"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."
Psalm 143:8
Jeff Davis
Executive Head of College
Executive Head of College, Jeff Davis shares an update the Hub Cafe plans, the impacts of COVID on Hillcrest and ‘Bullying. No Way’ day.
Blessings
Culture and Wellbeing
Meet our Chaplains
The College aims to develop all four domains of the individual (Intellectual, Emotional, Spiritual, Wellbeing) equally within the global context. In addition to our Life Group Pastoral Care program (which is designed to ensure that each student feels cared for, connected and personally known) and our academics taught through a biblical worldview, we have three incredible chaplains working within our College.
Our Chaplaincy Team are involved in many areas of College life. They run proactive programs in JLC, MLC and SLC to build relationships with and between students and get involved in a variety of sports days, camps and College events to get alongside our students. Each week they run Gatherings in each community to encourage students in their faith journey and share practical biblical teaching in an age appropriate way. These Gatherings have a huge student involvement, with students filming skits, praying and involved in praise and worship. Chaplains are also integral to our community partnerships, missions trips and service learning opportunities.
Our chaplains are available to support students with spiritual / faith issues or concerns, friendship concerns, conflicts between students and general stress and worry over schoolwork or grades. For issues of this nature students are encouraged to connect with our College Chaplains through their Life Group teachers.
Let us introduce our Chaplains:
Tim Cochran
SLC Chaplain
Nat Cochran
MLC Chaplain
Heidi Luxton
JLC Chaplain
Tim is in his sixth year serving at Hillcrest and is all about encouraging, equipping and empowering young people in life to the fullest and their potential. He does this many different ways, but especially with students in action based and experiencing life firsthand, whilst learning along the way. He loves drawing out the best in people and helping set them up for a life of serving others whilst in return, living their best life. Tim’s heart is for building Kingdom Culture to be the normal, so he lives life on mission and is continually inviting people to be do likewise. Tim loves working with teams to bring out the best in the group. He loves his wife whom he has been married to for 28 years and their five children.
Nat is in his third year at Hillcrest (and yes, Tim is his dad!). He lives in beautiful Pottsville across the border and loves to stay active by running and cycling. He is also the eldest of five siblings with four younger sisters! When asked what he loves about being a chaplain, Nat says, “I love that I can bring fun and faith to our community. Life following Jesus is exciting and adventurous, so I hope that students see that by the way I outwork my role as a chaplain. I pray that students would take a step close to Jesus and experience His love and hope. My journey with Jesus took a giant leap when I experienced Him, and I pray students experience that too.”
Heidi is also in her third year at Hillcrest. She is married to Rob (SLC Science Teacher) and has three teenagers. She loves anything water related (beach, pool, bodyboarding), op-shopping, reading, and coffee! When asked what she loves about being a chaplain, Heidi says, “I can’t possibly pick just one thing! I love the joy and relief on a child’s face when they feel you have really understood them and what they are going through. And praising God with a great bunch of joyful kids is just an amazing privilege. I pray that everyone that’s a part of the JLC Community feels they belong, and sees the wonderful truth that Jesus loves them and walks with them.”
Keep an eye out for Tim, Nat and Heidi. They’d love to meet you!
Stress and Anxiety: Coping Strategies
Healthy relationships are key to maintaining a healthy and fulfilled life. They can have a positive or negative impact on our lives. It is important that we maintain relationships by taking the time and putting effort into relating to one another in a positive and healthy way. Furthermore, the impact of healthy relationships can have a flow-on affect, which is why it is even more vital that the next generation are learning how to build and maintain healthy relationships with others around them.
Healthy relationships are built on several attributes: –
Central to these attributes is Love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reminds us why love is so important, ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres’.
If Love filters through every part of relating with one another it helps guide and motivates us to be and do better in our relationships. Love helps maintain peace and invites happiness and brings joy in our lives.
Building and maintaining healthy relationships improves our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. It helps improve our overall well-being and plays an important part in maintaining longevity, good health and a happy life. Let’s continue to work towards looking after our relationships well, it has long lasting benefits!
