News

Olympics Unleashed 2020

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 17:02:28 AEDT

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the NSW Government are pleased to welcome The Hills School to be a part of 'Olympics Unleashed', a program taking Olympians and NSWIS Athletes into New South Wales schools to inspire and motivate young australians ahead of Tokyo 2020.

Olympics Unleashed is all about the Olympic spirit. Chris Morgan (World Champion in Rowing) visited The Hills School on 25th February Tuesday and presented his successful story with us through a slideshow. Our students from six selected classes participated in a fun exercises with a song 'Count to 100 and Get fit' from YouTube. Then followed by listening to questions and answering questions such as 'What is your favourite sport?. etc. Then, it was time for individual photos and group photos. It was a rewarding experience for all students and the school community.

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 09:49:49 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:47:03 AEDT

Starting school is a big moment in a child’s life. Here’s how to make the most of it.

We can’t wait for you to join us for a great year – the first step towards a lifelong love of learning.

Visit the department’s primary school resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year, whether your child is starting Kindergarten or Year 6.

You’ll find:

Getting ready for primary school booklet – everything you need to be #Ready2020
Daisy’s First Day – the story of Daisy the koala’s first adventure at Kindergarten
advice from teachers – they’ve been through this before.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Kindy

Duration – 1:00

Staying healthy into the new school year

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 17:00:27 AEDT

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect your family from harmful diseases this holiday season and into 2020. Visit your doctor for general health and vaccination advice.

Immunisation not only protects you and your family but also others in your community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

Children starting school in 2020 must have up-to-date immunisations to enrol.

These vaccinations help protect children from highly infectious and severe diseases including whooping cough and measles.

Travel health

If you’re travelling overseas during the school holidays, you may need vaccinations or medication – both for general health protection and for region specific diseases.

If you’re travelling to the Northern Hemisphere, you may even need a flu shot.

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

Leisure Week 2019

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 11:36:38 AEDT

In Term 4 week 8, all the senior classes -Orana and Marlee Learning Group and 2 classes from Adina and Akuna Learning Group participated in Lesiure Week. There were a variety of community access activities in different places such as bowling in Castle Hill, swimming in Belmoral Beach, eating lunch in Mcdonald's, Hotscotch, visiting park, watching movie in the cinema and Christmas shopping at Blacktown Westfield. All of the students were relaxing, exciting and enjoying the fun time together. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who helped out in this special event this week. We are very proud of our students behaviour and manner in the community. Well done!

Graduation night 2019

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 14:57:45 AEDT

The Year 12 graduation was held on Wednesday, 12 December at Springfield house Function Centre. We had the opportunity to formally farewell eight of our amazing students. The room was bursting with families, friends and staff, all filled with tremendous pride and a common desire to say 'Well done' and 'Congratulations!' Thank you to you and the familikes of our graduating students for your involvment and contribution to the life of our school. It has been equally wonderful having their families as part of The Hills School community. Congratulations and all the best to William, Eric, Joel, Keffer, Elvin, Rebecca, Lexi and Shania. We will miss you all greatly but wish each and every one of the graduating students every success and happiness in the future.

Celebration of Learning Assembly 2019

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 16:09:23 AEDT

Our Celebration of Learning Assembly was held in the school hall on 28th November this year. All of the students' achievement in learning posters were hanged up on the walls and doors. Thanks for the Peer Tutors assisting us to decorate the hall with all the beautiful learning posters. We had lots of parents, grandparents and families friends attending this special occasion. They were so proud of their children for their hard work and achievement. They took lots of photos to remember and cherish the day. Thanks for Andrew, one of our talented teacher who did a beautiful DVD highlighting students' fun learning at school. Well done, Everyone!

School Open Tomorrow

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 19:09:02 AEDT

Dear Parents,

We are ever mindful of placing students and staff safety first as our system manages the challenging situation these bush fires present. Once again I would like to extend a word of thanks for the cooperation of our school community and for your patience and support. Following ongoing and careful consideration with Rural Fire service NSW we have received advice that our school will be operational tomorrow Wednesday 13th November. We anticipate restricting most activities to indoors due to the remaining smoke but ask parents to make individual consideration where your children may have respiratory or other conditions that may be affected by the poor air quality. We anticipate all ASTP runs will operate in the morning as per usual and thank our drivers for their flexibility. If you have any concerns please contact the school tomorrow.

