Issue 15, Friday 19th September 2025
From the Principal
Yura families,
As we come to the end of a busy and rewarding term, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for their incredible effort and commitment. It has certainly been a full term, with many highlights, challenges, and achievements along the way. While we are all feeling ready for a well-deserved break, it is wonderful to reflect on the growth, learning, and successes we have shared together.
Please enjoy the video with some of our staff proudly sharing their sports colours and sending holiday wishes. Our Year 6 producers were away at camp this week, so a group of enthusiastic Year 5s stepped up to take on the role. Thank you to them for doing such a great job! I wish everyone a restful holiday and look forward to returning refreshed for another exciting term ahead.
I am on leave for the first two weeks of next term, hiking in Japan. During this time, Tracey Young will be Acting Principal. I look forward to seeing you all when I return.
Leanne Witham
Principal
From the Leadership Team
Making the big move to Prep smaller in 2025
Starting school is an important milestone in a child’s life. Creating a positive experience and confident transition for children as they move from kindy to Prep, sets the foundation for their learning, wellbeing and development.
To help prepare your child for the move, there are some fun and helpful activities and games available on the early childhood website. To find out more visit: www.qld.gov.au/BigMoves-EarlyYears.
Together, let’s make the big move to Prep smaller and help your child start strong.
https://youtu.be/j1Jg428Psc0
Making the big move to kindy in 2025 Starting kindy is an important milestone in a child’s life. It can however be a big
move for both the child and their family. Working together we can create positive experiences and successful transitions for your child as they start kindy, setting the foundation for their learning, wellbeing and development. To help prepare your child for the move, there are some fun and helpful activities and games available on the early childhood website. Visit
www.qld.gov.au/BigMoves-EarlyYears.
Did you know that kindy is free for all Queensland families? To learn more about the benefits of kindy visit qld.gov.au/FreeKindy. Families are encouraged to use the Free kindy finder to locate a government-approved kindergarten program provider in their area. Together, let’s make the big move to kindy smaller and help your child start strong.
Prep 2026 Welcome Meetings
Step Into Prep 2026
On Tuesday we had our first Step into Prep Session for 2026.
It was such a joy as we welcomed our newest Hilliard SS Preps and their families as part of our “Step Into Prep” transitions program. 
This special program gives children and families multiple opportunities to build connections with our school community, helping everyone feel safe, supported, and confident as they prepare for the exciting transition to Prep.
Our new preppies had a wonderful time enjoying play-based activities, meeting teachers, and starting to feel like part of the Hilliard family already. Each child received their very own Step Into Prep 2026 shirt to wear at upcoming transition visits thus helping them feel a sense of belonging from day one.
A huge thank you to our amazing P&C for gifting each child an official school Prep hat 
.
The smiles as they named their hats and proudly wore them showed just how ready they are for “big school”!Welcome, Preppies of 2026 — we can’t wait to see you again next term! 
Expectation of the Week
Term 3, 2025 Event Calendar
From the Office
Blue card changes are coming from 20 September.
These changes include:
parent volunteers will require blue cards if:
- services or activities do not include their own child
- they attend overnight excursions or camps
- close personal contact may occur with another child may occur (such as assisting with toileting, bathing or dressing).
- external businesses providing services in schools or to children will need a blue card.
For more information about the upcoming changes, visit the Queensland Government website:
E-scooters, E-skateboards
To ensure you and your child stay safe when using e-scooters or e-skateboards, please remember:
Only those aged 16+ can ride e-scooters and e-skateboards unsupervised.
Helmets must be worn with the straps properly fastened (bicycle or motorcycle helmets) and bells fitted for devices with handlebars.
No passengers/doubling – only one person riding an e-scooter.
Speed limit of 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths.
Serious fines may apply to riders, and parents, if caught breaking the rules.
StreetSmartsQld features educational videos and other helpful safety tips for riding e-scooters and e-skateboards.
FINANCE NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2025
As we approach the end of Term 3, we would like to thank those families that have paid their fees for 2025 or are paying them on an approved payment plan.
Statements will be sent out to those families who owe money or have a credit on their account. Please note: if your statement shows a negative amount (a minus dollar amount) this means your account is in credit and you do not need to make a payment.
If you have credit on your account and would like that to be used to pay a particular invoice, please email admin@hilliardss.eq.edu.au
PAYMENTS
B-Point payments are the Department of Education's preferred methods of payment.Payments can be made by:
- B-Point (using the hyperlink on the invoice/statement)
- Credit/debit card at the office Monday to Friday
- Centrepay (Centrepay is a voluntary bill-paying service which is free for Centrelink customers. Use Centrepay to arrange regular deductions from your Centrelink payment. You can start or change a deduction at any time. The easiest way to do it is through your Centrelink account online in MyGov. Please go to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrepay for more information).
Leaving Hilliard in for 2026?
Please let us know ASAP so we can plan our 2026 classes accordingly. Please contact the office on 07 3820 1666 or email admin@hilliardss.eq.edu.au with your child's name, current class and the school they are moving to!
Illusion – Night of Dance
Friday 17 October
AHSHS Hall
Doors open at 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start
Sausage sizzle and canteen available
From the Classrooms
Last Friday, selected Year 5 and 6 students participated in the 6th Annual INNOVATE Redland City STEM competition. Students participated in Science Projects, Video Game Creations, Robotics Challenges and STEM immersion activities.
Congratulations to one of our Year 5 teams who won the Science Project Challenge (Student Choice)! 
Thank you to Mrs Micallef, Mrs Ng and Miss Schwandner who prepared the students for the day! Thank you also to Alexandra Hills SHS for hosting such a fun, innovative day. 
