Welcome to Senior School
GR T Start Learn with Joy. Live with Purpose.
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WELCOME
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We believe in our students.
GR T Start
College Commitment At Hillfield Strathallan College, we value one another as equals, and we honour the humanity of each individual in our community. We believe that by lifting each other up, we give our community more opportunities to grow and flourish. We nurture an atmosphere of mutual respect and kindness, to ensure that our College is a safe and inclusive environment for everyone on our campus at all times. We conduct ourselves with integrity, both academically and in our relationships with one another. We understand that making mistakes is part of the learning process and that it is our actions after our mistakes that define us. We show determination to learn with joy and live with purpose, in order that we may continue to grow as individuals and as a community, and make a positive difference in the wider world.
SCHOOL
SCAN HERE FOR A VIDEO GLIMPSE INTO SENIOR SCHOOL
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The journey into Senior School starts well before our Grade 9 orientation in September and lasts long after the first few weeks. It is an ongoing process that invites students to learn more about their interests, passions, and unique pathways. We hope tonight is the first step in that journey, and that it offers you a glimpse into some highlights that HSC has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2028!
AGENDA Welcome Purpose of Gr8t Start The Academic Journey Electives Physical Education ı Art ı Drama ı Music ı Technology ı Integrated Arts
Rotations English ı Math ı Languages ı Science ı Social Science
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WHAT TO EXPECT IN GRADE 9 Students entering the Senior School will find a welcoming environment with many new challenges meant to engage and inspire them. A well-rounded academic program is enriched by the arts, athletics, leadership opportunities, community service, clubs and recreational activities, as well as a strong support system – all designed to prepare students to be resilient young adults equipped to adapt in our changing world.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
GRADE 9 FOCUS »
Middle School transition
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Leadership development
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Identifying strengths and interests
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Addressing volunteer requirements
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Academic counselling and support
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Tutorial programming
COURSES 2024–2025 The Senior School offers a post-secondary preparatory academic program, with more than 100 different courses. Students will have the opportunity to explore their interests by taking a number of elective credits.
SCAN HERE FOR THE SENIOR SCHOOL ACADEMIC CALENDAR
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WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GRADUATE? To successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students must complete the following: »
30 credits (19 compulsories, 11 elective)
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40 community involvement hours
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Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
The following are the 19 compulsory credits
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4 credits in English
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3 credits in mathematics
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2 credits in science
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1 credit in Canadian history
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1 credit in Canadian geography
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1 credit in the arts
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1 credit in health and physical education
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1 credit in French as a second language
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1 credit in technology
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0.5 credit in career studies
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0.5 credit in civics
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The remaining compulsory credits include one of each from the following groups: Group 1: English or French as a second language, a Native language, a classical or an international language, social sciences and the humanities, Canadian and world studies, guidance and career education, cooperative education, First Nations, Metis and Inuit studies Group 2: Health and physical education (second credit), the arts (second credit), business studies, French as a second language (second credit), cooperative education Group 3: Science (Grade 11 or 12), technological education (second credit), French as a second language, computer studies, cooperative education
ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL DIPLOMA (OSSD) REQUIREMENTS This chart is a typical progression that ensures all graduation requirements are met
ROUTE
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Grade 9 English Math Science French Canadian History Exploring Technologies Civics and Citizenship
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Most of the compulsory credits are earned in the first two years of high school to offer balance in a schedule and provide students exposure to all of our different departments so they can make informed decisions in later years Elective choices increase in Grades 11 and 12 as students develop a better understanding of what pathway they would like to pursue All students require one arts credit (vocal music, instrumental music, drama, integrated or visual arts), one technology credit (exploring technologies, design technology or communications technology), and one health and physical education credit to graduate
Arts Elective Physical Education Elective
Grade 10 English Math Science Geography Careers (Half credit-online) Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Elective
Grade 11 English Math Any group not completed
Students will now have two options for completing their physical education credit in Grade 9: PAD10 (healthy living and outdoor activities) or PPL10 (health and physical Education). More information about PAD10 is available in the FAQs section
Elective
A second language beyond Grade 9 is strongly recommended for those students interested in studying outside of Ontario
English
Students will meet with their guidance counsellors throughout their high school journey for pathway discussions and backward planning when it comes to course selection
Elective
Elective Elective Elective Elective (or work period)
Grade 12 Any group not completed Elective Elective Elective Elective (or work period) Elective (or work period)
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FAQS
GRADE 9 COURSE SELECTION
How many courses do I take in Grade 9?