Kind regards,

Mark Gosbell

Relieving Principal

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:28:41 AEDT

Many schools are responding to the catastrophic fire rating that is affecting communities across the state this week.

We are continuously updating the School safety page with a list of government and non-government schools, as well as TAFE NSW campuses that are currently non-operational.

While some schools are temporarily non-operational due to localised fires, many others in high-risk areas are non-operational as a precautionary measure.

Schools in some areas are being used as emergency evacuation centres at the direction of the Rural Fire Service.

For schools that are currently operational, school pickups and dropoffs will continue as usual. If your school is currently non-operational, it will likely remain so tomorrow.

Large scale distressing events affect our school communities in many ways. Headspace’s mental health support resource (PDF 100.52KB) is available to help students, teachers and school staff respond to the bushfires.

Visit the School safety page for updates. The department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will also provide updates during this period.

The Hills School is Temporarily Ceasing Operations on Tuesday 12th November

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 21:02:46 AEDT

As a proactive safety measure schools that have been identified as having increased risk that are bushfire prone and schools that are on the Department's bushfire register have been asked to cease operation for tomorrow Tuesday 12 November 2019. Principals and schools that have been asked to cease operation.

In order to ensure the safety of students and staff, it has been decided that the school will be temporarily ceasing operations for Tuesday 12th November 2019. You must not send students to school. You must keep students at home. There will be no staff on site tomorrow.

Please refer to our website at http://www.thehills-s.schools.nsw.edu.au or our Fllexibuzz app for up to date information.

Updated information regarding when the school we re-commence operations will be sent through Flexibuzz and made clear from the school website.

Sincerely,

Mark Gosbell

Relieving Principal

Combined Athletics Carnival in Olympic Park 2019

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 11:30:53 AEDT

What a Champion School? The Hills School continues to perform extremely well in Combined Athletics Carnival with lots of Special Schools in The Hills District in Olympic Park today. We had 8 senior students attended and completed in a variety of track and field activities. We won Second in the Senior Track and got a school trophy. Thanks for our outstanding teacher Sheriden who was leading the event. Thanks to our parents, Karen and Alex, they devoted their precious time to assist us and students. Well done to our athletes Omar, William, Tristan, Chelsea, Tara, Ethan, Thehan and Amelie!

Live Life Well @ The Hills School Concert 2019

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 16:25:35 AEDT

Live Life Well @ The Hills School Concert was successfully performed on Wednesday 30th Oct in Term 4. We sold out over 60 tickets. Students were all excited wearing their costumes and happily performing their characters on the stage. The Concert focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles for our students. We encourage them to eat fruits and vegetables, drink water, being active everyday, enjoy physical activities, feeling happy and have a positive mindset in learning. There were four groups in the concert-Junior School -The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Middle School -The Athletes, Senior School -The Farmers and The Friendship Group. A big thank you to all the peer tutors from Northmead Performing and Creative Art High School to assist us on the stage. We had some guests also attended to our concert- Stephen from LLW Organisation and Deputy Principal from Northmead Performing and Creative Art High School. Thank you to all the staff who supporting students to practice and perform throughout the past three terms. Well done everyone!

Athletic Carnival 2019

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 13:01:48 AEDT

Athletic Carnival of The Hills School was held in Northmead Reserve Playground Oval on Thursday, 26th September this year. The weather was perfect for an outdoor physical activities. We had lots of parents attending. The theme for this year is 'We are Champions'. All students were dressed up with bright colourful sports clothes with enthusiasm participating in sprinters, javelin, bean bag races, shot put, hurdles, running around cones, bowling and air rocket. Students were excited to receive ribbons, particularly the 'Champion' ribbon as they did the best in all events. Thank you to all peer tutors from Northmead Performing and Creative Arts High School assisting us in this school event. We all had fun and enjoyed the day. The best day of the year!

