"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Jeff Davis
Executive Head of College
Executive Head of College, Jeff Davis shares an update from the last two weeks of school.
Blessings
Culture and Wellbeing
Operation Christmas Child – Starting soon
Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on way for Australians and New Zealanders to bless children in need around the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies and other fun gifts. Operation Christmas Child collects the gift-filled shoeboxes and distributes them to children in over 100 countries. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus.
This year our Hillcrest Christian College Community will partner with Operation Christmas Child. We will have initiatives in VLC, JLC, MLC and SLC, with opportunities for students to be involved in an age-appropriate way. More information will come from each community in the coming weeks as we assemble boxes by mid October.
For more information about the charity, you may like to visit their website here
From the ELC
Our ELC is filled with much activity and learning, however, a highlight has been celebrating Science Week. Our teachers enthusiastically filled our learning environments with an array of hands-on experiments and engaging activities that ignited our curiosity, exploration, and inquiry deepening our understanding of the world around us.
Our Kindy classes also had the opportunity to participate in a 50m dash at the Junior Learning Community Sports Day, with our Pre Kindy class excitedly sharing in their own sports activities within the ELC that extended throughout the morning with much laughter and enthusiasm.
Building on this partnership within our communities and supporting our children to become familiar with their environment, we have kickstarted our Kindy-to-Prep transition program. This is a wonderful time when our Kindy classes can explore and develop their sense of belonging in the community and prepare for the next stage of their learning journey.
Thank you for your support and for sharing these special moments and celebrations with us.
Kind regards,
Di Gontier
Acting Director of Early Learning Community
From JLC Leadership
Dear JLC Families
Following on from our K-4 Athletics Carnival, classes have been actively engaging in learning throughout the Junior Learning Community (JLC). The calm and peaceful atmosphere of the recent weeks sets the stage for the excitement that awaits in Week 9.
In Week 9, we will be celebrating Literacy week, a special time where we emphasise the importance of literacy in our curriculum. Assisting students to recognise the significance of effective communication, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning through reading and writing. Below is outlined the literacy events that will take place across the week:
- For Prep -Year 2 students, we have the Story Book Day on Thursday 7 September. A delightful opportunity for the parents to attend our rendition of Jack and The Bean Stalk.
- Additionally, all students in P- 4 will have the chance to dress up as characters from their beloved books on this day; Thursday 7 September. This promises to be a fun and imaginative day, fostering a deeper connection with literature.
- Hillspell 2023 – Spelling Bee finals will occur in Week 9. It is a wonderful chance for students to showcase their spelling skills and enjoy friendly competition. The finals will be held on Monday 4 September for Year 3 – 4 and Tuesday 5 September for Prep – Year 2.
- Our Scholastic Book Fair is also scheduled for this Week 9, 4 – 8 September; providing an excellent opportunity for our students to explore and discover new reading materials.
Literacy is a cornerstone of education at the JLC, and we’re committed to enriching our students’ experiences in every possible way across this week. Please refer to the email correspondence for further information or chat with your class teacher.
We have two more weeks of the term left and are looking forward to wrapping up the term with some memorable events.
Blessings
Christy Gittins
Head Junior Learning Community
What’s been happening in the JLC
Athletics Carnival
The P-4 Sports Day was an fantastic time of House camaraderie and incredible personal efforts. Kicking off with the drumline set the tone for an action packed morning of races, tug-of-war, sack races, tunnel ball and the peg game; every event was a thrilling spectacle. The air buzzed with excitement as the young athletes sprinted, jumped, threw and tugged with all their might. Even the occasional tumble was met with laughter and encouragement from the sidelines, fostering an atmosphere of sportsmanship and resilience.
Thank you to all the parents who attended to encourage our students – you are a big part of what makes the event so special. An extra thanks to those parents who went the extra mile to earn points for their House, well, the extra 80m!
While it was wonderful to celebrate the win of Carmichael House, P-4 Sports Day was not just about winning ribbons; it was a celebration of active, healthy lifestyles, and the importance of coming together as a community to support and encourage one another. It was a day etched in the memory of every participant as a testament to the power of sports and unity.
James Taylor
Deputy Head of JLC – Pastoral
Learning in Year 1: Spotlight on 1AM!
Ahoy Mateys!
Weeks 7 and 8 brought a tidal wave of excitement to 1AM! Our young adventurers cracked the code with LEGO, crafting commands that made their creations move, light up, and make sounds. Science came alive through enchanting experiments, showing how tiny characters like atoms can cause big changes.
