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Exam Schedule Semester 1 - January 2026

2025-11-25 17:38:10.228 +0000 UTC

SHS Newsletter #4 December

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">What's Happening at Sydenham High School</h2>December 2025<img src="/images/939609bb-0496-4f64-8fc4-886e988a21b9" alt="school image" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">December is here! </h2><hr>We had a very busy November and find it hard to believe that we are now in December. We are past the midway point of the semester and encourage all our students to continue working hard, submitting assignments and asking for support if needed in order to ensure success. Remember that daily attendance improves academic achievement - every day counts! With the arrival of December also comes the arrival of our school play, Murder by the Book, our holiday concert, and the beginning of the winter sports season. For more information on upcoming dates and events, see below. Finally, thank you to our community for coming out to our second Holiday Showcase. Our students showed off their talents in culinary, manufacturing, technology design, and construction. A big thank you to our staff for organizing a warm spot for the community to visit on the day of the Sydenham Santa Claus parade. <div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 2fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/325670bb-61ff-414a-bf20-bbe9f7e5c1a0" alt="processed 36E51334 6116 4843 BCA7 03E5D60A5233" width="189" height="252" style="width:189px;height:252px;display:inline-block"></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/f8521315-6a89-4058-bea1-3cc3bff3cdaa" alt="8642981002367674665" width="404" height="303" style="width:404px;height:303px;display:inline-block"></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/d9dfc8e5-3cb0-4c0f-92b1-8357832c5550" alt="3815343084802740829" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></div></div> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">SHS Presents Murder by the Book! </h2><hr>SHS students have been working hard on a hilarious new murder mystery comedy directed by teachers Janice Keene and Tyler Elliott.Please come and join us for this hilarious and heartwarming show! In Murder by the Book, the town of Two Spruce is about to lose their beloved library! A team of volunteer actors come to its rescue by staging a murder mystery. But on opening night a real murder most foul threatens to thwart their fundraiser. Lucy the Librarian and a team of quirky volunteer actors scramble to solve the crime before the curtain rises and the library is lost forever! The script comes compliments of mystery writer Louise Penny & playwright Laura Teasdale who created the play to help raise money for libraries everywhere (SHS will be raising money for our school library!).Performances are December 3-5 from 7:00 - 8:30pm in the Drama Room. Tickets are $10.00 and are available NOW on School Day and at <a href="https://ticketscene.ca/list.php?q=Sydenham+High+School" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Ticket Scene</a>. The show is suitable for ages 12 and up. We hope to see you there!<div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 3fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/edac1550-6e36-4b59-b7ab-025c86405062" alt="Murder By The Book Logo 1 " width="320" height="370" style="width:320px;height:370px;display:inline-block"></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/566d3830-fd6c-478b-9877-caf2398388cc" alt="IMG 1396" width="494" height="371" style="width:494px;height:371px;display:inline-block"></div></div> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Department News - Communications </h2><hr>The SHS Communications Department (all English and French courses) have had a busy semester! French students have enjoyed hands-on activities like creating unique restaurant menus and recipes, writing pen pal letters, a fun trip to Gould Lake, and are looking forward to the biggest event of the year: the SHS France trip!  English students have been sharpening their reading, writing, and speaking skills since September through a variety of activities.  They've written personal essays, delivered TED Talks, written land acknowledgments for SHS, and participated in Book Clubs that focus on amplifying diverse voices.   The English and French teachers look forward to continuing to develop students' critical thinking and communication skills as they explore the world around them! <div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/c86dfd86-fe19-4ea8-8c8a-8a5f2ea65287" alt="English Dept 3" width="476" height="635" style="width:476px;height:635px;display:inline-block"></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/cdbc83d4-9564-4a9f-a912-ab27e0f22cac" alt="English Dept 4" width="369" height="276" style="width:369px;height:276px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/bf8375c8-623a-484a-8a0b-22590c1066dd" alt="English Dept 1" width="367" height="274" style="width:367px;height:274px;display:inline-block"> </div></div> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Upcoming Dates</h2><hr> <div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem">Dec. 1 - Picture RetakesDec. 2 - Graduation Photos (Dec. 2 - Dec. 10th)Dec. 3 - School Play - Murder by the BookDec. 3 - Level Up Career Fair Dec. 4 - School Play - Murder by the BookDec. 4 - School to Community Field Trip to CineplexDec. 5 - School Play - Murder by the BookDec. 5 - Field Trip Wheelers Pancake House (Outdoors Club)Dec. 5 - School to Community Winter Wonderland DanceDec. 5 - Full Disclosure Date for Grade 11/12 MarksDec. 