Reading is my Secret Power

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 12:23:35 AEST

The Hills School celebrated Book Week this year with our traditional dress-up parade in the Green courtyard. The theme of 2019 was 'Reading is my Secret Power.' Students dressed up as superheros and staff dressed up in some popular characters. Harry Potter was the hit. There were so much fun during this school event. Parents came along to watch athe parade and also had morning tea in the library and books donation. Thanks to all the students, parents and staff to make our day memorable.

NCCD

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 16:10:00 AEST

Dear Parents and Carers,

Each year schools participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD). The nationally consistent approach to data collection provides all Australian schools, education authorities and the community with a clear picture of the number of students receiving adjustments because of disability in schools, and the adjustments they are provided to enable them to participate in education on the same basis as other students. Information collected does not identify disability individual students. For your reference, and further information pease see The Hills School website for the NCCD public information notice.

Sincerely,

Mark Gosbell

Relieving Principal

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:39:19 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

NAIDOC Week Celebration 2019

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:12:28 AEST

The Hills School is celebrating NAIDOC Week on 1-5 July in week 10. The theme for this year is 'Voice. Treaty. Truth' and 'Let's work together for a shared future'. This theme acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia's democracy. Students will be participating a variety of learning activities during the week including reading Dreamtime stories, listening to Aboriginal songs, viewing Aboriginal artworks, discussing Aboriginal cultures and recognising some Aboriginal popular people in sports, media and the other industries. On Thursday 4 July, Steve Woods an Aboriginal artist and one of the parents in our school community will be providing an immersive cultural experience by assisting our students with creating an Aboriginal painting. We would like to take this opportunity to thank steve fior his commitment, passion and time in supporting our students' learning in this special school event.

PBL -Safety Week -Police visit day

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 17:40:31 AEST

As part of our Positive Behaviour of Learning 'Safety Week' activities, we are grateful to have Ethan West (Youth Liaison Officer) from Castle Hills Police Station visited The Hills School. Students were excited to see the police officer in this safe learning environment and had an opportunity to sit in the police car, press the button for the siren and the lights and take lots of photos with Ethan and his police car. What a special learning experience for us all!

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:22:15 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

Wheeli-walkathon 19

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 01:30:45 AEST

On Wednesday June 5 our school wheeli-walkathon was held in the playground at The Hills School, Northmead. What makes this occasion such an exciting one was the fact that it involves and includes many members of our school community. The involvment of our students, staff and parents is fantastic to see. It was also wonderful to see many peer tutor students from Northmead Creative and Performing Art High School assist and participate. The students had a great time walking, wheeling and running laps at the bike track. We raised money for the P&C to spend on resources for our school. Thanks to all of our volunteers, parents and Northmead Creative and Performing Art High School peer tutos who assisted and participated on the day.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 11:16:31 AEST

It’s not too late to become a Game Changer with applications for the Education Week challenge due by 7 June.

The Game Changer Challenge brings 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – to Sydney during Education Week in August for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop.

The Game Changer workshops, which start on Tuesday 6 August, includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It also includes a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of experts from industry and academia to develop a solution to this year’s critical question: How might we humanise technology?

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott has encouraged students and teachers to get behind the event as it highlights the critical thinking students will need to develop to succeed in the future.

“The Game Changer Challenge is an exciting initiative that helps educate and inform our students and teachers on how to integrate the problem-solving methodology of design thinking into the classroom,” Mr Scott says.

“It embraces the 21^st century skills our students will need to thrive in a globalised world such as collaboration, creative thinking and communication.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students at all levels to be involved in discussing and addressing a real-world issue that will affect their future lives. I encourage every school to get involved.”

The challenge is designed to make strong learning and teaching connections to the NSW syllabus specifically in the area of developing general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

The challenge also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain exposure to the design thinking process and includes teacher resources to introduce this creative problem-solving methodology into the classroom.

Finalists will be selected based on a 60-second video that showcases your team’s vision around the question of humanising technology.

For more information email edweek@det.nsw.edu.au or visit the Game Changer Challenge page.

