"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22–23
Jeff Davis
Executive Head of College
Executive Head of College, Jeff Davis shares an update on the last two weeks of school.
Blessings
Culture and Wellbeing
The beginning of each new school year can bring about all sorts of victories and struggles. I absolutely love being a parent to my three kids, but in my journey as a Mum I often feel ill-equipped, and at times completely inadequate!
This week as a College Community we’ve been contemplating how God can grow us through times of insecurity and weakness. We’ve focused on Moses, whom we know for leading the Israelites through the Red Sea and out of slavery. But did you know that when God called Moses to lead his people, he tried to decline the job? He pointed out that he was not a confident speaker, and asked Him to “please send someone else” (Exodus 4:19).
But the wonderful thing about our God is that he doesn’t let our worries and insecurities dissuade Him from involving us in His good plans. God kept redirecting Moses’ eyes to his faithfulness in the past, and assured him that He would “help him speak and teach you what to do” (Exodus 4:15). In fact throughout the whole Bible we see this amazing truth; it is during times of weakness, when we cry out to God for help, that we fully experience His amazing compassion, kindness and strength. So whatever this week holds for you, may you lean into His arms and find that He is indeed your “strength and refuge, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Blessings,
Heidi Luxton
JLC Chaplain
From the ELC
Our Early Learning Community has well and truly settled into Term One; growing in leaps and bounds as they learn more about their world and their place in it.
Pre-Kindy have recently enjoyed exploring culture, by learning about Waitangi Day and taking part in traditional poi dancing swinging a ball on a string. Kindy 1 have continued their learning journey on bugs and insects, with several friends sharing the little creatures they have at home. Kindy 2 have strengthened relationships through peer-learning, opting to work in small groups to engage in small world play, pack up their belongings and share craft resources. Kindy 3 have explored their sense of identity, creating wonderful family portraits to represent the special people in their lives and proudly display in their classroom. Week Four has also seen the commencement of our weekly term-time co-curricular lessons and activities; the ELC Gathering, Library, French, Music, and First Five Rugby.
In honour of the recent Appreciation Day, I wish to acknowledge the teachers and educators of our Early Learning Community. We are blessed to have a teaching community made of heart and grace, where all have a deep respect for the children and their role in providing a nurturing space for growth. Thank you, ELC Team, for all that you do and all that you are; you are appreciated. “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26.
Taylor Wells-McFarlane
Director, Early Learning Community
Director, Early Learning Community
From JLC Leadership
Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been an exciting start to the 2023 school year and we are thrilled to see the children settling in so well. Staff have all been working hard to ensure that every student feels welcomed and supported as they embark on their learning journey. We have also been busy preparing for some of the upcoming events this term.
The Year 3 and 4 Swimming Carnival will occur in Week 5. It promises to be a fun-filled day of sportsmanship and teamwork. The children will have the opportunity to showcase their swimming skills and compete against each other in their House teams in various races and novelty events. This event is a great introduction to future Swimming Carnivals in the MLC and SLC and a time to bond with their classmates and make new friends. We hope to see many of you there supporting this day.
In Week 8, our Year 4 students will be embarking on their first school camp, which promises to be an adventure packed experience. The students will have the chance to participate in a variety of activities, from team-building exercises to exploring the great outdoors at QCCC Mt Tambourine camp site. It is a great opportunity for them to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves in new and exciting ways with an emphasis on SECRET Skills: Self Manager, Effective Participator, Creative Thinker, Reflective Learner, Enquirer and Team Worker.
This term the Prep to Year 4 students will be participating in class swimming lessons. A note will be sent home to each class prior to commencement. These lessons are an important part of the curriculum and provide children with the opportunity to develop swimming skills, build confidence in the water and have fun.
It’s great to see so many parents attending the weekly Gathering and fortnightly Assemblies. These events provide opportunity for parent to get involved in their child’s education and stay up to date with what’s happening at the College. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to come along to these events: Gatherings every Monday morning at 8.20am – 9.00am and Assemblies every fortnight on Friday morning 8.20am – 9.00am (Week 4, 6, 8 and 10).
For the latest updates and information relevant to your child’s year level, please refer to the Year Level Overviews, sent home at the beginning of the term and our regular Weekly Snapshots. We hope that everyone has a great year ahead and we look forward to working with you to support your child’s education.
