“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

Dear College Families,

As we reflect on the start of Semester Two, we can see the many ways our students and staff have let their light shine—through learning, service, and joyful connection. At Hills Adventist College, our purpose remains: to reveal Jesus in all we do. This is not just a statement—it’s a daily commitment lived out in classrooms, playgrounds, and every activity in our community.

This term has already been rich with moments that reflect this purpose. From the vibrant energy of our Year 9 Camp, to the teamwork and sportsmanship on display at the Stage 2 Newcombe Ball and Senior CSSA Basketball Gala Days; and the innovation sparked by the Year 10 computer coding program, our students have embraced opportunities to grow and shine. We’ve seen deep engagement through chapel and times of worship, the focus and determination of our HSC Trial Examinations, and the entrepreneurial spirit during the Year 11 Business Studies incursion. Our Year 10 PDHPE students also gained valuable real-world insights through the Be Street Smart excursion.

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope your holidays were refreshing, whether you spent them resting, adventuring, or catching up with family and friends.

This term is shaping up to be a big one, with plenty happening across our school community. A highlight will be our Weeks of Worship (WOW). Junior School will explore the theme “F1 – For the One (Jesus)”, reminding us that Jesus came for each one of us personally and calls us to love others with that same heart. Meanwhile, Middle and Senior School will focus on “Lifesaver”, celebrating the life and hope we have in Jesus, who rescues and restores us.

Book Week was once again a highlight of the school calendar, bringing our community together in a joyful celebration of reading, creativity and the magic of storytelling. Across the campus, students embraced the theme with enthusiasm, arriving in an incredible array of costumes inspired by their favourite characters and tales.

The excitement did not stop with our students. Even our teachers got in on the fun, transforming into much-loved literary figures for the day. And yes, our Principal, Carlie Deppeler, joined the festivities dressed for the occasion! See if you can spot her in the photos — we promise she is in there somewhere.

From colourful parades to interactive activities and shared story times, Book Week at Hills was a reminder of how stories connect us, spark our imaginations and encourage us to dream big. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported the event and helped make it such a memorable occasion.

We recently held our Athletics Presentation Ceremony , celebrating the outstanding achievements and dedication of students from the K–4 and Year 5–12 carnivals.

An impressive 19 school records were broken, highlighting the incredible talent, determination, and perseverance shown by students across all year levels.

Congratulations to Fitzroy , crowned the overall house winners for their exceptional performance, strong attendance, enthusiastic participation, and valuable volunteer support throughout the carnivals.

Best of luck to the students competing at the Hills Zone Athletics Carnivals on 25 and 26 August 2025 . Parents, please remember to respond to Consent2Go and indicate your transport preference. If your child would like to withdraw from any events, or if you have any questions, please contact Mr Jensen.

Many parents are confused about the nature of anxiety and especially, when to really worry about it. Anxiety refers to feelings of worry, nervousness, or a sense of apprehension, typically about an upcoming event where the outcome is uncertain, or where a young person feels he or she might not be up to the task.

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) defines anxiety as 'commonly experienced in high pressure situations, for example, prior to a making a speech or sitting an exam. Feelings of anxiety can also arise following a stressful event, like an accident where the person is left feeling shaken. Anxious feelings are usually accompanied by physical sensations such as a churning stomach, light headedness, and a racing heart.'

📖 Read the full article on SchoolTV: What is Anxiety - Click Here

As part of our History unit, The Past in the Present , Year 2 set out on Monday 11 August to walk across the Harbour Bridge, visit the Southern Pylon Lookout, and explore its museum.

In class, students had designed and built their own model bridges, so stepping onto the real thing was an exciting way to bring their learning to life. Along the way, they discovered the bridge’s history, from its construction in the 1920s to its grand opening in 1932.

The walk offered stunning harbour views, and the Pylon Lookout provided a 360° perspective of Sydney along with fascinating historical displays.

It was a memorable day of hands-on learning and adventure. A big thank you to our teachers, parent helpers, and Harbour Bridge staff for making it possible!

