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5-12 Newsletter 06.01.25

Updated: Jun 2

Hello Hill Community,

Maybe it’s because my pregnancy has followed the same timeline as the school year, with a growing bump serving as a physical reminder of each passing month. I can hardly believe we’re already entering our final week of classes before exams begin for our high school students.

It feels like just yesterday that we were gathered around Pride Rock on the first day of school, listening to Brodie Merrill speak about two words to guide us through the year: kindness and consistency. As we approach the finish line, these words are more important than ever. How we finish often defines how we’re remembered. What will your lasting impression be from this school year? Are your actions contributing positively to our community? Are you showing up for your teammates and classmates and, in doing so, lifting yourself? Our staff is here to support you in finishing strong. Are you taking advantage of that support? Are you staying engaged during study halls, asking questions, and seeking feedback?

This time of year always makes me think of this photo:


Often, students can give up during this time. Not because it is hard, but because it is high stakes and this time and these assessments matter. It can be easy to play it safe or prematurely go into summer mode. It takes courage to put real effort into your goals. But you’re so close. Every student at The Hill has already demonstrated courage by stepping through our doors. Now, let’s finish with that same courage, energy, and purpose!

Good luck in a strong finish to the school year!

Sincerely,

Tory Merrill

Principal



In this week's newsletter:


Junior School Athletic Banquet Tickets On Sale!

Junior School Athletic Banquet tickets are now available. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday June 10 at 5:30pm for the festivities. All Student-Athletes in Grades 5 to 8 are expected to attend.


Hill Families are encouraged to attend and celebrate the accomplishments of our amazing Student-Athletes during this unforgettable event! Guest tickets are limited to 2 per student in Junior School.



Exam Schedule

The exam schedule can be found here.


Exam Frequently Asked Questions

  • When are exams scheduled?

    • Monday, June 9

    • Tuesday, June 10

    • Wednesday, June 11


  • What time are exams?

    All exams are scheduled from 9:00-12:00. Students should arrive 15 minutes early so they have the full three hours to write. Students must remain in the room until 10:00. Any students who arrive after 10:00 will not be permitted to write.


  • Will the bus run during exams?

    Yes, our K-8 students have regularly scheduled programming during exams. Buses will follow regular arrival and departure times. If you normally take the bus but will leave after your exam, you need to sign out and communicate that to attendance and your bus driver.


  • What do I need to bring to my exam?

    Students should bring a writing utensil, calculator (if needed), and a water bottle. A phone cannot be used in place of a calculator.


  • Will the meal plan be offered during exams?

    Yes.


  • What do students wear during exams?

    Students are expected to be in uniform for exams. They are welcome to wear their Friday uniform.


  • When can students leave?

    Students are welcome to go home when they have completed their exam.


  • Are non-residence students allowed in dorm rooms while they wait for their ride or bus?

    Non-residence students are never allowed in dorm rooms. Students are welcome to wait in flex spaces while they are waiting for the bus or a ride.


  • Will the gym be open during exams?

    Students are welcome to workout between 8:00 and 1:00. If they have no exam scheduled on a day, they are welcome at the school to exercise at these times.


  • What do students do between 12-4?

    If they are able to, students are welcome to go home after their exam. If they plan on staying on campus, there are spaces available to complete final tasks and study for exams.


  • What if a student is sick and unable to attend an exam?

    Students are expected to write their exams on their scheduled date. If they are unable to attend due to illness, a doctor’s note will need to be submitted to the vice principal in order to reschedule it.


Get Your Basket Raffle Tickets

The Raffle Baskets are now live! We're so proud of each class for how well these baskets have been put together, we encourage you to come into the lower flex area to check them out! You can purchase your raffle tickets for the baskets from Ms. Bush at Reception or purchase them online and let us know which basket(s) you'd like to win!


Basket winners will be drawn on Wednesday June 11. Good Luck!


Gala Prize Tickets

We have received several generous donations for the Gala Prize Draw. Tickets for the Gala Prize Draw are different from the tickets for the Raffle Baskets, but can similarly be purchased online or through Ms. Bush, in person.


Prizes include:

  • Blue Jays Tickets

  • TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley foursome

  • Travel Voucher

  • Milwaukee Tools package

  • 43" Smart TV

  • Original metal art designed just for The Hill featuring a metal feather in a rock

  • Tickets to MJ The Musical

  • ... and so much more!


