Bayridge Bulletin -Sept 14, 2025

Dear Families,

We had a great second week of school at Bayridge PS! Our newly trained bus patrollers are already showing leadership and responsibility, helping to keep everyone safe during arrival and dismissal. We successfully completed our first fire drill of the year, and students did a fantastic job following safety procedures. Student council members were selected in Grades 4–8! We’re proud of all the students who put themselves forward and showed leadership and school spirit. Congratulations to our new student council representatives—we look forward to the great ideas and initiatives you’ll bring to Bayridge this year! Throughout the week, students also participated in screeners and diagnostics, helping us get a clearer picture of their learning needs in literacy and math. We were excited to meet our LDSB Learning Partner (Mrs. Maddy De Jong) and Math Facilitator (Mrs. Kaytie Coon), who will be working with us to support student growth and achievement this year. It was a busy and productive 5 day week! We are looking forward to the week ahead!

Dismissal @ 3:25 pm

Just a reminder that for safety and supervision reasons, students cannot be dismissed to families or the bus prior to the final bell at 3:25 p.m even if we see families or the busses. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us ensure a smooth and safe end to the school day for everyone.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up:

Bus Lane

As of 8:45 am, the bus lane is off-limits to vehicles dropping off their student(s) for before school programming. The bus lane is reserved for Triboard transportation (i.e., busses, vans, and taxis).

Parking Lot

The arrows in the parking lot indicate which way to travel safely through the parking lot. Please follow the arrows when dropping off and picking up your student(s) and parking.

Accessible Parking Spaces

These spaces are reserved for families who are displaying a valid Accessible Parking Permit only. These spaces are not to be used for convenience. We may ask you to move your vehicle without appropriate signage. Thank you for your understanding.

New Students & BPS Spirit

New students should be receiving a green and/or blue Bayridge T-shirt, thanks to the generous support of our School Council! We’re excited to welcome our new Bears and help them show their school spirit. 

Data Verificaton Forms

Hard copies of Data Verification Forms were sent home on Friday, or will be sent home on Monday, to ensure we have the most up to date information in our Aspen database. Please include more than one emergency contact for your student. You can write any changes directly on the form. Please return the form regardless - WITH or WITHOUT changes.

Computer Use Agreement

This is now LIVE on School Day! Please review and complete in order for your JK-Grade 8 student to access an iPad and/or Chromebook.

Secure Match Key

In order to sign your student up for School Day, you need a Secure Match Key. These were/will be sent home to all new and returning students with the data verification forms and student insurance information.

Open House

Our Open House is on Thursday, October 9th from 4:30-6:00 pm. From 4:30-5:30 you can meet your student's teacher, visit the classroom, tour the school, and visit Scholastic Book Fair (our school Fundraiser with SAC). Please schedule a time to meet with the teacher should you require a meeting. From 5:30-6:00 we are showing families how we "recess" and how we use our WITS (Walk Away, Ignore, Talk it out, Seek help). We encourge families to play our pavement and field games while modelling sportsmanship, co-operation, and fun!

Karate Kids® Program (Tallack Martial Arts)

Bayridge Public School is pleased to announce that the popular Karate Kids® program will be starting on Thursday, September 18th, 2025! Karate Kids is a weekly LUNCH-TIME fitness and character-building class that is open to all Grade 1-5 students. The program runs every Thursday from September 18th, 2025, to January 2026, during the second recess in the gym.

On Monday, September 15th, the Karate Kids instructors will visit classrooms during their nutrition break to share information about Karate Kids!

ABOUT KARATE KIDS®:

Celebrating its 24th year, Karate Kids is a Board of Education approved program that started right here in Kingston! Karate Kids is a low-cost and convenient lunchtime program designed to bring the benefits of Martial Arts, physical activity, and character development to children. Taught by professionally trained instructors of Tallack Martial Arts, this non-contact and non-competitive activity is a fantastic way to encourage kids to be active while learning and having fun! Your child will have a blast learning karate while making new friends!

Karate Kids helps develop confidence, focus, and fitness in a fun environment. For more detailed information, visit www.kingstonkarate.com or call (613) 634-9277.

Primary Yard Climber Closed

The LDSB deemed the purple and green climber on the primary yard unsafe. As a result, the climber is CLOSED before, during, and after school hours. We have currently reached out to LDSB Facility Services to get pricing to remove the unsafe rubber and install mulch. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Main Office

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-4:00 pm. The office will be covered for an hour throughout the day from 12-1 pm. You can email us at bayri@limestone.on.ca or call 613-389-6900. Emails and phone messages will be answered within 48 hours. For immediate assistance, please call back and to speak to someone. Bayridge Public School is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Harrassment, discrimination, violence, or abuse towards staff will not be tolerated. Please review the LDSB Code of Conduct below. Thank you.

Lunchbox Lunch Program

We will be using Lunchbox for our Lunch Program for efficiency of ordering and delivering. You are welcome to create an account and explore the www.lunchboxorders.net site now. We are currently working with Lunchbox to source vendor and food options for Mondays. We have Edo Japan (bowls and sushi) on Wednesdays and Gino's (pizza and chicken fingers) on Fridays). Milkshake days can still be ordered on School Day at this time.