Ahoy, Pirate Day! Dressed as swashbucklers, our buccaneers embraced characters that led treasure hunts and teamwork, experiencing the thrill of making things happen. And let’s not forget our 3D Shape Play! With open-ended materials, students built, stacked, and engineered shapes, discovering how shapes influence our world.
These weeks celebrated learning through characters that spark change – be it coding commands, scientific shifts, shape explorations, or pirate escapades.
We also participated in JLC Gathering with our memory verse from Psalm 23!
With sails set for more discovery, we look forward to fueling curiosity and creativity ahead.
Learning in Year 2: Spotlight on 2EM
It’s been a bustling week of learning and creativity in 2EM. Our dedicated students have been fully engaged in a series of assessments, showcasing their hard work and growth. The classroom buzzed with determination as we tackled various subjects, demonstrating our commitment to academic excellence.
But that’s not all—our excitement is reaching new heights as we prepare for the upcoming Book Week! Our young actors and actresses have been rehearsing diligently for our rendition of “Jack and the Beanstalk.” The classroom has transformed into a hub of imagination and collaboration, as we work on perfecting our lines, costumes, and stage presence. The anticipation to present our play to the school community is palpable, and we can’t wait to showcase our creativity and teamwork.
As we reflect on this dynamic week, we are reminded of the incredible potential our students possess. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a vibrant and engaging learning environment. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the much-awaited Book Week!
Learning in Year 3: Spotlight in 3OC
The 3OC students along with the whole JLC brought their A-game to the Sports Day, displaying immense energy and enthusiasm. From the sprint races to tug-of-war, every participant showed dedication and sportsmanship. It was heartwarming to witness students cheering for their classmates, regardless of the outcome. The event highlighted the importance of fair play, healthy competition, and the joy of being physically active.
In 3OC science news, our curious Year 3 students embarked on a chilly scientific journey! They undertook a unique experiment to melt ice using only their body heat. Armed with determination and a little bit of science know-how, the students engaged in this hands-on experiment, observing the effects of body temperature on ice melting. Through this experiment, they learned about heat transfer and the fascinating ways energy moves from one object to another.
It was also a joy to witness several Year 3 students take the stage to perform at the Eisteddfod. They sang with courage and showcased their talents winning second place.
Learning in Year 4: Spotlight on 4HL
Year 4 – MLC Transitions
School Holiday Coding Camp for Kids!
From the Head of the MLC
Over the past fortnight, staff have built community within the MLC through hosting the Hawaiian Disco that was attended in large numbers, leading Year 6 Camp on the beautiful Moreton Island and engaging with guest speakers to run Street Science shows during National Science Week. We are blessed to have such a hard working and dedicated staff at Hillcrest and they are amazing role models for our students, particularly when it comes to demonstrating hard work.
The Bible teaches us that diligence and hard work are not only commendable virtues but are also a way to honour our faith and the blessings we’ve been given. Colossians 3:23 emphasizes the concept of working wholeheartedly, considering that every task we undertake is an opportunity to serve the Lord.
Drawing Inspiration: The Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30
In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus tells a story of a master who entrusts his servants with different amounts of money before going on a journey. When he returns, he rewards those who have invested and multiplied their talents, while the one who buried his talent out of fear is rebuked. This story illustrates the significance of using our abilities and resources wisely, taking risks, and working diligently to make the most of what we have been given.
Parent-Student Dialogue: Fostering a Culture of Diligence
Parents, guardians, and teachers play a vital role in instilling the values of hard work and diligence. We encourage parents to have open conversations about the biblical principles of working hard and persevering through challenges. Share stories of individuals from the Bible who exhibited unwavering commitment, and discuss how their experiences can serve as inspiration for today’s generation.
In conclusion, the Bible provides us with profound lessons on the importance of working diligently and wholeheartedly. Let us remember that our efforts are not merely for ourselves but also a reflection of our faith and gratitude for the opportunities we’ve been given. We encourage you to speak with your children about finishing the term off strong and working hard, right until the end.
Have a blessed week.
Darren Rackemann
Head of 5 – 12
What’s been happening in the MLC
Elemental
MLC Mash Up
Warhammer Club in MLC
Warhammer is a great experience if you like delicately building, painting, and playing with the models you have created. Each of them comes in different shapes and sizes and all have different rules. Kids from the MLC are welcome to join our club. This activity has greatly increased my patience and attention to detail as that’s what you need for Warhammer. The rules are like D&D (dungeons and dragons) and it’s a great experience. If you want to take up a new hobby, Warhammer is a great starting point for numerous other ends of model building and painting and if done correctly it can lead to a professional’s game of painting with over 175,000 active players, 25,000 try-hards and 760,000 once-in-a-while players around the globe. If you familiarise yourself with the rules, you can enter tournaments and battle against the largest, strongest, and fiercest Warhammer armies around the world. So, what are you waiting for, jump in now, come to Warhammer on Monday, Tuesday and Fridays at school and jump in to a possible life long hobby!