What an amazing day of STEM learning and engagement! The 6th annual INNOVATE competition was a spectacular celebration of student achievement involving 150 students from 8 primary schools.
Coordinated and hosted by Alexandra Hills SHS, INNOVATE aims to boost student engagement in STEM, through exciting activities and friendly competition involving robotics challenges, video-game design and science investigations. This full-day event is for students from Years 5-6 and is open to all schools in Redland City.
Congratulations to the winning schools:
Science Investigations (Year 5) - Birkdale South SS
Science Investigations (Year 6) - Birkdale South SS
Science Investigations: Student Choice (Years 5/6) - Hilliard SS
Engineering: Foil Boat Challenge (Years 5/6) - St Mary MacKillop Primary
Video Game Design (Years 5/6) - Alexandra Hills SS (tied first)
Video Game Design (Years 5/6) - Birkdale South SS (tied first)
Sumo-Robot Challenge (Years 5/6) - Birkdale South SS
iNNOVATE Redland City STEM Competition
On Tuesday afternoon Ms Schwandner and the Year 3 and 4 iNNOVATE students visited Goodstart Early Learning Center Alexandra Hills. The students confidently explained to Kindy 1, that through their Bubbleology unit they investigated different mixtures to find the best bubble liquid then designed and engineered their own bubble wands. Students fielded questions from the kindy 1 about bubbles, mixtures, and engineering before having lots of fun making bubbles together.
Thank you to Cassie and the Goodstart Early Learning team for allowing our students to share their learning with you.
Yr 3-4 iNNOVATE
Yr 6 Camp update 
Our Year 6 campers have arrived safely and are already enjoying their first activity! 
Noosa North Shore Camp - Day One
Year 6 Camp – Day 2
Our campers have had another big day of adventure, fun, and teamwork! 
From challenging activities to plenty of laughter with friends, it’s been wonderful to see them supporting one another and making great memories. 
Everyone is safe, happy, and enjoying the experience. We’re looking forward to another full day tomorrow! 
Day 2
On Thursday afternoon our Year 4 and Year 2 students came together to share the narrative stories they’ve been creating all term. Both year levels have been working hard on planning, drafting and polishing their writing – and today they proudly read their finished pieces to each other.
The room was filled with excitement, encouragement and lots of smiles as students celebrated each other’s creativity. It was a fantastic way to end the term and showcase just how much they’ve learned and grown as writers.
Yr 2 & Yr 4 Narratives
Hilliard Sport!
Osprey Cup Touch Football
On Wednesday, Hilliard proudly sent two junior touch football teams to Term 3 Osprey Cup at Wellinton Point State High School.
Both teams are to be congratulated on a fabulous day of competition, showcasing great teamwork and sportsmanship. To top it off, both teams walked away as winners, taking home trophies in their divisions – a fantastic achievement! 🎉
This carnival concludes the Osprey Cup competition for 2025. We would like to thank Wellington Point State High School for providing this opportunity for our students, and we look forward to returning in 2026.
Hilliard Dance!
Our term 4 recreational dance program is Hip Hop and Contemporary!
For more information please click on the link below:
https://hilliardss.schoolzineplus.com/form/113
From the P&C
A message from the P&C: Unfortunately, we are currently without a convenor for the uniform shop. As such it will be closed for the next two weeks. Online orders will be taken to classes on Friday. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Community Notices
To join Saver Plus, you need to meet these requirements:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
- Have a child in school, starting next year, or be studying yourself
- Get a regular income (can be you or your partner in paid work or child support/carers' payment)
- Agree to join in free online financial education workshops
What are the eligible savings goals?
Eligible savings goals are education-related products or services that:
- Assist a primary/secondary school student’s education.
Session Details – Term 4:
Dates: Saturday 11th October, 18th October, 25th October, 1st November
Locations:
Moreton Bay Boys College MTB Trails (for coaching and maintenance sessions)
Daisy Hill Conservation Park (for the final family trail ride)
Program Structure:
3x Coaching Sessions (plus bike maintenance tips) – Focused on skill development for both kids and parents
1x Guided Family Trail Ride – Putting new skills into practice on real trails
Separate Parent and Child Groups Initially – Merging for a final ride to build connection
Topics covered include:
Body position
Controlling the bike (brakes, gears)
Cornering
Rocks, logs, and jumps
Trail etiquette and safety
Hands-on bike maintenance (e.g. fixing flats, cleaning chains, brake adjustments)
Program Goal:
To encourage families to ride together regularly, safely, and confidently. By developing foundational skills and fostering shared experiences, we aim to build community connections and support a healthier, more active lifestyle.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this opportunity with your school community through your newsletters, digital platforms, or bulletin boards. We’ve attached a flyer for easy distribution.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for supporting local, community-driven initiatives!
Redlands United FC is excited to partner with Pure Soccer to deliver a high-energy Community Camp these school holidays.Open to boys and girls of all skill levels, this clinic features engaging sessions run by experienced Pure Soccer coaches and Redlands Senior Players. Expect new friends, loads of fun, and a Mini World Cup to finish off the week!
Week 1: Tues 23/9 + Wed 24/9 + Thurs 25/9
Week 2: Tues 30/9 + Weds 1/10 + Thurs 2/10
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (drop-off from 8:30 AM)
Cost: $60 per day or $150 for all three days
What to Expect
:
Fun-filled sessions Prizes and giveaways Skill-building and teamwork Mini World Cup tournament
Location: Week 1 : Field 1 - in front of club houseWeek 2: TBC
Best Parking: Club House
Scan the QR code on the flyer to book your spot now