Issue 2, 17th February 2023
From the Principal
Yura families,
At this week’s P&C meeting, I shared some wonderful data outlining our achievements during the 2022 year. One way that schools can measure their success is by reflecting on their A – C results in English and Maths. We are proud to share that our data is on a positive trajectory. In English, we moved from 78.6% of our students receiving a C or above to 84.9%. Within the area of Maths, we moved from 85% to 87.5%. We are going to continue to set ourselves goals each year to aim for. We can’t wait to see if we hit our targets at the end of this year.
During the P&C meeting, I was also able to seek feedback from the members of the P&C about our Annual Implementation Plan. This document outlines our goals and targets for the year and parent input is always valued. We will utilise P&C meetings to collaborate and discuss school direction and vision. We would love to see more of our parents become involved and attend. The next meeting is our AGM and we would love to see you all there.
The Tuckerbox has noticed we have a number of students bringing money and buying their friends food/drinks. Whilst, we appreciate the kindness involved in this behaviour, we are aware that the school rule is that we do not share food, due to parent preferences and food allergies. We ask that you discuss this with your children and remind them of this school rule.
Our wonderful Administration Officers (Miss Lisa, Miss Katy, Miss Keryn and Miss Donna), have noticed a number of students coming to the office to report that they do not have enough lunch. Whilst we have processes for students who don’t have lunch, we are unable to cater for students who would like more. Again, we ask that you discuss school lunch with your children to ensure they have enough to eat each day.
Ms Elissa Smith ran our first Parent Information and Community Session (PICS) on Tuesday over two sessions. Thank you to the parents who joined us for these sessions and to Ms Smith for running them. We are working with our Speech Pathologist (Tessa Sims) to plan our next session closer to the end of the term. I have challenged Tessa to find a way to make this session digital for those of you who are unable to join us in person. So, keep an eye out on Facebook or on my Weekly Update videos to hear what the next topic is and when it will be held.
At Hilliard, we are aiming towards building a stronger connection to our First Nations’ community and our Quandamooka country. We currently have Mr Craig working in the role as our First Nation’s Teacher Aide who collaborates with Alexandra Hills SHS to develop and strengthen relationships. As part of this plan, we would like to create a team who can reflect on school practices and provide advice and feedback to us. So far, we have interested staff members but would also appreciate input from parent/community. If you are interested in being a part of this team, please email me on lwith6@eq.edu.au.
Finally, there is a rumour circulating Hilliard that I will be joining the Junior Band and learning to play the flute. I cannot confirm nor deny this rumour but we will know more in the near future.
Thanks,
Leanne Witham
We learn, lead and succeed.
From the Leadership Team
Having Fun at Lunchtime Clubs!
Students at Hilliard SS are having lots of fun at lunchtimes attending different clubs. We are so grateful to our teachers who volunteer to run these clubs for our students. There are a number of different clubs, for different year levels, that students are able to attend if they wish. See below for some photos of students having fun at some of our lunchtime clubs.
Positive Engagement for Learning @ Hilliard SS
Each week at Hilliard SS, our staff and students focus on learning about and demonstrating an "Expectation of the Week". To help students understand what the expectation is, and how they can demonstrate it themselves in different ways at school, the very talented Mrs Ng creates a video which we play on assembly each Friday. These videos are also uplaoded to our school facebook page each week, so that parents can know and support Hilliard's Expectation of the Week. Maybe you could even try having an Expectation of the Week at home!
In every newsletter, we will include the posters that are displayed in classrooms to support learning the Expectation of the Week. These help to explain how we can Learn, Lead and Succeed at school. By sharing these posters in the newsletter, this is another way that parents can engage with and support our Positive Engagement for Learning at Hilliard SS.
From the Office
STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME
If you haven’t received an invoice for the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) and wish to participate please contact the office for a Participation Agreement Form (PAF).
Payments for the SRS are due 30th March. Payment plans and centrepay options are available; if you are experiencing any difficulties or hardship please get in touch with us, there are many ways we can offer assistance. Call the office on 3820 1666 for more information.
QParents
The QParents App is a handy online portal - if you don't yet have access please contact the office for your registration invitation (see flyer below):
CONFIRMED CASE OF CHICKEN POX - Please refer to the attached Fact Sheet below.
Are your contact details up-to-date? Contact the office on 3820 1666 or email admin@hilliardss.eq.edu.au to check or change your details!
School Calendar
Keep up to date with what is happening this term at Hilliard SS!!!
From the P&C
Yura Hilliard families,
We had our first general meeting on Monday with a full agenda. This year is off to a cracking start! If you ever want to see how the business of a P&C is run, please feel more than welcome to come along and join in. Non-members are welcome any time, to participate as much or as little as desired. Topics in our meetings can draw on many strengths of our members, such as organisation, event planning and management, finance, networking, graphic design, cooking, catering, gardening, crafts and arts, IT, health, and safety. Sometimes it’s just a nod of assent, or a question to help us think things through, but know that your input is varied, wonderful, and so helpful in enriching our ability to support the school community and give the kids the most comfortable and fun school experience.
