The Hills Christian Community School (HCCS) is ‘warm, supporting and caring’ according to parent feedback. 100% of parents agree or strongly agree that teacher and student interaction is friendly, that teachers are dedicated, have a positive attitude and relate well with parents, that the School has a caring atmosphere, is a happy place and a sense of community unites the school. This survey evidence affirms that HCCS is realizing its intentions as expressed in the vision, mission, values and Constitution. HCCS is situated in the picturesque Adelaide Hills adjacent to the Onkaparinga River and vineyards in Verdun, 2 minutes from Hahndorf and 20 minutes from Adelaide. The School is blessed with a wonderful staff team who actively seek to realise the learning potential of each child while stimulating inquiring minds and nurturing uniqueness. With the opening of the Early Learning Centre (ELC), HCCS offers effective transition from three and a half years until graduation from Year 7 for the 350 students at school and the 50+ families in the ELC. HCCS is blessed with the popularity of the ELC which provided 17 of the 19 students for our Term 3 Reception class. Playgroup on Friday mornings is also very popular. Students appreciate receiving specialist teaching in German, Drama, Physical Education and Music with Computing being introduced as a specialist lesson this year. During 2011 the sense of community was celebrated with over 400 grandparents enjoying their special morning and hundreds of mums and dads appreciating their respective events. Exposure in the wider community occurred with 20+ school teams participating in local weekly volleyball, basketball and netball competitions. Success at interschool competitions was amazing for a small school with soccer, volleyball, touch football and football teams becoming State Champions. Student leadership opportunities abound and the buddy system across the classes (including the ELC) is highly valued. Other opportunities for students include access to the Scientist..