K-6 Newsletter 05.22.26
- kevinhayashi
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read

May 22, 2026
Hello Hill Families,
We have officially passed the threshold into the last month of school for this year. It means that there are lots of things going on at the school. There will be galas, games, community building, exams, assignments and lots more. For some this is a time of farewells, seasons beginning, seasons ending, daily life, and life unexpected.
It takes a lot of focus, determination, resilience and commitment, from all parties involved, to embrace expectations and find success at the finish line. Our students are well equipped for this; in following the HILL acronym and non-negotiables, it provides great targets to aim for.
Working on strengthening and developing executive functions is also a major tool that can help us all stay balanced and confident through these busy stretches. Below are some core executive functions and tools and strategies to try if you find yourself needing some extra guidance throughout this stretch:
Organization: Creating routines to stay organized like packing backpacks the night before, or creating designated spots to keep; binders, agendas, mailbags helps build retained routines.
Self-Regulation: Using our toolkits can help us stay regulated. Having strategies that work for each person is key. Coping skills, like: deep breathing, counting, splashing cold water, etc. can help us separate from the emotions that thoughts or situations may bring up, and allow us to move through situations more calmly.
Attention and Focus: These are skills that need practice. We need to work our brains and push our limits to allow these to grow. Completing tasks that require us to go step by step without a simple option to find the answer can help us become more comfortable with focussing and maintaining attention.
Time Management: We have lots going on, so creating the structures to help us manage our time, allows us to not solely rely on our memories to accomplish everything we need to. Using reminders with specific timed alarms, timers, calendars and planners can help us stay on track and hold ourselves accountable.
Flexible Thinking: Even with all of the planning and consideration that goes into making life happen, sometimes things change. Being able to change and adapt to new situations, environments and experiences help us move through our days successfully. Being conscious and present with how you are feeling in these new situations, and being open to considering other opinions or ideas is a great skill to develop and have in our lives.
These are skills that we work to develop and that evolve over time, throughout our entire life. The same way we exercise to build muscle and strength, we do this with our brains through building; tools, skills and sharpening our neuropathways that help us make skills like these operate subconsciously. These skills support us in all areas of our lives so making it a priority to build them up serves us all in the long run.
Have a fantastic weekend,
Ms. Walko
Director of Student Success/Primary French
In this week's Newsletter:
Basket Raffle & Legacy Fund Draw Tickets
Our year-end raffles are back! Baskets and Legacy Fund Items are now starting to be displayed in the main building. To purchase tickets visit the e-store. Basket items will be accepted until Wednesday, May 27th, and the draw will happen on June 11th.
Apparel Sale
We currently have a number of items on our school website marked down by 40% off. These styles will not be continuing in future collections; however, they will still be permitted as part of the school uniform next year. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the savings and begin purchasing items for the upcoming school year.
Introducing After School Multi-Sport and Cricket!
We are extremely excited to introduce two new after-school programs that are open to Hill students and to the community.
First, a weekly Multi-Sport program for kids aged 5-10 years old offering a fun mix of sports, similar to our Foundations of Sport program.
Secondly, we are thrilled to "test" the waters with Cricket. Under the guidance of our very own Coach Kyle Piper, kids aged 7-12 will be able to experience highly sought after coaching in one of North America's quickest growing sports. All skill and interest levels welcome!
Sessions will run on Tuesdays after school:
May 26th (Multi-Sport: 4:15-5:00/Cricket 5:00-6:00)
June 2nd (Multi-Sport: 4:15-5:00/Cricket 5:00-6:00)
June 9th (Multi-Sport: 4:15-5:00/Cricket 5:00-6:00)
June 16th (Multi-Sport: 4:15-5:00/Cricket 5:00-6:00)
June 23rd (Multi-Sport: 4:15-5:00/Cricket 5:00-6:00)
Follow the link to learn more about Multi-Sport Training or Cricket Training
Kindergarten Graduation
The Kindergarten Graduation will be held on Friday June 5th at 2PM at the Kindergarten Cabin.
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.
Junior School Athletic Banquet
The Junior School Athletic Banquet will be held on Wednesday, June 10th at 5:00PM at The Hill Academy Main Building. 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.
Tennis Try It at Headwaters Racquet Club

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.
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
* Aug 10 - Aug 14 - Hockey Camp * JUST ADDED *
The Nest
We wanted to thank you all for your incredible support of The Nest this school year. It has been such a fun endeavour to bring our student athletes’ needs to fruition, and without your generosity and encouragement, we would not have been able to make it happen.
We would like to let you know that The Nest will be closing as of May 31st. June is a month full of exciting events — including Grade 8 and Grade 12 graduations, exams, and the Junior School Athletic Gala — and we must focus our attention there.
We also want to thank the students who volunteered their time to help us run The Nest. Next year, we look forward to offering many volunteer positions to both our school community and beyond.
Thank you again, and we wish you all a wonderful rest of the school year.
Please note that any remaining credit on your nest cards will carry over to next school year.
Warm regards,
The Nest Team
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: Chili and Cornbread
Tuesday: Fish Filet French Fries Coleslaw
Wednesday: BBQ chicken Green Beans and Potato
Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs with glazed carrots and garlic bread
Friday: Chicken Breast Ceaser Salad Rice
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: Track and Field
Tuesday: Golf/Baseball
Wednesday: Lacrosse
Thursday: Golf/Baseball
Friday: Free Play
Foundations of Sport (4-6)
Monday: Track and Field
Tuesday: Volleyball
Wednesday: Golf
Thursday: Track and Field
Friday: Quarry
Hockey (5-6)
Monday: Hockey
Tuesday: Volleyball
Wednesday: Ball Hockey
Thursday: Track and Field
Friday: Hockey

View a comprehensive calendar of events by visiting www.thehillacademy.com/calendar
Tuesday, May 26 - Senior Athletic Gala
Saturday, May 30 - The Hill Volleyball Open House
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
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)
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.


