7-12 Newsletter 11.07.25
- kevinhayashi
- 12 hours ago
- 13 min read
November 7, 2025
In the Arena: Lessons from the Blue Jays Journey
If I’m being honest, I’ve never been a die-hard Blue Jays fan. I used to joke that I’d rather tune into a preseason Habs game than a playoff Jays matchup. But this year, it became undeniable — I had to jump on the bandwagon.
It was an easy team to root for. From star players to gutsy role players, from cult heroes like Alejandro Kirk, to cagey veterans like “Mad Max” and rookies such as Trey Yesavage, this team had a bit of everything. It was inspiring to see players rise to the occasion, especially Vladdy. I had always known him as a great hitter, but watching him on that stage gave me a deeper appreciation for his enthusiasm, joy, and love for the game. His base running and defence stood out, showing the many ways to impact the game beyond hitting. He made a lot of winning plays.
It was also clear how close this group was off the field. In team sports, that matters. When there’s trust, connection, and chemistry, the work becomes fun — and success becomes more likely. When Vladdy was asked what made this team special, he said that whenever there was an optional session, everyone showed up. That kind of collective commitment is powerful.
Of course, how the series ended was heartbreaking — for both players and fans. To come that close and fall literally an inch short is tough to swallow. But that’s the nature of sport. You put yourself out there, knowing it owes you nothing. You work to earn every inch, understanding that the margins between success and failure are often razor-thin.
This connects to a theme from our recent school assembly, where we discussed James Clear’s Atomic Habits. The book reminds us that success rarely comes from one big moment, but from countless small, consistent actions over time. As Clear writes, “You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.”
The Blue Jays loss highlights the importance of those systems — the daily routines, decisions, and habits that shape performance, especially when pressure is at its highest. Wins are built long before competition, in the quiet, disciplined habits of preparation, consistency, and teamwork that compound over a season.
Having experienced my share of tough losses over the years, both playing and coaching, I often return to a powerful reminder from Theodore Roosevelt’s “The Man in the Arena”:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.”
The Blue Jays may have fallen short this time, but they stepped into the arena. It’s what I respect most about our Hill student-athletes, they put themselves out there and step into the arena every day— and that’s where true growth begins.
Brodie Merril,
Athletic Director
In this week's Newsletter:
The Hill Soccer
We have received a great amount of interest since our announcement last week of the new soccer program, here at The Hill. Coach Manny and Coach Maddie will be hosting a Prospects Day for 2008-2012 born student-athletes on Saturday, November 15. If you are interested or know of anyone interested in the program or the Prospect Day, please feel free to share the event link.
For more information on the program you can read the announcement here.
Parent Info Webinar – Mental Performance Tips for Home
On Tuesday, November 18 @ 7pm our Mental Performance Coach, Riley Thompson, will be providing a 45-minute webinar on Mental Performance tips for Hill parents. Riley has taught character development, leadership, and mental performance to Hill students for the past 4 years and is excited to share insights and tips to help support these lessons from home.
Along with wonderful opportunities for growth, time at The Hill also comes with pressure, stress, and hardships. Riley believes in each student-athlete’s ability to grow, learn, and thrive through the ups and downs, and is looking forward to providing a window into his work with your student-athletes.
A calendar invite has been sent out that contains all webinar login details. If you did not receive the invitation and are interested in joining, please email jpackard@thehillacademy.com
Construction
Student-athletes should be advised that construction will begin next week on the canteen. This should not affect any day to day operations.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Parent-Teacher and Parent-Interviews are scheduled for November 20th and 21st. Grade 1-12 parents will have an opportunity to book a virtual appointment using Pick-A-Time. We look forward to meeting with you soon!
The Hill Eats
Discover this week's menu, bon appétit!
Daily Lunch
Monday: Veal Parm Sandwich, Sautéed Kale
Tuesday: Chicken Caesar, Potato Wedges
Wednesday: Turkey Sausage, Lentil Dal, Basmati Rice
Thursday: Cheese Burger, Sweet Potato Fries
Friday: Meatballs & Chow Mein
If your day student would like to be on the lunch plan, please register now!
Please be advised any feedback or special requests can be sent to lunch@thehillacademy.com
Residence Meal Plan (Breakfast / Dinner)
Monday: Continental Breakfast / Shrimp Penne with Roasted Vegetable Medley
Tuesday: Breakfast Poutine with Hollandaise / Beef Tacos & Mexican Street Corn
Wednesday: Continental Breakfast / Chicken WIngs with Caesar Salad & Crudite
Thursday: Smoked Salmon Bagels / Bolognese with Garlic Bread & Greek Salad
Friday: Continental Breakfast / Caribbean Chicken Thighs Rice Beans Mango Strawberry Salad
Saturday: Continental Breakfast / Breakfast a la carte / Veal Milanese Mushroom Risotto House Salad
Sunday: Continental Breakfast / Breakfast a la carte / Salmon, Roasted Vegetable Medley Greek-Style Lemon/Mint Rice House
Sweet Potatoes: A National Treasure
Our student athletes are continually offered sweet potatoes as a tasty and colourful side in many of Chef’s Michael meals. Sweet potatoes might just be one of the most versatile and nutritious foods you can add to your family's diet. With their vibrant orange hue and naturally sweet flavour, these hearty root vegetables are pleasing to both the eyes and taste buds. Not only do they add a splash of colour to any meal, but they also pack a powerhouse of nutrients that offer numerous health benefits.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes:
Rich in Vitamins:
Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This essential nutrient supports eye health, boosts the immune system, and aids in maintaining healthy skin.
Vitamin C: This vitamin is vital for the growth and repair of tissues. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage.
Great Source of Fibre:
Fibre is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. It helps prevent constipation and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight.
