K-6 Newsletter 04.17.26
- kevinhayashi
- Apr 17
- 7 min read

April 17, 2026
Hello Hill Families,
We are very proud to celebrate our K–3 Character Award winners for this month! These students have been recognized for consistently demonstrating strong problem-solving skills in their learning and daily interactions. Congratulations to all of our recipients, you are wonderful role models for perseverance, critical thinking, and a positive attitude when facing challenges!
As we move into a new month, our K–6 character focus is Self-Control. Self-control means making thoughtful choices about our words, actions, and behaviours, even when we are excited, frustrated, or faced with challenges. It is the ability to pause, think, and choose the best response in any situation.
In the classroom, self-control might look like listening attentively, waiting for a turn to speak, staying focused on learning tasks, and managing emotions during group work. In the gym, on the field, or on the ice, it can be seen when students follow rules, play fairly, control their movements safely, and show good sportsmanship whether they win or lose.
At home, families can support the development of self-control by encouraging children to pause before reacting, practice taking deep breaths when feeling upset, follow routines, and talk through big feelings together. Simple reminders like “stop, think, choose” can be very helpful in reinforcing this important skill.
We are excited to see our students continue to grow in this important area throughout the month!
Mrs.Casey Kirkpatrick
Director- Early Years & Vice Principal (K-6)
In this week's Newsletter:
Feather Award Recipients
The Feather Award highlights one or two students from each class who consistently exemplify our H.I.L.L. Values and demonstrate well-rounded growth in academics, character, and community engagement. Congratulations to our Junior and Middle School recipients:
Audrey Allard
Owen Goverde
Madeline Urquhart-Blowe
Ava Yardley
Abigail Stager
Spencer Bonotto
Brooke Soloman
Liam Ritchie
Cole Hopkins
Mackenzie Yardley
Tick Awareness
As we have entered the outdoor season, it's important to be mindful of tick encounters. We have had a couple of sightings, which is not uncommon at this time of year. To learn more about ticks and tick bites, please visit the following link: https://wdgpublichealth.ca/your-community/ticks-lyme-disease Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself/ your child from ticks.
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!
June 29 - July 3 - Multi-Sport Camp
July 6 - July 10 - Golf/Multi-Sport Camp
July 13 - July 17 - Lacrosse Camp (boys and girls)
July 20 - July 24 - Multi-Sport Camp
July 27 - July 31 - Multi-Sport Camp
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: Ground Beef Mac and cheese & Green Beans
Tuesday: Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup Glazed Carrots Bizmati Rice Chickpea Curry
Wednesday: New England Baked Haddock Bizmati Rice Sauted Peas Stewed Zucchini
Thursday: Quesadilla Mexican Corn Slaw Sweet Potato Fries
Friday: Jerk Chicken Bizmati Rice Steamed Peas
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: Baseball
Wednesday: Lacrosse
Thursday: Hockey
Friday: Baseball
Foundations of Sport (4-6)
Monday: Baseball
Tuesday: Soccer
Wednesday: Cricket
Thursday: Lacrosse
Friday: Pickleball
Hockey (5-6)
Monday: Hockey
Tuesday: Lacrosse
Wednesday: Hockey
Thursday: Lacrosse
Friday: Hockey

View a comprehensive calendar of events by visiting www.thehillacademy.com/calendar
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)
Mrs.Kieswetter: (megan.kieswetter@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.

