Primary Parent Teacher Interviews

It was wonderful to see so many parents here at the College on Tuesday night meeting with staff to learn more about their children’s academic progress and personal development. I hope that you found the interviews informative and focused upon student growth.

It is essential that parents and teachers work together to gain the best educational outcomes for students. This means an alignment of values around academic growth, student wellbeing and participation in the life of the school.

The IB PYP focuses upon developing learner dispositions that prepare students to become independent learners who can actively construct knowledge and think and solve problems at a high level.

Shave For a Cure

The Hills community came together as one last week to support Shave For A Cure. Thank you to all of our volunteers who were shaved, waxed, or had their hair coloured. Everything that you can raise makes a difference to support families of children who are diagnosed with and undertaking treatment for leukaemia.

This year our focus was very close to home as we support one of our own families. Your support can make a difference, and donations can still be made electronically. I know it is a challenging time economically, but it is our chance to show how we can rally together as a community. Thank you everyone who donated no matter what the amount.

End Of Term

Thank you to all families for their welcome this term. Hills is a very diverse and inclusive community that prides itself on strong values and care for the individual. I have been delighted with the progress that we are continuing to make as a school, and this is testimony to the work of our staff and students, and the support of our families.

China Trip

During the holidays Mrs Skelton and Dr Li will be accompanying a small group of students on an incredible trip to China. We wish them safe travels and hope that they gain from the intercultural experience that they will have. Thank you to Mrs Skelton and Dr Li for their generosity in giving up their holidays to provide our students with this opportunity.

ANZAC Day Services

We are looking forward to holding our own ANZAC Day services here at school in the first week back. Our students also march proudly at the Jimboomba dawn service and march. ANZAC Day is a significant commemoration in our national calendar and remains an essential element of our culture. The ANZAC values can be applied to so many of our interactions with others and we should be forever grateful for the sacrifice of all those who served and who continue to serve our nation.

School Choice Counts-Independent Schools and the Federal Election

As we approach the federal election, we want to share some important information about the potential impact it may have on our school and the independent school sector as a whole. Decisions made during this election could directly affect funding and the ability of families to choose schools that align with their values and aspirations.

Independent schools like ours play a vital role in offering diverse and high-quality educational opportunities. These schools are funded through a combination of government support and the significant contributions of families and communities. Ensuring stable and fair funding is essential to maintaining the high standards of education we strive to provide.

Raising awareness about these issues is an important step in protecting the diversity and accessibility of education for all families. To support this effort, we are participating in the School Choice Counts campaign, which highlights the value of independent schools and the importance of fair funding.

If you would like to learn more or become involved, we have resources available to help you take action and share your voice. These resources include information on the campaign, guidance on engaging with decision-makers and ways to support our shared mission of ensuring choice and quality in education.

Your support is invaluable in making a difference, not just for our school, but for independent schools across Australia.

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to our school community.

STEAM Centre Stage 1

Our STEAM Centre project continues to make pleasing progress with site works continuing throughout the past few weeks. We have site meetings each fortnight and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Novum and Rohrig to deliver this vital project. Whilst we can’t see any visual evidence of progress at this point in time, we need to remember that a lot of work gets done before we can see evidence of a new building.

Adolescence Netflix Series

Adolescence is a Netflix series which is currently proving to be incredibly popular. It raises many questions and issues. The following list of hints assists parents to talk to their kids about the issues raised in Adolescence.

Listen

Try to listen more than you talk. Be curious about how your child is using online platforms and why.

Be Honest

There is nothing to be gained from ignoring the reality of what your child may be exposed to. It is okay to acknowledge that these are complex topics; sometimes it can be hard to know what to do and you don’t have all the answers.

Name, Don’t Shame

Encourage your child to name their emotions and let them know that whatever they are feeling is okay to feel-the question is what they do about it. Reassure them you are not going to judge and that they can always come to you.

Teach Them to be Suspicious

Encourage your child to question why a certain influencer is saying or doing something online. Help your child to understand how social media algorithms work, by feeding browsers content based on their consumption to maximise engagement-even if its not what they are looking for. Remind them about the risks of sharing their personal information or photos which cannot be permanently removed once they are online.

