7-12 Newsletter 02.27.26

February 27, 2026

Hello Hill Families,

On Wednesday, February 25th, we proudly participated in Pink Shirt Day, a national movement dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusion, and taking a stand against bullying. Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 in Nova Scotia when two students organized a show of support for a peer who had been bullied for wearing a pink shirt. What started as a simple act of kindness has grown into a nationwide (and global) reminder that we all have a role to play in creating safe and caring communities.

Students and staff from Kindergarten through Grade 12 wore pink to show solidarity and reinforce our shared commitment to respect and belonging. Throughout the day, classrooms engaged in age-appropriate discussions and activities focused on empathy, standing up for others, and understanding the impact of words and actions. Our younger students explored what kindness looks and sounds like in everyday situations, while our older students reflected on leadership, allyship, and how to respond constructively when they witness unkind behaviour.

We recognize Pink Shirt Day each year because fostering a culture of respect is an ongoing responsibility. It aligns closely with our school values and our commitment to supporting the well-being of every student. By intentionally creating opportunities for conversation and reflection, we empower students to contribute positively to our school community.

Families can continue these important conversations at home by:

• Talking about what kindness and inclusion look like in your family.

• Modelling respectful communication in everyday interactions.

• Recognizing and celebrating acts of empathy and leadership.

Together, through small but meaningful actions, we can continue building a community where every student feels safe, valued, and supported.

Casey Kirkpatrick

Director- Early Years & Vice Principal (K-6)

casey.kirkpatrick@thehillacademy.com

In this week's Newsletter:

• Trees Being Removed On Campus

• Grade 8 Trip Permission Forms

• Semester Two Culminating Tasks and Exam Schedule

• Power School

• New Stop Sign

• Cafeteria Plates and Bowls

• The Hill Summer Camps

• The Nest

• TPC Toronto Special Offer

• Inclement Weather Protocol

• The Hill Eats

• Middle School Sports Schedule

• Upcoming Events

• Blueprint Nutrition

• Airbnb Offer

• Uniforms

• Labeling Items

• Community Involvement Hours

• Interested in Contacting a Tutor

• Student-Dedicated Resource

• Safety and Security

• School Hours/Information

• Annual Calendars

• Attendance Protocol

• Allergy Aware School

Trees Being Removed on Campus

The Hill Community may have noticed trees coming down between the main building and the roadway. An Arborist Report had determined that the trees in that area were dying or dead and should be removed before becoming a safety hazard. We applied for and were provided a permit to remove them. We plan to repurpose the space into additional features that student-athletes and The Hill community will continue to enjoy on campus for many years to come.

Grade 8 Trip Permission Forms

Permission and Information Forms have gone home with Grade 8 students for their end of the year trip. Please ensure that these are returned by Friday March 13.

Semester Two Culminating Tasks and Exam Schedule

Absences (excused or unexcused) will result in a grade of a zero for culminating tasks and/or exams. If an absence is caused by injury or illness, a doctor’s note which identifies the date and cause of the absence is required on the day of the scheduled assessment.

Vacation, appointments and games/tournaments are not considered valid reasons for absences. If there is a valid reason for a student needing to miss or reschedule an exam, the student must submit an  exam/culminating task consideration request to the vice principal. The due date for these requests was February 20, 2026.

Exam Schedule

Power School

Please note that high school report cards have been sent home and the Power School Student and Parent Portal has been enabled. Please contact christy.flynn@thehillacademy.com if you have any issues accessing your student’s account.

New Stop Sign

There has been a new stop sign installed on the roundabout at the crosswalk leading to the entrance of the main building. Please abide by all signs on campus to help us keep safety at the forefront of our community.

Cafeteria Plates and Bowls

Please be advised that plates and bowls from the cafeteria will no longer be allowed outside of cafeteria during lunch periods.

The Hill Summer Camps

Although the weather doesn't think so, summer is right around the corner. We're thrilled to host a selection of camps again this summer at The Hill. As a bonus, Hill student-athletes can use the code: COACHMATT to save 10% on their registration. Stay tuned as we look to announce more even more camps!