From the ELC
Every day in Kindy is filled with fun and adventure. One of the highlights of our year so far has been the opportunity to grow our Early Learning Community by adding a third Kindy room to our current Pre Kindy, Kindy 1 and Kindy 2 spaces. Our ELC aims to provide children with the foundational skills required for lifelong learning and development. Experiential learning provides opportunities for a range of positive developmental outcomes such as curiosity, expression of self, creativity and the development of relationships with a sense of identity, belonging and wellbeing embedded in an engaging play-based environment.
An early years education can greatly benefit a child’s development, and better prepare them for starting school. Each child will ‘graduate’ from our Early Learning Community feeling confident and ready for their transition to the next phase of their learning journey, equipped with many new skills and friendships to ensure they can spark curiosity and thrive in our Junior Learning Community and beyond. What a privilege it is to share these experiences with even more Kindy friends in 2022.
Here is what a few of our Kindy children have shared about their time in the ELC so far this year:
- I love the whole playground. – MS
- Chasing is fun. – LC
- I love playing. – RS
- I love cooking with my friends. – LH
- Playing on the fort with my friends is fun. – KL
- I like the water pumps and watching it flow down. – ST
- Playing and exploring in the garden. – CM
- I like painting flowers. – WB
- I really like playing with the mermaids. – GM
- I like learning about bugs and going to the garden. – LM
- Everything, I just love EVERYTHING! – AM
Thank you for entrusting us with your precious children, we love sharing our everyday with them.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love … but the greatest of these is LOVE!” 1 Corinthians 13:13
Michelle Cecil
Director of Early Learning Community
From the Head of the JLC
As we head towards the last three weeks of Term 1, it was lovely this week to see our Prep to Year 4 community coming together to worship, share in a message and pray at our weekly JLC Gathering. A big first for our Preps who navigated their way up to Terrace Hall and to the top of the big stairs to be part of all the fun. The JLC Gathering is held each week in Terrace Hall from 8.20am until 9am, and we look forward to welcoming parents along in Term 2.
While our start to the year has been quite different to most, we are so pleased that we could continue learning together in our cohorts and have time to build some important start of year routines. As the current season continues to impact our staff, please be assured that we are working hard to maintain consistent relief staffing and programming for your child’s class. You may have also noticed that some of the specialist lessons have been impacted, which may mean these lessons are made up on an alternate day. French specialist lessons from Kindy to Year 4 have been put on hold for 2022 due to limited staffing options. Please know we are still considering this option into the future as we value learning a second language in the JLC. It is imperative that when learning French in Kindy to Year 4 that there is an early year focus and, as such, we did not want to compromise the program. We will continue to update you as move forward.
Our heart goes out to those families who have been impacted by the recent floods or affected by COVID in some way. Teachers each day are working hard to ensure that quality learning continues, however, we are unable to offer a dual platform that consists of online learning at the moment. If your child has been away from school, teaching staff will make every effort to consolidate learning that may have been missed during the term.
This week, Year 2 commence their Learn to Swim intensive week at Somerset College. This involves four, 50-minute lessons over a week to improve swim confidence, stroke correction and improved muscle memory due to repetition. Learning to swim is an important milestone in the junior years, especially living on the Gold Coast where we are surrounded by water. Year 1 will participate in the program next week with remaining year levels in Term 4.
Parent Teacher Interviews (PTI) have been moved to Term 2 and the JLC times have been adjusted to Tuesday, 26 April and Thursday, 28 April after school. Parent teacher interviews are an important way for teachers to report back on how your child is progressing socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically. While PTIs are held twice throughout the year, if you are having any concerns, please email your teacher so they can arrange a time to meet with you earlier.
We have also made some changes to the Easter celebrations. To continue the College’s tradition in P-2, we ask that you create an Easter hat with your child at home to attend our Easter Hat and Parent Connection morning on the Wednesday, 30 March. Parents are welcome to attend this event which begins with a coffee van and hot cross buns from 7.30am in the P-2 playground area. On Friday, 1 April, the students will be part of a combined K-4 Easter Gathering Service. This event will be held in the Theatre and families will be able to view it online after the event via a link sent out in the Newsletter. These events are important in sharing the significance of Jesus and Easter.
As we navigate the final two weeks of Term 1, I pray that all our Hillcrest families are safe and well and feel a sense of connection to the Hillcrest community.
