"Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."
2 Corinthians 12:9
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 new school year has introduced many of us to the AI technology of ChatGPT. Whilst some are excited and inspired by the possibilities of this technology, others may feel unsure or even completely overwhelmed.
Resistance, uncertainty, and fear often show up whenever we face anything that challenges our sense of “normal”. Technologies that we now consider normal and non-threatening, were once considered a threat to our way of living. For example, the development of writing was not always considered the useful and helpful technology that it evolved to be. Right back in 300BC, Plato argued, “If people use this it will implant forgetfulness in their souls. They will cease to exercise memory because they rely on this technology”. (Reference, “The Shallows; what the internet is doing to our brains” by Nicholas Carr).
Throughout history, with every new technology, something is lost and something is gained. There are benefits and there are challenges. And what presents as an opportunity to one person, can appear a threat to another.
The task for all of us is to navigate how new technologies can add to our lives in a healthy and meaningful way. To grow in our awareness and ownership of our values so we can identify more clearly the place we want these technologies to hold, and to put appropriate boundaries around our technology usage so we have a sense of control rather than being controlled.
This year, our theme at Hillcrest is, “GROWTH is a mindset”, and we invite our community to explore this in all areas of our lives.
A growth mindset allows us to step into curiosity and courage, to use our intelligence and the resources around us, to mindfully navigate new territory. It allows room for awareness of our resistance to change but invites us to consider new ways of looking at things and an openness to possibilities previously not considered.
Let’s go on the adventure together!
From the ELC
Fill a Bucket
The Early Learning Community has been on a heart-warming learning journey recently, as each of the classrooms have begun to explore the ‘Fill a Bucket’ concept. This concept, based on the book by Carol McCloud, encourages children to be kind and to show appreciation for the good things in their lives.
The ‘Fill a Bucket’ book is about the idea that everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled or emptied depending on the actions of those around them. When we are kind to others, we fill their buckets, and in turn, our own buckets are filled as well. On the other hand, when we are unkind or hurtful, we empty their buckets and our own at the same time.
Through exploring this concept, the children in the Early Learning Community have been learning about the power of their words and actions, and how they can impact those around them. They have been encouraged to look for opportunities to fill someone’s bucket each day, whether it be by saying something kind, helping someone in need, or simply smiling and showing appreciation.
Not only does the ‘Fill a Bucket’ concept help children to develop social and emotional skills, such as empathy and gratitude, but it also aligns with the Early Learning Community’s focus on the children’s spiritual development. As the Bible verse in Ephesians 4:32 states, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” By embodying this verse and showing kindness in their daily interactions, the children are practicing important values such as forgiveness, compassion, and love.
The ‘Fill a Bucket’ concept continues to be a valuable learning experience for the Early Learning Community, helping to foster a kind and caring community where everyone feels valued and appreciated. It is inspiring to see the positive impact that such a simple concept can have on young children, and we look forward to continuing to explore ways to cultivate kindness and empathy in our classrooms.
Taylor Wells-McFarlane
Director, Early Learning Community
Director, Early Learning Community
From JLC Leadership
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we pass the half-way mark of the Term 1, we reflect on the learning and exciting events that have taken place and those that are yet to come.
The Year 3 and 4 Swimming Carnival saw students come together for a fun filled day to showcase their swimming abilities in Week 5. We were delighted to see the level of participation, courage, and determination of our students as they navigated each race. On Friday, at the Swimming Carnival Awards Assembly we further acknowledged and congratulated our high performers who placed first, second and third in freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, along with 8, 9 and 10-year-old Age Champions and overall House winner: Taylor.
