Term 3 Highlights
As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, I have been reflecting on the many experiences that have brought our students together, challenged them to grow, and strengthened our sense of community.
One of the highlights of the term has been the continued development of our Journey Program, which is helping us create a shared language around growth, belonging, resilience, and purpose. Through conversations with students, families, and alumni, we have been reminded that secondary school is not simply a series of academic milestones. It is a journey of becoming. The stories we have shared this term, including the experiences of Hills graduates who have found success in a wide range of pathways, have reinforced a powerful message: every student’s journey is unique, and every student deserves to be known, supported, and encouraged along the way.
Our students have also embraced opportunities beyond the classroom. Whether competing in HIA sport, representing the College in athletics, participating in Beach Volleyball @ Hills, engaging in leadership opportunities, or contributing to co-curricular activities, our young people have continued to demonstrate commitment, sportsmanship, and courage. These experiences help students discover new strengths, build friendships, and develop the confidence that comes from stepping outside their comfort zone.
This term also saw our community come together to recognise R U OK? Day, and Wear it Purple. It was encouraging to see students and staff wearing yellow and black, participating in conversations about wellbeing, and reinforcing the importance of looking out for one another. The day served as an important reminder that a thriving community is built not only on achievement, but on kindness, empathy, and genuine care. When young people feel seen, valued, and supported, they are better able to flourish in every aspect of school life.
Throughout the term, I have been continually impressed by our students. From the classroom to the sporting field, from performances and service opportunities to the simple daily interactions that often go unnoticed, they have demonstrated perseverance, growth, and character. Equally, I would like to thank our staff and families. The partnership between home and school remains one of the greatest influences on a young person’s success, and we are grateful for the support, encouragement, and trust that you provide.
As the holidays approach, I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to rest, reconnect with family and friends, and celebrate the progress that has been made this term. Growth rarely happens all at once. It occurs through thousands of small steps, challenges overcome, lessons learned, and relationships formed along the way.
I'd like to also congratulate the staff for winning the Senior Students vs Staff touch football match 4-3. This was also the final chance for staff and students to farewell Mr Mark Robinson, who steps down as our Head of Sport, after 8 years at the College. Over the last few years, I have been working directly with Mark in his role, and I have no hesitation in stating that he is a brilliant educator, a great sportsman, and a wonderful role model for staff and students alike. Mark, you will be missed, and we wish you all the very best!
Thank you all for being part of the Hills community and for travelling this journey with us. We look forward to welcoming students back next term for the next stage of the adventure.
Maanya is on Target!
Recently, Maanya in Year 7 achieved some impressive results in both State AND National Archery Championships!
She has been working hard with her training from the past eight months, and we are very proud of her progress and results.
🏹 National & SQAS Indoor Championships @ MPB 2026 – 22 and 23 August 2026
Under 14 Female Recurve
- 🏅 4th Place at National Level
- 🥇 1st Place at State Level
🏹 Queensland State Championships – 20 June 2026
Under 14 Female Recurve Division
- 🥈 Silver Medal – 2nd Place
🏹 2026 SQAS Short Range Championships – 19 July 2026
Under 14 Female Recurve Division
These are very impressive results indeed!
HISTORY COMPETITION RESULTS 7-10
Earlier this year, eight students from Years 7–10 chose to challenge themselves by taking part in the Australian History Competition. The national competition asks students to apply their historical knowledge, source analysis skills and understanding of the past to unfamiliar questions. Several students achieved excellent results:
Distinction:
Credit:
Merit:
Taking on an additional national competition is an achievement in itself, and these results reflect the curiosity, commitment and enthusiasm our students bring to History.
SENIOR HISTORY SUCCESS!
There has also been an exceptional achievement in Year 12, with Steven producing extraordinary results across both senior History subjects. Steven has achieved a perfect 75/75 in Ancient History and 74/75 in Modern History across his internal assessments.
These results have been confirmed by the QCAA. A perfect internal result in one senior History subject is an outstanding achievement. To achieve 149 out of a possible 150 marks across both Ancient and Modern History is truly remarkable.
From students challenging themselves in a national competition, and senior students achieving at the very highest level, there has been plenty for History at Hills to celebrate in 2026. Congratulations to all of our History students on their hard work and achievements this year (so far).
Steven and Samantha Represent Australia in South Africa
Steven and Samantha recently returned from an unforgettable trip to South Africa, where they represented Australia as members of the Australian Under 21 Tentpegging Team in an international Test Match against South Africa.
The competition was conducted under International Tentpegging Federation (ITPF) rules, with fewer events than are traditionally contested at Australian competitions. It also gave the Australian riders an opportunity to experience the exceptionally high standard of international tentpegging, with the South African riders proving extremely consistent and rarely missing a peg.
There were some great individual moments for both Steven and Samantha across the competition. Steven achieved a full house in the Rings and Peg event, narrowly receiving a 0.1-second time penalty. Samantha placed fourth individually in the Lances event and finished as the highest-scoring member of the Australian team.
Like any competition, there were also pegs the Australians would have liked another chance at, but competing against riders of this calibre provided an invaluable learning experience. Weather conditions became increasingly difficult, with the team eventually riding in muddy conditions, but they embraced the challenge and enjoyed every moment of representing Australia.
The team received four silver medals, and Samantha and Steven also returned home with an International Tentpegging Federation glass trophy. The Test Match was livestreamed to more than 50 countries around the world, allowing family, friends and supporters at home to follow the competition.
The trip was about much more than competing. The Under 21 team had the opportunity to go on safari, visit Table Mountain, attend the NAMPO Agricultural Show, go shooting, enjoy dinners together and experience a traditional South African braai (barbecue).
Perhaps the most memorable part of the experience was the friendships formed along the way. A special 'thank you' goes to the South African Tentpegging Association, who warmly welcomed the Australian team and looked after them incredibly well throughout their stay. Samantha and Steven returned home having made lifelong friendships with their South African counterparts and with a great appreciation for the hospitality shown to them throughout their stay.
There is now hope that Australia may have the opportunity to return that hospitality by welcoming the South African riders for a reciprocal Test Match sometime next year.
For Samantha, a former Hills student who is now studying Veterinary Technology at university, and Year 12 student Steven, the opportunity to wear the green and gold and represent Australia overseas was an experience extending well beyond the competition arena — one filled with new experiences, new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Holiday Deals at Springfield!
