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Grade K-3 Weekly Newsletter 2026.10.23

kevinhayashi
7 hours ago
9 min read

October 23, 2026


Hello Hill Families,


As we move further into the school year, it is wonderful to reflect on the growth our K–3 students have already demonstrated. While academic learning is an important part of each child's journey, some of the most meaningful progress happens in the small moments throughout the day.


Growth may look like a student finding the confidence to share an idea, trying a challenging task independently, asking for help when needed, or showing kindness to a classmate. It may be a child learning to manage frustration, take responsibility for their choices, persevere when something feels difficult, or celebrate a friend's success. These moments may seem small, but they represent important steps in developing confidence, independence, resilience, and strong relationships.


In the early years, progress does not always happen in a straight line. Children develop at different rates, and each new skill takes time, practice, encouragement, and patience. Our role as educators is to recognize these milestones, celebrate effort, and create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, learn from mistakes, and continue to grow.


Families play an equally important role in this journey. At home, take time to notice and celebrate the little things: the extra effort your child puts into a task, the way they handle disappointment, or the thoughtfulness they show toward others. Asking questions such as, “What is something you found challenging today?” or “What is something you are proud of?” can encourage children to reflect on their learning and recognize their own progress.


As we continue through the school year, let us remember that success is not measured only by what children know, but also by who they are becoming. Every act of perseverance, every moment of kindness, and every step toward independence matters. Together, we can celebrate these small moments and nurture the big growth that follows.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for supporting our students as they learn, grow, and thrive each day.


Casey Kirkpatrick

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


In this week's Newsletter:


Halloween At The Hill Academy

Halloween is almost here, and we can't wait to celebrate with our students! Students are welcome to wear costumes to school on October 30th, 2026. Here are a few guidelines to help keep the day fun, safe, and respectful for everyone:

  • Masks are welcome, as long as students can see and breathe comfortably.

  • Weapons of any kind, including toy or play weapons, are not permitted.

  • Students who would prefer not to wear a costume are welcome to join in by wearing black and orange instead.

  • Costumes should be comfortable and easy to move in, so students can take part in all of their regular activities.

  • Costumes should be school-appropriate: not scary, gory, or frightening for younger students, and not revealing or offensive.


Respectful costumes: Please choose costumes that celebrate imagination and avoid cultural appropriation. Costumes should not imitate or make fun of a person's culture, race, religion, or identity. This includes traditional clothing, sacred items, or cultural symbols worn as a costume, as well as stereotypes of any group.


Thank you for helping us make this a positive and inclusive celebration. We look forward to seeing all the creative costumes and Halloween spirit!


Picture Retake Day - October 28

For our student-athletes who missed Picture Day this week, a retake day has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 28.


🆕 New Arrival at The Hill Store!

Stay warm in our new full-zip sweater! A great extra layer for chilly days at the rink, around campus, or out supporting The Hill. Now available in youth sizes! 🏒



🏒 The Hill Hockey Hats Are Back in Stock!


Just in time to cheer on your favourite Hill Hockey team! Show your Hill pride from the stands and out in the community. ❤️💙


Get yours while supplies last!


New in The Nest 🥞

We are extremely excited to add a new item to The Nest as part of a partnership with Flourish Pancakes, makers of high protein pancake mix.


Starting next week, we will be introducing the Flourish Pancake Blueberry Protein Mug Cake. As part of the parntership, a mug cake will be $2, with an easy just add water recipe right in the cup, this is an excellent way to hit your protein goals with 23g of protein.


We will have some more exciting announcements from our friends at Flourish shortly.


The Nest snack cards are available in $25, and $55 denominations.


We’re looking for parent volunteers to join our school canteen team!

Our canteen is open Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., and volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with our students and become more immersed in the Hill community and school culture.


Interested in volunteering? We’d love to hear from you!

Please email lunch@thehillacademy.com with your name, phone number, and the days you’re available to volunteer. Whether you can help a few days a week or every day, your support would be greatly appreciated.


Please note that all volunteers must have an up-to-date criminal record check on file with the school.


Thank you for considering this opportunity to get involved. We appreciate your time and support in making our canteen a welcoming part of the Hill community!


Cross Country Meet on Monday

Student-athletes (Grade 1 and up) will be participating in a school-wide Cross Country Meet on Monday, with points being awarded to their house teams.


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.


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 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

  • Monday October 26 - Cross Country at The Hill

  • Wednesday October 28 - Student Photo Retake Day

  • Friday October 30 - Halloween at The Hill Academy

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

  • Friday October 30 - U18 Prep Hockey vs. Appleby College - Oakville, ON

  • Sunday November 1 - U18 Prep Hockey vs. St. Andrew's College - La Brier Family Arena, Aurora, ON

  • Sunday November 1 - U15AAA vs. Hamilton Steel - Teen Ranch, Caledon, ON

  • Tuesday November 3 - NCAA Signing Day at The Hill

  • Friday November 6 - Sunday November 8 - U15AAA - Kitchener Blue Line Tournament - Kitchener, ON

  • Friday November 6 - Sunday November 8 - U16AAA - Kitchener Blue Line Tournament - Kitchener, ON

  • Friday November 6 - Sunday November 8 - U18AAA - Kitchener Blue Line Tournament - Kitchener, ON

  • Sunday November 8 - Boys Junior Varsity Lacrosse - Terp Classic - Oakland, MD

  • Sunday November 8 - Boys Varsity Lacrosse - Terp Classic - Oakland, MD

  • Sunday November 8 - Boys Prep Lacrosse - Terp Classic - Oakland, MD

  • Sunday November 8 - Girls Junior Varsity Lacrosse - NXT Continental Cup - Aston, PA

  • Sunday November 8 - Girls Varsity Lacrosse - NXT Continental Cup - Aston, PA

  • Friday November 13 - Sunday November 15 - U15AAA - Little Caesars Challenge Series - Detroit, MI

  • Saturday November 14 - Girls Junior Varsity Lacrosse - Fall Draw - Flemington, NJ

  • Saturday November 14 - Girls Varsity Lacrosse - Fall Draw - Flemington, NJ

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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