The second semester is off to an incredible start! Our Ecoteam kicked things off with National Sweater Day on February 5th. Students embraced the spirit by wearing cozy sweaters, showing their commitment to sustainability by choosing an extra layer instead of turning up the heat. Our Student Council Community Events team organized the Clubs Carousel on February 12th. From Spring sports to councils and clubs, Blazers explored the wide range of activities and opportunities available - there’s truly something for everyone at BSS!
Several classes visited the Health Canada's 'Know More Opioids' Display in the cafeteria today. This interactive program shares the facts surrounding opioids, signs of an overdose and what to do, ways to reduce risk and the harms of stigma.
Black History Month
Queen’s University Faculty of Education Panel
Some current and past BSS students were invited to speak at a Student Panel at the Queen’s Faculty of Education. Student panelists spoke to approximately 200 teacher candidates about their experiences in our education system. We are certain they made a significant impact on all those in attendance.
Looking Ahead
February 16
Family Day
February 18
Canadian Computing Competition
February 20
Semester 1 Report Cards Distributed
February 24
School Council meeting, 6:00 PM
February 25
University of Waterloo Math contests
February 26
Limestone Skills Competition
Reminders
Please take extra precautions during these wintery months if you choose to drive your child to/from school. We’ve had reports of some concerns in the Bayridge Public School parking lot, so we kindly ask families to use our school’s parking lot instead and help keep everyone safe during busy pick‑up and drop‑off times. If our roundabout is busy, please avoid blocking the road and park in our parking lot to wait.
Course Selections 2026-2027
A reminder that course selection is open in myBlueprint. Choices must be submitted by Thursday, Feb. 20th. Students received a link in their email to the 2026 BSS Course Selection Resources - Google Drive .
Cooperative Education
Bayridge is always looking for new placement opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if your business or organization is interested in hosting a student placement.
Limestone International Education
Limestone is proud of our long tradition of hosting students from other countries. The demand for Kingston, and Canada, as a learning destination is rapidly growing. Students from over 15 different countries are here now staying with great homestay families in Limestone. Our International Education team is looking for more families to become homestay hosts to great international students.
We currently have 19 students on our waiting list that have applied to Limestone for 2026-2027 and need a home. They range from one semester to one year stays and are from Germany, Spain, Japan, Brazil, Slovakia, Czechia, Italy and Denmark.
Host families will be paid a tax-free monthly stipend to host students. All students in the program attend local intermediate or secondary schools and range in age from 12 to 17 years old. Our International Education team works hard to make a great match for your family, that can last a lifetime.
Families can learn more by visiting Limestone’s International Education website or phoning the International Education offices at 613-544-7745 ext. 288.
Spirit T-Shirt
Upcoming Events
School Council
All parents/guardians are invited to our next School Council meeting on Tuesday, February 24th at 6 PM in the BSS Library Learning Commons.
Black History Month Workshop and Panel
On Thursday, February 26th the Limestone District School Board Black Student Association will host a Black History Month Textured Hair Workshop and Black Panel of Excellence from 9:00 a.m. – 1:45 pm for Black identifying students in grades 7-12 at St. Lawrence College (SLC).
Tentative Agenda
9:00 am - 10:30 am Hair Workshop with Dr. Aba Mortley of Cher Mere, Professor, Esthetics, School of Trades: Kingston, SLC. Students will make homemade haircare products they can take home with them
10:30 am - 11:00 am SLC Skills Trade Competition Viewing
11:00 am - 11:30 am Lunch will be provided by SLC
11:30 am - 12:00 pm SLC - Discussion from the SLC Belonging Team
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Black Panel of Excellence
This will be made up of Black professionals in the Kingston area. Students will have the opportunity to learn from these role models as they speak about their experiences. This will be a moderated question and answer format for Black identifying students.
Confirmed Panelists:
Dr. Aba Mortley, Professor, Esthetics, School of Trades: Kingston, SLC.
