We have now passed the halfway point of what has already been an incredibly busy and successful term. Our students continue to shine in so many ways whether it be in the classroom, the outdoors, in the Arts or on the sporting field.

Secondary Camps

I thank families for their patience and understanding regarding the decision to postpone secondary school camps for Years 8-11 this week due to the uncertainty around weather conditions. We will be working with our providers to find new dates for the camps and will let you know of these as soon as possible.

NAPLAN 2025

A notification to our Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 families was recently sent via Parent Orbit. If you have a child/children in these year levels, please familiarise yourself with the information provided. This includes information on the recent NAPLAN practice testing, Public Demonstration Site, Student Withdrawal & Exemptions, Online and Privacy protection, and Parent & Guardian Information. A reminder to all families who withdraw their child from NAPLAN 2025 to send these forms to Mr. Stuart Ablitt, stuart.ablitt@hills.qld.edu.au

Please ensure that your child has a fully charged device and their headphones ready for each day of NAPLAN. The timetable for 2025 testing has been made available to families via College Orbit.

Independent Schools Queensland What Parents Want Survey

New parents, your views are important to us.

As a new parent, your recent experience of choosing a school is insightful. Hills International College is interested to hear about what was important to you and your family before and during your decision-making process, why you chose to send your child to an independent school, and why you felt Hills International College was different from the other schools.

You are invited to complete The What Parents Want – an Independent Schools Queensland Survey. It is a longitudinal study that tracks multiple aspects of parents’ decision-making time, and the anonymous data can provide our school with insights to better understand and support prospective and new families in our community.

If you are a parent of a Prep, Year 7, and/or new student, we would like to ask you to complete this valuable survey (approx. 15-20 minutes). Other parents are also welcome to complete the survey. Survey closes 24 March 2025.

Click here to take the survey

Year 12 PARTY Program

Last Wednesday I spent the day with Year 12 and Mrs Parer at the PARTY Program at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. The PARTY Program is about prevention and awareness. It’s about learning through vivid and emotional experience. It’s about learning from real people and their very real experiences. The PARTY Program takes young people through the path of a trauma patient as they are rushed through the trauma room doors, into surgery, rehab and, if lucky enough, recovery. The PARTY Program is about experiencing what happens when young people make a decision that changes their life forever.

Participants hear from police officers, paramedics, doctors, nurses, the blood and tissue bank, rehabilitation professionals, and injury ambassadors. Participants hear first-hand experiences from the people who experience them. This program is real, emotional, scientific and life saving. Students who participate in the PARTY Program leave knowing better and doing better.

I hope that the students gained a sense of perspective from their involvement in the program and that they will apply their learning for their own safety and that of others.

Bravehearts Visit

From humble beginnings as a small, grassroots alliance to one of Australia’s most influential voices in child protection, Bravehearts’ history as an organisation tracks an incredible legacy. Last Friday our Primary school students were involved in educational activities facilitated by presenters from Bravehearts. Bravehearts assists parents, schools and the community to strengthen their education around child protection. Thank you to the students for their excellent involvement in the activities.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is held on Saturday 8 March. The IWD 2025 campaign theme is 'Accelerate Action'. Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for gender equality.

Step forward in solidarity for International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 on March 8 to help #AccelerateAction.

At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.

Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

So, together, let's Accelerate Action to speed up the rate of progress worldwide.

Cyclone Alfred

Cyclone Alfred continues to move towards the Queensland coast, and I hope and pray that all of our Hills families will be safe and hopefully unscathed by the wind and rain.

In this edition, I want to focus on the importance of community and the role we all play in making Hills a supportive and connected environment for our students. A strong school community doesn’t happen by chance; it is built through relationships, shared experiences, and a collective commitment to enriching the lives of our children.

Let’s see how our P & F strengthen our community and how you can get involved.

Our Parents & Friends (P & F) Association plays a vital role in fostering a strong sense of community within our school. Their dedication to enhancing student experiences, supporting school initiatives, and strengthening connections among families is invaluable. The P & F is more than just a fundraising body; it is a dynamic and engaged group of parents and caregivers who work together to enrich school life. Whether organising events, contributing resources, or simply lending a hand, their efforts make a lasting impact.

