Hillcrest News

P – 2 Christmas Concert

Our annual P-2 Christmas concert proved to be a resounding success. We extend our sincere gratitude to all the parents and grandparents who came along to support this event. The students exhibited exceptional talent in narrating the story of Jesus’ birth, uniquely infused with an Aussie twist. A massive appreciation goes to our diligent staff, whose unwavering dedication and considerable effort ensured the delivery of a high-quality performance. For photos please see the full image gallery.

3 – 4 Awards Ceremony

QuixWorx for K – 4

We were thrilled to host QuizWorx once again at Hillcrest, presenting yet another captivating show that delves into the true meaning of Christmas. Their performance seamlessly blends entertainment with interactive elements, offering an engaging experience for our JLC students. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season while deepening our understanding of the significance behind Christmas.

JLC donates a van load to the Walk With Us charity drive!

A great big thank you for all the very generous donations of food, toiletries and gifts that have been loaded into the Walk With Us van. These donations will make Christmas a very special time for lots of Gold Coast families doing it tough. “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)

Spotlight on Prep Blueberry

Prep Blueberry were enthusiastic and excited to transform their classroom into Santa’s Workshop. Armed with creativity and festive spirit, these student’s spared no effort in adorning every nook and cranny with snowflakes, paper chains, elves and even a sleigh for Santa!. The children were busy at work making angels for their familes. They even we able to create their very own elf ID card. As they were hard at work, the students enjoyed singing carols and sounded like a host of angels. It was so amazing to see the students be engaged and have control of the design of our workshop. Each and every one of them were bubbling with excitement as they implemented their design knowledge to create an amazing workshop!

What an adventure we have had in Prep this Year!

Throughout the academic year, Prep students have embarked on a remarkable learning journey, celebrating milestones in literacy and numeracy. In literacy, their acquisition of our I Love Reading Programs has been evident as they artfully crafted engaging retells of various stories. In the realm of numeracy, Prep students have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts. From mastering numbers, addition and subtraction to delving into measurement, they’ve embraced the diverse facets of mathematical learning. Furthermore, their exploration extended to data collection and graphing, where they learned to visually represent information. This holistic approach to numeracy not only fosters a solid foundation but also sparks curiosity and confidence in tackling mathematical challenges. As we celebrate their achievements, it’s evident that the Prep students have not only gained knowledge but have also developed essential skills that will serve as a strong foundation for future academic endeavors.

Throughout the Year in DCL we have exploring family heritage has unveiled a rich tapestry of stories, connecting the present to the past. Understanding the significance of our roots fosters a sense of identity and belonging. Nurturing a sense of responsibility, the discovery of how to care for living things has instilled compassion and empathy in the hearts of the learners, teaching them the interconnectedness of life. Delving into the origins of fairytales has not only sparked creativity but also provided cultural insights. Unraveling the threads of these timeless tales has broadened perspectives and cultivated an appreciation for diverse narratives. In the spirit of the Christmas season, the exploration of Jesus’ birth and the true meaning of Christmas brings a deeper understanding of faith, love, and generosity.

We wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year.

Blessings,

The Prep Team

Spotlight on Learning! End of Year 1!

As we joyfully wrap up this incredible school year, we want to celebrate the multitude of growth and achievements your children have experienced, both academically and holistically. Our Year 1 journey has been a rich tapestry of learning adventures, encompassing different modes of writing, math addition and subtraction, problem-solving, science, HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences), health, design and digital technology.

From mastering the fundamentals of writing to confidently applying addition and subtraction in math, and from exploring the wonders of science to understanding the world through HASS, your children have thrived in diverse areas. Alongside academic milestones, we’ve witnessed the development of essential life skills, fostering fruits of the Spirit and Shield Values.

As we gathered one final time before the holiday break, let’s not only reflect on these achievements but also delve into the true meaning of Christmas. This special season is an opportunity to celebrate the joy of learning, the spirit of Christ, and the warmth of family. May your holidays be illuminated with the joy and the essence of Christmas.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with continued curiosity, learning, and the love of Christ,  that defines this festive season.

Learning in Year 2: Spotlight on 2KB

As the school year comes to a close, the students in 2KB have been reflecting on a year filled with discovery, creativity, friendships and fun. This fortnight we continued to learn about and explore the events that led to the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Students enjoyed retelling the Nativity of Jesus through paintings, making stain glass windows, writing stories and decorating Christmas trees! We had so much fun participating in and watching the P-4 Quiz Works Christmas Show where Scruff taught us that “Christmas is Merry because of Jesus!” The sound of carols and laughter can be heard in the corridors, as we rehearse for our upcoming Christmas concert and celebrate the culmination of an amazing year.

