7-12 Newsletter 12.12.2025
- kevinhayashi
- 4 days ago
- 13 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
December 12, 2025
Hello Hill Family,
As I was walking into school the other day, rushing from my car to escape the cold, I bumped into Bruce, one of our facility managers. Bruce is the kind of person you’re always happy to run into, whether you’re a student, teacher, or coach at The Hill. For me, conversations with him usually revolve around lacrosse and chirping the Leafs, a shared pastime we both enjoy.
That morning, Bruce was returning from plowing what looked like a million pounds of snow.
“Man, I love winter,” he said.
I raised a Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson–style eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
“Yeah,” he continued, “the fresh, crisp air, the blue skies, the white snow… outdoor rinks.” (Bruce is known around here as our resident ice magician.) “Winter is my favourite season. It’s way better than summer.”
“Well,” I replied, “it is aesthetically pleasing to the eye… and there are no bugs or sunburns, which is big for a ginger like me.”
You don’t often hear Bruce’s perspective at this time of year. Ever since that conversation, I’ve been trying to flip the script on my own mindset about winter.
That shift in perspective applies to sports as well; finding joy, beauty, and opportunity in unexpected situations.
For example:
Team is down 0–3? “I love comeback wins.”
Tore your ACL? “I’m going to have a Tom Brady–like return.”
Didn’t get any power-play time? “This keeps me fresh for the shifts I do get, and motivates me to put in extra work on my own.”
The ability to reframe obstacles and adversity as opportunities is what separates good from great in sport. We often can’t control the circumstances, but we can choose how we respond.
Here’s to embracing the winter season, night walks under an icy sky, shinny on an ODR, sleeping with the window cracked open, Hockey Night in Canada in a cozy basement, Chef Michael’s soup, and warm treats from The Nest.”
Maybe Bruce is on to something: Best time of year!
Brodie Merrill,
Director of Athletics
In this week's Newsletter:
Apparel Flash Sale
We will be having an apparel flash sale on Wednesday, December 17 from 10-1 in the lower flex area of the Main Building. Stop by and pick up some of these last chance items, or find the perfect holiday present!
Signing Day
We recently hosted our student-athletes, their families and friends from the Class of 2026 who have committed as part of Signing Day. Congratulations to these fourteen student-athletes for taking this step toward their next highest level of achievement.
Ryley Black — St. Bonaventure University
Luke Boyden — Dartmouth College
Sean Costigan — High Point University
Frankie Crivello — Mount St. Mary’s University
Payton Cvetkovic — Jacksonville University
Matthew Ford — University of Richmond
Bodhi Gillies — Quinnipiac University
Ryder Haynes — St. Joseph’s University
Kali Maechtel — Boston University
Cara Nielsen — Lindenwood University
Vincent Onofrio — University at Albany
Dylan Sanderson — Providence College
Beatrice Tamburro — Jacksonville University
Abigail White — Jacksonville University
Read more about the day here.
Mindset Challenge
Each week, Riley Thompson, our Mental Performance Coach gives student-athletes a mindset challenge to work through. This week's challenges them to practice catching your First Thoughts during practice/class/games, and practice stating your chosen Second Thought.
(Reminder. Our First Thought is automatic and out of our control. Our Second Thought is chosen by us and is fully in our control.)
The Nest
The Nest has been officially open for a week now! We hope your student-athlete has had a chance to stop by and say hi and see what we're all about.
Conveniently located in the Main Building in the lower flex area, The Nest will offer a variety of baked goods, snacks, protein bars, coffees, and drinks to start, with smoothies and additional menu options rolling out in the coming weeks. We’ll also have a suggestion box available — we’d love to hear your ideas!
Please note that the canteen will be cashless. Payment can be made by tap, and we are also introducing pre-paid Cash Cards ($25 and $55), available for purchase on our website. All Cash Cards will be kept at the canteen and managed by staff for easy use. Canteen hours will be Monday-Friday 11-1 and 3:15-4:15, but will be reevaluated in the new year.
We look forward to continuing to build and add to The Hill experience in 2026 and beyond!
Hill-iday Spirit Week
The Student Leadership Council is excited to invite you to celebrate Hill-iday Spirit Week with us! We will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the Orangeville Food Bank.
Monday, December 15 – PJ Day Roll out of bed and head to school in your comfiest pajamas!