An important domain of our College Shield is ‘Strengths and Interests’. The Swimming Carnival is just one event that can help students shine and feel valued for their strengths and interests. A strength-based education is an approach that focuses on identifying and building on strengths and positive qualities of students, rather than addressing their weaknesses and shortcomings. This approach aligns well with the principles of positive psychology, which is a branch of psychology that focuses on the promotion of well-being and optimal functioning. When individuals can identify and use their strengths, they are more likely to experience positive emotion, feel a sense of accomplishment, and be motivated to pursue their goals. This can be particularly important for students who may not excel in other areas of academic and co-curricular activities, as it gives them a chance to feel valued and appreciated. In JLC we are always looking for opportunities for students to explore their interests and strengths, as this can help to shape their future goals and aspirations.
We look forward to, Parent Teacher Interviews in Week 7, for all Prep to Year 4 classes. This time is set aside to discuss how your child is progressing academically, socially, emotionally and their overall wellbeing.
Sessions will occur on:
- 7 March (Tuesday) 3.15pm – 6.00pm, and
- 9 March (Thursday) 3.15pm – 5:30pm
A note was emailed home last week, time slots (15 minutes) opened on Friday, 24 February at 7am and will close on Friday, 3 March at 7pm. If all the time slots are unavailable, please email your child/ren’s classroom teacher directly to arrange another time slot on a day that suits.
We look forward to seeing many of you over these two nights.
Blessings,
Christy Gittins
Head Junior Learning Community
What’s been happening in the JLC
JLC Spotlight on French
Bonjour et bienvenue to French in the JLC! Towards the end of 2022, we began our exciting adventures in French, and achieved so much in a relatively small amount of time. The children enjoyed learning how to greet people, introduce themselves and ask people how they were feeling. A lot of fun was had with colours and numbers and we will continue to build on this vocabulary this year, with a whole year ahead to explore French culture, new words, songs and games.
Madame Grosser is our JLC French teacher and learned French at school just like our JLC children. She continued to learn French, as well as Spanish in University; finally getting her chance to go to France in 2003. Yes, she went to the top of the Eiffel Tower! Madame said, “It was incredible to finally see it with my own eyes. It is quite a wonder to behold, especially at night when all the lights on it are twinkling”.
French is a major world language, spoken as the first language in more than two dozen countries on five continents and as an official language in 33 countries. For students learning French for the first time in a school language program, a key dimension of the curriculum involves understanding the cultural dimension that shapes and is shaped by the language. The curriculum is designed with an intercultural language learning orientation to enable students to participate meaningfully in intercultural experiences, to develop new ways of seeing and being in the world, and to understand more about themselves in the process.
Madame Grosser loves sharing her love and passion for the French language and culture with our JLC children. À bientôt!
Blessings,
Michelle Cecil
Deputy Head of JLC – Curriculum
JLC Swimming Carnival
The JLC Year 3 and 4 Swimming Carnival was incredible fun, with our highest participation rate on record!
Congratulations go to all our swimmers, with a special mention of our Age Champions:
8 Year Old Girls:
1st place – Harper Price
2nd place – Isabella Skinner
3rd place – Mia Lang
8 Year Old Boys
1st place – Malcolm Hawley
2nd place – Dax Dyson
3rd place – Nicholas Serventi
9 Year Old Girls
1st place – Lucia Wilson
2nd place – Emma Stepanik
3rd place – Lola James
9 Year Old Boys
1st place – Harry Darcy
2nd place – Harry Turner
3rd place – Leon Burchell
10 Year Old Girls
1st place – (tie) Alexia Alcott & Ireland Cullen
3rd – place Stella Cullinan
10 Year Old Boys
1st place – Samuel Baker
2nd David Bromberg
3rd – place Liam Thompson
Although facing a disadvantage in the bonus House point gathering swim at the end due to a longer walk around the pool, the victorious House proved to be: TAYLOR!
Year 4 Swimming Week
This week, our Year 4 students had a fantastic time in the learn-to-swim program. Throughout the week, they not only enhanced their physical strength but also gained valuable knowledge and skills to improve their stroke techniques. The students also had a blast in the pool, making the entire experience both enjoyable and beneficial.