Learning in Year 3: Spotlight on 3OC

Our Year 3 stars shone brightly as they unveiled their incredible market stalls, each representing a chosen country. From vibrant flags to homemade treasures, the creativity was boundless! Our young entrepreneurs enthusiastically presented their cultural discoveries to our Grade 2 friends, leaving them in awe. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as students navigated the diverse stalls, interactive digital games, fun facts, quizzes and tasting treats (not real). It was a resounding success, showcasing not only their academic expertise but also fostering a deeper appreciation for the world’s rich culture. Congratulations to our Year 3OC superstars!

Year 3 Term 4 Wrap Up

We finished Term 4 by turning the Year 3 classrooms into an engaging International Festival. The children chose a country to research and then worked collaboratively in small groups to create an informative and eye-catching Market Stall. The students were so enthusiastic and enjoyed letting their creativity come to life. There was delicious food made from paper and play dough, flags, facts, banners, models of landmarks and information posters about a celebration from their country. The result was impressive, and the Year 2 students were able to come and view the international stalls and learn so much – it also got Year 2 excited for when they get to do it next year. It was a lovely way to end the term and year. The students have really improved at researching topics and working co-operatively in teams while being responsible for their part in the production of resources for their stall. The year 3 teachers are very sad to see these beautiful students go, but are super proud of them all and know they will continue to be wonderful learners in Year 4

Spotlight on Year 4: Excursion to Burleigh

To consolidate their learning of erosion and weathering and the impact these have on the land around them, as well as rock formations and types, students took at trip down to Burleigh to conduct some experiments in the sand.  They built some impressive villages, mountains and rivers, and explored the impact of glaciers, flooding, rain and wind on these landforms.  It was a fantastic, hands on opportunity to apply their learning – even if they did almost get blow away with some natural wind erosion from the weather! A big thank you to our parent helpers who came down and got sandy while assisting us on the day.

Spotlight on Learning: Year 4 End of Year Wrap Up

What an amazing term and year we’ve had in Year 4 this year. As this year comes to a close, our students will bid farewell to the Junior Learning Community, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey. This year has been one of profound growth, with students blossoming in social and academic spheres. It’s heartening to reflect on the strides they’ve made, not just as learners but as confident individuals ready to embrace new challenges.

This term, in particular, has been a rich tapestry of learning experiences. From mastering key numerical concepts to delving into the fascinating realms of erosion and weathering in Science, our students have exhibited a keen desire to learn more and engage in rich learning experiences. In the realm of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS), they’ve explored the significance of rules and laws, gaining insights that extend beyond the classroom. The exploration of poetry and descriptive writing in English has allowed them to express their creativity and hone their language skills.

As we approach the holiday season, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all families for a safe and rejuvenating break. May this time be an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of God’s goodness and grace, exemplified in the precious gift of Jesus.

Update from 8E!

Warhammer Club in MLC

Tackling Mobile Phone Waste

Year 8 Transition to Rise

Year 8 Leadership Dinner

Christmas Spirits High in 5B

Greene C

7D

MLC Co-curricular Awards

MLC Recognition Assembly

Year 11 Geography – Cook Island Snorkelling

Our Year 11 Geography class recently swapped textbooks for snorkels on a fascinating trip to Cook Island. Immersed in the azure waters, students marveled at the diverse marine life, connecting theory to reality. Beyond the beauty, the expedition had a purpose – to investigate the island’s vulnerability to natural hazards. Discussions centered on the resilience of coastal communities, the protective role of coral reefs, and sustainable practices. This hands-on experience not only broadened their understanding but emphasized the crucial link between geography and environmental adaptability. Stay tuned for more enriching adventures as our students continue to explore, learn, and grow.

2023 Tournament of Champions – USA Tour

A group of Hillcrest students from Year 9-10 have recently travelled to the US to compete in the World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions, hosted at Yale University. There were over 700 teams in the Senior Division, with a total of over 2000 students from across the world. Students worked very hard over the last few months to prepare for this event and we are so proud of their efforts and achievements.

We started this thrilling trip by arriving in New Haven, Connecticut for the competition. Basking in the fall weather, all were just wowed at the sights we saw. We toured Yale University and purchased a lot of the University’s merchandise! Something I really loved was that we got the chance to study in the Yale Bass Library. We had a lot of fun in New Haven from visiting Walmart to trying local restaurants like the home of the first hamburger.

During the week, we took a day tour to Boston. From exploring Harvard University to venturing around the city of Boston through our own self-guided freedom trail, we learnt so much about US history and the city itself. We finished our day in Boston by going to the markets there to shop, eat and really just enjoy ourselves.

We launched the competition with the opening ceremony. Following this, we went on a scavenger hunt in teams with students from all over the world. It was a great chance to make new friends! The next event day was the triple threat: Team Debate, Scholars Challenge and Collaborative writing. Students were really enriched by these events, having to think critically!

