Grade 9-12 Weekly Newsletter 2026.09.18
September 18, 2026
Dear Hill Academy Families,
As we get settled into the groove of the new school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the reason I feel our hockey program here at The Hill Academy is so special. You may have seen the news recently regarding alumni Tanner Adams, who was front and centre in one of the largest trades in OHL history. It is always incredible to see our athletes making national headlines, but the real story behind Tanner’s journey isn't just about his point production or draft status, it’s about his character.
From the very first day Tanner stepped onto our campus in grade 9, his infectious personality and positive energy were felt by everyone around him. It didn't take long for his peers and coaches to recognize those leadership qualities, earning him the captaincy on our U15 AAA team before going on to lead our U16 AAA squad. Tanner was an absolute weapon both on the ice and in the classroom, truly embodying our "We Before Me" mantra in everything he did. A prime example of his leadership would be hearing from Chef Mike that Tanner was, once again, sticking around after dinner to help with dishes. He wasn’t asked, it wasn’t expected of him, it was just something that he knew had to be done. He is a phenomenal young man, and while we will be watching and cheering him on as he takes this next massive step in his junior career, his success is a direct result of the culture and mindset built right here.
That said, while high-profile headlines are exciting, Tanner’s story isn't the sole defining narrative of our hockey program or this school. As Director of Hockey, I can tell you with complete sincerity that I am just as proud of the grit and enthusiasm being displayed by our junior school hockey development players every time they step on the ice, as I am of Tanner and his former teammates now moving on to junior ranks or stepping up to our Prep Hockey team. Seeing our youngest student-athletes lace up their skates, tackle new challenges with a smile, and support one another on the ice is what true development is all about.
Every single student-athlete who walks through our doors, whether they are taking their first strides in our junior program or preparing for the OHL draft, is on a unique, supported journey.
Our entire coaching staff and faculty are dedicated to ensuring your children are looked after, challenged, and mentored every step of the way, both as players and as people. We are absolutely thrilled to have your families as part of our community this year, and we can’t wait to see how all of our student-athletes grow, compete, and lead in the year ahead.
Ryan Toomey
Director of Hockey
In this week's Newsletter:
Picture Day - October 6
Student photos will be taken on Tuesday, October 6. A photo retake day has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 28.
Open House - September 22
Mark Your Calendars for The Hill Academy Open House and Showcase Games!
Join us on Tuesday, September 22 for our fall Open House! This is a fantastic opportunity to step inside the classrooms, connect with your student-athlete’s teachers, and hear directly from our academic team.
Kindergarten–Grade 3: Classroom visits begin at 3:30 PM
Grades 4–8: Classroom & gym sessions run from 3:50 PM – 4:25 PM
Grades 9–PG: High school parent drop-in in the Caf from 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Stick around after the classroom sessions to head out to Legacy Field for an exciting evening of Hill Lacrosse showcase games starting at 3:30 PM (Girls Red/White, JV/JS 6s, and Varsity vs. Prep)! Full detailed schedules will be shared ahead of the event. We can’t wait to see you there! Our PG Leadership group will be collecting non-perishable items for the Orangeville Food Bank.
Please let your home room teacher know if you will not be staying for the Open House.
U16AAA School Day Game - Tuesday
On Tuesday, prior to the Open House, High School students will be able to attend the U16AAA game vs. Upper Canada College at Alder Arena in Orangeville. Students are permitted to wear a Hill jersey to the game (bottoms must adhere to regular uniform guidelines). During the school day, regular uniform guidelines will be in place.
Updates from the Ministry of Education
Culminating Tasks and/or Exams
In grades 9 and 10 a student’s final mark will be based on 65% classroom work completed throughout the course, 20% mandatory final evaluations, broken down by subject and 15% attendance and participation. In grades 11 and 12, a student’s final mark will be based on 65% classroom work completed throughout the course, 25% mandatory final evaluations, broken down by subject and 10% attendance and participation. The final evaluations allow the student an opportunity to demonstrate comprehensive achievement of the overall expectations for the course. Students must complete this evaluation as scheduled. Please note that uniform is required on exam days (students will be charged for uniform items on exam days if they come without uniform).
