Bayridge Bulletin - May 3, 2026

Dear Families,

We’re proud to celebrate a fantastic running season for our Grade 3–8 students! From early morning practices to their strong performances at the Bayridge Road Race, our runners have shown dedication, perseverance, and school spirit every step of the way. It’s been wonderful to see their growth, teamwork, and enthusiasm throughout the season. A huge thank you to Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Stone (the coaches) and to the volunteer parents who came to help! We’re excited to share that select students have now been invited to participate in the upcoming LCVI Road Race on May 6th at Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute. Details for those participating have been shared on School Day. Congratulations to all of our runners on an incredible season-and best of luck to those competing at LCVI!

Some of our students participated in the Elementary Sports Festival / Special Olympics event at LCVI with many of our Educational Assistants and Ms. Laird (IST Teacher). It was a wonderful day that highlighted inclusion, teamwork, and the celebration of student strengths. Thank you to our families and staff for supporting this meaningful opportunity and to our athletes for giving it their all!

It was great to see some of our volunteers, staff, and students join us for the Volunteer Breakfast, catered by Bayridge Secondary School and funded by School Council. It was a great way to start the morning and thank our staff and parents/guardians for volunteering their time!

MENTAL HEALTH WEEK - MAY 4-10:

Mental Health Week takes place from May 4 to May 10. During this week, our Belong and Believe students will help spread awareness about mental health and the importance of feeling connected, included, and supported at school.

This year’s national theme is “Come Together, Canada – Stronger Connections. Better Mental Health.” This theme reminds us that positive relationships, belonging, and connection play an important role in student well‑being.

Throughout the week, students will take part in:

• Classroom activities focused on mental health
• Student‑led discussions about kindness, inclusion, and support
• Opportunities to learn how to ask for help and support others

Our goal is to raise awareness, encourage open conversations, and help break the stigma around mental health. By coming together as a school community, we can help all students feel seen, valued, and supported.

We look forward to a meaningful Mental Health Week and appreciate the care and leadership our students show in supporting one another.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & CLIMATE SURVEY:

The Limestone District School Board’s Family Engagement and Climate Survey is now live and we invite families to share their experiences with their student’s school and with the school board.
Your feedback helps Limestone understand what is working well and where we can improve, and supports welcoming, safe, and supportive school communities. The survey is open from April 30 to May 11 and is available online. Paper copies are also available at your school’s administrative office
Access the Family Engagement and Climate Survey online.Participation is voluntary and anonymous. You may skip any questions you choose, and no identifying information is collected. Thank you for sharing your voice and helping strengthen Limestone schools and school communities.

BPS CELEBRATION OF DANCE - MAY 6:

On May 6th, our school will be participating in the BPS Celebration of Dance. Students have been practicing in their classrooms and will follow along with choreographed dances altogether in the gym (divisions will have their own time to shine!). Students can cool down after the event with $1.00 freezies being sold by the Grade 8s with proceeds going towards Grade 8 graduation.

TRACK & FIELD DAY - May 15:

Grade 3-8 students have been practicing for the BPS Track and Field Day is scheduled for May 14th, with a rain date of May 15th. A huge thank you to BSS for allowing us to use their track! This is always a highlight for our students, and we look forward to a day of teamwork, perseverance, and school spirit. Families are welcome to join in on the fun!

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERS WANTED:

We are looking for daytime and evening volunteers for the Scholastic Book Fair on May 25-28. The bookfair is open from 9:30-3:00 pm in the daytime and 3:30-6:30 pm in the evening. If you can volunteer, please email bayri@limestone.on.ca with your availability. Volunteers must have a current vulnerable sector CPIC issued within the last 6 months.

JUNIOR BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT:

The boys and girls junior basketball tournament is on May 4th at Queen's University. Information has been sent out to players. Mr. Hilton and Mr. Wolsey will be accompanying players to the tournament - families will need to transport their players to and from Queen's. All the best to our junior athletes on tournament day!

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT & SEXUAL HEALTH:

Parents/guardians play an important role in their student’s learning. As such, the Ministry of Education requires the Limestone District School Board to inform parents/guardians when instruction related to Human Development and Sexual Health will occur. Please read the list of expectations by grade (Form 325-D) before exempting your student from this strand in the Ontario health curriculum using Form 325-B. Once you are notified of the period of instruction, we need to receive your exemption 5 days prior to the beginning of instruction. You will then receive acknowledgement of your exemption request (Form 325-C).