Blessings
Christy Gittins
Head Junior Learning Community
What’s been happening in the JLC
PeaceWiseKids
This term in the JLC we have loved diving into a program called PeaceWiseKids in Gathering and learning within the classroom. The aim is to help our community develop a culture of positive relationships and help them to resolve conflict in a healthy way. The program forms part of our Health and Christian Living curriculum and equips our young people to better understand their emotions and deal with challenging relationships and conflict in healthy, constructive and life-changing ways. It helps to empower them to take more responsibility for their own relationships, build resilience and gain life-skills that they can take with them from childhood into adulthood.
Content is aligned across our Junior Learning Community, teaching the same Biblical skills and principles using age-appropriate language and examples from Prep – Year 4. It is more than just a curriculum however, reaching beyond the classroom and playground, building skills for life and peacemaking principles that are College wide.
We aspire to support you as you guide your children towards strong and resilient relationships. Healthy relationships start at home. From the moment children enter the world, they learn how to feel and express emotion such as love, happiness and frustration. Responding positively to conflict is also a learned skill. God, in his loving kindness, doesn’t expect us to figure it out on our own – he teaches us how to respond positively to conflict through his Word, the Bible.
Throughout this year, we will share key peacemaking tools which you can continue to use at home to build a common peacemaking language with your children. By doing this, children can grow in confidence and begin to solve conflicts and restore relationships on their own. This is the first step towards them becoming peacemakers for life, at school, at home … everywhere they go! We look forward to this journey with you.
To find out more about PeaceWiseKids, go to peacewisekids.org.au.
Blessings
Michelle Cecil
Deputy Head JLC – Curriculum
From the Head of the MLC
This week we saw hundreds of our MLC students choose to stay and play with their peers at our first Mashup for the year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff who stayed and gave up their time to help build relationships with their students. The MLC staff have given up a lot of their own time over the first month and I appreciate everything they do to support our students and build an exceptional community culture together.
During the Mashup, we spoke with about 80 parents at our first parent information session for the year. As outlined during the session, we have committed to hosting several opportunities during the year to promote interaction with our parent community as we value your feedback and want to support you to develop a deeper understanding of our vision and improvement agenda across the MLC.
The next opportunity for parents to come in and discuss learning with our staff will be at the upcoming Parent/Teacher Interviews in Week 7. We have decided to place the MLC interviews on at the same time as the JLC interviews this year as a way of supporting parents with students across both communities. The bookings for the Week 7 interviews will be live late next week so please look out for the email and take advantage of the opportunity to come in and strengthen the relationship with your child’s classroom teachers.
Next Tuesday, 21 February, we are excited to be participating in the first Border Region Gala Sports Day which will see students in Years 7-8, that have chosen to participate, challenge students from Lindisfarne, St Andrews and Pacific Coast. Students who do not attend the Gala Day will attend the College and continue with their normal timetabled classes.
While this is a great opportunity for our students to compete in sport, we also have academic opportunities like the World Scholars Cup occurring in Week 6. My challenge to students is always to take full advantage of the many different activities and opportunities that are presented to them. Apart from those mentioned above, we also have many clubs and leadership projects that are advertised to students each week. These help to build the SECRET skills that we know are so important for the future success of our students so please support us by asking your child which of the opportunities they have taken advantage of each week.
Blessings
Darren Rackemann
Head of Middle Learning Community
What’s been happening in the MLC
“Dirty Money” in Year 8
The Year 8 students are working on a cross curricular project in Science/English and HaSS this term, looking at geology and the impacts of mining. This includes stakeholders such as rural communities who have FIFO (fly in fly out) workers, the workers themselves, families, businesses, the Australian Government and the environment. Already this week they have looked at “The Rock Cycle” and fracking. The students are learning how mining started in Australia and looking at a variety of landforms and landscapes through VR goggles. Students have also connected this to “The Parable of the Mustard Seed”.
Year 8 Visual Arts Incursion – Guest Artist, Natalie Popovski
During Week 3, the 8A Visual Art class immersed themselves in a Visual Art workshop based on Contemporary Still Life Artwork. The incursion aligned with the class’s conceptual and artistic focus for this Term and provided students with an authentic experience with a practicing artist (Natalie Popovski) who had a wealth of knowledge to share with the class. Natalie provided an introduction into the art of still life painting, a classic art form that can be used to tell nuanced stories through the curation of seemingly everyday items. She ran the students through colour theory, as well as the importance of capturing the fall of light and shadows. Students worked towards producing two stunning works of still life, one in the medium of oil pastels and the other in acrylic paint while also learning classical techniques that will greatly enhance their ability to paint.