JP Browne, Kingston United and Kingston Ice Wolves Coach
Shanice Marcelle, Queen’s Women’s Volleyball Head Coach
Additional panelist to be confirmed
1:45 pm Student departure
Space is limited and transportation assistance is available. Please complete the following registration form by Feb. 23.
Skills Competition
The Limestone Skills Competition is coming up on February the 26!
SLC Accessibility Services trip
On Friday February 27th, Ms. Elvidge will be taking a group of grade 11 and 12 students to St. Lawrence College to learn about Accessibility Services. Accessibility Services - St. Lawrence College. Another great resource to learn more is Transition Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities - Transition to Post-Secondary Education
Accessing accommodations in college is different from high school, but doesn't have to be scary if you understand the different processes and know how to ask for accommodations. You might be interested in this visit to SLC if you plan to go to ANY college in Canada (not just SLC), have an IEP, already access accommodations in high school or think you might need accommodations when you go to college.
More information has been sent by email to all grade 11 and 12 students and their families. Please keep your eye on School-day to sign up. Spaces are limited.
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: A Community Evening with Author Monique Gray Smith, is a community event taking place on March 12, 2026, at Queen’s University. This special evening is led by the Limestone District School Board Indigenous Education Team in partnership with the Limestone Learning Foundation and Queen’s University’s Faculty of Education.
We are pleased to welcome Monique Gray Smith, who will provide an in-person public talk inspired by her book, Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults, an adaptation of Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
This gathering will bring together educators, families, students, Indigenous partners, teacher candidates, and community members to reflect on care, reciprocity, and connection to land and one another.
2026 02 12 Monique Gray Smith Poster
BSS Charity Golf Tournament
Community Connections
Black History Month
Special Exhibit, City of Kingston
January 20th - May 22, 2026
Market Wing Cultural Space at City Hall, 216 Ontario St.
Tuesday- Friday: Noon to 4 p.m.
Admission is free!
Please note: The exhibition contains images and text describing violence endured by enslaved peoples and includes documents with racist and colonialist language. This content may challenge and disturb visitors.
Adults with young children may wish to preview the exhibition beforehand.
SouthEast Public Health
Contaminated Drug Alert
Southeast Public Health (SEPH) is alerting residents to a concerning recent drug-checking result reported by Consumption and Treatment Services in Kingston. An alarming combination of stimulant, hallucinogenic and depressant substances was detected in an expected cocaine sample; no cocaine was detected. This combination of substances significantly increases the risk of serious adverse effects, including physical, psychological, and dissociative symptoms, as well as drug poisoning and death.
SEPH emphasizes the ongoing unpredictability and toxicity of the unregulated drug supply. Naloxone should always be administered when opioid poisoning is suspected. While naloxone will not reverse the effects of non-opioid substances, it can counteract opioids that may be present.
In addition to informing key partners, including the public, promoting access to naloxone kits and other harm reduction measures, and continuing efforts to prevent drug-related harms, SEPH is urging people to:
- Avoid using alone. Roughly 75 percent of opioid poisoning deaths happen when no one is there to help. If you use alone, tell someone before you do and have a safety plan that includes having someone check in on you. Alternatives may include:
- Using with a friend or family member present or virtually, staggering use if both are using drugs.
- Using at a supervised consumption service:
- In-person at Consumption and Treatment Services at 661 Montreal St. in Kingston – drug checking services are available.
- Virtually by calling the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-NORS (6677).
- Avoid using more than one drug at a time, including alcohol.
- Go slow. The quality of unregulated drugs is very unpredictable.
- Get a free naloxone kit and training. Always carry it with you. Consider carrying multiple doses of naloxone.
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect drug poisoning to ensure emergency medical treatment is provided.
If you have a friend or family member who uses drugs, please share the above safety information with them. We also advise that you obtain a free naloxone kit and training.
For more information on harm reduction, visit the website of the region nearest you: Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington
Kingston’s CTS is located within the Integrated Care Hub at 661 Montreal Street in Kingston. Anyone is welcome to come to the CTS, which is open seven days a week, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CTS is a drop-in service and does not require an appointment or a referral to access the site.
