Since then, the calendar has certainly been full. We were delighted to talk with families at our Semester 1 Learning Conferences, creating valuable opportunities for parents, students and teachers to work together in support of each child's learning journey. Community spirit was also on display through the Athletics Carnival Presentations, where we celebrated the achievements from the Athletics Carnival across the College. Hills Zone Athletics Carnival training sessions have begun, preparing students for the next level of competition. Our Home and School Family Fun Day was so much fun—a huge shout out to the organisers of the LEGO display and the Amazing Race Challenge. Thank you to the many staff members, parents and volunteers who contributed their time and talents to making these events possible. Strong partnerships between home and school are vital as we continue building a thriving Christ-centred learning community.

Our students have also embraced a range of enriching learning opportunities. ySafe online safety presentations provided important age-appropriate education for our K-6 students and staff, with sessions for Year 7-12 students and a special parent webinar still to come. We have seen students challenge themselves through the Mathematics and ICAS competitions, while our Year 8 Subject Information Evening (Expo) has helped students and families make important decisions for future learning pathways. We also recognise and congratulate our Year 12 students for their hard work in preparing for and completing their Trial Examinations. We are proud of their perseverance, dedication and commitment during this significant season of their education.

The excitement certainly has not stopped there. This week, we were blessed to have our Year 4 students leading the Junior School Week of Worship at the Castle Hill campus, where Pastor Josh S (another one) reminded us that Jesus holds the whole picture. The Art Competition displays at both campuses revealed a high level of colour, creativity and talent. Parents were invited to view the exhibition on Wednesday afternoon. Our much-anticipated Hearts and Harmony Junior School Concert and our colourful Book Week Parade are also just around the corner! These special events provide wonderful opportunities for students to develop confidence, creativity, faith and connection while celebrating the unique gifts God has given them.

As we reflect on the busy weeks behind us and look forward to the many opportunities ahead, we are reminded that learning is most powerful when it takes place within a supportive and connected community. This extends beyond Junior, Middle and Senior School. Thank you for your ongoing partnership, encouragement and involvement in College life. Together, we continue to nurture for today, inspire learning for tomorrow and build character for eternity. We are truly grateful for the many opportunities God provides for our students, families and staff to learn, grow and thrive together.

We encourage families to continue the conversation at home by asking children what they have learned about Joseph, faith and trusting God.

Families are also warmly invited to join us at Kellyville Adventist Church this Saturday from 9:30 AM for our church takeover, where many of our students will be involved in the service.

Our Years 5-12 students will have their own Week of Worship in Week 5, and we look forward to sharing more highlights from their programs.

Children were invited to observe and interact with significant cultural artefacts, including:

• A Didgeridoo
• Clapsticks and clickers
• Face painting traditions
• Boomerangs
• The Aboriginal flag and the significance of each colour/aspect

Josh played the didgeridoo, clap sticks and clickers, offering children a rich auditory experience that supported sensory learning, cultural appreciation and attentive listening skills. Each child had the opportunity to tap the clickers, joyfully experimenting with rhythm and sound—a beautiful example of child agency, exploration and creative expression.

Josh also shared the importance of caring for Country and the role of animals and ‘totems’ within their tribe, supporting children’s emerging understanding of sustainability, interconnectedness and respect for living things.

Thank you to Josh, Sophia, Nevaeh and Stuart for sharing this meaningful experience with us.

Event details:

Date: Wednesday, 19 August
Start time: 6:30 PM
Register now: Hills Adventist College – ySafe Parent Webinar

Hosted by digital wellbeing experts, this webinar will offer insights into current digital trends and challenges, equip families with tools for navigating the online world and provide access to resources through the ySafe Online Safety Hub.

ySafe – At Home and At School

The parent webinar follows ySafe online safety education sessions delivered to students across both our Kellyville and Castle Hill campuses.

Students in Years 1–6 participated in their sessions on Monday, 3 August, exploring age-appropriate topics* such as protecting personal information, safe online communication and cyberbullying.

Students in Years 7–12 will participate in their ySafe sessions on Wednesday, 19 August, with presentations focusing on managing online conflict, respectful relationships and other online issues relevant to young people. Senior students will also explore how their online presence can influence future study and employment opportunities.

