Jeff Davis
Executive Head of College
Executive Head of College, Jeff Davis shares an update from the last two weeks.
Blessings
Culture and Wellbeing
It has been another exciting term of delivering Tuning in to Kids parenting groups. This term has seen 36 parents and staff participate in emotion coach training. “Tuning in to Kids is a suite of parenting programs that focus on the emotional connection between parent/carers and their children, from pre-schoolers to teens. The evidence-based programs have proven success in improving parenting, parent-child relationships and children’s emotional competence and behaviour.” See more here.
Two catchphrases of emotion coaching are ‘connection before correction’ and ‘every feeling is OK but not every behaviour is OK.’ To learn more about what these phrases mean and how they can work together, we encourage you to register an expression of interest for 2023 Tuning in to Kids/Teens emotion coach parenting groups on this link.
The Well Coffee Hub
The Well Coffee Hub is open weekdays, 7am to 8.45am to purchase coffee, pastries and hot foods. Drop by to grab some coffee, food and catch up with friends. We look forward to seeing you there.
From the ELC
The Early Learning Community are enjoying a season of reflection and celebration.
Pre-Kindy have been learning about ways they can be ‘big Kindy ready’ and are practicing looking after their belongings, developing self-help skills and following simple and meaningful instructions.
Kindy have been eagerly counting down for the Graduation, excited to share their performances and celebrate the event with friends and family. They have also spent time discussing the upcoming Prep transition, and even took a sneak peak of their new classrooms on the way to Library!
We have all been embracing this special time of year – continuing to learn about the nativity of Jesus and decorating the Pre-Kindy and Kindy classrooms for the festive season.
There is much to look forward to for us here in the Early Learning Community, and we look forward to sharing it with our friends, family and teachers.
Taylor Wells-McFarlane
Director, Early Learning Community
Director, Early Learning Community
From JLC Leadership
Dear JLC Community,
I am still in awe of our Week 6 Celebrations. Our P-2s worked so hard to deliver one of the most beautiful Christmas Concerts, ‘A King is Born’, they truly outdid themselves. Then headed off to class to receive their individual Value certificates with each of their Year levels. It was such a lovely morning to share with our JLC community.
It was equally exciting to celebrate Year 3 and 4 at their Celebration Awards afternoon and recognise students’ individual achievements. Thank you for all attending to make this day so memorable.
On Friday of Week 6 we also had our JLC Assembly. The JLC House Award for 2022 was presented to Flynn house. Congratulations Flynn House!
We would also like to acknowledge the following Year 4 students who have represented Hillcrest Christian College at District and Regional level in Sport:
Zac Hawkins for District Swimming
Mia Perndt for District Swimming
Alex van Dinter for District Swimming
Teale Purdon for District Rugby League
Madeline Ley for District and Regional Athletics
We recognised students in Year 3 – 4 who were nominated by their class and staff as demonstrating the Shield Values.
Year 3
Lucia Rogers
Leo Kilpatrick
Ella Webster
Zoey Levers
Overall Year Level Shield Award: Knox Fischer
Year 4
Nate Sosso
Zoltan Nagy
Jessica Arnold
Mace Grimes
Julian Mastaglia
Overall Year Level Shield Award: William Ireland
The JLC continue this Christmas to partner with ‘Walk with Us’ a local charity. Boxes have been placed in all JLC classrooms for collection of donations including new toys for children, gifts for teenagers, food items (non-perishable), toiletries (men and women) and or backpacks. Thank you to those who have already contributed. Each donation is greatly appreciated.
In Week 8, we look forward to welcoming our 2023 Preppies to Prep Orientation Day on Monday, 21 November. On this day Prep to Year 4 will also have an experience day with an opportunity to spend time in their new year levels for 2023 for part of their morning session.
Lastly in Week 8 on Thursday, we look forward to coming together one more time before the end of the year, to get in the festive spirit at our Christmas Wonderland P&F Event. This event will be held on 24 November from 5pm – 7pm at the College – entry is free. There will be night markets, Christmas carols, Santa visit, food trucks, Christmas movie and face painting.
We are looking forward to last two weeks of 2022 with your child, before we all head off for the Christmas holidays!
Blessings
Christy Gittins
Head Junior Learning Community
What’s been happening in the JLC
JLC Celebrations
It was wonderful to have the opportunity to come together as a Junior Learning Community this past week to celebrate both the Prep – Year 2 Christmas concert and class Values Awards and our Year 3 – 4 Celebration and Awards. We each have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us (Romans 12:6) and our JLC celebration events are the perfect occasion to share in and celebrate these gifts.
