Stepping Into Middle School

Stepping Into Middle School

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Learn with Jo y. Li ve with Purpose.

SCHOOL

We believe in our students.

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.

SCAN HERE FOR A VIDEO GLIMPSE INTO MIDDLE SCHOOL

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LIFE IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grades 5 to 8

Average Class Size 16-18

Faculty have specialized education, advanced degrees or additional qualifications in the subject they teach

House events make for yearround friendly competition and spirited fun

Team-building, cooperative games and community events are pillars of the Middle School years

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Students in Middle School continue their individualized learning with our strategic focus on developing the whole child. Middle School students are nurtured by a team of dedicated teachers, staff and enthusiastic peers. At this stage, students will progress academically while being introduced to service and leadership opportunities, which will help them develop into active, engaged citizens.

PERSONALIZED AUTHENTIC LEARNING

Students from other schools and those stepping up from our Junior and Montessori Schools can expect Grade 5 to deliver on HSC’s strategic pillar of developing the whole child. Grade 5 students are grouped into carefully selected classes and experience daily interaction with a dedicated team of teachers, staff and enthusiastic peers.

The Grade 5 program supports individual learning styles and interests. The timetable is structured to include daily literacy and numeracy blocks, timetabled in optimal morning class time. Group size and composition are adjusted to reflect student needs and instructional objectives. Student progress is closely monitored by teachers, and this information is shared regularly with the home form teacher. If a student grasps the essential math or literacy outcomes, they are challenged with extension opportunities. If students require intervention or additional time and support, they receive it from our dedicated student success team.

GRADE 5 FOCUS

» Building foundational skills in core subjects

» Social and emotional wellbeing

» Collaboration and communication

» Developing social-emotional learning skills and competencies of self-awareness, selfmanagement, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making

» Preparation for Senior School and beyond

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

HSC’s Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach provides students the opportunity to explore areas of passion in ways that make learning an engaging experience at every age and stage. Students have input into their personalized learning pathway and learn through inquiry and problem-solving—they are presented with scenarios to research, or, given the opportunity to delve into their own interests. The learning goals are the same for each student, but the process of exploration is as unique as the learner. From outdoor education to overseas exchange trips, authentic and experiential learning opportunities allow students to find, engage and seek solutions for real-world scenarios.

PBL project examples:

» Human Body Systems Guided PBL

» Biodiversity Expo

» Space Expo

» Think Global, Act Local

STEM/STEAM

HSC’s Middle School offers opportunities for interdisciplinary connections, encouraging students to explore STEM/STEAM in an authentic, real-world context. Engagement in STEM/STEAM projects nurture an innovator’s mindset and allow students to grapple with complex, integrated projects that help them to develop problem-solving skills. These skills are foundational for higher learning in our Senior School and future endeavours.

ROUTE

Grade 5

Humanities

Math Science

French

Health and Physical Education

Visual Art

Music Grade 6

English

Social Studies

French Health and Physical Education

Visual Art

Music

Grade 7

French Health and Physical Education

Visual Art

Music Performing Arts

Grade 8

English

Math Science History

Geography

French Health and Physical Education

Visual Art

Music Performing Arts

A FULL AND BALANCED DAY

A Middle School day is always full and varied. The daily schedule balances instructional time with two nutrition breaks and three recess times, with a total of 70 minutes outdoors. Flex Time focuses on community events and offers opportunities for assemblies, studentled committee meetings, house intramurals, wellness, leadership opportunities and home form planning time. At 3:30 p.m., students are dismissed to a wide variety of community time options.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC TIMETABLE

Sample daily schedule of an 8-day cycle (Grade 5).

TRANSPORTATION

Included in tuition is our main-route bus transportation program. Our bus drivers cover 29 routes each day within a one-hour radius of our College. Students enjoy morning pick-up and can select from two afternoon drop-off times, departing at 3:30 or 5:00 p.m., to accommodate family schedules and co-curricular community activities. See where our buses go at hsc.on.ca/ busroutes. Please note there is no late bus on Friday’s.