About Natalie Popovski: “Natalie Popovski is a Gold Coast emerging artist who recently exhibited a solo show at the Margaret Olley Gallery and was a finalist in Australia’s National Emerging Art Prize”.
Year 7 Science – Bunsen Burners
Year 7 classes are enjoying the use of the science labs! This week students have explored safety protocols and enjoyed their first practical lesson demonstrating their safe use of Bunsen burners. Students discovered that although the red flame is more visible and larger, the blue flame is actually hotter. They are looking forward to more practical lab lessons as the term unfolds.
MLC Table Tennis
MLC are enjoying the new table tennis tables in the MLC courtyard. Thanks to our P&F, these outdoor permanent tables can be enjoyed by students as part of Co-curricular activities, PE lessons, Life Group and also general playtime. These are a great way to be active in all weather conditions, make new friends and enjoy the company of others.
A special thanks to the P&F and Mr Adam Marks for organising this incredible option for our students. We look forward to seeing these well used in MLC!
There is a class set of bats for teacher/class use and students are encouraged to bring their own bats (like they bring their own handball) to keep in their locker so they can enjoy these during playtime. These sets are $10 at Big W or K-Mart.
Year 7/8 Camp Week
In Week 2, the Year 7 and 8s had a fun week with games, Life Group challenges, beach fun and more!
We started off with the exhilarating Life Group escape room challenge. We were all given a piece of paper with multiple brain fizzling clues about movies. We were split into teams and worked on it until the time was up. Me, as an individual, did not do well but it was still a fun, memorable experience.
Then a group of girls were making pancakes for the 7/8 for morning tea. What a delicious way to spend the morning.
After morning tea, there were a selection of sports to choose from such as netball, basketball, eSports, baseball and NFL Flag. They were extremely fun and enjoyable to play and compete against your opposite House.
We also had a House colour competition with games such as tug of war, Capture the Flag and dodge ball which as always is an incredible way to build House spirit.
On the second day, the kids were separated into groups where each had special talks about age relevant experiences. The girls talked about self-worth and loving yourself and others while the boys listened to the guest speakers life story at the age of 12-14.
After that, the boys made a special selection of crispy sausages for morning tea.
The beach trip was a cheerful experience for the Hillcrest students. We splashed around in the water, saw cute crabs in the sand and made memories that we will treasure forever.
We the went to Camp at Tyalgum
Attending 7/8 Camp this summer was a memorable experience. I had the opportunity to challenge myself and to grow by making new friends. The activities at camp were fun and exciting. I learned how to work as part of a team, build my confidence, and push myself to try new things. We explored the outdoors, went on hikes, and took part in team-building activities. Each day was different and filled with new adventures. I will never forget the memories I made and the friendships I formed. It was a great experience that I will always remember.
Written by Ruby Pohlmann and Zara Waters
MLC Mashup
Yesterday the MLC hosted the first Mashup event of the year. The event took place on a sunny afternoon and was filled with various activities, providing students with an opportunity to have some fun and engage in different recreational activities.
The MLC Mashup was a massive hit among the students, who had the chance to participate in numerous activities, including dancing, 9 square, spike ball, a bungee run inflatable, RC cars, e-sports, board games, and a chill zone. The students were able to choose the activity they wanted to participate in and had a blast throughout the afternoon.
One of the highlights of the event was the bungee run inflatable, which allowed students to test their strength and endurance while being harnessed to bungee cords. The activity was incredibly engaging, and students were keen to try it out repeatedly.
In addition, the e-Sports activity proved to be a popular choice, with students competing in various video games while enjoying a friendly competitive atmosphere. The board games section was also well-attended, with students gathering around different tables to play their favourite board games.
The event was not just about the activities; it also provided students with an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. The chill zone was a perfect place for students to relax and have some time to unwind after participating in some of the more energetic activities.
Of course, no event is complete without refreshments, and the MLC Mashup did not disappoint. A delicious afternoon tea was provided, providing the students with the energy needed to keep going with the activities.
Overall, the MLC Mashup was a fantastic event that provided students with an excellent opportunity to have some fun, engage in different activities, and socialize with their peers. It was a great start to the year, and we cannot wait for the next one!
