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SHS - March 2026

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">What's Happening at Sydenham High School</h2>March 2026<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"> </h2><hr>Hello SHS Golden Eagles and Families,We have been busy this month with the start up of a new semester and the wrap up of our winter sports season. Today, our Boys Varsity Hockey team goes for KASSAA Gold at 2:30 PM Invista against Holy Cross. We hope to bring back the championship for a second year in a row! Our EOSSA Sr Girls Volleyball team earned GOLD this past week on the SHS court and qualified for OFSAA. We are so proud and wish them luck next week. Our EOSSA Sr Boys Basketball team competed at EOSSA and came home with Silver this past week, losing to a very strong Smiths Falls team. Our boys showed determination and effort, despite coming up short. This was also the first year we had an Alpine Team. After placing second in the team event at EOSSA, our Snowboarding team attended OFSAA and came in 14th in the team event and Brady McKercher was 37th overall in racing. Our Alpine Ski team also had an excellent season finishing third at EOSSA and narrowly missing a berth to OFSAA. We also need to celebrate the success of our students who attended Limestone Skills. Audrey Batemen came first in the Baking competition, Jacob O'Reilly came first in Computer Aided Manufacturing. Jacob and Audrey will have the opportunity to represent SHS at Skills Ontario in Toronto in May. Well done Eagles! Congrats to our other students who attended and competed. You can read more about Limestone Skills <a href="https://www.thewhig.com/news/kingston-students-compete-in-the-skilled-trades" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">here.</a>Finally, a few reminders: Our Youth and Money event is scheduled for next Wed. Mar. 11th. We will have a keynote speaker and two break out sessions: saving for post secondary (RESP, TFSA) and one on Scholarships and Bursaries. Admission is free, event starts at 6:30 PM in our library. SHS Semi Formal is coming up on Friday March 27, 6-9pm. Come out for a starry night. Students need to have purchased a student card for the event (available in School-Day) and cost is $5 per ticket. <img src="/images/d89e9944-333e-4f11-9595-9b4490de418c" alt="IMG 6977" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/ea6d7ca2-1714-436f-9174-62f0568ff394" alt="IMG 6673" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/db5662d0-70d3-4d3f-84c7-b6efae16278f" alt="IMG 2021" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/2e75c93d-6733-431f-915b-7ebf522f0b3f" alt="Screenshot 2026 02 27 094147" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <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">Mar. 5 - Novice Girls VB Tournament at SHSMar. 5 - STC Field trip to Limestone LanesMar. 6 - Grad Photo RetakesMar. 10 - Eastern Regional College presentation period 2Mar. 11 - Youth and Money WorkshopMar. 16 - 20 - March Break Mar. 25 - Olympian Jay Dearborn at SHSMar. 27 - Semi-Formal Dance 6 - 9 PM </div><div class="editor-layoutItem"> </div></div> <img src="/images/295bd6c0-1dfb-488a-8f36-011015db0593" alt="2026 2027 Youth and Money" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Spotlight on Our Math Department</h2><hr>SHS math classes are hard at work, building skills and consistently achieving highly. SHS math classes are filled with collaboration through the use of whiteboards and group discussions.  Students often learn as much from each other as they do from their teachers. Collaboration is a skill that math teachers emphasize which students will take with them well beyond high school, into their careers and daily lives. Grade 9 math teachers also hosted an EQAO Fun Day where students came into school on a Saturday to practice for their exam. With all this effort, comes consistently high results. SHS EQAO scores (71% above level 3) are far above the board (55%) and the province (58%). We have been the top scoring English-speaking public school in the Kingston area for three years running. Even the Fraser Institute rated our school 158th of the 735 secondary schools in the province where the “average level of achievement on the grade 9 EQAO assessment in mathematics” is a significant criterion for their assessment (Cowley et al. 5).SHS math teachers are busy supporting students outside the classroom in a variety of ways as well. For example, department head Shane Cook runs the Syd’s Hockey League and coaches the boy’s hockey league, Brett Walsh and Adrian Grew coach basketball and bring teams to many tournaments. Pauline Farmer coached our field hockey team to a silver medal, Michelle Plumb leads students council in their efforts to run school wide events, Steven Lee is leading our Trivia team to their first competition in Ottawa on February 7th and Tyler Elliott was the assistant director of the play Murder by the Book which helped raise money for the school library. Our math teachers strive to help students learn and achieve both inside and outside the classroom. <div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/4af21bf0-f93c-4102-a5bc-97e368ced423" alt="Mr Cook" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> </div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/b73cc72f-3401-422d-aa80-1a23feb35925" alt="SHS House League" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> </div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><img src="/images/49acc8c0-f4de-4770-b48e-a582ad7e9823" alt="EQAO Prep" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> </div></div> <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">