Food Share Program

We will be offering the Food Share Program to all of our classes. All students can access this program. Please reach out if your student has dietary restrictions. More information will follow about Grade 7 & 8 students leaving school property for lunch and the Grade 6-8 breakfast program.

Indoor Shoes

Over the summer, our gym floor gets waxed so that it is ready for programming and play. We ask that families provide their students with indoor and outdoor shoes. Non-marking soles are a must when accessing the gym. Proper footwear is required to prevent injury in the physical education program. Thank you for preparing your student for success!

Service Dogs

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.

We can't wait to see you soon!

Be you, belong, believe, be a bear!

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

Picture Day: September 26th

KidsInclusive OT Update

BPS Fundraiser!

LDSB Intention & Code of Conduct

The School Advisory Council (SAC) Needs You!

SAC Elections & September Meeting Date

It's that time of year - parents/caregivers! School Advisory Council (SAC) elections for Executive Positions are coming up very soon! The first SAC Council Meeting of the 2025-2026 school year and Elections will take place on Wednesday, September 17th at 5:30 pm. The elections will take place first in the Learning Commons with the SAC meeting following afterwards.

Please use the link below to submit nominations or drop by the school to pick up a hard-copy nomination form. Nominations are anonymous and you can nominate yourself or someone else for a position. If you are nominating someone, please ensure they are up for the position and have agreed to your nomination. The person you nominate must be available to be present at the meeting. Your nomination does not count as a vote; you must be present to vote. Nominations (for others and self) can be accessed HERE and are due by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 17th.

Positions for election are:

Chair/Co-Chair: Represents, works with and provides support to all school community and council committee chairs. This person works closely with the school principal and VP, school staff and parents to enrich the education of all students. Additionally, they preside over and conduct monthly council meetings, set agendas and schedule meetings (in consultation with the VP/Principal). The chair promotes discussion amongst council members and the community, receives and reports on correspondence sent and received by council. Acts as coordinator between the school board and council. Receives documentation from board and keeps council advised of board decisions, activities etc. Supports programs, initiatives and activities led by other council members and contributes to the monthly council newsletter.

Vice Chair: Presides at meetings in the absence of the chair or upon the incumbent’s inability to serve. Responsible for overseeing all sponsored events and programs.

Treasurer: Works with the council and coordinators in developing an operating budget, keeps a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures and serves as the liaison with the Board of Education. Additional responsibilities include depositing/disbursing funds on behalf of the council, the preparation of monthly financial statements, and the preparation & filing of all necessary financial reports.

Secretary: Attends scheduled council meetings, records, maintains and distributes minutes of meetings, keeps non-financial records of council.

Fundraising Coordinator: Plans, manages fundraising activities of council. Works closely with the treasurer.

Indigenous Representative: This is a newer position with the SAC and will evolve and grow organically.

Divisional Representatives: Attends meetings and participates in many aspects of council activities, as prescribed by council. Voting member. Kindergarten, Primary, Junior positions available.

Everyone who is part of our Bayridge PS family is welcome to attend any of our meetings this year. Meeting dates will be shared out after the September 17th meeting.

We look forward to hearing your voice!

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

• September 17
• October 15
• November 12
• December 10
• January 14
• February 18
• March 11
• April 15
• May 13
• June 10

Kanyen'kéha and Anishinaabemowin Programming

We are happy to share that Indigenous Language Programming will be offered again this year, beginning in October for Indigenous Students. Please email bayri@limestone.on.ca before October 1st if you have an interested student.

Program Details

Kanyen'kéha

• Teacher: Tahnee Bennett (returning)
• Start Date: October 21, 2025
• Platform: Microsoft Teams
• Schedule:
• • Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:00 – 10:45 AM → Returning students
  • Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11:00 – 11:45 AM → New students

Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)

• Teacher: Ashley Nadon (returning)
• Start Date: October 14, 2025
• Platform: Microsoft Teams
• Schedule:
• • Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:00 – 10:45 AM
  • Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11:00 – 11:45 AM
• Recommended for: Grades 3 and up (exceptions possible if younger students have a strong desire to participate)

Grading & Reporting

This program is not a substitute for French, but an additional cultural and language opportunity for Indigenous students. No formal grade will be given, as programming totals only 90 minutes per week. However, Tahnee is happy to provide comments for report cards that highlight progress and successes.

Understanding Our Responsibilities

Article 13 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms that language programming is a right for Indigenous students. This program is a unique chance to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages and uplift students’ cultural knowledge, self-esteem, confidence, and well-being. Very few school boards are able to offer this opportunity, and we are proud to be doing so together.

Nyá:wen / Miigwech / Thank you,

Liv Rondeau

Vice-Principal of Indigenous Education

School Timetable - Balanced Day

Staff Organization: 2025-2026

We will be keeping our 14 classes moving forward which means smaller class sizes to start off the school year. A lot of information is taken into consideration when consulting with staff on class placements for students. We will not be moving students' classes. Thank you for your understanding.

