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Character Trait of the Month: Self-Control
This month at The Hill Academy, we are focusing on Self-Control as our character trait. Self-control helps students manage their emotions, make thoughtful decisions, and stay focused on their goals. By practicing self-control, students learn to think before they act, show respect for others, and navigate challenges with a positive mindset. We encourage families to reinforce this important skill at home by discussing ways to stay calm, patient, and mindful in different situations. Let’s work together to help our students develop this valuable life skill!
Casey Kirkpatrick
Director- Early Years & Junior School Vice Principal
The Hill
In this week's Newsletter:
Reminder that Friday February 14, 2025 is a PD for all Primary and Junior School Students
Our teachers will be hard at work enhancing their skills and knowledge to better support student learning. These days are dedicated to collaborating with colleagues, exploring new teaching strategies, attending workshops, and reviewing curriculum updates. PD days provide valuable time for educators to refine their practices, ensuring they create engaging, effective, and supportive learning environments for all students.
Kindergarten/Primary Kiss & Ride
For the smooth operation of our Kiss and Ride, it’s essential that students are dressed and ready to exit the vehicle upon arrival. This helps keep the line moving efficiently, minimizing wait times for everyone. We also encourage parents to help their child get in and out of the car quickly and safely, allowing the process to flow more smoothly for all. Your cooperation ensures that all families can drop off and pick up in a timely manner. Thank you for your support!
March Break and Summer Camps Announced!
The Hill is excited announce the following upcoming camps:
March Break Soccer Camp - March 10-14
March Break Hockey Camp - March 11-13 (SOLD OUT)
Multi-Sport Summer Camp - June 30-July 4
Boys Lacrosse Camp - July 14-18
Girls Lacrosse Camp - July 21-25
Multi-Sport Summer Camp - July 28-Aug 1
Hill Student-Athletes can use the code "COACHCAM" for 15% off Summer Camps. Stay tuned for more Summer Camp announcements!
Cold Weather Policy
As the winter season is now upon us, we want to remind everyone of our cold weather policy to ensure the safety and well-being of our students while they are outdoors. Please review the guidelines below, which outline how we manage outdoor recess and activities during periods of extreme cold and wind chill:
Dress for the Weather
Students should wear warm, layered clothing, including hats and gloves, when outdoors. Proper attire is essential for staying comfortable and safe during colder temperatures.
Temperature Guidelines for Outdoor Recess
- When the wind chill or extreme cold is between **-20°C and -24°C**, outdoor recess will be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes (or less based on our professional discretion, if it is extremely windy)
- When the wind chill or extreme cold is **below -25°C**students will remain indoors for recess and other activities.
We kindly ask parents to ensure their children are dressed appropriately for the weather each day. Layers, insulated outerwear, and waterproof boots are strongly recommended during this season.
Thank you for your support in keeping our students safe and comfortable during the colder months.
Inclement Weather Procedure
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.
School Uniforms
Please ensure your student-athlete has the appropriate uniform items.
Students are expected to wear Hill athletic shorts or sweatpants, a tech tee or long-sleeve shirt, and a sweatshirt. It is strongly recommended that your child also wear Hill-branded shorts or sweatpants. If not wearing Hill attire, shorts or pants must be black or beige.
Lunch Program
All invoices have been sent, please pay as soon as possible.
Lunch Lady: Offered Tuesday and Thursdays, please sign up using this link found here.
Pita Days: Feb 28th
Pizza Days: Feb 21, March 7th
**Important Notice: Lunch Lady and Bus Cancellations**
Please be advised that in the event of bus cancellations, Lunch Lady will not deliver lunches to the school. Parents will be notified by Lunch Lady, early in the morning on such days. Additionally, if a storm is forecasted, Lunch Lady will send an email the night before to inform parents that lunch deliveries will be canceled if buses are not running.
Foundations of Sport Schedule
Monday: Hockey
Tuesday: Hockey
Wednesday: Snowshoeing
Thursday: Soccer
Friday: PD Day
Below is the Foundations of Sport Schedule for the weeks up to March Break.
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Daily Timetables
Daily timetables are available in the Hill Families > Parent Resources section of our website, alongside other helpful links for parents.
School Calendars
School Calendars are available and can be viewed in the Parent Resources section of the website. Updates will be made periodically, so continue to check the website for the most up to date details.
Teachers/Coaches
Kindergarten: Ms. Hill (katelyn.hill@thehillacademy.com)
Kindergarten: Ms. Diefenbacher (megan.diefenbacher@thehillacademy.com)
Grade 1/2 : Mrs. Goverde (jodi.goverde@thehillacademy.com)
Grade 3/4 : Ms. Kennedy (haley.kennedy@thehillacademy.com)
Kindergarten Physical Education: Ms. Champagne (amber.champagne@thehillacademy.com)
Coach 1-4: Mr. Cosmo (anthony.cosmo@thehillacademy.com)
Director, Sports Science & Athlete Performance: Drazen Glisic (dglisic@thehillacademy.com)
Director of Early Years & Vice Principal: Casey Kirkpatrick (casey.kirkpatrick@thehillacademy.com)
Labeling Items
With so many activities and practices happening daily, it's easy for items to get misplaced. To help keep track of uniforms, equipment, and personal items, we kindly ask that all student-athletes have their belongings clearly labeled with their name. This simple step ensures that lost items can be quickly returned and helps maintain organization throughout the day. Thank you for helping us keep our athletes focused and prepared!
Safety and Security
In preparing for your student-athlete for the school year, 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 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. There is no parking in the fire routes, crosswalks or kiss and ride areas. If you arrive before the designated pick-up times, you will be directed to park in the lots.
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.
Absences and Late Arrivals
School success is closely tied to good attendance. When students miss learning time, they often struggle with understanding concepts, completing assignments, and performing well on assessments. Consistent attendance helps your child(ren) stay connected both academically and socially. We encourage you to commit to having your child(ren) attend school every day and arrive on time. Regular attendance builds positive habits that will last a lifetime. 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. The students will need to provide their educator with the slip upon arrival to class.
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