Year 5 supporting Year 8 narrative writing
School Holiday Coding Camp for Kids!
From the Head of the SLC
In the SLC, we prioritise the holistic development of our students, fostering an environment where values play a crucial role in shaping our students’ journey toward future success. We are committed to instilling a set of values that encompass healthy relationships, personal growth across multiple domains, investment in serving, well-being, and the cultivation of a healthy risk-taking culture.
Recently, the leadership team have been speaking about measures of success and while academic excellence is one of our founding values (represented on our College cornerstone), we are dedicated to providing an educational experience that goes beyond academics, preparing students for a life of meaningful success, responsible citizenship and personal fulfillment.
This is evidenced in our Spiritual and Social Emotional Learning (SaSEL) program that has seen the number of elective offerings slowly grow over the year. We are already planning for further options in Term 4, including; What is an Ideal Team Player, Mindfulness through Art, Youth Alpha, Financial Literacy, Boys VS Men, Christian Film Appreciation, Worship, Outreach and many other service opportunities across the community. These programs support our holistic development of our students and outwork our Vision and Mission as a Christian College.
The upcoming Work Experience program for Year 10 students, in Week 10, is another valued program that builds competence and confidence in our students. We appreciate members of our Parent Community who have assisted us to find places for our students to gain valuable, real-world skills and we look forward to sharing some of the stories from this program in the weeks to come.
Have a blessed week.
Darren Rackemann
Head of 5 – 12
What’s been happening in the SLC
Gathering in the Courtyard
While the Year 12 exams took place in the Terrace Hall, our Year 9-11 students enjoyed a memorable Gathering in the SLC Courtyard. Jason Dawkins, our Student Wellbeing Officer, shared a poignant Gospel message. The event was further elevated by Chappie Nat and Year 11 student Shayla Evans, who delivered inspiring worship, engaging both staff and students. Against the backdrop of the courtyard, a unique ambiance emerged, transforming it into a space of unity, laughter, and reflection. Special thanks to Chappie Tim and the Gathering team for orchestrating this successful deviation from the norm.
Hong Kong Mission Trip Preparation
Excitement is building as several of our Year 11 students prepare to head to Hong Kong on a Mission trip during the upcoming September school holidays. Our mission trip will partner with Crossroads Foundation, a Hong Kong based, non-profit organisation which serves individuals and families living in vulnerable circumstances, through the redistribution of quality goods donated by the Hong Kong community to NGOs. Our dedicated team has been actively preparing for this journey through their SaSEL (Spiritual and Social Emotional Learning) elective lessons held every Tuesday. As they step into this meaningful experience, we invite you to join us in prayer for their health, safety and success as their pioneer this new partnership overseas. Thank you to Mr Colefax and Mrs Cecil for leading this team of students, and we can’t wait to share photos and stories of the trip early next term.
This week on SchoolTV – Respectful Relationships
Fostering a nurturing environment of respectful relationships within your family holds the key to not only harmonious living, but also improved academic outcomes for your children. As parents and caregivers, embracing the art of teaching children about respect at a young age sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy interactions and empathetic understanding. It will help cultivate a positive environment where communication flourishes, conflicts are resolved constructively, and bonds are fortified.
Teaching children to respect themselves and others will open up avenues for both personal growth and academic achievement. Fostering an environment where respect is not just a word, but a practiced behaviour, will empower young people with essential life skills. Effective communication, active listening, and the art of compromise, will provide your child with a solid foundation that will transcend family interactions and help them collaborate effectively with peers, teachers and the broader community.
Equipping children with an understanding of healthy versus unhealthy relationships is an important aspect of their development. It will guide them to make informed choices, foster positive connections, and set boundaries that contribute to their emotional wellbeing. Understanding the nuances between healthy and unhealthy relationships provides children with the essential tools to navigate their social world, build self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful relationships.
In this edition of SchoolTV, learn how to empower young people in healthy interactions to embrace differences and forge connections that honour their self-worth. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to this month’s edition.
Pathways News
Fashion Design 2D & 3D workshops
ADF Upcoming Events
RSA – short course with GESS Education
Have you ever wanted to get your RSA? If so, please see the attached flyer and contact GESS to enrol in the next enrolment.