Attendance and Participation
Ontario Requirements:
Students are expected to attend classes regularly and punctually.
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, Ontario's updated secondary assessment and evaluation requirements include attendance and participation as part of the final course grade:
Grades 9 and 10: 15% of the final course grade.
Grades 11 and 12: 10% of the final course grade.
Ontario policy states that excused absences do not negatively affect a student's mark. Excused absences are absences permitted under legislation or school policy. The School will therefore distinguish between:
1. Excused Absences – absences that are permitted under legislation or this policy. They will not negatively affect the attendance component of the student's final course grade.
2. Unexcused Absences – absences that do not meet the criteria for an excused absence and may negatively affect the attendance and participation component of the student's final course grade.
We invite parents and students to review this policy on the Ministry of Education’s website here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/growing-success-assessment-evaluation-and-reporting-ontario-schools-kindergarten-grade-12
Please note that in the coming weeks, we will update Privit to include a sign off on these additions to the student handbook.
Power School
Please note that the Power School Student and Parent Portal will be open on September 8th for grades 9-12 only. Secondary parents and students can now access their accounts.
Students have been provided with their login information, so please ask them to share parent login credentials. Please email christy.flynn@thehillacademy.com for information on accessing Power School.
Culminating Tasks and/or Exams
Semester 1 exams are scheduled for January 19th, 20th, and 21st this year. If there is inclement weather (e.g. a snow day on January 19th), that exam will run on January 22nd. Students need to be available to write on January 22nd and January 25th in the case of inclement weather. You can find the detailed exam schedule here, as well as our policy on missed or rescheduled exams below. The Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.
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.
The Hill Marks Historic 20th Anniversary
Canada’s premier student-athlete institution welcomes 325 students and largest-ever faculty, buoyed by Olympic lacrosse momentum, historic OHL draft results, and world-class athletic partnerships.
Read the full story here.
🪺 Step Up to The Nest!
We’re excited to welcome our Grade 1–3 students to The Nest during lunch for a chance to step up to the counter, make a choice, and purchase a snack to fuel their body and mind!
This is a great opportunity to put the “I” in HILL — Independent Thought into action.
Students will be encouraged to think critically about what their body needs, make their own snack choice, and take responsibility for their purchase.
There’s no cash at The Nest. Parents can use the links provided to purchase a $25, $55 or other available snack card, and we’ll work with each student to help them understand and keep track of their revolving balance.
Beyond the snack, The Nest is a fun opportunity for students to build independence, confidence and social skills — practicing ordering, using manners, making choices, interacting with others and enjoying the experience of stepping up to the counter!
We look forward to interacting with your child — they are the highlight of our day! 🪺
The Nest Team @The Hill Academy
Student Success and Accommodations
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. As our Director of Student Success; she works with our entire school community from Kindergarten through our post-graduates.
Students are also welcome to stop by her workspace 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.
Kiss and Ride Protocol
A smooth and efficient Kiss & Ride starts with everyone being prepared. Please have students dressed, organized, and ready to exit the vehicle when you arrive.
To help keep traffic moving, we ask parents to assist their children in getting out of the vehicle quickly and safely. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping the line moving and reducing wait times for everyone.
Please keep the following in mind:
The right side is designated for student drop-off.
The left side is for through traffic.
The roadway past the main school is one-way.
Please drive slowly and remain alert, particularly around the main building and designated turning areas.
Thank you for helping us make Kiss & Ride a safe, smooth, and efficient experience for all Hill families!
Uniform
For Student-Athletes in Grades 9-12
All Hill branded uniform items must be purchased from The Hill Store
In Class:
Hill polo shirt
Black or khaki pants, shorts or skort
Students are permitted to wear a Hill hoodie, Hill crewneck sweatshirt, or Hill track jacket over their polo
Male student-athletes' shirts must be tucked into their pants with a belt
Pants/shorts/skort cannot; be plaid, have cargo pockets, or be made of sweat suit material
Tights/leggings are NOT permitted
All shoes must be presentable, clean and professional looking
Crocs and sandals/slides are NOT permitted
Student-athletes are only permitted to wear their Hill track suit in class on Fridays. Both the pants and jacket must be in The Hill Academy uniform and worn with a Hill shirt.