On Wednesday, 30th July, students from KA and KB marked a major milestone—100 days of Kindy! The celebration was filled with exciting activities designed to make learning fun and memorable.

Throughout the day, students took part in counting exercises, creative crafts, storytelling, colouring, and dress-up activities. There was even party food, music, and plenty of laughter as everyone enjoyed the festivities.

The 100-day celebration was not just about fun—it was also a chance for students to reflect on how much they have learned since the start of the year. They shared stories about the friends they have made and celebrated the progress they have achieved together.

Mrs Rudenko and Miss Jones said it was wonderful to see the students so engaged and excited, making the day a truly special event for everyone.

The 100th day of Kindy is a joyful reminder of growth, friendship, and the love of learning that continues to flourish in KA and KB.

On 19 July 2025, Year 7 student Jaelyn R. performed with Trio Arcèlo at the Concerts for All Community Concert, delivering an outstanding oboe performance that captivated the audience.

Many children, some hearing classical music for the first time, were visibly inspired. The concert brought together families from diverse musical backgrounds, creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

Concerts for All—founded by music educators—values these events for the experience they give young performers and the confidence they can spark in others. “Jaelyn’s talent and dedication shone through,” said a representative, inviting more Hills Adventist College students to future concerts.

Upcoming events are listed at www.concertsforall.com/event-list .

At the end of last term, Year 5 student Finley P. achieved an outstanding milestone—qualifying for the Mighty 11’s Australian BMX Team .

Each year, the top five riders from the final national round of BMX racing are selected to represent Australia in New Zealand. Finley secured rider number 2 in the team and will compete later this year against New Zealand’s best young BMX talent.

This remarkable achievement reflects Finley’s dedication, skill, and commitment to the sport.

Our year 8 student, James P. has made an impressive mark on the national stage, competing at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Brisbane.

James excelled in the Boys 14-Year-Old 50m Butterfly, winning bronze and demonstrating his dedication and skill in the pool. In addition, he was selected for the NSW 13-14 4x50 Mixed Medley Relay, swimming the butterfly leg, where the team also secured bronze.

These achievements highlight James’s commitment, talent, and sportsmanship, bringing pride to both his school and the wider community.

Congratulations to Isaac W. who recently competed at the All Schools Cross Country Championships and finished an impressive 18th place .

This is a remarkable achievement, reflecting Isaac’s dedication, endurance, and commitment to his sport. His performance not only highlights his personal effort but also brings pride to his school community.

Well done, Isaac, on this outstanding accomplishment!

From 30th July to 1st August, our Year 9 students embarked on a memorable outdoor adventure at Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre, Colo River, as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. The camp began with heavy rain on arrival, adding a sense of challenge and excitement to the experience. Fortunately, Thursday brought clearer skies, allowing students to complete a demanding 15km hike while carrying all their gear through the bush setting. Their perseverance and teamwork were outstanding. Each evening, students gathered around the campfire to relax, share stories, and enjoy the warmth and camaraderie of the group. The camp was a valuable opportunity for students to build resilience, independence, and lasting friendships in a beautiful natural environment.

Our Year 11 Values students recently visited Adventist Aged Care in Kings Langley for a heartwarming community engagement. The students spent the day interacting with residents, joining in crafts, playing games, and sharing stories.

The visit offered a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with older members of the community, learning from their experiences while bringing joy and companionship to the residents. Activities like crafting and games encouraged laughter and conversation, creating meaningful connections that brightened everyone’s day.

These visits highlight the importance of empathy, respect, and community service, reinforcing the values our students explore in class while making a real difference in the lives of others.

During Week 4, our Kellyville and Castle Hill Campus libraries will celebrate the 2025 CBCA Book Week theme: “Book an Adventure!”

Highlights include:

📚 The Reading Throne – Surprise guests reading favourite picture books at lunchtime.
📚 Where’s Wally? Scavenger Hunt – Find Wally around campus and win a prize!
📚 Digital Storytime – Enjoy fun stories online.
📚 Creative Corner – Make bookmarks and try activity sheets.
📚 Book Week Canteen Specials – Themed treats available via the Flexischools app.
📚 Scholastic Book Fair – Wednesday 20th August, 9am–3:30pm at Castle Hill library. Purchases help grow our library!