• June 29 - July 3 - Multi-Sport Camp

• July 6 - July 10 - Golf/Multi-Sport Camp

• July 13 - July 17 - Lacrosse Camp (boys and girls)

• July 20 - July 24 - Multi-Sport Camp

• July 27 - July 31 - Multi-Sport Camp

The Nest

At The Nest, we've been delighted by the excitement, conversations, decision-making, and laughter that continue to fill our space. It’s been a joy to interact with the students each day as they seek to fuel their growing bodies and find comfort in a place they can call their hub.

A reminder that cellphones cannot be used as payment at The Nest Canteen as it is against our school cellphone policy.

Students may pay using a debit/credit card, or, purchase a canteen card online.

https://www.thehillacademy.com/product-page/25-canteen-cash-card LINK FOR $25

https://www.thehillacademy.com/product-page/55-canteen-cash-card LINK FOR $55

TPC Toronto Special Offer

Our partners at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley would like to extend our relationship by offering the following discounts to the Hill Family:

• 20% off indoor simulators and lessons

• 20% off rooms

• 20% off dining (food only)

To take advantage of these discounts, simply follow the link, using the password: hillacademy to access.

TPC Toronto at Osprey requirement for proof of enrolment is a student card. To request your student card, please see Mrs. Bush.

Hill Academy Partner Benefits - TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

Inclement Weather Protocol

We want to ensure everyone is kept up to date with the inclement weather protocol and procedures.

Depending on the weather and the conditions, one of two decisions will be made:

1. School closure- remote learning

• All buses cancelled; students are to perform their schoolwork remotely. This includes before and after care. 

2. School Bus Cancellation

• Either specific buses or all buses are canceled, and the school remains open for staff and students that can safely travel. Before and After care will still be operating. 

We will do our best to communicate our decision by 6am, utilizing email and social media channels. Decisions will be made considering the safety of students and staff on both the way to and from campus.

The Hill Eats

Discover this week's menu, bon appétit! 

Daily Lunch

Monday: Chicken Ceaser Wrap with Rice

Tuesday: Lentil Dal Crispy French Baguette Roasted Vegetable Medley (Parsnips, Carrots and Beets)

Wednesday: Grilled Pesto Tilapia Bizmati Rice Sauted Peas

Thursday: Beef Meatloaf Macaroni Salad Sauteed Green Beans

Friday: Turkey Sausage Southern Fried Cabbage Corn Bread

Please be advised any feedback or special requests can be sent to lunch@thehillacademy.com 

Residence Meal Plan (Breakfast / Dinner)

Monday: Continental Breakfast / Rocky Mountain Elk on mashed potatoes with bannock Fried Green Tomatoes Roasted Acorn Squash

Tuesday: Continental Breakfast / Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti Served with Caprese Salad and Garlic Bread

Wednesday: Continental Breakfast / Pork Chops Jus Mashed Potatoes Brussels Sprout Salad Cauliflower Au Gratin

Thursday: Continental Breakfast / Orange Chicken Roasted Broccoli Steaks Fried Rice

Friday: Continental Breakfast / Morrocon Lamb Tagine Crispy Flatbread Eggplant

Saturday: Continental Breakfast / Breakfast a la carte / Beef Meatballs served with Spaghetti & Garlic Bread Roasted Vegetable Medley

Sunday: Continental Breakfast / Breakfast a la carte / Lasagna Ceaser Salad Peas and Carrots

Middle School Sports Schedule

For Grade 9-12+PG, check your individual team's TeamSnap for the most up to date schedule.

Foundations of Sport (7-8)

Monday: Free Play

Tuesday: Watching Prep Championship Hockey

Wednesday: Swimming/Pickleball

Thursday: Swimming/Tennis

Friday: Free Play

Hockey (7-8)

Monday: Hockey

Tuesday: Hockey

Wednesday: Pickleball

Thursday: Hockey

Friday: Free Play

Hybrid Lacrosse Hockey (7-8)

Monday: Hockey

Tuesday: Hockey

Wednesday: Lacrosse

Thursday: Hockey

Friday: Lacrosse

Middle School Boys Lacrosse (7-8)

Monday: Free Play

Tuesday: Watching Prep Championship Hockey

Wednesday: Lacrosse

Thursday: Tennis

Friday: Lacrosse

Middle School Girls Lacrosse (7-8)

Monday: Lacrosse

Tuesday: Watching Prep Championship Hockey

Wednesday: Lacrosse

Thursday: Tennis

Friday: Lacrosse

View a comprehensive calendar of events by visiting www.thehillacademy.com/calendar