Kicking off Term 2 with Golf

Fri, 10 May 2019 00:58:33 AEST

All the students at The Hills School had a fun start in Term 2. Students in four Learning Group - Adina, Akuna, Orana and Marlee happily participated the golf day on Wednesday (1st May) by Jack Newton Junior Golf Organistion. This is one of our sports activities under the Sporting School grant. Students not only engaged in playing golf, they also learned about sports safety and gained some new skills.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:34:56 AEST

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The tests assess the foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

This year NAPLAN takes place between 14 and 16 May for paper tests and between 14 and 24 May for schools participating in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN data is used to help monitor student progress over time against a national measure and to identify areas of strength and improvement. It is used in combination with other school assessments to guide and support student learning.

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:13:52 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program that is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions.

You can apply now for grants from $20,000 - $200,000 for projects that will make a difference to your community. Projects could include new playground equipment, sports facilities, paths or ramps to improve access, public art or a community service.

The local community can vote for their favourite projects in July and successful projects will be announced in September.

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:29:23 AEST

With school holidays just around the corner, it’s time to visit your doctor to check that you and your family are fully protected against measles, before you travel overseas.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious, viral illness that is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. If you and your family are not fully vaccinated, or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk of contracting measles.

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

In Australia, the measles vaccine (MMR) consists of 2 doses. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had 2 doses of the measles vaccine, visit your doctor. It’s safe to receive another dose.

Children born in Australia

If your children were born in Australia, they may have received the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose at 18 months, in accordance with the National Immunisation Program.
If you have a baby under 12 months old, consult your doctor about getting their measles vaccination.

Adults born in Australia

Born before 1966 – you were most likely exposed to measles as a child and are generally considered to be immune. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Born between 1966 and 1994 – you may not have received 2 doses. Talk to your doctor about the free vaccine if you’re unsure.
Born after 1994 – the National Immunisation Program offers 2 doses, and you can check your vaccination status using the Australian Immunisation Register.

For more information about the measles vaccination, visit NSW Health or consult your local doctor.

Harmony Day -African Beat

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 00:25:58 AEDT

All students and staff with bright orange top were able to enjoy and participate in African inspired drumming for Harmony Day. This is always a fantastic occasion in our school year, with a hgih degree of both students and staff participation. There was plenty of opportunity for students to use the drums, dance and to move to the unique rhythm created by the drums. Teachers used the opportunity of Harmony Day to help remind and to teach students how to get along with and how to work with others. Staff use the principles of Friendship, Safety and Learning, which are taught through our PBL framewoek, to help students develop their understanding.

Metropolitan Swimming Carnival -Champion School 2019

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 22:29:23 AEDT

Congratulations to Vanessa, Tara, Omar, Lee, Chelsea and Amelie who all represented our school at the Metropoltan Combined Swimming Carnival held at Cabarita Pool on Friday 1 March. All Students participated with great enthusiasm and commitment. We are thrilled that they returned as school champions from the carnival, but we are even more proud of them for the manner in which they represented us on the day. Congratulations to you all. Thank you also to our parent volunteers Helen and Karen who assisted in making the day run smoothly. Thank you to our staff Sheriden and Eunice for assisting our students in this event.

Incorporating physical activity into school life

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 16:07:44 AEDT

'Active Kids Learn Better' and 'Active Kids are Healthy Happy Kids'. Students at The Hills School are having so much fun participateing in soccer training and basketball training at lunch break for an hour on Monday and Thursday. Our school has received Sporting School grant this term. Thanks for Western Sydney Wanderers Football Association and West Sydney Wolves Basketball Association providing us coaches to teach our students how to play soccer and basketball. It is such an enjoyable and wonderful physical activity time to all of us. Physical activity energisers to assist with concentration, health and wellbeing.

Congratulations! Healthy School Canteen Certificate

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 17:49:29 AEDT

Congratulations!

The Hills School Canteen meets the NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy Food and Drink Criteria.

Thank you for the staff, canteen manager and volunteers, Joanne and her team, parents and the whole school community!

Healthy School Canteen menu 2019

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 01:28:43 AEDT

'The more stars, the healthier'. The Healthy School Canteen menu has been implemented and used at The Hills School since 2017. We have renewed the menu for 2019. Students are encouraged to look for the '5 stars' health rating to make good food choices. The Hills School supports the Health Promoting School Framework on healthy eating, physical activity and mental wellbeing. We assist students in making healthy choices, encouraging them to learn the benefits of eating well such as having fruit and vegetables as snacks, drinking water and being active each day at school. Eating well and drinking water can help maintain focus and attention as well as promoting a positive and healthy mindset throughout the day.

