

Primary Vice Captains
Brooklyn Marcus and Levi Whaley

House Captains
Zoe Blake and Noah Sunderland - Jade House
Emerson Cunington and Amy Smith - Uluru House
Amity Milroy and Albie Drysdale - Fuji House
Amity Elvish and Jirajedd Freeman - Halla House

Here is what our Primary Captains had to say about their position this year.

Levi- I am overjoyed at the opportunity to support others and be a role model.

Brooklyn- I want to inspire people with my positive actions. I also want to be a role model and show my peers how proud I am to be a Hills Kid.  I am looking forward to challenging myself, especially with public speaking and assisting in running events.

Maanya- I cannot wait to offer peer advice and guidance. I look forward to leading with compassion and respect and being a voice for others.

Mason- I want to continue a sense of belonging. By talking to students and staff I will be able to assist in voice, making our school even better. I look forward to offering a friendly ear or giving guidance.

Our Captains will be inspirational in promoting student voice and will play active roles in supporting their Primary peers' wellbeing and school involvement. The Primary Captains meet with the Head of Primary weekly and look over school policy and set goals and initiatives to enhance the Primary school. 

Congratulations to our 2025 Primary Captains!

Parking and navigating school pick up and drop off

A recent notification outlined the procedures for drop-off and pick-up. Please take a moment to review these guidelines to ensure a safe and efficient process. We also encourage you to develop a meeting plan with your child, referring to designated supervised areas such as the Primary Drop-and-Go, and discuss the possibility of delays due to traffic.

Why is there no Homework in the Primary school?

At Hills, we are committed to delivering the best possible learning experience for our students, grounded in evidence-based practices. This year, we have made the decision to adjust our approach to homework in the Primary School, and I’d like to share the rationale behind this change, supported by recent research and educational trends.

The decision to move away from homework for our Primary students is not one we’ve taken lightly. As educators, we continually evaluate how our strategies align with the developmental needs of our students. Studies have consistently shown that traditional homework in the early years of schooling provides limited academic benefit, while potentially creating stress and conflict within families.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) recently explored this topic in-depth, citing research that highlights how homework in the Primary years does not significantly improve academic outcomes (ABC News, 2024). Instead, the article emphasised the importance of fostering a love of learning, creativity, and family connection outside of school hours.

Research tells us that young children learn best through play, exploration, and real-world experiences. Homework can inadvertently take away from opportunities for these activities, leaving children less time to recharge, spend quality moments with family, or pursue their personal interests. Our updated approach prioritises student wellbeing, aligns with contemporary best practices, and focuses on providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Here are some of the key reasons behind our decision:

Academic Benefits Are Minimal:
Studies show that the link between homework and academic performance is weak for Primary-aged students. Instead, impactful learning takes place within the classroom, where teachers can provide guidance and feedback tailored to each child’s needs.
Wellbeing and Family Time:
Removing the expectation of homework allows families to enjoy their evenings together, fostering stronger connections. This time can be spent on activities such as reading for pleasure, cooking, or playing outside, which have proven cognitive and emotional benefits.
Fostering Intrinsic Motivation:
By not assigning traditional homework, we encourage students to develop a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Instead of completing tasks for the sake of compliance, students can engage in activities that spark their natural interests.
Equity:
Homework can create disparities between students with varying levels of support at home. By focusing on in-class learning, we ensure all students receive the same opportunities to succeed.

While traditional homework is not expected, we encourage families to engage in meaningful, informal learning activities at home. These could include:

• Reading together every evening: A shared story or independent reading nurtures language skills and a love of books.
• Creative play: Encourage your child to explore their creativity through art, building, or imaginative games.
• Conversations: Discuss their day, current events, or topics that interest them to develop critical thinking and communication skills.
• Engage with the Thrive with 5 Infographic (above)

Little Library Book Swap

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new Little Library book swap in the Primary School. This exciting initiative is designed to inspire a love of reading and allow students to share their favourite books. Whether you are a fan of adventure stories, mysteries, or fun picture books, the Little Library book swap has something for everyone.