Pop the Bubble

Expose your child to a broad range of ideas and beliefs, outside of what may be dominating their social media news feeds. Encourage them to consider the situation through someone else’s eyes.

Talk About Successes

Be sure to recognise when your child shows respect or reacts to a situation in a positive way. Point out positive role models online, and in their everyday lives.

Source: Adapted from www.respect.gov.au/conversation-guide 

Start of Term Two

We have a very unusual first week of Term 2. Easter Monday and ANZAC Day fall in the same week and therefore we have a very short week to commence the term. This calendar anomaly only happens once every 7-10 years with a very late Easter almost landing on ANZAC Day.

We have a full week in Week 2, and then a public holiday for Labour Day on the Monday of Week 3.

New Families

We will have several new students and families joining us across Primary and Secondary next time. I know that you will make them all feel welcome and a part of the community.

Upcoming Calendar Events

Term 2 Week 1

• Monday 21 April - Easter Monday Public Holiday
• Tuesday 22 April - Student Free Day
• Wednesday 23 April - Term 2 commences
• Thursday 24 April - Hills College ANZAC Day Service, Beaudesert Zone Cross Country
• Friday 25 April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday              Jimboomba ANZAC Day Dawn Service - 4.28am      Jimboomba ANZAC Day March - 7am

Term 2 Week 2

• Tuesday 29 April - Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews 3.40pm - 7.00pm - Resource Centre

Welcome to our final Primary Happenings for Term 1, 2025!

​Attending the International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference in Singapore alongside Mr Ablitt last week was an inspiring experience that reaffirmed the impactful work we undertake at Hills. The conference theme, Our Humanity, Connected, resonated deeply, emphasising the importance of maintaining human connections amidst rapid technological advancements. ​

Throughout the four days, workshops and keynote speakers challenged us to embrace diversity and adapt to continuous change. Discussions highlighted the necessity of fostering self-awareness, empathy, and innovation in education. These qualities are essential for preparing our students to navigate an uncertain future with resilience and hope. ​

The insights gained from the conference have enriched our understanding and will undoubtedly enhance our educational practices at Hills. By integrating these principles, we can further support our students in developing the competencies needed to thrive academically and personally in a constantly evolving world.

I wholeheartedly thank our incredible Hills community for getting behind the World’s Greatest Shave. Your generosity, spirit, and kindness continue to amaze me.
This year, we proudly dedicated this event to Luka Gabriel, our brave Year 2 student, who is showing incredible strength. Luka’s courage is an inspiration to us all, and through our collective efforts, we are standing beside him and all the children facing this fight. To Luka, Isabella, and Mr and Mrs Gabriel, we hope you draw strength from the love and support surrounding you. Please know that our best wishes, thoughts, and prayers are with you every step of the way.

The conclusion of NAPLAN Testing for 2025 marked another successful endeavor for us, made possible by our inclusive approach and the dedication of our staff. I extend my sincere gratitude to our staff members who facilitated the testing process and provided invaluable support to our students. A special thank you goes out to our supportive P & F for generously providing Zooper Doopers to all our NAPLAN participants on Monday.

Our recent parent-teacher interviews provided a valuable opportunity to deepen our partnership in supporting our learners. I sincerely appreciate everyone who took the time to engage in meaningful discussions about their child's learning journey, share insights, and make valuable contributions to this collaborative endeavour. Your involvement strengthens our shared commitment to student growth and success.

On behalf of the Primary College, I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday period. To those students celebrating their birthdays during the Easter Break, a very Happy Birthday to you all. We eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone back for Term 2!

Mr Matthew Noel
Head of Primary

matt.noel@hills.qld.edu.au

What I Learned at the IB Global Conference – and How It Strengthens Our Work at Hills

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the IB Global Conference 2025 in Singapore. It brought together educators from around the world to explore new thinking and best practice across IB schools, under the theme Our Humanity, Connected. For me, it was an inspiring and energising few days that reaffirmed many of the things we’re already doing here at Hills — while also sparking new ideas about how we can continue to grow.