Global Teacher Prize

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 16:52:28 AEDT

It has just been announced that Peter Gurrier-Jones is one of the Top 50 Finalists in the Teacher Prize, established by the Varkey Foundation. The Global Teacher Prize recognises and celebrates the impact that exceptional teachers have around the world-not only on their students, but also on their communities. Peter is one of only two Australian teachers to make it through to the Final 50. This is a tremendous achievement. When commenting on what it meant to make it through to the Final 50, Peter stated that his nomination was a sensational acknowledgement "of the work and love of all the teachers, support staff, families and community who help kids at The hills School learn and succeed." The Top 10 finalists will be announced in February and the final winner of the award will be announced in Dubai on Sunday 24 March 2019. Making it through to Final 50 also provides a great opportunity to help others know and learn about our wonderful and amazing students. We wish Peter all the very best for the final rounds of the award process. Congratulations!

Recommencing school operations on Tuesday 18 December 2018

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 12:44:38 AEDT

Dear Parent/carer

The emergency situation regarding major power outages at our school have been resolved and therefore the school will be recommencing normal operations tomorrow, Tuesday 18 December 2018.

If your child travels to school via Assisted School Travel Transport, please ensure that you organise transport to school for your child directly with the transport contractor.

We would also like to inform you that due to the outages our canteen will be closed tomorrow and there will be no facilities for purchasing food for your child from the canteen. Please ensure you send in a healthy recess and lunch as well as plenty of water with your child tomorrow.

We thank you for your co-operation in this matter and please refer to FlexiBuzz or website at https://thehills-s.schools.nsw.gov.au for up to date information.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Gurrier-Jones

Principal

School is non-operational on 17th December (Monday) 2018

Sun, 16 Dec 2018 18:30:29 AEDT

Dear Parents and Carers

As you may be aware, there is currently an emergency situation in our community involving major power outages in Northmead and surrounding suburbs. The school is non-operational.

To ensure the safety of students and staff, our decision has been made that our school will not be operating on Monday 17 December 2018.

There will be no students on site tomorrow. Please ensure that you put supervision arrangements in place for your child tomorrow. A decision regarding the operation for the school on Tuesday 18 December 2018 will be made at middday tomorrow.

Please refer to our Flexibuzz or our website https://thehills-s.schools.nsw.edu.gov.au for up-to-date information.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Peter Gurrier-Jones

Principal

Graduation Night 2018

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 13:37:20 AEDT

The Year 12 Graduation was held on Wednesday night, 12 December at Springfield House Function Centre. We had the opportunity to formally farewell nine of our amazing students. The room was bursting with families, friends and staff, all filled with tremendous pride and a common desire to say 'Well done' and ' Congratulations'. Thank you to you and to the families of our graduating students for your involvement and contribution to the life of our school. It has been equally wonderful having their families as part of The Hills School community. Congratulations and all the very best to Nicholas, Navieen, Cedric, Fawwaz, Zach, Krithik, Zane, Matthew and Kyle. We will miss you all greatly, but wish each and every one of the graduating students every success and happiness in the future.

2019 school budget allocations

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 11:49:42 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Come as a Farmer Day

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:36:56 AEDT

This Wednesday, we all dressing up as farmers. Our school has a great connection with Broken Hill High School, which is one of six schools who we are collaborating with to improve our knowledge and teaching practice as part of the Sucess for complex Learners Cluster. Our cluster is currently in the first of a three-year plan to develop and share The Communication Passport as part of a 'School Plus -Fair Education' grant. Come as a Farmer Day was a great success. Thank you to students, families, carers and staff for your generous donations. Together we raised $765 for famers in the Broken hill region.

School Plus visit

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:19:23 AEDT

We had an opportunity to welcome staff from 'School Plus' to our school, where they also had the opportunity to learn more about our students, programs and school. School Plus help support a number of quality educational programs and initiatives across the country, using philanthropic funds from a number of key corporations and foundations. School Plus currently help support our Sucess for Complex Learners cluster. It was terrific for the students across a range of classes to be able to share and demonstrate all their wonderful learning to our very keen and interested visitors.