In Physical Education:
Hill work-out shirt and shorts must be worn
Hill hoodie, Hill crewneck sweatshirt or Hill track jacket and track pants can be worn over top
Other:
Hats are not permitted at any time within the school buildings
Non-Hill jackets and outerwear are not permitted to be worn in class at any time
A separate order for Hill branded winter jackets will be made available in first semester
Uniform items must be purchased here: The Hill Store
Uniform apparel orders can be picked up in the main office
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
Students must sign in on the sheet in front of Ms. Bush’s desk.
No Sign-Out Privileges
Students do not 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.
Privit
Returning Students:
You MUST update your PRIVIT profile forms prior to the first day of school (or training camp).
New Students:
You will be required to create a profile and fill out all information
Please note that you will need to upload a Physicians note stating that you are fit to participate in sport that is within 6 months of the start of school
*** Please note that PRIVIT Forms must be completed prior to the start of school. Failure to complete will result in the student being sent home.***
Click HERE for registration instructions.
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!
TeamSnap
You will receive an invitation to TeamSnap for your child's designated sport program.
Through TeamSnap you will receive all communication with relevant information, events, equipment needs. Individual TeamSnap teams have been set up by sport program.
To subscribe directly to your TeamSnap calendar (add to your personal calendar), please click below:
Boys JV/Varsity Lacrosse: http://ical-cdn.teamsnap.com/team_schedule/bee67256-a56c-4fa5-974e-ce00ccc42efb.ics
Girls JV/Varsity Lacrosse: http://ical-cdn.teamsnap.com/team_schedule/dcb2840e-4574-49f7-aaf8-06e2f65f62c0.ics
Senior Selects Hockey: http://ical-cdn.teamsnap.com/team_schedule/7d84635e-4a7e-4794-bfcf-a750c0caba06.ics
U18 Prep Hockey: http://ical-cdn.teamsnap.com/team_schedule/31ee9c11-db63-473d-a7ef-2a9e530e0bff.ics
Upcoming Events
Tuesday September 22 - 1:00PM - U16AAA vs. UCC - Alder Arena, Orangeville
Tuesday September 22 - The Hill Open House - Curriculum Night - The Hill Academy Campus/Legacy Field
Tuesday September 22 - 3:30PM - Red vs. White Lacrosse Games - Legacy Field
Wednesday September 23 - 9:00AM - Assembly with special guest, Author Jon Gordon
Thursday September 24 - 2:00PM - U16AAA vs. UCC - Wilder Arena, Toronto
Friday September 25 - 1:00PM - Prep Hockey vs. OHO - Teen Ranch, Caledon
Saturday September 26 - 5:00PM - Prep Hockey vs. OHO - Iroquois Park Sports Centre, Whitby
Monday September 28 - TBD - U15AAA vs. Guelph Gryphons - TBD
Tuesday September 29 - Orange Shirt Day at The Hill Academy
Tuesday September 29 - 2:00PM - U16AAA vs. UCC - Wilder Arena, Toronto if necessary
Wednesday September 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (School Closed)
Thursday October 1 - Terry Fox Run
The Hill Eats
The Hill Eats, led by Chef Michael, provides delicious, nutritious hot lunch for student-athletes at The Hill Academy.
To add The Hill Eats TeamSnap calendar to your personal calendar, click here, or copy this subscription link: http://ical-cdn.teamsnap.com/team_schedule/e002921d-f099-49aa-8200-4a3c85a8b827.ics
Chef Michael's upcoming menu can be found below (Breakfast and Dinner have been listed for Residence Student-Athletes):
If your day student-athlete would like to join the lunch plan, please register now.
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.
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.
School Hours/Information
Grades 4-12 School Hours: 8:10am - 3:50pm
Junior School 4-8 supervision begins at 8:00 a.m. in your child’s homeroom. Students who are dropped off between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. may wait in the cafe.
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 2026-2027
Annual school calendars are available on the website:
