15 Sep 2023
Deputy Principal's Message
There have been many wonderful and exciting things happening in the life of The Hills School over recent weeks.
Footy Colours Day
We held our annual Footy Colours Day this week. This special day helps raise money for the Fight Cancer Foundation. It was wonderful to see so many students and staff proudly wearing the colours and jerseys of their favourite football and sports teams. We also welcomed some players from the Parramatta Eels men’s and women’s teams. Students were able to participate in a variety of kicking and passing activities. It was a terri'c day and wonderful to see the students participating and engaging in this fun sports s opportunity.
Morris Children’s Fund and Rhythm Village
This week, we welcomed a representative from the Morris Children’s Fund to our school. This organisation helps support a number of schools, including The Hills School, access and participate in a variety of programs and opportunities. The Morris Children’s Fund helps our students to participate in the Rhythm Village music program each Tuesday. Over the course of a number of terms, each student at The Hills School is provided with an opportunity to join with Myles from Rhythm Village in a range of musical experiences including singing, playing bongos, strumming guitars and using percussion instruments. Our students and staff love engaging in this musical opportunity which allows every student to participate at a level that they feel comfortable with. Music also brings students and staff together, develops skills and helps spread joy. The Morris Children’s Fund have also recently donated some technology to help our students within our school. It is great to have a connection with this organisation and to see ongoing opportunities for our students to learn and grow.
School Support Recognition Week
Week 8 was a time for us to formally recognize and acknowledge the wonderful and critical role that the School Admininistration and Support (SAS) staff play in our school. SAS staff includes our wonderful School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs), our amazing office staff and our terriffic General Assistant and gardener. Each and every SAS staff member brings something unique and special to our school. We appreciate the excellent work they do each day and the care and support they show every day to assist our students, families and staff. We appreciate each and every person and say a heartfelt ‘thank you’.
Art for the Senses
We are very thankful for everyone in The Hills School community and wish to provide an opportunity for everyone to come together and explore, play and create art this coming Saturday 16 September 2023. This experience will be taking place at school, from 11am to 1:30pm. We would love to see as many families, students and staff as possible. Families are welcome to attend at any time between 11am and 1:30pm. Families can arrive at any time and stay for a length of time that best suits each family. Please bring some money so you can purchase an item from the sausage sizzle being coordinated by our school P&C. Student artworks will also be available for purchase for $5, so please bring your cash as we do not have any credit card facilities available. We thank Cheryl Williams and a wonderful team of helpers who have worked tirelessly to provide this unique experience and activity for all of us to be involved in. We would love to see you there!
Welcome Acting Deputy Principal – Annie Baker
We are very fortunate to have Annie Baker come across from Holroyd SSP as Acting Deputy Principal at The Hills School. Annie has a wealth of experience in both teaching and leadership and we are absolutely thrilled to have her with us. Welcome Annie.
As this is the last newsletter for the term, we wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to our parents and families for your participation in the life of our school and in your child’s educational journey. We appreciate the time parents and carers have dedicated to joining IEP meetings this term, coming on-site for Education Week, attending Book Week Parade and other opportunities. Thanks also for all the points of connection we have had with you, whether it be through Communication Books, phone conversations or in-person meetings. We appreciate working with you to help our wonderful students grow and thrive. We wish every family a safe and enjoyable Spring Holiday break. The first day back at school for students in Term 4 is Monday 9 October 2023.
Neale Rudland
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL