Water Bottle Workshops
The BSS Ecoteam and Environmental SHSM students, along with volunteers from Student Council, hosted the Annual Water Bottle Awareness Workshop for all grade 9 students this past Tuesday and Wednesday. The volunteers taught students about the importance of using reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic through an informative and engaging workshop. All students received a BSS reusable water bottle to use daily at any of the 6 water filling stations throughout the school. Thank you to our student volunteers, and grade 9 teachers, for their support of this initiative to keep BSS eco-friendly!
Terry Fox
Our Bayridge community walked the track in support of the Terry Fox foundation and cancer research. We also had a 'Pie in the Face' fundraiser in which a number of staff members volunteered for this event.
It's not too late to donate: https://schools.terryfox.ca/BayridgeSSKingston
Upcoming events:
September 28-October 2: National Truth and Reconciliation week
September 28: Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement test - Ms. Kirby's periods 1 and 3 Careers classes
September 29: LevelUp! Field trip
September 30: Orange shirt day
October 1: Algonquin College, 8:30 AM
October 2: Mayoral Debate
October 2: St. Lawrence College, 12:00 PM
October 5: Spirit Day - Dress as Adam Sandler Day
October 6: Spirit Day - Denim Day
October 7: Spirit Day - Blorange Day
October 7: Community Food Drive, 4-6 pm
October 8: Spirit Day - Superhero day
October 9: Spirit Day - Anything but a backpack day
October 12: Thanksgiving Monday
October 14: Cambrian College, 12 PM
October 14: Academic Awards, 6-8 pm
October 15: IEPs go home
October 21: Parent Guardian Night
October 28: SHSM Information evening
National Truth and Reconciliation Week & Orange Shirt Day
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, often referred to as Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we wear orange to show our support and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. We also have an opportunity to take meaningful action in our classrooms and throughout our school community. We aim to make Truth and Reconciliation something that we learn about, talk about, and actively work toward - not just on September 30th, but throughout the year.
Food Drive
BSS Mayoral Candidate Debate
BSS is pleased to once again host an all-candidates debate during the municipal election. A longstanding tradition at our school, everyone running to lead Kingston City Council - Grant Bedard, Connie Glenn, Vanessa Mensah and Bryan Paterson - have RSVP'd to participate on Friday, October 02, Period 2. Led by the Grade 12 Leadership course, and open to other interested classes, especially Grade 10 Civics/Careers, Blazers can meet and ask questions of our future mayor. Many of our period 2 classes (Brown, Cusson, Dearborn, Gambicourt, Gibson, Kiley Niemi and Smith) will be joining this event!
Student Services Information:
We are through the busy season of course changes, and past the time of joining classes due to how far into the semester it is. Extenuating circumstances will be considered by the appropriate Vice-Principal.
Academic Awards Celebration
Instagram account
We have created an Instagram account for you to follow all things BSS Student Services! Get updates on Colleges, Universities, timetable changes, course selection, SHSM, Dual Credit , Grad, credit support, IEP needs...you name it we've got it! Student services will be posting from Guidance, LPS, Student Success, Learning Commons and our ACW, Maggie!
Along with emails and announcements, this will be your go to for EVERYTHING going on from our department this year so please follow us so you don't miss out!
Your friendly neighborhood Student Services Team
Grade 12 Google Classroom
Data Verification Forms
Data Verification Forms have been sent home with students earlier this month. Please update your student's information and return it to the school as soon as possible to ensure we have accurate information. Please make special note of the Freedom of Information (FOI) section. This informs us as to whether your student can have their photo included in our newsletters, and yearbook.
June 2026 Report Cards
Report cards that weren't picked up in July can be picked up in Student Services this month.
Reminders
Attendance
Regular and punctual attendance is important! Please ensure you are using Safe Arrival to report explained absences such as appointment or illness.
BSS Hoodies
Student Photos
Medical Plans of Care:
Students with prevalent medical conditions (anaphylaxis/severe allergies, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or any other health-related need where a medical plan of care is needed) must have updated plans of care and relevant authorizations completed annually.
All plans of care and authorization forms can be found on the LDSB website Medical Procedures by selecting Section 300 – Student Related Forms. Please complete and return the appropriate forms via email bayss@limestone.on.ca or return to the main office. If you have any questions or need assistance completing the form(s), please contact the school 613-389-8932 or by email. We appreciate your timely attention to these forms so that we can ensure updated plans of care are put in place for the 2026-2027 school year.
Athletics and New Students
Any students who are new to BSS (transfer students, international students, etc.) who are interested in participating in any sports should see our Athletic Director, Mr. Sean Allen (allensw@limestone.on.ca) as soon as possible.
