Dear Hill Community,
As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the power and importance of gratitude in our lives. At The Hill Academy, we believe that practicing gratitude fosters a positive mindset, strengthens relationships, and enhances the sense of community that is so important to us. This season provides a meaningful opportunity to pause, appreciate, and express thankfulness for the people and experiences that shape our lives.
Gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling—it's a habit that can be nurtured daily. When we take the time to acknowledge even the small things we are thankful for, we foster a deeper connection to those around us and to the values that unite us as a community. Whether it's thanking a peer for their kindness, or simply appreciating the opportunities we have to grow and learn, each moment of gratitude brings us closer together and encourages a more compassionate, empathetic environment.
Thanksgiving reminds us to look beyond our individual challenges and reflect on the broader picture. For our students, expressing gratitude can lead to increased resilience, empathy, and happiness, which are crucial components of personal and academic success. Studies have shown that those who regularly practice gratitude experience better mental health, reduced stress, and a stronger sense of belonging—values we strive to instill in our students.
We encourage our Hill Academy community to embrace this spirit of gratitude not only during the Thanksgiving season but throughout the year. Taking time to share what we are grateful for—whether at the dinner table, during family discussions, or within our school community—helps to instill these values in our students. It also provides a wonderful model for them to follow as they navigate their own lives, reminding them that even in times of challenge, there is always something to be thankful for.
This Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for each other and for the shared experiences that make The Hill Academy such a special place. From the dedicated teachers and staff who support our students every day, to the families who continue to partner with us in their educational journey, and to the students who inspire us with their energy and curiosity—we are grateful for each and every one of you.
Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with love, reflection, and gratitude!
Casey Kirkpatrick
Director- Early Years & Primary/Junior School Vice Principal
In this week's newsletter:
Foundations of Sport Schedule
Monday: Thanksgiving
Tuesday: Frisbee
Wednesday: Lacrosse
Thursday: Soccer
Friday: Basketball
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School Uniforms
We are pleased to inform you that all youth sizes have been restocked. Please ensure your student-athlete has the appropriate uniform items.
Uniform enforcement began on Monday October 7, 2024
Students are expected to wear Hill athletic shorts or sweatpants, a tech tee or long-sleeve shirt, and a sweatshirt. It is strongly recommended that your child also wear Hill-branded shorts or sweatpants. If not wearing Hill attire, shorts or pants must be black or beige.
Lunch Program
Lunch Lady: Offered Tuesday and Thursdays, please sign up using this link.
Pizza: Will be the following dates:
Oct. 25/Nov. 8/Dec.6/Dec. 20
Pita: Will be the following dates:
Oct. 18/Nov. 1/Nov. 15/ Dec. 13
Daily Timetables
Daily timetables are available in the Hill Families > Parent Resources section of our website, alongside other helpful links for parents.
School Calendars
School Calendars are available and can be viewed in the Parent Resources section of the website. Updates will be made periodically, so continue to check the website for the most up to date details.
Teachers/Coaches
Kindergarten: Ms. Hill (katelyn.hill@thehillacademy.com)
Kindergarten: Ms. Diefenbacher (megan.diefenbacher@thehillacademy.com)
Grade 1/2 : Mrs. Goverde (jodi.goverde@thehillacademy.com)
Grade 3/4 : Ms. Kennedy (haley.kennedy@thehillacademy.com)
Kindergarten Physical Education: Ms. Champagne (amber.champagne@thehillacademy.com)
Coach 1-4: Mr. Cosmo (anthony.cosmo@thehillacademy.com)
Director, Sports Science & Athlete Performance: Drazen Glisic (dglisic@thehillacademy.com)
Director of Early Years & Vice Principal: Casey Kirkpatrick (casey.kirkpatrick@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!
Safety and Security
In preparing for your student-athlete for the school year, 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 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. There is no parking in the fire routes, crosswalks or kiss and ride areas. If you arrive before the designated pick-up times, you will be directed to park in the lots.
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.
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
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. The students will need to provide their educator with the slip upon arrival to class.
Cell Phone Policy
In April of 2024, Ontario's Ministry of Education introduced guidelines and restrictions for cell phone use by students in schools. Following suit, students in Kindergarten to Grade Eight will need to keep cell phones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day (including breaks). Students in Grades Nine to Twelve will not be permitted to use cell phones during class time unless explicitly instructed by their educator.
For more information on the Ministry of Education's announcement, visit here.
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