*Subject to change

myHSC is a robust learning management system that consolidates a students’ course materials, calendars, event listings, groups, news and resources. myHSC includes transportation information, school-specific links, access to the daily nutrition program and other important messages from the College.

THE PURPOSEFUL USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program requires all students to have their own personal laptop for word processing and research. Students will have access to online learning tools, including the myHSC learning management system. Wi-Fi is available campus-wide, including in designated outdoor learning spaces, and technical support is available through IT Services. Early in the first term, teachers assist our Grade 5 students in installing necessary software and discuss their role as new digital citizens.

THE LEARNING COMMONS

The HSC Learning Commons is the informational hub of the Middle School. The Learning Commons team works in partnership with teachers to support students at all levels as they develop strong information literacy skills. Students are encouraged to visit the Learning Commons for help with academic assignments, citation support, reader’s advisory and resource selection. The Learning Commons offers quality literature and promotes a love of reading by offering a variety of reading programs and a current collection. Resources are available in a variety of formats to support students as they become effective researchers and lifelong learners. Our extensive virtual collection provides 24/7 access to e-books, audiobooks, journals, news articles, online encyclopedias and video streaming.

PHYSICAL LITERACY

HSC’s physical literacy program strengthens students’ physical, social, and emotional development, fostering a lifelong positive attitude toward physical activity. Our student-centric approach tailors physical literacy development to each age group.

In Middle School, our curriculum integrates physical literacy across various activities like physical education, active recess, house intramurals and athletics. This holistic framework enhances students’ physical, social and emotional growth in active settings.

From foundational movement skills in physical education and recess to friendly competition in house intramurals, students build the necessary physical and mental strategies. These skills prepare them for potential participation in athletics.

Our revamped physical literacy framework prioritizes development, offering students more enriching active experiences. This approach enhances their competence, confidence and motivation to engage in physical activity throughout their lives.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ENHANCED EXTENSION PROGRAMS

We develop our curriculum according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education and then enrich it to meet our own elevated standards. The Middle School offers many opportunities to further challenge our students.

MATH EXTENSION

Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL), teaching ensures that all students are appropriately challenged within the grade-level curriculum. Math extension opportunities are integrated into the curriculum, offering breadth and depth through activities such as logic puzzles, math contests or student-selected projects. After meeting curriculum expectations, students collaborate with teachers to select personalized extension pathways for ongoing engagement and challenge. These activities promote independent learning, encouraging students to apply math skills in unfamiliar contexts, fostering both academic and learning skill development.

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT MATH EXTENSION

GROUPE VITESSE ENRICHED FRENCH PROGRAM

Beginning in Grade 8, the Groupe Vitesse Enriched French Program, provides accelerated language courses and higher achievement standards for capable students. This prepares them for Senior School’s DELF-aligned program (diplôme d’études en langue française), promoting proficiency in all language competencies, with internationally recognized certificates awarded upon success. While the program is open for all Grade 7 students to apply, priority is given to those who are keen on language enrichment, interested in continuing French studies beyond Grade 9, and prepared for more challenging coursework.

EXTENSION OPPORTUNITIES AT A GLANCE

English

» Write Across the College – A focus on uninterrupted creativity

» Writers in Residence – Students work with published authors

» Spelling Bee contests

» @theHelm – student newspaper

Mathematics

» Math contests

» Coding Club

Languages

» Concours Oratoire – Provincial French speaking contest

Science and Technology

» Robotics (Vex IQ team) and STEM activities

» LaunchPad makerspace exploration and invention

Music

» Middle School Choir

» Middle School Musical

» Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CIS) Music Festival

Visual Art

» Exhibitions and Art Clubs

» Visiting Artists in Residence

Social Studies

» E-Week Activities

Physical Education

» Co-curriculars and intramurals

» Competitive and recreational teams

MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORTING CYCLE

NOVEMBER REPORT 1

Student-Involved Conference (SIC)

» The student, parents/guardians and home form teacher meet to discuss progress toward goals, highlights and next steps

» Home form teachers help students to plan SICs using graphic organizers, templates and scripts