How You Can Help Support the P & F and Our School Community

Volunteer Your Time: Whether it’s helping at events, assisting with fundraisers, or organising activities, your time and energy are always appreciated. Volunteering is a great way to connect with other parents and get involved in school life.

Donate Items for Fundraisers: We regularly hold raffles and auctions to raise funds for the school. If you have items to donate, such as gift baskets, vouchers, or other goods and services, every contribution helps ensure our events are a success.

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.

Sponsor Activities or Project: There are many opportunities throughout the year to sponsor fundraising initiatives and school improvement projects. Sponsorship is an excellent way to support our school while also showcasing local businesses and families.

Attend the General Meetings: Attending meetings is a great opportunity to connect, engage, and make a difference in our vibrant school community. Whether you are a long-standing P&F member or new to Hills College, your presence, ideas, and voice matter.

We encourage all parents and caregivers to get involved, no matter how big or small the contribution. By working together, we continue to build a supportive and thriving school community for our students.


Upcoming Events

The best way to stay in touch with what the P & F has planned is to follow the Hills College P & F Community Facebook Page.

Term 1

P & F General Meeting: Tuesday 18 March

Community Sausage Sizzle: Friday 28 March

Easter Fidget Stall – Date TBA

Term 2

Mother's Day Stall – Date TBA

P & F General Meeting: Tuesday 3 June

Silver Spurs Rodeo – Date TBA

Community Sausage Sizzle – Date TBA

Term 3

Annual General Meeting: Tuesday 26 August

Father's Day Stall – Date TBA

Community Sausage Sizzle – Date TBA

Term 4

P & F General Meeting: Tuesday 21 October

Community Sausage Sizzle – Date TBA

We look forward to seeing you at the next P & F event!


Mr Matthew Noel
Head of Primary

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

NAPLAN

Wishing our Year 3 and Year 5 students the very best as they prepare for NAPLAN, which takes place from 12–14 March. NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a nationwide assessment that helps track students’ progress in reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. While it is just one measure of learning, NAPLAN provides valuable insights into student development and helps schools refine teaching strategies to best support each child’s growth. We encourage our students to approach the tests with confidence, do their best, and remember that this is simply an opportunity to showcase their learning. We are proud of their efforts and know they will take on the challenge with a positive mindset!

Captains' Conversations

This week we wanted to share our excursion to the National Youth Leadership Conference in Brisbane. We were truly inspired and can take a lot from the event to assist with our leadership at the College. Here are our highlights.

Mason
I enjoyed listening to the advice from all the speakers and hearing their inspiring stories about their journey and all the challenges they faced and why they never gave up. I also had a lot of fun during our short breaks, where Ezra from the Dance Academy taught us some fun games and also some fun dances. I liked listening to Dayne Zorko and all the challenges and setbacks he faced and why he never gave up.

Maanya
I was really inspired that all the people who talked had lots of hurdles but never stopped and kept going no matter what. The most interesting thing was that everyone talked passionately and lively, and this was inspiring. Ezra from Dance Academy did a great job engaging with the audience and it was enjoyable and fun. Ms Sam Mostyn, our Governor General, was very stirring as she talked about how the young generation of Australia can help Australia become a better country.

Brooklyn
Something I found interesting and inspiring was how all the speakers spoke and stood up well in front of such a big audience, like Todd Hazelwood. The V8 driver spoke to everyone without looking at his notes and I found that impressive. My favourite speaker was Kasey Rainbow. I found when she spoke to us, she was very emotive and I liked her story and her journey.

Levi
One thing that I found inspiring was how brave all the people were who did a talk. They might have been a little worried at the start, but the way they stood up and had a go spoke to me. The stories that everyone had to share made me feel like I am going to do something great one day. ‘We can do anything’ used to sound like something people told you to make you feel better, but after listening to those speakers, I really believe it.

Finally, congratulations to Cooper Shayler from 1B, who was our Captain's awardee. Cooper values his school and shows pride in exhibiting behaviour expected and models this to his peers. Well done, Cooper!

Student Agency

Year 6 House Captain, Zoe Blake, is this week's shining example of student agency in action. Taking the initiative to foster a supportive and uplifting environment, Zoe has created a Positivity Wall—a space where students can find encouraging notes and inspiring quotes. Her thoughtful leadership ensures that anyone feeling down or in need of reassurance can be reminded that they are valued, they are enough, and they are not alone. Zoe's initiative reflects the true spirit of our school community; one of kindness, compassion, and student-driven change.