One of the key areas of learning was around how we can personalise learning for students in meaningful, inclusive ways. I attended sessions on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which focused on designing lessons that give all students multiple ways to access content, express themselves, and stay engaged; right from the start. This aligns strongly with our commitment at Hills to knowing each child as a learner and designing learning experiences that reflect their strengths, interests, and needs.

Another timely topic was AI in education. Understandably, there are a lot of questions about how AI is being used in schools. At the conference, the discussion was thoughtful and balanced. While AI tools can help with feedback and planning, the emphasis was clear: we must always prioritise human relationships and ethical decision-making. At Hills, our approach remains grounded in strong teacher-student connections and a deep understanding of each learner — technology supports that, but never replaces it.

I also took part in workshops focused on wellbeing, both for students and educators. With everything students navigate in today’s world, their wellbeing is foundational to effective learning. It was encouraging to see how schools globally are embedding wellbeing into everyday practice, and it made me reflect on how we continue to build supportive, balanced environments here at Hills.

A highlight for me was attending the PYP Developments and Updates session, which looked at some exciting new directions for the Primary Years Programme. These include the introduction of inquiry learning progressions and new subject-specific continuums that will replace the older scope and sequences. These updates offer a more flexible, interconnected way of planning that puts student growth at the centre. It was fantastic to hear directly from the IB team as they guided us through these changes with such clarity and enthusiasm. This learning will help us continue to shape a curriculum and pedagogical approaches that are both rigorous and responsive to student needs.

As someone who has recently joined the IB Educator Network (IBEN) — a group of experienced IB teachers and leaders who support other schools — it was incredibly valuable to connect with colleagues from around the world. Hearing their stories, sharing ideas, and receiving guidance from more experienced IBEN members reminded me of the strength of the global IB community. It’s a network that continues to support and stretch us, and ultimately, it helps ensure that what we offer at Hills remains aligned with best practice across IB schools nationally and internationally.

Most of all, the conference left me feeling connected - to the global mission of the IB, to passionate educators doing amazing things, and to the important work we’re doing here at Hills. It reminded me that, in the midst of change and challenge, what matters most hasn’t changed: our relationships, our shared values, and our belief in the potential of every child.

Thank you for the ongoing trust you place in us. I’m excited to keep learning and leading, and to continue building futures together with you and your children.

Mr Stuart Ablitt

Deputy Head of Primary & Head of IB Programmes

Secondary Insights

As we conclude another term, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to all matters Secondary.

Firstly, a warm thank you to our new staff members who have joined our College community this term. Their dedication and enthusiasm have been invaluable in ensuring a seamless transition for our students and in maintaining the high standards with the teaching. We have appreciated their efforts in building strong relationships with students and colleagues and in embracing the Hills College LAWS in their day-to-day practice.

To our existing staff, I extend my deepest appreciation for your continued commitment to student achievement and wellbeing. Your unwavering support, creativity and hard work ensure that our students receive a high-quality education and a wealth of opportunities to grow and excel. Whether in the learning environments or during Connection Time, this support has not gone unnoticed.

A special thank you to Mrs Emma Hewett-Smiles for her invaluable support with teaching and learning during a period of long service leave. Her dedication and efforts in ensuring continuity and excellence in education have been deeply appreciated by students and colleagues alike.

I would also like to acknowledge our parents for their ongoing support and engagement in all matters relating to Secondary education. Partnerships with parents play a crucial role in the success of our students. Your encouragement, patience, and collaboration are truly valued.

This term has been filled with many achievements, from outstanding academic performances to incredible participation in sports, the arts and various competitions.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to fostering a future-focused learning environments that continue to inspire, challenge and prepare our students for success in all their endeavours. Reports will be published in the last week of the upcoming holidays and Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 29 April from 3.40 p.m. – 7.00 p.m.

Thank you all for being an integral part of this journey.

Wishing you and your families a restful and enjoyable break and I look forward to another productive and rewarding term ahead.

