On September 30th, Bayridge Secondary School recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Throughout the day, staff and students engaged in learning that focused on Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives, and ways of knowing. Learning took place in many different ways across the school. Classes explored presentations and videos, as well as Indigenous-created resources, including books, artwork, and other materials. Teachers incorporated opportunities for students to listen, reflect, ask questions, and consider perspectives that may not always be represented in traditional classroom learning. Some classes also explored how colonialism has shaped different subject areas and systems in Canada. For example, students in Science considered how knowledge and understanding can be shaped by culture and perspective, and how Indigenous ways of knowing can offer valuable insights that may not always be included in conventional approaches to learning. The day provided an opportunity for our school community to learn more about the experiences and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonialism, and consider how we can continue learning and moving forward on the journey of Truth and Reconciliation.
On September 29th, Bayridge took 40 students to the Slush Puppy Place for the LevelUp! skilled trades career fair. Our students had the opportunity to explore various skilled trades and get hands-on experience through interactive exhibits and conversations with skilled trades professionals. Students returned to BSS inspired and excited about what opportunities are waiting for them as they plan their future. Students are also encouraged to consider the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) opportunities available to them now at BSS which can then lead into a future in the skilled trades. For more information about SHSM at Bayridge, please visit this link, have your student make an appointment to speak with one of our guidance counsellors, or come to the upcoming SHSM information evening on October 28th (see more info below). The future is bright for our Blazers!
Our Business Leadership class did a great job hosting a debate between Kingston's mayoral candidates. Many students benefitted from the opportunity to watch respectful and meaningful discourse between candidates, and asked thoughtful questions.
https://www.thewhig.com/news/kingston-mayoral-candidates-face-students-at-bayridge-s-s/
A big shout-out to our Special Olympics Soccer Team for their fantastic effort at LCVI! Our athletes played with heart, cheered each other on, and showed outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship. You were terrific representatives of BSS and made our school proud! Way to go, Blazers!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our food drive! Thank you to all homeroom classes, students who went door-to-door this past Wednesday, and all of our staff drivers. Because of your efforts, we donated a total of 1,275 pounds of food to the Food Drive. Thank you for helping give back to our community!
The Junior Eastern Ontario High School Tennis Championships took place yesterday. Bayridge’s own KASSAA Gold medalists Addy Swaine and Chase Smith were up against some stiff competition in the mixed doubles draw. The Bayridge duo started the tournament with impressive 6-3 and 6-0 victories before facing last year’s EOSSAA champions in the undefeated match. Although they fell just short in a close 8-6 battle, they bounced back with an 8-4 win to earn a spot in the gold medal match and a rematch against the defending champions. In the final, the opposition proved just a little too tough, but Addy and Chase competed hard from start to finish, earning an outstanding Eastern Ontario silver medal! Throughout the day, they showcased the confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, and athleticism we have come to expect from Blazer athletes. Congratulations to Addy Swaine and Chase Smith on this remarkable achievement!
The senior EOSSAA Tennis championships were held on Thursday, Oct 8th and Lili Mis and Nela Zikmundova were representing Bayridge after winning KASSAA Gold. The girls played a tough team in their first match and lost, but won three in a row to get all the way back to the quarterfinals. They lost a tough match after running out of steam a bit, but their deep run was very impressive and they played some amazing tennis!
Parents/guardians of students in grades 9 and 10, and of those students experiencing difficulties in grades 11 and 12, should have heard this week (or earlier) from their child's teachers with an early progress update.
Upcoming events:
October 12: Thanksgiving Monday
October 14: Cambrian College, 12 PM
October 14: Academic Awards, 6-8 pm
October 14: Bookings open on SchoolDay for Parent Teacher Night
October 15: IEPs go home
October 16: Student Council Movie Night, 5 PM
October 19: Media Day (Photos of clubs/teams for Yearbook)
October 19: Trent University, 1 PM
October 21: Parent Guardian Night
October 23: Fall Assembly for students
October 26: PD Day
October 27: School Council meeting, 6:30 PM
October 28: SHSM Information evening
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 need to 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
SHSM Information Evening - October 28
Grade 12 Google Classroom
Data Verification Forms
Data Verification Forms have been sent home with students. 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.
Reminders
Parking Concerns
2. Please adhere to our new clearly marked signs, and do not park in the space needed for our students riding accessible buses.
3. Keep our designated accessible parking spaces available for students, family members, and visitors with accessibility needs. If you are simply dropping off or picking up your child, please use another available parking area and leave these spaces open. This includes situations where a driver or passenger has accessibility needs but is remaining in the vehicle and does not need the accessible space to enter the building. Using these spaces for short-term waiting or pickup can create significant barriers for members of our school community who rely on them.
4. Please use the parking lot if you are picking up your child. We are fortunate to have ample parking, so there is no need to create a backlog of cars, which creates traffic concerns, and safety concerns for our student walkers.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep our school safe and accessible for everyone.
Attendance
Regular and punctual attendance is important! Please ensure you are using Safe Arrival to report explained absences such as appointments or illness.
BSS Hoodies
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 2026-27 school year.
Athletics
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.