• Saturday, February 28 - U15 Hockey vs. BK Selects - 12:00PM - Teen Ranch

• Saturday, February 28 - U16 Hockey vs. BK Selects - 4:30PM - Teen Ranch

• Sunday, March 1 - U15 Hockey vs. BK Selects - 11:30AM - Rochester Ice Center

• Sunday, March 1 - U16 Hockey vs. BK Selects - 1:30PM - Rochester Ice Center

• Sunday, March 1 - U18 Prep Hockey vs. OHO - 11:00AM - Whitby, ON

• Tuesday, March 3 - U15 Prep Championship vs. UCC - 11:00AM - Alder Arena

• Tuesday, March 3 - U16 Prep Championship vs. UCC - 1:00PM - Alder Arena

• Thursday, March 5 - U15 Prep Championship vs. UCC - 4:00PM - UCC Arena (*If Nec)

• Saturday, March 7 - U15 Prep Championship vs. UCC - 12:30PM - UCC Arena (*If Nec)

• Tuesday, March 10 - Middle School Lacrosse vs. Synergy - 2:00PM - Legacy Field

• Wednesday, March 11 - U16 Prep Championship vs. UCC - 1:00PM - Alder Arena (*If Nec)

• Thursday, March 12 - U16 Prep Championship vs. UCC - 1:00PM - Alder Arena (*If Nec)

• Saturday, March 14 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Springside Chestnut Hill - 1:30PM - Philadelphia, PA

• Sunday, March 15 - Girls Lacrosse vs. William Penn Charter - Philadelphia, PA

• March Break: Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 27

• Monday, March 16 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Agnes Irwin - 4:00PM - Rosemont, PA

• Monday, March 16 - Prep Lacrosse vs. Calvert Hall - Baltimore, MD

• Tuesday, March 17 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Episcopal Academy - Newton Square, PA

• Tuesday, March 17 - Prep Lacrosse vs. Blue Ridge - St. George, VA

• Wednesday, March 18 - Prep Lacrosse vs. Chestnut Hill Academy - Philadelphia, PA

• Tuesday, May 26 - Senior Athletic Gala - Details TBD

• Wednesday, June 10 - Junior Athletic Banquet - Details TBD

• Thursday, June 11 - Grade 8 Grad

• Friday, June 12 - Grade 12 Grad

Blueprint Nutrition

This school year, the Hill Academy has partnered with Blueprint Nutrition to provide sport nutrition education and support. Blueprint is co-owned by Registered Dietitians, Cara Kasdorf and Rosanne Robinson, and along with their team of Sport Dietitians, they work with athletes across Canada. Their team of Registered Dietitians have worked with all levels and ages of athletes - from local and rep leagues to Olympic athletes, NHL and OHL players, and professional triathletes and endurance athletes. They have expertise in working with both student-athletes and adult athletes to fuel for performance, growth and development, and long-term health. They have expertise to support your athlete, whether the goal is to hit a personal best, navigate busy tournament weekends, or just eat enough to keep up with their sport and academics.

Cara and Rosanne will be providing 4 sport nutrition specific sessions to grades 4-12 throughout the school year. If you would like to seek out additional and more individualized support, Blueprint offers different options to work together.

Two of their most popular packages for student-athletes include:

Eat to Compete Program – $710 for 4 sessions

A high-impact coaching package designed to build strong fuelling habits across training, game day, recovery, and more. Ideal for athletes who want to level up their performance with a comprehensive strategy.

Performance Meal Planning Strategy Session – $295 for a 90-minute session

A focused, one-time consult to help you map out exactly what, when, and how much your athlete should be eating - with a personalized meal plan and timeline tailored to their sport, schedule, and needs.

*Note: all sessions are held virtually via video sessions

*They offer additional packages and sessions based on the athlete’s individual needs

To get started, schedule a free 20-minute clarity call by emailing: sport@blueprintnutrition.ca or booking directly at: www.blueprintnutrition.ca. They have also put together an online Sport Nutrition resource for students. Information about how to access the resource library can be found in their Physical Education and Health Google Classroom.

Airbnb Offer

Looking for a great place to stay right in town while visiting your kids at The Hill Academy? Just 5 minutes from the school right on the main street of Alton village is a cozy 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house that can comfortably sleep 8 people. The perfect place to unwind and hang with your kids and friends for a few nights. The house also offers a summer pool and all year round hot tub as well as backs directly onto the shallow waters of the credit river making for the perfect tranquil setting. Pets are also welcome! 