Blessings
Christy Gittins
Head Junior Learning Community
What’s been happening in the JLC
Mathematics in Prep
In Term 1, Preppies develop a love of mathematics through exploration, hands-on activities and guided learning. This term, we are exploring numbers up to 20, where we learn how to represent each number in many different ways, such as; numerals, words, tally marks, tens frames, pictures and number lines. Each week, we focus on three new numbers and use a range of hands-on materials, games and craft to help us consolidate this learning. We have lots of fun completing ‘Maths on the Move’ activities on a Wednesday where we learn through games or activities on the Prep Deck or in an outdoor setting incorporating both gross and fine motor skills. The students are also getting more proficient in using Digital Technology in the form of Seesaw to complete activities and present information and ideas. We look forward to watching our Preppies continue to grow and learn each day as they explore a range of mathematical concepts!
Year 2 Swimming
This week, Year 2 has completed their Learn to Swim intensive week at Somerset College. Year 2 students went to four, 50-minute lessons this week to improve swim confidence, stroke correction and improve muscle memory. Learning to swim is an important milestone in the junior years, especially living on the Gold Coast where we are surrounded by water. Year 1 will participate in the program next week with remaining year levels in Term 4.
Bullying. No Way!
This week on Friday our JLC students learned all about bullying and how we can all play a part in putting a stop to this. Students were taught what bullying is – which is mean a over and over and over. They talked about what they could do to stop it and contribute to a culture of kindness. Showing kindness to everyone is such an important part of putting a stop to bullying. We are so proud of our students and the efforts they put in to contribute to the kindness culture here at Hillcrest.
Engineering workshops!
The South Queensland Engineering Link Project, proudly hosted by QUT and supported by Engineers Australia and the Department of Transport and Main Roads is back, and is bigger and better than ever!
The project will be held on Saturday, 26 March at QUT Gardens Point campus (The Cube).
Year 4, 5 & 6 students (and their parents/guardians) – Dream Big (Engineering Our World) – 12pm-4pm
Students and their parents/guardians will share in an award-winning movie designed to inspire and then participate together in hands-on workshops.
Registration for these events is via our website.
From the Head of the MLC
It is incredible to think that we have only been back with face-to-face learning for six weeks and have already fit so much into the term. Our students are working hard on end-of-term projects and assessments and there has been a steady improvement in the culture of student accountability around their learning. Students demonstrated some of their learning this week at the first Student Conferences for the year. I am always amazed to see students as young as 10 years old articulating their learning to their parents/carers and we feel this form of feedback leads to a deeper understanding for both students and parents of what is really happening through the learning journey. We look forward to our second Student Conference evening on Tuesday, 22 March starting from 3:15pm.
We have played host to many visitors from other schools and organisations so far this year and the feedback continues to be very positive with guests particularly interested in our approach to co-teaching in the classroom, use of the SECRET Skills to underpin learning and unique approaches to leadership and the use of space. Earlier this week we had the Executive Officer from Adolescent Success (Australia’s leading Middle Schooling Association) tour the MLC and she left amazed at how far we had progressed so early into our second year.
Last week we had about 20 staff on a Contemporary Learning Tour visit the College and they were again very complementary in their feedback after a presentation from the MLC Leadership about our vision for the future of learning. One of the visitors wrote the following feedback,
It was inspiring to hear the strong vision from the Middle School leaders at Hillcrest last week. As we sat in their converted car park learning centre, they shared their vision for learning and the intentional coaching and professional learning they are doing with staff to bring it to life. Change always takes time but it starts with a clearly articulated vision.
In times where we are tired from supporting loved ones through major events like COVID-19 or flooding, it is important to stop and celebrate the successes along the way. We are driving a continuous improvement agenda in the MLC that will always look to improve on what we do in supporting student learning; however, it is nice to know that others in our field are watching and feeling inspired by what we collectively accomplish along the way.
Have a blessed week
Darren Rackemann
Head of Middle Learning Community
What’s been happening in the MLC
Year 7 Science Kite Construction
This term students in Year 7 Science are constructing and flying kites to investigate the four forces of flight; lift, weight, drag, and thrust. By the end of the unit, students will be able to predict the effects of unbalanced forces, including Earth’s gravity, in motion.
