We've had a great start at Bayridge! In addition to an epic Blorange day last week, we've had photo day and a Club Carousel. Many thanks to our Students' Council and club members for showcasing all the extra-curricular opportunities our Bayridge community has to offer. We also enjoyed a visit from the Kingston Frontenac Public Library who came to us to help facilitate students getting their library cards.
We recognize and celebrate the diversity of our school community. As Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins, we extend our best wishes to all who are observing. Shana Tova (Happy New Year) to our Jewish students, families, and staff.
Upcoming events:
September 14: Post-secondary visit, University of Ottawa, 1:00pm
September 16: Post-secondary visit, Queen's University, 8:45 am
September 17: Grade Representatives Assembly, am
September 18: House Challenge, lunchtime
September 21: Yom Kippur
September 21-25: Consent Awareness week
September 21-25: International Week of the Deaf
September 22: Post-secondary visit, Laurentian University, 8:30 am
September 22: Post-secondary visit, Carleton University, 10:15 am
September 22: Post-secondary visit, Nipissing University, 1:20 pm
September 22 School Council meeting and elections, 6:30 PM
September 23: Toronto Metropolitan University, 1:20 pm
September 24: Rowan's law day (Concussion Awareness)
September 25: Photo Retakes
September 25: Franco-Ontarian Day
Student Services Information:
Data Verification Forms
Data Verification Forms have been sent home with students this week. Please update your student's information and return it to the school by September 18th 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.
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) asap.
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
Upcoming Events
School Council Meeting
Our first School Council meeting of 2026-27 will be held at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, September 22nd. This meeting will also include the election of the 2026-27 School Council. All parents and guardians are welcome to join us in the Library Learning Commons.
BSS Candidate Debate
BSS is pleased to once again host an all candidate 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 RSVPed 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!
Community Connections
Maltby AFFIRM group
City of Kingston
Mayoral Candidates meeting
The Social Planning Council of Kingston and District is holding a mayoral candidates meeting on October 8th. We want you to attend and hope you will help spread the word.
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/
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