Message From the CEO.
Last week, a representative from an organization that reviews and accredits schools all over the world came in to observe all aspects of The Hill Academy.  He met with our staff and various student athletes. This process was very informative and revealed how strong our culture is within the school. I received a follow up email stating:  "it was obvious that the goal of The Hill Academy is not to develop exceptional athletes, but to develop exceptional individuals who happen to be excellent world class athletes."

It is so gratifying to hear and our student athletes and staff should be extremely proud of their commitment and dedication. We are very fortunate to be in an environment surrounded by students and staff that are all bought in to the same mission. 

This past weekend, The Grizzlies movie was released in theatres Canada- wide.  This is the story of former Hill Academy teacher, Russ Sheppard, and his experience teaching and introducing the game of lacrosse in Northern Canada. Through the sport, the youth gained significant growth and development in their community and personal lives. It is very inspirational, providing a profound example of the power of sport. Later on in the movie, The Hill Academy lacrosse team is featured, including many of our alumni. Coach Brodie Merrill has had a long time friendship with Russ and was involved with him during this time.

In this time of super heroes, this is a portrayal of real life heroes. It would be a great source of enjoyment over the long weekend.

Happy Easter weekend to all!

Sincerely, 

Peter Merrill
Quote of the Week

" The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will." 
                                                                            - Vince Lombardi Jr
Life at the Hill and Upcoming Events.

Hill Earth Day
Earth Day is a project to build resilience, spark creativity and inspire leadership.  Earth Day Canada believes outdoor play is the foundation of environmental education and action. We've been working hard to put self-directed outdoor play back into the lives of children as a natural part of their day-to-day lives by addressing play provision in schools, parks, streets and community green spaces.( https://earthday.ca/earthplay/ )

Yearbook Order Deadline is April 26th
Order yours for $40 at:
using HILL Yearbook ID: 13704119

Hill Lacrosse.

There are different points in a season where you have to reset and re engage with the core of your identity. We at at our best when there is a strong connection and commitment to our program standards. We can look at it as our GPS as we navigate through the year.

It's also a point in the season to make little adjustments. A fresh string job, new socks, different breakfast, adding a new tweak to a dodge, etc.  These little adjustments can give you a mental boost.

You can always go back to our three C's to get yourself back on track:

Conditioning:
It is the foundation of your game and it could always be better. Spend extra time on mobility, clean up your nutrition, push through your last reps. Keep pushing the edges of your athletic potential. "It doesn't take a great player to be in great shape, but all great players are in great shape."

Consistency:
Give yourself a chance by showing up. Being attentive, front and centre every day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic. You'll gain a lot of confidence by being consistent. A daily mantra for the Navy Seals is "Hold your ground and advance." As you face the challenges of the day, "hold your ground" and look for daily opportunity to push forward and improve.

Competitiveness: 
Bringing a competitive spirit. Show a desire to be great and challenge your teammates to be great. When you step on the field, flip the switch, it's go time!

Homework: Email your coaches and cc me: what are 1-2 specific adjustments you are willing to make this time of year?

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Easter Monday
Non- Athletic Day

SR Lacrosse Practice @ McNaughton

SR Lacrosse departs for Brunswick at lunch
JV, Varsity and WLax Practice @ McNaughton
JV and Varsity Practice @ McNaughton

WLax departs for Boston at 9am

JV and Varsity Lacrosse departs for
Milwaukee, WI  after school
SR Practice @ McNaughton



Hill Hockey.

Varsity Hockey Update:

Hill Alumni Report:
NHL Playoffs:
Mitch Marner  (Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins)
Brett Ritchie  (Dallas Stars vs Nashville Predators)
Michael Dal Colle  (New York Islanders waiting for Round 2)

OHL Playoffs: 
Graeme Clarke  (Ottawa 67s) vs  Ty Tullio  (Oshawa Generals) OHL East Final
Nicholas Porco  &  Cole Perfetti  (Saginaw Spirit) vs  Markus Phillips  (Guelph Storm) OHL West Final

Team Canada U18:
Thomas Harley  - 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships Apr. 18 - Apr. 28

04 Varsity Game Vs. Swedish Team: 
This past Wednesday our Hill Varsity 2004 team competed against a team from Sweden in a friendly exhibition game. The group played hard but ultimately fell 5-0 to the strong competition. The coaching staff was extremely proud of the team's effort and ability to work well as a team even though it was our first game together this season.

AJ Lichterman Moves on to USA Hockey U15 Phase 2
Congratulations to AJ Lichterman for being selected to attend phase 2 of Southeast District of USA hockey's U15 national select team tryouts taking place May 10th to 12th weekend in Raleigh North Carolina. From that camp players will be selected to the U15s national selection camp. Good luck AJ!

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Easter Monday

 




Non- Athletic Day

Jr. Varsity - Practice 10:05 - 11:05 am


Prep- Practice

Sr. Varsity - Practice

Jr. Varsity - Intramurals


Prep-  Practice

Sr. Varsity- Practice (Lisa Clark) 8:50 - 9:50 am

Sr. Varsity- Goalie Session 8:50 - 9:50 am

Jr. Varsity- Practice (Lisa Clark) 10:05 - 11:05 am

Jr. Varsity - Goalie Session 10:05 - 11:05 am
Sr. Varsity - Practice 8:50 - 9:50 am

Prep - Practice 8:50 - 9:50 am

Jr. Varsity - Practice 10:05 - 11:05 am


Hill Performance Training.

It was a short week in the gym and we used the week to assess each group on a team-to-team basis. Groups that were physically ready were pushed in the weight room, while groups who had tryouts, combines or are in-season had ample time to recover and regenerate for the week ahead.

In our journal discussion, we talked about how to deal with failure. It's important to ensure as athletes we have a positive relationship and perspective with failure. Rather than dwelling on not meeting goals, treat failure as an opportunity to address gaps & problem solve. Our athletes chose one thing they want to accomplish by the end of the week and three things they are grateful for.  

We hope our athletes had a great long weekend and are excited to hit the ground running come Tuesday.
The Hill Academy | (905) 303-4530 | admissions@thehillacademy.com |   www.thehillacademy.com