Hillcrest News

JLC Year 1 Term Update!

Welcome back to Term 3! As we have wrapped up our exciting learning opportunities in Term 2, including our information reports and diorama design, students have settled into Term 3 routines and were excited to see old friends and new ones, too. In Term 3, we are exploring persuasive writing in English and practicing expressing our opinions with reasons and examples. Persuasive writing is quite engaging for Year 1s as they are quite able to give their opinions on topics and support their opinions with why they think a certain way. Grandparent’s Day, Story Book Day, Father’s Day and our Pirate Puppet Show are all highlights of Term 3. We look forward to all the amazing experiences ahead in Term 3!

Blessings,
Year 1 Teachers

JLC Learning in Year 1! Spotlight on 1RB!

Welcome back to Term 3! In English, 1RB have commenced the term learning about Persuasive Writing using the ‘OREO’ format. Opinion, Reasoning, Examples and Opinions – such a scrumptious way to learn about persuasive genre structures. We are engaged with reading the novel Pippi Longstocking and are unpacking the character of Pippi and her adventures. In Science we are ‘Change Detectives’ joining together with 1JK to experiment with Chemical Changes. The students participate in hands on learning that demonstrates the concepts of liquids, solids, reversible and irreversible by using the materials of ice blocks and spaghetti so far, to explore these changes.

For HASS we have watched videos, read books, viewed photographs about families in the past and present and are learning about different family structures. We are highlighting our College Shield Values by deepening our understanding that each family is different, unique and special. The PeaceWise program makes important connections to our HASS studies including learning about empathy and the significant role Grandparents play in our families.

In Maths, we learnt about place value and especially enjoyed the place value basketball game as some of our 1RB students represent Hillcrest basketball! We are clever at making real world connections and have not been divided when learning about halves and skip counting concepts this week! As a class we are so excited to continue to flourish and journey together for another awesome semester to learn about God and the stories of the Bible. Keep shining your light 1RB!

Learning in Year 2: Spotlight on 2KB

The Year 2 students have embraced the start of Term 3 with enthusiasm and excitement, and we are all looking forward to another wonderful Term ahead! In 2KB this past fortnight, we have continued to learn about the different strategies in the PeaceWise program that we can use to solve conflict in our lives. Have you heard the 5As of apology rap yet? In number, we have been revising 3-digit place value and have started to use skip-counting to introduce repeated addition and begin to explore beginning multiplication concepts. As we further explore the genre of narratives, we have been writing sizzling starts that include a number of techniques such as: action, dialogue, onomatopoeia and moment of change. We ended our week with a concert and activities to celebrate our amazing Grandparents!

Spotlight on 3DJ

This term has started by sending a letter and interview home to our Grandparents. The children are excited to investigate into life in the past and learn about the changes to our world and local community over time. Seeing the changes and updates to inventions excites the children, particularly things like phones and computers and their transformation. The interviews were a great lead into Grandparents Day where we were busy preparing to spoil them by singing practices and getting activities organised for their visit.

3DJ are also being Kindness Ninja’s – who spread kindness without being noticed. We have been secretly picking someone in the class to do a kindness act to over the day. Ideas from the children were pushing in their chair, cleaning up their rubbish, getting their book for them, carrying lunchboxes, saying something kind and encouraging or giving a compliment. We are learning that we feel good when we make others feel good

We had a lovely class visit with Toby the College Therapy dog. He came in for a short visit to introduce him to the students and explain some of the “rules” when they see Toby and answer any of their questions.  He was very happy to receive pats and cuddles!

Spotlight on Learning: 4KM

4KM had a ‘forceful’ introduction to our Science unit this term which explores force and motion around us. Through some hands-on fun, students were hooked in to seeing how some forces made certain tasks more challenging to complete. They tried very hard to pull apart interlocked pages of books which was almost impossible because of the force of friction and using only a ruler and items from their stationery, had to project a marshmallow as far as possible by increasing the force applied to it. We also took advantage of the wonderful weather to get outside for our Maths lessons exploring decimal numbers. It’s been wonderful to see students so engaged in lessons and such a calm, productive start to the term.

Grandparent’s Day

Grandparents Day for the JLC was an absolute delight! The joy and warmth that filled the campus were truly heartwarming. It was a special occasion that brought generations together, creating cherished memories that will be cherished for years to come. The presence of grandparents added an extra touch of love and wisdom to the day, as the children eagerly showed them around their classes with pride and excitement.

The concerts were a highlight of the event, with the young talents of the JLC shining brightly. Their performances brought smiles to the faces of all attendees, and the applause filled the air with appreciation and admiration.

The classroom games provided the perfect opportunity for grandparents to interact with their grandchildren and their friends, fostering a sense of community and bonding.

The day was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of the amazing staff. It was evident that all involved put their heart into making this event a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

MLC Athletics Carnival

“Navigating the online world” – Digital Wellbeing advice in the MLC

SLC Athletics Carnival

The SLC Athletics Carnival proved to be an absolute highlight that left everyone buzzing with excitement! It was a day filled with action, energy, and spirited competition. The level of student participation was outstanding, with students from all Houses coming together to showcase their talents and sportsmanship.

The athletes gave their all, pushing their limits to achieve personal bests and contribute valuable points to their Houses. But it wasn’t just about the winners; it was about the collective effort and sportsmanship that permeated the entire carnival.