*See the College communication sent on Friday, 31 July, for a complete list of ySafe topics.

These education sessions form part of the College's commitment to student wellbeing and are most effective when supported through a strong partnership between home and school.

We look forward to welcoming many of our families to the webinar next week.

The week has also provided plenty of opportunities for our students to connect, participate and enjoy worship together. From energetic singing and creative performances to meaningful moments of reflection, there has been a wonderful sense of community across the Junior School.

It has truly been a WOW week, watching our students build faith, build confidence and build one another up.

Maths was full of 100-themed fun as we rolled dice to 100, placed 100 Fruit Loops on tens frames, made necklaces, found 100 MAB blocks around the classroom and explored what 100 really looks like!

PE was a highlight, with a 100 fitness challenge, jazz dancing to Elvis, lawn bowls, limbo, sack races and egg-and-spoon races.

Our STEM challenges included building with 100 stacking cups, 100 dominoes and 100 paddle-pop sticks, as well as creating a cake with 100 candles!

We loved watching the Bluey episode “Grannies” while making our 100 crowns and decorating delicious 100 biscuits.

We are so proud of Kindy A and everything we have achieved in our first 100 days!

You are now 100 days brighter, smarter, wiser and older.

We made our crowns with gems that gleamed,
And funny glasses just as we'd dreamed.
We posed for photos with cheerful delight,
Creating memories shining bright.

We read a story all about the day,
Built with one hundred blocks in play.
We wrote one hundred words we'd learned to read,
Showing just how much we've achieved.

One hundred beads made necklaces to wear,
With careful counting and lots of care.
Then came some treats that made us grin,
With yummy surprises waiting within.

Wafers and pancakes shaped like "100",
With strawberries and ice cream—what fun!
Cupcakes, too, helped mark the day,
In the sweetest, most delicious way.

Our classroom echoed with laughter and cheer,
Celebrating a milestone so special this year.
A day of joy we'll always treasure,
Filled with friendship beyond measure.

What a privilege it has been to see
The wonderful growth of Kindy B.
From learning new skills to growing each day,
To becoming more independent along the way.

The friendships formed, the confidence shown,
The kindness and courage that each has grown.
I am so proud of all you've done,
Since your very first day until Day One Hundred.

Here's to more learning, laughter and fun,
And many more memories yet to come.
May your school journey continue to be
Filled with happiness, success and curiosity.

Students then shared their learning with Year 3 students in small groups, explaining how each body system works and using their models to bring their learning to life. This hands-on experience allowed Year 5 students to develop their communication and collaboration skills while sharing their knowledge with younger students.

Working collaboratively, 5A students designed, built and tested their own circuits, using problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to troubleshoot challenges along the way. The project provided a hands-on opportunity to apply their scientific knowledge while developing teamwork, creativity and persistence.

Everyone showed creativity, teamwork and careful thinking when building their robot projects. Once the robots were finished, the teachers got to vote for their favourite designs.

The competition was a fantastic way for 5C to combine maths, creativity and imagination. Well done to all the students who participated and brought their amazing robot ideas to life!

The activity allowed students to use their imagination while learning new creative skills. Everyone enjoyed designing and decorating their own creations, with each project showing the students’ unique personalities and ideas.

Overall, the Creative Connections Incursion was a fun and enjoyable experience. It gave Year 8 students the chance to be creative, try something new and create something they could be proud of.

The cold weather certainly didn’t stop the students from having a fantastic time. They showed great resilience, supported one another and returned to College tired but full of stories and proud of what they had achieved.

A big thank you to our Year 9 teachers and the experienced Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre staff for supporting the students throughout the camp.

A highlight was the mock trial, where students took on roles including magistrates, lawyers, witnesses and court officials. Working through a Local Court case, students gained a practical understanding of legal processes, courtroom etiquette and the responsibilities of those involved in the justice system.

The excursion brought the Law, Society and Political Involvement unit to life and helped students develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between citizens, laws and government.

A reminder that as a Christian community, we ask that all costumes reflect and uphold our College values and beliefs. We kindly request that costumes and props such as witches, wizards (including Harry Potter characters), ghosts, vampires, guns and swords are not included, as these may cause concern for some members of our community or be unsettling for younger students.