Below you can find the airbnb listing to view all 120+ 5 star reviews. If you'd like to book a stay at the house please reach out through the Cottages In Canada link below to save on some fees airbnb would normally charge, or better yet... reach directly out to the host at her personal email or cell phone number. Don't forget to let her know you're staying at the house because you're visiting someone at The Hill. She'd be happy to provide a discounted rate of 10% off your total stay. 

Airbnb Link:

airbnb.ca/h/paigedanforthalton

Cottages In Canada Link: 

https://www.cottagesincanada.com/36113

Direct Contact:

Paige Danforth 

519-216-6659

Uniforms

Please ensure your student-athlete is wearing the appropriate uniform for their division. Please note there are NO TIGHTS or BIKE SHORTS PERMITTED. If you have questions regarding apparel please refer to the Gr. 4-12 uniform guide. Any questions, concerns or questions apparel@thehillacademy.com.

Labeling Items

With so many activities and practices happening daily, it's easy for items to get misplaced. To help keep track of uniforms, equipment, and personal items, we kindly ask that all student-athletes have their belongings clearly labeled with their name. This simple step ensures that lost items can be quickly returned and helps maintain organization throughout the day. Thank you for helping us keep our athletes focused and prepared!

Community Involvement Hours

To graduate in Ontario, students need to demonstrate at least 40 hours of community involvement. Forms for tracking these hours can be found on our website.

If you are looking for ways to volunteer this year, try the following local resources:

Town of Orangeville Recreation 

Theatre Orangeville

Orangeville Foodbank

Orangeville OSPCA

Interested in Contacting a Tutor?

We have partnered with Jessica’s Tailored Tutoring to provide tutoring going forward. Parents can contact her directly at 705-717-4213.

Student-Dedicated Resource

This year, Ms. Walko will be working as student support. She will be working with students from Kindergarten through Post-Grad to help them achieve academic success. If you, as a student, or your child as a parent, require classroom support, accommodations, or have an IEP in place, please reach out to Ms. Walko directly so we can ensure supports are in place as quickly as possible.

Students are also welcome to stop by the Resource Room (Room 104) to check in or ask questions. Please contact Ms. Walko with any questions at emily.walko@thehillacademy.com.

Safety and Security

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 come to a complete stop at all stop signs (there are new ones on campus)

• 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.

• 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.

School Hours/Information

Middle School (Grade 7/8) & High School: 8:10 - 3:50

Middle School (Grades 7/8) supervision begins at 8:00 a.m. in your child’s homeroom portable. Students who are dropped off between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. may wait in the caf.

If you need to drop off your student-athlete before 7:45 a.m., please ensure they are registered in our Before Care program.

Annual School Calendar 2025-26

Annual school calendars are available on the website:

Calendar for Grades 9-12/PG

Calendar for Kindergarten - Grade 8

Attendance Protocol K-PG

ALL STUDENTS:

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 (K-8). The students will need to provide their educator with the slip upon arrival to class. High School students must sign-in at the main office.

No Sign-Out Privileges

Students do not of have sign-out privileges at The Hill Academy, regardless of age. If a student is to leave campus during the school day, attendance@thehillacademy.com must receive an email from parents/guardians indicating that the student is permitted to leave campus, with whom, at what time and for what reason. Student drivers are not permitted to have passengers unless the families have provided written consent in advance.

Allergy Aware School

Hill Families, please be aware that we have several anaphylactic allergies within our school community. These include but are not limited to peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish. We do not exclude nuts, tree nuts or other big ten foods packed in lunches and for snacks but ask for awareness of these allergies. We ask that parents please help educate their students on what it means to be allergy aware.

Ways that we can all keep our school safe are:

• Be aware of specific allergies within your class

• Please avoid sending in these foods as part of classroom celebrations to minimize exposure to those with allergies.

• Placing food on paper towel or napkin and not directly on the table

• Wiping down your area after eating

• If using the microwave, wiping down any splatter

• Hand washing before and after eating

• Being mindful of those with allergies and not eating near them if consuming food that contains an allergen

• All nuts are not permitted on any of the buses.

Please see https://foodallergycanada.ca/ for additional resources to help educate on food allergies. We thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students with allergies safe.