2026-03-02 17:38:52.741 +0000 UTC

Updated Attendance Policy for Late Arrivals

Students who arrive within the first 15 minutes of class should proceed directly to their classroom. Late slips are no longer required to enter class late during the first 15 minutes. Classroom teachers will record the late arrival during attendance, which is taken 15 minutes into the period. At that time, teachers will submit attendance to the office for follow‑up communication with parents or guardians.Students who arrive more than 15 minutes late are required to report to the attendance window to sign in before attending class. Late arrivals beyond 15 minutes require parent or guardian authorization.If parent or guardian authorization has not been provided, the school administration team will follow up with the student in accordance with school attendance expectations.This procedure is in place to ensure accurate attendance reporting, reduce congestion at the attendance window, and minimize the loss of instructional time.If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school.

2026-02-06 12:38:43.301 +0000 UTC

Job Fair @The Opinicon Saturday March 7th

2026-03-04 16:59:40.137 +0000 UTC

Upcoming Events

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Sr Girls AA Volleyball OFSSAA

EQAO Webinar for Parents and Guardians: What to Expect on the OSSLT

Community Evening with Author Monique Gray Smith

Spring Break - No Classes for Students

March Break - No Classes for Students

Sr Girls AA Volleyball OFSSAA

EQAO Webinar for Parents and Guardians: What to Expect on the OSSLT

Community Evening with Author Monique Gray Smith

Spring Break - No Classes for Students

March Break - No Classes for Students

Week A

EQAO Literacy Session for Families: Focus on Writing

SHS School Dance 6pm -9pm

Week B

France Trip

World Autism Awareness Day

Good Friday - No Classes for Students

Week A

Easter Monday - No Classes for Students

Week B

Civics / Careers Switchover - Term 4 Begins

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

Earth Day Pitch In

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 - March 5, 2026

Dear Families,With March now underway, and March Break fast approaching, I would like to share a few updates with families:School Year Calendar is ApprovedThe Ministry of Education has approved Limestone’s recommended 2026-2027 school year calendar. The school year will begin with a P.A. Day on September 1, 2026, with the first day of classes for students on September 2, 2026. A <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-year-calendar" class="editor-link">printable version of the calendar is available on Limestone’s website</a>.Budget SurveyTrustees are seeking feedback on the Limestone District School Board budget planning process for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Families are encouraged to take a few minutes to provide feedback on areas or priority. The survey is anonymous and can be accessed online at <a href="https://bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey" class="editor-link">bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey</a> . The survey closes March 23, 2026.Video: Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO HighlightsAs previously shared, the Ministry of Education released the 2024-2025 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results in December, and we are pleased to share that Limestone has achieved its strongest performance in four years, with gains across every testing category.Limestone’s results are consistent with provincial trends in many areas and show meaningful improvement in others, including among specific student groups. In fact, Limestone is performing at or above the provincial average in nearly all measures.These results reflect the collective efforts of Limestone educators, Educational Assistants, program teams, and school leaders—supported by the ongoing commitment of students and families across our district. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work that contributed to these achievements.We are pleased to share a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link">video update with families on Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</a>. This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link">short video</a> provides an overview of Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan and how it guides our shared work to support student learning and well-being.Through insights from members of the Limestone Senior Team, families will learn about the key priorities shaping our efforts, the thinking behind our actions, and how collaboration, evidence, and reflection help us improve. The video highlights how data, professional learning, and shared leadership work together to move learning forward, while keeping students, belonging, and continuous growth at the centre. It offers a look at how planning connects to practice as we work together toward positive outcomes for all Limestone students.Revisions to Grades 