In addition to the parade, students will have the opportunity to browse and purchase books at our Scholastic Book Fair, which will run at the Kellyville campus from Friday 21 to Wednesday 26 August.

Special Book Week canteen treats will also be available for purchase at both Kellyville and Castle Hill.

For more information about Book Week, including additional details about the parade, Symphony Picnic and author visit, please see the communication from the College earlier this week (Monday, 10 August). This information is also available in the following document:

Get Ready for Book Week – 21-26 August

K–4 students and families are asked to meet teachers at the Kellyville Church Studio at 4:30 PM. Afternoon tea will be provided, and students are encouraged to have dinner before the concert. An ice cream treat will be provided at the conclusion of the evening.

Tickets: $5 per person*
Bookings close: 11:00 AM, Thursday 20 August

*Free entry for children under two who sit on a parent/carer's lap.

For additional details and important event reminders, please see the communication sent from the College to Junior School families on Thursday, 13 August.

Pick-up Procedures - Junior School

We would also like to share a few helpful reminders regarding our Junior School afternoon pick-up procedures at Kellyville. These processes help us ensure a safe, efficient and positive end to the school day for both students and families.

Students in Kindergarten to Year 4 finish their school day at 2:40 PM and will then make their way to the car pick-up lines, bus waiting area (until 3:07 PM), after-school care or their external provider class.

For students being collected by a parent or carer , we kindly ask families to keep the following in mind:

Students should remain seated with their bags until their name is called and a duty teacher escorts them to their vehicle.

Parents and carers are asked to remain in their vehicle while in the pick-up line, with students entering from the passenger side to support safety in the car park.

To assist duty teachers in calling students promptly, parents are encouraged to display a clearly visible sign with their child's name on it.

• Students should remain seated with their bags until their name is called and a duty teacher escorts them to their vehicle.
• Parents and carers are asked to remain in their vehicle while in the pick-up line, with students entering from the passenger side to support safety in the car park.
• To assist duty teachers in calling students promptly, parents are encouraged to display a clearly visible sign with their child's name on it.

Parents are welcome to create their own sign or use the template provided below.

Hills Adventist College – Pick-up Sign (Template)

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support in helping us maintain a safe, efficient and caring environment for our students each day.

Extra-curriculars – Kellyville campus

♟️ CHESS – Sydney Academy of Chess

Day/time: Mondays, 12:30 PM – 1:20 PM
Start date: 3 August
Flyer: Sydney Academy of Chess
Registration: https://sydneyacademyofchess.com.au/payment

🤖 ROBOTICS & CODING – RoboThink

Day/time: Mondays, 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Start date: 3 August
Flyer: RoboThink Kellyville
Registration: Enrol Today - RoboThink Australia

🏀 BASKETBALL – Basketball Star Academy

Day/time: Tuesdays, 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Start date: 28 July
Flyer: Basketball Star Academy
Registration:

Ages 5 – 7: https://sportstaracademy.com/basketball/programs/clinic?id=21556

Ages 8 – 14: https://sportstaracademy.com/basketball/programs/clinic?id=21557

🩰 DANCE – The Studio Entertainment Academy

Day: Thursdays (see times below)
Start date: 30 July

Under 10s – Teacher collects students at 2:40 PM
Acro: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Jazz: 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Hip Hop: 4:15 PM – 4:45 PM

Under 12s – Teacher collects students at 2:40 PM
Acro: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Jazz: 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM
Hip Hop: 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM

Under 14s – Teacher collects students at 3:10 PM
Acro: 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Jazz: 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Contemporary: 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

A full timetable for Kellyville is also available. For more information or to enrol, contact Danielle Penman:
📧 [email protected] | 📞 0499 997 636

🌏 MANDARIN – Shine Chinese Community School
Day/time: Thursdays, 3:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Start date: 30 July
Flyer: Shine Chinese Community School
Registration: See flyer

🎨 ART – Art on Canvas for Kids
Day/time: Fridays, 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Start date: 31 July
Flyer: Art on Canvas for Kids
Registration: Hills Adventist College - Kellyville (After-school Art Program Registration Form)

Extra-curriculars – Castle Hill campus

♟️ CHESS – Sydney Academy of Chess

Day/time: Mondays, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Start date: 3 August
Flyer: Sydney Academy of Chess
Registration: https://sydneyacademyofchess.com.au/payment