Concussion information
The Limestone District School Board is committed to helping all students succeed and lead safe, healthy, and active lives. As part of its commitment to student safety, injury prevention, and well-being, the Ministry of Education supports concussion awareness, prevention, identification, management, tracking, and training in schools through legislation, policy, and resources.
On March 7, 2018, the Ontario government enacted Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety), 2018, and amended the Education Act, to protect amateur athletes, including students, by improving concussion safety on the field and at school. The amendments to the Education Act came into force on July 1, 2019, and give the Minister of Education the authority to require school boards to comply with policy and guidelines on concussions, consistent with Rowan’s Law.
All school boards in Ontario are required to have a policy on concussion safety for students. These are outlined in Administrative Procedure 142: Concussions, as well as a variety of supporting resources and documents that outline a code of conduct for students and families, flow charts to identify and diagnose a concussion and assessment and management forms. The Ontario Physical Activity and Safety Standards in Education has information on their website regarding the concussion protocol.
Concussion awareness resources:
Limestone District School Board Concussion Codes of Conduct:
- Concussion Code of Conduct for Interschool Sports - Coach/Team Trainer
- Concussion Code of Conduct for Interschool Sports - Parent/Guardian
- Concussion Code of Conduct for Interschool Sports - Students
Assessment and Evaluation changes
The Ministry of Education released some changes at the start of the summer that are new starting this school year. Please see attached poster for information relevant to Assessment and Evaluation:
2026 08 31 Assessment Evaluation Family Poster
Community Connections
South Eastern Public Health
Kingston Police
Kingston Police have reminded the public that e-scooters are not currently permitted on municipal roads, sidewalks, trails, pathways, or other public spaces within the City of Kingston. Individuals who choose to operate e-scooters or similar devices that do not comply with provincial and municipal regulations may be subject to enforcement action, including charges, fines, vehicle impoundment, and other penalties where applicable. Riders are responsible for understanding and complying with all laws governing the operation of these devices. The City of Kingston has not yet opted into the pilot program and is currently reviewing e-scooters and other micromobility options through a process that will bring forward recommendations for Council’s consideration.
Kingston Police are committed to promoting road safety and will continue to enforce both provincial legislation and municipal bylaws related to e-scooters and other motorized devices. Riders should not assume that a device marketed as an e-scooter is legal to operate in Kingston or exempt from motor vehicle laws.
For more information about Ontario's e-scooter pilot program, visit ontario.ca/escooters.
Boys and Girls Club
We offer programs for children and youth ages 4 to 18, covering topics such as coding, robotics, 3D printing, STEAM, environmental science, and more. Programs run for 10 weeks, with 1 session per week lasting 1-2 hours. They are a great opportunity for students to continue exploring STEM, developing new skills, and building confidence outside of school hours. Over the past couple of years, we have delivered more than 50,000 hours of participant learning through our STEM & Robotics Centre. We are proud of the impact these programs have had in our community and are excited to continue providing opportunities for children and youth to explore STEM. Fall programs begin next week! See flyer for more information:
Fall 2026 STEM & Robotics Centre Digital Flyer
Hype tutoring
HYPE tutoring at Queen’s University offers free tutoring services for Kingston students who are interested. In the next couple of weeks, we will begin online or in-person sessions, depending on the student’s preference. Please fill out our tutor request form if interested:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQ1MyXXLuff3rHey86dB0yMYlNuZMbPPOEvQW0rjPS8YkcTg/viewform?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
Maltby AFFIRM group
City of Kingston
Keys Opportunity
We are currently recruiting for KEYS’ Next STEP – a youth employment program designed to help recent high school graduates make the transition from school into skilled trades, manufacturing, and other hands-on careers. Next STEP is a five-week experiential program running October 12 to November 13. Participants will explore career options, build workplace skills and confidence, receive safety training and certifications, meet employers and mentors, and gain hands-on exposure to skilled trades. Participants will receive a $20/day stipend, with paid work placement opportunities available following the program. We are looking for young people 25 and under who are recent high school graduates (within the last 3 years) and/or transitioning from school to work, are not yet established in a career, and are motivated to work, learn, and explore their options.
Please help us spread the word! If you are working with a young person who might be a good fit - or have connections with organizations, families or community partners who know young people who could benefit—please share the attached flyer.
To gain the most benefit from this program, participants must be:
- Able to commit to the full 5-week program
- Interested in career exploration with a focus on trades and manufacturing
- Motivated, reliable, and dependable
The training and workshops require Grade 10 literacy and CLB 5+ to fully participate and obtain the certifications.
