Bayridge Bulletin - April 19, 2026

Dear Families,

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our School Advisory Council (SAC) for their generous support in funding the Rocks and Rings curling program. This opportunity provided our K-8 students with a fun and engaging way to learn new skills and stay active, and it was truly appreciated by all who participated.

We are also very grateful to SAC for planning and organizing the beautiful art show. It was a wonderful celebration of student creativity and talent, and it brought our community together in such a meaningful way.

In addition, we would like to recognize and thank the staff and students of Bayridge Secondary School, as well as the staff and students of Bayridge Public School, for their hard work and dedication in preparing and sharing their art projects. Their efforts contributed greatly to the success of these experiences and showcased the incredible leadership and learning happening across our schools.

Thanks to funds raised through our hot lunch program and the Lunchbox program purchased by our families, we are excited to share that we will be adding junior goal posts to the junior yard. This addition will provide even more opportunities for active play and enjoyment for our students.

SAC MEETING THIS WEEK:

The SAC meeting originally planned for this week has been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 22nd at 5:30 pm. We hope to see BPS parents and caregivers then - all are welcome!

JUNIOR BASKETBALL GAMES:

Junior basketball games have been scheduled and a permission form has been made LIVE on School Day. Here are the dates of the games that will take place after school:

GIRLS

• April 20: Bayridge Away Game
• April 21: Bayridge Home Game
• April 28: Bayridge Home Game
• April 30: Bayridge Away Game

BOYS

• April 23: Bayridge Away Game
• April 27: Bayridge Home Game
• Apil 29: Bayridge Home Game

Practices will continue for the junior girls team on Mondays and Wednesdays and for the junior boys on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:45 am. Students who received a call back but were not selected for a team are welcome to attend skill development sessions on Friday mornings at 10:45 am.

NEUROVIBES EVENING - APRIL 29:

We hope to see you at the Neurovibes evening on April 29th at Queen's. We are encouraging students to wear a spectrum of colours to school on April 29th to recognize Autism Awareness month (April) and celebrate all of the diversity at Bayridge Public School.

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM - FOOD SHARING PROJECT (MAY 8 - JUNE 19):

We’re excited to share that registration for our school’s lunch program is now open! Families can sign up using the following link:https://foodsharingproject.store/

This is a free weekly meal program, with deliveries to your school every Friday. Each meal includes a main item, milk, and fruit. Menus are available on the website, and all meal options are suitable for halal diets. Vegetarian, plant-based, and gluten-free options are also available.

The deadline for families to register is April 24th by midnight. Registration is a one-time process for the entire term. Due to the scale of the program, we are unfortunately not able to add students after the deadline, so please register before then.

While the program is free, families also have the option to contribute toward the cost of meals or pay on a sliding scale. The first week of meals will begin the week of May 4th, with our first delivery on Friday, May 8th. If you have any questions about the meals or have any issues with registration, please reach out at volunteer@foodsharingproject.org

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 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

GRADE 8 GRAD PHOTO MAKE-UP OPPORTUNITY:

There’s still time to give your Grade 8 graduate an opportunity to be photographed! For students who may have missed their scheduled school photo day, Edge Imaging is offering a Pop-Up Kingston photography event just for junior grads. If your child already had their photo taken at school, there’s no need to worry—this is simply an additional opportunity for those who missed it. Students who attend will have 4 poses taken in a sash and gown (provided) and will receive an emailed proof with access codes to purchase photos. The sitting fee is $10, and students are welcome to bring a prop to personalize their session.

Event Details:
Dates: April 18 and April 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (appointment times may vary)
Location: Queen’s Edge Imaging Portrait Studio (across from the AMS Media Centre)
Address: 87 Union St., John Deutsch University Centre, 2nd Floor (Room 231), Kingston, ON

Please note: If the school has already finalized the composite, it may not be possible to include additional photos.

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.

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:

• April 23 - THIS WEEK!
• April 28
• 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.

EQAO:

We would also like to share upcoming EQAO assessment dates:

• Grade 3 students will write EQAO from May 19-21 (makeup day: May 22 & 25)
• Grade 6 students will write EQAO from May26-28 (makeup day: May 29 & 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.

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.  

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. We are looking forward to a wonderful spring season together!

Be you, belong, believe, be a bear!

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

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

Let's Keep Everyone Well!

SEE YOU @ THE BPS VOLUNTEER BREAKFAST!