Scholars reunited for the Team Bowl. This was where they worked as a team in a quiz-bowl setting. Half way through, we were given our own alpacas, which play a fundamental role in the WSC program. After this, we partook in the Cultural Fair where people from all over the world displayed their cultures and traditions for all to see. We hosted a stall dedicated to Australia, forcing people to see how fast they could eat the vegemite whilst also distributing milo. It was really great to explore different parts of the world that we wouldn’t have necessarily gotten the chance to without this experience.

Finally, we had the closing ceremony where our teams achieved exceptionally. The results are listed below:

Overall Individual
51^st – Joel Luxton
94^th – Oliver Kim
145^th – Claudia Branson

Overall Team
55^th – Claudia Branson, Joel Luxton and Sam Kennedy
107^th – Charlie Cullen, Oscar de Jersey and Oliver Kim

Individual Debating
Silver – Oscar
Gold – Matthew, Claudia, Charlotte, K’gari, Sam, Oliver, Esther, Joel

Individual Writing
Silver – Charlotte, Matthew, Claudia
Gold – Joel, Oliver

Individual Challenge
Claudia Branson – 4 Silvers
Joel Luxton – 2 Gold
Matthew Sabot and Oliver Kim – 2 Silvers and 1 Gold
Esther Rush, Sam Kennedy and Charlie Cullen – 1 Silver

Team Challenge
34^th – Claudia Branson, Joel Luxton and Sam Kennedy

Team Debate
232^nd – Charlie Cullen, Oscar de Jersey and Oliver Kim
71^st – Charlotte Barker, K’gari Houlahan-Lawford and Esther Rush
67^th – Claudia Branson, Joel Luxton and Sam Kennedy

Team Bowl
247^th – Charlotte Barker, K’gari Houlahan-Lawford and Esther Rush
165^th – Mark Bekker, Levi Hunt and Matthew Sabot
137^th – Claudia Branson, Joel Luxton and Sam Kennedy
63^rd – Charlie Cullen, Oscar de Jersey and Oliver Kim

Following the competition, we embarked on a journey to Washington DC. We toured and saw so many places in the span of 24 hours from the Smithsonian Museum of Air and Space, Capitol Hill, the Washington Monument, the White House and so much more. We delved into the history of many memorials and historical parts of the city, learning so much about America.

Finally, we stopped by New York City where we spent almost four action packed days. On our first night, we went and saw the Back to the Future Musical on Broadway which absolutely blew our minds. The next day, we explored the city, visiting many well-regarded monuments like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Grand Station Terminal and more. On our last main day in New York, we were enchanted by the beautiful Central Park. Following this, we watched the NBA, with us all repping New York Knicks merch as we went to see them play the Charlotte Hornets. Our days ended with many visits to the bustling and busy Times Square. We were absolutely awe-struck at New York, and it was so thrilling to be there.

Overall, our USA trip was a big success. We grew closer with our friends and met so many new people from all around the world. It was an amazing opportunity to push ourselves and I am so happy that we were able to go on this adventure. Thank you to everyone who helped to make the trip happen!

Year 12 Graduation

In a heartfelt farewell, we bid adieu to the Graduating Class of 2023 last week. The day brimmed with celebratory moments, starting with a joyous Valedictory breakfast, followed by a Graduation Ceremony attended by SLC students, family and friends. We concluded with the annual Guard of Honour, which guided them around the College to bid farewell to fellow students. The journey with this remarkable class has been an honor, witnessing their growth and achievements. As they embark on new adventures beyond the school gates, we extend our warmest wishes to them all.

SLC Recognition Assembly

In the last week of the school term, we hosted a Recognition Assembly to honor the hard work and accomplishments of numerous students. It served as a fantastic conclusion to the year, spotlighting the incredible achievements of our students. It was a moment to applaud their efforts and celebrate their successes.

Pathways Awards Ceremony

Congratulations to all our Pathways students on their commendable achievements this year. Your diligent efforts and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Your commitment to success is truly commendable, and we applaud you for reaching new heights. Well done!

Life Group Christmas Cheer

As the term concluded, our Life Groups dedicated themselves to transforming their spaces into Christmas wonderlands. The collective effort was remarkable, resulting in visually stunning displays that added a festive touch to our surroundings. The creativity and hard work exhibited by each Life Group were truly commendable, creating a memorable and joyful atmosphere to cap off the year. Congratulations to all involved for the outstanding commitment to making our spaces festive and fostering a sense of celebration as we approach the holiday season. Well done to each Life Group for their impressive contributions!

David Fleay Wildlife Park Ranger in Training program – Monday or Friday from January- Apply NOW

The David Fleay Ranger in Training program is now available to book through the online booking console!

Please follow the link below and select either the Monday afternoon or Friday afternoon programs (please note that you can only select one day for program delivery and cannot change during the program).