MLC Fish
Students in the MLC are enjoying the replenished fish tanks on both levels. These tanks bring a focal point of interest for many students and others simply enjoy watching them swim about. It is quite soothing.
Students are responsible for feeding the fish daily and cleaning the tanks weekly. It is delightful to see students keep each other accountable for the tasks to ensure our tanks are kept clean and healthy.
We currently have bristle-nose cat fish, platties and guppies, who get along swimmingly!
If you have any fish you would like to donate or any hidey holes/castles etc that we could include in our tanks, please email mpohlmann@hillcrest.qld.edu.au.
Bullying. No Way!
The National Day of Action against Bullying is a day for schools, students and the community to say Bullying. No Way! On Friday, 18 March 2022, our College was involved in a range of activities to encourage Kindness Culture by promoting inclusion, respect and belonging.
There was an atmosphere of joy as students walked in with orange, black and white balloons decorating our courtyards. Students enjoyed unpacking what “Kindness Culture” and “Respect” looks like in our community and were involved in a range of activities at breaktimes. Each community had a ‘Bullying. No Way!’ Assembly to address students and engage in conversations around bullying.
With the sausage sizzle, music, tug of war and craft – there was something for everyone at breaktime today. We encourage families to continue the conversation at home. What does kindness culture look like at home, school, online, on the sports field etc? How do the little things snow ball into a positive and respectful culture? Who is a safe person at home or school they can talk too if they see bullying or experiencing bullying? More information and resources for families is available here.
The Little Polish Boy 8C Poems
The Year 8s have been reading The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas as a novel study, learning about experiences of people affected by WWII and the Holocaust. The photo below is considered one of the most powerful photographic images of our modern history. It was published in Life Magazine in November 1960, and depicts a young Polish boy entering the Warsaw ghetto with his hands up.
Here is a selection of the poems the Year 8s wrote about this picture.
Little polish boy
your innocent face filled with horror
frozen in time for a moment
you should have had your whole life ahead you
but instead, your fate lies to a reckless soldier
tears slowly dripping down you face
the world knew but did nothing
screams faded in the background
pale faces in the darkness
standing together but alone
with you little hat and tiny hands
they treat you like dirt
the people heard but said nothing
it is Icy cold
but nothing matters
you are blinded with fear
the world stands still
everything else fades away
the world found out but said nothing, did nothing and claimed that they knew nothing
I wish you could see the world now
Mia Piestrzynska
Little polish boy
Looking at you with your arms in the air
I wonder what happend to you
Surrounded by to many guns to count
Little boy
With your troubled eyes
the sound of gun fire in your ears
Never ending
With a constant chill of being shot
our senses shut down
Little polish boy
You in the tattered cloths
Prosecuted by a golden star
You who has made an example
Of salvation
Bryce Osman
Little Polish boy who’s in fear
I send you love and a little tear
As you sleep through the night
With gun shots around
I send you courage and a little fight
You may feel discouraged, but we are here
When you come back, we are there
When you feel sad talk to the sky
We will be listening, and we are there
As you walk through the gates
Your face must fill with terror
Poor little polish boy
You are the bravest ever
With machine guns right next to you
the big soldiers yelling at you
I give you courage to keep fighting
And the strength to keep living.
I wish you a good night.
Amy Robinson
Drama Festival 2022
We are seeking a group of serious actors from Years 7-12 who wish to perform in a professional production for the Gold Coast Secondary School’s Drama Festival competition.
Please email Ms Kelly Sparke if you have any questions on KSparke@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
Year 7 and 8 students must be successful in an:
Auditions Term 1 (Week 10) Monday, 28 March from 3-4.30pm in the Drama Studio
- Rehearsals each Thursday during sport/activity time from 1pm–3pm. Must choose this as an activity in Terms 2 and 3 if successful in the auditions.
- Additional after school rehearsals in Term 3 will be needed in the lead up to the completion:
-
- Thursday, 14 July – 3-5pm (Week 1)
- Thursday, 21 July – 3-5pm (Week 2)
- Thursday, 28 of July 3-5pm (Week 3)
- You must be available for the Drama Festival Competition on the evenings (after 5pm) of Thursday, 4 August, Friday, 5 August and Saturday, 6 August (TBA by the Festival) at a school venue on the Gold Coast (TBA by the Festival).
