The past two weeks have brought plenty of opportunities to celebrate, connect, and show our Blazer spirit! Our Academic Awards evening on October 14, recognized students’ achievements and dedication to learning. Media Day on October 19 captured our Fall clubs and teams in solo and group shots, celebrating the many ways students get involved in school life, and providing our Yearbook team with memorable material. Parent/Guardian Night on October 21 provided an opportunity for families and teachers to connect in support of student success, and our Fall Assembly on October 23 brought students together as a school community. Today also featured our student body engaged in Student Vote 2026! Thanks to Ms. Kirby, Mr. Wong, Ms. French, all student organizers and voters for engaging in this meaningful civic engagement at the municipal level.
Upcoming events:
October 26: PD Day
October 26: Municipal Elections
October 27: School Council meeting, 6:30 PM
October 28: College Information Program at SLC
October 29: Indigenous, Black and Racialized Career Day
November 3: Indigenous Post-Secondary Network Event at SLC
November 12: Beaver Computing Challenge
November 13: Semi-Formal
November 18: Canadian Senior & Intermediate Math Contest
Student Services Information:
SHSM Carousel
Please note that the SHSM evening originally planned for October 28th has been cancelled. We will be hosting a carousel for students that day, and hosting an evening for parents in the Spring.
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
Reminders
Exams
Semester 1 exams will take place January 21–27, 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.
Hallowe'en Costumes
Students are welcome to celebrate Hallowe’en by wearing a school-appropriate costume or black and orange. Please keep costume choices respectful and inclusive: no masks, weapons (real or imitation), or cultural appropriation. Cultures are not costumes; avoid outfits that stereotype or mock others or use culturally significant clothing or symbols as dress-up props. Thank you for helping make Hallowe’en safe, welcoming, and fun for everyone.
IEPs and Forms to return
This is a reminder that IEP's were sent home on October 15th. Please review the package with your student and if you received an IPRC Meeting Dispense Request form please return it to the main office or Ms. Elvidge by November 5th.
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.
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 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
School Council
All parents and guardians are invited to our School Council meeting on Tuesday, October 27, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Join us to hear updates from Student Council, our staff representative Ms. Alida French, and our Principal, Ms. Sheri Jones, ask questions, and connect with others.
TruEarth Eco-team fundraiser
Our Eco-team is fundraising through TruEarth. Please see link below:
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
Limestone Learning Foundation (LLF) micro-grants
The Limestone Learning Foundation (LLF) is offering ten $500 micro-grants for the 2026-2027 school year. The grants will support learning opportunities in Arts, Technology, Math, Literacy, Environmental Leadership, and Mental Health and Wellbeing. Educators, support staff, student groups, classrooms, and families across LDSB are eligible to apply.
The micro-grants are designed to help create or enhance learning experiences for students. Over the past six years, LLF funding has supported system-wide initiatives including Books are Back, STEM Kits, ORFF Kits, and speaker series.
Applications are due November 4. Successful projects will be announced December 16 and must be completed by June 2027. Staff are encouraged to consider how a micro-grant could support a unique project or learning opportunity for students. Additional information and application details are available through the Limestone Learning Foundation website.
Beaver Computing Contest - Last Chance to Sign Up!
Grade 9 and 10 students are invited to participate in the Beaver Computing Contest on Thursday, November 12. This international contest features fun logic, problem-solving, and puzzle-based questions designed to challenge students' thinking skills.
No coding or computer science experience is required. Students will be excused from class during either period 3 (grade 10) or 4 (grade 9) to complete the contest in the cafeteria.
Participation is free, provides a great enrichment opportunity, can be included on future resumes and applications, and top-performing students will be recognized through our Academic Awards program. As an added bonus, participants will receive Timbits during the event!
The deadline to sign up is Monday, October 26.
Interested students can register by scanning the attached QR code! We encourage all Grade 9 and 10 students to give it a try! See Mr. Swaine with questions.
On-Line to Success (OLTS)
On-line to Success applications for grade 12 and 12+ students are now open. On-Line to Success (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 link below or speak to Ms. Elvidge.
OLTS: On-Line to Success (OLTS) | The Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC)
Community Connections
Accessible Halloween Bash
Easter Seals Ontario is excited to collaborate with The Gryphon’s Inclusivity Network, a youth-run nonprofit organization, to host an Accessible Halloween Bash for children and youth with disabilities, their families and friends in our Kingston community.
🎃 HALLOWEEN BASH — AT A GLANCE
WHO: Children and youth with disabilities, their families and friends
WHAT: An accessible and inclusive afternoon of Halloween fun and activities
WHEN: October 31 | 1:00–3:00 PM
WHERE: Wallace Hall, John Deutsch University Centre
87 Union Street, Kingston
RSVP: Registration is required by October 23
The afternoon will include accessible Halloween activity stations, crafts, a photo booth, treats and non-food options, followed by a Halloween dance party.
Our hope is simple: to create a Halloween celebration where accessibility and inclusion are built in from the beginning, while bringing together the families, organizations and people who help make our community stronger.
Forum for Young Canadians 2027
Deadline approaching! Encourage students ages 15–18 to apply for the 2027 Forum for Young Canadians—a unique opportunity to explore democracy, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers from across Canada. Apply by October 25, 2026.
Hosted by the Rideau Hall Foundation, we invite Canadian youth to take part in the 2027 Forum for Young Canadians, Canada’s premier national civic learning program for high school students.
For 50 years, the Forum has brought together youth aged 15–18 from across the country for a week of hands-on civic learning in Ottawa. Over three sessions in February, March and April 2027, 300 participants will:
- Experience Canada’s democracy firsthand through behind-the-scenes access on Parliament Hill;
- Engage directly with Members of Parliament, Senators, and public servants;
- Take part in simulations, committees, and team projects that build civic leadership skills;
- Connect with peers from every province and territory who share a passion for making a difference.
The Forum is proudly non-partisan. Its purpose is to help students understand how Canada’s democratic institutions work, why they matter, and how youth voices can contribute to shaping our shared future.
Key Details:
- Open to: Youth ages 15–18 from across Canada
- Sessions: February 7–12, 2027; February 28 – March 5, 2027; April 18–23, 2027
- Application deadline: October 25, 2026
- More information and to apply: forum.ca
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
Dr ABC Community Class Series
FREE 2026 Virtual Community Class Series with Dr. ABC for educators, parents and community.
Each evening opens with a lecture by Dr. ABC, followed by invited guests who bring their chapters to life through teaching and guided conversation.
Oct 26: Stop the Hate (for Goodness Sake)- Lecture: Creating Belonging for ALL
Oct 27: Active Brave Conversations – Lecture: Being A Champion for Inclusion: Advocacy at all levels
Oct 28: The ABCs of Blackness in Our Schools- Lecture: Flourishing in all our Identities
Oct 26–28
6–8 PM ET , Online
Register here: Zoom registration
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 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
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