First Aid – short course with GESS Education
Have you ever wanted to get your FIRST AID Certificate? If so, please see the attached flyer and contact GESS to enrol in the next enrolment.
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
Co-curricular
Conversations, Art and Choral Extravaganza
This year we also celebrate our Film, Television and New Media students cinematic and creative excellence during the 16th year of Capture, Screen and Media Awards, on Thursday, 5 October at 5pm in conjunction with the Art and Choral Extravaganza.
Capture, Screen and Media Awards recognises the exceptional achievements of our FTVNM students. This annual event highlights not only the students’ artistic endeavors but also their technical ability in the world of visual storytelling. Awards will be presented at 5:30pm with categories spanning across cinematography, screenwriting, editing, and more.
Time: Art Exhibition and Film Showcase from 5pm with Award Presentation at 5:30pm
Location: Hillcrest Christian College SLC Courtyard
Admission: Free and open to all
Student Dress: Formal Uniform (except for Choral student performers)
Hillcrest Mountain Biking Team attends Ipswich Rocky Trail Academy Competition
Kai Pyyvaara 1st Place (Yr11-12 Boys)
Vincent Campbell 5th Place (Yr7-8 Boys)
Jacob Borrelli 10th Place (Yr9-10 Boys)
Chace Adams 16th Place (Yr9-10 Boys)Our last competition for the year is on Friday, 8 September at Nerang, The Graduation Cup. This will be a new competition format racing in teams giving all schools a more even chance of taking out Gold on the day… come out and support if you can anytime from 9am – 1.30pm. Hope to see you there!
Derby Mountain Biking Tour Bunnings Fundraiser
Basketball: CBSQ Primary 3×3
Selected Year 5-6 students competed in the Molton CBSQ Primary 3×3 Tournament recently. This was the first time The Knights competed in the 3 on 3 basketball competition, which although feels like a very different style of game, requires similar skills to the more traditional 5 on 5 game. Both boys’ and girls’ teams did exceptionally well. Our girls’ team placed 11th overall and the boys, 7th.
Winter State Titles – AFA Futsal
During Week 7, a number of our futsal students had the opportunity to participate in the Winter State Titles for AFA futsal. All students demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork, and we congratulate all students involved. Teams that participated were the Under 15 Boys, Under 13 Boys and Under 11 Girls. Special mention to the Under 15 Boys who won their final and placed first overall in the competition. Pictured are the Under 15 Boys with their trophy and medals.
Hillcrest at Drama Fest
Last weekend our Senior Drama Festival entry ‘Tissue’ took home the most number of awards their highly talented Director, Kelly Sparke had ever seen in the Festival! These results are beyond exceptional! A huge thank you to Kelly for your tireless work in the Art and Drama space here at Hillcrest over the past few years which is now resulting in these strong results at DramaFest; Congratulations to cast and Director for representing Hillcrest so strongly.The Year 11/12 troupe won three out of four major trophies they were eligible to win, and had the adjudicator in tears.Best Overall Play – ‘Tissue’ – Hillcrest Christian College – OVERALL WINNERS!Adjudicator’s Trophy – ‘Tissue’ – Hillcrest Christian College
Dramatic Performance Trophy – ‘Tissue’ – Hillcrest Christian College
(1 of only 6) Outstanding Actor Trophy – Lana Waldman – ‘Tissue’ – Hillcrest Christian CollegeHighly Commended Awards
- Caitlin Brodie
- Ziggy Dutfield
- Lana Waldman
- The Ensemble
- Magic Moment – Lana and Ziggy’s Hug
- Production Elements and Design
- Sound Design
Year 9/10: ‘3 O’Clock Flagpole’
Congratulations to Zach Boulton from Shock Therapy Productions our Artist in Resident Director and his Years 9-10 actors who performed exceptionally well at the Gold Coast Secondary Schools Drama Festival competition against some tough competition!
Their play ‘3 O’clock Flagpole’ was exceptional and we only just missed out on bringing a top trophy home.
Outstanding Actor Trophy
Keara Fletcher – ‘3 O’clock Flagpole’ – Hillcrest Christian College
Oscar de Jersey – ‘3 O’clock Flagpole’ – Hillcrest Christian College
Highly Commended Awards:
Oscar de-Jersey
Kyla Baylosis
Georgia Slaymaker
Keara Fletcher|
The Arrival of ‘Greg’ – Magic Moment
The Year 7 – Magic Moment
Year 7/8: ‘Dear Adults’
Congratulations to Annalise Murray and her juniors who performed exceptionally well at the Gold Coast Secondary Schools Drama Festival competition against some tough competition! Anneliese’s work as an artist, teacher and mentor our students was so beautiful and thought provoking.
