As we wrap up another vibrant season at our school, we’re excited to celebrate the incredible spirit and generosity shown by our community over the past few weeks. From today’s incredible Holiday show to the Spirit days, heartwarming Teddy Bear Campaign, Holiday Hamper initiative, and inspiring events led by our Equity class, our halls have been filled with joy, compassion, and connection. Together, we’ve supported important causes like the Kingston Youth Shelter Drive and the Human Society, making a real difference in the lives of others. ROCK Star Awards were given to Jeremiah Hickey (November recipient) and Mac McCaw (December recipient) at today’s holiday assembly. We are proud of you for exemplifying Respect, Optimism, Courage and Kindness. Way to go Blazers! The BLC Holiday Lunch brought the BLC community together to share good food and laughter, reminding us of the strength and warmth of our school family.
As we head into the holiday break, we wish everyone a safe, restful, and happy holiday season. Thank you for your enthusiasm, kindness, and commitment to making our school a welcoming place for all. We look forward to even more memorable moments in the new year!
Looking Ahead
December 22-January 2
Winter Break (no school)
January 8
Girls' Night and Potluck Event
January 12
Food Sharing Documentary filming
January 13
Grade 8 Parent Night
January 15-16
Arts Show Case, 7pm
January 20
School Council meeting, 6:30 pm
January 22-January 29
Exams
January 30
PA Day
February 2
Second semester starts
Reminders
ECO Team Tru Earth fundraiser
Please consider supporting Bayridge's ECO Team by purchasing these Canadian made earth friendly products from Tru Earth using the link below.
January Exam Schedule and Inclement Weather
Please see the January Semester 1 Exam schedule here:
If buses are cancelled due to inclement weather, exams on that day will be moved to the next exam day. Subsequent exams in the exam schedule will also be rescheduled to the next exam day. If an inclement weather day occurs, we will communicate via email, and post information on our website. Students are expected to be present and available to write exams during the entire exam period, from January 22 to January 28, 2026, as well as the designated inclement weather day on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Culminating activities will be occurring throughout the month of January so attendance should be prioritized as much as possible.
Upcoming Events
Equity class events
Student Trustee
Community Opportunities
SLAP!
SLAP! Student Laptop Access Program is raising funds to offer free premium laptops to all students who need them. If you’d like to be added to the waitlist to receive a free laptop, please complete the application form at www.slap-kingston.ca right away.
SouthEast Public Health
Please see the following link for Routine Immunizations / Vaccine Reminders: kflaph.ca/ImmunizationReporting
Schools will be notified in mid-January regarding students who have incomplete vaccinations. If you are aware of any shortcomings with regards to immunization shots, please update your records.
With the increase in influenza and respiratory activity in our region, Southeast Public Health has shared the following insert to help reduce the spread of illness.
2025 12 15 Respiratory Infections Newsletter Insert
On-Line to Success (OLTS)
On-Line to Success (OLTS) is a transition program for students going from secondary to post-secondary school, and takes place from February-June. OLTS is for students in Grade 12 (or completing an additional year) in the Kingston and surrounding areas with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and/or mental health disorders, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and OCD.
Almost all of the program can be completed on-line, where students will develop strategies to be better prepared for post-secondary education, and to better deal with the increased demands of workload, stress management, and self-advocacy required at this level. Students will be required to attend one full-day of in-person workshops at the start of the program.
Course activities include topics such as: identifying your strengths and challenges, understanding your learning profile, time management, stress management, self-advocacy, and navigating the Accessibility Office. The program is developed and delivered by trained and experienced educators, in consultation with psychologists all from the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre.
These are pass/resubmit courses, and students will receive regular feedback and support regarding their assignments.
Applications are now open and registration is due by January 9, 2026
https://www.queensu.ca/rarc/transitions/olts
The Transition Resource Guide is a website with everything you need to know about accessibility and other essential resources across publicly funded Ontario post-secondary schools. https://www.transitionresourceguide.ca/
Kingston Military Family Resource Centre - SACK event
Please see the information provided below on an upcoming event at the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre (KMFRC). Designed for self-identified young girls between the ages of 14 and 18, this worthwhile program is a partnership between KMFRC and SACK Kingston.
Queen's Black Legacy Program
The Black Legacy Mentorship Program (BLMP) is a student-led initiative launching its pilot year at Queen’s University. It connects Black youth in Kingston (Grades 9–12) with Black student mentors from Queen’s University. Together, they explore leadership, identity, and future goals through engaging, culturally affirming activities. Sessions will take place monthly at Queen’s University from January to March 2025, with free transportation and meals provided.
Commitment: 2 mentees per mentor; bi-weekly meetings (up to 1.5 hours); monthly 2-hour sessions at Queen’s (Jan 29, Feb 26, Mar 26).
Eligibility: Full-time high school student (Grades 9–12) in Kingston; self-identify as Black.
Language matching available.
Interested students can apply https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4WYDQ1fWcKKeMga1fdS2sNZELD_dpyfsLIrXJoHJjmIGB8A/viewform.
KEYS SWIS program
Having SWIS in the school provides several benefits, including smoother school integration for newcomer families, improved communication between home and school, increased access to community and settlement resources, and additional support for students’ academic and social success. We also work closely with school staff to promote cultural understanding and help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment. Please note that our services are available to all newcomer families regardless of their immigration status.