In Prep – Year 2, the children performed a very special Christmas concert for families. We acknowledge the amazing efforts of both Mrs Sarah Rouse and Mrs Tammy Kilpatrick, who worked tirelessly with the children to prepare them for this special event and allow each child to shine. We also praise the dedication of the children and their teachers in practising songs, mastering actions and entertaining us with the true story of Christmas. A huge thank you to families too for supporting their children with amazing costumes!
Following this special performance, families accompanied their children to the classrooms for the presentation of Values awards. Our College values underpin our workings and are embedded in all that we do. What a privilege it was to share with our Prep – Year 2 students and celebrate their outworking of the values of Integrity, Respect, Courage, Service, Humility, Diligence and Discernment throughout 2022.
Our Year 3 and 4 families then joined us for the Year 3 and 4 Celebration and Awards where we had the opportunity to highlight the effort and achievement of our students. A slightly more formal occasion than our P-2 Concert, our students were able to showcase choral performances, share in the love of reading and together we could acknowledge the academic excellence, application and effort and character and service of our students. This was also an occasion to present our Year 4 students with a special gift as they move on from the Junior to Middle Learning Community. It has been a privilege sharing in the Junior Learning Community journey with our Year 4 students and we wish them all the best as they continue on their educational journey.
Sparks, Flames & Explosions Holiday Program 2022
The Sparks, Flames and Explosions Program is excited to present the first holiday program to be run 28-30 November. The program is an extension of our hugely successful Sparks, Flames and Explosions Program from Prep – Year 6 students.
This is a fully supervised program run 9am – 3pm from the Prep Deck with three different options available each day: Multi sports, Chess and the Christmas Workshop.
The cost is $50 per day or a 3-day pass is available for $120 for each student.
To enrol click HERE. This will take you to the Trybooking enrolment portal.
Further information can be found in the letter emailed home or by emailing SPARKS@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
We are looking forward to a great program.
Walk with Us – Christmas Donations
Walk With Us is a charity which assists disadvantaged people on the Gold Coast. For several years now, Hillcrest families have generously provided donations for the poor, and we are honoured to be invited again to help a great cause. The JLC has been spreading joy to others by donating new toys for children, gifts for teenagers, food items (non-perishable), toiletries (men and women) and backpacks. It has been incredible to see donation boxes overflowing with the generosity of JLC families. Thank you to everyone who has donated already, and to those who are planning to give in the final weeks of the term. The love you have shown will change the lives of those in need.
2023 Year 4 Students
The Hillcrest String Program offers an opportunity for Year 4 students to learn violin, viola, cello or double bass in an exciting and educational environment. The program is designed to complement and run simultaneously with the classroom music program. Please see here for more information.
2023 Year 5 Students
The Hillcrest Band Program offers an opportunity for interested and selected Year 5 students to learn a band instrument in an exciting and educational environment.
The instruments on offer are as follows:
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Alto Saxophone
- Trumpet
- French Horn
- Baritone Horn/Euphonium
- Trombone
- Percussion (preference given to piano students)
- Bass Guitar
You can find more information here.
From the Head of the MLC
It has been a busy past fortnight in the classroom with students working hard to finish off the year strong and push towards completing their final pieces of assessment. Teachers have also been busy marking the student work and reports are now being finalised and will be available after the students leave for a well deserved Christmas break. We will update timelines on when to expect the online reports to be available in our final communication in Week 8.
I am thrilled that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in the MLC as students collect donations for the Gold Coast Project – A Youth Homelessness Support Service. Donations will be collected until the very last day of the year so please support your children to bring in their donations and support a worthy cause. See more here.
We are also continuing the celebrations through our Christmas Wonderland experience on Thursday, 24 November. I am sure there is more to be shared throughout the newsletter but can I please encourage you and your family to attend this free event that has been planned by our amazing P&F Association.
In the final two weeks, we are celebrating the success of our students in the Co-curricular Award and Domain Award ceremonies. These two important cultural events will see many parents attend after COVID-19 has kept our community away over the past two years. We are looking forward to having parents back and joining in the recognition of our wonderful students and their achievements.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge our graduating Year 12 students who leave us this week. Many are completing 13 years of study at Hillcrest Christian College and we are all very proud of the young men and women that are moving onto the next chapters of their lives.
Darren Rackemann
Head of Middle Learning Community
What’s been happening in the MLC
Year 5 Eureka Excursion
Year 5 students travelled back in time to the Eureka Stockade. After being ushered off the bus, a trooper burst onto the scene on horseback. Much to our delight, he demanded that we search for the notorious bush ranger, Captain Lucas. Eventually appearing to the group, the bush ranger, welding a “make believe” gun rounded us up. Under sheer pressure Anna Hook handed over her popcorn to the bush ranger, who proceeded to feed to a nearby horse.