From the Head of the MLC
Dear Parent/Carer
It has been another busy fortnight in the MLC with staff and students passing the halfway mark of Term 1. All of the time and effort that has been poured into building solid relationships in the first few weeks is now starting to pay off and I am really impressed with the high level of engagement around student learning that is currently on display. It is always a joy to lead a tour through our College and for guests to see for themselves the unique learning environment within the MLC.
One of the talking points for guests this year has been the visible learning that has been present on both floors. Staff are encouraging students to demonstrate their thinking up on their classroom walls so we can all see their progress towards learning goals. This might involve setting clear learning objectives, providing regular feedback on student performance, using formative assessments to monitor progress, and encouraging student self-reflection and metacognition.
Another new initiative that was great to see last week was the New Student Welcome event that occurred during Morning Tea for students in Years 5&6 and lunch for students in Years 7&8. New students invited a friend along to the event and we shared some food, stories and played some games led by our Student Leadership Club. It was a great way of building community and making sure that everyone who is new feels connected to our amazing MLC culture.
Our staff completed an extended Professional Learning session in Week 5 based around digital skills in the classroom. It was a great program with over 20 individual sessions led mostly by Hillcrest staff, including many who are Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEEs). We have more MIEEs in our College than any other school in Australia and hence we are working hard to move forward with our integration of digital skills, something that I hope students and parents start to notice over the coming months.
Finally, I would like to remind parents of our upcoming Parent/Teacher interviews that fall on Tuesday and Thursday in Week 7. Our staff are looking forward to sharing more about the learning of your children and continuing the collaborative approach to helping them become the best they can be.
Blessings
Darren Rackemann
Head of Middle Learning Community
What’s been happening in the MLC
Year 5 Excursion to David Fleay Wildlife Park
Our Adventure At David Fleays Wildlife Park by Giselle Lloyd
Why we went to David Fleay
We went to David Fleay, because this term Year 5 have been learning about animals in Australia and their physical, behavioural and structural adaptations. One of the best learning skills is visual learning so, going to David Fleay’s would improve our learning and make our writing project successful.
About the experience
The experience was truly amazing. It was hot, but worth our learning experience. The bird show had many birds that we had never seen before like the White Bellied Eagle, Black Kite and an owl that was very interesting. Walking through the Wallaby Way was a great way to use our visual learning by looking up close at the animals. The possum was remarkable and sweet as we watched it walked across the stage.
Other student opinions
“Very informative and amazing” – Summer Blamire
“I think the Emus were very nice” – Zadie McCarthy
“The animals were fascinating, and I saw some animals that I didn’t know existed” – Jackson Nicol
“I liked how you could walk and see the Wallabies and how they interact” – Linkyn Saunders
What we learned
We learned about what the David Fleay’s staff and others do to add sustainability to our animals and help them. We learned that people are building systems for koalas, so they don’t die when crossing the roads. We saw the crocodile how it has adapted to its environment, and how it is such an important part of the ecosystem. We saw snakes and many more animals. We also filled out a whole worksheet about all the animals and how they have adapted to their habitat.
Giselle Lloyd
Year 5
Biblical Worldview
Our mission at Hillcrest Christian College is to deliver young people to society who are:
- Educated and prepared for success in their personal, professional and spiritual life
- Equipped with the knowledge to discern what is good, the skills to demonstrate self-discipline and integrity, and the spirit to live with compassion
- Empowered to commit themselves to action for a better society
- Energised to live the truth of the gospel of Jesus in the service of God
In the MLC, we educate, equip, empower and energise our students through a range of authentic learning experiences. We have Life Group three mornings a week to build relationships with students, pray and share a relatable devotion. Teachers also look through a biblical lens as we plan and deliver curriculum units to authentically integrate Christian values and perspectives. For example, Year 7 is currently looking at biology in science where we will explore the intelligent and intricate design of God’s creation of ecosystems. Each year students will also engage in short courses based on the needs of the cohort, including Alpha and Peacewise. If you have any questions about our integration of a biblical worldview, please contact Michelle Pohlmann, MLC Head of Learning – Spiritual (mpohlmann@hillcrest.qld.edu.au) for further insights.