8 - SHS Band Tours to Elementary SchoolsDec. 9 - SHS Band Tours to Elementary SchoolsDec. 9 - Human Rights and Athletics - 12 - 1 PMDec. 10 - SHS Band Tours to Elementary SchoolsDec. 10 - Human Rights Student SymposiumDec. 11 - SHS Band and LPS Holiday Concert 6:30- 8 PMDec. 11 - Winter Pep RallyDec. 19 - Holiday Fun Day (Last day before holiday break)Dec. 22 - Jan. 2 - Winter BreakJan. 5 - First Day back after Winter Break*** Upcoming Exam Dates Jan. 22 - Jan. 29 ******</div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/b1e8d8c8-8024-41fc-abca-b5d783a3137c" alt="Sydenham Holiday Concert Poster PDF 2025" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> </div></div><img src="/images/35b699cb-bda9-4e83-bb09-50577abb9b0a" alt="SHS Exam Schedule Jan 2026" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Student Census Survey - See Yourself in Limestone</h2><hr>Limestone is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all students. To help us better understand how students’ identities and experiences relate to their achievement and well-being, we are launching our second See Yourself in Limestone Student Census Survey this fall.The census is a voluntary and confidential survey for students in Grades 4 to 12, running from November 24 to 28, 2025. It has been extended until Dec. 12, 2025 It gathers information about students’ identities and their experiences at school. This data is then paired with academic information to help us understand what school is like for different groups of students.Important information for families:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The survey is optional.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Responses are confidential and students can skip any questions they do not wish to answer.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Students will complete the survey during class time. They also have access to the survey through a link sent to their LDSB email.</li></ul>By better understanding students’ identities and experiences, we can remove barriers and better support students in accessing what they need to succeed.Learn more about the Student Census and how it supports equity in Limestone: <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_census" class="editor-link">limestone.on.ca/student_census</a> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">School Council 2025-2026 </h2><hr>Future Meeting Dates (7 PM SHS Library)<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">January 19</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">February 23</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">April 20</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">June 1</li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"> </h2><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">2025-2026 LDSB School Year Calendar</h2><hr>A <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/7291ab76-99b5-43a1-8f2b-edaade7c53e8/2025-04-07-LDSB%20School%20Year%20Calendar-2025-2026.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">PDF version of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar is available online</a>. <img src="/images/1161a439-a52c-4144-ad44-b2b141f1f967" alt="2025 2026 LDSB School Year Calendar" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Concussion Protocol</h2> SHS is committed to student safety, injury prevention, and well-being, and supports concussion awareness, prevention, identification, management, tracking, and training. Our point of contact is Ms. Ash Ward, Vice Principal.Our <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/concussion_protocols" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">LDSB Concussion Policy/Concussion Code of Conduct </a>is here as well to ensure we work together to support our students if a concussion is suspected or diagnosed. <img src="/images/d2d534f2-a37f-4106-a903-2977022c738c" alt="thumb cef5db28763b3ff1d271b5f827629038" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <hr> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Allergen Awareness - </h2><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Nut-Free & Scent Free School</h2> <img src="/images/77143b36-64d5-4f80-a9f2-cf2bf339fb88" alt="Nut Free School" width="205" height="293" style="width:205px;height:293px;display:inline-block;float:left"><img src="/images/20f12d85-2a46-4137-bd1e-ab4d5273e2c1" alt="Scent Free" width="206" height="256" style="width:206px;height:256px;display:inline-block;float:right"> <hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;">Threat/Risk Assessment Notification and Process</h2> The Limestone District School Board and community partners are committed to making our schools safe for students and staff. As a result, schools will respond to all student behaviours that pose a potential risk to other students, staff, and community members. The Community Violence Threat Risk Assessment Process is designed to be proactive in developing intervention plans that address the emotional and physical safety of those involved. Families are asked to review the steps of a <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/safe-caring-schools" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link">Threat/Risk Assessment online</a>.<hr> <figure><a href="https://specialtytrophies.ca/sydenhamhighschool/" target="_blank" title="Spirit Wear"><img src="/images/93a00b71-9d11-44c1-88dc-c7bfba2579cd" alt="Spirit Wear" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></a></figure><img src="/images/a25e9f58-b0ae-4c6a-9c8e-96863f2e3e0a" alt="New Land Acknowledgement" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">