Secretary's Award for an Outstanding School Initiative

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 23:27:17 AEDT

At The Hills School, we love learning and strive hard every day to be innovative in our teaching practice and programs. All our staff are committed improving their methods of supporting all students in achieving their personal best. This week, we are thrilled to have received two prestigious awards at this year's 2018 Minister's and Secretary's Awards for Excellence. Assistant Principal, Vita Williams received a Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Vita is an outstanding educational practitioner who has dedicated over 34 years to be the wonderful profession of teaching. Congratulations Vita! In addition, The Hills School received the Secretary's Award for an Outstanding School Initiative for our work on The Communication Passport. The award ceremony was held at The Sydney Town Hall this week and we had the pleasure of attending this wonderful event with Vita Williams, P&C President Michelle Gough and professional partner Ylana Bloom.

Athletics Carnival

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 17:17:10 AEDT

We held our annual Hills School Athletics Carnival where our Bura and Gura Learning Groups were fortunate to have their events in the morning session of the day. It was wonderful to see such great participation from students. Our senior students in Nura and Yura began their events after recess when the threatening clouds suddenly unleashed a downpour! Students indeed practiced and demonstrated their amazing running skills by making a quick dash for the nearest shelter. In the days following, Nura and Yura students were able to access the specially marked running track to complete their athletics carnival activities. Thank you very much to teacher Kate Brown for your organisation and the great support from the peer tutors of Northmead Performing Arts High School.

Footy Colours Day

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 10:42:08 AEST

What happened

We had so much fun on the Footy Colours Day.

Mark Scott's visit to The Hills School

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 10:43:42 AEST

We had the pleasure of hosting NSW Department of Education Secretary, Mark Scott at our school. Mark took some time out of his busy schedule to meet with students, staff and families. He visited a number of classes where he saw first-hand the wonderful teaching, learning and achievement taking place at our school. Mark saw a number of lessons and activities including a group reading activity involving keyword signs, a combined class Smartboard activity, individual class afternoon routines and timetables as well as Senior student Work Enterprise programs.

Book Week

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 10:42:54 AEST

Staff and students at The Hills School celebrated Book Week with a costume parade and theatre performance on Wednesday 22 August. The day started with the students dressing up in book character costumes and taking part in a very colourful and lively parade. Book Week celebrations concluded with a performance by renowned performer Tony Appleby from 'Books to Life'. The performance was based on the '2018 Picture Book of the Year' titled 'A Walk in the Bush'. Thank you to our schol librarian, Nicole Winter for organising and promoting this fun-filled whole-school event.

The Hills School Art Show

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 10:49:54 AEST

As part of Education Week, we are thrilled to be presenting The Hills School Art Show on Friday 10 August.

This year's theme is 'Colours of the Rainbow'. Students have been busy carefully creating vibrant, unique and engaging pieces of art to share. We have enjoyed watching the wonderful collection of individual works come together to create a superb gallery of collected works.

Congratulations to all the students on your great enthusiasm and wonderful, personal contributions to The Hills School Art Show.

Science Week - Game Changers and Change Makers

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 10:45:02 AEST

We celebrated Science Week on Wednesday 15 August and the theme this year was 'Game Changers and Change Makers' with an emphasis on scientific discovery.

Classes participated in a fun-filled school incursion in the hall where a guest presenter assisted students to experience and engage with a wide variety of science experiments and demonstrations.

In addition to the whole-group participation, exploratory stations were also set up where students could further explore light, sound movement and energy changes.

Thank you for Dishanka Sekhar for helping to coordinate this wonderful event.

Cook, Taste and Connect

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 10:52:04 AEST

The Hills school is using food to connect our school community. On Friday 15 June our Parent Cooking Session took place.

Parents were invited to share their favourite recipes, showcase their cooking skills, cook a special dish and enjoy the food with our school staff and school community.

Parents had so much fun together in our Living Skills Room. We develop friendships as well as a strong connection in our school community.

Thank you to Matt Aguirre for leading the cooking class and for helping to create some delicious gnocchi. Stay tuned for more information about the next Parent Cooking Session.