What are my options for the physical education elective?
In Grade 9, students typically enroll in 8.5 courses. The .5 represents civics and citizenship, which is a half-credit course, indicating its duration is half that of a fullcredit course. The remaining 8 courses typically encompass a well-rounded curriculum, including English, Canadian history, French, science, mathematics, exploring technologies, health and physical education, as well as an arts credit.
We are excited to now offer two choices: healthy active living education and healthy living and outdoor activites.
Can you tell me more about the online civics and citizenship course? Civics is a branch of politics that focuses on the rights and responsibilities of Canadians, the role of governments, how people can get involved in the political process and take action on important issues. The study of civics supports students in becoming informed, engaged, and active citizens in the various communities to which they belong, whether at local, national, or global levels. The online format encourages skill building in time management and organization – two highly important skills needed throughout high school.
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What are my options for an arts elective? Students have a wide variety of arts elective options to choose from: vocal music, instrumental music, drama, visual arts, and integrated arts.
Where can I find out more about these elective options? Students enrolled at HSC for Grade 8 will hear more about the elective options on our Stepping In Day where they will visit the Senior School. Students newly enrolled at HSC will learn more during the new family meetings in the new year.
Are there any exceptions to this typical schedule? HSC is committed to personalized learning for our students. We recognize that each pathway may not follow this exactly.
Are there different levels of courses to consider (i.e., academic vs. applied)?
What options are there for French pathways?
In September 2022, the Ministry of Education announced that Grade 9 students will take classes in one stream versus an applied stream or academic track. Hillfield Strathallan College is committed to meeting students where they are with their learning, and we will continue to offer academic support and enrichment opportunities for all students.
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma requires that all students who meet the requirement to earn at least one credit in French to graduate. For those interested in pursuing French at a higher level, HSC offers a diverse range of academic pathways, culminating in the prestigious and globally recognized DELF certification.
What is Accelerated Math?
Accelerated math is an opportunity for students who are passionate about and highly proficient in math to complete an exam in the spring that allows for placement in Grade 10 math as a Grade 9 student. More information will be provided by the Senior School math department if you are currently enrolled student at HSC and by your counsellor if you are a new family. It does not change what you will choose at this time for course selection.
What does the new requirement for having a credit in technology entail?
SCAN HERE FOR THE SENIOR SCHOOL ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Students entering Grade 9 in September 2024 are now be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 technological education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The Grade 9 exploring technologies course will meet this requirement and is recommended for all students in Grade 9.
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AP ADVANTAGE Beginning in Grade 10, students who meet the criteria offered per year have the option to select Advanced Placement (AP) preparation course streams, which lead to AP universitylevel courses. HSC offers nine AP courses: microeconomics, macroeconomics, English literature and composition, AP Chinese language and culture, AP calculus, AP biology, AP chemistry, AP physics 1 and AP physics C: mechanics. More than 100 exams are written per year. Many students choose to “challenge” an exam in a subject of interest to them such as American history or environmental science.
AP subjects offered per year
9+ 100+
AP exams written per year
45+
National Scholars
HOW TO READ A COURSE CODE Example: ENG1W1 The first three letters indicate the department and subject: A = Arts B = Business C = Canadian and World Studies E = English F = French G = Guidance and Career Education H = Social Science/Humanities L = Classical and International Languages M = Mathematics P = Health and Physical Education S = Sciences T = Technological Education The first number indicates grade: 1 = Grade 9 2 = Grade 10 3 = Grade 11 4 = Grade 12 The fifth letter indicates program type: For Grades 9 and 10
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AP Scholars
D = Academic O = Open P = Applied W = Destreamed The sixth space is a school indicator and does not appear on an official transcript.
