Bayridge Bulletin -Sept 28, 2025

Dear Families,

Welcome, October and Fall! It was a very busy week at Bayridge PS as we learned, played, and practiced important drills. Here are a few important updates and events from our school community.

On Monday, September 29th, the Indigenous Team has invited Bayridge PS to be a part of a Métis Music, Story & Fiddle Assembly. It will take place in our gym for grades 3-8 from 11:45-12:45. It will be a fun, interactive performance that introduces young students to Métis culture through traditional fiddle music, storytelling, and engaging songs tied to Social Studies, Music, and Language outcomes. Amanda Rheaume is an award-winning Métis singer-songwriter and citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. She is also a Métis culture expert, fiddle player, and educator. 

Due to inclement weather last week, our annual Terry Fox Event is rescheduled for Monday, September 29. We are looking forward to coming together as a school to honour Terry’s legacy and support cancer research. Students are encouraged to wear their Terry Fox t-shirts, or BPS Spirit wear and comfortable shoes. We look forward to welcoming families at our morning line-up sports at 2:25/2:30. Kindergarten classes will be on the primary pavement instead of the Kindergarten yard.

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30th, we are reminded of our responsibility to engage intentionally in learning about the Residential School System and the true history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in what is currently known as Canada. This is a day to honour the children who never returned home, to stand with Survivors, and to commit to reconciliation in our classrooms and communities.

This past week, our staff and students demonstrated exceptional calm, cooperation, and leadership as we practiced our emergency procedures: lockdown drill, hold and secure drill, and shelter in place drill. We are proud of how quickly and responsibly everyone responded. Safety remains a top priority in LDSB and Bayridge PS, and it was wonderful to see our community working together so effectively. Our next drills will be in the Spring.

We’re happy to report that our individual fall photo day went smoothly. Thank you to all families for helping to prepare students for the day. We look forward to seeing the final photos, which will be shared with you as soon as they are available. Class photos will be in November during re-take day.

A huge thank you to Mrs. Overvelde for coaching the BPS Senior Soccer team. We wish the atheltes and coach all the best at their tournament this week and look forward to seeing them sport our new jerseys purchased by our amazing School Council.

We are excited to share the launch of a new initiative starting this Friday: a Student Leader Indigenous Group for self-identified Indigenous students in Grades 4 to 8. This opportunity is being offered in partnership with the Limestone District School Board Indigenous Education Team and Bath Public School. The group will provide a space for student voice, leadership, and cultural connection. We are proud to support our students in this meaningful way and look forward to the learning and growth ahead. We are proud to share that Mrs. Stone, Mrs. Marshall, and Ms. Akey have taken on the role of Indigenous Teacher Leaders this school year at BPS. The school will be participating in a whole-school project for Orange Shirt Day on September 30th.

The City of Kingston is engaging with families regarding early years programming in the city and Frontenac County.  The link to the engagement survey is HERE and is open until September 30.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Be you, belong, believe, be a bear!

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

This Week's Schedule

Monday, September 29th (Day 4)

• National Truth and Reconciliation Week (Indigenous)
• Grades 3-8 Métis Music, Story & Fiddle Assembly
• Terry Fox Event @ 2:30 pm on the BSS Track - families welcome!
• • Wear BPS Spirit Wear or Terry Fox t-shirts!

Tuesday, September 30th (Day 5)

• Orange Shirt Day (Indigenous)
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Indigenous)

Wednesday, October 1st (Day 1)

• All Saints Day
• Senior Soccer Team Tournament with Mrs. Overvelde (see School Day)
• Month of October:
• • ADHD Awareness Month
  • Hispanic Heritage Month
  • Islamic Heritage Month
  • Women's History Month
  • K-2 Cyber Awareness Month (Provincial)
  • Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
• Edo Japan - LunchBox Program

Thursday, October 2nd (Day 2)

• School Custodian Appreciation Day
• • Thank you Mr.Corea, Mr. Klein, and Mr. Wolfe
• Yom Kippur

Friday, October 3rd (Day 3)

• Grade 7 & 8 Off-Prperty Lunches Begin (Overvelde, Wolsey, and Fields-Young)
• • Permission from families on School Day required for Off-Property lunches
• Gino's Pizza & Chicken Fingers - LunchBox Program
• Indigenous Student Leadership Group for Grades 4-8 Self-Identified students

City of Kingston Input

The City of Kingston, in partnership with community agencies and local school boards, including Limestone DSB, are conducting an optional survey to better understand how students travel to and from school in Kingston. By taking part, you will also enter your school in a chance to win a free bike rack!

