"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
I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past two weeks and highlight some of the exciting and challenging activities that our students have been involved in. It’s been a busy time for all of us, but I am incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment that our students have shown.
For many of our students, the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests have been a major focus. These tests provide a valuable snapshot of our students’ performance in key areas of literacy and numeracy. I am proud to say that our students have approached these tests with a positive attitude and a great deal of enthusiasm. Their hard work and dedication are truly inspiring.
Our Prep and Year 1 students have also been busy as well. They have been participating in swimming lessons, which are an essential part of our curriculum. These lessons not only help our young students to develop their swimming skills, but they also promote water safety and provide an opportunity for them to have fun with their classmates.
Our Senior Learning Community (SLC) students have been sitting exams. These exams are an important part of their academic journey, and they help to prepare them for the challenges of the future. I have been impressed by the level of focus and commitment that our SLC students have shown during this time.
I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our staff, who have worked tirelessly to support our students throughout this busy period. Their dedication to our students’ academic and personal development is truly commendable.
Congratulations to our students who participated in the AGCC Tennis competition. Your hard work and dedication to the sport has paid off and we are very proud of your success.
This week our Year 4 students have gone on their first school camp. This is a great opportunity for them to challenge themselves, build resilience and make lasting memories with their peers.
As the end of term approaches, we are also excited to celebrate Easter services and look forward to welcoming JLC parents on campus for the JLC Easter Concert. This is a special time for our College community to come together and reflect on the importance of faith, family, and community.
Congratulations to all of our students and staff on their recent achievements.
Culture and Wellbeing
As we embark on “Growth is a mindset,” as our theme for 2023, there has been peaking interest in spiritual growth in our student community. Students have weekly experiences in every learning community through Life Groups, Curriculum Lessons and Gatherings to explore the world through a Biblical worldview and seek answers to the bigger questions in life. Students also have optional sessions to attend in break times with Chaplains and support staff to dig deeper into a bible study or simply ask questions. We have seen more students attend these optional sessions than ever before.
We value the partnership between home and school and encourage you to foster open discussions about faith in your family. Whether it’s over dinner, during night-time walks, driving to and from sport or as you tuck your kids into bed, there is such value in taking the time to listen to your child and be available to answer their questions. These discussions can be challenging as kids often ask the “big questions” that we still wrestle with as adults. However, the discussions themselves, listening to the perspectives of others and seeking for answers together is a valuable process that builds trust and spiritual growth.
If you are looking for resources, there are some great online videos done by The Bible Project for SLC students and some excellent books for students of all ages here. Why not consider a book for your child this Easter?
From the ELC
The Early Learning Community has been buzzing with excitement as we approach Harmony Week. Both the Pre-Kindy and Kindy children have been exploring cultures from around the world in preparation for this important event. Harmony Day is celebrated in Australia on Tuesday, 21 of March, and is an opportunity to promote diversity, inclusiveness, and respect for all cultures.
Taylor Wells-McFarlane
Director, Early Learning Community
Director, Early Learning Community
From JLC Leadership
Dear JLC families,
It’s hard to believe we are already in the last few weeks of term, with swim intensives keeping our students engaged and active. We are thrilled to see the progress our students are making in the pool. In Week 9, Year 2 will commence their swim intensive, finishing with Year 3 in Week 10.
It was lovely to see many families at Parent Teacher interviews in Week 7, to chat with class teachers and engage with their child’s social, emotional, and academic pursuits this term. While Parent Teacher interviews are held in Term 1 and 3, meetings can be booked with your child’s teacher at any time if you have any concerns.
Week 8 has been a huge week in the life of the JLC! Year 3 students participated in NAPLAN testing and our Year 4 cohort were off to their first camp at Mt Tamborine. It was an exciting and challenging week for all, and we are very proud of how well our students managed everything.