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STUDENT SUCCESS CENTRE
FLEX TIME
The Student Success Centre (SSC) includes faculty and staff members who oversee academic and course counselling, postsecondary planning, and learning support needs. This year, we are excited to introduce our new social worker, Julie Pearce, who will be providing social/emotional support for students. Teaching assistants are also available to support student learning. A team of four guidance counsellors are assigned by house along with the students.
Senior School Flex Time offers students 40 minutes each day to direct their own learning. Students may want to review math, finish a painting or edit an essay. They will follow the “theme” of the day and choose an area that supports their needs. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Tutorial Meetings Academic Wellness Academic Community Chapel
SENIOR SCHOOL ACADEMIC TIMETABLE Daily Schedule that works off of an 8-day cycle with 4 classes per day.
8:40 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
9:55 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.
10:35 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
11:45 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
12:50 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
2:05 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Period 1
Flex Time
Period 2
Lunch
Period 3
Period 4
Day 1
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Flex
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Lunch
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D
Day 2
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Flex
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Lunch
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Day 3
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Flex
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Lunch
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Day 4
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Flex
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Lunch
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Day 5
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Flex
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Lunch
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Day 6
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Flex
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Lunch
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Day 7
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Flex
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Lunch
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Day 8
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Flex
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Lunch
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I started at HSC in Grade 8 and as I am going through the Senior School, the years keep getting better. When I was transitioning from Grade 8 to Grade 9, I was worried that it was going to be more of the same; I was incredibly wrong. I was unaware of how many academic opportunities the Senior School offers. This includes a multitude of clubs centered around science, math, business, and debate, service groups such as Empowerment Squared, Elev8, as well as affinity groups such as the ASA, Femina, and so many more. I have always had a passion for science (especially biology and chemistry), and even though in Grade 9 you only have one elective and the rest of your schedule is planned out for you, I felt that my interest in the field was supported; there were clubs I could join to further my understanding and indulge my curiosities. Throughout my Grade 9 year, all of my teachers were very supportive of my education. I attended extra help when I needed it, which helped me to not only gain a better understanding of the material we were covering at the time, but also to get to know my teachers better and get a sense of what their expectations were. I would encourage anyone to go through the Senior School; this has been an amazing experience so far, and I am excited for what’s next. Grade 11 Student,
Chaya Ganatra
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LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND CHARACTER EDUCATION Every Grade 9 student is encouraged to do the following: »
Enrol in the Duke of Edinburgh Program, with the goal of completing their Bronze Standard. This globally recognized program focuses on skill development, leadership, service and outdoor experiential learning.
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Get involved in leadership activities.
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Participate in meaningful service initiatives and groups that raise funds and awareness to support local and international service projects.
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Enthusiastically get involved in the life of the College community.
COLLEGE LIFE
A BROAD RANGE OF SUPPORT
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18 TO
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13:1 Average studentto-teacher ratio
100+ 100+ credit courses offered
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Small class sizes ensure studentteacher contact time is optimized.
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Faculty members are available during Flex Time and after school.
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Every Senior School student is a member of a tutorial group and meets weekly with their tutorial leader.
Parent and student information portal
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The College prides itself on its partnership and communication with parents, ensuring ample two-way communication takes place to support the learning needs of students.
100%
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of grads receive a post-secondary school offer
My favourite part of E-Week was having time with my friends and meeting new people there by finding out what they liked to do and starting a conversation with them.
Christian BentleyBentley-Caron
E-WEEK At the start of each school year, students engage in “E-Week,” an off-campus educational week that is an integral component of the College’s curriculum and comes highly recommended. The Grade 9 E-Week experience revolves around fostering connections and facilitating a deeper understanding of each student’s unique leadership style through various outdoor activities. Moreover, this experience facilitates the introduction of students to new peers and the establishment of meaningful relationships within their tutorial group. The primary aim of this initiative is to nurture and instill qualities such as courage, self-awareness, and personal growth among students. It also encourages students to engage in positive interactions with their peers and the broader community.
