Our Students
Hillcrest welcomes a diverse student population. Our students come to us from our feeder schools including Vincent Massey PS, Alta Vista PS, Featherstone PS, Hawthorne PS, and Roberta Bondar PS. We also have a history of welcoming and supporting international students who are seeking to broaden their learning by studying in Canada. Many of our students seek post -secondary education and are supported by scholarships and bursaries. Highlights each year include the international trips and exchanges that staff organize to broaden our students learning experiences.
Our Staff
Our teachers, educational assistants, support, and care staff are our key resources in providing an excellent learning environment. Parents and students describe our staff as dedicated, knowledgeable, committed, and caring. Professional development is a key focus for staff as they work to enhance student learning opportunities.
Mission Statement
With mutual respect and celebrating human persity, Hillcrest High School strives for excellence to impact our world through leadership, compassion, knowledge, and integrity.
Our Community
We welcome and encourage volunteers in our school. Parents and other volunteers have contributed a great deal of time and support towards making Hillcrest a warm and caring place to be. The School Council is a volunteer group of parents/guardians, community representatives, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students. School Council is dedicated to strengthening educational opportunities and partnerships with the community. Meetings are held in our library on the fourth Tuesday of each school month (except December and June) beginning at 7:00 pm. Parents are encouraged to attend and become actively involved in making Hillcrest “Soar to Excellence."
Facilities and Resources
The school has the many advantages of a traditional building including:
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Comprehensive classrooms, arts, and science facilities.
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A 700 seat auditorium and a modern library.
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A double gym with permanent bleachers and a smaller gym.
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Five computer labs.
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Dedicated classrooms for Transportation Technology (Auto), Electrical, Drafting, and Communications Technology.
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Two full-sized playing fields.
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A FIFA regulation-size artificial turf field!
Programs and Services
Academic Programs
Hillcrest offers an academic program leading to a wide range of post-secondary options. Our students continue their learning at college or university, through apprenticeship programs, while others move onto the world of work. Whatever the goal, we want to support our students so that they can be successful at all that they do! Specialty programs include: The Focus Program - Manufacturing Technology, French Immersion, International Languages, Outdoor Education, Food and Nutrition, Broad-based Technology and Computer Science, Cooperative Education and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). We also offer University Advanced Placement exams (AP) and comprehensive programs in traditional academics, arts, physical education, student leadership (LINK), technology, and business.
Hillcrest is one of six OCDSB secondary schools piloting the new International Certificate Program. This program recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to global citizenship through the study of an international language other than English or French, complete internationally focused course work in some of their senior classes, and participate in an internationally focused project. More information on this program can be found here.
Classroom Organization
Hillcrest High School offers grades 9 through 12 courses on a semester timetable. Students also have shared activities that include social issues, goal setting, multicultural experiences and education planning.
Special Education and ESL Programs
Resource support and educational assessments are under the direction of our Learning Support Teachers. Educational Assistants and Board Special Services staff also provide assistance to students. A designated classroom is set aside to provide students with academic support and we have added a designated classroom for Student Success. Hillcrest also offers a Developmental Disabilities Program and an Asperger's Program, both of which support our students to reach their full potential.
Clubs and Activities
Our clubs, teams, and student organizations are the source of our spirit at Hillcrest! Students have the opportunity to display their talents and achievements in drama productions, music performances, visual arts displays, Leadership initiatives, athletics, and community involvement. We are successful participants in inter-scholastic sports and have a strong intramural program including Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey, Baseball, Tennis, Rugby, Swimming, and Track and Field. New clubs and opportunities develop each year including Link, Percussion, and Athletic Leadership. Our Fitness club provides cardio and resistance equipment, and instruction and information of proper fitness training. Students are always welcome and encouraged to participate in our many clubs and activities.