Transdisciplinary Learning at Hills: Connecting Knowledge Across Subjects 

At Hills, we believe that learning should be meaningful, engaging, and relevant to the world beyond the classroom. This is where transdisciplinary learning comes in. But what does that mean?

In simple terms, transdisciplinary learning is an approach that connects different subjects, allowing students to explore big ideas that matter in real life. Rather than studying subjects in isolation, students learn through inquiry-driven, concept-based experiences that help them make connections across disciplines.

For example, in our Primary Years Programme (PYP), students might explore a unit on sustainability. In Science, they could investigate renewable energy sources; in Mathematics, they might analyse data on energy consumption; in English, they could write persuasive texts about conservation; in the Arts, they might express their ideas through visual representations. Through this approach, students see how knowledge is interconnected rather than confined to separate subjects.

Transdisciplinary learning fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills that prepare our students for a rapidly changing world. It encourages them to ask questions, make real-world connections, and develop a deeper understanding of global issues.

At Hills, we are committed to helping students become lifelong learners who can think across disciplines and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. Transdisciplinary learning is not just about what students learn—it’s about how they learn, ensuring they are equipped for success now and in the future.

Invoking the Learner Profile in Times of Need: Supporting Our Children Through Cyclone Alfred 

As we navigate the challenges brought by Cyclone Alfred, it is a timely reminder of the importance of resilience, compassion, and a strong sense of community. At Hills, we strive to develop well-rounded individuals through the IB Learner Profile, a set of attributes that help students grow not just academically, but as thoughtful and caring members of society. These attributes become particularly meaningful in times of uncertainty and adversity.

How Can We Embody the Learner Profile During This Time?

🔹 Caring – In times of crisis, kindness matters. Families can model this by checking in on neighbours, offering support to those in need, and reassuring children that they are safe and supported. Encouraging children to write a note or draw a picture for someone affected can be a simple yet powerful act of care.

🔹 Balanced – Maintaining a sense of routine can help children feel more secure. While disruptions are inevitable, creating a balance can provide stability during uncertain times.

🔹 Reflective – Take time as a family to reflect on what you’re feeling and how you can respond positively to challenges. A gratitude practice—sharing one thing you are thankful for each day—can help shift focus towards hope and resilience.

🔹 Communicators – Open and honest conversations with children are essential. They may have fears or concerns, and it’s important to acknowledge their feelings while providing age-appropriate explanations. Please use these helpful links:

When a Cyclone Comes - https://illumelearning.com.au/.../When-a-Cyclone-Comes.pdf
After a Natural Disaster - https://illumelearning.com.au/.../natural-disaster-social...
When a Flood Comes - https://illumelearning.com.au/.../03/flood-social-story.pdf

🔹 Thinkers – Problem-solving is a valuable skill in times of uncertainty. Involving children in discussions about how to prepare, stay safe, and help others can empower them to feel a sense of control and contribution.

🔹 Principled – Acting with integrity means following safety advice, looking out for others, and making responsible choices. Families can reinforce the importance of honesty and doing what’s right, even when no one is watching.

🔹 Risk-Takers – Facing challenges head-on builds resilience. Whether it’s adapting to changes or finding creative ways to stay entertained indoors, encouraging children to embrace new situations with confidence will help them grow.

Supporting Each Other as a Community

Our Hills community is strong, and together, we can navigate this challenging time with empathy and determination. Families can support one another by staying connected, offering help where possible, and reminding children that they are part of a wider network that cares for them.

By invoking the Learner Profile attributes, we not only support our children in times of need but also model the kind of global citizens we hope they will become.

Stay safe, stay connected, and let’s continue to support one another.

Mr Stuart Ablitt

Deputy Head of Primary

In the spotlight with 3B

3B’s Learning Journey this Term

Students in 3B have settled in wonderfully, embracing their new environment with enthusiasm and demonstrating respect while proudly upholding our Essential Agreement. They approach their learning with commitment, applying key skills to expand their thinking and deepen their understanding of new concepts. Their eagerness to inquire further and engage in activities with curiosity and enthusiasm has been inspiring to see.

Collaboration is a strong focus in 3B, and students have shown they can work well with their peers in different situations. They treat one another with kindness, compassion, and respect—values that are central to our classroom community.