Some highlights of E-Week were the giant swing and the HSC adventure race! I had so much fun doing all sorts of activities, and I especially enjoyed the paddle boarding during options time. Overall, the trip was amazing and it ended with a fun competition between tutorials and teachers.
Sabrina Kiung
My favourite part about E-Week was being able to spend time outside with my friends. I think it is really important to be able to get away from school and bond with peers.
Annie Collins
I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried things I wouldn’t have done back home which made me feel fulfilled. I also enjoyed making new friends and spending time with them.
Saejin Yoon Hillfield Strathallan College
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CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES *Activities are subject to change
SCHOOL/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
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ARTS, MUSIC AND DRAMA
English Conversation Circle
Art Club
Elev8
Quills Literary Magazine
Empowerment Squared
Photography Club
Inclusivity +
Wee Braveheart
Grade 9 Band
Black Students’ Association (BSA)
College Prefects
Wind Ensemble
Asian Students’ Association (ASA)
House Captains
Jazz Ensemble
Jewish Students’ Association (JSA)
Junior Teaching Assistants
Vocal Ensemble
Muslim Students’ Association (MSA)
Student Ambassadors
Fall Musical Production
Indigenous Students’ and Allies Association (ISAA)
Service Council
Spring Theatrical Production
Femina
Green Team
Stage Crew and Set Design
Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity Alliance (IDEA)
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AFFINITY GROUPS
INTER-SCHOOL ATHETICS (CISAA & OFSAA) Skiing and Snowboarding
Wrestling
CLUBS
Badminton
STEM Club
Varsity Boys’ Softball
Model United Nations
Basketball
HOSA
Cross Country
Reach for the Top
Swimming
Vex Robotics
Varsity Girls’ Field Hockey
Debate and Public Speaking Club
Golf
Chess Club
Competitive Business Club (CBC)
Tennis
Quiet Study
GenZ Workforce
Rugby
Fitness Club
Science/BASEF
Soccer
Page Turners
Coding Club
Track and Field
Table Tennis
Investment Club
Volleyball
Recreational Tennis
Peer Tutors
Hockey
Wellness Club
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
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HSC’s school life and wellness is one like no other, with annual spirit events and co-curricular activities inclusive for all students around the College. A unique aspect that HSC possesses is its house system. Our student life provides each student with a sense of belonging to a smaller group within the school community and is a great way to inject a lot of fun and excitement into everyday life at school! House captains obtain a leadership role in their Grade 11 year and can get a glimpse of what it is like to lead a student body. Co-curricular life brings our community together, and it is exhilarating to see such a welcoming group of students in my role as the Athletic Prefect.
Grade 12 Student,
Philip Marcarian
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2018 – 2023 GRADS CANADA Our recent graduates from 2018 – 2023 have gone on to study at top institutions in North America and the world.
AREAS OF STUDY 30%
Liberal Arts/ Social Science
27%
Business/Commerce, Law
22%
Engineering incl. Computer Science
14%
Science incl. Medicine, Veterinary, Dental, Pharmaceutical
7%
Other: Architecture, Fine Arts, Media
UNITED STATES Boston University * Carnegie Mellon * Cornell University * Emory University * Georgia Tech University * Johns Hopkins University * Hofstra University Laguana College of Art and Design * New York University * Northwestern University Ohio State University Pacific University Parsons School of Design Penn State University Purdue University Savannah College of Art & Design St. Lawrence University * St. Mary’s University
UK & INT’L Syracuse University Thomas College Tulane University * University of Michigan University of California - LA University of California - SB University of Colorado - Boulder University of Detroit Mercy University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign * University of Maryland University of Miami * University of Michigan * University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of North Carolina University of North Dakota University of Southern California * Wake Forest University *
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*university destinations for the Class of 2023
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Acadia University Bishop’s University Brock University * Carleton University * Concordia University Dalhousie University * George Brown College * Huron University College * Laurentian University McGill University * McMaster University * Mohawk College * Mount Allison University Ontario College of Art and Design Queen’s University * Toronto Metropolitan University * Sheridan College * St. Francis Xavier University Thompson Rivers University Trent University University of British Columbia University of Calgary * University of Guelph * University of King’s College University of Ontario Institute of Technology * University of Ottawa * University of Toronto * University of Victoria * University of Waterloo * Western University * Wilfrid Laurier University * York University *