PowerSchool Parent and Student Portal

Please note that the PowerSchool portal for students and parents will be closed on June 8, 2025. Teachers will be updating final grades and report card comments at that time.


Grade 8 Grad Trip Reminder – June 4th & 5th

We’re looking forward to celebrating our graduating students with the upcoming Grad Trip to Blue Mountain on June 4th and 5th. As we prepare for this exciting experience, we kindly ask all families to review the expectations that were shared with students and sent home. These expectations are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable trip for everyone involved.


Tick Season Awareness

As the warmer weather approaches, we are entering tick season. We encourage families to be mindful during this time, especially when children are playing in grassy or wooded areas. Thank you for partnering with us in keeping our students safe and healthy during outdoor activities.


Here is a link to Ontario Public Health, which provides further information about ticks: https://www.ontario.ca/page/tick-borne-diseases


Reminder: Sign-Out Protocol

A reminder that all high school students must be signed out by a parent or guardian if they are leaving campus during the school day—for any reason, including appointments or lunch. Please email attendance@thehillacademy.com. Thank you for your support in keeping our students safe and accounted for!


Junior School Sport Period – Attendance Reminder

If your child plans to stay back from their scheduled sport period, an email must be sent in the morning to both their specific coach and the Vice Principal. This ensures proper supervision and helps us keep track of all students during this time.


Thank you for your cooperation!



Vice Principal: Casey Kirkpatrick- casey.kirkpatrick@thehillacademy.com

Hockey: Brett Robinson- brobinson@thehillacademy.com

Lacrosse: Graydon Hogg- graydon.hogg@thehillacademy.com

Foundation of Sport: Tanner Poole- tanner.poole@thehillacademy.com


The Hill Eats

Below is the menu for next week.

(click on image to enlarge)


Phys Ed This Past Week

Here is an overview of what was covered in Phys Ed this past week:



(click on image to enlarge)

(click on image to enlarge)


Summer Performance Training

Contact Coach Dre for more details or to sign up: dglisic@thehillacademy.com 



Community Involvement Hours

Students who plan to graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma are required to collect at least 40 community involvement hours before graduation. Mrs. Flynn has posted a list outside of her office for 2025 graduates and the number of community involvement hours currently recorded. Please check the list.


There are many opportunities to collect these hours. Below you will find links to some of the events upcoming in certain communities, and students should connect with Mrs. Flynn about finding ways to complete the required hours:


Summer Camps At The Hill

The Hill is excited announce the following upcoming camps:


Hill Student-Athletes can use the code "COACHCAM" for 15% off Summer Camps. Stay tuned for more Summer Camp announcements!



With all team games having been completed, each team's TeamSnap calendar will have the most up to date schedule for activities.


Safety and Security

In preparing for your student-athlete for the school year, we want to remind everyone about the safety and security considerations of arriving and leaving the campus.


For all:

  • Please follow the posted speed limits

  • Please note and follow the one-way driveway and the stop signs

  • Please follow the directions of the staff who are supervising pick-up and drop-off times.

  • Parking lots are to be used for anyone waiting to pick up students. There is no parking in the fire routes, crosswalks or kiss and ride areas. If you arrive before the designated pick-up times, you will be directed to park in the lots.

  • Fire routes are allocated to help Fire and Emergency Services access buildings quickly in the event of an emergency. Blocking these routes, even to drop off or pick up students, can be dangerous for everyone.

  • Accessible parking spaces are for the exclusive use for individuals holding valid accessible parking permits. Please do not use or block any accessible spaces without a valid permit.


Absences and Late Arrivals

School success is closely tied to good attendance. When students miss learning time, they often struggle with understanding concepts, completing assignments, and performing well on assessments. Consistent attendance helps your child(ren) stay connected both academically and socially. We encourage you to commit to having your child(ren) attend school every day and arrive on time. Regular attendance builds positive habits that will last a lifetime. If your child is absent from school, please remember to email attendance@thehillacademy.com to report the absence.


If your student athlete is going to miss their Phys. Ed or sport period for any reason, please remember to email DGlisic@thehillacademy.com.


Late Arrivals

If your child arrives late to school, please park in the designated parking areas and walk them into the main office to receive a late slip. The students will need to provide their educator with the slip upon arrival to class.




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