The National Overdose Response Service (NORS) is a phone-based virtual safe consumption service. The service is available by calling the toll-free number 24/7 across Canada. Trained peer volunteers answer calls, assist in making a safety plan, and stay on the line with the person for approximately 20 to 35 minutes. Safety plans can include a community response (someone you trust nearby with Naloxone) or an EMS dispatch. The volunteer will check in with the person every few minutes and will follow the agreed-on safety plan if the person becomes unresponsive.
NORS virtual safe consumption line: 1-888-688-6677
For more information: https://www.nors.ca/
Non-Smoking Resources
The nicotine industry continues to target young people through fun flavours and high-tech devices designed to increase addiction. Families can help young people better understand the risks and start important conversations at home.
Parents and caregivers can watch this short video to learn more: www.notanexperiment.ca/parents
Students who would like help quitting or cutting back on vaping, smoking, alcohol, other substances, or even technology use can book a free virtual appointment at: www.youthvast.ca
This 2-minute video will tell you more about the process:
Students can also download the Quash app for quit support at quashapp.com
Ramadan Give 30 Campaign
School Mental Health Ontario Free Webinar
We are excited to share a valuable opportunity to support your child’s well-being. School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free webinar series as part of the By Your Side Learning Hub, designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics to support their children’s mental health.
This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:
✅ balanced device use
✅ vaping
✅ body image
✅ anxiety
The webinars will also include answers to questions that parents/caregivers can provide ahead of the webinar, giving you the chance to ask questions and gain practical guidance.
📅 Sessions run March to June
We encourage all parents and caregivers to participate in this informative series. Together, we can support the well-being of our children and communities. By Your Side webinar series spring 2026 Flyer
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.
Families in TRANSition
Community partners at Trellis and FACSFLA have been working on developing a group for parents and caregivers of Trans and gender exploring youth. This 10 week program launches in March and will run on Monday evenings.
Maltby Resources
Mental Health Services Winter 2026
Winter Workshops At A Glance 2026
HYPE Tutoring
HYPE Tutoring is a Queen’s student-run club offering free tutoring services to families who are interested. We are reopening our Tutor Request Form (linked below) for the second high school semester.
Rotary Club of Kingston-Frontenac
There are two outstanding Rotary Youth development opportunities for students now accepting applications. Both experiences are open to high school students who will be sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kingston-Frontenac and there is no cost for participants. Interested students should apply by March 13, 2026 by contacting: Don Polk at the Rotary Club of Kingston-Frontenac, at polkdj@hotmail.com
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy)
Date: May 22-24, 2026
Location: RKY Camp, Eagle Lake, Parham, ON
Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts around the world. It is entirely volunteer-run with many organizers and counselors being past RYLA delegates themselves. Participants (aged 15-17 years old) attend RYLA with the financial support of a local Rotary club who “award” youth with a chance to participate in this once in a lifetime experience. Youth are selected based on the demonstration of leadership potential and a desire to be of service to their local and global communities. For more information, please see the poster above or click on the link below: RYLA | District 7040
Adventure in (Indigenous) Understanding
Date: August 30 - September 4, 2026
Location: Trent-Severn Waterway, Peterborough
The "Adventure in Understanding" program is an annual 6-day (5-night) cultural canoe experience for young First Nation and non-native youth ages 16-18 years old. It is a co-ed canoe voyage along the Trent-Severn Waterway from the Canadian Canoe Museum waterfront in Peterborough to Curve Lake First Nation. No camping or canoeing experience is necessary. The program was developed by the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha with the assistance of the Curve Lake First Nation Youth Committee and is offered with the co-operation of Camp Kawartha and the Canadian Canoe Museum.
Application forms and further information are available here
https://pkaiu.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/aiu-handout-colour-26-01-31.jpg
Spelling Bell Volunteer Opportunity
Science Fair
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.
ADHD Survey
Students aged 16-18 with ADHD are invited to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to further understand how student’s understanding of ADHD stigma impacts their self-determination and overall well-being.
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.