Issuu

Welcome to Senior School

GR TStart

Learn with Jo y. Li ve with Purpose.

Hillfield Strathallan College

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.

GR TStart

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 2029!

AGENDA

Welcome

Purpose of Gr8t Start

The Academic Journey

Rotations

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

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.

GRADE 9 FOCUS

» Middle School transition

» Leadership development

» Identifying strengths and interests

» Introducing volunteer requirements

» Academic counselling

» Academic support

» Tutorial programming

COURSES 2025–2026

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.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GRADUATE?

To successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students must complete the following:

» 30 credits (17 compulsory credits, 13 electives)

» 40 community involvement hours

» Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

Additional Requirements

» Starting in September 2025, you must earn a new financial literacy graduation requirement as part of your compulsory Grade 10 mathematics course. (70% or higher to pass this new requirement)

» Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

» 40 hours of community involvement activities (volunteering). You can start collecting volunteer hours in the summer before Grade 9.

The following are the 17 compulsory credits

» 4 credits in English

» 3 credits in mathematics

» 2 credits in science

» 1 credit in technological education

» 1 credit in Canadian history

» 1 credit in Canadian geography

» 1 credit in the arts

» 1 credit in health and physical education

» 1 credit in French as a second language

» 0.5 credit in career studies

» 0.5 credit in civics and citizenship

» 1 credit from STEM-related courses

STEM-Related Courses:

» Business studies

» Computer studies

» Cooperative education

» Mathematics (in addition to the 3 compulsory credits currently required)

» Science (in addition to the 2 compulsory credits currently required)

» Technological education (in addition to the 1 compulsory credit required)

ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL DIPLOMA (OSSD) REQUIREMENTS

This chart is a typical progression that ensures all graduation requirements are met 

» Most compulsory credits are completed in the first two years of high school to balance schedules and give students exposure to all departments, helping them make informed choices in later years.

» Elective options expand in Grades 11 and 12, allowing students to focus on their preferred pathways.

» In Grade 9, students can choose an arts and a physical education credit from the following options:

› Arts: instrumental music, vocal music, drama, visual arts, integrated arts

› Physical Education: PPL100: open to all students, PPL10X: For female-identifying and non-binary students, PPL10Y: for male-identifying and non-binary students.

» For students planning to study outside Ontario, a second language beyond Grade 9 is typically required.

Students will meet regularly with guidance counsellors for pathway planning and course selection.

» Beginning September 2025, a financial literacy requirement will be part of the compulsory Grade 10 mathematics course (minimum 70 per cent needed), in addition to passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), typically written in Grade 10.

» Students can start their community involvement (volunteering) the summer before Grade 9.

ROUTE

Grade 9

English

Math

Science

French

Canadian History

Technology and the Skilled Trades

Civics and Citizenship (half credit-online)

Arts Elective

Physical Education Elective

Grade 10

English

Math

Science

Geography

Careers (half credit-online)

STEM-related course

Elective

Grade 11

English

Math

Any requirement not completed

Elective

Elective (or work period)

Grade 12

English

Any requirement not completed

Elective

Elective (or work period)

GRADE 9 COURSE SELECTION FAQS

How many courses do I take in Grade 9?

In Grade 9, students typically enrol in 8.5 courses. The .5 represents civics and citizenship, which is a half-credit online course, indicating its duration is half that of a full-credit course. The remaining 8 courses typically encompass a well-rounded curriculum, including English, Canadian history, French, science, mathematics, technology and the skilled trades, health and physical education, as well as an arts credit.

Can you tell me more about the online civics and citizenship course?

Civics is a branch of political study that examines the rights and responsibilities of Canadians, the roles of government, and ways for individuals to engage in the political process and advocate for important issues. Studying civics helps students become informed, engaged, and active citizens within their communities—locally, nationally, and globally. The online format of this course fosters essential skills like time management and organization, which are valuable throughout high school. Additional support is available through tutorial sessions.

What are my options for a physical education elective in Grade 9?

In Grade 9, students can choose between the following physical education options: PPL100 (open to all), PPL10X (for female-identifying and non-binary students) or PPL10Y (for maleidentifying and non-binary students).

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.

QUESTIONS? For other academic inquiries, please email academicinquiry@hsc.on.ca.

Are there different levels of courses to consider (i.e., academic vs. applied)?

In September 2022, the Ministry of Education announced that Grade 9 students would take classes in a single stream rather than separate applied or academic tracks. At HSC, we are dedicated to supporting students at their individual learning levels, and we will continue to provide academic support and enrichment opportunities for all. After Grade 9, we primarily offer academic courses.