Camp is an important milestone in the JLC. Year 4 set off on their first camp experience in Term 1. It is held at the beginning of the school year to foster and build connection among our students and teachers. It provides an opportunity for students to engage in team-building activities, develop social skills, and establish positive relationship with their peers and teachers, which can positively impact their academic and personal success.
Leading up to our Prep to Year 2 Easter Concert students have been practising and engaging in Easter themed stories and activities. The celebration will take place on 30 March at 9am in the Terrace Hall followed by Easter Activities in the classroom. A note was sent out to all families last Thursday, please remember to create an Easter hat for this special day; we look forward to seeing all the wonderful creations.
Blessings
Christy Gittins
Head Junior Learning Community
What’s been happening in the JLC
Our Year 3 Superstars!
Each year, students across Australia undertake the compulsory NAPLAN Online assessments in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Whilst these assessments are a routine part of the school calendar, for our Year 3 children, it was their first NAPLAN adventure. Taking part in something for the first time, can be met with a mix of emotions; excitement, apprehension, and perhaps even a little trepidation, but with courage, determination and a growth mindset, our Year 3s challenged themselves to do their best. Here is what they had to say …
“I was nervous at first, but then I started to enjoy it. As soon as the test was finished, I was so proud of myself.”
“I loved NAPLAN, even though I didn’t get my story finished! It was the best test in my life. I have the best teacher who was very encouraging and kind. She helped us settle in with everything we needed.”
“I was really looking forward to the online ‘Maths’ and the ‘Writing’. I think I rocked it at ‘Writing’ and blasted off at the end of ‘Reading’.”
“I was really scared at first, then Mrs Jeffery calmed me down. I was really excited about the ‘Maths’ one and feel I can do anything now.”
“I was a little bit worried because I had never done NAPLAN before. It had fun questions in it. It was also exciting for me.”
“I was a big nervous and I didn’t think I would finish, but in the end I had 10 minutes to go back and check my work … and I did it!”
“The NAPLAN ‘Writing’ was my favourite because I could write and use my imagination in whatever way I wanted.”
Well done Year 3, you should be so proud of yourselves!
Blessings,
Mrs Michelle Cecil
Deputy Head of Junior Learning Community – Curriculum
3/4 Lumos Toy Making
Investigations about the properties of materials and their uses, have been explored in Science this term through a toy making DCL. Materials used in early Australian times are encouraged to link in with their HaSs studies. Ways that forces act upon their toys to make them move, has also been covered.
Every week a strong contingent of parents, helpers and grandparents have supported the children with the many varied skills required for the tasks.
Life long memories and toys are being created through these investigations. We are thankful for the Friday support received.
From the Head of the MLC
Dear Parents/Carers,
The last fortnight has seen a lot of culminating learning activities start to take shape as students head towards the end of projects in Term 1. Staff are busy working on providing feedback for parents as part of our progressive online feedback process where you can access a more consistent and timely approach to feedback when the learning happens. This feedback process, which can be accessed via the Parent Lounge, negates the Mid-Semester Report of old, which we moved away from two years ago. At the end of Semester 1, parents will receive a formal report of your child’s learning during the first six months and this will be available again via the Parent Lounge.
As part of the feedback process, we completed our first round of Parent/Teacher interviews in Week 7. The two evenings were both well attended with most staff having full bookings with parents. As always, we would like to learn from your feedback on the process and would appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete some feedback via the following link.
In an earlier Newsletter this term, I referenced the visible learning that is happening across the Learning Community and I am thrilled to see that continue across both Levels of the MLC. I wanted to share a picture with parents so you can see the collaboration that is occurring in class on a daily basis. Many examples of student thinking is now shared on the walls of the MLC and this helps students to be reminded of their learning process through a physical artefact that displays core elements of the journey.
Darren Rackemann
Head of Middle Learning Community
What’s been happening in the MLC
Mining for Chocolate Chips – Science Year 8
Vertical Jump Test – Design Thinking
We are excited to share with you the innovative solution our teachers have come up with to address a common problem in the MLC. Some Year 8 students have been jumping and whacking the top of the lockers, ceilings, entrance ways, and other areas around the school.