Kokoda Youth Foundation – Camp
The Kokoda Youth Foundation offers several different youth programs for young people 13-18 years of age. You may have already heard of the Kokoda Challenge – 18km, 48km and 96km walks in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Whilst all their programs are targeted at different outcomes for the participants, they all use the Spirit of Kokoda to reinforce the philosophy that choices matter and the effort you apply to each endeavour has a direct correlation to your success and fulfilment in life. More info can be found here.
There is an upcoming camp for young people between 12-14 who are looking to shut down, update and restart and reassess their use of technology. This digital detox camp is in the upcoming school holidays and is free for accepted participants. Please see the flyer for more details.
The Real People Behind the Floods – Year 7
Carly was a homeowner, Mother and proud chicken proprietor in the Lismore 2017 and 2022 floods. After learning the facts and harsh realities of floods, Year 7 explored the real people behind the statistics. Earlier this term, a resident of Lismore came to share her experiences dealing the one of the most devastating natural disasters her community has ever seen.
The tone of honesty that carried through the presentation made the entire class speechless. Carly showed pictures (taken by herself and her family) of the destruction that ravaged her home. The truly valuable part of the experience though, was the light and perspective she saw and shared with us.
None of us had realised the true strength of a united community before she had explained the way that her neighbours and others in her area rallied around her family and provided both basic human needs and emotional support for all flood-affected people.
We were all touched deeply when Carly explained the emotional and physical toll the Lismore floods have taken on her family, and her two young kids. We then delved into the perspectives of all stakeholders in the floods, beyond the ordinary level of facts. Our empathy was cultivated as our understanding grew; it was a truly valuable experience. Thank you, everyone who was involved.
Maddie Berkowitz
Year 7
MLC Cross Country
Our MLC students completed an amazing Cross Country event on campus this week! There was so much team spirit, competition, and grit displayed throughout the day, and we had a blast despite the weather turning against us towards the end. Nothing could dampen our spirits as we cheered on our fellow classmates and pushed ourselves to the limit. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event a huge success!
From the Head of the SLC
Student Driven Pathways
As the Senior Learning Community continues to evolve, we are excited to highlight the growing importance of each student’s student-driven pathway based upon personal interests and strengths. We believe that students should have the opportunity to create, with guidance, their own educational journey, and this approach empowers them to take ownership of their learning.
Student-driven pathways involve giving students the flexibility to explore opportunities that are meaningful to them, whether that be through vocational education or tertiary opportunities, work experience or service opportunities that cater to their unique interests. This approach allows students to pursue their passions, and gain knowledge and experience in areas that they are truly passionate about.
At the Senior Learning Community, we have seen first-hand the benefits of student-driven pathways. While we have a large subject offering compared to similar sized schools, by increasing the meaningful learning opportunities for students, we have witnessed increased engagement, motivation, and overall academic success in the QCAA subjects that students are studying on campus. We know students who can pursue their interests are more likely to stay engaged in their coursework and develop a lifelong love of learning.
One of the key benefits of this approach is that it encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. They become more self-directed, setting their own goals and working towards achieving them. This independence helps prepare them for success beyond their time in the classroom, as they develop skills in time management, self-motivation, and self-reflection.
At the Senior Learning Community, we believe that every student has their own unique God-given talents and interests that should be fostered and nurtured. By allowing students to pursue their own educational experiences, we are setting them up for future success.
We look forward to continuing to support your student in their individualised learning journey.