This term, students have been engaged in the Unit of Inquiry, ‘How We Organise Ourselves’. They have explored food production, learning how food moves from farm to table, identifying the components of a healthy food plate, and considering sustainability in food processes. In addition, they will investigate fibre production around the world and use these two technologies—food and fibre—to design creative solutions that connect to real-world applications.

In literacy, students have enjoyed exploring the structure of narratives, particularly character and setting development. They have also been developing their persuasive writing skills, effectively expressing their points of view. A key focus has been sentence structure and composition, with students working on crafting engaging sentences using nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. These skills are further reinforced through literacy rotations and continue to be a focus.

In Maths, students have been exploring the relationship between addition and subtraction, solving word problems, and developing their understanding of place value. They will explore the concepts of rounding, and money. They have shown growing confidence in these areas and are eager to take on new challenges, demonstrating a willingness to take risks in their learning.

Every day in our classroom is engaging, challenging and full of fun. It is a joy to witness the students’ enthusiasm, dedication, and the kindness and respect they show towards one another. I look forward to continuing this journey with them and seeing all they will achieve!

Secondary Insights

As we reach the midpoint of Term 1, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication and enthusiasm of our students, staff and families. It has been a fantastic start to the year, with students settling into their routines, engaging deeply in their learning and embracing the opportunities available to them.

Our focus on diligence and high expectations continues to be evident across all subject disciplines. Teachers have been encouraging students to set personal academic goals and adopt productive study habits. I encourage all students to take advantage of support structures such as study groups, tutoring sessions and teacher consultations to further their learning.

This term, we have seen outstanding participation in co-curricular activities, including sports, performing arts, and academic competitions. Our elite sports academies are in full swing, and rehearsals for upcoming performance is progressing well. I commend all students who are actively involved in these enriching experiences.

Our commitment to modernising our learning spaces and improving campus facilities remains strong. The new HPE Centre is supported well by our learners as well as those who want to play either volleyball or basketball during their break times. It is such a wonderful facility and my grateful appreciation goes to the Hills College Board for enabling this to be built.

As assessments and assignments approach, I encourage students to stay organised, seek assistance when needed and balance their commitments wisely. Remember, success is built on consistent effort and a positive mindset. Our College LAWS reflect our approach to all matters teaching and learning.

Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring our students achieve their best. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

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

Secondary LAWS Awardees

The following students have been noted for following our College LAWS:

Working with Diligence

Year 10 - Lachlan Gravolin, who always listens attentively in class, takes detailed notes and ask questions when not understanding.

Year 9 - Savannah Hardisty, who use her time wisely, actively responds to teacher’s questions and completes her work on time.

Year 8 - Addison Field and Charlotte Brunnings who both practice writing characters carefully, and use additional resources like flashcards or practice exercises to reinforce learning

Year 7 - Vyaas Nadiminti who actively participates in class activities, takes notes down and puts in extra effort to improve his Chinese skills.


Striving for Success

Year 11 - Billy Bruce, who actively seeks improvement, take on additional learning beyond class and pushes beyond basic requirements to achieve excellence in Chinese.

Dr Yuhua Li

Chinese Teacher

Working with Diligence

Year 10 - Jyla Mollard, who has offered her assistance twice now to help out in the art room (without being asked), simply volunteering; cleaning tools and downloading photographs.

Ms Emma Hewett-Smiles

Visual Art Teacher (LSL replacement for Caroline Barnard)

Teaching and Learning - Languages- Japanese

Welcome back to Year 2025 Japanese! This term, all Year 7-9 Japanese students have started the year by learning or polishing up the Japanese alphabet called Hiragana. Each student is making their own flashcards and taking the recognition test when they feel ready.

For the speaking unit, students have been asked to introduce themselves to our new Japanese intern, Kenjiro Uchida. They have been doing their best to say greetings, their name, age and their favourite things in Japanese.

Mr Tomoki Kanaya
Japanese Teacher

Mr Scott Whaley

Head of Faculty- Humanities & Languages

Teaching and Learning - Chinese

In our Chinese language learning, we incorporated cultural activities to deepen students’ understanding of Chinese New Year. Students participated in making lanterns, writing the Chinese character "福" (happiness), and learning about the Year of the Snake and its symbolic meaning. These hands-on activities allowed students to engage with Chinese traditions while practicing the language. Students showed great enthusiasm and interest throughout the activities, helping them develop both cultural awareness and language skills in an interactive and immersive way.