Crazy Hair Day

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 10:53:47 AEST

'Crazy Hair Day' was on Wednesday 27 June. It was a whole lot of fun with lots of colour and laughter had by both students and staff. The event helped to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Australia who provide vital support to those suffering from cystic fibrosis. Thank you to all who supported the event and we raised $216.10.

A wonderful time sailing Sydney Harbour

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 10:52:56 AEST

A number of Bura, Nura & Yura classes have had a wonderful time sailing on Sydney Harbour. On a picture perfect day the students and staff enjoyed the beautiful sea breeze while steering a magnificent yacht, thanks to the amazing crew from Sailors with Disabilities. A well organised and engaging crew ensured students were given a day that they will always remember.

Inner Wheel Musical Evening

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 10:54:31 AEST

The school dance group has recently been involved in the 'Inner Wheel Musical Evening' at Northmead Creative & Performing Arts High School, which raises money for Stewart House. The dance group put on a wonderful performance that was appreciated by everyone. Thank you to both students and staff for so proudly representing our school at this very worthy fundraising event.

Wheeli-walk-a-thon

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:44 AEST

On Wednesday 30th May the weather was perfect for an outdoor physical activity. The wheeli-walk-a-thon was held in the playground at The Hills School, Northmead. What helps make this occasion such an exiting one at The Hills School is the fact that it involves and includes many members of our school community. The involvement of students, staff and parents is fantastic to see. The students had a great time walking, wheeling and running laps of the bike track. We raised money for the P&C to spend on teaching resources for our school. Thanks to all the volunteers and Northmead Performing Arts High School peer tutors who helped on the day.

Thank you for supporting our Comedy for a Cause Night!

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:41 AEST

Thank you to everyone who attended our Comedy for a Cause Night, your generosity and support is truly appreciated. The night was a huge success, raising over $5,000 for our school! We look forward to seeing you for more comedy and laughter again next year!

Join us for a Night of Laughter at Comedy for a Cause

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:40 AEST

The Hills School warmly invites you to join us for a night of fun and laughter at our Comedy for a Cause fundraiser. To book your tickets, please see the information below. We look forward to seeing you there!

Congratulations Peter on being awarded a 2018 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award!

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 10:41:19 AEST

We're excited to announce that our school principal, Mr Peter Gurrier-Jones, was one of 12 inspiring teachers and principals named as a Teaching Fellow in the 2018 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards.

The Federal Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham, presented Peter with his Award in Sydney on Friday the 23rd of March, at a ceremony attended by guests from the education, business and philanthropy sectors including David Gonski AC.

The Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards are co-presented by the Commonwealth Bank and Schools Plus. They were created to recognise and reward great teachers and principals, especially those working in challenging and socially diverse communities. This is the second year of the Awards, Australia's largest award of its kind for educators.

Each Fellowship is valued at $45,000, which includes funding for professional development, a significant project in the Fellow's school, and an overseas study tour to a high-performing education system.

Congratulations Peter on your incredible achievement!

If you would like to read more about the Awards, please visit: www.teachingawards.com.au

Congratulations Eliza on completing the Mt Kosciuszko Wheelchair Summit Challenge!

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:40 AEST

Six lives changed forever

On Saturday 2 March 2018 six individuals were special guests for a Mt Kosciuszko climb, including Hills School student, Eliza Fenech, aged 8. It made Channel Nine TV news throughout the entire next day because it was no ordinary mountain climb. It was the Mt Kosciuszko Wheelchair Summit Challenge.

This opportunity, sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Turramurra and Cooma, was supported by local community groups including RFS, SES, and sports clubs who provided the pure manpower to get five wheelchair-bound people to the top of Australia's tallest mountain.

Eliza reached the top, thanks to a team of four amazing volunteers from Cooma, Berridale and Jindabyne, who were attached by a harness to her wheelchair the entire 2,224 metre high, 20km, 6 hour climb to the top and back to Charlotte's Pass.

"It was a beautiful sunny day. The view was spectacular. The people were so generous of their time and were so determined to get Eliza to the top. It was a wonderful experience – one that we'll never forget," said Eliza's Mum, Monique, who joined Eliza for the Challenge as well as her Dad, Steve and two siblings Nicholas (14) and Sophia (12).