Engineering for all ages!
The South Queensland Engineering Link Project, proudly hosted by QUT and supported by Engineers Australia and the Department of Transport and Main Roads is back, and is bigger and better than ever!
The project will be held on Saturday, 26 March at QUT Gardens Point campus (The Cube), for the following groups.
Year 7, 8 & 9 students – Build a Sustainable City – 12pm-4pm
Students will work in teams to develop infrastructure solutions to elevate life in our city, and make it more sustainable. The project is hands-on and will provide opportunities to work with QUT ambassadors and engineers.
Year 4, 5 & 6 students (and their parents/guardians) – Dream Big (Engineering Our World) – 12pm-4pm
Students and their parents/guardians will share in an award-winning movie designed to inspire and then participate together in hands-on workshops.
Registration for these events is via our website.
From the Head of the SLC
As per the Shield, the focus in the Senior Learning Community is Student Driven Pathways. So, what does this mean and how is it outworked? We embrace that all students are unique and have varied gifts and talents and we allow them to select from a wide variety of elective subjects to support their core learning. The compulsory nature of English and Mathematics provides a foundation for literacy and numeracy skills and the choice, variety and flexibility in elective subjects fosters the personal interests and strengths in each student. Combined with targeted Career Education lessons and Pathways Planning in Year 9, compulsory Work Experience in Year 10 and staff support, this provides the necessary roadmap to drive students towards their future goals. Outside of the standard curriculum, students have the opportunity to further personalise their experience through University “Student for a Semester” programs, School-Based Traineeships, School-Based Apprenticeships and other Vocational Education and Training programs including the Diploma of Business and numerous Certificate III courses.
We aspire all students to graduate with a Queensland Certificate of Education which is enhanced by either a university subject experience or a Vocational Education and Training qualification. Students in Year 11 who are considering further studies at university after Year 12, should see Mrs McCully regarding the plethora of “Student for a Semester” programs which include:
Griffith University Guest Program
Bond University Year 12 Extension Program
Queensland University of Technology Start QUT Program
University of Queensland Advanced Studies Program
Southern Cross University Head Start Program (Not available in 2022)
University of Southern Queensland Head Start Program
Central Queensland University Start Uni Now Program
There are identical experiences to these from interstate universities. Mrs McCully (jmccully@hillcrest.qld.edu.au) can also discuss the Vocational Education and Training opportunities.
Jason Day
Head of Senior Learning Community
What’s been happening in the SLC
Bullying. No Way!
The National Day of Action against Bullying is a day for schools, students and the community to say Bullying. No Way! On Friday, 18 March 2022, our College was involved in a range of activities to encourage Kindness Culture by promoting inclusion, respect and belonging.
There was an atmosphere of joy as students decorated the courtyard with orange, black and white balloons. Students enjoyed unpacking what “Kindness Culture” and “Respect” looks like in our community and were involved in a range of activities at breaktimes. Each community had a Bullying. No Way! Assembly to address students and engage in conversations around bullying.
With the sausage sizzle, drinks and hand artwork, there was something for everyone at breaktime today. We encourage families to continue the conversation at home. What does kindness culture look like at home, school, online, on the sports field etc? How do the little things snow ball into a positive and respectful culture? Who is a safe person at home or school they can talk to if they see bullying or experiencing bullying? More information and resources for families is available here.
Gatherings and Assemblies back in person
With the ease of restrictions, we have jumped back into some things we have been missing such as meeting in person for Assemblies and Gatherings! Nothing beats the atmosphere of all being in the room together, supporting and cheering each other’s accomplishments. It’s great to be back in this space together!
Zen Zen Zo Drama Workshop
Last week our Senior Drama students took part in an intensive three hour Physical Theatre Workshop with a Brisbane based company, Zen Zen Zo learning about how to use their body and physicality as a performance tool in Drama. Students from Years 9-12 in our Academic Drama classes worked closely with their teachers and artist in Resident Gina from Zen Zen Zo, an actor, director and physical theatre specialist to learn about the principals of physical composition as a performer and actor. Students completed two physical workshops back to back over three hours.