Our two Career Pathways Coordinators are now working hard to recruit our first cohort, and referrals from across KEYS will be an important part of helping us find young people who are ready for this opportunity. Questions or referrals can be directed to nextstep@keys.ca or to Kasie and Gözde.
Mayoral Candidates meeting
Voter turnout was only 31% in 2022. You can help change that by setting an example and promoting opportunities to get informed.
Date: Thursday, October 8th
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, Press Room
Also available via recording.
We hope you join us and share this invitation widely.
An informed and politically engaged community is a healthy community.
Registration:
https://forms.gle/Y8yrNgJ36gVWLdMu9
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EGkntEY8U/
Loyalist College Fall Open House
Our Fall Open House will take place on Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a great opportunity for students to visit campus, explore our programs, meet faculty and staff, tour the campus, and get a feel for student life at Loyalist.
Students will also have the opportunity to connect with our Admissions team to ask questions about admission requirements, the application process, and their next steps. While students are welcome to learn more about how to apply, Open House will not be an application event and we will not be offering free applications. The standard Ontario college application fee of $150 will apply.
Youth Imagine the Future
Shad Canada Opportunities
Subject: Ready to think bigger this summer? Apply for Shad 2027.
Are you a curious, creative teen ready to take on big ideas and bold challenges? Shad Canada is now accepting applications for Summer 2027, open to a student like you.
Shad is a month-long, live-in STEAM and entrepreneurship program for Grade 10 & 11 students, held every July at post-secondary campuses across Canada. It's where students explore real-world problems, connect with like-minded peers, and build the confidence to lead in a changing world.
Why Students Love Shad:
- Hands-on design challenges that solve real-world issues
- Inspiring lectures from entrepreneurs, academics, and changemakers
- A community of 1,700+ students from across the country and an alumni network of 25,000+
- A post-secondary experience and friendships that last well beyond the program
🎓 Alumni have gone on to become Rhodes Scholars, founders, researchers, and leaders across fields from engineering to social impact.
💲Financial support available
Program Dates: July 4 – July 30, 2027
Early Application Deadline: November 8, 2026
Final Application Deadline: January 6, 2027
Referral code: EDU2027
Shad 2027: Live like a post-secondary student. Think like a founder|leader|doctor|innovator|scientist
Mental Health Supports
In response to tragic events, locally or globally, students may experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, confusion, worry, or questions about what they may be hearing from others. Students may react in different ways depending on their age, experiences, and how connected they feel to the situation. With time, reassurance, and support from caring adults, these reactions often ease.
We encourage families to keep lines of communication open at home, to invite questions, and to offer reassurance as needed. If you have concerns about your student or would like support, please refer to the following resources:
- Supporting Your Child’s Well-being
- Caring for yourself while caring for others: A parent’s guide to self-care
- By Your Side (parent/caregiver resources to support mental health learning)
- Maltby Centre
- One Stop Talk
- Kids Help Phone (Call 1-800-668-6868 or Text “Connect” to 686868)
- 2-1-1 Ontario
If you are worried about your student’s immediate safety, or the safety of others, please seek urgent assistance by calling 9-1-1, your local mobile crisis service (613-354-7388), or by going to the nearest emergency department.
LGBT YouthLine
YouthLine's Resource Library is an amazing tool for both students and educators. It's a great place to learn about 2SLGBTQ+ identities, coming out, self-care, Trans resources, wellness, and more. You can find links to a wide variety of articles, podcasts, and other amazing resources. Our resource library also has a referral database to help connect 2SLGBTQ+ youth with local services. This referral database is for in-person and location-based services, organizations, and collectives across Ontario.
Peer Support HelpLine
Our HelpLine is available for 2SLGBTQ+ youth under 30. It's staffed by peer support volunteers. These volunteers are all 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 16-29, living across Ontario. They're trained in active listening, anti-racism, harm reduction, and topics related to gender and sexuality. Some common things people call, text, or chat to talk about include:
- Questioning gender identity and/or sexual orientation
- Coming out
- Mental health
- Relationships with friends, partners, and family
- Feeling socially isolated
- Seeking referrals to resources and supports online and in your community
- ...or just to chat!
You can access it by text at (647) 694 4275, or chat online at youthline.ca. The HelpLine is open from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30PM EST.
Habitat Kingston
At Habitat Kingston, students have the chance to gain meaningful, hands-on work experience while contributing to a cause that directly impacts local families. Our work focuses on building safe, decent, and affordable housing in our community—helping families build strength, stability, and independence through homeownership.
Students aged 15 and older are also welcome to complete their community volunteer hours with us. To sign up for volunteer shifts, they can visit https://www.habitatkingston.com/volunteer