It is hard to believe that we are at the end of another year of school. 2023, has been a year of innovation and growth. Hills as it did 41 years ago, continues to flourish and shine. Our students were offered amazing opportunities in so many fields from the Arts, Sport, Humanities, Stem to entrepreneurialism.
Our educational focus is on building our students’ foundation skills and a deep understanding and knowledge of each subject but we also provide opportunities for our students to apply their skills and knowledge in authentic situations through inquiry learning. Year 6 students demonstrated the depth of their knowledge and skills in the recent Expo. Where their research skills, creativity, determination, and critical problem solving enabled them to collaborate with their peers and their mentors and produce impressive solutions to sustainable agriculture challenges and develop sensors that showcased their maturity and readiness to move into Senior School. Our 7-9 students spent a week focused on a range of inquiry projects for the Interdisciplinary Enrichment Program from developing a film to designing a pump to produce clean water.
Professor Yong Zhao states that ‘To succeed in this ever-changing world, students need to be able to think like entrepreneurs: resourceful, flexible, creative, and global.’ Our Year 5 students were immersed in entrepreneurialism through Market Day and the S.E.A.T project. Year 9 students focused throughout the year on developing entrepreneurial skills. Year 10 students spent a week for Australian Business Week with the support of alumni developing a small business plan.
Hills has been recognised this year for its focus on sustainability. We were one of 26 schools acknowledged nationally for our commitment to the environment and this term we were shortlisted for the NSW Sustainability awards. Sustainability is a collective responsibility and vital for a healthy environment and human flourishing. We aim for our students to contribute meaningfully to society propelled by a strong sense of purpose, resilience and hope for the future. Margaret Mead wisely said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world.” The Project Change team, our Master Plan commitment to sustainable business practices, the United Nations Sustainable Goals being embedded in our K-10 inquiry units, our partnership with 17 countries through the One Planet Network, are just some of the things we are doing towards making this school more sustainable and enabling our students to be environmental stewards.
At Hills we recognise that a child is more than just a grade. If our students are to reach their potential and beyond then we need to recognise and celebrate their diverse skills and achievements. We do this through the Hills Passport for the Future where students from ECEC-12 can accumulate microcredentials for achievements and actions beyond the curriculum. We are already adding platinum and diamond for 2024 and the World Economic Forum skills for the future under each of the four domains.
To build their courage and confidence and future proof our students, we are pursuing university and industry partnerships and tapping into the knowledge and skills of our parents and alumni. I was so proud of our year 10 students who participated in the recent University of Technology Sydney program. Their solutions for enabling Hills to reach net zero by 2035 demonstrated blue sky thinking. Four of the teams will be presenting their ideas to the School Executive and School Council during our Strategic Planning Day in February. Our year 10 students back at school were equally impressive, volunteering at a soup kitchen and learning real life skills. Our junior school students learn from our alumni and parents about the local history, the stock exchange, rural fire services and so much more. A myriad of dreams will be possible if we are courageous and audacious as a school.
When we work as a community, as one, we have the will, the means and the power to succeed. I cannot thank PAFA and the School Council enough for their unwavering support. You have all given so much of your precious time to support our students and staff. The recent thank you to staff run by PAFA was greatly appreciated. To my amazing staff and executive, thank you. I am so privileged to work with you all.
Finally, to my students from ECEC through to year 12. Everything we do aims to ensure that you experience an extraordinary education. There are so many times when I am so thrilled with what you can do and achieve. Whether it is on the sporting field, in the classroom, in a co-curricular program, in the performing arts, through external competitions or programs, being a kind and caring friend, being a member of a student team, such as the Passport team or the Wellbeing team, you all continue to make me proud to be your principal and believe with all my heart that the future is in brilliant hands. Thank you for challenging and stretching yourself and striving to achieve. As the kindergarten children sang at their graduation last Thursday, you are all “on my way - I'm braver and stronger, I'm on my way - watch me be the best that I can be.”
Wishing you all a restful holiday with your families and a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I am looking forward to what 2024 brings!
Karen Yager | Principal
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