The experience was unforgettable. We teamed up and made makeshift tents, we cooked damper and panned for gold. It was challenging, fun and team building.
Year 5 all left with a gold nugget in our pockets, a huge smile, and memories we would never forget.
Millie McClure
Year 5
The Chain Game (Year 8 HaSS)
In HaSS recently, we played The Chain Game which replicated what it’s like in World markets. There were a variety of countries from the USA to Ethiopia and each country received a selection of resources based on their GDP. The goal was to make paper chains in sets of three. There were strict regulations if they weren’t exact, The World Bank would reject them and you had to redo the chain. As the game progressed, the price of the chain (market forces) changed. Initially each paper chain was worth $5 then it went down to $3 and back up to $6 depending upon demand and supply. Gold chains were introduced and some countries had the resources to make these chains which earned more money. Technology also came into the game. If your country had made some money from selling chains to the World Bank, you could bid for a stapler which not only raised the price of the product but made it more efficient. We learned so much about market forces playing The Chain Game and it was fun too.
Christmas Charity
This year, the MLC will partner with The Gold Coast Project – A Youth Homelessness Support Service. Their mission is to encourage young people to reach their full potential by providing quality services in a safe and supportive environment. More info can be found here.
The Gold Coast Project currently house approximately 40 young people aged between 16-25 years old and this time of year can be very difficult for many.
MLC will be collecting donations to make every young person a Christmas Stocking with fun things inside so the young people have something special. Suggested items include:
- gift cards
- candles
- bedroom cushions
- perfume/aftershave
- wireless earphones
- bluetooth speakers
- powerbanks
- beach towels
- frisbees
- thongs
and other items young people find useful but may be out of their budget. A few sweet treats like chocolates, tic-tacs or other Christmas treats are also welcome donations.
Donations will be collected up until the last day of school.
Sparks, Flames & Explosions Holiday Program 2022
The Sparks, Flames and Explosions Program is excited to present the first holiday program to be run 28-30 November. The program is an extension of our hugely successful Sparks, Flames and Explosions Program from Prep – Year 6 students.
This is a fully supervised program run 9am – 3pm from the Prep Deck with three different options available each day: Multi sports, Chess and the Christmas Workshop.
The cost is $50 per day or a 3-day pass is available for $120 for each student.
To enrol click HERE. This will take you to the Trybooking enrolment portal.
Further information can be found in the letter emailed home or by emailing SPARKS@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
We are looking forward to a great program.
Sumo Robotic Competition
Term 4 brought another Sumo Robotic Competition to 5 Lumos. We travelled to A.B. Patterson College and competed against three other schools. This activity took lots of collaborating and thinking until the end of the battles. Students were assigned to the task of programming a SPIKE Lego Robot, and designing a strong, stable build. To achieve accomplishment in the battle ring, all the robots had to do was push their component out of the ring. One group stood out among the 5 Lumos Hillcrest Team and brought home the winning trophy; this team consisted of Benjamin Spinka, Micaiah Owolabi and Tyler Stafleu. Hopefully next year the trophy will stay with us!
Shylah Coburn
Life Group Greene C
This term in LG Greene C have spent each Wednesday focussing on wellbeing. Every LG session we do a check in where each student has identified how they are feeling that morning and why. It has been great to hear how over the course of the term the students have expressed more positive feelings and have been better at verbalising why as well. The group has been so supportive and caring towards one another and it’s so great that it has been a safe environment for them to do so.
I was very blessed by the group to have a birthday celebration thrown for me on my special day. The thing that made me the most pleased (beside the cake!) was it was evidence of the care and support this Life Group have for one another, even their teacher!
From the Head of the SLC
It is starting to look a lot like Christmas but we need to finish strong
As I walk around the campus, I see that it is starting to look a lot like Christmas. Life Groups are getting into the Christmas spirit by decorating their Life Group classrooms and the Christmas tree and Christmas decorations have returned to the SLC Office. This means that there are only a few weeks of school left. Students are busy completing their final assessments for the year, teachers are busy marking and reporting and our acknowledging and celebrating continues.
I ask for your support in not allowing your child to persuade you that they can stay at home from school. Our Year 10 and Year 11 students have commenced Unit 1 and Unit 3 respectively, and to maximise learning in our teaching and learning programs, the lessons will continue through to the last week of school. Our traditional Christmas Celebration and Year Level activity will occur on the last day. You will notice that we have added a Christmas Wonderland Community event on Thursday evening, 24 November. It would be great to see you there supporting this initiative.
