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K-6 Newsletter 03.27.26


March 27, 2026


Hello Hill Families,


I hope everyone was able to have a relaxing break. Although the academic side of the school was closed, it did not mean the institution was at rest. The lacrosse program started its seasons and the hockey program received news that was years in the making. 


All three boys lacrosse teams travelled to Baltimore and demonstrated resilience while there. The day they arrived, there was a weather warning that cancelled all games scheduled. The teams demonstrated flexibility in rescheduling the games and being prepared to play in less than ideal situations. This included Prep playing two games in a single day, winning both and earning Coach Teat his first wins as head coach of the program. It is believed to be the first time a team has performed this feat in varsity lacrosse history.


The girls travelled to Philadelphia and had their most successful spring trip in program history. Despite having a shorter bench than normal and also dealing with weather warnings, the girls managed to go 3-0. Impressively, several girls played every minute of every game, including three at midfield, to help secure these wins. This included a 5-4 win over #4 ranked Episcopal Academy, which helped the girls become nationally ranked for the first time in program history. This achievement has been a long-time goal for Coach Merrill and the program.


Finally, the U16 hockey team earned a wild card berth into the OHL Cup. This has been a goal of Coach Toomey since the school was awarded a U14 program in 2023. Several players on the current team were original members of that U14 program and have spoken about their desire to represent the school at the OHL Cup. They have been preparing for years for the opportunity to bring the school such a prestigious championship.


Ultimately, the achievements of these programs were not by accident. All of them are the result of hard work put in behind the scenes for years. While other programs are resting, we continue to grind. These successes are the result of the years-long commitment our coaches have dedicated to their programs. With these coaches guiding our students, the students see what it takes to achieve greatness and reach new heights. It is going to be a memorable spring season.


Have a great week back,


Jon Moore

Vice Principal



In this week's Newsletter:


Easter Holiday

A reminder that The Hill Academy will recognize Good Friday and Easter Monday by closing. Enjoy this time of reflection with family and friends.


The Hill and a Walk Down Memory Lane with Inside Lacrosse


The excellent writers at Inside Lacrosse recently featured an article in celebration of our upcoming 20th year. Through thoughtful conversations with our founder Peter Merrill, as well as Jeff Teat and Brodie Merrill, the article discusses the origin of the school and the meaning behind the blue feather. In the opinion of our Director of Marketing, this is a fantastic article and definitely worth a read ;) . Have a great week - Kevin.


Allergy Safe Microwave

Student-athletes are to be aware that there is a labeled microwave in the cafeteria area away from the other microwaves that is dedicated to those with allergies. Staff and student-athletes who do not have allergy concerns should not use this microwave.


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.


The Hill Eats

Discover this week's menu, bon appétit! 


Daily Lunch

Monday: Portuguese Style Roasted Chicken Sauteed Vegetable Medley Savoury Rice & Beans

Tuesday: Roasted Pork Loin Brussel Sprouts Mashed Potatoes

Wednesday: Turkey Avocado Club Wrap Creamy Green Pea Salad

Thursday: Sloppy Joe Dogs Brioche Bun Broccoli Slaw

Friday: Grilled Chicken Breast Caesar Salad Steak Fries


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


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


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: Soccer

Tuesday: Cricket

Wednesday: Lacrosse

Thursday: Hockey

Friday: Good Friday


Foundations of Sport (4-6)

Monday: Cricket

Tuesday: Soccer

Wednesday: Swimming/Pickleball

Thursday: Free Play

Friday: Good Friday


Hockey (5-6)

Monday: Hockey

Tuesday: Lacrosse

Wednesday: Hockey

Thursday: Hockey

Friday: Good Friday


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


  • Monday, March 30 - U16AAA OHL Cup - Wildcard vs Biosteel - 8:15AM - Scotiabank Pond Rink 2

  • Thursday, April 2 - Middle School Boys Lacrosse vs. Synergy - 2PM - Legacy Field

  • Friday, April 3 - Good Friday

  • Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday

  • Thursday, April 9 - JV/Varsity Lacrosse vs. SMCS - 1PM - Legacy Field

  • Thursday, April 16 - Girls Lacrosse vs Worthington Kilbourne - 5PM - Columbus, OH

  • Thursday, April 16 - Prep Lacrosse vs Culver - Culver, IN

  • Friday, April 17 - Girls Lacrosse vs Upper Arlington - Upper Arlington, OH

  • Friday, April 17 - Prep Lacrosse vs WRA - Culver, IN

  • Saturday, April 18 - Girls Lacrosse - Galipault Wolford Classic - Worthington, OH

  • Tuesday, April 21 - Prep Lacrosse vs Brunswick - 5PM - Brunswick, CT

  • Wednesday, April 22 - Prep Lacrosse vs Salisbury - 4PM - Salisbury, CT

  • Wednesday, April 29 - Prep Lacrosse vs Lawrenceville - Lawrenceville, NJ

  • Thursday, April 30 - Prep Lacrosse vs Hill School - 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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