2025-12-01 22:13:27.831 +0000 UTC

Youth Imagine the Future

Our SHS students, under the direction of Art Teacher Mr. Shaw, have created many wonderful, inspiring artworks which convey their unique vision of environmental sustainability, clean energy and community belonging for all. Every year, Youth Imagine the Future visits our classrooms and then chooses pieces to display in their December showcase. <img src="/images/c2348761-3532-472b-8b91-a5e1537d5232" alt="IMG 4778" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/d3550108-baf2-4d4c-bd97-6a0f73585468" alt="IMG 4782" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/376c9ab5-a61d-425d-9011-f747f8cab173" alt="IMG 4780" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/6b783bb9-4d2e-4448-a420-519dfd0cf652" alt="IMG 4779" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/0488d096-79c4-42ea-b6d0-8298754b8e78" alt="IMG 4784" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/93893dbe-a9d8-4148-889b-a16c499fb54e" alt="IMG 4781" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/a1ce853c-d5d5-469e-a9a9-071b2100e990" alt="IMG 4783" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">

2025-11-17 16:20:50.898 +0000 UTC

Upcoming Events

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Holiday Fun Day

Winter Break - No Classes for Students

Week A

Calabogie Peaks Field Trip

Holiday Fun Day

Winter Break - No Classes for Students

Week A

Calabogie Peaks Field Trip

Field Trip to Moratorium

Sr Girls Volleyball Tournament @Regi

Junior Girls Volleyball Tournament - Sydenham

Week B

Grade 8 Parent Information Night

Sydenham High School Grade 8 Information Night

Winter Pep Rally

Senior Boys Basketball Tournament - Sydenham

Week A

Secondary Examination Days - Semester 1

Week B

Junior Girls Volleyball Tournament - Regi

Senior Boys Basketball Tournament - Belleville

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

Week A

About Our School

Welcome to Sydenham High School, home of the Golden Eagles! Sydenham offers a wide variety of learning opportunities for all students, through a safe and caring learning environment. The school places a strong emphasis on student success through a variety of pathways (world of work, apprenticeship, college, university), as well as focusing on building character in all students. We offer Alternative Education, Co-Operative Education, Dual Credits, Focus Programs, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs and Specialist High Skills Major. There are many extra-curricular activities available to students.

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What's New at the District

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Message from the Director - December 17, 2025