Dr Yuhua Li

Chinese Teacher

Teaching and Learning- The Arts

Year 10 are working on mixed media artworks using a range of textural materials and tools. Students began by photographing outside areas of the school, then drawing an abstract picture of what it looks like before adding sand, stencil, and paint to create texture using the art elements as a guide.

Year 11 Students have been taking photos the emulate their influencing artists. Such as these leaves that represent Andy Goldsworthy's art in nature.

Dr Julia Pope

Music Teacher / Head of Faculty- The Arts

STEM Ambassadors Report- Term 1 and beyond

Ambassadors will be communicating with you on assemblies, through the newsletter and daily notices concerning regular programs, and one-off activities across the year. Examples include Math Zone, Primary Makerspace and Primary Stem during activities on Wednesday afternoons.

Significant days to look forward to this term include 

• Clean Up Australia Day – Friday 28 February
• Pi Day (International Day of Mathematics) – Friday 14 March
• Earth Hour – Saturday 22 March

Projects across the year include;

• Chess Competition next term and Science Week in Term 3
• Our Lake restoration process has begun. You may have noticed the lake has changed colour late last year.
• Soon you will see extra bins with signage for cardboard recycling. All cardboard, including pizza boxes will be paced in these bins.

It is a big year ahead. Please stay tuned.

Abby Rose and Steven Gurney

STEM Ambassadors 

under the direction of Mr Chris Schultz

Head of Faculty- Science

Teaching and Learning- Sport and Recreation

In Health and Physical Education this term, students are involved with the following experiences in their learning environments;

•  12 Sport and Rec - Emerging Trends in Sport - currently Pickleball - our "Picklers" can be found in the HPE Centre
• 11 Sport and Rec - Event Management - NFL - 5 aside - quads
• 10 HPE - Basketball and Rhythmic Movement - HPE Centre
• 9 HPE - Movement Concepts - Badminton HPE Centre
• 8 HPE - Promoting Health Safety and Wellbeing - Bronze Star - Pool
• 7 HPE - Identity & Diversity - Swimming Stroke Correction

There is a lot of fun to be had and lots of new learning taking place.

Mrs Leah Stone

Head of Faculty- HPE

Teaching and Learning - HPE

Year 8 HPE students are currently completing their Bronze Star. In this unit, they are looking at water safety, and how they can make the best decisions to benefit their own health, and the health of those around them.

Mr Riley Nicholl

Health and Physical Education Teacher

Hills College Swimming Carnival Age Champions 2025

Such a great day was had by all. The results for the swimming carnival are as follows;

• 10yrs Boys – Ryan Goltz
• 10yrs Girls – Elsie Pidgeon
• 11yrs Boys – Levi Whaley & Jirajedd Freeman
• 11yrs Girls – Lilly O’Neill
• 12 yrs Boys – Nathaniel Dawson
• 12yrs Girls – Ariah Matthews
• 13yrs Boys – Maurice O’Connell & Jaxson Drakoulas
• 13yrs Girls – Allira Hughes
• 14yrs Boys – Zachary Cunington
• 14yrs Girls – Amelia Townsend
• 15yrs Boys – Jake Davidson
• 15yrs Girls – Cienna Grammatico
• 16yrs Boys – Brock Withey
• 16yrs Girls – Liana Wong
• 17yrs+ Boys – Jourdain Lanoux
• 17yrs + Girls – Sophia Davidson

Overall House Results

• 1st: Uluru (2.06)
• 2nd: Halla (1.94)
• 3rd: Jade (1.90)
• 4th: Fuji (1.5)

Mr Mark Robinson

Head of Sport

Event 1 HIA

Congratulations to Allira Hughes and Jourdain Lanoux on their current performance at our HIA Swimming Carnival. Both students were the Age Champions

Mrs Leah Stone

Head of Faculty HPE

Building Resilience in Times of Uncertainty

With recent extreme weather events causing disruptions to camps, competitions, and excursions, as well as the possibility of school closures, many students may feel disappointed, frustrated, or anxious. While it’s natural to feel upset when plans change unexpectedly, these moments provide valuable opportunities to help children and teens build resilience, adaptability, and a positive mindset.

