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K-6 Newsletter 04.24.26

Updated: 20 hours ago


April 24, 2026


Hello Hill Families,


“The expert in anything was once a beginner.” — Helen Hayes


As we move through the school year, this quote serves as a powerful reminder that growth, learning, and achievement are all built on effort, patience, and persistence. We deeply value curiosity, perseverance, and the courage to take on new challenges, even when the path feels difficult or unfamiliar.


Every student, whether in the classroom, on the ice, on the field or at the course, is developing skills step by step. It’s important to remember that mistakes are not setbacks, they are opportunities to reflect, learn, and grow. Each attempt, each effort, and each challenge embraced contributes to the foundation of long-term success.


By fostering a growth mindset, students learn to see effort as more important than immediate results. They build resilience, gain confidence in their abilities, and discover that progress often comes gradually, through repeated practice and thoughtful reflection. This mindset empowers students to take risks, ask questions, and push beyond their comfort zones while supporting one another along the way.


As we approach the final weeks of the school year, let’s celebrate the effort and learning that has taken place, no matter how big or small. Every moment of persistence matters, and each step forward, whether in academics or athletics, is a meaningful achievement. Encouraging students to embrace their beginnings as a natural part of the learning journey helps instill lifelong skills, a love of learning, and the confidence to tackle challenges in the future.


Let’s finish the year strong, with the knowledge that every effort counts, every challenge is an opportunity, and every student has the potential to grow and thrive.


Mrs.Casey Kirkpatrick

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


In this week's Newsletter:


Junior School Athletic Banquet

The Junior School Athletic Banquet will be held on Wednesday, June 10th. Student-athletes in grades 4-8 are at no cost, and tickets for friends/family are available here: https://www.thehillacademy.com/events/junior-school-athletic-banquet-2026


Tickets are first come, first served, and we will be limiting guests to two per student-athlete.


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.


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.



The Hill Eats

Discover this week's menu, bon appétit! 


Daily Lunch

Monday: Honey garlic meatballs Roasted Cauliflower Bizmati Rice Green Salad

Tuesday: Oven-Roasted Chicken leg Steamed Broccoli Bizmati Rice

Wednesday: Monte Cristo Sandwich Quinoa Salad Red Cabbage Slaw

Thursday: Smoked Sausage Sauteed Peppers & Onion Fried Rice

Friday: Pulled Pork on a Bun Green Beans Avocado Summer Pasta Salad


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: Cricket


Foundations of Sport (4-6)

Monday: Cricket

Tuesday: Soccer

Wednesday: Volleyball

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


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

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

  • Saturday, May 2 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Lawrenceville - Lawrenceville, NJ

  • Monday, May 4 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Archbishop John Carroll - Radnor, PA

  • Saturday, May 9 - 1PM - Girls Junior School Lacrosse Game - Legacy Field

  • Wednesday, May 13 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Medina HS - Medina, OH

  • Thursday, May 14 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Jackson - Massillon, OH

  • Thursday, May 14 - Sunday, May 17 - Prep Lacrosse @ National Prep Championship - USA Lacrosse Headquarters, Sparks Glencoe, MD

  • Friday, May 15 - PD Day

  • Friday, May 15 - Girls Lacrosse vs. Western Reserve Academy - Hudson, OH

  • Monday, May 18 - Victoria Day

  • Thursday, May 21 - Girls Junior School Lacrosse Game - Legacy Field

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

  • Friday, June 5 - Last day of class for High School

  • Monday, June 8 - First Day of Exams

  • Wednesday, June 10 - Last Day of Exams

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

  • Thursday, June 11 - Last day of class for K-8

  • 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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