APRIL 29TH FROM 8:35 AM - 9:05 AM

Mental Health Supports

• Kids Help Phone – Call or text 988 for 24/7 support across Canada
• Kids Help Phone – Text CONNECT to 686868 or access live chat at kidshelpphone.ca
• Maltby Centre Walk-in Clinic: Tuesdays from 10 am - 4:45 pm
• One Stop Talk – Call 1-855-416-8255 or connect online
• Resolve Counselling Services in Kingston and Napanee
• One Roof Kingston (ages 12 to 25)
• Lennox and Addington Youth Hub (ages 10 to 24)
• In an emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department

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!

OUR DISCOVER KINDGERGARTEN EVENING IS MAY 27TH from 4:30-6 pm!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES

HELP END PARKING LOT CONGESTION!

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, April 20 (Day 1):

• Milkshake Monday - Reid's Dairy
• Running Club 8:15-8:50 am
• Primary & Junior Class to Gould Lake for Spring programming
• Welcome back to our Learning Partner - Breanna!
• Kingston Fire & Rescue to Kindergarten Class
• Junior Girls Basketball Practice @ 10:45 am
• Girls Basketball Away Game (after school)

Tuesday, April 21 (Day 2):

• Boston Pizza - Lunchbox Program
• Ridvan (12-day Baha'i Festival)
• Gardening Club - am
• Coding Club for Grades 6, 7, and 8 @ First Recess
• BCG to Grade 3/4 (middle block)
• Junior Boys Basketball Practice @ 10:45 am
• Girls Basketball Home Game (after school)

Wednesday, April 22 (Day 3):

• Edo Japan - Lunchbox Program
• Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day
• Running Club 8:15-8:50 am
• Gardening Club - am
• Coding Club for Grades 6, 7, and 8 @ First Recess
• Pizza Party in Intermediate Class - Epilepsy poster winners!
• BGC to Grade 4 (first block)
• Junior Girls Basketball Practice @ 10:45 am
• SAC Meeting from 5:30-7 pm
• Lexia Information Program Evening for Pilot Program Parents @ 6 pm (Virtual)

Thursday, April 23 (Day 4):

• Smoke 'N Barrel - Lunchbox Program
• IPRC Meetings for Invited Families
• Gardening Club - am
• BGC to Grade 5/6 (middle block)
• Junior Boys Basketball Practice @ 10:45 am
• Boys Basketball Away Game (after school)
• Lexia Information Program Evening for Pilot Program Parents @ 6 pm (Virtual)

Friday, April 24 (Day 5):

• BPS Spirit wear and/or blue and green day!
• Gino's - Lunchbox program
• Junior Basketball Skills Development @ 10:45 am
• Deadline is midnight to register for the free School Lunch Program w/ The Food Sharing Project Beginning May 8th https://foodsharingproject.store/

Your'e Invited - KFL&A Infant & Early Mental Health Care Pathway Launch

Register today: https://forms.office.com/r/pYtCZDCvHb

You are invited to join us for the launch of the KFL&A Infant & Early Mental Health Care Pathway on May 1, 2026.

This new pathway reflects a shared community commitment to supporting the social, emotional, and physical development of young children, from birth to six years of age. It is designed to help identify concerns earlier, support the use of a common developmental screening approach, and strengthen connections to services and supports for families across the region.

The launch event will be an opportunity to:

• Learn more about the Infant & Early Mental Health Care Pathway
• Hear from community partners involved in this work
• Explore how the pathway will help connect children and families to the right supports, sooner 

Date: May 1, 2026
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Location: Southeast Public Health,
221 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston
Auditorium A & B

Coming Soon

April

• April 27: LCVI Sports Festival (Special Olympics) / Boys Basketball Home Game (after school)
• April 28: Bayridge Secondary School Road Race / Girls Basketball Home Game (after school)
• April 29: Neurodiversity Celebration Day - wear a spectrum of colours! / Hot Breakfast for Grades 6-8, Siblings, & Staff @ 8:35 am (Bear Den) / Volunteer Breakfast @ 8:35 am (Bear Den) / Boys Basketball Home Game (after school)
• April 30: Girls Basketball Away Game (after school)

May

• May 4: Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 6: Virtual Celebration of Dance / LCVI Road Race
• May 14: Practice Lockdown w/ Kingston Police (AM) & Emergency Procedure Drills (Hold & Secure and Shelter in Place)
• 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 (NEW DATE)
• 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, April 22nd 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.

• April 22 (NEW DATE)
• 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.