Progress Report

» Focus on demonstrated learning and academic skills by subject

» Summary comments by home form teacher, incorporating student voice

FEBRUARY REPORT 2

APRIL

REPORT 3

Student-Involved Conference (SIC)

» Meetings with subject teachers

» SICs concentrate on student work (portfolio)

Full Report

» Detailed anecdotal comments by subject

» Academic and learning skill levels (Grade 5-8)

» Overall subject marks (Grade 8 only)

Student-Involved Conference (SIC)

» Concentrate on student progress toward overall course expectations

» Scheduled at the request of teachers

Progress Report

» Updates on academic and learning skills progress

» Teachers indicate if a further SIC is necessary

JUNE

REPORT 4

Final Report

» A reflection of student achievement and growth

» Final academic and learning skill levels (Grade 5-8)

» Overall subject marks (Grade 8 only)

» Anecdotal subject comments

Every morning, our Middle School buzzes with excitement as students eagerly anticipate a day filled with endless academic, social and athletic opportunities. Here, no two days are alike. From engaging in interdisciplinary project-based learning to collaborating with local architectural firms to design a new Middle School, our students embark on a journey where creativity knows no bounds. Whether they’re solving math puzzles, studying historical campaigns on a room-sized carpet, exploring biodiversity to enhance our campus, or coding Sphero robots in math class, the possibilities are as limitless as the imaginations of our curious learners and dedicated teachers.

Our teachers form a strong team, setting high standards for behavior and academic achievement while fostering a culture of excellence. We believe in empowering students to shape their own academic paths, with support from home form teachers who prioritize positive mindsets, wellness, and skill-building to help students reach their full potential.

In addition to our innovative academic curriculum, our Middle School offers a vibrant community time program, providing students with opportunities for service and leadership. Through house competitions and extended activities, we strive to cultivate active and engaged citizens among our students, both new and returning.

Nestled at the heart of our dynamic College, the Middle School is more than just a place of learning— it’s a supportive community where children discover themselves in profound and meaningful ways.

I eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you to our classrooms.

Middle School Principal,

Kim Kniaz

COLLEGE LIFE

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Experiential learning in the Middle School offers a dynamic approach to education that fosters active engagement and deep understanding among students. Through hands-on activities, field trips, simulations and interactive projects, students are encouraged to explore concepts in real-world contexts, making learning relevant and memorable. Whether conducting science experiments, participating in historical reenactments, or collaborating on community service initiatives, experiential learning empowers students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, honing critical thinking, problemsolving, and interpersonal skills. By placing themselves in immersive learning experiences, Middle School students not only gain a deeper comprehension of academic subjects but also develop a lifelong love for learning rooted in curiosity and discovery.

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 Middle School E-Week experience revolves around fostering connections and facilitating a deeper understanding of each student’s unique voice through various outdoor activities. Moreover, this experience facilitates the introduction of students to new peers and the establishment of meaningful relationships within their grade levels. 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. Please note that fees for E-Week are not included in tuition and vary depending on the itinerary.

My favourite thing about E-Week is staying over night with my friends at Cedar Glen.

Adam Yousif Grade 5

My favourite thing about E-Week is meeting the new students to HSC, getting to know my new teachers and launching the biodiversity project at the RBG.

Diya Chhabriya Grade 6

My favourite thing about Camp Wanakita was sharing laughs in my cabin with my friends and bonding with my class during all of the fun winter activities.

Yupi Finley Grade 7

My favourite thing about E-Week is meeting many new students and participating in fun activities like swimming and playing basketball with them.

Anik Mensinkai Grade 8

CAMP WANAKITA

Grade 5 students will travel to Camp Wanakita during the second half of their Grade 5 school year. The theme of this trip is Embracing Challenge. They will learn that challenge is part of life. The design of the program allows students to experience determination, resilience and support in the winter environment, which are three foundations we must consistently practice to embrace and learn from challenges.

Students will work on skills linked to the HSC ideals and participate in traditional winter games.