The Challenge joined an additional initiative, Project 7in4, to utilise the climb for a good cause – Spinal Cure and Surf Life Saving, as a result of the Project 7in4 founder, who is climbing seven of the world's largest mountains in four months after recovering from a surfing accident that left him temporarily paralysed. Spinal Cure, in particular, is pushing the boundaries of research to get paralysed bodies moving again. Team Eliza raised over $1,000 for this great cause.

"She inspires the people around us every day with her infectious smile and appetite for life," said Eliza's Mum. The Challenge is potentially set to become an annual event – one which can offer The Hills School students the same amazing experience. "It's important for children in wheelchairs to be a part of something as life changing as a mountain climb. We feel so lucky that The Hills School nominated Eliza to be part of this great program."

Eliza's exciting adventure was also publised in the Hills Shire Times! To read more about Eliza's amazing summit and view her newspaper article, please see the following link: Eliza's Amazing Summit

The Wizard of Oz DVD for Sale

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:43 AEST

The Wizard of Oz school musical DVD has now been released! If you would like to purchase a DVD ($8 each), please see the attached note below.

The Wizard of Oz DVD Note (pdf 196 KB)

Congratulations to all of our stars in The Wizard of Oz school musical!

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:41 AEST

Congratulations to all of the students at The Hills School for staring in such a fantastic, The Wizard of Oz, school musical performance! The excitement and enthusiasm of all of our students was infectious in the lead up to the musical and very evident on the big day! Our most sincere thanks are also extended to Ms Nicole Winter, teacher at The Hills School and the musical's director, for her ongoing dedication and commitment towards making the musical such a fantastic success! We thank all of the staff who supported our students and worked collectively to create a real sense of unity and community throughout the entire planning process. We greatly appreciate all of the support from parents, carers, grandparents and extended family and friends of The Hills School who were in the audience supporting our wonderful students.

Gili PH Canberra Trip!

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:42 AEST

The staff and students in Gili PH, along with some wonderful parent volunteers recently embarked on a 3 day trip to Canberra! Thank you so much to Paul Hughes (Classroom Teacher) and Melissa O'Brien (School Learning Support Officer) for your exceptional organisation leading up to the trip and for providing your students with such a fantastic learning opportunity. We are so proud of you all!

Post-School Options Expo

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:43 AEST

Please see the flyer below with details about an upcoming post-school options expo which will be held on Monday 6th November 2017.

The Wizard of Oz School Musical!

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:42 AEST

The Wizard of Oz School Musical is coming to The Hills School! To book your tickets before they sell out, please see the attached booking form below. Tickets for the show will be $8 each and the performance will be held on Wednesday the 25th of October at 10.30am in the school hall. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Wizard of Oz Tickets (pdf 751 KB)

Special celebration for a special place of learning

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:43 AEST

A big thank you to all of the past and present students, staff, families and members of the community who came along to celebrate 40 fantastic years at The Hills School! What a wonderful journey it has been!

You're Invited to our 40 Year Anniversary Picnic!

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:40 AEST

The Hills School is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2017. To commemorate our 40th Anniversary we would like to extend an invitation to our current and former staff, students and their families to attend a celebration picnic. Please see the PDF attachment below for more information. If you're able to attend, could you please return the RSVP slip or call The Hills School to let us know how many people will be attending. We look forward to seeing you there!

40th Anniversary Note (pdf 236 KB)

Woolworths Earn & Learn!

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:44 AEST

The Hills School are participating in the Woolworths Earn & Learn rewards program. If you are able to collect stickers to stick on the attached sticker sheet, we would really appreciate your support. Stickers can be returned to school or dropped into the collection box at Winston Hills Woolworths.

Earn & Learn Sticker Sheet (pdf 281 KB)

Congratulations on a fantastic Hills School Art Show!

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 20:14:43 AEST

On Friday the 5th of August 2016, each class from The Hills School showcased their unique artworks for sale. All parents and carers were encouraged to come along and view many one-of-a-kind artworks. The Hill School Art Show was a fantastic success and we are incredibly proud of the artwork produced by all of our talented students. Our sincere thanks and gratitude go to Ms Debbie Lennon, classroom teacher and art show event organiser, for co-ordinating such a wonderful show!