How does it work?

Take a book – If you see something you would like to read, take it.
Give a book – Leave books here that you no longer read for others to enjoy.
Share a book – Return your book to the little library or pass it on to a friend or relative. Pay it forward.

Why is the Little Library book swap important?

• Encourages Reading – A wide variety of books means we can discover new genres and authors.
• Promotes Sharing – We can give books we no longer need to someone who will enjoy them.
• Saves Money – Books are expensive, but this swap allows everyone to exchange books without any cost.
• Helps the Environment – By reusing books, we are reducing waste.

The Little Library book swap is open to all students, and we encourage families to get involved. If you have any gently used books you would like to donate, feel free to drop them off at the Little Library book swap which is located outside the Year 6 classrooms next to the Primary Drop and Go area.

What do you think of the new Little Library book swap? Are there any books you would like to see in the book swap?

If you have any thoughts or ideas about the book swap, contact Mrs Hall in the Inclusive Education Department located in the Resource Centre.

Happy book swapping, and let’s make reading even more fun in 2025.

Mrs Hall

Inclusive Education

In the spotlight with 5A

5A has been off to a flying start in the first two weeks of term. After spending time getting to know each other, we’ve turned to the books to break down our first Unit of Inquiry, ‘Where We Are in Place and Time’, as well as diving into both our Mathematics and English Units. We engaged in a fun string activity to better understand perspective and empathy and applied this to the different people within Australia’s history. We’ve used manipulatives and drawings to help us understand factors, multiples, and arrays; as well as using pictures, mind maps, and our senses to improve our writing when constructing descriptive paragraphs relating to our historical narrative focus.

As a class, we think we’re most excited for camp in Term 3, although a few of our ambitious leaders are already excited to present their nomination Captain Speeches at the end of the year (watch out Year 6)!

Miss Argent
5A Teacher

Secondary Insights

Welcome to a new and exciting school year at Hills International College. I hope you and your family had a wonderful and restful break, ready for the year ahead.

At our College, we remain committed to fostering a culture of diligence, excellence, and personal growth for all our students. As we embark on this new academic journey, we look forward to strengthening our partnerships with families to ensure every student thrives academically, socially, and personally.

This year brings many exciting opportunities, including the new HPE Centre, expanded extracurricular offerings, and continued innovation in our curriculum. Our focus remains on providing a future-focused education that equips students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in an ever-changing world. 

We are also delighted to welcome several new staff members to our team. Their diverse experiences and enthusiasm will further enrich our learning environment, and we are confident they will make significant contributions to our college community. Our new staff are Krista Klein, Emma Hewett-Smiles, Samuel Wockner, Katherine Wellings and Riley Nicholl.

The following are the Secondary Staff for 2025:

English
Jacinta Goyne, Melanie Clifton, Bianca Tyne, Grace Dwyer, Alannah Noffke

Mathematics
Rachael Wilson, Grace Ogoti, Valerie Spall, Katherine Wellings, Kai Voigt, Yuhua Li, Samuel Wockner

Science 
Chris Schultz, Valerie Spall, John Hallermann, Rachael Wilson, Kai Voigt

Humanities
Scott Whaley, Alexandria Salmon, Grace Dwyer, Krista Klein, Joelle Parer, Bianca Tyne

Health and Physical Education (HPE)
Leah Stone, Mark Robinson, Riley Nicholl, Samuel Wockner

Languages
Scott Whaley, Tomoki Kanaya, Yuhua Li

The Arts
Julia Pope, Emma Hewett- Smiles (Term 1), Caroline Barnard (Term 1 LSL) Melanie Clifton, Christopher Borg, Lawrence Gratton

Technologies
Amy Lee Perkins (Design), Christopher Borg (Digital), Sam Wockner (Design and Digital)

Inclusive Education
Tracy Ashbridge, Sarah Whaley, Shannon Franklin

Head of Secondary Julie-Anne Skelton
Head of Wellbeing Ben Pope
Head of International Programs Vanessa Newbery
Head of Sport Mark Robinson
Student Support/Counselling Mandy Comerford

I encourage you to stay connected with us throughout the year, whether through parent-teacher interviews, College events, or our communication channels. Your involvement is invaluable in shaping a vibrant and supportive school community. Just over two weeks ago, a detailed information letter to parents was uploaded to Parent Orbit. Please refer to this for more specific details which refer to the way Secondary operates on a day-to-day basis.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Mrs Julie-Anne Skelton
Head of Secondary
julie-anne.skelton@hills.qld.edu.au

Welcome Back!