Packed with Antioxidants:
Besides beta-carotene, sweet potatoes contain other antioxidants that help reduce the risk of chronic diseases by neutralizing free radicals in the body.
Low in Calories:
Despite their sweet taste, sweet potatoes are relatively low in calories, making them a healthy choice for individuals watching their calorie intake.
Supports Heart Health:
Sweet potatoes are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of sodium. This can contribute to heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Contains Iron:
Iron is crucial for energy production, the immune system, and red blood cell formation, making sweet potatoes a beneficial addition, especially for those with increased iron needs.
Power School Disabled for Semester 1 Midterms
The Powerschool Parent and Student portals will be disabled on Friday, October 31st while midterm reports are generated. The portal will be opened again once midterm reports have been distributed.
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: Golf
Tuesday: Lacrosse (Helmets are mandatory)
Wednesday: Cross Country
Thursday: Football
Friday: Multi-Sport
Hockey (7-8)
Monday: Hockey
Tuesday: Hockey
Wednesday: Cross Country
Thursday: Hockey
Friday: Multi-Sport
Hybrid Lacrosse Hockey (7-8)
Monday: Lacrosse
Tuesday: Lacrosse (Helmets are mandatory)
Wednesday: Cross Country
Thursday: Hockey
Friday: Lacrosse
Middle School Boys Lacrosse (7-8)
Monday: Lacrosse
Tuesday: Lacrosse (Helmets are mandatory)
Wednesday: Cross Country
Thursday: Football
Friday: Lacrosse
Middle School Girls Lacrosse (7-8)
Monday: Lacrosse
Tuesday: Lacrosse
Wednesday: Cross Country
Thursday: Football
Friday: Lacrosse
View a comprehensive calendar of events by visiting www.thehillacademy.com/calendar
Wednesday, November 12 - Cross Country Meet for Grades 1-8
Thursday, November 13 - Report Cards Go Home
Friday, November 14 - 2PM - U18 Hockey vs. FEIA at Teen Ranch
Saturday, November 15 - 4:30PM - U16AAA Hockey vs. UCC at Teen Ranch
Saturday, November 15 - 8PM - U15AAA Hockey vs. Buffalo Jr. Sabres at Teen Ranch
Sunday, November 16 - U18 Hockey vs. Everest at Teen Ranch at 11:30AM
Tuesday, November 18 - 7PM - Mental Performance Tips for at Home Webinar
Thursday, November 20 - U15AAA vs. UCC at UCC Arena
Thursday, November 20 - U16AAA vs. UCC at UCC Arena
Thursday, November 20 - Parent-Teacher and Parent-Coach Interviews
Friday, November 21 - Sunday, November 23 - U18 Hockey at PPHL - Essex, MA
Friday, November 21 - Parent-Teacher and Parent-Coach Interviews - School Closed
Friday, November 21 - Sunday, November 23 - JV, Varsity, Prep - NHSLS Showcase - Baltimore, MD
Thursday, November 27 - Sunday, November 30 - U16AAA at International Silver Stick Whitby AAA Finals - Whitby, ON
Thursday, November 27 - American Thanksgiving - School Closed
Friday, November 28 - American Thanksgiving - School Closed
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.
Culminating Tasks and/or Exams
Semester 1 exams are scheduled for January 15th, 16th, and 19th this year. If there is inclement weather (e.g. a snow day on January 16th), that exam will run on January 20th. Students need to be available to write on January 20th and January 21st in the case of inclement weather. You can find the detailed exam schedule here and below, as well as our policy on missed or rescheduled exams.
Missing or Rescheduling an Exam/Culminating Task
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.
OSU Study Project
One of the staff athletic therapists, Josh Belletti, is looking for participants for his master’s thesis project through The Ohio State University. The purpose of this study is to investigate how baseline mTBI/concussion testing scores vary from in person administration of tests to virtual or Telehealth administration of tests. The testing battery for both conditions includes the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT6) in its entirety as well as the Vestibular Ocular-Motor Screening (VOMS). These tests are the same tests done for the baseline concussion testing with all Hill Academy teams. There will also be including depression, sleep and anxiety screens. Testing for the two conditions will occur throughout the school year separated by one week between each test session.
Participation in the study is completely voluntary and can be withdrawn at any point throughout the duration of the study. Interested participants will be required to complete informed consent and parental assent for those under the age of 18. We will be looking to pull study participants from the competitive programs in the senior school.
For those who are interested can follow the link provided for the web interest form for the study. Once completed you and your child will be contacted.
If there are any further questions, concerns or if you are interested in participating in the study feel free to reach out to him (Joshua.Belletti@osumc.edu).
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.
Jackets that had been pre-ordered have arrived and are being embroidered. They will be made available to those who have ordered as soon as they are ready!
Apparel Housekeeping:
Please note that all concerns regarding apparel can be directed to apparel@thehillacademy.com Our team will do our best to reply to you the day of the correspondence.
If your decal number is coming off of your sporting apparel, please send it to the school and leave it with Cindy in a bag with your number clearly marked. Our team will fix it and return it the same day.
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!
Ontario University Applications
For Grade 12 students or Post-Graduates who plan to apply to Ontario Universities - please create an account using the OUAC website. The Portal for students is now open, so please speak to Mrs. Flynn once you create your account.
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:
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.
Before and After Care Available
We are proud to offer an exceptional before and after school program for the 2025/26 school year. Our program is designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Our before and after school program is available for students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and is designed to complement their school day.
If you are interested in learning more about the Before and After Care available please visit this link.
Annual School Calendar 2025-26
Annual school calendars are available on the website:
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.
2026-27 Admissions
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-27 school year for SIBLINGS of current students or referrals. Please visit the application portal HERE to apply. Contact Julie Packard jpackard@thehillacademy.com with questions.
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.