WINTER WANAKITA ACTIVITIES

» Cross Country Skiing

» Tobogganing

» Broomball

» Drumming

» Fire building

» Snow shoeing

» Low ropes

» Iron Chef

» Inuit and Arctic Games

Through these exciting activities, students will learn to navigate challenges confidently and persevere, building essential life skills. Like our fall E-Week program, students will make curriculum expectations in their outdoor environment, blending academic learning with real-world adventure. This is an unforgettable experience where every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth and discovery.

LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND VALUES EDUCATION

There are many leadership opportunities available to Middle School students, including Principal’s Council, Ambassadors, Arts and Athletic Councils and Junior House Representatives. Student-led committees focus on initiatives of interest to them. Middle School students participate in the College House System. Houses Birch-Earn, Cedar-More, Maple-Tay and Pine-Yre, provide opportunities for students to participate in spirit activities. When students enter Grade 8, they can pursue leadership roles such as House Captains.

COLLEGE IDEALS

HSC students helped define the values that guide our College community. We believe that living these ideals positions community members to be well-rounded leaders with a sense of purpose.

INTEGRITY RESPECT COMMUNITY DETERMINATION INDIVIDUALITY

COLLEGE-WIDE CHAPEL ASSEMBLIES

Each week, the Hillfield Strathallan College community eagerly anticipates the non-denominational Chapel service held in the Senior School Athletic Complex within the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Excellence. During this gathering, our Head of College alongside Grade 12 Prefects deliver uplifting updates on the week’s happenings across HSC’s four schools. Students are treated to captivating artistic performances, enlightening presentations and spirited renditions of College songs, making it a cherished highlight for all.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

Middle School assemblies take place weekly in the Virtue-Fitzgerald Centre for the Arts. Assemblies bring the Middle School community together for student-led presentations and performances. Themed assemblies focus on key community values.

COLLEGE HOUSE SYSTEM

The House System stands as one of our most enduring and beloved traditions, uniting our community through mentorship, special activities, service and healthy competition. Each House is distinguished by its own unique color and named after either a Canadian tree or a Scottish river, paying homage to HSC’s heritage. Families find continuity as they are placed in the same House across generations. Supervised by staff members and student House officials, each House welcomes new members early in the school year, with co-captains elected by their peers and faculty. Students earn points for academic and extracurricular achievements, leading to various awards and prizes for Houses contributing significantly to College life.

In the Middle School, the College House System takes center stage, nurturing bonds among students. House tables are the setting for shared meals, while routine gatherings facilitate cheer rehearsals, event planning, and recognition of accomplishments. An array of annual House events, encompassing both athletic and academic pursuits such as soccer, cross-country running, the House Mile Run, and track and field competitions, adds to the spirit of camaraderie. The Nancy Rocca Challenge Cup offers diverse challenges like spelling bees, Reach for the Top trivia, math contests, and the Geo-Challenge. Grade 8 students lead as House Captains, with Grade 6 students contributing as Jr. House Reps. The pinnacle of the year arrives with the awarding of the Campbell Gibson Shield to the House amassing the highest points.

I learned and grew so much from my time in the Middle School. I started in Grade 7 and immediately felt welcome and part of the community. So when it came time to apply for leadership positions I felt comfortable applying to be a House captain even though I had only been at HSC for a few months. Due to the confidence I found in Middle School I was elected to be one of the 16 House Captains for my Grade 8 year.

One of my favourite parts of being in Middle School was that there was something special and different about every day. We were often encouraged to work on projects that were of interest to the students within that class. There is also a plethora of options for extracurricular activities. All of the teachers and coaches encourage inclusion and learning no matter what the activity is and your skill level at that activity.

All of the teachers in the Middle School are very supportive and ensure each student has the tools they need to succeed to the best of their abilities. They will make sure that the environment and space that the students are learning in is engaging and encouraging. I learned a lot about time management and effective work/study habits from teachers in Middle School.

I have taken what I learned in Middle School and tried to continue to build those skills as I progress through Senior School and beyond. In many ways I would not be where I am today without what Middle School taught me. I was able to experience so many new things and learn more about who I am. I will never forget my time in Middle School.