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?

Students entering Grade 9 in September 2025 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 technology and the skilled trades course will meet this requirement and is recommended for all students in Grade 9.

What options are there for French pathways?

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.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

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 university-level courses. 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.

9 AP subjects offered per year

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

D = Academic

O = Open

P = Applied

W = Destreamed

The sixth space is a school indicator and does not appear on an official transcript.

TIMETABLE, DAILY SCHEDULE & FLEX TIME

TIMETABLE

HSC’s Senior School operates in a semestered timetable where students take up to four courses in Semester 1 and then switch to a different four courses in Semester 2. Our timetable is also a tumbling block timetable; this means that students do not have the same courses at the same time every day. The courses tumble according to the following schedule:

DAILY SCHEDULE

In instances where there are special events or activities, such as Remembrance Day for example, that day’s unique schedule will be posted on the myHSC calendar. Otherwise, each school day operates according to the following schedule:

TUTORIAL GROUP MEETINGS

The tutorial program aims to cultivate connection, community and belonging by providing a supportive network for students and fostering both personal and academic growth. This network consists of a lead teacher and grade level peers who will be together throughout their Senior School journey. The program aims to develop the whole student with an emphasis on inclusivity, social-emotional learning and skill development, ultimately preparing students for success in post-secondary studies and beyond.

FLEX TIME

Flex time is an important feature of the daily schedule and contains valuable programming that often transcends all areas of the curriculum. In a typical week, flex time will happen according to the following schedule:

2024–2025 KEY ACADEMIC DATES

Here are the estimated key academic dates for the upcoming school year. Please note that these dates may be subject to change.

DATE EVENT

October

November

Semester 1 parent-teacherstudent interviews

Mid-semester report cards available in myHSC

January Semester 1 final examinations

February & March

April

Semester 2 parent-teacherstudent interviews

Mid-semester report cards available in myHSC

June Semester 2 final examinations

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTRE

The Student Success Centre (SSC) team consists of faculty and staff who provide academic and course guidance, post-secondary planning, and learning support. Our social worker offers social and emotional support, while teaching assistants are available to further assist with student learning. Each house is supported by a dedicated team of four guidance counsellors, assigned to work closely with students.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

To recognize the unique needs of individual learners, and to help students develop executive functioning skills, students choose how to best spend this time in pursuit of their curricular goals. This can include seeking extra help in a particular subject, studying quietly in the Senior Learning Commons, or finding a space to collaborate on a group project. Teachers and classrooms from all subject departments are available during this time. Vice-Principals supervise the hallways to ensure all students are engaged in an academic endeavour. Academic support is also available each week during Flex.

WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

According to the Ontario Ministry of Education, “Students’ health and wellbeing contribute to their ability to learn in all disciplines, and that learning in turn contributes to their overall wellbeing. A well-rounded educational experience prioritizes wellbeing and academic success for all students by promoting physical and mental health, social-emotional learning and inclusion”. For this reason, we ensure that each student engages in a wellness activity of their choice, either during Flex or after school. The activities available vary by term, but always include a variety of physical activities, creative pursuits and mindfulness activities.

CHAPEL

Chapel is a longstanding tradition at HSC, and while it dates back to the school’s Protestant roots, over the years this weekly occasion has evolved into a special opportunity to gather as a College to reflect and celebrate. While some traditional elements of “original” Chapel remain, such as story-telling and singing, these items are inspirational rather than religious, reflective rather than worshipful.

Chapel is also one way that HSC celebrates its own diversity and delivers a culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy. According to the Ontario Ministry of Education, “In an inclusive education system, students must see themselves reflected in the curriculum, their physical surroundings, and the broader environment, so that they can feel engaged in and empowered by their learning experiences”. Through educational and artistic/musical presentations by various cultural and/or affinity groups throughout the academic year, the College collectively learns about Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation, Black Excellence, and the annual religious celebrations of many different faith groups.

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 12 Student,

Chaya Ganatra

COLLEGE LIFE

LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND CHARACTER EDUCATION

Every Grade 9 student is encouraged to do the following:

» Get involved in activities, clubs and sports.

» 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.

» Get involved in leadership activities.

» Participate in meaningful service initiatives and groups that raise funds and awareness to support local and international service projects.

» Enthusiastically get involved in the life of the College community.

A BROAD RANGE OF SUPPORT

» Small class sizes ensure studentteacher contact time is optimized.

» Faculty members are available during Flex Time and after school.