 Your responses will provide valuable insights into travel patterns and help inform future active school travel initiatives, such as new policies, programs, and infrastructure improvements. This survey is intended to be conducted at regular intervals in the future to determine how travel patterns may be changing over time.

 All responses will remain anonymous, and the data will be used to improve safety, accessibility, and convenience for families.

 The survey will take about 5-10 minutes to complete. We recommend you use a larger screen, if possible, like a laptop or monitor.

 Access the survey online before October 13, 2025: Take the survey online.

 Thank you for your time and your feedback.

The City of Kingston

Meet Our New School Advisory Council (SAC) Exec!

Congratulations to all members on their positions.

• Chair: Kristy Kuhn
• Vice Chair: Vacancy
• Treasurer: Jenn Nguyen
• Secretary: Kayla Mae
• Fundraising Coordinator: Zrinka Vukadinovic
• Indigenous Representative: Vacancy
• Divisional Representatives: Lindsay Hanna (Junior) - Kindergarten, Primary & Intermediate Vacancies
• PIC: Vacancy
• Members-At-Large: Alison Kuiack, Meg Redmond, Amber McCready

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, October 15th at 5:30 pm in the Learning Commons/Library.

SAC Dates:

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

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

Important Information:

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

Please drive slowly! 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 have received a green and/or blue Bayridge T-shirt, thanks to the generous support of our School Council! Our JK and new SK Kindergarten students should have received a black LDSB t-shirt that they can wear on Spirit day as well!

Data Verificaton Forms

Hard copies of Data Verification Forms were already sent home and so many have been returned - thank you! Please continue to review and return these forms (WITH OR WITHOUT CHANGES) 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.

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!

Use Your WITS During Recess:

Karate Kids® Program (Tallack Martial Arts)

Karate has started on Thurday afternoons in the gym. We have a few scholarships to offer some of our families. If you think your student would benefit from a karate scholarship, please email bayri@limestone.on.ca and we can help!

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

You can order your Wednesday and Friday Lunchbox for our Lunch Program already! Orders are due by noon on Sunday. 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

Our gym floor is waxed so that it is ready for programming and play. However, we already have lots of scuffs on our floor. 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

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.

BPS Fundraiser!

LDSB Intention

School Timetable - Balanced Day

Staff Organization: 2025-2026

Welcome to:

• Mrs. Stephanie McKinnon in the permanent ECE role with Mrs. Stone in Kindergarten
• Mrs. Nancy Diaz who is the casual ECE in for Mrs. Ella Price
• Mr. Chris Klein as the 8 hour afternoon/evening custodian at BPS

Farewell to:

• Mrs. Shelley Pereira (primary permanent EA) who accepted her previous permanent EA position at Elginburg PS.
• Mr. Chris Klein (intermediate permanent EA) in a permanent EA position.
• • Both Mr. Klein and Mrs. Pereira's positions will be filled by a casual EA until the permanent EA hiring.

Immunizations - A Message from KFL&A

Getting to School Safely

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.

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.

Sagaonaska Provincial Demonstration School for students diagnosed with severe learning disabilities is hosting a family tour day on Thursday,  October 9th. This is for families who are considering the school as an option for the 2026 - 2027 year. Families may participate in a morning or evening tour of the school, grounds and lodging facilities at the Belleville campus. If families aren't able to attend the open house on October 9th, they are welcome to reach out to the Resource Consultants to arrange an alternate time to visit, ask questions and get information.

Coming Up

September

October

• 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 4:30-6 / Sagonaska Provincial Demonstration School Open House in Belleville (AM or PM)
• October 10: PA Day / World Mental Health Day
• October 12-15: Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah
• October 17: IEPs to Families
• 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
• October 27: BPS Gould Lake Day - 4 classes attending
• October 31: Black & Orange Day / Halloween

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 24: Student Census Week Grades 4-8
• • Opportunity for families to opt students out of the Voluntary Student Census
• 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.