EMERGE
Contents
EMERGE
4
OVERVIEW
Welcome to RISE 2025
DEVOTION
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age ”
Matthew 28:20
Our project for term 1, combining science, geography and environmental conservation
Project overview
Launch day
Snorkelling trips
A hands-on experience in Measurement, Pythagoras and Trigonometry
FUTURE FRIDAYS 14
We do Friday’s differently at RISE Future Fridays is all about service and community involvement This issue we are getting to know the Mission X team and their trip to the Jellergul Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Burleigh Heads.
SURFING 16
On Wednesdays’ students get the opportunity to go surfing at lunch.
18
TIPS AND REMINDERS
Everything you need to know in the coming weeks
Celebrating our RISE birthdays for January, February and March
BIRTHDAYS 19 20
Welcome
Welcome back Parents, Teachers and Students to the RISE program, and greetings to all new RP25 Students and Teachers!
As yet another year takes place on our Coolie campus, we strive to build the resilience, leadership and compassion to embrace the opportunities provided to us. Through volunteer work, community service and journalism we hope to leave yet another legacy behind us as the next cohort at RISE.
Over the next year we will embark on a new and different learning journey and we invite all parents and adults to observe this adventure with us. Through Connex, we- Hillcrest’s marketing team passionately will share a collaborative monthly news letter showcasing all of our learning achievements, reminders for students, and our own personal opinions (just for fun!)
The marketing team at RISE cordially welcome you into another year full of growth, adventure and unforgettable memories! We can’t for you to come along!
Devotion
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew
28:20
Imagine you’re a sailor on a stormy sea in the dead of night. You would feel scared right? You would feel lonely and helpless. But then imagine a light appears. You see a lighthouse strong and unwavering in front of you and know you are saved.
Just like how the lighthouse saved the sailor, Jesus saved us. In this verse Jesus gives us a beautiful promise “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This promise wasn’t just for his disciples standing before him. It is for you and me today. God gives you the comforting promise that he will always be with us. through every joy, every trial and failing. He will be with us. He walks with us, guides us through his word, and strengthens us through the Holy Spirit. Remember, no matter how lost you feel in that stormy sea, there will always be his light, guiding you through your trials. His hand, steady, waiting to pull you through. All you have to do is reach out and take it.
Grace Murray
Tails of the Tides
Project Overview
As students participating in the Tails of the Tides Project, we’ve had the chance to dive into real-world conservation, sustainability, and marine biology efforts right here in our local area. Through partnering with Kirra Dive and Green Heroes, we get to engage in hands-on conservation work and create our own marine biology projects to tackle real-world issues.
Currently we are working on our reports, which we will to display to the public. This project has been amazing for several reasons: it is preparing us for real-world challenges by involving us in practical conservation work; we engage with industry professionals and entrepreneurs; and it offers us experiential learning opportunities through hands-on environmental education and fieldwork. Presenting our projects to our families, peers, and the public will give us a sense of hope and purpose, knowing that we're contributing to environmental protection.
Project Launch
We started our day at Southern Cross University where we were briefed by a panel of experts who shared eye-opening insights into ocean life and the threats harming marine ecosystems.
They discussed issues like pollution, overfishing, and climate change, emphasizing how these factors disrupt delicate underwater habitats and endanger marine species. This valuable information will play a key role in our project, Tales of the Tides, as we aim to raise awareness and inspire action to protect our oceans. Our experts were:
Stephan Soule - SCU Coffs Harbour
Sarah Jantos - Green Heroes
Isabela Keski-Frantti - Dolphin Research
Bijang Walk
Bijang, a local indigenous representative led us on a walk around Fingal Head, sharing insights about the resilient coastal plants and the rhythms of the ocean, he discussed issues faced by Indigenous people and how they lived off the land and passed on knowledge and traditions. Strolling along the beach, we learned how the tides shape the landscape, leaving us with a deeper connection to nature’s balance and the need for conservation
Snorkel Trip
As part of our conservation project, it was important for us to up close and experience the marine ecosystem around Cook Island On the day we arrived at the Tweed River Boat ramp and got all our equipment on, including snorkel and flippers and prepare to get on the boats. One boat was called grey nurse, a police boat which was now used for snorkeling. The second was called police chaser, a fast jet boat It was a 15–20-minute ride all the way out to cook island.
We went down to the Tweed River to test the water quality. We used a long tube to check the water clarity by seeing how deep we could see through it. We also tested the pH levels with a pH tester, checked the water’s conductivity to measure dissolved salts, and measured the oxygen levels to see how healthy the water was for fish and plants. It was a practical way to learn about the river’s ecosystem and how different factors impact it.