We are always here to support. You should direct pastoral concerns to your child’s Life Group teacher and academic concerns to the academic class teacher in the first instance. They may refer your concern to their respective Head of House or Head of Learning to assist in resolving the matter.
I am hoping that we can finish 2022 strong so we are in a great position to commence 2023.
Until next time.
Jason Day
Head of Senior Learning Community
What’s been happening in the SLC
Pathways News
Hillcrest RSA Class
When: Monday 16 January, 9am-3pm
Where: GeSS Education Campus, Southport
Online application here.
Select option – SITHFAB201 Provide responsible service of alcohol (RSA)
Australian Catholic University Webinar
Explore your industry of interest with Australian Catholic University ‘Talk with Industry’ webinar series recordings. Hear from ACU graduates in a range of different professions, discuss what it’s like to work in their area. View recordings online here.
Espresso Coffee Skills Course
Espresso Coffee Skills Course run by Aurora Training Institute for students who would like to work in hospitality and increase their skills.
Courses and Application Updates
Semester 1, 2023
SHB20121 Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics Now Open!
This is an entry-level qualification in the beauty and cosmetic industry, this course will give students a feel for what it will be like to work in cosmetics sales, providing hands-on lessons and tasks.
- Day: Friday
- Start Date: 3 February 2023
- Start/Finish Time: 8:30am – 3pm
Location: Robina Campus
McDonalds Hospitality (Barista) Program
This course will be held at our new Robina campus, and give students the opportunity to undertake the McDonald’s* traineeship induction which may lead to potential employment.
- Day(s): Thursday or Friday
- Start Date: Group 1 – 27 October 2023 or Group 1 – 28 October 2023
- Start/Finish Time: 8:30am – 3pm
- Location: Robina Campus
Limited places – apply now! (Use code: TQGC2301 to apply)
Year 12 Departing Students
What happens next when you leave school?
Let the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) help you find your next! Simply register with them to receive job vacancies, training opportunities and career information.
• Scan the QR Code on the flyer to join the Connected to Jobs & Training school leavers service.
• Enter your personal email – not your school email.
DESBT will email local job opportunities, funded training opportunities and the 2023 School Leavers Resource with quick web access to local job boards, Government School Leaver Career Guides, and training.
*Register to receive the 2022 ‘School Leavers Resource’ to raise your awareness about post school services and assist you with career planning.
Co-curricular
Club Netball: District Representative Selection
Three players from our Hillcrest Knights Hearts under 11s (division 1) have been selected in the HDNA 12 years representative squad. Ivy Thomson (Year 6), Estelle Goedhart (Year 6), Jahzara Hayne (Year 5) will be making the long journey to Townsville for the Queensland State Championships next year in June. The Hearts made it to the finals in the Hinterland District Saturday competition, and after a long selection process our three girls earned their way into the state championship. A fourth member of the team, Imogen Fletcher (Year 6), was selected as a training partner for the team. A big congratulations to all four girls and to Coach Siobhan Thomson for developing these girls over the past number of years.
Speech and Drama Achievements
At the 2022 Gold Coast Eisteddfod, as well as other placings, Trisong Yangzom Year 7 received the Outstanding Speaker of Verse Joan Ross Memorial Award.
Some students have received their results from the recent AMEB Speech and Performance exams, they are as follows
Audrey Schuurs Yr 5 1st Grade A+ High Distinction
Osella Yangzom Yr 5 1st Grade A+ High Distinction
Viola Chen Yr 5 2nd Grade A+ High Distinction
Trisong Yangzom Yr 7 3rd Grade A+ High Distinction
Individual Age Champion Chess Tournament
The following students represented our College to compete in the Individual age champion chess tournament at Emmanuel College. All of the Hillcrest students that entered on the day received an award – well done!
- Ryo Noda (First place)
- Bayes Cai (Second place)
- Elijah McGuire (Merit award)
- Mason Venville (Merit award)
- Harvey McGuire (Merit award)
Each student played seven games of chess throughout the day and there was strong competition with around 100 students from more than 10 school around the Gold Coast competing. The students showed great sportsmanship, incredible focus and exceptional effort.
Congratulations to all the students and the families for their support.
If there are students interested in representing our College in future chess tournaments, please contact Mrs Teresa McGuire (Teacher).
Equestrian – Somerville House Interschool show jumping tournament
Airlie and Reiya Williams represented Hillcrest at the Somerville House Interschool Show Jumping Tournament on Sunday, 7 November. Both girls competed really well. Airlie placed 6th in each of her two rounds finishing 6th overall. Reiya placed 1st and 5th finishing 3rd overall. Well done!
