Hillcrest Public School

Today, several of our classes had the chance to attend the Water Festival in Chatham — a hands-on learning event all about our most precious resource: water! Students explored engaging stations, learned how to protect our waterways, discovered how clean water gets to our taps, and even picked up some great tips on conservation and sustainability. A big thank you to the organizers for helping our students understand the importance of water in our daily lives — and how we can all do our part to take care of it! 💙🌍🚰

🧡 **National Day for Truth and Reconciliation** 🧡

Today, we honoured the lives of Indigenous children, families, and communities affected by residential schools. As students and staff, we wore orange to show our support and respect. We participated in meaningful discussions, read powerful books, watched videos, painted as part of an artist-led Truth and Reconciliation activity, and tied ribbons to remember and reflect.

Each experience helped us learn more about the truth of our shared history and the importance of reconciliation. We stand together in respect, reflection, and commitment to a better future.

#OrangeShirtDay #TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters

On Tuesday, September 30th, the LKDSB will acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and participate in Orange Shirt Day.

We are incredibly grateful to our community partners at Kiwanis and Staples for their generous donation of school supplies. Your support ensures that our students have the tools they need to start the year off right and focus on what matters most — learning!

Today, we ran.
We ran for Terry.
We ran for our loved ones.
We ran for hope.
We ran to help beat cancer.

It's not too late to make a difference - donations are still welcome.
https://schools.terryfox.ca/104238

🚍 Bus Evacuation Training Today! 🚨 Today, our students participated in school bus evacuation training — an important part of learning how to stay safe during an emergency. We practised exiting the bus quickly and calmly, learned how to follow safety instructions, and discussed what to do if something unexpected happens during a ride. Knowing what to do in an emergency helps build confidence and keeps everyone safe.

🏀✨ Basketball STEM Challenge ✨🏀 This week, students took their learning to the next level by combining science, engineering, and teamwork in a hands-on Basketball STEM Challenge! Working alongside Mme Olah, students designed and built their own basketball launchers using everyday materials. They explored concepts like force, angles, trajectory, and measurement—all while aiming for the perfect shot! 🎉 The results? Innovative designs, lots of laughter, and a deeper understanding of STEM in action. We’re so proud of their creativity and collaboration!

On September 25, we celebrate French-language pride in Ontario! Our French Immersion students will take part in cultural activities, songs, art, and conversations to deepen their understanding of the French-speaking community in our province. 🟩 Portez du vert et blanc pour montrer votre fierté franco-ontarienne! Wear green and white to show your Franco-Ontarian pride!

Time to pick out the perfect fit for picture day! October 7th.

Students of all grades will be learning about school bus safety this week. On Wednesday, we will practise emergency evacuations and on Friday, we have presentations. We encourage you to speak to your child about what they learned.

Check out our School Council's new fundraiser!

This is a great opportunity to pick up your harvest favourites in time for Thanksgiving dinner. Families are welcome to share this post and place orders on School Cash online for family and friends.

Hillcrest is excited to be part of the annual Terry Fox Run. Students will lace up on September 26th to continue Terry's Run. Please consider making a donation on our school's behalf.
https://schools.terryfox.ca/104238

Come join us at our Open House this Thursday. Come tour the classroom, meet your child's teacher and enjoy dinner provided by the Lion's Club.

Check out our new offerings!

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Members of Parliament! We can't wait to see you grow in your leadership this year.

🎉 Congratulations to All Our Student Parliament Candidates! 🎉 To every student who put their name forward in this year’s student parliament elections—bravo! It takes courage, conviction, and a deep sense of responsibility to step up and represent your peers. Whether you won a seat or not, your willingness to lead, listen, and make a difference speaks volumes about your character.

Sometimes, and for many different reasons, our students can face challenges. A missing lunch, a ripped shirt, or simply not having what they need to succeed can cause feelings of panic, stress and anxiety. Thanks to Noelle’s Gift Closets, students can access what they need -quickly and discreetly- so they can return to their day feeling cared for, confident, and ready to learn. 💙 We’re excited to share that the Noelle’s Gift Closet Initiative is opening the door for local businesses and organizations to become “Closet Sponsors.” Sponsorship helps keep these closets stocked and ensures students always have access to the essentials they need to thrive. 🌟 Want to learn more about this incredible initiative or explore how you can make a difference? Visit 👉 www.noellesgift.ca Together, we can make every day a little brighter for our students. 💫

With the first day of school just around the corner, we know you are making your plans for before and after school. Here is a reminder of our new bell times that were shared with you last spring.

We can't wait to welcome all of our new Junior Kindergarten students tomorrow!