of HSC graduates recieve a post-secondary offer
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95% +
of HSC graduates are Ontario scholars
Bader College - Queen’s University * Bond University Durham University King’s College London Imperial College London London School of Economics Nagoya University Newcastle University Northumbria University * Queen Mary University of London * Queen’s University Belfast Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Sciences Po University University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Edinburgh * University College London University of Dundee University College Dublin University of Glasgow University of Leeds University of Leicester University of Manchester University of Nottingham University of Southampton University of St. Andrews University of Stirling University of York Warwick University
We are thankful for the lasting relationships we maintain with our alumni and are pleased to honour their ongoing contributions to HSC and the world through our Hall of Excellence, Award of Distinction and Athletics Hall of Fame each year. Our alumni represent a staggering breadth and depth of accomplishments. As a community, our students never really leave HSC, and that’s where today’s HSC students benefit. HSC Connect is a powerful tool that gives HSC students and alumni expert advice through one-onone career consultations with alumni, employees and parents. HSC Connect helps you to easily and seamlessly obtain careerrelated advice on career paths and industries, on your résumé or your interviewing skills from the HSC network.
SCHOLARSHIPS HSC is pleased to offer several merit-based and needs-based scholarships and bursaries annually.
GRADE 9
GRADES 5 TO 8
MANBERT/ SERNIUK FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
M4/JK TO 12
ALUMNI LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
FINANCIAL BURSARY PROGRAM
GRADES 9 TO 11
GRADE 9
BEAR FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
GRADES 5 TO 8
GRADES 7 AND 9
MORGAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP
GRADES 5 TO 9
ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
QIN/YANG FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
GRADES 9 TO 11
GRADE 9
ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
ALUMNI LEGACY HONORARIUM
Visit hsc.on.ca/meritawards for eligibility and required details. Hillfield Strathallan College
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SENIOR SCHOOL CONTACTS
SENIOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM MICHELE SACCHETTI
Senior School Vice Principal, 11–12 michele.sacchetti@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 208
Our Senior School Transition Night, “Gr8t Start,” provides a lot of information. If you have any questions that were not addressed this evening, please do not hesitate to contact us.
KRISTY FAGGION
Senior School Vice Principal, 9–10
TAYA CICCHETTI Senior School Principal taya.cicchetti@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 229
kristy.faggion@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 142
MARC EDGAR
Senior School Vice Principal, School Life marc.edgar@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 220
STUDENT SUCCESS TEAM BARBARA PERNAR Guidance Counsellor House: Cedar More barbara.pernar@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 216
COLLEEN PETCH Guidance Counsellor House: Maple Tay
LINDA KEMP Director of Student Success House: Birch Earn linda.kemp@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 180
colleen.petch@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 240
YVONNE TESTA
Guidance Counsellor House: Pine Yre yvonne.testa@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 266
HSC ENROLMENT TEAM The Admissions Department is always happy to assist you with enrolment and re-enrolment questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
SHERIANN HEATHJOHNSTON, MSED., OCT JOHNSTON Director of Enrolment
2023–2024
heathsh@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 106
IMPORTANT ADMISSIONS DATES GRADE 9 EARLY ACCEPTANCE Offers Shared Friday, December 15, 2023
VANESSA FERGUSON Enrolment Officer
vanessa.ferguson@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 191
VIRTUAL SCHOLARSHIP INTERVIEWS Final Candidates Saturday, February 10, 2024
RACHEL FORTUNE Enrolment Officer
rachel.fortune@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 137
VIRTUAL ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP EXAMS (Incoming Grade 7 and 9 Students) Saturday, February 24, 2024
ADMISSIONS PROCESS FOR NEW APPLICANTS
Visit our website
Attend an open house or book a 1:1 meeting
TARA MEYER Registrar
tara.meyer@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 160
Apply online
Join the conversation
Attend a visit day
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