Some comments from the students:
I absolutely loved with all my heart helping at the Mashup. I just love seeing the joy on all my peers faces and everyone making a stronger connection with each other. – Emily
The bungy run was popular, everyone had a great time! There was spike ball, table tennis, bungy run, board games, just dance and much more! There was also refreshing poppers, chips, and muffins! Everyone had a blast! – Avery Rackemann
I really loved the mash up because the weather was perfect, and the food was amazing. The bungee run was really fun but there was a long queue. – Amelie Jeffery
The Mashup was one of the best events of my time at Hillcrest. I had the time of my life. The food was delicious, and the games were amazing, everything was so much fun. The bungee run was my favourite thing to do at the Mashup – Eden P
I really enjoyed the food at the Mashup because it was really refreshing on the hot day. I also liked playing spike ball even though me and my friends were really bad at it. I had loads of fun! I went on the bungee run and while I was in the line, my friends and I talked about how great the Mashup was and we played Chinese whispers! – Jasmine Coffey
The Mashup was a great time to hang out with friends and play awesome games. The bungie run was so packed and the food was delicious, especially cause it free! I played so many fun games and I got to make new friends! – Macy Rochford
From the Head of the SLC
This week we were thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our high-achieving ATAR students. The College sees academic outcomes are the result of intentional input into a student’s wellbeing, emotional and spiritual growth. Without a doubt, these students, like others in their cohort, have dedicated themselves to their studies, working tirelessly to earn impressive results that will set them on the path to future success.
We are proud to announce that sixteen of our 2022 graduating students achieved ATAR scores greater than 90, placing this cohort as one of the very best that Hillcrest has produced. Congratulations to Rio Matsuoka for being the student who received the highest ATAR score and was awarded 2022 College Dux. Rio, like many of the other students acknowledged, received numerous awards at our Celebration Evening last year, participated widely in the College’s co-curricular program and held a student leadership position. It was pleasing to see the formal acknowledgement of their commitment to excellence in their senior years at Hillcrest, pushing themselves to achieve their very best, and setting a great example for their peers.
It was great to hear of each student’s individualised student-driven pathway throughout their Hillcrest journey and how the fostering of their personal interests and strengths was extended into their pathway choice for this year.
We would like to again congratulate these students on their outstanding achievements, and we wish them all the best as they move forward into the next phase of their academic journeys. We know that they will continue to achieve great things, and we look forward to following their progress and celebrating their future successes.
Of course, none of these achievements would have been possible without the support of our dedicated teaching staff and the wider school community. I would like to extend our thanks to all who played a role in supporting and encouraging these students, from parents and caregivers to friends and fellow students.
As we celebrate the achievements of our high-achieving ATAR students, we are reminded of the importance of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. These students have shown us what is possible when we set our sights high and work tirelessly to achieve our goals, and we are proud to have been a part of their journey. Congratulations to all of our high-achieving ATAR students (and 2022 graduates) – we are proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to see where the futures take you!
Blessings,
Jason Day
Head of Senior Learning Community
jday@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
What’s been happening in the SLC
SCL Inter-House Chess Competition
The Inter-House College chess competition was an exhilarating event that sparked fierce competition among students from Carmichael, Flynn, Greene and Taylor. As the chess pieces moved on the board, the tension in the SLC courtyard grew palpable, as players strategised and anticipated their opponent’s next move.
The competition featured students from each house, each determined to outsmart and outplay their opponents. The matches were played with lightning-fast reflexes, as players engaged in a game of wits and strategy, taking risks and making bold moves.
After a gruelling and intense competition, Taylor House emerged as the winners of the chess competition. The team played with impressive skill and strategy, outmatching their opponents and securing the win.
Carmichael House also had a strong showing, with the most participants competing in the competition, proving their dedication to the game and their House, with each member playing with passion and enthusiasm.
Beyond the thrill of victory, the Inter-House College Chess Competition also created a sense of camaraderie among the students. As they cheered on their teammates and celebrated their victories.
The competition was more than just a battle of brains, it was an opportunity for students to showcase their mental agility, teamwork, and leadership skills. Whether they won or lost, each player left the competition with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and a newfound appreciation for the game of chess.