Dear Families,I hope this message finds you well as we approach the end of the last school week of 2025 and the upcoming holiday season.  I wanted to share a few updates with you before we head into the Winter Break:EQAO ResultsThe Ministry of Education recently released the 2024-2025 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results, and we are proud to share that Limestone achieved its strongest performance in four years, with gains across every testing category.Limestone’s results align with provincial outcomes in many areas and show notable improvements in others, including among specific student groups. In fact, Limestone’s performance is at or above the provincial average in nearly all measures.These accomplishments reflect the collective efforts of Limestone’s educators, Educational Assistants, program teams, and school leaders—along with the commitment and support of students and families across the district. I am deeply proud of the dedication shown by Limestone staff, students, and families in achieving these results.More information on EQAO results is <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/limestone-s-eqao-results-improve-across-all-categories-20251205185556" class="editor-link">available on Limestone’s website</a>, including a <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/2a916cd2-b224-4a93-a4b3-b0a57ae98e62/Letter-to-Parents-EQAO-Dec-3-2025.pdf" class="editor-link">letter to families from Minister of Education, Paul Calandra</a>.Grade 8 Information NightsThe Limestone District School Board is hosting Grade 8 Parent Information Nights at secondary schools across the region for families and students. These events include a special presentation about the school, its programs, and the registration process.Information nights are also a great opportunity to learn about the wide variety of programs available for secondary students in Limestone—including expanded opportunities, French immersion, the International Baccalaureate program, and more. We are very proud of the range and choice of different secondary programs we provide to the communities we serve.Upcoming <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/grade-8-information-nights-20251208194333" class="editor-link">information night dates can be found on Limestone’s website</a>.Inclement Weather Reminder/Tri-Board Transportation ReminderWe are now well into the inclement weather season and have already experienced some transportation cancellation days. Our transportation partner, Tri-Board Student Transportation Services (Tri-Board), works closely with school bus companies to determine whether it is safe to operate on days with adverse weather.School buses function differently than family vehicles, and sometimes, even when roads seem safe for cars, conditions are not suitable for buses. Given the geographic size of our district, weather can vary significantly from one region to another. As a result, cancellations may affect only certain areas while others remain unaffected.We understand that transportation cancellations can be disruptive for families, but safety is always Tri-Board’s top priority for the 30,000-plus students who ride the bus each day. <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/prepare-for-winter-related-bus-delays-and-cancellations--20251020203640" class="editor-link">Learn more about how to prepare for winter weather and manage bus cancellation days on our website.</a>Ministry and Board Resources for Math and LiteracyThere are many resources available designed to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that can make learning fun and effective for students and families. <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link">Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</a> to learn more. Director’s Annual Report 2024-2025The Director’s Annual Report offers a concise overview of the teaching and learning that occurred across the Limestone District School Board during the 2024-2025 school year. It highlights ongoing progress toward the Board’s strategic priorities, shares student achievement data, and showcases key initiatives and accomplishments from across the district and is <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/director-s-annual-report-2024-2025-" class="editor-link">available on Limestone’s website</a>.We hope all Limestone families enjoy a restful winter break filled with time with those who matter most in your lives. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back to school on Monday, January 5, 2026, ready for an exciting new year of learning.Krishna BurraDirector of Education

2025-12-17 21:30:52.297 +0000 UTC

Become a Student Trustee and Make a Difference in LDSB

Student trustees play a crucial role in giving students a voice in the decisions that shape the Limestone District School Board. As a student trustee, you will have the opportunity to represent the student body and advocate for your peers. You’ll attend board meetings, provide input on important issues, and ensure the student perspective is heard.This role offers incredible benefits:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Gain leadership skills that will serve you for life.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Amplify student voice and impact across the district.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Build connections with students, staff, and leaders.</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Be an advocate for student voice and change in education.</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Attend conferences in Toronto, connecting with student leaders from across Ontario.</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Bursary at the end of the school year</li></ul>If you are going to be a senior student in the 2026-2027 passionate about student government and want to make a difference, this position may be for you! The application process is straightforward, and your school’s Student Council, staff advisors, and current student trustees are here to help you along the way.Applications are open December 1, 2025, and close January 29, 2026. To learn more and submit your application, visit the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_trustees" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Student Trustee webpage</a>.Don’t miss your chance to be a voice for students across the Limestone District School Board!

2025-12-08 20:36:52.854 +0000 UTC

Grade 8 Information Nights

The Limestone District School Board is hosting Grade 8 Parent Information Nights at our secondary schools across the region for families and students to attend. Parent information nights include a special presentation about the secondary school, its programs, and the registration process. It is a great opportunity to learn about the wide variety of programs available for secondary students in Limestone—including expanded opportunities, French immersion, the International Baccalaureate program, and more.<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Open house dates:</h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Bayridge Secondary School - January 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Ernestown Secondary School – February 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Frontenac Secondary School – January 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Granite Ridge Education Centre – February 25, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Kingston Secondary School – December 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">La Salle Secondary School – February 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem">LCVI – January 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.</li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem">Napanee District Secondary School – February 18, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.</li><li value="9" class="editor-listitem">North Addington Education Centre – February 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.</li><li value="10" class="editor-listitem">Sydenham High School – January 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.</li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Locating your student’s home secondary school</h2>Families can locate their student’s home secondary school by using <a href="https://triboard.mybusplanner.ca/Eligibility" class="editor-link">Tri-Board Transportation’s Bus Planner “Which School Do I Attend?” tool online</a>.  <img src="/images/2a1c6761-6af3-472e-974b-c89f30b82135" alt="Grade 8 Information Nights 2026 (1)" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">

2025-12-08 19:47:05.015 +0000 UTC

Land Acknowledgement

The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their culture and celebrate their commitment to this land.