Mrs Julie-Anne Skelton

Head of Secondary

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

College LAWS Awardees

The following students receive a Hills College LAWS Award for this fortnight;

Living with Compassion towards other students when they need support outside the learning environment

Juliene Nery

Alyce Castner


Working with diligence in Mathematics

Jasmine Moe

Molly Wiedman

Nicola Martin

Ishmeet Pandher

Michael Cetin

Mrs Grace Ogoti

Head of Year 7 and 8 / Mathematics Teacher

Living with Compassion

Mia Sunderland

Andrew Chen 

These students voluntarily cleaned up the mess that was mysteriously left in the art room sink. They offered to do it without being asked which was very helpful and kind.

Mrs Emma Hewett-Smiles

Visual Art Teacher 

Teaching and Learning - ‘Why is Science an important subject for our students, your children?’

The study of science provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, of science’s contribution to our culture and society, and its applications in our lives. It provides an understanding of scientific inquiry methods, a foundation of knowledge across the disciplines of science, and develops an ability to communicate scientific understanding and use evidence to solve problems and make evidence-based decisions in our ever-changing world. The curriculum supports students to develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues and to participate, if they so wish, in science-related careers.

Mr Chris Schultz 

Head of Faculty Science

STEM Ambassador Conference – Griffith University

On 26 March Hills International College was represented by Miril Passi, Ava Jones, Thomas Koen, Ava Hipp, Olivia Retallick and Steven Gurney at the 2025 Griffith University STEM Ambassador Conference.

The day began with the annual STEM awards presentations followed by the keynote address, How to Integrate Video into your STEM Project (From concept to community to communication), by Salvador Cantellano. This was followed by three-minute thesis presentations from Doctoral Students of the Griffith Climate Action Beacon, concerning STEM project ideas.

The middle session involved strategic planning where our ambassadors further developed our College's STEM Action Plan

After lunch Jennah Williams from Esri Australia presented on the use of GIS (Graphical Information System) in schools now and in the future. This was well received by teachers and ambassadors alike.

Secondary Media Reporters - Cross Country Carnival

On 21 March, Hills College held the Cross-Country for Years Prep to Year 12.  Our 5-9 year old students ran 1 kilometre, 10-year-olds ran 2 kilometres, 11-13 year olds ran 3 kilometres, 14-16+ girls ran 4 kilometers, and 14-16+ boys ran 6 kilometres.

There was a war cry for every house which means that all the houses compete against each other with their chant. 

On behalf of Hills College, we would like to thank all the teachers who organised this event for the students.

Student Highlights

Dakota Year 2: She liked running with her friends and it was fun.
Jack Year 2: Running with his friends.
Zoe Year 6: The mist tent was great, and she liked the cheering when she ran past everyone.
Albie Year 6: Running and dressing up.
Eloise Year 7: Running the track was fun.
Vyaas Year 7: The finish line was nice and running was fun.
Annie Year 12: She liked the house spirit, being with friends, and the mist tent.
Cooper Year 12: He liked the water station when we were running, the mist tent and running with friends.

Results

2005-2008 male winner - Jessie McMillan

2005-2008 female winner - Sam Gurney

2009 male winner - Blake Windon

2009 female winner - Charlotte Boyle

2010 male winner - Coby Perrin

2010 female winner - Chloe Wiseman

2011 male winner - Harry Deegan

2011 female winner - Amelia Townsend

2012 male winner - Vyaas Nadiminti

2012 female winner - Eloise Yeoman

2013 male winner - Cohen Hall

2013 female winner - Ruby Clapham

2014 male winner - Emerson Cunington

2014 female winner - Zoe Blake

2015 male winner - James Panther

2015 female winner - Ruby McGuire

2016 male winner - Ruhaan Sharma

2016 female winner - Lovely Kim

2017 male winner - Blake Clapham

2017 female winner - Karsyn Te Namu-Sleeth

2018 male winner - Jack Loveridge

2018 female winner - Peytan Fenton

2019 male winner - Cooper Shayler

2019 female winner - Charlotte Walker

2020 male winner - Hudson Green

2020 female winner - Hayze Powell

Sophie Black
Student Reporter

World's Greatest Shave

Last Friday saw the whole Hills Community come together to support one of our own in the fight against cancer.  Students, staff, and our neighbours at the Hills Early Learning Centre all combined their powers and energies to raise funds needed to support a Hills family faced with the trials of a cancer diagnosis.  Students had their hair coloured or shaved, and even Mr Parks got in on the action, having his hair shaved short in order to raise awareness for the cause.  Mrs Stone dyed her hair a striking blue (even though she's in Uluru!!), and raised a great deal for the cause in so doing.  As always, Mrs Parer and the Year 12 students were instrumental in organising the event.