Years 10 – 12 Film and TV Movie World Excursion
On Wednesday, 8 February, Year 10 Media Arts and Year 11 and 12 Film, Television and New Media classes attended an excursion to Movie World. Students had a fun day exploring the park and participating in the program “Creating a Nightmare – The Making of a TV Commercial”. They were taken through a comprehensive overview of how a television commercial is made, with an exclusive look at the planning and production of one of Movie World’s commercials. With the use of virtual reality, students had a unique opportunity to step inside the film set.
Students learned the techniques and skills used, from the concept and storyboarding stage, through to post production. How to enhance the end product with the use of make-up, props, sets and special effects, and discover what each of the creative crew members contribute to the production and what their job titles mean.
Pathways News
Airways Aviation – Gold Coast Open Day – Sat 25th Feb
Are you interested in becoming a pilot? Find out more about your dream career at the Airways Aviation Open Day!
Gold Coast Airport, QLD
Saturday, 25 February 2023
Two Sessions Available – Registrations are required to attend
- Open to all ages
- Two session times (9am or 11am)
- Learn about pilot career pathways
- Full tour of our Academy
- Hear about our partnerships and funding options
- Your top questions answered
- Guest Speaker
- Refreshments provided
REGISTER HERE
Airways Aviation Gold Coast Academy, Hangar 51, Lores Bonney Circuit, Bilinga.
Year 12 students- thinking of doing a volunteering gap year next year?
Are you thinking of volunteering overseas next year as part of a gap year?
New Ventures Worldwide is a UK based non-profit organisation with a global team passionate about volunteering.
There are nine destinations and many roles available for 2024 volunteering placements of 3-12 months long.
New Ventures Worldwide are running two online Info Sessions for Australian students to learn more about New Ventures Worldwide, how our placements work, and ask us any questions.
- Info Session – Tuesday, 21 February 2023, 7pm AEST
- Info Session – Thursday, 23 February 2023, 7pm AEST
>> CLICK HERE TO REGISTER <<
To find out more about the service offered by New Ventures Worldwide see this Overview Video.
Bond Business School year 12 Extension Program
Applications are now open for the Bond Business School Year 12 Extension Program! The program is a two-day workshop where you will gain an insight into university life to assist you with the transition from high school to university.
Students have the opportunity to receive an early offer into Bond Business School. Top performing students in the program will receive a Year 12 Extension Program Scholarship.
The program will be completed well before ATAR exams and you can receive an early offer before QTAC’s offer rounds
There are two steams available:
| Business Stream | Maths Stream |
| Option One: Wednesday, 26 April and Thursday, 27 April, 2023 | Thursday, 13 April, 2023 and Friday, 14 April, 2023 |
| Option Two: Friday, 5 May and Saturday 6 May, 2023 | |
| Apply now | Apply now |
WHY DO THE PROGRAM?
- Eligible graduates from the Year 12 Extension Program will receive an early offer into their chosen degree, subject to meeting the academic entry requirements^.
- Opportunity to receive one of six Year 12 Extension Program Scholarships valued at 50% and 25% tuition fees or a $5,000 bursary.
- Be better prepared for your Year 12 exams. This program has been designed in collaboration with current high school teachers to ensure it supports the Queensland Curriculum.
- Access to the Bond FinTech Hub for a Bloomberg session.
- Limited places per day, allowing great access to our academics.
^Excludes the Bond Medical Program.
Applications close Friday, 24 March, 2023.
Want to speak with someone regarding the program?
See Mrs Crews in the Pathways Centre or contact the Bond Co-ordinator:
Brendan Howard
Bond Year 12 Extension Program Coordinator
M: 0413 744 809
E: bhoward@bond.edu.au
Defence Work Experience Program 2023
The Defence Work Experience Program (DWEP) is a national Youth Program that provides young Australians with an interest in a Defence career, the opportunity to gain exposure to a range of job roles available within Defence and the Australian Public Service. Defence work experience activities are designed to be hands on and interactive so that young people can make informed career decisions.
We are pleased to advise the following programs are now taking applications online with others to follow as the year progresses:
| Defence Work Experience Program (DWEP) | WEP Number | Program Dates | Applications Close | Location |
| Army Familiarisation Program | WEP/00330/23 | 27 – 29 March | 19-Feb | Gallipoli Barracks |
| Army Familiarisation Program | WEP/00373/23 | 17 – 19 April | 05-Mar | Gallipoli Barracks |
| Air Force Familiarisation Program | WEP/00422/23 | 17 – 19 April | 19-Feb | RAAF Amberley |
| Army Familiarisation Program | WEP/00376/23 | 08 – 10 May | 19-Mar | Gallipoli Barracks |
| Air Force Familiarisation Program | WEP/00424/23 | 29 – 31 May | 16-Apr | RAAF Amberley |
Applications may close before the advertised date if large volumes are received. Students are advised places are limited and are strongly encouraged to submit complete and considered applications as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We work alongside ADF Units to bring students a valuable experience with serving personnel and therefore unforeseen changes to operational commitments may result in a placement being changed, postponed and/or cancelled at short notice.