When we got close enough, we dropped anchor and put on our masks. Almost as soon as we jumped in the ocean, we could see coral on the floor. Halfway into our snorkel session, we noticed some turtles swimming and we even saw a leopard shark. After seeing all the beauty the ocean holds, we realized how much the ocean needs us. On the way back, our boat stopped because we saw a pack of dolphins jumping out of the water.
This information we obtained is crucial to our project because it helped us understand the environment that the local sea life lives in. Tales of the tides is where students research about a topic related to the ocean, and help raise awareness on their topic.
TuganSkate Park
inthe Maths
REALWORLD
The Maths excursion at Tugan Skate Park was a unique experience to get hands-on with geometry and measurement in a real-world setting. The skate park is right near the airport, so we had to deal with some loud jet noise while we worked, which was a bit distracting but also kind of exciting.
For the task, we chose at least two shapes from the skate park structures: a simple shape and a compound shape or challenge ourselves by including a shape with a circular element. We carefully measured the length, width, and height of each shape, double-checking for accuracy.
After gathering the measurements, we sketched the shapes from side, top, and front views, which helped us visualise them from different angles. Then, we calculated the surface area and volume of each shape. The circular element added complexity, but it was a great way to push ourselves.
Overall, this excursion wasn't just about numbers; it was about seeing how maths applies to real-world structures and designs. It was a great opportunity to get out of the classroom and work in a unique environment, We really enjoyed the process and learned a lot from it. We are looking forward to our upcoming work on Pythagoras and Trigonometry, where we'll get to create a scaled-down skate ramps for Tech Decks.
ETHAN RAO AND NATE HELLING
Future Fridays
Every Friday, the RISE team dedicates time to community engagement and service Students have the opportunity to select from a variety of activities that contribute positively to the Coolangatta community. Whether it's participating in ocean clean-ups, assisting at the local special school, helping out at the kindergarten, volunteering at op shops, or supporting surf life-saving efforts, our students are committed to making a difference. Future Fridays not only foster a sense of responsibility and empathy but also provide valuable hands-on experiences that enrich our students' lives and strengthen our community bonds
Mission X
On Friday’s, the Mission X students come together with the same goal, to make the Coolangatta Space a better place for others. Every Friday, our team of 17, set out with garden gloves and recyclable bins, to set out and protect or greenspace. In Week 3, we travelled to the Jellurgal centre in the luscious Burleigh headland, to learn about this country’s story’s, history, and culture. At the end of the tour, these students were taught about the boomerangs and then were shown symbols to paint on their individual boomerangs. Overall, mission X is a wonderful experience for all willing to serve and give back to the environment we share.
Surfing
Surfing
On Wednesday’s students have the opportunity to go surfing at either Kirra beach or at Coolangatta. Students carry down the boards from our RISE classroom and taught the importance of beach safety beforehand, so everyone knows how to handle certain situations
In week 5, the girl’s had opportunity to test out their skills in the water.
We are fortunate enough to have a resident Surf Coach at RISE ‘Milan’ who often teaches two learn to surf lessons before school.
His knowledge and experience were invaluable to the girls as many were first timers. They did some practice jumping up on the sand before they hit the water.
“It’s a blast, and you should definitely go, it’s so fun!”
-Juliet Heath
SabinaHeinzel
Birthdays
January
Charlie Parker - 2nd
Holly Hope - 5th
Chloe Wang 7th
Asha Hargrave - 8th
Sienna Perivolaris - 10th
Aletheia Cooper - 19th
Emerson Wheaton - 20th
Ayla Strip - 27th
Chloe Maas - 29th
February
Oskar Molloy - 6th
Cody Sawdon Smith - 8th
Ivy Thomson - 24th
Skyla Browne - 25th
March
Harper Clayton - 5th
Callum Cane - 10th
Emily Barker - 15th
Imogen Fletcher - 19th
Emily O’Connor - 20th
Jake Davison - 21st
Austin Guljas - 25th
Isabella Laubscher - 29th
Summer Pham - 14th
Riley O’Driscoll - 14th
Vihaan Batra - 28th
Zara Turner - 28th
Ethan Rao - 24th
Eli William - 24th
Thomas Berry - 7th
Lola Rancie - 7th
Antoinette Haverfield - 12th
Scarlet Mitchell - 12th
Tilly Ransome - 9th
Rocky D - 9th
REMINDERS
Throughout this term and year, we are primarily focusing on these three mottos:
We before me
Think unlimited
The standard you walk past is the standard you accept
As students are an example of Hillcrest’s expectations in both public and at school, we politely ask for these motto’s stay with them walking around The Strand and around the Reedy Creek campus. In addition to that, we also advise that all students purchase or bring their bucket hats to school to avoid getting sunburnt. During breaktimes, teachers are walking around offering sunscreen, although, it is expected that all students bring their own sunscreen to protect them from the high UVs down at Coolangatta.
Let’s stay sun safe together and have fun!!!
