Children have an immense capacity to learn if their strengths and needs are identifies and addressed. Every child is unique, with the potential to not only succeed in attaining individual goals, but to also make a difference in society, using gifts and abilities to serve God and others.

At Hillcrest, we are passionate about knowing our students well. Our teachers are genuinely interested in their students and work hard to develop strong relationships and supportive learning environments. We endeavour also to identifys the potential in our students. We strive to learn as much as we can about each child, to support and nurture from the early years of development through to the preparation for and transititon into secondary education.

We aim to provide balance across our curriculum and co curricula programs, as well as depth and appropriate challenge by recognizing and catering for individual needs. We incorporate a wide variety of experiences to address the many interests and levels of ability.

It is appropriate for some students to receive support that is beyond the scope of the mainstream classroom. This is provided through learning support, as well as gifted and talented programs. In all that is done, our teachers and support staff work as a team to provide the best possible options for our students within the College structure.

Primary Structure

Primary is divided into various sections:

Kindy, Prep, year 1 (Early Childhood)

Years 2 & 3 + 2/3 Echo

Years 4 & 5 + 4/5 Echo

Years 6 & 7 + 6/7 Echo (Middle Years – for more details, refer “Middle Years”)

Prep – Year 7 includes two mainstream classes per year level, with targeted class sizes of between 25 – 28 students. Each class operates with a core teacher, but with ability grouping between the two groups for English and Maths. In this way, we are better able to cater for the learning needs of our students.

Three composite classes run parallel to the mainstream classes to provide a different style of program for students participating in the full time ECHO (gifted and talented) programs. Echo classes include Year 2/3, Year 4/5 and Year 6/7. In addition, Echo Inc (Echo in the classroom) operates enrichment and extension programs for children in mainstream classes. A specialist teacher works with classroom teachers to design and deliver extension programs that are enmeshed with the whole classroom program. In addition, students in Echo Inc participate throughout the year in withdrawal lessons where appropriate.

Specialist teachers provide music, sport, gifted and talented programs and learning support. In addition, we have qualified specialists who provide a range of co-curricula programs.

Each year level is involved in an outdoor education/camping program which links into curriculum within the classroom. They include:

Year 4

Camp at Tallebudgera, Gold Coast
Dates: 22 – 24 April 2009
Theme: “Friendship, Sun and Surf”

Photographs available soon

Year 5

Camp at Midginbil Hill, Northern NSW
Dates: 24 – 26th August 2009
Theme: Goin’ Bush

Community

Community is highly valued at Hillcrest. As a result, we strive to promote the importance of our working, playing and being together at every opportunity. Our young students in prep and year one each have an older buddy in upper primary and in addition, we meet regularly for assemblies and activities across year levels. All students in the early years participate together in at least one themed day each term, where parents participate and become involved with our activities.

Parents

Education begins at home and parents are the chief educators. Our role is to support parents in the education of their children. Parents are an integral part of all that we do here. Many are involved in voluntary work in all facets of the College. We welcome parents into our classrooms and value the added perspective that they bring to our work here.

Parental Involvement in Prep to Year 3

Parental involvement is encouraged as home and school develop a partnership in the learning process. Parents are welcome to participate as much as they wish in the many programs and activities that take place each day. Missions and Fundraising Each class in Primary supports a child through compassion Australia. In addition. we support a number of missions and charities both overseas and here in Australia.