The final week of term captured so much of what makes Hills Adventist College special. While our Year 12 students celebrated the culmination of their schooling journey through Graduation, Valedictory and a week filled with memories, laughter and reflection, our Year 11 students stepped beyond the classroom and into service.

Term 3 is always a bit crazy for everyone. There are events like Hearts and Harmony and Creative Collective, school camps, excursions and, of course, Year 12 Graduation. 

One particular event that may fly under the radar for many families outside of Year 11 is their Service Week. In my time as a chaplain, I've seen this week become quite pivotal in shaping our students as they prepare to head into Year 12. 

Some of our students head to the Solomon Islands for a mission trip, while others stay here and participate in local service projects. We'll share more about what both groups have been up to in a future newsletter, but for now, I want to focus on why this kind of service matters to our school. 

Earlier this month, our College came alive with creativity at our annual Creative Collective – Creative Arts and Technology Showcase Evening.

Students from Middle and Senior School proudly showcased the incredible work they have created throughout the year, sharing their talents across the creative arts and technology.

It was wonderful to see our students' creativity, passion and dedication on display. We are incredibly proud of everyone who participated and thank our staff and families for supporting such a memorable evening.

Last week, we had our PBL Boat Expo at the Castle Hill campus. We presented the boats we designed and built to different classes and our parents.

It was exciting to explain how we made our boats, the ideas behind our designs and the challenges we faced along the way. We enjoyed showing everyone our hard work and seeing the different boats created by other students.

Kindy students have been busy learning through an exciting Project-Based Learning (PBL) challenge! Building on their Science unit about materials, students were challenged to design and build their own boats.

Year 1 students enjoyed an exciting journey back in time during their recent dinosaur excursion!

Students explored real dinosaur skeletons, fossils and life-sized dinosaur models, learning about different species, including Australia's very own Muttaburrasaurus. They investigated fossil evidence such as teeth, skulls and claws and discovered fascinating facts about how dinosaurs lived.

With interactive displays, hands-on activities and prehistoric sights and sounds, it was a fun and memorable learning experience for all!

What a fantastic result for our Stage 2 Hills Zone Girls Soccer team! The girls from our Kellyville and Castle Hill campuses worked brilliantly together to secure an impressive 8–0 win against Arden.

Their teamwork, determination and skill were on full display throughout the match. A big thank you to coaches Austen, Daniel and Ashkan, whose supportive and strategic approach helped the team perform at their best.

Well done, girls! Go Hills!

What a fantastic way to finish the term! Our Stage 2 Hills Zone Boys Basketball team showed great teamwork, determination and growing confidence across their recent games.

The boys secured a 21–12 win, with Milan named Man of the Match, followed by an exciting 26–16 victory, where Noa and Ansh were named Men of the Match.

A big thank you to Coach Josh, Year 10 coaches Jameson and Isaac, and Tyler for refereeing and supporting the team.

Well done, boys, on an amazing term!

Our Year 6 students enjoyed a meaningful cultural incursion, gaining hands-on opportunities to connect with culture, language and Country while learning about First Nations peoples and traditions.

Students had the opportunity to play didgeridoos, while others expressed their creativity by designing and painting didgeridoos representing their own identity and sense of self.

It was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn, create and deepen their understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture.

Hills Grammar Poet Laureate Competition 2026 – "Every Voice is a Star"

A single bird is quiet, a single light is small
But when we come together, we rejoice in all.

Some call out like the eagle across the mountain peak.
Their words are strong and powerful whenever they chose to speak.
They are born to be leaders, uplifting one another.
Their voices call all the parts to sing together.
For everyone is worthy and every voice a star.

Some chirp like the lorikeet with secrets soft and sweet
They tell a gentle story to everyone they meet.
They kindle our curiosity and empathy.
Encouraging us to come together in harmony.
For everyone is worthy and every voice a star.

Others are like the patient owl, who think before they call.
They ponder and sort becoming the bravest voice of all.
They are with us through every step, leap and flight.
On winds of respect our future is bright.
For everyone is worthy and every voice a star.

So how do you use your voice? To hoot, chirp or tweet?
Calling for rights or thanking for treats?
Every warble is like a tiny spark, shining from each nest.
It's energy, from dawn to dusk, makes our Hills the best.
For we work together as one community and every voice is a star.

Year 8 recently headed to Douglas Park for an unforgettable Outdoor Education Camp, set among the stunning Nepean and Cataract Rivers. The days were filled with adventure, teamwork and plenty of opportunities to step outside our comfort zones.

The high ropes courses challenged students to overcome nerves, trust their teammates and reach new heights. With plenty of encouragement and support, students pushed themselves to try new things and take safe risks.

Away from the activities, camp was also about building friendships, sharing plenty of laughs and creating memories that will last well beyond the week.

Our Year 10 students recently took part in the Urban Challenge, an exciting three-day adventure across Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs.

Working in teams, students navigated the city, organised their meals, managed public transport and made decisions together. Along the way, they developed valuable skills in teamwork, leadership, resilience, problem-solving, responsibility and independence.

The students embraced each challenge with enthusiasm and determination, supporting one another and gaining valuable real-world experience. It was a fantastic opportunity for personal growth, teamwork and adventure, creating memories that our Year 10 students will take with them.

Our Year 10 Catering students recently visited Sydney Tower and SkyFeast as part of their Catering unit. Students toured the commercial kitchen and restaurant, gaining an insight into how food is prepared, presented and served in a large-scale hospitality environment.