What a great start to 2025!  We have almost 80 new Year 7 students, and they've all settled in so wonderfully well, with so much positive feedback from the staff.  We've also had a great deal of supportive feedback and positive affirmation from our new parents, and that's so great to hear.

Thanks to all of those parents who have followed the directions regarding pickup and drop-off, as well as for all of your support in ensuring that students are in their correct uniforms.  We are still waiting for some families to order all their equipment, and I've also instructed students to ensure they're in formal hats by the start of Week 3.

We've already had TWO meet and greet evenings, and a volleyball trial, as well as a new start to our Golf @ Hills program.  Overall, almost 40 students took part in the Year 6-12 trials, and we were impressed with the very high standard.  It's sad that some students will miss out, but I hope they'll keep striving for success in the future.

We've also held our investiture just this morning. It was so satisfying and rewarding to see the whole school assembled for this ceremony - we haven't been able to do that for quite some time, and the HPE Centre really is a great place to gather to celebrate our successes.

On Monday, we'll be heading to the pool, with our four houses vying for an early lead for the House Cup.  I wish all four houses the best of luck, but perhaps I wish Halla just a little more....

Finally, we're looking forward to the Senior Valentine's Day serenades and gifts on Friday.  This is the first fundraiser for our Year 12 students, and it's a great start to the year!

Beach Volleyball @ Hills – Trials!

On Wednesday afternoon, 36 students hit the sand for the first-ever Beach Volleyball trials! Under the expert guidance of Coach Gaviglio and Coach Robinson, students showcased their skill, trainability, and determination on our brand-new, world-class beach volleyball courts.

These trials mark the exciting launch of Beach Volleyball @ Hills (BV@H), with the first student offers going out this week. Selected students will have the incredible opportunity to train under our highly qualified coaching team - including Olympian Angela Gaviglio - through one of the many pathways available in Australia’s only school-based Beach Volleyball program!

The journey to elite-level competition starts here! 

Please contact ben.pope@hills.qld.edu.au for more information.

Congratulations, Leah!

Congratulations to Leah Henley in Year 9, who was this week selected for the Queensland Indoor Cricket Team.

Leah is a keen competitor, and has developed a gathering of students who all play cricket at lunchtime.  We love her enthusiasm and her diligence!

Safer Internet Day Parent and Carer Webinar

Life Education is offering a free webinar for parents and carers as we approach Safe Internet Day on February 11. In this webinar, you will learn parenting strategies to help families safely navigate the online world by: Understanding the role of tech in young people’s lives.

In the webinar for parents, topics will be covered such as:

• Understanding the role of tech in young people’s lives.
• Engaging in healthy conversations with their children about online safety.
• Implementing practical strategies to create balanced time online and offline.
• Taking proactive steps to create a safer online experience.
• Developing strategies to deal with unhelpful social media algorithms and understanding your role in creating safer digital school communities.

Welcome Back

The Inclusive Education team has been working to help new students and families settle into the College. The team has remained the same from 2024 with a few changes to case management allocations.

Our team consists of:

Tracy Ashbridge - Head of Inclusive Education
tracy.ashbridge@hills.qld.edu.au
Years: 3,4,5,10,11,12

Angie Hall - Inclusive Education Teacher
angie.hall@hills.qld.edu.au
Years: Prep,1,2,6

Sarah Whaley - Inclusive Education Teacher
sarah.whaley@hills.qld.edu.au
Years: 7,8,9 

Intervention Programs

We are pleased to share that our intervention programs—MiniLit, MacqLit, Fresh Start, and Math-U-See—will commence in Week 3. These targeted programs are designed to support students in developing essential literacy and numeracy skills.