Helping Students Navigate Disappointment

When a child or teen is upset about a cancelled camp or event, it’s important to acknowledge and validate their feelings. A simple statement like, “I know you were really looking forward to this, and it’s okay to feel disappointed,” can help them feel heard. Encouraging open conversations allows them to express their emotions in a healthy way.  It's important, though, to ensure their emotional reaction is proportional to the event, and that you talk about ways to manage the disappointment.

Once their feelings are acknowledged, help them shift their focus towards problem-solving and adaptability. Ask guiding questions such as, “What’s something else exciting you can do instead?” or “How can you turn this challenge into a new opportunity?” This approach helps students develop a growth mindset, where setbacks are seen as temporary obstacles rather than permanent disappointments.

Teaching Mental Preparation for Challenges

One of the most powerful skills we can teach young people is how to mentally prepare for adversity. By normalising conversations about setbacks and challenges, we help them understand that life will always present obstacles—but they have the strength to navigate them. Share real-world examples of resilience, such as athletes training through setbacks or scientists persevering after failed experiments, to inspire persistence and determination.  Even more importantly, share stories of your own setbacks, and how they've helped you build resilience.

Building a Growth Mindset

At Hills International College, we encourage students to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Practicing positive self-talk, problem-solving, and emotional regulation helps children and teens develop the confidence to handle disappointments and uncertainties with strength and optimism. By fostering these skills at school and at home, we can support our students in becoming resilient, adaptable individuals who thrive no matter what life throws their way.

If your child is struggling with recent changes, our wellbeing team is here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Camp Postponements

Thanks to all of you for your support and swift response during Sunday and Monday this week, as we pivoted to a normal week for Years 8-11.  We are in the process of rescheduling all postponed camps, and we will provide updates once we have finalised all dates.

Although the weather did hold off eventually, our initial decision was based on information available at the time, and was based on our prioritisation of safety and security for our students and staff.

Clovers Indoor Volleyball

Cross Country Training

Jimboomba Thunder Junior Rugby League

Beaudesert Kingfishers Junior Rugby League Club Notice:

The Club are seeking;

U16 and U17 girls to play this season.

It’s an exciting time for women’s rugby league. We are seeing more girls and women’s teams than ever before! But our U17 girls are still seeking players!

• Training is Tuesday/Thursdays 5:30-6:30.
• Game days are Saturdays.
• Total registration fee $300.

Get in touch today if you’d like to come down and trial for a few sessions or if you need any help getting registered.

What is an international student?

At Hills, we currently have fourteen international students, with more on the way later in the year. Here are some fast facts about international students;

• Our current international students come from China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Fiji, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
• International students hold a student visa (500). This means they must have received a Confirmation of Enrolment and a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (if they are under 18 and unaccompanied) from a school.
• To keep their visa safe, students need to maintain their attendance at a high percentage, and show they are making course progress.
• International students may come for a variety of reasons; they may want to improve their English, go to university in Australia, combine golf or volleyball coaching with their secondary studies, or experience a new educational system.
• International students may stay with an approved Hills Homestay, with their parent on a Student Guardian Visa, or with an immigration-approved family member.
• International students at Hills report to feel incredibly welcome, thanks to our diverse community.
• The College benefits from having diverse students in so many ways!

Later this term, we will also welcome some short stay individual visitors to the College. They will be coming for educational, linguistic, and cultural experiences. Please say 'hello' to these visitors, who will not be in uniform but will be joining classes.

Welcome Kenjiro

This year we welcome our Japanese intern Kenjiro to Hills College. Kenjiro assists Mr Whaley and Mr K in Japanese classes, bringing his language and cultural expertise to our secondary students. Kenjiro is keen to experience as much Aussie life as possible during his year at Hills. 

Homestay at Hills

Term 3 is shaping up to be a busy time for international visitors at Hills. We will welcome many short stay individual visitors, as well as some returning sister school visitors from Japan and China. I am seeking more homestay families to accommodate these young visitors. Please email me for more information!

Mrs Vanessa Newbery

Head of International Programs

vanessa.newbery@hills.qld.edu.au

Q: Why did the student eat his homework?