It was another example of the Compassion that we value so much, and we're very proud of everyone who contributed to the success.

Hills Wellbeing Community

Thanks to those parents and friends in attendance at last Thursday's Wellbeing Community meeting.  While the focus was very much on unpacking the key elements from the last meeting, we also held discussions on a range of topics, including uniforms, resource allocation, and a very topical and important conversation on how to address healthy education and representation of adult gender role models.

One key element that was agreed upon was the need for absolute clarity in communications between all members of our community.  We understand that parents are keen to receive as much information as possible about decisions made at the college, and that they also have an expectation that the reasons for decisions will be explained.  This extends to the desire to receive information about school programs that may be 'out of the norm' or where activities or events at school may generate questions and learning at home.

The attendees agreed that there is a need for good communication to include the content (the decision or information), the context (what elements limit or allow the decision to be made), and the cause (the reason for the decision needing to be made).

Uniform adherence was also discussed, with an acknowledgement that the uniform is looking very good at the moment, but that there will inevitably be some variation between secondary and primary school students, as secondary students have a broader range of subjects, and different students could be wearing formal, sports, golf, or volleyball uniforms on the same day.  It was also agreed that students who have a valid exemption can sometimes create a perception that the uniform is not correct - but all agreed that this is a decision made at the discretion of the College executive.

Finally, discussion centred around issues raised recently across the world by the success of Netflix's Adolescence streaming series.  This series focusses on the disconnect between social media and real positive male role models, and other connected issues.  This is a conversation started by our senior student leaders in 2024, and we will obviously need to have more conversations about this in future.

Please reach out via email if you have any questions or concerns, or if you'd like to attend the next meeting.

Arts Captains' Report - Term 1

The lunchtime concert series continues this year with our most recent concert which took place on Monday 24 March. The concerts are organised by us together with Dr Pope and Mr Gratton. The concerts feature a range of high school students playing instruments such as piano, guitar, drumkit, and singing. This is the third year of lunchtime concerts, and they are always a great success. 

The concert on Monday took place in the HPE Centre at lunchtime. It was a great success, and we are very grateful to the wonderful performers: Bryan Heng, Liv Retallack, Lachlan Gravolin, Jackson Rideout, and Oliver Buckley. Mr Parks was very impressed with the talent shown by these students. Please congraulate them if you seem them. If your child would like to perform in future concerts, please contact Dr Pope.

This year’s College Production rehearsals are well underway. Being involved in the Production is a great experience whether as an actor, a musician, a technician, or a backstage helper. We wish the Production team a fantastic year as they prepare for the performances in October.

The Music rooms at the top of the Resource Centre are open every lunchtime except Wednesdays. Students can come and practice guitar, keyboard or drumkit.

Dr Pope runs three ensembles every week. They are open to all Secondary students. There is the Hills Drum Circle which uses djembe (Jem-Bay) drums and other percussion instruments, the Senior Gamelan (Gam-Eh-Lan) Group, and the Junior Gamelan Group. Please contact Dr Pope if your child would like to join any of the ensembles.

Abby-Rose Cox & Steven Gurney
Arts Captains

Cookery Training at Hills College

As part of our Wednesday afternoon activities program, some of our Year 10-12 students are engaging in a Certificate II in Cookery with Work Skills Australia. This is a fully funded training certificate offered onsite at the College with the outcome of basic cookery skills and knowledge which can then be used in lifelong personal skills or to add to their Resume as foundational training for gaining employment. This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in kitchens who use a defined and limited range of food preparation and cookery skills and may lead to employment as a Breakfast Cook, Catering Assistant, Fast Food Cook, Sandwich Hand and Takeaway Cook. This training can also be a great stepping-stone to a position as an Apprentice Chef.

