November 1st, 2020 HILL Message (from Academic Director Rick Kunc): It is hard to believe that November is here. Where did those 2 months go? I had the great pleasure of talking with 3 of our senior female lacrosse players this week. Annabel, Andrea, and Brooklyn were kind enough to drop in and chat about being a student at The Hill, and what they loved about the experience. They even gave me a few tips on how to make it even better. So let’s start with that. Getting better. That is what is at the core of Highest Level of Achievement. It isn’t about being the best, it is about being your best. And the girls shared so many examples of how during their time at the Hill they have been supported in being their best. They shared how in the gym, everyone gathers around you and cheers you on to lift your personal best. And they celebrate when you do. They shared how this challenge to be your best is part of the culture of the Hill. That it is cool to be a “try hard” and that they know that everyone is happy to see you succeed and supports you when you do not. And what resonated the most with me was that they said this culture of pushing each other does not come at the expense of friendships, teamwork, or culture. They said that “everyone runs their own race” and that means that everyone can celebrate the success of each of their teammates and classmates, while together the work toward their team goals. It was an amazing conversation. In the classroom being your best requires engagement. We measure success by grades, but I wish we measured it by what you learned. There is a difference. A grade is a measurement at a moment in time. Learning stays with us and makes us better. It helps to make us the best person we can be. Our challenge as a faculty is to find ways to engage students in the subject area we love. The challenge that we put to our students, is to engage. Come to class ready to be your best, and to be pushed to be even better. That is how we reach our highest level of achievement. And of course, the girls challenged us at The Hill and me specifically. In their eyes, to be even better academically, we must add some more girls to our population, we must add to our course offerings in high school and we must continue to develop our academic program to ensure that it is the best program, (the best teachers, strategies, professional development and results) in the country. Challenged received ladies. Thanks Annabel, Andrea and Brooklyn for the honesty and the conversation. You are welcome back for a chat anytime. Quote of the Week: “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them. ” — Michael Jordan ________________________________________________________________________
Other Notes and Important Information: Monday Morning Assembly: There is a Monday morning assembly tomorrow. Secondary students will tune in by clicking the Zoom link below at 8:30am: Monday Morning Assembly Take Our Kids to Work Day, 2020: Wednesday, November 4th is Take Our Kids to Work day for Grade 9 students across Ontario. With restrictions in place, we understand that students might only be invited to participate in this event at their parents' workplace and perhaps only through a remote platform. Please email guidance@thehillacademy.com by Monday November 2nd if you intend to keep your grade 9 student-athlete out of school to participate in the Learning Partnership's Take Our Kids to Work day. Updated Schedule: In order to accommodate the athletic schedule, we have shifted the academic schedule slightly. This will mean that when students travel off site for athletics, they will not be missing valuable instructional minutes when they return. The schedule is as follows: Hockey/Lacrosse training 8:15am- 9:15am P1 9:45am-11:00am P2 11:05am-12:20pm lunches a.b, and c 12:25pm-1:35pm P3 1:35pm-2:50pm P4 2:55pm-4:10pm
Grade 12 Economics with Mr. Siskos This week, Mr. Siskos’ Grade 12 Economics Class had the pleasure of having two very special guests over Zoom to provide insightful information on both the marketing and financial industries to our students. The special guests included: Blair Anderson- Marketing Manager at Google Tyler Martins- Senior Manager in Data Analytics at RBC Both Blair and Tyler shared their upbringing, previous school experience, and work experience to help give our students an in-depth understanding of how two major corporations operate in our society. Thank you to Blair and Tyler for this invaluable experience!
