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K-6 Newsletter 01.30.26


January 30, 2026


Dear Hill Families,


This week at the Hill encapsulates the diversity and vibrancy of a school that offers grades K-12. While our high schoolers embarked on new courses and preparing for this second semester, our early years, primary and middle school students are getting organized, beginning new units and continuing to expand their learning, as their classes and teachers wrap up semester one. 


Cold winter days often bring quick changes to schedules and plans; shifting soccer to indoor man-made arenas, and opportunities to push ourselves athletically with some yoga and zumba. Teachers are quick to pivot and find engaging and exciting tasks for our young learners while keeping them safe from the cold. 


All of these changes require two things; perseverance and a positive mindset. Change is hard for anyone, we look forward to certain things, we get used to routine and sometimes there are things in our day that just make us happy. When these get re-routed it takes effort to stay committed, push through discomfort, and maintain a mindset that allows us to see the good in new circumstances. 


While brainstorming for our upper year assembly, which happened to fall on International Chocolate Cake day, I jokingly came up with the slogan ‘positivity is a piece of cake’ it was catchy and gave way to good talking points, but as I thought about it, I realized it isn’t always that easy. Sometimes it feels like nothing is going your way, like you’re facing an uphill battle, sometimes you just wake up and feel a little off. Positivity takes intention, effort, and perseverance.


Change in any capacity can be tricky. But when we commit to seeing it through, and challenge ourselves to look for the positive, that ‘glass half full’ perspective, you slowly build a habit where its a little bit easier to find that good, that ‘piece of cake’, if you will.


So, with that, I challenge all of our students, staff and community members to keep your mind open, and look for the positives; whether trying something new, more time to focus on something while stuck indoors and connecting with our community. 


As we move towards the end of our cooler months (groundhog day is Monday!) lets look for those little pieces of cake wherever we can find them!


Emily Walko

Director of Student Success/ Primary French

The Hill Academy


In this week's Newsletter:


The Hill Volleyball

Learn more about The Hill Volleyball program, coming to The Hill in 2026-27!


Parents of those interested (program will focus on girls born 2008-2012) are invited to join online to hear from The Hill's Director Sports Science & Athlete Performance, Drazen Glisic and Volleyball Director Dani Brisebois about the return of The Hill Volleyball program to be offered in the 2026-27 school year.


Thursday, February 4: 12PM-12:30PM


This session will;

  • Introduce Hill Alumna and Director of Volleyball, Dani Brisebois

  • Outline the volleyball program


A TEAMS link to the session will be sent to all those who sign up.


Read the announcement here:

The Hill Summer Camps



Although the weather doesn't think so, summer is right around the corner. We're thrilled to host a selection of camps again this summer at The Hill. As a bonus, Hill student-athletes can use the code: COACHMATT to save 10% on their registration. Stay tuned as we look to announce more even more camps!



The Nest

At The Nest, we've been delighted by the excitement, conversations, decision-making, and laughter that continue to fill our space. It’s been a joy to interact with the students each day as they seek to fuel their growing bodies and find comfort in a place they can call their hub.



Winter Weather Reminder

As the temperature fluctuates, we kindly remind parents and guardians that students must come to school dressed appropriately for outdoor conditions each day. Our classes spend a portion of their day outside, and proper winter gear, such as boots, snow pants, a warm coat, hat, and gloves, is essential to ensure students stay comfortable and safe.

Thank you for your support in helping our students enjoy their outdoor time!


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.


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

The Hill Eats

The Hill Academy is pleased to offer a hot lunch program crafted by The Hill Eats team to include a balanced, macro-friendly nutritional meal that is designed to fuel The Hill Academy's student-athletes.


Grades 1-6 Lunch

Monday: Classic Tuna Fish Sandwich Served with French Fries  Sugar Snap Peas & Carrots

Tuesday: Meatballs Tomato Penne Ceaser Salad

Wednesday: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches Creamy Southern Coleslaw

Thursday: Chicken & Sausage Gumbo Steamed Green Beans Cornbread

Friday: Chef's Special

If your day student would like to be on the lunch plan, please register now!


Please be advised any feedback or special requests should be sent to lunch@thehillacademy.com

Sports Schedule

For team based sports (ie. Junior Hockey Development), check your individual team's TeamSnap for the most up to date schedule.


Foundations of Sport (1-3):

Monday: Gymnastics/Sledding

Tuesday: Gymnastics/Sledding

Wednesday: Yoga and Games

Thursday: Orienteering Friday: Football


Foundations of Sport (4-6)

Monday: Multi-sport

Tuesday: Hockey

Wednesday: Orienteering

Thursday: Tennis and Squash

Friday: Multi-sport


Hockey (5-6)

Monday: Hockey

Tuesday: Multi-Sport

Wednesday: Hockey

Thursday: Hockey

Friday: Multi-sport

View a comprehensive calendar of events by visiting www.thehillacademy.com/calendar


  • Wednesday, January 28 - Sunday, February 1 - U15AAA and U16AAA @ Florida Exposure Cup - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

  • Wednesday, February 4 - Grade 7-8 Ski Trip - Hockley Valley Resort

  • Wednesday, February 4 - U18 Prep Hockey @ Everest - Vaughan, ON

  • Thursday, February 5 - The Hill Volleyball Lunch and Learn (Virtual)

  • Friday, February 6 - U18 Prep Hockey @ Appleby College - Oakville, ON

  • Wednesday, February 11 - Grade 4-6 Ski trip - Hockley Valley Resort

  • Monday, February 16 - Family Day (school closed)

School Information

School Hours: 


8:10-3:50- Junior School (4-6)

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


Pick Up (K-6): 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.

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 K-3 uniform guide or the Gr. 4-12 uniform guide. Any questions, concerns or questions apparel@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

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:


Teachers

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

Grade 1/2: Mrs. Goverde (jodi.goverde@thehillacademy.com)

Grade 2/3: Mr. Debenham (george.debenham@thehillacademy.com )

Grade 4/5 : Ms. Kennedy (haley.kennedy@thehillacademy.com)

Grade 6: Ms. Barbe (julie.barbe@thehillacademy.com )


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

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.

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.




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