Tennis Future Stars Team Challenge
On the weekend, Jahzara Corbett (Year 5), competed with her team in the final of the “Future Stars” team challenge. They took out the gold medal, the Shield and Jahzara was also awarded the annual Sportsmanship Award. She also played Sunday morning at KDV and won all of her matches both singles and doubles. Congratulations Jahzara on your achievements.
Student Achievements
State and National Gymnastics – Zai Bryson
Zai Bryson (Year 6), recently competed at the Queensland State Championships as well as Club Nationals for gymnastics. Zai’s team came 7th overall at Nationals and the Club came 3rd overall. This is an amazing achievement. Zai has been competing in Gymnastics since he was eight years old. He competes for Gold Coast Gymnastics Club at Pizzey Park. Zai’s favourite part of being a gymnast is that the sport is a little different to other sports and not everyone does it. We congratulate this very talented young sportsman and look forward to following his success in the future.
Golf- Queensland Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the year
For the second year in a row, Kai Komulainen (Year 11) has been awarded the Queensland Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the year. Awarded by Golf Australia, Kai’s efforts during the year, both locally and internationally were considered for this prestigious award. Highlights include:
- His win at the Greg Norman Junior Masters
- Captaining the QLD team at the Australian Interstate Series
- Being undefeated in the Australian Matchplay
- Representing Australia at the IMG Worlds in the USA where he finished individually in 11th place and won the teams event.
- A top 10 finish at the Junior PGA Championships in Chicago and a top 30 finish in a professional event.
As a community, we are proud of the achievements and ability of Kai and look forward to following his career.
Other News
Enrolments Now Open
We are excited to announce applications for Kindy and Prep 2024 for Hillcrest Christian College are now open. Don’t miss out on your child to having the best opportunity to commence their schooling journey at Hillcrest Christian College.
Applications for Kindy and Prep 2024 first round offers will close at midnight on Sunday 5, February 2023.
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.
Effective Aid Fundraiser
Each year the College undertakes a College wide fundraiser for Effective Aid International in the form of chocolate boxes. Hillcrest has been supporting EAI for approximately 17 years now. The finances we raise goes to support refugees of marginalised and displaced people from Myanmar (Burma) around the border area of Thailand. To help train local teachers from the area and run schooling to support these children and their families, along with helping build basic classrooms for these children. To find out more of the great work of Effective Aid International click here.
This year, Hillcrest raised approximately $15,000 to go towards this essential work in these peoples lives.
Thanks all families that played their part in this huge undertaking.
New Speed Camera Technology in School Zones
In a world-first road safety initiative, new speed camera technology will soon target speeding drivers at selected school zones across Queensland.
Everyone has a role in keeping our roads safe. It is imperative drivers reduce their speed to the signed 40 km/h speed limit and be aware of activity by students on or near the road.
Speed cameras will only operate during school zone times at the selected schools.
Parents, and carers dropping off or picking up students are urged to comply with school zone speed limits. Those who slow down will not be penalised.
Bus Services
We have had a busy and productive term which included the addition of the Northern express. Thank you to all those families who have provided feedback and support with the transition, as well as other suggestions. This information is valued and taken into consideration as we plan for 2023 and continue to work to provide an excellent bus service to our community.
We are also pleased that the rollover of bookings from Term 3 worked well and that more students are effectively using their student cards to tag on and off the bus, which helps to keep our children safe and for parents/carers to monitor their travel whilst onboard the bus. Please be advised that if your child requires a replacement student card, it can be ordered via our website under Bus Services, Bus Service | Hillcrest Christian College and lanyards are available free of charge from one of the Bus Drivers if your child wishes to secure their student card to their bag.
With the end of term fast approaching, we would like to request that your Bus balances are checked on the RollCall App and that any balances due are paid before COB Friday, 25 November 2022. Below is a quick reference for assistance with making payments which can only be made for Bus Travel through the RollCall App. RollCall Payment
If you require information or support with your account, please let us know as we would be happy to assist and collaborate with you to ensure balances are up to date before the end of the year.
We would also like to take this opportunity to advise that we will once again roll over bookings into Term 1, 2023 using the booking pattern for the week between the 14 – 18 November 2022, and ask that when your child is absent, to please mark this in the RollCall App to free the seat for another child who may need to travel.
For further information regarding our Bus Services, please feel free to visit our College website, Hillcrest Christian College – Bus Services, or email the Bus Team at buses@hillcrest.qld.edu.au.
We once again thank you for journeying with us through this year and wish you a blessed and wonderful remainder of the term.
Kind Regards,
The Bus Team