Form 235-ANotice of Period of Instruction Grade 1 to 8

Form 235-BExemption Letter Parent Request

Form 235-CPrincipal Acknowledgement of Exemption Request

Form 235-DList of H.D. and S.H Instruction Expectations by Grade

UPPER CANADA VILLAGE FIELD TRIP:

There are four junior classes (Grades 4/5, 5/6, 6, and 6/7) that will be participating in the Upper Canada field trip on Wednesday, June 10th from 9:30-4:00 pm. As the bus will arrive after the dismissal bell at 3:25 pm, students who take the bus will need an alternate way to get home (e.g., walk, carpool, ride home). We are letting families know in advance so that they have ample time to make plans. More information and permissions to follow on School Day!

Review IPRCs:

Review IPRC meetings are being scheduled for:

• May 6 (NEW DATE)
• May 7

If your student's identification has not chahnged for this school year, you can reach out to the school at bayri@limestone.on.ca or 613-389-6900 to waive the yearly meeting. All students with multiple exceptionalities will be offered an IPRC meeting.

PARKING:

Please do not park or stop on the diagonal yellow lines or move the pylons in the parking lot to park or stop - this is a NO parking zone. Additionally, the accessible parking spots are reserved for vehicles with proper permits before, during, and after school. Additionally, please do not park in the bus lane during the following times due to Triboard school buses and vans entering and exiting:

• after 8:40 am
• after 3:15 pm
• between 12:30-1:00 pm

Thank you for your understanding and ensuring everyone's safety.  

CLIMBERS:

BPS climbers are OPEN on all yards: Kindergarten, primary, and junior! The climber and swings on the intermediate side of the yard belong to the city and will not be used by students during school hours.

DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER:

Dressing for the weather allows students to fully enjoy outdoor time, stay focused during learning, and prevents unnecessary discomfort or illness. Waterproof boots/rubber boots are a great idea at this time of year as puddles start to form on our pavement and field! Thank you for your support in helping our students be ready for both the school day and outdoor activities.

PERSONAL ITEMS STAY HOME:

We ask that special personal items, such as stuffed animals, mini cars, Pokémon cards, or other small treasures, stay at home. While we understand how comforting or exciting these items can be, they are easily lost or misplaced during the busy school day. We want to avoid upset students or missing belongings, so please help us by keeping these special items safe at home.

SERVICE DOGS ONLY:

Only service dogs are allowed on school property - this is standard practice across the Limestone District School Board in order to keep you, your dog, and staff and students safe. Owners with dogs without visible identification will be asked to leave school property. Thank you for your understanding.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership.

Be you, belong, believe, be a bear!

Ms. Stephen, Mrs. Asselstine, and The BPS Team

GRADE 7 Immunizations (Southeast Public Health)

Southeast Public Health will be at BPS on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 for the school-based immunization program for Grade 7 students, and Grade 8 students who did not complete their series last year.

EQAO - Grades 3 & 6

We would also like to share upcoming EQAO assessment dates:

• Grade 3 students will write EQAO from May 19-22 (makeup day & student questionnaire May 25)
• Grade 6 students will write EQAO from May 26-29 (makeup day & student questionnaire: June 2)

Lots of work has already begun by staff to prepare students for this assessment. Many students are working on improving their skills in reading, writing, and math and have trialed practice EQAO questions and assessments for the primary and junior assessments.

School Organization & Class Placements

The LDSB Staffing Committee recently met and approved Bayridge Public School for a school organization of 13 classes for the 2026-27 school year based on projected numbers. Please note, this class organization can change slightly in September.

Our team ensures that exceptional care and thought are put into every student's class placements. This process involves months of observation and understanding about academic and social learning. In May & June, all staff get together and add insight into each child's placement, including academics, peer groups, dynamics, etc. Should parents/guardians have information they feel is key when placing their child, they are invited to submit remarks or requests to bayri@limestone.on.ca. While requests are not guaranteed, we may use information from families to support decision making. The deadline for submitting a class placement request is Friday, May 29th. Teacher assignments will be shared in June.

MILKSHAKE MONDAYS IN SUPPORT OF GRADE 8 GRAD & GRAD TRIP - ORDER ON SCHOOL DAY!