Families of students involved will receive more detailed information soon. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Tracy Ashbridge 
Head of Inclusive Education
tracy.ashbridge@hills.qld.edu.au

Welcome back and Happy New Year

A warm welcome back to our fourteen international students, many who went home to much colder climates in the holidays. Currently, we have international students from seven different countries, adding a wonderful richness in culture to our College.

This term, we have also welcomed some short stay individual visitors from China. These visitors have joined classes in Years 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8. They come to Hills for a holiday, to see a glimpse of Australian culture, way of life, and educational systems. Towards the end of term, we will have individual visitors from Japan as well. I thank our students and staff for making these visitors feel welcome!

For any enquiries about visiting or studying at Hills College, please contact me for information about costs, programs and availability.

Mrs Vanessa Newbery

Head of International Programs

vanessa.newbery@hills.qld.edu.au

International Student Success

It is great pride that I share with the College community two incredible results from international Year 12 students in 2024. These two young men both achieved very high ATARs, allowing them to enter Queensland universities at Honours levels. With scores of 88.3 and 84.5, we congratulate these students on their successes, knowing they did so in a language which may not have been their own, away from home, and living in homestay. Just incredible!

Homestay at Hills

Do you have a spare room, a warm heart and would love to know more about other cultures? I am always looking to add more amazing families to my homestay network! Please contact me for more information.

Q: Why did the math book look so sad?

Welcome Mr Parks!

The P&F Committee warmly welcomes Mr. Darren Parks, who has recently commenced his role as the school principal and CEO. We are thrilled to have him on board and are looking forward to collaborating with him to enhance our wonderful school community.

Celebrating the Start of the School Year

To kick off the year, the P&F Committee took great pleasure in decorating the prep entrance for the first official day of school. Seeing the excitement and joy on the faces of our youngest learners was truly heartwarming. We hope everyone has had a smooth and exciting start to the new school year!

Plans for Term 1 are in the Works

Our first-term fundraising plans are well underway, with the P&F Executive Committee meeting next week to finalize details. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved as we work together to support our school.

Help Us Build a Stronger School Community

With a strong focus on fostering community, we invite parents to join us in making a difference.

The Hills College P&F (Parents and Friends) Committee plays a vital role in supporting our school community, and we welcome all parents to get involved in various ways. Here are some opportunities for you to contribute and make a difference:

1. Volunteer Your Time: Whether it’s helping at events, assisting with fundraisers, or organizing activities, your time and energy are always appreciated. Volunteering is a great way to connect with other parents and get involved in school life.
2. Donate Items for Fundraisers: We regularly hold raffles and auctions to raise funds for the school. If you have items you can donate, such as gift baskets, vouchers, or other goods and services, every contribution helps ensure our events are a success.
3. Share Your Skills: Do you have a special skill or talent? Whether it’s a profession or a hobby, parents who share their expertise with students or help at events offer valuable contributions to the school community.
4. Sponsor Activities or Projects: There are many opportunities throughout the year to sponsor various fundraising initiatives & activities or contribute to school improvement projects. Sponsorship is an excellent way to support our school while also showcasing our local
   businesses and families.

We’ll be releasing more details soon on how you can get involved.

P & F Meetings:

Attending meetings is a great opportunity for you to connect, engage, and make a difference in our vibrant school community by getting involved in the discussions and contributing to the decision-making process for school activities and events. Whether you're a long-standing P&F member or
new to Hills College, your presence, ideas and voice matter.

Every parent’s involvement has a lasting impact, and we are so grateful for the time and effort you dedicate to helping our school thrive. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community for our children!

2025 P&F General Meeting Dates

 General Meeting: 18 March
 General Meeting: 3 June
 Annual General Meeting: 26 August
 General Meeting: 21 October

We look forward to an exciting year ahead, filled with collaboration and community spirit. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember for Hills College.

A: Because it had too many problems!