Workshop 1 – Students partook in a series of exciting and challenging exercises which introduced the key performance skills of Energy, Focus, Physical and Ensemble Awareness. This was an introduction to physical theatre and created a perfect foundation for their strong, dynamic performance work.
Workshop 2 – Students explored the language and methodologies for devising drawing from the Viewpoints system, with the workshop culminating in the creation of a short, dynamic physical theatre piece. The skills they gained will enable them to independently devise their own work with confidence in the future. A day of confidence-building, creativity and collaboration, culminated in devising physical drama works that were beyond all their expectations. The students worked hard, were challenged and creatively inspired and they now can’t wait for the their next Drama workshop. Well done to our Hillcrest Senior Drama Family!
Ms Kelly Sparke & Mr Athol Henderson
Inter-house Competitions
Although we were not able to start the term off with our usual swimming carnival, that hasn’t stopped the House competitions. In the last week there has been the annual inter-house Chess and Dodgeball competition. These were a great way to kickstart House spirit amongst the students for 2022. Many joined the Chess comp and added points to their House just for participating. The competition was hot for Dodgeball with Carmichael taking out the win in both the Year 9-10 comp and the Year 11-12 comp. What a great start to the year for our Houses!
Drama Festival 2022
We are seeking a group of serious actors from Years 7-12 who wish to perform in a professional production for the Gold Coast Secondary School’s Drama Festival competition.
Please email Ms Kelly Sparke if you have any questions on KSparke@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
Year 11 and 12 students must be successful in an:
Audition Term 2 Week 2 – Tuesday, 26 April from 3-6pm in the Drama Studio
- Rehearsals each Tuesday from 3pm-6pm on the following dates:
TERM 2
- Tuesday 17th May (wk 5)
- Tuesday 24th May (wk 6)
- Tuesday 31st May (wk 7)
- Tuesday 7th June (wk 8)
- Tuesday 14th June (wk 9)
3 WEEK BREAK – SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
TERM 3
- Tuesday 12th July (wk 1)
- Tuesday 19th July (wk 2)
- Tuesday 26th July (wk 3)
- Tuesday 2nd August (wk 4)
- Tuesday 9th August (wk 5)
- Tuesday 16th August (wk 6)
- Available for the Drama Festival Competition on the evenings (after 5pm till around 10pm) either Thursday, 18 August, Friday 19 August or Saturday, 20 August (TBA by the Festival) at a school venue on the Gold Coast (TBA by the Festival).
Year 9 and 10 students must be successful in an:
Audition Term 1 (Week 9) Monday, 21 March from 3-5pm in the Drama Studio.
- Rehearsals each Thursday during sport/activity time from 12.45pm – 3pm. Must choose this as an activity in Terms 2 and 3 if successful in the auditions.
- Additional after-school rehearsals in Term 3 will be needed in the lead up to the completion and these will be advised ASAP.
-
- Thursday, 14 July 3-5.30pm (Week 1)
- Thursday, 28 July 3-5.30pm (Week 3)
- Thursday, 11 August 3-5.30pm (Week 5)
- You must be available for the Drama Festival Competition on the evenings (after 5pm) of WEEK 5 – Thursday, 11 August, Friday, 12 August and Saturday, 13 August (TBA by the Festival) at a school venue on the Gold Coast (TBA by the Festival).
2022 Model United Nations Conference
Years 9 – 12 students are invited to apply to be part of our 12-person model UN team. The team is assigned a UN country and prepares as representatives of that nation for a two-day event against teams from other schools, on 17-18 July at The Southport School. The themes for this conference are ‘Security in the Asia-Pacific Region” and “Nuclear Energy”. These broad topics encompass science, history, geography, laws and many other subjects for you to show your expertise. You will also be given the chance to showcase your public speaking skills, ability to cooperate with others effectively, negotiate and most importantly, work hard to get the best for your country.
Please submit expression of interest via email or in person to Mr du Toit by Monday, 21 March.
Engineering for all ages!
The South Queensland Engineering Link Project, proudly hosted by QUT and supported by Engineers Australia and the Department of Transport and Main Roads is back, and is bigger and better than ever!