In the last edition of the newsletter, we shared what the P & F Community is all about, how you can get
involved, and introduced you to some of our committee members. This week, we’d like to introduce
you to the rest of our amazing committee members!

Meet the Committee

Vice President: Clayton Loveridge
I have two children at Hills College; my eldest in Year 4 and my youngest in Year 2. Like many
families, we chose Hills for its strong values and the close-knit, family-focused community it offers. I
believe in leading by example and actively participating in my kids' interests, whether in school, sports,
or the wider community.

Joining the P & F has allowed me to connect with other parents, build relationships with school staff,
and contribute meaningfully to school events, improvement projects, and fundraising initiatives. Being
involved at this level has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m passionate about making a positive impact
on our school community.

When I’m not wearing my dad or P & F hat, I work in the motor industry, so you’ll either find me on the
phone negotiating car deals or on the road delivering and picking up vehicles. I’m also a huge sports
fan, especially Rugby League, and volunteer at our local NRL Footy Club.

If you're interested in getting involved with the P & F or finding ways to support our school community,
I'd love to chat; just come say hi!

Assistant Treasurer: Tatiana Racz
Having been part of the Hills College community since 2020, I have seen firsthand the positive impact
of a strong parent-school partnership. With my children in Year 1 and Year 5, I am committed to
supporting the school in fostering a welcoming and engaged community. As a member of the P & F
Committee, I see my role as a bridge between parents, students, and the school, bringing forward
questions, concerns, and appreciation to ensure that every family’s voice is heard.

Professionally, I have a background as a linguist and interpreter and have transitioned into
bookkeeping. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics and Cross-Cultural Communications, which has
equipped me with strong communication skills and an understanding of diverse perspectives; valuable assets in my role on the committee.

Outside of school, I love spending time at the beach, hiking, and traveling to explore new places. I also
enjoy cooking and experiencing a variety of cuisines when dining out.

I look forward to working with the P & F Committee to contribute to the ongoing growth and success of
Hills College.

Assistant Secretary: Kristy Marcus
Our family joined Hills College two years ago and we are so happy that we did because our girls have
been thriving ever since. I have three daughters at the school; one in Year 1, one in Year 6, and one in
Year 7.

After moving from the Gold Coast in 2023, I didn’t know anyone, so I joined the P & F to connect with
others and quickly made new friends. It’s been a wonderful way to get involved and give back to the
Hills community.

I’ve loved being involved in the P & F. It brings me so much joy to see my own children and the
entire school community enjoying the special events we help create.

When I’m not doing something at the school, I’m working in our construction business and outside of
that, I love spending quality time with my family and exploring new places on our trips together.

Parent Engagement Liaison: Sam Musgrave
As a parent at Hills College for the past four years, I have seen firsthand the wonderful opportunities
and supportive environment the school provides. My children are happy and thriving here, and I am
passionate about giving back to the school community through my role on the P & F Committee.

As a Parent Liaison, my role is to help strengthen communication between parents and the school. I
aim to be an approachable point of contact for parents who have questions, concerns, or feedback,
ensuring their voices are heard.

Whether it’s offering support, sharing information, or simply having a chat, I encourage parents to
introduce themselves if they see me around. If parents wish to discuss anything with me, they can
either email the P & F at secretary@hillspf.com (attention to myself) or find me at a P & F event.

I value open communication and believe that by working together, we can continue to create a positive
and inclusive school community for all families. I am a strong advocate for Hills College and feel privileged to be part of a school where my children are happy and engaged in their learning.

I look forward to continuing to support and connect with parents in my role on the P & F.

General Member: Fiona Groves
Our family is fairly new to the Hills community, with my eldest son currently in Year 1. Since joining the
school, we’ve loved becoming part of the supportive and welcoming environment that makes Hills so
special.

I joined the P & F to be actively involved in conversations and decisions that directly impact our children.
I believe it’s important to bring a parent's perspective to the table, ensuring that families have a voice in
shaping the school experience for our kids.

Professionally, I work in the customer training space at a machinery and earthmoving equipment dealer,
where my team is responsible for scheduling and delivering training courses, including programs for
1st to 4th year apprentices.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, and I’ve recently taken up social netball, which
has been a great way to stay active and connect with others.

I look forward to contributing to the P & F and working alongside other passionate parents to support
our school community!

A: Because his teacher said it was a piece of cake!