Please monitor the DWEP website for updates on the program and to apply. Any questions regarding the work experience programs within South QLD can be forwarded to the South QLD Work Experience Program email address sqld.workexperience@defence.gov.au.
Want to study a Uni subject in Year 11 or 12? – Griffith University GUESTS Program
Applications are open for motivated students who wish to kick-start their Griffith University bachelor degree through the GUESTS program.
Benefits of the GUESTS program include:
- Complete the course while you’re still in high school
- Build skills and confidence
- Earn two adjustments and transfer credit when applying for eligible degrees
- Learn for free with no course fees
- Receive recognition on your QCE
- Earn Griffith Credentials
The GUESTS on-campus and online catalogue offers approximately 70 courses. Students can complete up to two courses, but no more than one 10 credit point (10CP) course per trimester.
Year 12 students are welcome to apply for Trimester 1 and 2 2023, while Year 11 students can apply for Trimester 2 and 3 2023.
Trimester 1 applications close 13 February,
To see course options, more details and to submit applications, visit the Griffith Uni GUESTS page
Co-curricular
Consider Doing a Duke of Edinburgh Award in 2023
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an internationally recognized program that invites young Australians aged 14 -25 (typically Years 9 to 12) to realise their ambitions and to change their world. All young people can participate, designing their own unique program of activities (over a set length of time) around their interests and passions. The program runs in over 130 countries across the globe, the Duke of Ed is entirely voluntary and is structured over three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Each level of the award has three base components:
• A Physical Recreation – which helps to improve physical fitness and can be a sport that students are already involved in (eg. softball, rowing)
•Skill – unleash their talents and broaden their abilities, this can also be a skill that students are already undertaking (eg. Saxophone lessons)
•Service – connecting with the community and volunteering to assist a chosen organisation.
In addition, students do an:
•Adventurous Journey – discover adventure and bond with peers (involves a practice journey and then a final, assessable journey)
Gold level has an additional fifth section – a Residential Project (undertaking of a purposeful experience with people who are not their usual companions and working towards a common goal).
See Mr Wotton in the Resource Centre for the latest information and forms to sign up.
For more general information about Duke click here.
Hillcrest Mountain Biking off to a great start in 2023
Mountain bike students headed out on Thursday last week for their first Nerang trail ride of the year, headed up by our awesome crew of mountain bike coaches (Photo from left to right: Melanie Foster, Sam Schooley, Marty Harris, Andy Bogatie and Dale Adams). Groups are split into three, namely Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced and each group is led off on their trail by their coach.
This week the intermediates and advanced focused on climbing the three Hills fire trail to enjoy the well deserved flowy downhills on three Hills and Baileys. The beginner group spent some time honing their skills on Casuarina Loop.
So good to get out on some of the newly revamped trails thanks to Gold Coast Mountain Biking and Trailworx.
A big warm welcome to a fresh new batch of Year 7 riders – some familiar faces from our after school junior MTB crew over the years; Byron and Jack.
Thanks again to the coaches and parents who help make our weekly rides a reality!
Student Achievements
Mackenzie’s National Dancing Achievement
Year 3 student Mackenzie Simpson from competed at the Evolution National Dance Competition in January at Royal Pines Resort here on the Gold Coast. She competed in the Under 8s Ballet Solo and came away with 2nd place in Australia which is an amazing achievement for her age! Well done Mackenzie!
Student Achievement: Noah Kerry- Gymnastics
Noah Kerry (Year 8), continues to excel in his sport of gymnastics. He has just been selected in the Trampoline, Double Mini Trampoline and Tumbling National Squad. The purpose of this squad is to develop and prepare athletes to complete at international events including Olympic and World Games. He will attend two camps in April and September.
This is an amazing achievement for Noah, considering he has been named in the team at the age of 12. This shows the extremely high level of natural talent as well as the commitment he has to his sport. We look forward to seeing him further succeed and develop in the sport of gymnastics.
