We are so proud of our Fall athletes for a great season! Thanks to all athletes, coaches, parent supporters, photographers, and fans. We are lucky to have you representing Bayridge.
We were very excited to have both our Junior Girls' Basketball team and Senior Boys' Volleyball team make it to the KASSAA semi-finals yesterday. Although the results didn't end in our favour, we are so proud of how well these teams competed throughout the season. A big thank you to the fans who came out to support both teams!
Our Junior Girls' Basketball team won the EOSSAA qualifiers so still have that competition to look forward to. Let's go Blazers!!
We had a great time celebrating Halloween, complete with costumes and a spooky Haunted hallway put on by Student Council at lunch time!
Upcoming events:
November 11: Remembrance Day Assembly, 10:30 am
November 12: Movember Event
November 12: Beaver Computing Challenge
November 13: Semi-Formal
November 17: LDSB Pink Shirt Day
November 18: Canadian Senior & Intermediate Math Contest
November 19: Mid-term report cards sent home
November 20: PD Day
November 24-25: OSSLT
November 26: Fall Coffeehouse
December 21-January 1: Winter Break
January 21-28: Semester 1 exams
January 29: PD Day
February 1: Semester 2 begins
Monday, June 28: Graduation
LPS News
IEPs were sent home on October 15th, with a request to return IPRC requests or waivers forms to Ms. Claudine Elvidge. If you made a request to have an IPRC meeting for your student, Ms. Elvidge will be in touch to arrange a date. If you were not able to return the waiver form, an invitation with a date and time will be sent home with your student.
Coop News
Bayridge students have been gaining valuable 'hands-on' practical work experience and exploring careers this year through co-operative education. A huge thanks to the following employers and organizations for hosting BSS students this semester:
Braden Nissan
Canadian Tire
Kingston Toyota
Bayridge Public School
FreshCo
Metro
McDonalds
Tim Horton’s
Shopper’s Drug Mart
The Broom Factory
Long & McQuade Music
Omega Fit Club
Bergeron Clifford Personal Injury Lawyers
Bayridge is always looking for new placement opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Greg Cusson (cussong@limestone.on.ca) if your business or organization is interested in hosting a BSS student placement in the following areas: architecture and design, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, automotive repair, and welding fabrication.
Upcoming Events
Remembrance Day Assembly
Our Remembrance Day Assembly will take place at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 11th. Thanks to Mr. Cusson for organizing the event, which will include a guest speaker from Canadian Armed Forces.
Movember
Fake Mustaches for our Movember fundraiser can be purchased on School-Day, or by debit/credit on November 12th.
Reminders
Exams
Semester 1 exams will take place January 21–27, 2027, with an inclement weather day scheduled for January 28, 2027. In accordance with updated Ministry of Education policy, most secondary courses now require a written final exam during the designated exam period. Families should avoid booking vacations or other commitments during this time, as students need to be available to write their scheduled exams. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
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.
How to report an absence
In some instances, students may need to be away from school for illness, appointments or other events. Parents/caregivers can use the SafeArrival / School Messenger system to report a full day absence, an extended student absence and also a late arrival to school. When reporting an absence for a secondary student parents/caregivers will also be able to select an early departure. To report an absence, use one the following methods:
School Messenger App:
- Use the email address you provided to the school.
- Use your mobile device to download and install the free SM Home app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store or https://go.schoolmessenger.com/#/home
- Tap Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
- Select Attendance from the menu, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.
SchoolMessenger / SafeArrival website portal:
- Use the e-mail address you provided to the school.
- Go to the website : https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login
- Click Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
- Select Attendance from the menu, then select Report an Absence.
Interactive toll-free telephone
- Call 1-855-257-9349 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.
- Follow the instructions to report an absence.
These options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For any school day in the school term up to the cut-off time on the day of the absence. Future absences can be reported at any time using any one of these methods.
TruEarth Eco-team fundraiser
Our Eco-team is fundraising through TruEarth. Please see link below:
Student Services Information:
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
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 should have already completed the following:
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
Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for brainstorming ideas, explaining concepts, and supporting learning. Remember that learning also happens when we collaborate with others, ask questions, solve problems, and think critically. AI works best when it helps us build understanding - not when it replaces our own thinking.
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:
Digital Literacy
CREATING BALANCE IN A DIGITAL WORLD
Digital wellness helps children develop healthy, balanced habits with technology and screen time. As students explore digital wellness at school, we want to share a few simple ideas families can try at home. By listening, learning together, and keeping communication open, we can help children develop a healthy relationship with technology.
WHY DIGITAL WELLNESS MATTERS
Digital wellness can help children:
- Develop healthy habits and daily routines
- Get enough sleep and enjoy restful evenings
- Balance online activities with offline experiences
- Build face-to-face connections
- Make time for physical activity, hobbies, and outdoor play
- Reflect on their technology use and make thoughtful choices
SUPPORTING DIGITAL WELLNESS AT HOME
- Monitor screen time: Use built-in device features to help track and manage screen time.
- Create a screen-free zone: Choose a time or place, such as mealtimes or bedrooms, where devices are put away.
- Try a 60-minute wind-down: When possible, aim for screen-free time during the hour before bed. Encourage relaxing alternatives such as reading, talking, or listening to music.
RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS
- Centre for Healthy Screen Use - Canadian Paediatric Society
- Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology
- Digital Literacy Resources for Parents
Community Connections
Operation Warm Feet 2026
Operation Warm Feet 2026 annual one-day boot sale for children and youth (18 and under).
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC), 263 Weller Ave, Unit 4, Kingston, ON
- Cost: $5 per pair of new boots
- First-come, first-served while supplies last.
https://kchc.ca/events/operation-warm-feet-4/
Loyalist College Virtual Information Sessions
These live, interactive sessions are a great opportunity for students to explore programs they're interested in, connect directly with faculty, and get answers to their questions about courses, career opportunities, and the student experience at Loyalist.
Students can attend one session or several, depending on their interests!
Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions
Tuesday, November 10 | 4:30–6:15 p.m.
- Advertising and Creative Design
Wednesday, November 11 | 4:30–6:15 p.m.
- Animation and Game Development
Thursday, November 12 | 4:30–6:15 p.m.
- Police Foundations
Ready to explore? Students can choose their sessions and register here: Virtual Information Sessions
Whether students are just starting to explore their options or narrowing down their program choices, these sessions are a fantastic way to discover what Loyalist has to offer.
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
Youth Film Festival
The Kingston Canadian Film Festival is currently accepting submissions for its 27th annual festival, taking place February 24-28, 2027. The Youth Shorts category is open to filmmakers 25 years of age and under who live or work within 100 km of Kingston.
The festival is seeking submissions in the following categories:
- Features (70+ minutes)
- Mid-Length Films (30-70 minutes)
- Canadian Shorts
- Local Shorts
- Youth Shorts (filmmakers 25 and under within 100 km of Kingston)
All information is listed here: https://kingcanfilmfest.com/submit/
This is an excellent opportunity for young filmmakers to showcase their creativity, develop their artistic portfolios, and share their work with a wider audience through a respected Canadian film festival.
KCFF is currently accepting film submissions until November 15th.
On-Line to Success (OLTS)
This is a reminder that Online to Success (OLTS) is accepting registration forms for their winter session. OLTS is a transition program for students going from secondary to post-secondary school. The program is for students in Grade 12 (or completing an additional year) across Ontario with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and/or mental health disorders, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and OCD, and who have academic impairment. For more information please see the information below or speak to Ms. Elvidge.
OLTS: On-Line to Success (OLTS) | The Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC)
OLTS 2027 Information Letter and Registration Form
Also, OLTS is excited to offer a post-secondary virtual information session:
Youth Driving Awareness Program
The Children’s Safety Village in Belleville has an upcoming Youth Driving Awareness Program on Tuesday, December 8, from 6–8 pm for youth ages 14–18 and future drivers. The Children’s Safety Village is a local charitable organization dedicated to providing children, youth, and families with practical, hands-on safety education. This program focuses on the real-life impacts and consequences of impaired, distracted, and other high-risk driving behaviours through interactive learning experiences with our community partners, including Belleville Police Service, the Ministry of Transportation, Co-operators Insurance, and M.A.A.D. Quinte.
Our December session will also include a winter driving safety component with the Ministry of Transportation, helping young drivers prepare for the added challenges of driving in winter conditions.
We want to make sure this program reaches young people who could benefit from it most, particularly teens who are learning to drive, preparing to get their licence, or will soon be behind the wheel.
A few things to share with students:
- Free to attend! Domino’s Pizza is generously providing a slice of pizza for every attendee.
- Community involvement hours: We had some students collect community involvement hours for attending our previous session, and I was wondering whether this might be something your school would consider allowing under its community involvement hours policy. We recognize that policies vary between schools, so we would appreciate any guidance you can offer.
- Registration: youthsafety.eventbrite.ca
South Eastern Public Health Information
Kingston Police
As the school year continues and students spend more time online, Kingston Police has issued an important safety alert regarding an emerging online threat known as “The Com” — short for “The Community.” This coordinated network operates across popular gaming, social, and messaging platforms and is actively targeting children and youth between the ages of 8 and 17.
Platforms identified by DRPS include Discord, Telegram, Snapchat, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch, and Steam.
What Is “The Com”?
Kingston police describes “The Com” as a group of coordinated online predators who use grooming, manipulation, coercion, intimidation, and threats to exploit young people. What may begin as what a child perceives to be a friendly online connection can escalate into secrecy, pressure, and potentially harmful or criminal behaviour.
Individuals associated with these networks may:
- Pretend to be peers or friends.
- Offer attention, gifts, or status.
- Build trust and emotional connection.
- Introduce secrecy into conversations.
- Use fear, guilt, shame, or intimidation.
- Threaten to expose personal information.
- Engage in doxing or swatting to force compliance.
Kingston police warns that these tactics are designed to isolate young people, reduce their ability to seek help, and create dependency or fear.
How Families and Educators Can Support Students
- Encourage open conversations about online interactions.
- Remind students not to share personal information with people they meet online.
- Reinforce that secrecy, pressure, or threats are warning signs.
- Report concerning behaviour immediately to safe schools.
More Information
The full Kingston Police Online Safety Alert is available here.
Thank you for continuing to support safe, informed, and responsible online engagement for all students.
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.
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:
Maltby AFFIRM group
Kingston Ball Hockey 2027
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