Outstanding Actor Trophy
Chelsea Brosnan – ‘Dear Adults’ – Hillcrest Christian College
Highly Commended Awards:
Emily Barker
Isla Jaques
India Rossow
Emily Ruming
Chelsea Brosnan
Speech & Drama at Somerset Festival for Young Performers
Alex Taylor Year 6 Poem Australian Author 2011 2nd Place, Poem Humorous 2011 2nd Place, Monologue 2011 2nd Place.Neo Mutandwa Year 6 Poem (lyrical) 2012 3rd Place, Poem Australian Author 2012 Highly Commended.Audrey Schuurs Year 6 Prose 2011 2nd Place, Poem Australian Author 2011 1st Place, Monologue 2011 1st Place, Public Speaking 2010 or 2011 2nd Place, Mime 2011 1st Place.Osella Yangzom Year 6 Prose 2012 1st Place, Poem (lyrical) 2012 2nd Place, Poem Humorous 2012 1st Place, Monologue 2012 1st Place.Sebastian Taylor Year 5 Poem Australian Author 2013, Poem Humorous 2013 1st Place, Monologue 2013 1st Place.Charlotte Speak Year 5 Poem (lyrical) 2012 Highly Commended, Poem Australian Author 2012 2nd Place, Poem Humorous 2012 Highly CommendedCharlize Flanagan Year 5 Poem Australian Author 2012 1st Place.Layla Karamallis Year 4 Poem Humorous 2014 2nd Place, Monologue 2014 or later 2nd Place, Group Drama 2012 or later with Charlotte Kelly & Maddie Stripp 1st Place.Charlotte Kelly Year 4 Poem Australian Author 2013 2nd Place, Poem Humorous 2013 1st Place, Group Drama 2012 or later with Maddie & Layla 1st Place.Maddie Stripp Year 4 Group Drama 2012 or later with Charlotte Kelly and Layla Karamallis 1st Place.Fleur Blamire Year 3 Poem – Humorous 2014 Highly Commended, Duologue 2014 or later with Maliah Fernandez 3rd Place.
Sebastian Speak Year 3 Poem Australian Author 2014 3rd Place, Poem Humorous 2014 2nd Place, Monologue 2014 or later 3rd Place.
Ava Sitters Year 3 Poem Humorous 2015 2nd Place, Duologue 2014 or later with Lily Yang 1st Place.
Maliah Fernandez Year 3 Duologue 2014 or later with Fleur Blamire 3rd Place.
Ella Connor Year 3 Poem Australian Author 2014 1st Place, Poem Humorous 2014 3rd Place, Duologue 2014 or later with Bodhi 2nd Place.
Lily Yang Year 3 Poem Humorous 2014 1st Place, Duologue 2014 or later with Ava Sitters 1st Place, Mime 2014 2nd Place.
Harvey McGuire Year 2 Prose 2016 or later 2nd Place, Poem Humorous 2016 3rd Place.
Amelia Taylor Year 2 Poem Australian Author 2015 1st Place, Poem Humorous 2015 Highly Commended, Monologue 2014 or later 1st Place.
Archie Crews Year 2 Prose 2015 1st Place, Poem Australian Author 2015 2nd Place, Poem Humorous 2015 1st Place.
Zoe McDonald Year 1 Poem Aust. Author 2016 or later 1st Place, Poem Humorous 2016 2nd Place.
Abby Jiang Year 1 Poem Aust. Author 2016 or later 1st Place, Poem Humorous 2017 or later 1st Place.
Maya Lee Year 1 Prose 2016 or later 2nd Place, Poem Humorous 2016 3rd Place.
Harrison Chong-O’Neil Year 1 Prose 2016 or later 2nd Place, Poem (lyrical nature) 2015 or later 2nd Place, Poem Aust. Author 2016 or later 3rd Place, Poem Humorous 2016 3rd Place, Mime 2016 or later1st Place.
Daren Wei Prep Poem Humorous 2017 or later 2nd Place.
Olivia Speak Prep Poem Humorous 2017 or later Very Highly Commended, Monologue 2014 or later Highly Commended.
Max Speak Prep Poem Humorous 2017 or later Highly Commended, Monologue 2014 or later Very Highly Commended.
Bodhi Connor Prep Poem Humorous 2017 or later 2nd Place, Duologue 2014 or later with Ella Connor 2nd Place.
Parents & Friends
Save the Date – Hillcrest Fete
Mark this date in your calendar for the Hillcrest Fete: Saturday, 18 November 2023.
Other News
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.