Our students are involved in mainly routine and repetitive tasks through learnt theory and practical tasks, and work under direct supervision by the Qualified Trainer each week. A Certificate II can offer up to 4 QCE points for their Qld Certificate of Education, and students are encouraged to speak to Mrs Comerford at lunch times in "Careers Corner" in C Block for more information on Vocational Education & Training.

Dr O'Sullivan and Toastmasters Jimboomba

On Tuesday, our Secondary students had a visit from Dr Brendan O'Sullivan, promoting skin cancer prevention/being SunSmart.  Dr O'Sullivan is a coach of the local Jimboomba Toastmasters Club. Jimboomba Toastmasters is a great and vibrant club, and they are looking for some new members. Students under 18 cannot join, but older students, parents, or staff interested in practicing and improving their public speaking skills in a very affordable and supportive environment are very welcome to visit the club and sit in on a meeting/s for free to see if it is for them. They'll receive a warm welcome but also no pressure. 

Jimboomba Toastmasters Club details:
Where: Dorrington House, Johanna Street (opposite Police Station), Jimboomba
When: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. So, 9 April and 23 April are the next two meetings.
Time: 6:30pm arrival for a 7:00pm start, 9pm finish [with a tea and biscuit break]

website: https://jimboomba.toastmastersclubs.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064517479763#

Dr O'Sullivan also shared these links relating to SunSmart/cancer prevention promotions:

https://www.sunsmart.com.au/
https://www.scanyourskin.org/

Privacy and Information Sharing Update

Please note that the Hills International College Privacy and Information Sharing Policy and Hills International College Privacy and Information Sharing Guidelines have been updated, and are now available on the College website:

Hills International College Privacy and Information Sharing Policy

Hills International College Privacy and Information Sharing Guidelines

Parenting Support Opportunity

Logan City Council Holiday Activities

Logan City Council Libraries have free workshops and sessions over the school holidays for families. The libraries are also a wonderful place to visit with the family, not only for free events but free entertainment for all ages to take home. Families can borrow books, graphic novels and manga, readers, robots (Spheros, Ozobots, Bee-bots), Nintendo/ PS4/PS5 console games and puzzles and also access free ebooks, free etutoring (Studiosity) and other resources online.

To find out more and book online visit: loglib.org/schoolhols

Or visit using the QR code:

Free sessions include:

• Tree planting day
• Larrikin Puppets
• LEGO™ robotics
• Felt softie creations
• Watercolour workshops
• Bling a bag – decorate a tote or library bag to take home
• AI and Minecraft Education sessions

LS Holiday Health Services

Please find attached flyers for School Holiday Groups as well as a link below to our expression of interest form for potential upcoming School Holiday Groups. LS Health Services run a number of holiday groups to cater to a variety of activities for our valued clients.

These groups are open to all current clients as well as the general public.

The groups are available for NDIS participants, but would also be suitable for other children interested in a small group program to help develop such skills as:

• school readiness
• meal preparation
• social interaction
• language
• throwing
• catching and kicking skills
• increasing development of gross motor
• increasing development of fine motor skills and,
• to have FUN!

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=-TCunK_mE0-oOT7L0hCgi_TWoxKurFNCjp8FSGKiydpUOFk2WVg2VzlLWkYySkE1QU1PSkZTWlpQTC4u

College Notice:  Please note that this is a third party provider, and there will be a cost associated with each course.  The College does not actively endorse or partner with the provider/s

Visitors in Term 1

This term, we welcomed 28 short stay individual visitors to Hills College. These visitors came to us from Thailand. Japan and China. Short stay visitors come to Australia on a Visitor Visa, and apply to join a class for a cultural, language, and educational experience.

I would like to extend a warm thank you to the Primary and Secondary students for always making our visitors feel happy and welcome. Our students happily share their learning, their time, and their kindness with our visitors. There are often tears as the visitors have to farewell our students, such is the warmth of their connection.

Secondly, a message of appreciation to our teachers. Their expertise in including the visitors is a testament to their professional and compassionate approaches to learning.

