Secondary Insights
As we move into Week 8 of Term 1, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment at what our Secondary College community has achieved so far. Our students have shown dedication to their learning outcomes as we approach the assessment preparations, the extracurricular activities and well as their personal development, growth embodying the spirit of excellence we strive for. This newsletter aims to highlight some of our recent successes, upcoming events and important updates for our community.
What a wonderful time I had at the recent Year 7 and Year 9 Camps which I attended. While our students were involved in a program, the learning outcomes for the students were amazing. Personal growth for many students on camp was a chance to experience independence from family, which is an important step in personal development and resilience where this program at camp presented many challenges. Overcoming these challenges did boost a confidence and resilience.
Camp was also a fantastic way to meet new people in their year group and it also enabled the development of social skills in a relaxed and natural setting. Embracing the chance to make new friends and learn from others was also a highlight. A lovely young student came to me and said, 'Mrs Skelton, will you join me with the high ropes?'. I did inform this student that I was afraid of heights but with that offer, I could not refuse.
Students are just amazing at Hills College. Spot the photos in this edition of the Year 9 camp- I met my challenge. In the next edition of Hills Times, I will focus on the outcomes from the Year 7 camp. Watch this space!
Secondary Upcoming Events:
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Scheduled for Tuesday 30 April. This is a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and how we can work together to support their learning and development. Please book your appointment through the school’s portal once the reports have been published in Parent Orbit in the second week of the Easter Holidays.
Term 1 Assessment Finalisaton: As a reminder, the end-of-term assessments are being undertaken. We encourage students to begin revising and preparing if they haven't already.
As we look forward to the rest of the term, we will continue to support one another in our pursuits. Whether it's academically or on the sports field or through creative and service activities, every effort counts towards building a vibrant and dynamic Hills College community.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our College. Here's to another successful term! Please do not hesitate to contact me at the College if required.
Mrs Julie-Anne Skelton
Head of Secondary
julie-anne.skelton@hills.qld.edu.au
Teaching and Learning - History Excursion
Year 10 students visit the MacArthur Museum; a site of historic significance, as it housed the Allied headquarters in the South-West Pacific during the Second World War. Students then travelled to ANZAC Square. To conclude the day, Students had an organised guided tour of the ANZAC galleries/museums; particularly the ‘World War II Memorial Gallery’ to suit the curriculum for 10 History Topic 1.
I am certain that this m88 live casino gamesexperience will support 10A’s History studies for Term 1 and 10B’s upcoming History studies in Term 3.
Ms Alexandria Salmon
History Teacher
College LAWS Acknowledgement
Our Hills College LAWS are the Foundation of our College. Students who acknowledge the LAWS are recognised. The College LAWS are;
Live with Compassion
Work with Diligence
Strive for Success
Act with Integrity
Over the past couple of weeks, the following students have been recognised for demonstrating the College LAWS when they attended the Year 9 camp.
Thomas Koen
Lukyn Hytongue
Maxwell Bell
Balian Hill
Brock Withey
Jacob Soars
Please congratulate these students in demonstrating the College LAWS.
Teaching and Learning - Design and Technologies
Designing, producing, and implementing a pizza project for Year 7 students is an excellent way to engage them in a hands-on learning experience that incorporates various educational elements such as nutrition, Math, Science, Art, and teamwork. Year 7B were required to design, produce and implement their own pizza. This was challenging as there were many techniques involved, as well as different types of dough used. Students will submit their theory work around this practical as their assessment for this term.
Ms Rachel Carter and Mrs Julie-Anne Skelton
English Ambassadors
This year, seven Year 11 and 12 students were selected to become Hills’ English Ambassadors; Tea Gligor (Head Ambassador), Ella Molander, Shreya Ramdeo, Keely Moffitt, Matilda McBain, Finn Newbery, and Hollie Zavattaro.
The Ambassador Program was created in 2023 to give students the opportunity to create and lead English-based events and initiatives that create community, raise the profile of the best subject in school, promote reading and writing, and engage kids in literacy and literature. Last year, the inaugural Ambassadors brought Book Week to the Secondary school. This year, we, as a collective, will take the initiative to promote the English subject with multiple new projects. One of these will be a Wonderland-themed week culminating in a bake sale and giant picnic (date TBA!). Our other goals for the year are to create a program that gets Secondary students involved in reading sessions with lower primary, bring a literary club to the school’s club roster, and initiate a homework help program. It’s going to be a great year!
We would also like to congratulate last year’s Ambassador, Caitlin McNee, for receiving Hills’ very first perfect English External Exam mark! Her essay about the Australian Gothic classic ‘The White Earth’ earned her 25 marks out of 25 – a very rare feat!
Finn Newbery
English Ambassador
Media Report
The volleyball player, so striking, she always knows how to make a hit!
Recently a few of our students attended the South Coast Volleyball trials. One of those students was a star player from Year 10, Chelsea Knight. Chelsea has been playing the position of outside hitter or libero for four years.
When asked about her experience of the trials, she was upbeat and positive, explaining “It was the best I’d played in a while, that’s for sure!”. Chelsea enjoys being “part of the action in the front of the court”, and her dedication to the sport signals a bright future ahead.
She ultimately aspires to represent Australia at the Olympic games, in addition to applying for a NCAA scholarship to play in America. Hills wishes Chelsea nothing but the best for her future, both on and off the court – we are so excited to see her continued development as a diligent, passionate and skilled sportswoman.
Joshua Feeney
Hills Reporting Team Captain
Student Outcomes
These girls completed a Certificate lll in Visual Arts in 2023. Well done to Finn Newbery, Summer Mesceke and Kate O'Gorman.
Mrs Mandy Comerford