The project will be held on Saturday, 26 March at QUT Gardens Point campus (The Cube), and will include the following events.
Year 10, 11 & 12 students – Engineering Link Project – 8am-4pm
Students will choose one or two engineering modules to actively participate in, led by professional engineers and QUT STEM ambassadors (undergraduate engineering and science students). Lunch is included.
Year 7, 8 & 9 students – Build a Sustainable City – 12pm-4pm
Students will work in teams to develop infrastructure solutions to elevate life in our city, and make it more sustainable. The project is hands-on and will provide opportunities to work with QUT ambassadors and engineers.
Registration for these events is via our website.
Certificate II Hospitality Holiday Program
If you are interested in completing a Certificate II in Hospitality qualification over the 2022 school holidays, please click here for more information.
Benefits: no cost to you (government funded), course is conducted with real life work experience at Versace hotel, completion of the course will give you 4 QCE points!
Numbers are limited – apply now to avoid missing out.
Seeking Work Experience Providers
This year our Year 10 students will be participating in a Work Experience Program as part of their pathways journey. Students are required to find a provider in industry who would be a suitable match to their career goals. We are seeking any expressions of interest from the College Community to be part of this program as a Work Experience Provider. If you are self employed or work for an employer who would be interested in offering a work experience placement to one of our Year 10 students, we would love to hear from you!
Please contact Joelle McCully – Careers and Pathways Coordinator at jmccully@hillcrest.qld.edu.au or 07 5655 0930.
Academic Enrichment
2022 Model United Nations Conference
Years 9 – 12 students are invited to apply to be part of our 12-person model UN team. The team is assigned a UN country and prepares as representatives of that nation for a two-day event against teams from other schools, on 17-18 July at The Southport School. The themes for this conference are ‘Security in the Asia-Pacific Region” and “Nuclear Energy”. These broad topics encompass science, history, geography, laws and many other subjects for you to show your expertise. You will also be given the chance to showcase your public speaking skills, ability to cooperate with others effectively, negotiate and most importantly, work hard to get the best for your country.
Please submit expression of interest via email or in person to Mr du Toit by Monday, 21 March.
Co-curricular
Cross Country Training
The Cross Country is scheduled for Week 2 of Term 2.
Are you ready for this? Come and join us for Cross Country training which occurs every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:15am-8am on the oval.
That’s Entertainment
Parents, friends, and the College community are invited to attend and be thoroughly entertained by some of Hillcrest Christian College’s finest senior musicians in the first Music Concert of 2022. THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT will feature the following choirs and instrumental ensembles:
- Bel Canto
- Bella Voce
- MANCHOIR
- SLC Rock Band
- Vivo Strings
- Volare Stage Band
- Wind Symphony
Students have been working hard in rehearsals preparing new repertoires to perform at this concert. Please join in celebrating their music accomplishments and in turn, delight in enjoying an array of music from a variety of styles – ‘that’s entertainment!’
Monday March 28, 6.30pm, College Theatre
Gravity Enduro Mountain Biking
Three of our students, Preston Robinson, Sebastian Borelli and Kai Pyyvaara competed in the first round of the Scenic Rim Gravity Enduro mountain bike series held at Kooralbyn Resort MTB on 20 February. Run over five stages with a cumulative total determining final placings, the boys were competing in the most competitive group, the U17 boys. Preston had a solid run to finish 20th, Sebastian likewise pushed hard for 8th and Kai snatched 3rd and a podium with a second run of the longest stage – beating 4th by .1 seconds. First to fifth were separated by only eight seconds at the end of the day. We look forward to seeing more faces competing from Hillcrest in future events with the next being the Oceania downhill championship, also at Kooralbyn, from the 18-20 March.
Student Achievements
Congratulations to QATSIF recipient, Nevarda Ridgeway
Congratulations to Nevarda Ridgeway, recipient of the QATSIF (Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation) scholarship. The QATSIF scholarship contributes towards costs associated with QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) for Indigenous students. We are excited to journey with Nevarda, as he continues to work hard towards achieving his goals!