Welcome to:

• Mrs. Ella Price, the permanent ECE in Kindergarten with Ms. Collins!

Farewell to:

• Ms. Hannah Uens (LTO in for Mrs. Christina Quaresma). We will be hiring for this position on Tuesday, September 16th with the teacher beginning Wednesday, September 17th.

Terry Fox - 45th Anniversary

BPS Walk, Run & Roll Event - September 25th @ 2:30 pm

Terry Fox represented the best that Canadians have to offer. He was an example of courage, humility, determination, and perseverance. From a young age he exemplified these attributes that made him an inspiration for not only Canada, but the entire world. From the Terry Fox Foundation Website.

Families are welcome to join us for the BPS walk, run, and roll event on the Bayridge Secondary School track at 2:30 pm. You can make a monetary donation for cancer research directly on the Terry Fox Foundation website HERE. Click DONATE and see how close we are to our goal of $450.00!

Immunizations - A Message from KFL&A

Getting to School Safely

Concussion Protocol

Click HERE to read the 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.

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 before exempting your student from this strand in the Ontario health curriculum using Form 325-B.

Form 325-A - Notice of Period of Instruction Grade 1 to 8

Form 325-B - Exemption Letter Parent Request

Form 325-C - Principal Acknowledgement of Exemption Request

Form 325-D - List of H.D. and S.H Instruction Expectations by Grade

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.

This Week's Schedule

Monday, September 15th (Day 4)

• Karate Kids (Tallack Martial Arts) to visit classes

Tuesday, September 16th (Day 5)

• Student Council Meeting @ 11:05 am in the Learning Commons (Grade 4-8 elected students)

Wednesday, September 17th (Day 1)

• SAC Elections & Meeting @ 5:30 PM - Library / Learning Commons (All BPS Caregivers welcome!)

Thursday, September 18th (Day 2)

• Karate Kids (Tallack Martial Arts) Begins (Second recess in the gym)

Friday, September 19th (Day 3)

• Spirit Friday! Wear BPS wear or blue or green to show off your school spirit!
• Powley Day

Coming Up

September

• September 20-26: International Week of the Deaf
• September 22: Autumn Equinox
• September 22-24: Roshh Hashanah
• September 23: International Day of Sign Languages
• September 23: International Day of Sign Languages
• September 24: Rowan's Law Day
• September 25: Welcome & Terry Fox Assembly & Event @ 2 pm (Toonies for Terry on School Day)
• September 26: Fall Individual Photos - Edge Imaging
• September 28: Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day
• September 29-October 3: National Truth and Reconciliation Week (Indigenous)
• September 30: Orange Shirt Day (Indigenous) / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Indigenous)

October

• October 1: All Saints Day
• October 1-31: ADHD Awareness Month / Hispanic Heritage Month / Islamic Heritage Month / Women's History Month / K-2 Cyber Awareness Month (Provincial) / Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
• October 2: School Custodian Appreciation Day / Yom Kippur
• October 4: National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls/Sisters in Spirit (Indigenous)
• October 5: World Teachers' Day (LDSB Educators' Day)
• October 6-13: Sukkot
• October 6-9: Scholastic Book Fair
• October 9: Open House
• October 10: PA Day / World Mental Health Day
• October 12-15: Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah
• October 17-22: Secret Path Week (Indigenous)
• October 19-25: Canadian Down Syndrome Week
• October 20: Diwali / Bandi Chhor Diwas
• October 20-26: Local Government Week
• October 21: Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day

November

• November 5: Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
• November 13: Progress Reports Home to Families
• November 14: PA Day
• November 19: Educational Support Staff Appreciation Day
• November 27: Individual Retakes & Class Photos - Edge Imaging

December

• December 24: Christmas Eve
• December 25: Christmas

January

• January 14: Bus Safety Presentations (last block)
• January 20: Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
• January 30: PA Day

February

• February 2: Term 2 Begins
• February 6: School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
• February 13: Term 1 Reports & COLs Home to Families
• February 17: Lunar New Year
• February 18: Ramadan / Ash Wednesday
• February 22: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

March

• March 1: Pesach/passover
• March 2: Purim
• March 4: Holi
• March 20: Eid-ul-Fitr
• March 21: Naw-Ruz (Baha'i) / Nowruz (Ismaili)

April

• April 1: Principal Appreciation Day / Wesak (Buddha Day)
• April 10: Holy Friday (Eastern Orthodox)
• April 14: Vaisakhi
• April 21: Ridvan (12-day Baha'i Festival)
• April 22: Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day

May

• May 4: Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 22: Shavuot - Day 1
• May 23: Shavuot - Day 2
• May 25: Grade 8 Graduation Photos - Edge Imaging
• May 28: Discover Kindergarten: 4:30-6 pm
• May 29: PA Day

June

• June 22: Grade 8 Graduation & Boat Cruise
• June 24: Term 2 Reports & COLs Home to Families

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.