Our teachers, who are always looking for creative ways to engage and motivate students, have decided to use design thinking to come up with a solution. They recognise that Year 8 love to compete in jumping, and that many of them enjoy playing basketball.
To channel this energy in a positive way, our teachers have created a leader board that tests the students’ jumping skills using a vertical jump test. The idea is to create a fun and competitive environment that encourages the students to improve their jumping ability, without causing damage to the school property.
By introducing this leader board, our teachers hope to promote healthy competition and physical activity among the Year 8s, while also addressing the issue of jumping and whacking around the school. We believe that this approach not only helps solve the problem, but also fosters a positive learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.
We encourage all Year 8 students to participate in this exciting initiative, and we look forward to seeing their progress on the leader board.
MLC New Student Welcome Event
Last week, we welcomed over 50 students into our MLC with a special morning tea (Year 5/6) or lunch (Year 7/8). This was an opportunity for new students to meet Mr Rackemann and some of our Year 8 Ambassadors. There was plenty of food (thanks to our supportive (P&F) and opportunities for students to ask questions to a panel of older students.
These occasions build confidence and create opportunities for new students to feel part of our community. We are delighted to share, they don’t feel so new any more and most have overcome the little obstacles and settled into their new school. We’re so glad they chose Hillcrest MLC!
Year 7/ 8 Just Dance eSports Competition Success
Congratulations to the Year 7/8 Just Dance students who competed with energy and enthusiasm at St Andrew’s Lutheran College on Friday, March 10. Hillcrest had two teams in the event, which served as a selection round for the Fuse Cup eSports competition. Both teams made the Semi Finals and one team progressed to the Grand Final to claim 4th. Special mention must go to Pietra for being awarded MVP of the day! The MVP is awarded to a student who demonstrates the values of integrity, strength, inclusion and teamwork. Congrats Pietra you made Hillcrest proud.
From the Head of the SLC
Based on the student, staff and parent feedback on the most recent MMG survey, we looked at sporting options for students at the College. After exploring possibilities, we decided to focus on the Association of Gold Coast Colleges sporting competition as our main competitive sporting avenue and supplement this with Gala Days against other local schools, involving teams in local sporting club regular fixtures and participation in high quality school competitions.
After much planning, I am delighted to report that the start of the AGCC season has been a great success! A number of staff went to visit fixtures, myself included, and the feedback from the coaches was positive. It was great to see the excitement on the students’ faces as they participated in the first game of the season. While we may not have won all games, we did win our fair share, however, the winner was the students. They participated in a competitive fixture of their choice.
Our co-curricular sporting program allows students to develop and demonstrate all of the SECRET Skills – Self Manager, Effective Participator, Creative Thinker, Reflective learner, Enquirer, and Team Worker. As part of my visits, I watched the last part of the Open Girls Touch game. During the game, the whole team was organised, involved, took responsibility and managed the team. Even though the team won convincingly, at the end of the game they identified issues, sought feedback, found solutions and then trained for an additional 15 minutes with the attitude that we don’t stop when we get it right, we stop when we no longer get it wrong. It was great to see the risks they were willing to take with the support of their peers.
Overall, the start of the AGCC season has been a great success, with some thrilling matches and impressive performances by the participating teams. It is a testament to their coaches who have only been working with them for a short time and the efforts of Mr Suter, Head of Sport, Mr Gemmell, Director of Co-Curricular Activities and Mrs Geddes, Sport and Cocurricular Administration Officer.
We encourage any feedback on our sporting opportunities, both positive and areas requiring further improvement, via slcsport@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
We look forward to following the rest of the AGCC season and seeing our teams both further develop their physical literacy, sport specific skills and SECRET Skills.