After the tour, students enjoyed lunch at SkyFeast and experienced its international buffet. The excursion was a fun and valuable opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning with the hospitality industry.

Congratulations to Justine on receiving a nomination for the prestigious Encore program, which celebrates outstanding HSC performances in music.

This nomination recognises his dedication, talent and commitment to his musical studies. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and wish Justine all the best as he awaits the selection process.

Congratulations, Justine, and well done!

Our Year 12s wrapped up their final week of classes in style, dressing up as iconic duos and trios on Monday and senior citizens on Tuesday in celebration of their school journey and the connections they have made along the way.

They took their creativity to another level on Wednesday with "Anything But a Bag" Day, swapping their school bags for a range of unexpected alternatives, including a trolley, a BBQ, a laundry basket and even a bike basket.

With plenty of pink outfits (on Wednesday) and lots of school spirit on display throughout the week, it was a fitting way for our Year 12s to celebrate their final days together, create lasting memories and enjoy some well-deserved fun.

Last week, we celebrated our Year 12 students at a special Graduation Chapel. It was a meaningful time of praise and worship and community, with our Year 12s leading us and being joined by their family and friends as we marked this important milestone together.

The celebrations continued as our graduates made their way through a special "guard of honour", with students lining the path with colourful signs, necklaces, gifts and messages of encouragement, creating a joyful and memorable send-off.

This year, we are proud to celebrate 14 Genesis Students — students who have been part of our Hills Adventist College community since Kindergarten, or even earlier through our Early Learning Centre.

With more than 13 years of memories, friendships and experiences at the College, we recently interviewed our Genesis Students about their journey and reflections. The video was shared at the Valedictory Dinner as part of our Year 12 celebrations.

It was a wonderful opportunity to hear our students reflect on their time at Hills and see how they have grown throughout their journey.

Click the link below to watch the video and hear from our Genesis Students.

The Year 12 Valedictory Dinner was a wonderful evening of celebration and reflection, held at the Epping Club.

Students, families and staff came together to celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 cohort and reflect on their school journey. Students were presented with certificates recognising their efforts and achievements throughout the year.

With Term 3 now behind us, we would like to share the exciting extra-curricular opportunities available to our Kindergarten to Year 6 students in Term 4.

Please see below for program information and flyers for activities available at our Kellyville and Castle Hill campuses. We encourage families to read through the details carefully, as some providers may have updated their programs, schedules or fees since Term 3.

A reminder that enrolments for all extra-curricular activities are managed directly by the external providers. If you have any questions, please contact the relevant company using the details provided in their flyer.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Planning for staffing and resource allocation is now in progress as we prepare for the 2027 school year.

We want to remind families that, in line with the College's enrolment policy, one term's notice is required for any student withdrawal. If your child will not be returning to Hills Adventist College in 2027, please inform the College Registrar by completing the following withdrawal notice before Term 4 where possible: Notice of Withdrawal

No action is required if your child is continuing enrolment next year, has already completed a Notice of Withdrawal form confirmed by College Administration, or is completing Year 12 in 2026.

Additional information can be found in the College's Enrolment Policy: 2026 Enrolment Conditions

Thank you for your continued partnership with Hills Adventist College. We're excited to support your child's learning journey in the upcoming school year.

NSW Health has asked Independent Schools NSW to share information about Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and the availability of free vaccination for eligible people ahead of the summer mosquito season.

Families are encouraged to learn more about JEV, understand who may be eligible for vaccination and consider vaccination where appropriate.

For further information about JEV, eligibility and vaccination options, please visit the NSW Health website or speak with your healthcare provider. 

If you haven't already submitted an enrolment application for siblings who will be starting in the 2027 school year, please note that the application deadline has now passed. Any new applications received will be placed in a waiting pool for the respective year of entry.

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

At Hills Adventist College, we want every child to be equipped for a successful day of learning, playing and growing. One of the simplest ways to support this is through a healthy, balanced lunchbox. 

We understand that family life is busy and convenience foods can often be the quickest option. However, foods that are high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats can impact children's concentration, energy levels, behaviour and readiness to learn throughout the school day. 

Make Term 4 easier with Extend OOSH! Your child will enjoy activities, games, learning and play in a fun, safe and welcoming environment.

Save with our Early Bird Rate: Book 14 days in advance to receive the best price!

Plan ahead and secure your child's place today.

Gather your family and join us for a fun-filled evening of festive entertainment, delicious food, market stalls and activities for all ages.

Enjoy:

• Christmas markets
• Delicious food stalls
• Jumping castles and face painting
• Live performances
• Petting zoo
• Plus plenty more surprises!

Hosted by Hills Adventist College, the Home & School Association and Kellyville Adventist Church, the Hills Christmas Fair is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season with family, friends and our local community.

If you are interested in volunteering, or holding a market stall, please reach out to [email protected]

We kindly remind families that students should not be dropped off before 8:00 AM , as supervision is not available prior to this time. The only exception is for students connecting with the College Bus Service.

At Kellyville, all students are expected to be at school by 8:25 AM to allow time to settle, organise materials and line up ready for classes to begin at 8:30 AM. Students arriving after 8:25 AM must go through the front office to collect a late note.

Being on time supports student wellbeing and helps develop positive social skills such as responsibility and organisation.