Finally, homestay is an important part of many visitors' experiences. My homestay families are an incredibly kind group of people, who connect with our visitors in a positive and supportive way. Thank you, homestay families!

International News - Term 2

In Term 2, we welcome siblings from Korea into Hills Language College. These students will join our intensive English classes before joining Years 9 and 10 towards the end of the year. One of the students will join our Golf@Hills program, and both will stay in homestay.

At the start of June, we are excited to welcome a young lady from France to Hills on a short exchange program. She will be with us for a two month stay, and will join Year 10. 

Over Term 2, we will also have a few short stay visitors join our secondary classes for a week or two. 

Thank you for a term of compassion, inclusion and diversity at Hills!

Enjoy the holidays!

Mrs Vanessa Newbery

Head of International Programs

Alumni News

2024 graduate Alex Jamieson returned to Australia this week after a term volunteering at one of our sister schools, Kansai International School in Kobe, Japan. Alex was an English volunteer, helping in classes to share her language and culture with Japanese students. Alex's love of all things Japanese is a testament to our dedicated team at Hills, Mr Whaley and Mr Kanaya, plus the Japanese assistants over the years.

Welcome home, Alex!

Reflections - Inclusive Education Conference, Brisbane 

Last week, our Inclusive Education Team had the privilege of attending the Inclusive Education Conference in Brisbane. This event brought together experts, educators, and advocates dedicated to fostering truly inclusive learning environments. The conference provided invaluable insights, fresh perspectives, and practical strategies to enhance our support for all students at Hills International College.

Throughout the event, we had the opportunity to hear from some amazing keynote speakers who shared their expertise on reimagining inclusive education. A key theme that emerged was the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework that ensures all students—regardless of ability—have access to meaningful learning experiences. By embedding flexibility and multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression, UDL empowers every learner to succeed. This a focus for the College this year, and we have an expert in this field working with the staff this year.

The conference also deepened our understanding of supporting students with autism and ADHD. Sessions explored the latest research, practical classroom strategies, and ways to create environments that are not only accommodating but also actively empowering for neurodiverse learners. These insights will directly inform our continued refinement of practices at the college, ensuring that every student feels valued, understood, and supported.

As a team, we are excited to take what we have learned and apply it to our ongoing efforts to make our classrooms more inclusive. Whether through refining our intervention strategies, working alongside teachers to embed inclusive practices, or advocating for systemic change, we are committed to reimagining what inclusion looks like at Hills.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a school environment where every student can thrive. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about inclusive education at our college, please feel free to reach out to our team.

Mrs Tracy Ashbridge

Head of Inclusive Education

External Trials - Beach Volleyball @ Hills

Yesterday, we held our first external trials for our Beach Volleyball @ Hills.

Hills International College is home to Australia’s ONLY school-based Beach Volleyball Program, and we’re on the hunt for the next wave of talented athletes. Athletes from around the region joined us for trials on our world-class beach volleyball courts under elite coaches, including Level 3 Coach and Olympian Angela Gaviglio, and Level 2 Coach Mark Robinson!

This is your opportunity for new students to train, compete, and elevate their game while receiving a top-tier education. 

📧 Email ben.pope@hills.qld.edu.au for more information on Beach Volleyball @ Hills or to secure your spot in the program!

See you on the sand! 🏐

HIA Champions!

Please join us in congratulating Jourdain Lanoux (Yr 11) and Allira Hughes (Yr 8) for winning their respective age champion medals at the HIA swimming Carnival held recently.

Flagstone Rugby League

Flagstone Tigers is a local rugby league club, currently looking to recruit more players for U12/ U13 teams. As a small, community-based club, the Tigers are in need of a few more players to ensure they can complete teams for the upcoming season.

Teams train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM every week, and games will take place on Sundays, beginning at the end of April.

Flagstone Tigers are proud to be a junior affiliate club to the Brisbane Tigers, who serve as the direct feeder club to Melbourne Storm. This provides a great opportunity for young players to be part of a pathway to professional rugby league.

If you are interested in joining, or if you would like more information, please feel free to contact Sarah at 0407 371 372.