Noah Kerry Qualifies for Queensland Trampoline Gymnastics Team
Noah Kerry (Year 7) has qualified for the 2022 Queensland Trampoline Gymnastics Team on the weekend in both Tumbling and DMT (Double Mini Tramp). Noah has been developing his abilities since starting gymnastics at the age of four, before focussing on trampoline gymnastics since the age of nine. He is aiming to make the Australian side at the national selection competition in March at Logan. His goal this year is to compete on a national and international level.
Noah trains 18 hours per week. What he enjoys about the sport is that he is part of a small but very close team, having a great coach and it is a difficult and unique sport that is very technically challenging. We wish Noah all the best in his chosen sport.
Kai Komulainen No.1 Junior Golfer in Australia
Kai Komulainen (Year 11) is the number 1 junior in Australia. He has just been selected into both the Golf Australia Queensland Junior Boys Team and the Men’s QLD High Performance Program for 2022. He wasn’t expecting to be selected into the Men’s QAS (QLD Academy of Sport) Golf Australia Program as he is still at school. But he is excited to be one of eight selected into the open age men’s program for the state this year.
This continues on from a very successful 2021 when Kai was awarded the boys Junior Order of Merit after winning five out of six tournaments. Locally, he won the Greg Norman Junior Masters held at Robina Woods Golf Course. Kai also played in the Queensland PGA, held at Nudgee Golf Club. He made the cut and finish equal 25th. As one of only four amateurs who competed in the tournament, and as a junior, this was an amazing effort.
Kai, who currently has a handicap of plus 3, started playing at the age of nine. His ambition is to turn professional or perhaps going to college in the US. We look forward to following his successes in the next two years, and beyond.
Other News
Support for Flood Victims
Last weekend, Hillcrest staff, together with Reedy Creek Baptist Church and Our Church took a group of volunteers under Convoy of Hope out to Coraki to carry out some mud outs and clean ups as well as being a listening ear with a heart of love for support to the locals. This group provided food, necessary supplies and finances a well.
Hillcrest has been connecting with local churches both here and in the Northern NSW affected areas to help both immediately and with ongoing assistance and support for these people with the practical love of God.
There are many ways in which assistance is being provided to the affected communities. We encourage everyone to give in any way that you can. One of our Hillcrest parents from the I Love Robina Facebook page has been collecting supplies to help those affected in Lismore. If you would like to give via this method please check out the work he’s doing here.
Support for Ukraine
With the devastating war affecting the citizens of Ukraine, please consider supporting in one of the following ways.
1. Pray about it. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
2. Donate to one of many organisations who have people on the ground in the Ukraine and Poland providing housing, food, counselling and other needed resources. If you wish to donate through Baptist World Aid, click here.
Seeking Work Experience Providers
This year our Year 10 students will be participating in a Work Experience Program as part of their pathways journey. Students are required to find a provider in industry who would be a suitable match to their career goals. We are seeking any expressions of interest from the College Community to be part of this program as a Work Experience Provider. If you are self employed or work for an employer who would be interested in offering a work experience placement to one of our Year 10 students, we would love to hear from you!
Please contact Joelle McCully – Careers and Pathways Coordinator at jmccully@hillcrest.qld.edu.au or 07 5655 0930.
Community Safety – drop off and pick up
For the safety of our community, we are asking parents and carers to carefully follow these ‘pick up’, ‘drop off’ and parking guidelines:
- The College drop-off zone is for children exiting vehicles only. Please park in designated spaces provided within the College to assist with large items or for extended periods.
- Vehicles MUST always be parked legally so as not to cause an obstruction.
- Please do not block residents’ driveways, even for ‘just a minute’.
- Please watch for instructions from traffic management staff.
- Please leave enough room for local traffic to move in and out of residences.
- Do not park in the two minute ‘Kiss N Go’ bays on Bridgman Drive between 7-9am.
- Do NOT park in neighbouring complexes or local business car parks while waiting for children.
- Do not simply pull alongside parked cars outside the Main College to allow your children to ‘jump in’ or ‘jump out’.
- If your vehicle is very large, please consider parking a little further away.
- Consider when leaving Chocolate Drive and top drop-off area, turning left onto Bridgman Drive as in most cases this will be faster.
- Safety for our College community and courtesy to our local residents needs to be a priority.