7, 8, and 10 History CurriculumThe Minister of Education has announced updates to the Grades 7, 8, and 10 History curriculum for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.With these updates, in Grades 7, 8, and 10, students will learn about significant contributions of Black individuals and communities to Canada’s foundation as a nation, and the obstacles they faced in the pursuit of building an inclusive and prosperous country. The Grade 10 History course will also have new learning on extreme political and social ideologies, the Holocaust and rising antisemitism, and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine.Learn more about the updated curriculum on the <a href="https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/" class="editor-link">Ministry of Education’s Curriculum and Resources website.</a>Become a Homestay and Host an International Student: A Meaningful Experience for You and Your FamilyEach year, LDSB welcomes more than 120 international students into schools across the district from countries around the world, including Brazil, Italy, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, France, Vietnam, Rwanda, and many others. Hosting an international student is a meaningful way to bring the world into your home while making a positive difference in a young person’s life. Limestone homestay families are carefully matched with students and supported by dedicated Limestone staff throughout the placement, so families are never on their own. Hosting offers opportunities for cultural exchange, the development of lasting relationships, and a monthly stipend to help offset costs. To learn more about how hosting works, the supports in place, and why many local families choose to open their homes, visit <a href="https://internationaled.limestone.on.ca/become_a_homestay" class="editor-link">internationaled.limestone.on.ca/become_a_homestay</a>.Ministry Resources for Reading and MathThere are many resources available to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that make learning both fun and effective for students and families. To explore these tools, visit Limestone’s <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link">Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</a>.Thank you for your continued partnership and support of student learning and well-being across Limestone. We are grateful for the role families play in helping students feel supported, connected, and successful, and we look forward to continuing our work together.Krishna Burra

2026-03-05 21:30:00.475 +0000 UTC

Limestone District School Board Welcomes 2026–2027 Student Trustees

The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of its 2026–2027 Student Trustees, who will be formally welcomed at the April meeting of the Board.Student trustees play an important role in bringing student perspectives to board-level discussions, helping ensure that student voice is reflected in decision-making across the district. For the upcoming term, LDSB looks forward to working with three engaged and passionate student leaders who represent rural, urban, and Indigenous student communities:<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Audrey Bateman – Rural Student Trustee</h2>A message from Student Trustee Bateman: I'm so excited to be your rural student trustee this year. This role is such a great place to create lasting change for the current and future classes. I'm really looking forward to connecting with the trustees and students from across the board to try and make school a more fun, inclusive, and memorable experience where we can.  Everyone's voice matters!<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Victoria McCourt – Indigenous Student Trustee</h2>A message from Student Trustee McCourt: I applied for the Indigenous student trustee position because I feel that having a voice to represent Indigenous students, their issues and concerns is important. I would like to help celebrate and honour the Indigenous students in the Limestone District School Board. I look forward to helping create more opportunities for Indigenous students and I want our youth to feel proud of who they are and their Indigenous identity. <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Mathew Katz – Urban Student Trustee</h2>A message from Student Trustee Katz: I applied to become a student trustee to advocate for issues that both I and students from across LDSB are passionate about. I specifically hope to be able to work on issues related to environmental sustainability and anti-racism. Ultimately, I want to ensure students’ voices are heard and meaningfully represented.The Limestone District School Board congratulates Audrey, Victoria, and Matthew on their appointments and looks forward to welcoming them at the April Board meeting as they begin their term as student trustees for the 2026–2027 school year.<img src="/images/6101cb72-005e-4aad-b211-341230a8738b" alt="2026 2027 Student Trustees" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">

