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Grade K-3 Weekly Newsletter 2026.10.02

kevinhayashi
5 days ago
8 min read

October 2, 2026


Hello Hill Families,


One of the messages I have been thinking about since hearing author Jon Gordon speak to our high school students is the power of a positive mindset, teamwork, and the energy we bring to the people around us. One of his messages for children is simple: we all have a choice about the kind of energy we bring to our day.


For our younger students, this can be as simple as choosing to be kind when a friend is having a hard day, encouraging a teammate, listening when someone is speaking, trying again when something feels difficult, or taking a deep breath when things don't go the way we hoped.


We are also talking about the idea of “We before Me.” Being part of a school community means understanding that our choices don't just affect us, they affect the people around us. In our classrooms, on the field, in the gym, and when out for recess, we want our students to learn what it means to be a great teammate, friend, and classmate.


This doesn't mean we expect our children to be positive all the time. There will be frustrating moments, disappointments, and days when things don't go their way, and those moments are important opportunities for learning. We want our students to understand that they can acknowledge those feelings while still making a positive choice about what they do next.


We want our youngest students to grow not only as learners and athletes, but also as kind, confident, and thoughtful people. We want them to understand that their words matter, their actions matter, and the energy they bring can make a difference in someone else's day.


As parents and educators, we have a wonderful opportunity to model this for our children.


We can help them ask themselves:

  • What kind of energy am I bringing today?

  • Am I helping my team?

  • Am I making the people around me better?

  • What can I choose to do when things don't go my way?


These are small lessons, but they are lessons that can stay with children for a very long time.


Here's to a year of choosing kindness, embracing challenges, supporting one another, and remembering that we are always stronger together.


Casey Kirkpatrick

Director- Early Years & Vice Principal (K-3)

The Hill Academy



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.


Terry Fox Fundraiser

You can still support your student-athlete and contribute directly to their House's fundraising total by clicking their team name below. House totals will be tallied on Monday.


The Hill Academy Junior School Night at The Erin Fair



🪺 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 Health and Well-Being

To help protect the health and well-being of our students, staff, and families, we ask parents and caregivers to keep children home when they are unwell.


Students should stay home when:

  • They have a fever or are feeling significantly unwell.

  • They have vomiting or diarrhea.

  • They have a rash that has not been assessed or is accompanied by other symptoms.

  • They have a sore throat or other symptoms that prevent them from comfortably participating in the school day.

  • They are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness and may spread infection to others.


Peel Public Health specifically recommends that students with symptoms such as fever, rash, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea stay home when sick. 


Returning to school

Students should return when they are feeling well enough to participate fully in regular school activities and are able to manage their symptoms at school. For vomiting or diarrhea, Peel Public Health recommends remaining away from school until the student has been symptom-free for 48 hours.


Helping prevent the spread of illness

Families are encouraged to remind children to wash their hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow or upper sleeve and avoid sharing food or drinks. Staying home when sick is an important way we can work together to maintain a healthy school community.


Regular School Information

School Hours: 

8:30-3:30- Kindergarten and Primary (K-3)


Pick Up (K-3): To ensure the safety and supervision of all students, any child who has not been picked up within 10 minutes of their dismissal time will be sent to Aftercare and charged accordingly.


This policy helps ensure that every student is accounted for and supervised at all times. It also allows staff to focus on the safe and efficient dismissal of all students. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a smooth end-of-day routine.


Before/After Care (Siblings of Older Student-Athletes)

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.


Siblings of older students who will be utilizing the free before and aftercare please note: 

Siblings should only attend before or after care when their older sibling is present at school. If the older sibling is absent for the day, younger siblings should be picked up at their regular dismissal time, unless you have contacted us for needing extended care. 


This practice is important to ensure appropriate supervision, accurate staffing, and the safety of all students during extended care hours. It also helps us maintain consistency and fairness for all families using the program.


Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


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 Grades 1-PG

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!