Middle School Prefect,

Max Osborne

SCHOOL/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Principal’s Council

Elev8

Music Council

Community Service Committee

Visual Arts Council

House Captains

Health Action Team

Student Ambassadors

Green Team

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

*Activities are subject to change

ARTS, MUSIC AND DRAMA

Art Club

Writer in Residence

@theHelm Newspaper

Grade 7 & 8 Band

Jr. Jazz Ensemble

Choir

Musical Production

Stage Crew

AFFINITY GROUPS

Inclusivity +

Black Students’ Association (BSA)

Asian Students’ Association (ASA)

Jewish Students’ Association (JSA)

Muslim Students’ Association (MSA)

Indigenous Students’ and Allies Association (ISAA)

Femina

Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity Alliance (IDEA)

INTER-SCHOOL ATHETICS (CISAA)

Flag Football

CLUBS

STEAM Club

Model United Nations

Kids Lit Quiz

Vex Robotics

Debate and Public Speaking Club

Science/BASEF

SMASH Tutoring

Basketball

Cross Country

Swimming

Rugby

Soccer

Track and Field

Volleyball

Hockey

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Chess Club

Co-Ed Recreational Games

Yoga

Outdoor Skills

Model Building

Homework Club

Ultimate Frisbee

Technology Club

Stressbuster

Wall Climbing

Baking Club

Fitness Club

Recreational Tennis

Developmental Hockey

Disc Golf

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL

One of the highlights on the Middle School calendar is the annual musical production. Whether in the starring role, as a member of the chorus or working behind the scenes on sets and lighting, students can pursue their interest in theatrical arts as part of the Middle School co-curricular program. In addition to developing their interest in acting, singing and dancing, students learn the importance of commitment, perseverance and teamwork in a creative setting. The result is an impressive culmination of the term’s work where each of our students has the opportunity to shine. Auditions for this winter activity typically take place in October.

Past productions have included:

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONTACTS

Our Middle School Transition event, Stepping Into Middle School, provides a lot of information. If you have any questions that were not addressed, please do not hesitate to contact us.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM

KIM KNIAZ Middle School Principal

kimberly.kniaz@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 146

MARTIN BIRTHELMER

Middle School Vice Principal

martin.birthelmer@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 208

JESSICA SETZKORN

Middle School Principal, School Life

jessica.setzkorn@hsc.on.ca

905-389-1367, ext. 254

MENA SEBASTIANO Middle School Administrative Assistant

mena.sebastiano@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 132

JAN MORRISON

Vice Principal, Academics Gr. 5-12 jan.morrison@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 233

GIUSEPPE SCICHILONE

Grade Level Leader, Grade 5 Giuseppe.Scichilone@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 109

ALLAN GAUMOND

Grade Level Leader, Grade 6 allan.gaumond@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 141

COLM CORMICAN

Grade Level Leader, Grade 7 colm.cormican@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 278

JEFF BERA

Grade Level Leader, Grade 8 jeff.bera@hsc.on.ca 905-389-1367, ext. 218

EARLY ACCEPTANCE Offers Shared

Friday, December 13, 2024

VIRTUAL SCHOLARSHIP INTERVIEWS

Final Candidates

February 2025

VIRTUAL ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP EXAMS

(Incoming Grade 7 and 9 Students)

February 2025

HSC ENROLMENT TEAM

The Admissions Department is always happy to assist you with enrolment and ongoing enrolment questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

SHERIANN HEATHJOHNSTON, MSED., OCT Director of Enrolment

heathsh@hsc.on.ca

905-389-1367, ext. 106

VANESSA FERGUSON Enrolment Officer

vanessa.ferguson@hsc.on.ca

905-389-1367, ext. 191

RACHEL FORTUNE Enrolment Officer

rachel.fortune@hsc.on.ca

905-389-1367, ext. 137

TARA MEYER Registrar

tara.meyer@hsc.on.ca

905-389-1367, ext. 160