HILL Athletics (From Athletic Director Brodie Merrill) We are holding on to the remaining days of Fall. It’s the time of year in Caledon where the weather forecast can have some big swings. The unpredictability mirrors the life of an athlete. Some sunny days, storming days, and some in between. The cold, overcast rainy days, make you appreciate the bright, crisp, sunny days. That is what you’ll find in sports. The accomplishments and progress that you make, become more meaningful and impactful after time overcoming the pain of discipline required in high level sports. Often times we can get caught searching for just the right kind of motivation or the magic solution to achieve success. We can’t lose sight of the fact that change/improvement doesn’t happen without challenge and struggle. We can read about strategies to overcome adversity, but there is no substitute for living and experiencing it. It's not that we necessarily seek it out, but we can’t look for inappropriate ways to avoid it. It is more about embracing adversity when it does come along, understanding that these are opportunities for growth. It is what most alumni reference when they describe their experience at The Hill. How the demanding academic/athletic schedule, the early, cold mornings, the discipline required, gave them an edge moving forward. There is a lot of confidence gained when you can reference tough situations you overcame. What helps? In a recent podcast, I heard Russell Wilson, All Pro NFL QB, comparing his mindset to being in neutral gear. Trying to stay steady and consistent through the swings. And as the theme of last Monday’s morning assembly, "to get from your starting point to your destination, it takes friends, colleagues, and the goodwill of strangers to guide you.” Enjoy the great moments together and be there for each other during the harder times. Varsity Hockey: From Coach Maclean: This week we took a break from our regular routine and spent some time playing games. It was a nice change of pace with everyone working hard and getting back into the competitive spirit. It is hard to believe we are only 7 weeks from Winter break but the varsity schedule will look as follows until the break: Senior Varsity Tuesday - High Tempo Skill development day Wednesday - Individual skill session Thursday - Games day (Will be divided into 2 teams for Feather Cup and team prize) Prep Hockey: From Coach Orr: This week we were joined by American Hockey League coach David Urquhart on our zoom call. Dave, who also formerly coached at McGill University, did a video session on defensive zone coverage. The following were the key points from the meeting: Keys in the Defensive zone:
Communicate, sort out early, net front D directs traffic
Active Sticks: on ice, stick to puck, in passing lanes
Defensive side at all times (between puck and the net)
Aggressive, collapse early (checking vs defending)
Lacrosse: -A week filled with spirited, competitive practices. -Parent night via Zoom, where we introduced Coaching staff, discussed our schedule and the NCAA recruiting process. This Week's Lacrosse Schedule: Monday: Remote Non-Athletic Day (no practices) Tuesday: Grade 9,10, 10 Boys Lacrosse: 8:15- 9:15am Practice @ The Hill Academy Grade 12, PG Boys Lacrosse: 9:30am- 10:30am Practice @ The Hill Academy Girls Lacrosse: 12:25pm- 1:25pm practice @ The Hill Academy Wednesday: Grade 9,10, 10 Boys Lacrosse: 8:15- 9:15am Practice @ The Hill Academy Grade 12, PG Boys Lacrosse: 9:30am- 10:30am Practice @ The Hill Academy Girls Lacrosse: 12:25pm- 1:25pm practice @ The Hill Academy Thursday: Grade 9,10, 10 Boys Lacrosse: 8:15- 9:15am Practice @ The Hill Academy Grade 12, PG Boys Lacrosse: 9:30am- 10:30am Practice @ The Hill Academy Girls Lacrosse: 12:25pm- 1:25pm practice @ The Hill Academy Friday: PD Day- No Classes or practices This Week's Hockey Schedule: Monday: Remote Non-Athletic Day (no practices) Tuesday: Senior Varsity @ Teen Ranch Arena 8:15- 9:15am Prep Hockey: 8:15am- 9:15am U17 and U18 Team Practice @ Alder Arena Wednesday: All Junior & Senior Varsity Goalie Session @ Teen Ranch Arena 8:15 - 9:15am Senior Varsity Skaters: 8:30am- 9:30am Practice @ Alder Arena Prep Hockey: 8:15am- 9:15am Goalie Session and Player Skill Practice @ Alder Arena Thursday: Varsity Hockey: 8:15am- 9:15am Practice @ Teen Ranch Prep Hockey: 8:15am- 9:15am Individual Skill Development @ Alder Arena Friday: PD Day- No classes or practices **Please note that parents are NOT permitted inside the arenas during practice time.**