Until next time,
Jason Day
Head of Senior Learning Community
jday@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
What’s been happening in the SLC
SLC Exams
Our Senior Learning Community (SLC) students have been working tirelessly on their exams, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their studies. As a College community, we are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication.
These students have shown remarkable resilience and determination, balancing their academic responsibilities with other commitments. We recognise the challenges they have faced, and we are confident that their efforts will pay off in the form of excellent results.
Pathways News
Interested in an overseas working gap year?
CCUSA facilitates summer camp work, work experiences, volunteer programs and intern placements in the USA, Canada and UK for young travellers.
This can be done during a gap year, or before, while at, or after you finish university, college or TAFE.
Download all programs brochure HERE
Camp Counsellors USA and Canada programs:
These are open to those who are 18 and over by 1 June of each year. The program runs from June to September (northern hemisphere summer) allowing you to spend nine weeks living and working at an amazing summer camp in the USA or Canada. Aussies are always high in demand to work as camp counsellors/leaders at the 1000+ camps that CCUSA work with across the USA and Canada. This program can be done, before, during or after Uni/TAFE/College. Applications for 2024 open in June.
- CLICK HERE for the electronic brochure for Camp Counsellors USA program.
- CLICK HERE for the electronic brochure for Camp Counsellors Canada program.
Here are two videos with some really good information:
- This is a short video explaining all of our programs on offer.
- This video is a little longer and goes into our most popular program of Camp Counsellors USA and Canada. This was a live zoom call so there are questions asked throughout.
CCUSA‘s unique programs are designed to teach leadership, professional development and work-related skills. In today’s society, communication, collaboration and creativity are critical for success in the work force. Many Australians believe a GAP year experience between high school and tertiary studies – or after graduating university, before entering the work force – is an effective way to gain these important skills. Working or volunteering overseas is also useful in guiding students in personal growth and deciding on a study or career path.
Interested in a Bible College Gap year?
Are you looking at gap year options following school?
Brisbane School of Theology run a Bible College Gap Year program where students can complete an undergraduate certificate or Diploma in Ministry or Theology in up to 12 months.
These undergraduate qualifications could then lead you into further study in this, or other fields.
Finishing school is exciting and full of possibilities, but it can be a little daunting. Now is the time to invest in your relationship with God.
At BST we’ll support you to grow stronger in your faith as you seek out God’s purpose for your life.
Imagine what God can do in your life through a Bible College Gap Year.
Brisbane School of Theology is running Open Nights for more information:
On Campus – Thursday April 20, 6:30pm. Register HERE
Virtual – Thursday May 11, 7pm. Register HERE
Complete a Certificate II in Hospitality over your school holidays at Palazzo Versace
Learn in a real hotel with classes delivered over the June/July, September and December school holidays.
Scan the QR code for more information and enrolment. Spaces are limited and applications close June 9.
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 |
| 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
Co-curricular
Cross Country Carnival – MLC + SLC
Hillcrest Christian College held its annual Cross Country Carnival with students from Years 5 – 12 participating in the event with great enthusiasm. The day was filled with excitement and energy, as students ran the challenging course that had been set up around the College grounds.
Despite concerns about the weather, the rain held off for most of the day, with only the last rotation being affected by the weather. However, this did not dampen the spirits of the students, who continued to give it their all in the face of the challenging conditions.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the announcement of the winners of the SLC and MLC House Champion trophies. After a gruelling race, Taylor emerged victorious, winning both the SLC and MLC House Champion trophies. Although sportsmanship and cheer could be heard throughout all the Houses, Greene took out the House Spirit trophy for their impeccable war cries and outrageous outfits.