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION OPEN!

Kindergarten registration is now underway at elementary schools across the district! We can't wait to welcome you to Bayridge PS for Kindergarten!

Lunchbox Program - Tuesday through Friday!

Lunchbox Lunch Program

• Tuesdays: Boston Pizza (pizza & pasta)
• Wednesdays: Edo Japan (sushi and bowls)
• Thursdays: Smoke & Barrel (quesadillas)
• Fridays: Gino's Pizza & Chicken Fingers

You can order your Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. Orders are due by noon on Sunday. Please create an account and explore the www.lunchboxorders.net site now - there is no obligation to order.

Monday, May 4 (Day 1):

• Teacher Appreciation Week Begins
• Milkshake Monday - Reid's Dairy
• Running Club 8:15-8:50 am
• Junior Girls & Boys Basketball Tournament - Queen's University

Tuesday, May 5 (Day 2):

• National Day of Awareness - Red Dress Day (honour MMIWG2S)
• School-based Immunization Program - Grade 7s (Southeast Public Health)
• Boston Pizza - Lunchbox Program
• Gardening Club - am
• Coding Club for Grades 6, 7, and 8 @ First Recess
• BCG to Grade 3/4 (middle block)

Wednesday, May 6 (Day 3):

• LCVI Road Race - for select students (information on School Day)
• Celebration of Dance - Kindergarten to Grade 8 ($1.00 freezies toward Grade 8 Grad)
• Review IPRCs - Invited Families
• Edo Japan - Lunchbox Program
• Gardening Club - am
• Coding Club for Grades 6, 7, and 8 @ First Recess
• BGC to Grade 4 (first block)

Thursday, May 7 (Day 4):

• Smoke 'N Barrel - Lunchbox Program
• Review IPRCs - Invited Families
• Gardening Club - am
• BGC to Grade 5/6 (middle block)

Friday, May 8 (Day 5):

• BPS Spirit wear and/or blue and green day!
• Gino's - Lunchbox program

Coming Soon

May

• May 14: Practice Lockdown w/ Kingston Police (AM) & Emergency Procedure Drills (Hold & Secure and Shelter in Place)
• May 19-June 2: EQAO (Grade 3 & 6)
• May 22: Shavuot - Day 1
• May 23: Shavuot - Day 2
• May 25: Hot Breakfast for Grades 6-8, Siblings, & Staff @ 8:35 am (Bear Den) / Les Trois Mousequetaires French Performance (funded by SAC & BINGO - thank you!)
• May 25-28: Scholastic Book Fair (LC)
• May 27: Discover Kindergarten & Scholastic Book Fair: 4:30-6 pm
• May 29: PA Day

June

• June 3: Track Field
• June 4: Swim to Survive
• June 5: Swim to Survive
• June 8: Swim to Survive
• June 9: Track & Field
• June 10: 4 Junior Classes to Upper Canada Village
• June 22: Hot Breakfast for Grades 6-8, Siblings, & Staff @ 8:35 am (Bear Den) / Grade 8 Graduation & Boat Cruise
• June 23: Primary Class to Lakeshore Pool
• June 24: Term 2 Reports & COLs Home to Families

School Advisory Council (SAC) Exec & News:

• Chair: Kristy Kuhn
• Vice Chair: Vacancy
• Treasurer: Jenn Nguyen
• Secretary: Kayla Mae Primeau
• Fundraising Coordinator: Zrinka Vukadinovic
• Indigenous Representative: Vacancy
• Divisional Representatives: Lindsay Hanna (Junior) - Kindergarten, Primary & Intermediate Vacancies
• PIC Representative: Meg Redmond
• Members-At-Large: Alison Kuiack, Amber McCready, Melissa Brooks, Melissa Muloin
• BINGO Coordinator: Vacancy (currently being covered by Kristen Collins)

Anyone who is part of our Bayridge PS family as a caregiver is welcome to attend any of our meetings this year. The next SAC Council Meeting will be on Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 pm in the Learning Commons/Library. Need to get in touch with SAC Exec? Email: sacbayridgeps@gmail.com

SAC Dates:

All meetings take place in the Learning Commons/Library from 5:30-7 pm.