Student Achievements
We love celebrating the achievements and success of our Hillcrest students. If you have a child that has reached a state or national level in their area of interest – anywhere from sport, the arts and more – we would love to hear from you and celebrate this success in our College News. Please fill out the form here.
Other News
Bus Services
The weeks are flying by and as we head into Week 5, we would like to thank all our families for traveling with us and for your patience, as we have experienced a few technical issues rolling into 2023. We would like to advise families of the following:
• Student cards have unfortunately had a delay as there have been technical issues with the production of the new cards. The team is working as quickly as possible to have this resolved and for all students to have their student cards by the end of the week.
• Over the holidays there were updates done on RollCall and Parent Lounge, which may have affected some parents’ access to RollCall. We wish to advise that only primary carers whom the child/ren live with now have access to Rollcall and secondary parents/ carer can be added using the RollCall App. Please see this link to assist: Add a Secondary Carer
• Previously we advised that booking patterns had been rolled over for existing bus travellers of 2022 using the booking pattern of Week 7, 14 – 18 November 2022. If you have had a change in your booking pattern or travel pass, please ensure you advise the Bus Team as soon as possible.
• Our Bus Service is growing, and this is very exciting! We would therefore like to ask families to please consider other students in the community who would like to travel, and kindly ask that if your student is booked to travel and will be absent on a certain day, you ensure the absence is marked in the RollCall App to free up the seat for another bus traveller. RollCall Absence
• Families wishing to use the Bus Service for the first time are encouraged to visit our website and register for Bus travel using the Bus Sign-up Form. Once this has been processed, an email will be sent to you inviting you to engage with RollCall, our Bus Management System. Please ensure your bookings have stops allocated. Making a Booking
• With many changes to booking patterns, passes, and technical issues we delayed the invoicing of accounts. Processing of Term 1 fees (invoices) will be processed this week. We would like to provide a reminder that accounts are kept up to date or paid in advance by adding credit for your chosen pass using the RollCall App. RollCall Payment. If your account runs more than 4 weeks in arrears, travel will be at risk for suspension until the account is brought up to date.
We once again thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we work to resolve these issues and apologise for any inconvenience, including a delayed response in email due to an increase in queries. For further information regarding our Bus Services, please feel free to visit our College website, Hillcrest Christian College – Bus Services, email the Bus Team at buses@hillcrest.qld.edu.au or call us 07 5593 4226. We once again thank you for joining us this year for Bus Travel.
School Zone Safety – advice for motorists
With school back, it’s a timely reminder to drivers to slow down in school zones and pay attention at children’s crossings. Coming back after holidays it can be easy to forget what to look out for.
School zone signs are displayed as you approach the school and shows both the speed limit and the times you need to reduce your speed around the school. Children’s crossings are identified by children crossing flags, which are displayed near crossings before and after school hours.
When the crossing is supervised, you as a motorist must:
- wait until all pedestrians, bicycle or personal mobility device riders have crossed the road and the crossing supervisor has returned to the footpath
- abide by the direction given by the School Crossing Supervisor.
If the crossing is unsupervised, you as a motorist must:
- give way to pedestrians, bicycle, or personal mobility device riders on or entering a children’s, pedestrian or marked foot crossings
- give way to pedestrians, bicycle, or personal mobility device riders on or entering a road you’re turning into
- give way to pedestrians, bicycle, or personal mobility device riders on a slip lane
- give way to pedestrians in a share zone
- travel at a speed allowing you to stop safely at a crossing if needed
As a driver, it’s important to make sure you give way to all pedestrians, bicycle, or personal mobility device riders such as skateboards, e-scooters. You must also give way to pedestrians using a motorised mobility device such as a motorised wheelchair or a mobility scooter.
Some of our most vulnerable road users are children getting to and from school, so it’s important to slow down and abide by the crossing rules, as it won’t make much difference to the trip time, but it could very well save lives.
Visit the Street Smarts website to find more information about what to do at pedestrian and children crossings.
Can Your Business Help our Students
The Pathways Team is looking for opportunities for our students. Can you offer:
- Work experience?
- A school based
- Traineeship/apprenticeship?
- Other opportunities to
- Benefit our senior students?
Contact Lucinda Crews, Pathways Engagement Coordinator lcrews@hillcrest.qld.edu.au.