The course will be delivered over 8 weeks (January- March) and students must be over 15 to participate.

If you would like to go ahead with your booking please head to the online booking console to select your program and enter your details.

*Please be sure to select the program’s next available date and ticket quantities at the top of the page first, which will then enable you to choose a program.  A button will then appear on the right showing the total and the word REQUEST beneath it – click this button to proceed with the booking.

Once we have received your request, we will then confirm your booking by sending you a Confirmation form, outlining your program details.

Please note, your booking will not be confirmed until you have received the Confirmation Form.

As we have limited spaces for this course (10 on the Monday afternoon course, and 10 on the Friday afternoon course), I would recommend early bookings!(Students must be 15 years old and over)

Defence Force Work Experience Program – Stay tuned for 2024 opportunities- places fill very fast!

2024 opportunities will be released in January. Visit the site to apply for the experience you are interested in as the programs are competitive and fill very fast.

School-based Traineeship Vacancies for the Gold Coast and Brisbane Regions

First Choice College is working with local businesses to form traineeship opportunities for Gold Coast and Brisbane based students. Our School-Based Traineeship program is designed to help students gain practical skills and valuable work experience while still completing their High School studies.

If you are a Year 10, 11 or 12 student – or are the parent of a student interested in completing one of our qualifications as a School-Based Trainee please get in touch with our Traineeship Pathways Team by emailing traineeship@fcc.edu.au or by phoning the office on 07 5689 5060.

Benefits of our program include:
» Industry relevant training provided by industry experts
» Hands-on work experience
» A supportive learning environment
» Opportunities for career advancement

See here for more information

School holiday program – Airline Builders Innovation In Aviation Program – Students in Years 4-10

Free online Metaverse micro-credentials for high school students from TAFE

Metaverse Micro Credentials
TAFE Queensland is excited to offer three FREE online micro-credentials to high school students in Queensland to become Metaverse-ready and well-prepared for digital futures. These micro-credentials have been developed in collaboration with industry. Students will learn industry trends such as digital twins and 3D scanning, what technology is involved in creating real-time applications, and its industry use cases, and get some tips from industry professionals.

Please click here for the flyer with further details.

 ‘Your Future hasn’t been written yet. No one’s has. Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one – Doc Brown’, Back to the Future 

This is an amazing opportunity if you have any further questions you can contact Richard Barrett, Richard.BARRETT@tafeqld.edu.au

NIE Academic Insights Program – Medicine, Psychology, Veterinary Studies, Engineering, International Relations, Business Management, and Creative Writing Residential Program 3-13 January

Attention students 13-18 years old.

The National Institute of Education (NIE) Australia has partnered with Immerse Education to bring you the Academic Insights Program for Medicine, Psychology, Veterinary Studies, Engineering, International Relations, Business Management, and Creative Writing

The Academic Insights Program is designed to work as an instant accelerant to boost and fast-track the development of individual drive and motivation. The program will see students live and study at Australia’s top-ranked university, The University of Sydney. Just like university students, participants will attend lectures, tuitions, complete a research assignment, and of course, be involved in an array of social and cultural activities. As this is a residential program, students will be living at St Paul’s College (University of Sydney) residential facility for the duration of the program.

The academic components of the program will be facilitated by academics from Oxford and Cambridge Universities, who will fly in and stay for the 10-day duration of the program. In addition to all other activities, students will be receiving a Certificate of Completion, a detailed personalised performance review, and a personalised letter of recommendation, which they can use for applying to universities and various scholarship programs.

Please note, that the number of places for this program is limited and strictly capped for each faculty, therefore, if you are interested, then please ENROL soon to avoid the disappointment of missing out. 

 Program Inclusions:

• 10 nights’ accommodation in a college at the University of Sydney
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in College Hall
• Accommodation in an individual bedroom
• 35 hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors
• Carefully designed study and lecture materials
• Mentor program and access to support material
• Formal hall dinners at the University of Sydney
• Visits to iconic landmarks including Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and the Taronga Zoo
• Cultural and social activities including Australian Football, Cricket, and opportunities for BBQ
• Graduation ceremony and certificate
• A detailed evaluation is written by the tutors
• Mentor family photograph
• Free premium membership to UniPrepare’s ‘Nurture’ plan

For more detailed information about the cost and how to enrol please visit:

NIE CAREERS

Gold Coast SUNS TAFE at School Program

Please see the attached flyer for information on the Gold Coast Suns Tafe at School Program.

Apprenticeship and Traineeship Opportunities (full time and school-based)

There are a range of Apprenticeship and Traineeship opportunities available through MAS National for students looking for either a full time (Year 12 completing students) or school-based.

To view the current openings and to apply, please visit here and use the search functions to refine the list.

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:
Brisbane: 9 – 12 December 2023
Melbourne: 25 – 28 January 2024

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