• May 13
• June 10

Bayridge Public School is a proud and grateful partner of Play Gaming & Entertainment, a charitable gaming organization. Our roster is in need of 8-10  new volunteer members! Your commitment to the Bingo Team involves a brief online training, 2-hour shifts as often as you can be involved but ideally 2-4 shifts over the next 7 months. The contract year for bingo, is April 1 - March 31st the following year. Our Bingo shifts range from Thursday evenings, and Saturday and Sundays between 12 pm and 10 pm. Please connect with Kristen Collins at collinskd@limestone.on.ca if you are interested in joining the team! The financial support (shares) from bingo supports the purchase of technology, the cost of bus transportation, field trip expenses, important school-wide events, and so much more at BPS. We thank you in advance for your support and time.

BPS Fundraiser!

School Timetable - Balanced Day

Staff Organization: 2025-2026

Concussion Information:

Click HERE to read the LDSB Concussion Flow Chart.

LDSB 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. Click HERE for more information on the LDSB website. The office calls home for all students who have a head injury/suspected concussion. If a student has one or more symptoms of a concussion they are given an orange bracelet are will not particiapte in physical activity (i.e., physical education, DPA, recess) until cleared (signed off) by a caregiver and/or medical professional. We encourage all students with symptoms of a concussion to be picked up from school and monitored by a caregiver and assessed by a medical professional.

Cell Phones in Schools

We encourage students and families to use the office phones whenever possible, if they need to contact each other throughout the school day. However, we understand that there are certain circumstances in which a cell phone may be deemed necessary.

When can students use a mobile device: If a student is in Grade 6 and below, they can bring a mobile device to school but will only be able to use it before and after school.

If a student is in Grades 7-12, they must keep their personal mobile devices stored out of sight (i.e., in the teacher's locked closet) and either powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, except when an educator grants explicit permission for use under the specified circumstances.

What parents/caregivers can do: You can teach your student about finding a healthy balance in using technology by limiting screen time at home. You can also:

• Read Media Smarts’ tips for managing your kids’ screen time
• Explore Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH’s) services and resources if you have concerns about your child’s use of technology
• Explore School Mental Health Ontario resources to help you manage your child’s screen time

Student Clothing

The Limestone District School Board is committed to upholding human rights and creating an equitable, inclusive, and accessible school climate that ensures all students and staff feel safe, comfortable, and accepted. Administrative Procedure 352: Student Clothing has been updated to reflect this commitment.

The Student Clothing Administrative Procedure will be applied in a fair and consistent way throughout schools in the LDSB in an effort to respect student clothing decisions within parameters and in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Prevalent Medical Conditions

We still have many outstanding Medical Plans of Care for students who have been identified in our Aspen database as requiring medical support at school. In order to make sure we are able to support the needs of your student, we ask that you complete the appropriate medical forms that are applicable to your student. 

Plans of Care:

• Form 311 (B, C, D, E) is the Plan of Care, which is required by all students with Epilepsy, Diabetes, Asthma and / or Anaphylaxis. Please make sure to fill out the correct form(s) for your student’s medical condition. This is a fillable PDF document, which you can fill out online or print and complete and email back to the school email: bayri@limestone.on.ca
• Form 311-A General POC
• Form 311-B - Epilepsy Plan of Care
• Form 311-C - Diabetes Plan of Care
• Form 311-D - Asthma Plan of Care
• Form 311-E - Anaphylaxis Plan of Care

Supplemental Forms:

Click below for necessary supplementary forms needed including:

• Form-314-A1: Authorization and Request for Administration of Prescribed Medication/Medical Procedures
• Form-314-A2: Authorization and Request Form for the Administration of Prescribed Medication
• Form-314-A3: Authorization and Request Form for the Administration of an Epi-Pen
• Form-314-A4: Asthma Management - Request and Authorization for the Administration of Reliver/Rescue Inhaler
• Form-314-B1: The Administration of Medication and/or Medical Procedures to Students: Record of Procedures
• Form 314-A1 is the Authorization and Request for Administration of Prescribed Medication. If your child requires medication during school hours, this form MUST BE completed and signed by the physician. Please have the physician email it directly to the school at bayri@limestone.on.ca or fax it to us: 613-389-4291.
• Form 314-A2 is the Authorization and Request for the Administration of Prescribed Medication. This form is for you to sign and give permission to the school to administer the medication indicated on Form 314-A1. 
• Form 314-A3 is the Authorization and Request for the Administration of an Epi-Pen Glucagon, and Emergency Seizure Medication. This applies to students with a plan of care for anaphylaxis, epilepsy, and diabetes. In accordance with Limestone District School Board Policy, students at risk for anaphylactic reaction, and have prescribed epi-pens, are always to carry an epi-pen on their person. Please ensure that your student has his/her epi-pen with them and readily available to staff when they are at school. We store the second epi-pen at the main office.
• Form 314-A4 is the Authorization and Request for the Administration of Reliever/Rescue Inhaler. This applies to students with a plan of care for asthma. 
• Form 314-B1 is the Administration of Medical Procedures. This form needs to be submitted if there is a certain medical procedure that needs to happen during school hours. 