2026-03-04 14:48:09.694 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director - February 20, 2026

Dear Families,I hope everyone had a good, short week following the Family Day Weekend. We have had a small taste of warmer weather recently, though we know there may still be more winter days to come. As we head toward the end of February, I would like to share a few updates with Limestone families:2026-2027 School Year CalendarThank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar Survey. Approximately 3,700 responses were submitted from families, staff, and community members. We appreciate your time and providing the feedback.As shared previously, the school year calendar for 2026-2027 presents unique challenges, with Labour Day falling unusually late on September 7, and Easter occurring just four days after March Break. Across all three school boards (Limestone DSB, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic DSB, and Hastings and Prince Edward County DSB) Option 1 was the preferred choice, and Option 2 ranked second and third, with only marginal differences in support.Following further review of the potential calendars, and considering potential financial implications, it was determined that implementing Option 1 would create additional costs for all three boards. Given that Option 2 very closely aligns with Option 1, differing by only one day and without the associated financial implications, all three boards supported Option 2, with the school year starting September 1 (P.A. Day) and the first day of classes for students on September 2.At Wednesday night’s Board Meeting, the Limestone Board of Trustees approved <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/375540e1-d8af-4e1c-a856-7035ab3f1e4b/2026-2027-School-Year-Calendar-Final.pdf" class="editor-link">Option 2 for the 2026-2027 school year calendar</a>, and this calendar will be submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval.You Are Invited: Community Event: An Evening with Monique Gray Smith, Author of Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults – March 12, 2026Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to a free in-person evening with author Monique Gray Smith. This special event will bring our community together to learn about care, reciprocity, connection to the land, and connection to one another.  Date: March 12, 2026 Time:   6:30 p.m. - Vendors and refreshments                6:45 p.m. - Doors open                7:00 p.m. - Speaker begins Location: Queen's University, Duncan McArthur Hall, 511 Union St., KingstonLight refreshments will be provided, and the first 50 attendees will receive a free copy of her book. <a href="https://bit.ly/LDSBMoniqueGraySmithEvent" class="editor-link">Registration is required</a>. Please <a href="https://bit.ly/LDSBMoniqueGraySmithEvent" class="editor-link">register online</a> in advance — we look forward to seeing you there!This event has been made possible with the support of the Limestone Learning Foundation, Queen’s University Faculty of Education, and the Limestone District School Board.2026-2027 Virtual School SurveyFamilies interested in enrolling their students in virtual school for the 2026-2027 school year should complete the <a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prkkUlLZrFDxwJzvjfy6JjISrxBQtOLRo8%3D&mod=0&dlang=en" class="editor-link">Virtual School Survey.</a> This helps with early planning for the next school year. This virtual school survey is not for registration and families will need to <a href="mailto:virtualk8@limestone.on.ca" class="editor-link">contact Elementary Virtual School to officially register their students for next year</a>. If you have more than one student interested, please complete the survey for each student. The survey will remain open until Friday, March 13, 2026. Families can <a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prkkUlLZrFDxwJzvjfy6JjISrxBQtOLRo8%3D&mod=0&dlang=en" class="editor-link">access the survey online</a>. If you require a printed survey, please contact Principal <a href="mailto:myerskm@limestone.on.ca" class="editor-link">Kate Myers by e-mail</a>.                <a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prkkUlLZrFDxwJzvjfy6JjISrxBQtOLRo8%3D&mod=0&dlang=en" class="editor-link">Access the survey online.</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. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in Limestone school communities. We truly value the strong partnership we share with families and look forward to the second half of the 2025-2026 school year continuing positively for students, families, and staff.Krishna BurraDirector of Education

2026-02-20 21:00:23.337 +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.