Hillcrest’s campus is improved with $5m injection
BIG DREAMS START HERE
THERE are no first-day-ofschool worries for two of the Gold Coast’s smallest students as they head off into the world for the first time.
New St Hilda’s prep student Elizana Celahmetovic, 4, and her best friend Zara Williams, 5, were all giggles as they tried on their uniforms, hats and oversized backpacks for the first time.
The pair met last year during pre-prep classes and are looking forward to starting “big school” together this week.
Elizana, an aspiring vet, said she was eager to get into her studies.
“I’m excited about learning … shapes and numbers,” the fouryear-old told the Bulletin.
“Also colouring in.” Elizana said she was prepared for what St Hilda’s had to offer after spending the past few weeks writing her name on all of her new uniforms with special label stickers.
“They are flamingo, mermaids and icypoles,” she said.
For Elizana’s parents, Ekaterina and Jerome Hey, the chance to put Elizana through pre-prep at St Hilda’s last year means they are more ready for the new adjustment.
“We aren’t nervous now, it is been there done that, we kind of know what to expect because of the pre-prep program,” Ms Hey said.
“She has made lots of friends like Zara. Now they will get used to a new teacher together.
“I am more excited than nervous now, we will both be there to drop her off to her classroom on her first day of school.”
SOME Gold Coast students will be greeted by a $5 million facelift of their school when they return from holidays today.
Hillcrest Christian College at Reedy Creek will kick off the year in brighter surroundings, following what was a tumultuous 2019 amid ongoing staffing woes and bullying allegations
The $5 million-plus of improvements and refurbishments at Hillcrest over the next six months include a full revamp of all year 3 and 4 classrooms, a new open-plan learning precinct for students in years 7 and 8, a huge 2000 sqm outdoor learning area and a new outdoor hub (canteen).
The works also include the refurbishment of the Junior Learning Centre Library, and the current library.
A new twin court basketball stadium and undercover outdoor amphitheatre for 150 students is also planned, to encourage students to play outside.
The executive head of college Jeff Davis said the expenditure would bring the value of spending on new building, renovation and carparking works since 2015 to nearly $20 million.
Mr Davis said the renovations would coincide with record student numbers at Hillcrest.
“Since day one, my mission has been to modernise college facilities in order to prepare students for the jobs of the future,’’ Mr Davis said.
“This will further enhance the learning environment and experience.”
The work is being undertaken by Varsity Lakesbased Hennessy Building Projects and Palm Beach architect R.H. Frankland.