Grab a book and get ready to “Book an Adventure!”

We’re excited to invite you and your family to our Family Picnic Day on Sunday 24 August, 11am–2pm at Kellyville Campus ! Enjoy a fantastic day of fun, laughter, and community spirit, with all funds supporting ongoing College building projects.

🎭 Tickets Now Available! 🎭

We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for Hearts and Harmony: A Junior School Spectacular !

Join us as our K–4 students take the stage to showcase the creativity and dedication they’ve been building all year. It’s a magical evening you won’t want to miss!

📍 Location: Kellyville Campus Multi-Purpose Centre (MPC)
📅 Date: Thursday, 28 August
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎟 Tickets: $5 each – includes a celebratory ice cream!

🌟 Click here to book your tickets

Come celebrate our Junior School stars and enjoy a night full of music, performance, and fun!

Join us for a relaxed and fun morning to celebrate dads and father figures! Enjoy a café-style breakfast from The Burrow Café, Cherrybrook , then hit the green for mini golf fun with the family.

📅 Castle Hill: 04.09.25 | ⏰ 7:30–8:45 AM | 📍 Outside Castle Hill Junior School Playground
📅 Kellyville: 05.09.25 | ⏰ 7:00–8:25 AM | 📍 Outside Kellyville Church Studio

Step into a world of creativity and innovation on Tuesday, 10 September, from 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM ! Join us for an evening full of inspiration, discovery, and celebration of local talent.

Explore and enjoy:
🎨 Art, Photography & Textiles – marvel at stunning visual creations
🍽 Food Tech Creations – taste the future of culinary innovation
💻 IT, D&T, and STEM Displays – see brilliant ideas and tech in action
🎭 Drama, Dance & Music Performances – experience live, captivating performances

🍴 Food available for purchase from 5:30 PM – bring your appetite!

📍 Bring the family, invite friends, and be inspired by the amazing talents in our community. Let’s celebrate creativity together!

Spring Vacation Care – Book Now with Extend! 🌸

Looking for fun and engaging activities these school holidays? Our OOSH provider, Extend, is running an exciting Spring Holiday Program for K–6 students, packed with themed days, excursions, creative experiences, and active play – there’s something for every child!

📅 Monday 29 September – Friday 10 October
⏰ 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
💰 Pay from just $8.33 after CCS *
Full session fee: $83.31

*With Child Care Subsidy applied
**Without Child Care Subsidy applied

Book early to secure your spot and lock in the Early Bird Rate!

We are excited to share the range of extra-curricular opportunities available to Hills Adventist College students in Term 3. These programs are offered during and outside of school hours and are facilitated by private providers. Please note that all activities are at an additional cost to parents.

If you haven’t already, please submit enrolment applications for siblings starting school in 2026 as soon as possible. Applications submitted after March 2025 may result in your child being placed on a waitlist.

As a general reminder, we encourage all families to submit enrolment applications as early as possible to assist with planning and to secure a place.

As a heads-up for planning, the Term 1 dates for 2026 have been confirmed. Please note the important start dates:

Wednesday, 28 January : Year 7, Year 12 students, and Year 11 Peer Support Leaders only start
Thursday, 29 January : Year 1–6 and Year 8–11 students start (Castle Hill & Kellyville Campuses)
Monday, 2 February : Kindergarten students start (Castle Hill & Kellyville Campuses)
Thursday, 2 April : Term 1 ends ✅

If you have any questions, please contact the College Reception. We look forward to sharing the full 2026 term dates with families soon.

We’re thrilled to share that Home and School has donated $20,000 🎁💰 towards Mechanical Curtains for the MPC ! Each year, we aim to make meaningful contributions – and sometimes a little magic ✨.

Psst… we’re also saving for an exciting building project. Come to a meeting to stay in the loop – it’s fun and low-pressure!

2026 Treasurer Role
Jo is stepping down as Treasurer next year. No accounting experience? No problem! Jo will guide you, and you’ll be supported by a great team.