Blessings,
Jason Day
Head of Senior Learning Community
jday@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
What’s been happening in the SLC
Year 11 & 12 Music Work With Renowned Composer Annie Kwok
On Friday, 17 of February, Year 11 and 12 music students had the wonderful opportunity to work with our composer in residence, Annie Kwok. She presented to the students, exploring how she uses the inspiration and context of her commissions to inform her compositional processes. In each class she worked with students to brainstorm different strategies for starting compositions. After her presentation students had the opportunity to work one-on-one with Ms. Kwok to workshop their compositions for their second piece of assessment.
SLC Student Representative Council
The Student Representative Council (SRC) has begun meeting this year to discuss a range of important issues that affect students at Hillcrest. Led by the 2023 College Vice Captains, Jed Gregory and Giselle Chau, the meeting discussed the need for more student voice around uniform expectations and ways to improve punctuality and communication around the College. The council members shared their ideas and suggestions on how to tackle these issues and made plans for the upcoming weeks.
The meetings have been a success, with all members actively participating in the discussions and contributing valuable insights. It was encouraging to see a number of students invited to address the SRC about issues affecting them and the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the SRC members, who are dedicated to improving the school experience for all students.
As the SRC continues to meet and work on various initiatives, we are confident that they will make a significant impact in the College community. We commend the members of the SRC for their hard work and dedication, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes they will bring about.
Year 10 Social Evening – Zone Bowling
We are excited to share with you the success of our recent Year 10 Social Activity Evening, held at Zone Bowling, Robina. It was a fantastic event filled with fun and excitement for our students from both our Reedy Creek and Virtual Learning communities.
On Wednesday, 22 February, our Year 10 students gathered to play two games of tenpin bowls with a delicious hot dog, fries, and a drink. The event was a great way for our students to bond and create unforgettable memories, away from the pressures of academic work.
The night was a huge success, and students enjoyed playing games and competing with their friends. The competitive spirit was high, and the atmosphere was electric as students cheered each other on.
We would like to thank the staff at Zone Bowling Robina for their hospitality and support in making this event possible. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Hillcrest staff who organized the event, ensuring a fun and safe environment for our students.
At Hillcrest Christian College, we believe in fostering a sense of community and belonging. Events like the Year 10 Social Activity Evening are an essential part of our school culture, providing opportunities for our students to connect and build relationships with each other.
Thank you to everyone who participated in making this event a success. We look forward to future social events that bring our students together.
SLC Cross Country
This week, our SLC students had their highly anticipated Cross Country Carnival. The races were nothing short of intense, with some participants opting for a leisurely pace while others pushed themselves to the limit. The event was brimming with House Spirit, and runners were treated to some much-needed refreshment in the form of water sprays. It was a great opportunity for everyone to come together, have fun, and celebrate the athleticism of our students.
Pathways News
Are you interested in a course in makeup or hair styling?
Huxley School of Makeup is ranked as the number 1 makeup school throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific, providing all successful students with the completion status of being professional makeup artists.
To see the range of courses available, please visit huxleyschoolofmakeup.com/courses/
Huxley are also soon to launch a Cert II Retail cosmetics and Cert III in Makeup.
The Diploma courses are carried out in partnership with TAFE QLD, where VET Fee Help is available for eligible students.
Huxley provide graduating students the opportunity to build a robust and successful career in areas including film, fashion, freelance, or theatre.
University of Melbourne information webinar for QLD students
Always wondered what it’s like to study at the University of Melbourne? Excited to live and learn in Australia’s cultural capital?
Information webinar – Tuesday 28 March 7-8:30pm
Register HERE
If you’re from Queensland, this is your chance to learn what life is like at UniMelb and how to navigate the move from interstate. In this specially designed information session we’ll cover:
- How our Melbourne curriculum supports you to explore your passions, follow your curiosity and find your path through our wide range of breadth subjects and majors
- Our University Accommodation options and student life initiatives to support you in making Melbourne your new home and feeling welcomed by our community
- How you can take advantage of opportunities in and out of the classroom, such as concurrent diplomas, work-integrated learning and internships, exchange programs, and our competitive scholarships
- Access Melbourne, our special entry access scheme that offers guaranteed entry to eligible students from rural and regional areas, and those with a disadvantaged financial background.