» Every Senior School student is a member of a tutorial group and meets weekly with their tutorial leader.

» The College prides itself on its partnership and communication with parents to support the learning needs of students.

100+ credit courses offered

Parent and student information portal

of grads receive a post-secondary school offer 100%

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.

I think the most impactful experience was fire building, since it was super rewarding to see my fire grow bigger and bigger.

Grade 9 Student

The most memorable experience during E-week was the competition on the last day where we all had a part to do with our team, getting to see everyone’s talents and more.

Grade 9 Student

My most impactful or memorable experience during E-week was kayaking. It was really fun for me, even when I sank.

Grade 9 Student

It was a fun experience where I got to make friends with all new and different kinds of people in my grade!

Grade 9 Student

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

*Activities are subject to change

SCHOOL/COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

SMASH - Student Helpers

Peer Tutors

English Conversation Circle

Elev8

Empowerment Squared

Wee Braveheart

College Prefects

House Captains

Junior Teaching Assistants

Student Ambassadors

Service Council

Green Team

ARTS, MUSIC AND DRAMA

Art Club

Quills Literary Magazine

Photography Club

Grade 9 Band

Wind Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble

Vocal Ensemble

Fall Musical Production

Spring Theatrical Production

Stage Crew and Set Design

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)

CLUBS

STEM Club

Model United Nations HOSA

Reach for the Top

Vex Robotics

Debate and Public Speaking Club

Competitive Business Club (CBC)

GenZ Workforce

Science/BASEF

Coding Club

Investment Club

Senior Society

INTER-SCHOOL ATHETICS (CISAA & OFSAA)

Skiing

Wrestling

Badminton

Varsity Boys’ Slo Pitch

Basketball

Cross Country

Swimming

Golf

Tennis

Rugby

Soccer

Track

Volleyball

Hockey

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

I’ve had an amazing time in Grade 9 so far at HSC! It’s so awesome meeting old friends from Middle school, but making new friends too. What I continue to love about HSC is the variety of available activities.

There’s something for everyone! Whether you enjoy sports, arts, or academics, there are always tons of options to choose from. For example, I’ve joined the Grade 9 band and the musical!

The school also hosts events such as community sports games, house challenges, and art showcases, celebrating our skills and passions. I can’t wait to try out for the spring play or maybe even join the track team.

I can’t recommend HSC enough if you’re looking for a place where you can explore your interests and make great memories you’ll remember for a lifetime. Go HSC!

Grade 9 Student, Nicholas

Szpakowski

2019 – 2024 GRADS

Our recent graduates from 2019 – 2024 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

CANADA

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 *

UK

& INT’L UNITED STATES

Boston University

Carnegie Mellon University *

Cornell University *

Emory University

Franklin and Marshall College *

Georgia Tech University

Johns Hopkins University

Hofstra University

Laguana College of Art and Design

Life University *

New York University

Northwestern University

Ohio State University

Pacific University

Parsons School of Design

Penn State University

Purdue University *

Rhode Island School of Art and Design *

Savannah College of Art & Design

School of the Art Institude of Chicago *

Syracuse University

The New School *

Tufts University *

Tulane University

University of Michigan

University of California *

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

Univeristy of Washington *

Wake Forest University

Washington University *

of HSC graduates recieve a post-secondary offer

+ of HSC graduates are Ontario scholars

Bader College - Queen’s University

Bond University

Durham University *

King’s College London

Imperial College London

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 College London *

University of Birmingham

University of Edinburgh *

University of Cambridge *

University College London *

University College Dublin *

University of Exeter *

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 provides valuable networking opportunities that connect students and alumni with career advice from fellow alumni, employees, and parents. Through one-on-one consultations, you can easily access careerrelated guidance on various paths and industries, improve your résumé, and enhance your interview skills—all within the supportive HSC community network.

SCHOLARSHIPS

HSC is pleased to offer several merit-based and needs-based scholarships and bursaries annually.

GRADE 9

ALUMNI LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

GRADES 9 TO 11

BEAR FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP GRADES 5 TO 8

ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

GRADES 9 TO 11

ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

M4/JK TO 12 FINANCIAL BURSARY PROGRAM

GRADE 9

MORGAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

GRADES 5 TO 8

MANBERT/ SERNIUK FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

GRADES 7 AND 9

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP

GRADES 5 TO 9

QIN/YANG FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

GRADE 9

ALUMNI LEGACY HONORARIUM

Visit hsc.on.ca/meritawards for eligibility and required details.

SENIOR SCHOOL CONTACTS

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.