No medication or procedures can be administered at school without the authorization forms signed and filed at the school.

We are here to support students with medical conditions and paperwork to ensure your student can fully access school in a safe, accepting, and healthy learning environment that fully supports their well-being.

Please check with the teacher before sending consumables for the whole class.

Student Accident Insurance

The Limestone District School Board requires that students have student accident insurance in order to participate in extra-curricular activities. Before students will be allowed to participate in these events, parents/guardians must confirm their own coverage for items not covered under the Provincial Health Plan, or purchase an insurance plan.

Each year a Student Accident Insurance Plan is made available to all students on a voluntary basis. The plan provides protection for dental damage due to accidents, fracture benefits and other important coverage, which are not covered under the Provincial Health Plan. Some parents may have dental plan coverage through their workplace but many of these plans are limited in one way or another, while this accident coverage is not. You should compare plans to make sure you have the coverage you need or desire.

In making this plan available, the Board wishes to make its position clear in the matter of insurance. Under the Education Act, the Board is not permitted to provide insurance coverage for accidents to pupils, therefore, the Board recommends consideration of this plan to any parent who wishes to obtain this kind of insurance. Although the policy has all the advantages of a group plan, it is essentially a direct contract between the parent and the insurance company.

A family plan is also available for three or more students which permits the enrolment of students in the family who are attending schools outside the jurisdiction of this Board as long as at least one child in the family is attending a school within the Limestone District School Board.

If you wish to subscribe to this insurance, you may do so by completing the form handed out to students the first week of school and mailing it directly to Reliable Life Insurance Company in the stamped envelope provided. Or, for your convenience, you may purchase directly online at www.insuremykids.com.

Creed-based Accommodations

LDSB is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes acceptance and protects freedom of creed for all individuals. This Administrative Procedure stipulates the process of requesting creed-based accommodation. LDSB will take all reasonable steps to ensure freedom of creed-based beliefs and practices consistent with the Code. It is expected that students and their families will help the Board to understand their creed-related needs and will work with the Board and its schools to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Should your student require a creed-based accommodation, please reach out to the school to set up a time to meet and complete Form 106A: Creed-based Accommodation Request Form. More information can be found HERE.

School Trips and CPICs for Volunteers

Throughout the year, we may ask for parent/guardian volunteers on school trips or for various classroom and school activities. The wait time for obtaining a CPIC (background check with vulnerable sector screening) can be lengthy. As such, if you think you would be willing to assist with a trip or school event in the future, please consider obtaining a CPIC with vulnerable sector screening, beforehand.

Indigenous Self-Identification

The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) invites students to voluntarily and confidentially self-identify as Indigenous. Elementary and secondary students with First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit ancestry can self-identify HERE.

School board self-identification is based on any degree of Indigenous ancestry (Status, Non-Status, Métis citizenship, etc.). Self-identification can be withdrawn at any time. LDSB, in accordance with the Ministry of Education, Ontario, does not require proof of identity to self-identify.

Safe Arrival - Reporting a Student's Absence

There are three options for families to use to report a student's absence:

• SchoolMessenger App on your phone.
• SchoolMessenger website portal.
• call the automated attendance phone line at 1-855-257-9349

**Always enter "lates" as a full day even if the child will only be absent for half a day. It will adjust automatically once the student arrives.
For more information on how to report an absence please watch the video below or contact Mrs. Graham in the office.

Resources for Families

Order 'Bear Wear' Online

Bear wear is always available to families - order online here!

We Have an Early On Centre at Bayridge PS

Get more information on LDSB's website about the Early ON Child and Family Centre located in Bayridge PS.