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K-6 Newsletter 04.03.26


April 3, 2026


Hello Hill Families,


We have now entered spring (even if it doesn’t quite feel like it yet) which is a season of growth, change and (hopefully) warmth. 


This is the time of year that we see truly begin to see the growth in our students. When you see their student photos from the fall compared to them now, or the growth in the work they are able to do in the classroom, the relationships they have spent time building over the past seven months. Their progress is evident in so many ways.


This stretch of spring, after March Break, marks the final leg in the school year. The last push of endurance, effort, and determination ahead of the summer months. It’s a time to plant the seeds of success and watch them bloom into accomplishments. 


I see it when I am in the classrooms with our primary French students, their effort to complete the tasks, their ability and confidence that has grown learning vocabulary in a new language, and their willingness to push themselves through challenges to see success on the other side. 


Our students started the year in autumn; changing and evolving in their new classes, subjects and for some schools, and falling where they may – just like the leaves. They rode the snowy slopes of winter; pushing through new challenges, growing warming themselves up with action and activity to support all of their learning. Now, we arrive in spring; a chance to nurture and strengthen the seeds of knowledge as they prepare to bloom by the end of the school year. 


We look forward to moving through the damp and muddy spring as the ground thaws and the trees begin to bloom once again! 


Have a safe and restful Easter long weekend.


Ms. Emily Walko

Director of Student Success / Primary French 



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.


Kindergarten Graduation

The kindergarten graduation ceremony will be held on Friday June 5th at 2PM at the Kindie Cabin.


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.


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: Easter Monday

Tuesday: Beef Meatloaf Macaroni Salad Sauteed Roasted Beets

Wednesday: Chicken Tenders Creamed Corn Coleslaw Mashed Potatoes

Thursday: Turkey Sausage Roasted Vegetable Medley Potato Salad Corn Bread

Friday: Ground Beef Mac and cheese & Green Beans


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: Easter Monday

Tuesday: Baseball

Wednesday: Lacrosse

Thursday: Hockey

Friday: Free Play


Foundations of Sport (4-6)

Monday: Easter Monday

Tuesday: Soccer

Wednesday: Free Play

Thursday: Lacrosse

Friday: Pickleball


Hockey (5-6)

Monday: Easter Monday

Tuesday: Lacrosse

Wednesday: Hockey

Thursday: Hockey

Friday: Pickleball


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


  • Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday

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

  • Wednesday, April 15 - JV/Varsity vs. UCC - 1PM - Legacy Field

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

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

  • Thursday, April 16 evening - Parent-Teacher/Coach Interviews

  • Friday, April 17 - PD Day for K-8/Remote Day for High School

  • Friday, April 17 - Parent-Teacher/Coach Interviews

  • 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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