A massive congratulations to all our Age Champions mentioned below. Many of these students ran twice, in both the competitive ‘championship race’ and the non-competitive ‘fun race’.
| MLC Age Champions | SLC Age Champions | |||
| 10yrs Girl | Charli Van Wyk | 14yrs Girl | Mayali Jeffery | |
| 10yrs Boy | Hudson Flower | 14yrs Boy | Elliot Ley | |
| 11yrs Girl | Madeline Ley | 15yrs Girl | Matilda Duhig | |
| 11yrs Boy | Bowie Taylforth | 15yrs Boy | Elijah Welsh | |
| 12yrs Girl | Eliza Vickery | 16yrs Girl | Sunny Lappin | |
| 12yrs Boy | Huddy Bowker | 16yrs Boy | Vincent churches | |
| 13yrs Girl | Sabina Heinzel | Open Girl | Halle Kapeechkin | |
| 13yrs Boy | Isaac Woods | Open Boy | Kai Pyyvaara | |
| 14yrs Girl | Matea Morris | |||
| 14yrs Boy | Louis Minet | |||
After the Bell
We are excited to announce our After the Bell Facebook page. We encourage all families to join the page, to stay up to date on the program. To join the page please click HERE. Our Term 2 program will be announced towards the end of Term 1.
FUSE Cup Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Competition
Recently four SLC students represented Hillcrest Christian College in the Gold Coast FUSE Cup Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Competition. This competitive 1v1 fighting game was hosted by St Andrews Lutheran College.
The competition involved 52 students competing. Players compete against each other and the top scoring players progressed to the next round. Three of our four players namely Ryan Baker, Logan Evers and Thomas Darke made it into semi-finals. After a nail-biting game in the finals, Ryan won the overall second place for the FUSE Cup.
Students who attended the FUSE Cup were passionate about e-sports, as this competition is a great opportunity for them to learn valuable lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship. Besides that, students also stood the chance to earn the title as the best player in the Gold Coast region.
Training for the event involves identifying opportunities for improvement. The training for the event also allows students to share knowledge with each other when they play against each other. We focused on developing strategies together for fighting different characters.
Hillcrest Strong in AGCC Tennis
Hillcrest’s inter-school tennis squad has made a very positive start to the AGCC sporting competition in 2023 winning 10 out of 12 matches so far this season. Watching the six teams from Year 7-12 playing against the other southern conference schools, it was evident that the players not only have been developing skill, but are also developing an understanding the etiquette and culture of the game. Students are also learning to score and what sportsmanship looks like in the sport of tennis. These teams are being led by their very passionate and knowledgeable coaches, Mrs Constantia Hill and Mr Robert Luxton. We are looking forward to seeing how the teams progress over the next four rounds before the finals and crossover games against the northern conference schools.
Swimming: QSS State Championships
Congratulations to the following students who have qualified in the South Coast swim team for the 2023 QSS Swimming State Championships, to be held at Chandler Aquatic Centre next week. We wish them every success as they compete against Queensland’s best.
- Hunter Boswell
- Gideon Burnes
- Dominic Fletcher
- Lacy Kamprad
- Indiarna Kamprad
- Tracey Kapeechkin
- Jaiden Marshall
- Hayley Mackinder
- Ryan Voigt
Student Achievements
Kai’s Continued Golf Success
Kai Komulainen (Year 12) has continued his development in golf on a national and international stage. He latest achievement is being named in the Golf Australia QLD Junior State Team. This will be Kai’s last time representing QLD in the Junior Team as he will turn 18 at the end of the year.
Kai has also verbally committed to play golf for the University of Tennessee, America, starting in 2024. He has received a full scholarship to Tennessee who are ranked in the top 10, Division 1 colleges for Men’s Golf in the USA. Congratulations on your continued success, Kai. You have an exciting few years ahead of you.
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
COFFEE from The Well Café Connect is back!
Whether it is for a moment of self-care or a time to connect with others, we invite you to enjoy this space.
Open daily from 7.30am-9am initially. Starting Tuesday, 21 March. There will be Hot Cross Buns available until Easter.
Josh, Hannah and Maddi look forward to meeting and serving you.
See you soon!
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.
