What does Teaching look like at Hillcrest Academy?
The staff at Hillcrest Academy has high expectations for all students, both academically and behaviorally. Quality teaching and learning are very important to us. We work as a cooperative team where we model positive habits for our students in and out of the classroom. We believe in supporting one another to be the best professionals we can be. We foster a positive and caring school culture where we put students first. We are committed to extra curricular activities and value our partnerships with parents and the community. We offer a unique bilingual program in which students are immersed in English subjects one week and French subjects every alternate week. Our Hillcrest Academy Values include Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance and Kindness.
Our School and Community
Hillcrest Academy is a preschool through Grade 6 elementary school committed to ensuring academic success and the emotional well-being of our Laval students. Servicing Western Chomedey, southern Ste. Dorothée, Laval-sur-le-Lac sectors as well as out of zone students. Hillcrest is located at 265 Bladen in Chomedey Laval.
Building
Our building has received many renovations in the past five years: new windows, air conditioning, and renovated offices for secretaries, administration, educational professionals, behaviour technicians, and resource teachers. We have enlarged our parking lot to accommodate staff and parents.
Our Educational Institution
As we move towards a one-to-one technology initiative in Cycles 2 and 3, many classes are equipped with a class set of Chromebooks or iPads. Cycle 1 is benefitting from iPads in mobile carts and robotic kits. All our classes are equipped with SMART Technology and voice amplication system. Students have access to flexible seating and multisensory tools when needed in all classrooms. We are also equipped with a multi-sensory room and with the technology necessary for video conferencing.
A large focus of our work has been placed upon outdoor education and the need for stepping outside the traditional classroom environment. We have three distinct outdoor spaces. Our main yard includes two large soccer fields, an outdoor classroom, two large play structures, a basketball court and a paved play area. Our Kindergarten yard includes several small play structures and outdoor equipment. Our preschool yard includes a large play structure and a shady, grassy area for students to enjoy.
Students
We take pride in our commitment to inclusion. Hillcrest Academy offers students learning activities in a positive and enriching environment. In 2023-2024, Hillcrest Academy’s population includes 53 students following an Individualized Education Plan and 14 students with a MEQ EHDAA code.
Staff
Our dedicated and skilled staff comprise a Principal, a Vice-Principal and 32 teachers: 27 teachers, one music teacher, two full time physical education instructors, and one part time and two resource teachers. 25 teachers are permanent, indicating a high rate of stability. We employ one full-time School Secretary, and one part-time office agent. Our library is staffed with a full-time library technician. We benefit from two full time custodians (one day/one evening). We also have a full-time behaviour technician who provides children with one-on-one and small group support for their emotional and behavioral needs.
We have nine part-time attendants supporting our students with special needs. The support and guidance they provide gives the students the structure they need to be more successful.
The daycare technician, our 4 daycare educators and 21 lunchtime supervisors complete the school’s team. Other professionals are available from the school board for consultation as needed, such as the Speech and Language Pathologist, an Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, Special Needs consultant, Pedagogical Consultants and School Climate Consultants. The teaching staff in particular is extremely involved in both school and community programming. Staff run in-school extra-curricular activities most days at lunch and occasionally on Pedagogical days. Teaching staff also run and participate in many committees such as the Leadership Committee, Governing Board, Anti-violence and Anti-Bullying, Social Committee, and Teacher Council to name a few.
We offer a broad range of extra-curricular activities facilitated by our teaching staff and HAHSA (Hillcrest Academy Home and School Association). 180 students (39%) participate in after school extra-curricular activities organized by HAHSA.
| Greek | Playground Leadership |
| Cooking | Kinball |
| Fusion Sports | School Play |
| Soccer | Painting Club |
| Basketball | Captain Squad |
| Dance | Ski Club |
| Hockey | Sports League |
| Cross Country | House Band |
| Reading clubVariety show | Flutenvol |
Families and Communities
Hillcrest Academy benefits from an active Governing Board, as well as a Home and School (HAHSA); both are involved in many aspects of school life, including policy development, volunteering and fundraising. Our parents/guardians have raised funds for different school projects such as an outdoor classroom, playground equipment, technology, air condition units, school-wide and community events, and to support the purchase of classroom materials. Their support is integral to the school’s success.
Partnerships
Hillcrest Academy works with a variety of outside services that support our student’s educational and social/emotional needs. We benefit from an on-site social worker from the CIUSS de Laval who visits the school on a weekly basis. The Social Worker is available to work with teachers, students and families to improve individual and collective well-being. We work in close collaboration with the “Group Promotion Mouvement de Laval” which supports teachers to afford students opportunities to learn through outdoor play.
Approaches to Learning
The course of study follows the prescribed Ministry of Education Curriculum and is based on a bilingual model. Pre-Kindergarten and grades 1-6 spend one week immersed in French subjects and alternate weeks immersed in English subjects. Kindergarten offers an 80% French curriculum and 20% English curriculum.