You’ll also hear from some of our current students who have made the move from Queensland to Melbourne, and be able to ask them questions about their experience.
Are you interested in a career in the Australian Defence Forces?
There are upcoming Defence Force information sessions in March and April. See defencejobs.gov.au/events for details and to register.
| Date | Session | Time | Location |
| Wed 8 March | ADFA Career Information Session | 6:00-7:30pm | Defence Force Recruiting, Robina |
| Tue 21st March | Women in Defence | 6:00 -8:00pm | Virtual Information Session |
| 27th March | Health Careers Information Session | 6:00-8:00pm | Virtual, online |
| Tue 28th March | Engineering Careers Information Session | 6:00-8:00pm | Virtual, online |
| Wed 5th April | Navy Career Information Session | 6:00-7:30pm | Defence Force Recruiting, Robina |
| Tue 18th April | ADFA Career Information Session | 6:00-7:30pm | Defence Force Recruiting, Robina |
For questions or further support with your pathway, please see Mrs Crews or Mrs McCully in the Pathways Centre.
Screen Industry Careers Event – hosted by Gold Coast TAFE 27 March
SCREEN INDUSTRY CAREERS EVENT
Join a conversation with Screen Industry professionals about the skills valued by the industry and the many associated career opportunities.
Panel moderated by Gabrielle Jones – Screen Industry Liaison, City of Gold Coast
Panellists:
Lynne Benzie, CEO Village Roadshow Studios.
Pete Diver VFX and Virtual Production Fika Entertainment.
Kylee Kay Chief Operations Officer Toast VR and Games.
James Greville, Executive Producer Two Little Indians Films.
Gerry O’Leary, Training Manager NEP Broadcast.
The panel discussion will be followed by an industry expo from various screen industry organisations and education providers, networking, drinks and canapés.
This event will be of interest to career advisors, ILOs, parents, high school students and educators, tertiary students and educators and screen industry professionals and emerging.
Date: 27 March 2023
Time: 5.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Event Cinemas, Level 1 Westfield Coomera 109 Foxwell Rd, Coomera QLD 4209
Click here to register for this free event
Searching for a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship?
Attention: Year 10 and 11 students
There are regularly advertised job and traineeship/apprenticeship vacancies available from our partner RTOs.
If you are thinking of doing a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship, we encourage you to keep an eye on the following sites for opportunities. Narrow down the search to relevant jobs/industries and regions of interest using their search functions.
Please see us in the Pathways Centre if you are considering doing a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship and have not yet started the process.
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
Academic Enrichment
World Scholar’s Cup Hosted at Hillcrest
This week, Hillcrest Christian College hosted the regional round of the World Scholar’s Cup. The event brought together students from various schools in the state to compete in an academic tournament that challenges their critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural understanding.
The regional round was a great success, with participants engaging in a range of challenging events such as team debates, collaborative writing, and individual quizzes. The atmosphere was intense as students put their intellectual skills to the test, showcasing their ability to think creatively and work collaboratively.
In addition to the academic component, the World Scholar’s Cup also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding. Students had the chance to interact with peers from different schools, sharing their ideas and experiences, and building lifelong friendships.
Hillcrest Christian College’s hosting of the regional round of the World Scholar’s Cup was a testament to the College’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. It was a privilege to witness the outstanding talents and passion of the young scholars who participated in the event, and we look forward to seeing the best of Queensland compete in the upcoming global rounds.
Co-curricular
What an awesome two days of the Inter-school Chess Competition!
Each student played seven games throughout the day. It was intense competition with around 250 students from more than 10 schools around the Gold Coast competing.
The students all demonstrated great sportsmanship, incredible focus and exceptional effort. My favourite moment was seeing the camaraderie between the students and the encouragement they showed to each other throughout the day.