🌏 MANDARIN – Shine Chinese Community School

Day/time: Tuesdays, 2:50 PM – 4:50 PM
Start date: 28 July
Flyer: Shine Chinese Community School
Registration: See flyer

🩰 DANCE – The Studio Entertainment Academy

Day: Wednesdays (see times below)
Start date: 29 July

Under 10s – Teacher collects students at 3:00 PM
Acro: 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Jazz: 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

For more information or to enrol, contact Danielle Penman:
📧 [email protected] | 📞 0499 997 636

🎨 ART – Art on Canvas for Kids

Day/time: Thursdays, 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Start date: 30 July
Flyer: Art on Canvas for Kids
Registration: Hills Adventist College - Castle Hill (After-school Art Program Registration Form)

Music programs

Private instrumental and vocal tuition is available to students from Kindergarten to Year 12 at our Kellyville and Castle Hill campuses. These weekly 30 ‑ minute lessons take place during school hours.

To enquire about or enrol in music lessons, please contact the relevant tutor listed below:

Vocal and Piano – Katia Pronin ( [email protected] )

Vocal, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele (see flyer ) – Tom Erceg ( [email protected] )

Students are expected to practise regularly, and fees are paid directly to the tutor.

If your child is interested in learning an instrument not listed above, please email Mrs Kimberly Millar at [email protected] to express your interest.

A reminder that all extra-curricular activities incur an additional cost to families.

If you have any questions about the programs or services listed above, please contact the relevant external provider or College Reception on 02 9851 5100 (Option 2 for Kellyville; Option 3 for Castle Hill).

Essential criteria include:

• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to coordinate transport, permission notes and event logistics
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams and spreadsheets
• Working with Children Check
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Legal right to work in Australia

Desirable: Experience in school sport, administration or student services, and/or currently studying teaching.

How to Apply

Send a covering letter addressing the selection criteria and current resume with at least three (3) referees to Jane Teaupa, Business Manager at [email protected] .

Further information & application details: Click Here

Hills Adventist College is committed to providing a safe, child-centred environment.

• Big Group Games in the MPC
• Dinner and dessert provided by Kellyville Kids Treehouse Ministry
• A short spiritual message by one of the Hills Adventist College chaplains
• Small‑group discussions run by Kellyville Youth

This is free event is for all Middle School-aged students and a great opportunity to build relationship, create fun memories and understand God in a relevant way to their lives.

Parents and carers are also very welcome to stay for some snacks and a chat in the church foyer if they would like; otherwise, please sign your child in and pick them up at the conclusion of the night at 8 PM.

We would also like to sincerely acknowledge our incredible volunteers: Nelly and the Home & School Team, Amera Fakhry, Armine Procopio, Darren and Carol Spoor, Ben Fehlberg, Rochelle and her team, Rona, Herlin Fehlberg, Noor Fatema Kapasi, Carol Morris, Nency Doshi, Helen Wood, Carol Kowlesser, Eleen Wang, Mitushi, Jessica, Jane (School Office), Josephine Chong, John Sheeba, Will Sheeba, Stephen Fehlberg, Linden Chuang, Nishant (MVMNT), Gladys Quispe, Ligia Touron, Annie Li and team, Setaita Kaufonoga, Neha Medan, Kwandi and Ita Burhan, Ryan, Alan Sperring, Rukki and Krystal Krishnakumar, and our wonderful staff volunteers.

A special thanks to Jane for supervising the inflatables and helping ensure a safe, injury-free day, Josephine Chong for being available should First Aid be required, Jessica for supervising games, Herlin Fehlberg for the arts table, and Rochelle, her team, and Rona for providing the face painting enjoyed by so many children. A huge thank you to Linden, who liaised between the College and our Home & School team to make this day such a success.

To all our wonderful teachers who gave up their Sunday to join in the fun and to help run the Amazing Race—Fiona, Dinah, Dana, Robina, Michelle, Tarsha, Lynne, Pinar and Natasha—we couldn’t have run this without you.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, sponsored or contributed in any way. Events like this are only possible because of the generosity, time and dedication of our amazing school community. We are also grateful to everyone who helped make The Amazing Race such a memorable highlight of the day.