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K-6 Newsletter 03.06.26


March 6, 2026


Hello Hill Families,


At our recent K–3 assembly, we proudly celebrated our Helpfulness Award winners! These students went above and beyond to demonstrate kindness, responsibility, and a willingness to support others in our school community. Whether helping a classmate with a task, including others in play, or offering assistance without being asked, they model what it means to contribute positively to our school. We are so proud of the way they lead by example!


We also introduced our March Character Trait: Problem Solving.


Problem solving is an important skill that helps students navigate challenges with confidence and independence. Throughout the month, we will be focusing on what effective problem solving looks like in different settings:


In the Classroom:

  • Trying different strategies when work feels challenging

  • Asking thoughtful questions

  • Using classroom tools and resources before seeking help

  • Working collaboratively to find solutions


During Recess and Sports:

  • Using words to resolve conflicts

  • Playing fairly and respectfully

  • Taking turns and compromising

  • Thinking of safe and positive solutions when disagreements arise


How Families Can Support at Home:

  • Encourage your child to think through solutions before stepping in

  • Ask open-ended questions such as, “What could you try?” or “What are your choices?”

  • Model calm problem solving in everyday situations

  • Praise effort and persistence when your child works through a challenge


By working together, we can help our students build the confidence and resilience they need to become thoughtful, independent problem solvers. Thank you for your continued support in strengthening our school community!


Casey Kirkpatrick

Director- Early Years & Vice Principal (K-6)



In this week's Newsletter:


Hill Spirit Day - March 13

Friday, March 13th is a Hill Spirit Day; ‘The Spring Edit’, hosted by the hill student leadership council. Students can dress to one of the following themes: 

  1. Garden Glow – Florals, plants, flower crowns

  2. Green & Gold – St. Patrick’s-inspired

  3. Pastel Pop – Soft spring colours

  4. Neon Bloom – Extra bright & bold

  5. Rain or Shine – Clouds, rainbows, sun, boots

  6. Nature Vibes – Earth tones, butterflies, bees

  7. Full Rainbow – As colourful as possible


There is a $2 participation fee that can be given to homeroom or 6th period class teachers, next week, up to the morning of Friday, the 13th. Students who have paid will receive a stamp for their hand that morning. Students who are not participating are expected to be in uniform. Any clothing item that does not fit the theme will be considered out of uniform. Please reach out to Ms. Walko at emily.walko@thehillacademy.com with any questions. 


March Break

A reminder that the school will be closed for March Break from March 16-27. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, well rested and re-energized on Monday, March 30.


Junior School Athletic Banquet

Please save the date for the Junior School Athletic Banquet, which will be held on Wednesday, June 10th. More details to follow.


Trees Being Removed on Campus

The Hill Community may have noticed trees coming down between the main building and the roadway. An Arborist Report had determined that the trees in that area were dying or dead and should be removed before becoming a safety hazard. We applied for and were provided a permit to remove them. We plan to repurpose the space into additional features that student-athletes and The Hill community will continue to enjoy on campus for many years to come.


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.


A reminder that cellphones cannot be used as payment at The Nest Canteen as it is against our school cellphone policy.


Students may pay using a debit/credit card, or, purchase a canteen card online.



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.


TPC Toronto at Osprey requirement for proof of enrolment is a student card. To request your student card, please see Mrs. Bush.


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: Pork Roll Green Beans Penne Tomato Pasta

Tuesday: Grilled ChickenBreast Caesar Salad Potato Wedges

Wednesday: Cheese Burger Sweet Potato Fries Broccoli

Thursday: Burrito Bowl

Friday: Meatballs Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup


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/Snow Shoeing

Tuesday: Free Play

Wednesday: Yoga and Games

Thursday: Hockey Friday: Free Play


Foundations of Sport (4-6)

Monday: Free Play

Tuesday: Hockey

Wednesday: Swimming/Pickleball

Thursday: Swimming/Tennis

Friday: Free Play


Hockey (5-6)

Monday: Hockey

Tuesday: Lacrosse

Wednesday: Hockey

Thursday: Hockey

Friday: Free Play

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


  • Sunday, March 8 - Middle School Girls Lacrosse vs. Edge - 10AM - Legacy Field

  • Tuesday, March 10 - Middle School Boys Lacrosse vs. Synergy - 2:00PM - Legacy Field

  • Wednesday, March 11 - U16 Prep Championship vs. UCC - 1:00PM - Alder Arena

  • Thursday, March 12 - U16 Prep Championship vs. UCC - 1:00PM - Alder Arena (*If Nec)

  • Saturday, March 14 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Springside Chestnut Hill - 1:30PM - Philadelphia, PA

  • Sunday, March 15 - Girls Lacrosse vs. William Penn Charter - Philadelphia, PA

  • March Break: Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 27

  • Monday, March 16 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Agnes Irwin - 4:00PM - Rosemont, PA

  • Monday, March 16 - Prep Lacrosse vs. Calvert Hall - Baltimore, MD

  • Tuesday, March 17 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Episcopal Academy - Newton Square, PA

  • Tuesday, March 17 - Prep Lacrosse vs. Blue Ridge - St. George, VA

  • Wednesday, March 18 - Prep Lacrosse vs. Chestnut Hill Academy - Philadelphia, PA

  • Tuesday, May 26 - Senior Athletic Gala - Details TBD

  • Wednesday, June 10 - Junior Athletic Banquet - Details TBD

  • Thursday, June 11 - Grade 8 Grad

  • Friday, June 12 - Grade 12 Grad

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.


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.




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