Fantastic results by our students!
Years 7-12 results:
- 1st place – Thomas Darke (Individual- Division B)
- 2nd place – Hillcrest 1 team (Divison B– Thomas Darke, Mark Bekker, Max Qin, Joshua Rouse)
- 1st place- Connor McNeish (Individual- Division C)
- 2nd place- Hillcrest 3 team (Division C– Nate Chang, Matthew Young, Kosei Suzuki, Connor McNeish)
- 4th place– Hugh Cullen (Individual- Division D)
- 1st place– Hillcrest 4 team (Division D– Sasha Lee, Timothy Gregory, Hugh Cullen, Zach Oliver)
- Merit awards- Mark Bekker, Max Qin, Thomas Darke, Sasha Lee, Timothy Gregory, Hugh Cullen, Zach Oliver, Matthew Young, Kosei Suzuki, Connor McNeish, Hudson Gold, Logan Evers
Prep-Year 6 results:
- 3rd place – Hillcrest team 1 in Division A (Darwiin Huang, Bayes Cai, Mason Venville and Elijah McGuire)
- 3rd place – Hillcrest team 3 in Division C (Oliver Swann, Archie Henderson, Sebastian Speak and Harvey McGuire)
- Merit awards – (Bayes Cai, Vincent Van Der Molen, Hunter Chong-O’Neil, Archer Byrnes, Harvey McGuire, Oliver Swann, Archie Henderson, Sebastian Speak and David Bromberg)
Well done to all our teams!
If there are any students interested in entering future tournaments, please send an email to Mrs Teresa McGuire tmcguire@hillcrest.qld.edu.au.
Years 7 – 12 Border Schools Sports Gala Day
As part of a continuing strategy to offer more sporting opportunities to students in Years 7-12, over 150 Hillcrest students participated in the first Border Schools Sports Gala Day. This was the biggest inter-school team sports event seen in the Senior School for the past six years. Competing against Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School and St Andrews Lutheran College, our students had the chance to participate in a full day of touch footy, tennis and mountain bike riding. On a warm and humid day, the competition was a healthy balance of having fun with a competitive spirit on display. This competition was the first of three gala sport days for the year with the next gala sports day being in Week 5 of Term 2. Thank you to the sports department for organising the day, as well as all staff who refereed, officiated and cheered on our athletes.
CANNONBALL Mountain Biking Festival THREDBO 13-18 FEBRUARY 2023
What an awesome experience for Kai Pyyvaara, Sebastian Borelli, Jacob Borelli, Chace Adams and Padjua Torres alongside Sam Schooley to be a part of this amazing National Mountain Biking event. The week comprised of five major events including FOX FLOW MOTION CUP, THE OSPREY ALL-MOUNTAIN ASSAULT, THE ROCKSHOX PUMP TRACK CHALLENGE, THE DEITY WHIP WARS AND THE OAKLEY AUSTRALIAN OPEN DOWNHILL!
The AusCycling Australian Nationals MTB Championships featuring the Downhill and Pump Track titles were part of the Cannonball event schedule. Competitors raced for the green and gold jerseys as well as Cannonball cash and prizes.
The Hillcrest boys competed alongside pro and world champion riders from around the globe, with over 950 entries in total.
It was a week of adventure and pushing boundaries on the body and the bike, some faring better than others. The Hillcrest boys returned home relatively unscathed with renewed enthusiasm and drive to achieve well in the sport, looking forward to next years Cannonball 10 year anniversary event!
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.
Parents & Friends
New Parents Dinner
This week, the Parent’s and Friends committee hosted the annual New Parents Dinner. The event brought together families who joined our College within the last year, offering them an excellent opportunity to get to know each other. Parents were also able to connect and share their experiences with one another. Adding to the festivities, our talented students and staff members provided live music that everyone enjoyed. Overall, it was a memorable evening that brought joy to all who attended.
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.
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.