Tuesday, December 16 – Jersey Day OR Twin Day Students have two fun choices today:
Jersey Day: Wear your favourite team jersey: any sport, any player, any style.
Twin Day: Don’t want to wear a jersey? Pick a friend and dress alike! Matching outfits, colours, or themes all count.
Wednesday, December 17 – Monochrome (Sweatsuit) Day Dress in one colour from head to toe. If you have a matching sweatsuit, this is your moment! If not, simple matching in any single colour works perfectly.
Thursday, December 18 – Ugly Sweater Day Festive, funny, loud, sparkly, or truly so ugly...bring out your most wonderfully ugly sweater and wear it proudly!
Friday, December 19 – Casual / Anything-But-Uniform Day Show off your personal style! Students may wear any casual outfit they choose, as long as it follows the school dress code.
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.
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.
Parent Info Webinar – Mental Performance Tips for Home
Recently our Mental Performance Coach, Riley Thompson, hosted a 45-minute webinar on Mental Performance tips for Hill parents. Riley's chat was recorded and can be found here, along with the slides from the presentation here. If you have questions for Coach T, we encourage you to reach out to him directly at riley.thompson@thehillacademy.com
The Hill Eats
Discover this week's menu, bon appétit!
Daily Lunch
Monday: The Athlete’s Bowl (salmon, quinoa, roasted veggies)
Tuesday: Turkey Burger on a whole wheat bun, including coleslaw
Wednesday: Grilled Chicken Ceaser Salad with Potato Wedges
Thursday: Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup Meatball
Friday: Pinwheel Cold Cut Sandwiches Served with Potato Salad
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 / Veal Cutlet Penne Tomato Roasted Vegetables Mixed Green Salad
Tuesday: Buttermilk Pancakes served with Banana Foster / Moroccan Stuffed Eggplant Served with Cucumber-Yogurt Salad & Roasted Potatoes
Wednesday: Continental Breakfast / Roast Chicken Leg Roasted Beets French Fries Homemade Garlic Bread
Thursday: Breakfast Waffles / Lamb Curry served with Peas & Rice
Friday: Continental Breakfast / New York Striploin Fried Brussel Sprouts Scalloped Potatoes
Saturday: Continental Breakfast / Breakfast a la carte
Power School
Please note that the Power School Student and Parent Portal was been enabled. Please contact christy.flynn@thehillacademy.com for help in accessing your student’s account.
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: Hockey
Wednesday: Racquet Sports
Thursday: Football
Friday: Orienteering
Hockey (7-8)
Monday: Hockey
Tuesday: Multisport
Wednesday: Hockey
Thursday: Hockey (3 on 3 tournament)
Friday: Orienteering
Hybrid Lacrosse Hockey (7-8)
Monday: Hockey
Tuesday: Hockey
Wednesday: Lacrosse
Thursday: Hockey (3 on 3 tournament)
Friday: Lacrosse
Middle School Boys Lacrosse (7-8)
Monday: Lacrosse
Tuesday: Hockey
Wednesday: Lacrosse
Thursday: Football
Friday: Lacrosse
Middle School Girls Lacrosse (7-8)
Monday: Lacrosse
Tuesday: Hockey
Wednesday: Lacrosse
Thursday: Football
Friday: Lacrosse
View a comprehensive calendar of events by visiting www.thehillacademy.com/calendar
Monday, December 15 - PJ Day
Tuesday, December 16 - Jersey Day or Twin Day
Tuesday, December 16 - Primary Holiday Concert
Wednesday, December 17 - Apparel Flash Sale
Wednesday, December 17 - Monochrome (Sweatsuit) Day
Wednesday, December 17 - Grades 4-6 Holiday Showcase
Thursday, December 18 - Junior School Hockey 3 on 3
Thursday, December 18 - Ugly Sweater Day
Friday, December 19 - Casual/Anything But Your Uniform Day
Friday, December 19 - Last Day Before Winter Break
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:
Cottages In Canada Link:
Direct Contact:
Paige Danforth
519-216-6659
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 Flash Sale
We will be holding a flash sale featuring some "last chance" uniform items and current regularly priced inventory on Wednesday, December 10 from 10am - 1pm in the Lower Flex area of the main building.
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.
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.
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.