On that note, if you are a bit crafty and/or have some lovely little Mother’s Day stall goodies that you are happy to donate, we would appreciate the efforts and generosity. If you can help, please reach out to us: hilliardpandcfundraising@gmail.com
*Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Sunday 26th February - Volunteers Wanted*
We have another amazing Bunnings sausage sizzle day coming up. It's one of the best 'bang-for-your-buck (and time)' fundraising opportunities, but also, it's a way to show what a great organisation the Hilliard School Community really is. Better still, it draws from the wider community to support our kids, feeds the busy Bunnings (and Hilliard) crowd, and is another way to get to know the parents and staff volunteering on the day; having a laugh and making memories, feeling valued, and cooking up the best sausages this side of the Brisbane River.
If you're interested in coming down to help, or just enjoy a snag, don't be shy. One minute, one hour, or the day - as little or as much as you like - every little bit of community spirit helps.
From the Tuckerbox
Points to remember for Ordering for National Pancake Day:
- We are serving our Pancake orders at 1st Break on Tuesday the 21st of Feb. We will not be running our regular menu at 1st break on this day however 2nd Break Menu will run as usual 😊
- Ordering in QKR for National Pancake Day has its own menu selection with a pre-set date and time of order delivery. Please head on over to our Facebook Page to view a guided video on how to order.
- You can send your child with cash to purchase over the counter on the day. We will not be selling our regular over the counter offerings such as Slushies at 1st Break on this day.
- We do still require some volunteers to help us on the day from 9am to 12:00pm. If there are any Prep Parents who would like to help us with their Pancake stall in their area on the day, it would be much appreciated. Please email us at hilliardtuckshop@gmail.com to let us know if you can help 😊
We are so excited to make and serve these delicious Pancakes to our whole school community next Tuesday and we thank you as always for your support of our fundraising efforts in the Tuckerbox.
Love and Smiles
Mrs Kat and Ms Courtney
UNIFORM SHOP NEWS
OPENING HOURS THURS 8:00 - 9:30AM
***Thursday the 23th February the Uniform Shop will be closed. Instead, it will be open on Wednesday 22nd February for that week and all QKR order will be delivered on the Wednesday.
Uniforms can be purchased on the QKR! App, log on as normal and select Uniform Shop. Whilst you can place your uniform orders any time of day, any day of the week, currently deliveries to students’ classrooms will only take place each Thursday (with the above exception).
If an item is showing as “Unavailable” this means it is currently OUT OF STOCK.
SECOND HAND UNIFORMS
Search and join the FACEBOOK group: “Hilliard SS 2nd Hand Uniform Sale” where you will be able to interact with parents of all grades selling and looking for second hand uniforms.
Please note that whilst we do our best to have all stock on hand at all times, sometimes due to circumstances beyond our control, some items/sizes may be unavailable. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
All enquiries please email hilliarduniformshop@gmail.com
Thankyou,
Courtney
- Uniform Shop Convenor
Containers For Change
Our P&C Coordinates a Containers for Change Queensland recycling scheme to raise additional funds for our school community.
There are orange bins placed around the school to collect any containers students might have at break times, or alternatively you can donate containers directly at any depot and use:
Hilliard State School Scheme Id #C10161576
This can be used across Queensland, so any family members further afield can contribute too. For more information on what containers are eligible, see www.containersforchange.com.au
P&C Date Claimer
Smith Family
Hi, this is David from the Saver Plus Program with The Smith Family.
As you know, the increased cost of living in recent times has impacted many families, making the back-to-school period a stressful time for those on lower incomes.
The Smith Family continues to run its matched savings program for families to help with school related expenses. Saver Plus supports eligible families to save for education related expenses by providing up to $500 for school costs via our free budgeting and matched savings program. We have now had over 55,000 families complete the program, and the program is now delivered virtually.
You can find more information about the program on our website or our Facebook page.
Here is a short video about the program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpR1l-UnooI&t=68s
Families can use this initiative to pay for items such as:
- Laptops, computers, or tablets
- School uniforms
- School books and stationery
- Textbooks
- Music classes or instruments
- Sporting classes or equipment
- Excursions and camps
Thanks for your help, and please let me know if you have any questions about the program. I hope we can assist some of your families.
Kind regards,
David SmitSaver Plus Coordinator | The Smith FamilyShop 5, Central Park Shopping Centre168 Algester Rd, Algester 4115
PO Box 5220, ALGESTER QLD 4115
Mob 0417 436 183www.thesmithfamily.com.au
Saturday School Shoe Shop
Crime Prevention Corner
Bricks on the Hill
Quest Football Academy
Easter Holiday Program
Sharks Softball
NRL League Stars
League Stars is excited to be returning to Hilliard State School!
League Stars is all play, no contact, appealing to the true nature of kids, in all their messy, high energy, love of fun and play! The clinic is suitable for all abilities with the focus on practicing fundamental movement skills and having a blast with friends. The program will be completely COVID safe and will be a great way to keep kids busy before school while trying Rugby League in a fun, safe, non-contact environment.
Please note that this program will being in Week 8 of Term 1, break for the school holidays, before returning in Week 1 of the Term 2.
For more details, please contact Jarrod Newman via j.newman@nrl.com.au
