As we begin this new year, I warmly welcome you back to a fresh season of learning. As a staff, it is our privilege to partner with you and to watch, together, as your child continues to flourish.

One of the ways we nurture this partnership is through, ongoing conversations. As the Excellence Program enters its second year, it remains a key way we celebrate students’ effort, progress, and achievement across Academics, The Arts, Sports, and Citizenship. Each time your child receives recognition, you’ll receive a brief overview explaining what was acknowledged. We encourage you to use these moments to talk with your child, ask what the recognition was for and celebrate their engagement in physical, emotional, civic, or academic learning. You can also follow their growing tally of Excellence Points via your SEQTA parent dashboard.

This week is our first “Week of Worship” of the year, and a great way to kick off the spiritual passion of our worship events throughout the year! Each morning, students from Years 5–12 (students from Kellyville Campus only) have been gathering for a program themed “Mission Possible: Jesus Saves the World,” inspired by Matthew 19:26. Our Year 12 students have taken the lead in every aspect of this event, from preaching and music to stage design, video production, and coordination. Watching them step into these leadership roles has been empowering to see how capable and talented our students are, especially the boldness of our student preachers as they step forward to share their faith.

We’re excited to welcome the newest members of our college community! 🎉 This year, we’re joined by an incredible group of talented and passionate staff who bring fresh ideas, diverse experiences, and a shared commitment to supporting our students.

📸 Left to right in the photo: Brodie Kidd (HSIE), Christina Diviyanandan (Maths/Science/Physics), Hezekiah Rose (Head of Department, English), Rena Seepaul (HSIE), Matias Garrido (Maintenance Manager), Sophia Agee (Year 5), Brian Peakall (PDHPE/Maths), Tonia Akmens (Head of Department, TAS) and Mitzy Camilo (Head of Campus, Castle Hill)

If you see our new team members around campus, be sure to say hello and help us give them a warm welcome. We’re so glad they’re here!

It was wonderful to begin the 2026 school year with our annual Welcome Teas at both campuses. Castle Hill families gathered on Tuesday evening, followed by Kellyville on Wednesday, 11 February.

One of the worst things parents can say to their teens is "put down your phone".

That's the view of clinical psychologist Dr Kerry Gibson, an associate professor at Auckland University, who has just completed a comprehensive study of 15 to 24-year-olds and mental health.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the incredible staff of the Early Learning Centre from our college 2026. Your dedication, patience, and passion for nurturing young minds truly make a difference every single day.

Each of you plays a vital role in creating a warm, safe, and engaging learning environment where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. The love, creativity, and effort you pour into your work are clearly reflected in the smiles, confidence, and development of the little learners in your care.

The Year 7 Camp at Cru Camp Lake Macquarie was an unforgettable experience for students and teachers alike. The camp provided a wonderful opportunity for students to build friendships, strengthen connections with their teachers, and enjoy a range of exciting outdoor activities.

Front row L-R: Aarav S, Anna W, Thea D, Aanya S, Rebecca C, Kian P, Lisa Van Vliet (librarian)
Back row L-R: Anya S, Calista L, Andrea T, Zaara K, Airah K.

We would like to acknowledge our Middle School Gold and Platinum awardees for the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge. Students complete four years of challenges to earn a gold certificate, and seven (7) years to earn a Platinum certificate and we congratulate their ongoing efforts. Year 9 and 10 students who have completed all challenges from Year 3 onwards also receive a medal from the NSW Premier, and you will see these winners in our next newsletter.

Hills Adventist College celebrates student effort and achievement across all areas of school life. From 2025, the Excellence Program will recognise students in Academics, Sport, Citizenship, and The Arts. Excellence at Hills is about doing your best and actively engaging in College life, not just results.

Term 1 is underway, and it’s a great time for children to make new friends, learn new skills, and feel part of our OSHC community. This term, we are supporting children to connect with others, engage in the moment, and step out of their comfort zones to build confidence while exploring new interests and challenges.

Thank you for your continued support as we foster growth, learning, and positive relationships this year!

We would like to share some fantastic services from private-providers that are available to Hills Adventist College students from Kindergarten to Year 6 during Term 1, 2026. Enrolment details for each service or activity are provided below. Should you wish to enrol your child, please submit your enrolment form to the relevant external service provider.

Extra-Curricular Activities
There are a range of extra‑curricular opportunities available during Term 1. These programs enable students to develop new skills, explore their interests and build friendships. Activities are offered both during and outside of school hours and are facilitated by private providers. Please note that all activities incur an additional cost to parents.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

College fee statements have now been sent out. If you have not received yours, please contact the college office on [email protected]

A 7.5% prompt payment discount applies if full-year tuition is paid by Friday, 20 February via bank transfer, or a 6.5% discount if paid by credit card.

Thank you.

We take this opportunity to remind families of the process for logging student absences via SEQTA Engage. This applies to all Hills Adventist College students at both the Kellyville and Castle Hill campuses. Please refer to the attached information, which also includes important reminders regarding illness, infectious diseases, head lice, and key College communication processes.

If you haven’t already, please submit enrolment applications for siblings who will be starting in the 2027 school year by the end of February 2026. After this deadline, your child may be placed on a waitlist for a spot.

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.

Open to NSW secondary schools (max. 2 students per school). Students must be 14 or younger on 1 January 2026.

Competitors present a 5-minute prepared speech (topic of choice) and a 2-minute impromptu speech (topic set by the adjudicator).

Local final: 21 July – 7 August (Term 3, Weeks 1–3).

To protect children, Council enforces strict parking rules around schools. Please follow these rules to avoid fines and keep everyone safe.

We’re now in Week 3 of the school term, and we’d like to share a quick reminder about important bus travel information for students and families.

In the attached flyer you’ll find:

✔️ How to access 2026 school bus timetables
✔️ Student Code of Conduct information
✔️ Opal card reminders (please remember to tap on and off every trip)
✔️ Important bus safety tips
✔️ Lost property details

Please take a moment to review the information to help ensure safe and smooth travel for all students.

Safety First – thank you for supporting safe bus travel in 2026! 🚌

Kellyville Adventist Church warmly welcomes the families of Hills Adventist College. As a local church community, we’re passionate about supporting and walking alongside families in every season of school life. Our motto is “Live. Love. Serve.” — living out an authentic faith, loving others as Jesus loves us, and serving our local community in practical and meaningful ways.