Teacher Contact Information


Kindergarten: Ms. Hill (katelyn.hill@thehillacademy.com)

Grade 1: Mrs. Goverde (jodi.goverde@thehillacademy.com)

Grade 2: Ms. Manser (grace.manser@thehillacademy.com) 

Grade 3 : Mrs. Cosmo (erin.cosmo@thehillacademy.com)

Student Support: Ms. Walko (emily.walko@thehillacademy.com)

Primary Support/Kindergarten Physical Education: Ms. Baird (hailey.baird@thehillacademy.com)

Grade 2 Physical Education/Kindergarten Physical Education: Mr. Debenham (george.debenham@thehillacademy.com)

Primary Foundation of Sport: Coach Dre (DGlisic@thehillacademy.com) 

Director of Early Years & Vice Principal (K-3): Casey Kirkpatrick (casey.kirkpatrick@thehillacademy.com)


Uniform


For Student-Athletes in Kindergarten - Grade 3

All Hill branded uniform items must be purchased from The Hill Store


All Day:

  • Hill shirt

  • Hill branded polo shirt for special events

  • Hill branded jogging pants or shorts (or athletic black skort)

    • Tights, leggings or bicycle shorts are NOT permitted


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


Parents/guardians are responsible for reporting student absences to The Hill Academy. When a student is absent, please email attendance@thehillacademy.com to report the absence.


If a student-athlete will miss a Physical Education or sport period for any reason, please also email DGlisic@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!


TeamSnap

You will receive an invitation to TeamSnap for your child's designate sport program. Through TeamSnap you will receive all communication with relevant information, events, equipment needs.


Upcoming Events

  • Saturday October 3 - 11:00AM - U15AAA vs. Don Mills Flyers - Honey and Barry Memorial Arena, Vaughan, ON

  • Saturday October 3 - 1:30PM - U16AAA vs. BioSteel Academy - Teen Ranch, Caledon, ON

  • Saturday October 3 - 3:30PM - U18 Prep Hockey vs. BioSteel Academy - Teen Ranch, Caledon, ON

  • Sunday October 4 - TBD - U15AAA vs. Buffalo Jr. Sabres - Teen Ranch, Caledon, ON

  • Tuesday October 6 - Student Photo Day

  • Thursday October 8 - Sunday October 11 - U16AAA at Wendy Dufton Memorial Tournament - London, ON

  • Thursday October 8 - 1:00PM - U18 Prep Hockey vs. Appleby College - Teen Ranch, Caledon, ON

  • Friday October 9 - PD Day for Grades K-8

  • Saturday October 10 - 10:00AM - Prep Lacrosse vs. Wittenburg College - Legacy Field

  • Monday October 12 - Thanksgiving (school is closed)

  • Thursday October 15 - Sunday October 18 - U15AAA - Peterborough IceFest, Peterborough, ON

  • Friday October 16 - Sunday October 18 - U18 Prep Hockey - Ottawa Senators U18AAA Showcase, Ottawa, ON

  • Thursday October 22 - 1:00PM - U18 Prep Hockey vs. King Heights - Teen Ranch, Caledon, ON

  • Friday October 23 - 1:00PM - U15AAA vs. UCC - Alder Arena, Orangeville, ON

  • Friday October 23 - U18 Prep Hockey vs. UCC - Wilder Arena, Toronto, ON

  • Saturday October 24 - 3:00PM - U16AAA vs. Buffalo Jr. Sabres - Teen Ranch, Caledon, ON

  • Sunday October 25 - 12:30PM - U16AAA vs. Buffalo Jr. Sabres - Bakewell Rink, Buffalo, NY

  • Wednesday October 28 - Student Photo Retake Day

  • Friday October 30 - Sunday November 1 - U16AAA at Fromen Injury Law Showcase

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.


Transportation

If your Grade 1-3 student-athlete requires transportation, please submit this form immediately.


Annual School Calendar 2026-2027

Annual school calendars are available on the website:




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