7-12 Newsletter 03.13.26

March 13, 2026

Hello Hill Families,

As we head into March Break, it’s a good time to reset and think about the things we try to teach through sport and what allows students to reach their full potential.

Recently I was asked to be a reference for several athletes entering the OHL Draft, and one of the questions was: What might prevent them from reaching their potential? Reflecting on that question brought me back to some of the lessons sport teaches every day.

Sport places young people in an environment where they are constantly learning about themselves and the people around them. Wins and losses, injuries, reduced playing time, feedback from coaches, and the responsibility of being part of a team all shape how athletes respond and grow. The benefit of sport is that even though everything can feel high stakes in the moment (and we love that aspect of it!), when we step back there are bigger things in the world than whether we win or lose a game.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that playing sports is a privilege. With that privilege comes opportunities to build character and perspective.

How do we respond when things don’t go our way, after a tough loss, an injury, or a stretch where playing time is limited? Do we bounce back? Do we support teammates when they’re struggling? Do we continue to put the team first when things aren’t going exactly the way we hoped?

Another key piece is humility. Do we think certain things are beneath us, or are we willing to do the little things that help a team succeed? Picking up after others, going after a loose puck or ball, supporting teammates, and doing the work that often goes unnoticed.

And how do we take feedback? Is our first reaction that someone is against us, or do we pause and ask if there is something we can apply to help us improve?

When I thought about that OHL question, the answers always came back to a few core qualities:

• Resilience: How do they bounce back from adversity?

• We Before Me: Do they care about the people around them?

• Humility: Are they humble enough to do the little things? Is anything beneath them?

• Embrace Expectations: Are they willing to listen, learn, and apply feedback?

These core qualities or "habits" are what, ultimately, allow athletes to reach their potential. If I could offer a question to the OHL I would ask "how does this athlete show up when things are not going their way or when the chips are down?"

Good luck to all those playing in playoffs and starting their seasons in the next two weeks. Excited to have a strong finish to the school year!

Drazen Glisic

Director of Athlete Performance

drazen.glisic@thehillacademy.com

In this week's Newsletter:

• Grade Robe Order Form

• Allergy Safe Microwave

• Spring Literacy Tests

• March Break

• Trees Being Removed On Campus

• Grade 8 Trip Permission Forms - Due Today

• Semester Two Culminating Tasks and Exam Schedule

• Power School

• The Hill Summer Camps

• The Nest

• TPC Toronto Special Offer

• Inclement Weather Protocol

• Upcoming Events

• Blueprint Nutrition

• Airbnb Offer

• Uniforms

• Community Involvement Hours

• Interested in Contacting a Tutor

• Student-Dedicated Resource

• Safety and Security

• School Hours/Information

• Annual Calendars

• Attendance Protocol

Grad Robe Order Form

Grade 8 and Grade 12 graduates will need to confirm their robe size prior to Thursday, April 2nd. Robe sizes can be ordered through the forms below.

Grade 8 Grad Robe Order

Grade 12 Grad Robe Order

Allergy Safe Microwave

Student-athletes are to be aware that there is a labeled microwave in the cafeteria area away from the other microwaves that is dedicated to those with allergies. Staff and student-athletes who do not have allergy concerns should not use this microwave.

Spring Literacy Tests

We are now in the OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) season again. The OSSLT is a Ministry-required assessment and a graduation requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. All Grade 10 students, as well as those who are new to Ontario or who have not yet successfully completed the test, will write.

Semester 2 testing runs from March 30 – April 20. Students who are writing have been notified and added to a Google Classroom with information, a short video, and a practice test link. The writing schedule with assigned dates will also be posted there. The practice test is a very strong tool to be well prepared for official writing and can be completed online at any time..

Students with IEPs or required accommodations are being met with individually, and families will receive details by email.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Walko at emily.walko@thehillacademy.com  

March Break

A reminder that the school will be closed for March Break from March 16-27. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, well rested and re-energized on Monday, March 30.

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 - Due Today - March 13

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.

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.

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

• 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

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

• Monday, March 16 - JV Lacrosse vs Mater Dei - Bethesda, MD

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

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

• Tuesday, March 17 - Varsity Lacrosse vs. John Carroll - Bel Air, MD

• Tuesday, March 17 - JV Lacrosse vs. John Carroll - Bel Air, MD

• 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.

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.