SLC Students Visit Japan

Hillcrest has always been an internationally focused College inviting many schools worldwide to visit our campus. Over the latter half of 2022, the College saw schools from Japan come to the College on study tours. These were a great success and inspired students to want to do the same in a similar setting. Year 11 student Jared van der Merwe accompanied by fellow students Ben Stockwell, Beau Keating and Cody Clifton took the study tours to heart and planned relentlessly to try getting the College to Japan sometime next year. Working close with both Mr Day and Mr Enriquez they managed to get the trip off the ground to visit Japan in June of 2023. A group of 18 students including teachers Mr Day, Mr Enriquez and Mrs Gittins left for Japan on the 15^th of June where they would be until flying back on 1 July. The trip was a major success and the first of its kind post COVID. The trip saw students going to Oshukan Secondary School in Tokyo Japan for three days where they took part in Immersion classes and learned about how school works in Japan and many things about the culture. They then toured many parts of Tokyo such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Harajuku, Ueno etc. They then travelled to Hiroshima for the next part of their trip with a brief stop to the city of Himeji where they visited the castle grounds. Hiroshima saw a more laid-back vibe compared to the busy streets of Tokyo which saw students visiting Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Gardens, Hondori, Miyajima Island and the Peace Park. The students also visited the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park Memorial where they had time to reflect on such a tragedy and really learn about the history of what had happened and how devasting it was. The next part of the trip saw the group going to Osaka where they went to the famous Dotonbori and indulged in street food and looked at the famous lights along the river. Whilst in Osaka they also went to Universal Studios Japan where they had lots of fun in places like Super Nintendo Land, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Hello Kitty Land.  The final part of the trip saw the group going to the old capital of Kyoto where they went to many famous shrines like Kiyomizudera, Fushimi inari, Kinkaku-ji and the Arashiyama Monkey Park. The trip was an immense success, and the students learnt a lot about Japanese culture but as well as themselves because each day students were given the opportunity to lead the group and showed qualities of leadership and teamwork.

QLD Police Community Announcement – Rules surrounding e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motorbikes

Gold Coast Police have identified an increased prevalence of e-bikes, e-scooters and e-motorbikes being ridden on the footpaths, bike lanes and roadways in contravention of the Road Rules.  These contraventions often compromise public safety and put members of the public at risk. Below is a summary that has been provided to the College by the Queensland Police Service regarding the Rules relating to these vehicles as Police wish to educate riders and members of the public surrounding their safe use.

E-scooter and electric skateboard rules:
Electric scooters and electric skateboards are classed as personal mobility devices (PMDs). Age limits apply to these devices. A rider MUST be 16+ to operate, or 12-15yrs with adult supervision. Max speed of 12km/hr on footpaths OR 25km/hr elsewhere. No doubling allowed. Australian Standard (AS) approved bicycle helmet, or an approved motorbike helmet required.

Where to ride:

• Paths – footpaths, shared paths, separated paths and bike paths
• Local streets (speed limit of 50km/hr or less, no dividing centre line);
• On-road bike lanes (where the road speed limit is 50km/hr or less, or where the lane is physically separated from the road).

Electric bicycles (e-bikes):
You propel an electric bike through pedalling with the assistance of a motor. Once you hit 6km/hr, the motor kicks in and you don’t need to pedal. When you reach 25km/hr, the motor must stop operating (cut out) and you need to pedal to stay above this speed. Age limits apply to these devices. A rider MUST be 16yrs+ to operate, or 12-15yrs with adult supervision. All other e-bikes that don’t comply with this can only be ridden on private property (ie: petrol powered bikes, ones capable of generating over 200w, and an electric bike where the electric motor is the primary source of power). Australian Standard (AS) approved bicycle helmet, or an approved motorbike helmet required.

Fines apply to riders of e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-bikes who break the road rules. Further information can be found here.

Electric Dirt Bikes: (ie: Sur-Ron, RFN style and similar)
These electric dirt bikes are motorbikes and are dealt with in the same manner as a normal petrol-powered dirt bike as per the TORUM definition – two wheeled motor vehicle. To be ridden on the road, the rider MUST have a licence (RE or R licence – C class if maximum speed 50km/hr or less). They also MUST be registered. Some of these electric dirt bikes have a road legal version so some can be ridden on a road if registered/insured and operated by a licenced rider.

Future Doctors Australia program

‘The Future Doctors Australia’ program is now open! Please note, the spots in this program are strictly limited.

The Future Doctors Australia program offers a unique opportunity for students (ages: 14-18) aspiring to pursue a career in medicine. Through engaging sessions led by experienced medical specialists, practical learning activities, and insights into the admission process, the program aims to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their medical journey. This is an incredible opportunity to gain valuable insights and guidance from medical professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of healthcare.

Dates of upcoming programs:
Sydney: 5 – 8 October 2023
Adelaide: 13 – 16 October 2023
Brisbane: 9 – 12 December 2023
Melbourne: 25 – 28 January 2024

For further information and enrolment details please visit  WWW.NIECAREERS.COM.AU 

Interested in Studying a Trade Certificate in Term 3 or 4? Gold Coast Trades College

Gold Coast Trades College has availabilities in the following courses. Spots can fill fast so see Mrs McCully in the Pathways Centre for more information.

Defence Forces Event – A Night in the Army Reserve