All Student Athletes must complete the following ASAP:
Human Rights and Athletics Module
The Human Rights and Athletics Module has been assigned to all secondary LDSB students. Student athletes are to complete the training asap. Once completed, you will receive a certificate of completion. Students will find the resource in the # Extra Curricular semester tab, inside the My Minds Online Courses widget on the LDSB Secondary Homepage within Minds Online.
https://ldsb.elearningontario.ca Clicking the Content icon on the course homepage will open the course content area.
Limestone District School Board Concussion Codes of Conduct:
Concussion Code of Conduct for Interschool Sports - Students
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, flowcharts 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 09 30 Assessment Evaluation Family Guide
2026 09 30 LDSB Attendance and Participation Information For Families
Artificial Intelligence in Limestone
In the Limestone District School Board, we are committed to helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to navigate today’s digital world. Technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), is already part of students’ everyday lives, and learning how to use it in a thoughtful and responsible way is important for their success in school and beyond. We want all students to feel safe, supported, and informed when using digital tools. Students are learning about how technology can affect learning, mental health, and well-being, and how we can help students build healthy, balanced habits with their use of technology. Students are also exploring how tools like AI can support learning and problem-solving in positive and meaningful ways. Our focus is on helping students become confident and responsible digital citizens who can use technology thoughtfully and safely to support their learning and well-being, both at school and at home.
Learn More:
Upcoming Events
TruEarth Eco-team fundraiser
Our Eco-team is fundraising through TruEarth. Please see link below:
Fall Photo Gallery
Photos are due by Friday, October 16th. The best photo will win a jar of candy. Submit photos to bssphotogallery@gmail.com
Indigenous, Black, and Racialized LDSB Secondary School
This special Career Day has been created for Indigenous, Black, and Racialized LDSB secondary school students. A day to explore exciting career paths, connect with professionals who reflect your lived experiences, and gain the tools to build your future with confidence.
Lunch and snacks provided.
This empowering event is designed to highlight diverse voices and break down barriers by showcasing successful Indigenous, Black, and racialized professionals across a wide range of industries from business, healthcare, and STEM, to the arts, trades, law, media, and more.
- Interactive workshops
- Inspiring guest speakers and panels
- Real-life mentorship and networking opportunities
- Meet with guidance counsellors to plan your future
Why attend?
- Ask questions, get advice, and find out how to turn your interests into careers.
- Discover scholarships, programs, and resources to help you succeed.
Whether you’re just starting to think about your future, or you already have a plan, this event is for you.
Registration link: 2026 LDSB Indigenous, Black, and Racialized Career Day – Fill out form
Community Connections
School Travel Survey 2026
Your responses will provide valuable insights into travel patterns and help inform future active school travel initiatives, such as new policies, programs, and infrastructure improvements.
This survey is conducted annually to help understand how travel patterns may be changing over time and the impact of the changes are we making.
Get involved: Take the survey
Take the online survey(External link) by Oct. 18. The link will take you to our ArcGIS page, where the survey is hosted.
If you need the survey in an alternate format, please email GetInvolvedKingston@CityofKingston.ca(External link).
Barbara Coloroso
Free Community Event: An Evening with Barbara Coloroso – Monday, October 26, 2026
Join us on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Napanee District Secondary School (245 Belleville Road, Napanee) for an evening with best-selling author and parent educator Barbara Coloroso.
With humour, heart, and real-world wisdom, Barbara inspires parents, educators, and community members to raise resilient, empathetic children while building stronger relationships and connections.
Barbara is the author of the best-selling books Kids Are Worth It! and The Bully, the Bullied, and the Not-So-Innocent Bystander.
This free community event is open to all; however, registration is required An Evening with Barbara Coloroso Tickets, Monday, October 26 • 6 PM - 8 PM | Eventbrite
. Attendees are also invited to submit questions in advance through the registration form
Unnamed Youth Project Youth Symposium - October 30th
Please find information attached and below regarding a community-organized event/initiative for students in grades 7-12. This is not an LDSB organized event. Students will independently register for and attend the event.
The Unnamed Youth Project (UYP) is an upstream, community-wide approach targeting youth aged 12 and up in KFL&A. Its pillars are to enhance community opportunities for youth, strengthen family support systems, and foster youth voice and agency, particularly for those who have faced adverse childhood experiences.
Components of the UYP include the establishment of a Regional Youth Advisory Circle, a new Youth Investment Fund, a KFL&A KINnect App that promotes low-barrier, pro-social opportunities for youth, Youth and Caregiver Cafés, and an annual Youth Symposium.
Rotary Youth Exchange 2027-28
Rotary Youth Exchange 2027-28 is now accepting applications. Time is of the essence, as suitable candidates' paperwork must be completed and interviewed by the end of November.
Interested candidates or schools can contact Sherri Agnew with any questions at any time. The deadline for students to apply in Kingston is November 13, 2026. You can also refer to their website www.district7040ye.com.
Rotary Youth Exchange 27-28-information-package.zip
Contact: Sherri Agnew, Youth Exchange Officer, Rotary Club of Kingston sherri@agnewfoods.com
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
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