Sydenham High School

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Parents / Guardians / Students:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We hope you’ve had a great summer and that you are looking forward to returning to school soon. Here are some important updates from our team with respect to 2026-2027 school year start up and timetables.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Main Office and Student Services re-opens on Monday, August 24</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, with Student Services open by appointment only.&nbsp; To book an appointment, use this link: </span><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/book/SHSStudentServices1@limestoneschools.onmicrosoft.com/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">online booking system</span></a><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></u><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> School starts back on </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday, Sept. 2nd, 2026</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. A link to the school calendar can be found here: </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-year-calendar" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Year Calendar</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Grade 9 orientation day is the morning of Wednesday, August 26</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp; </span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Timetable Questions</strong></b></u></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student timetables are now available through the Aspen student portal. Directions for how to access can be found by clicking </span><a href="/documents/fc0bfc29-1c50-416c-ad9a-e4ae786c9c2d/StudentPortalViewingTimetable2026.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260820152007" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Services will be open </strong></b><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">by appointment only</strong></b></u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;starting on August 24th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp;To book an appointment, use this link: </span><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/book/SHSStudentServices1@limestoneschools.onmicrosoft.com/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">online booking system</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students should ensure that a parent/guardian is available by phone during their scheduled appointment time as we cannot make any changes to courses without parent/guardian permission.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June report cards, and Gr. 10 OSSLT Individual Student Reports will be available for students to pick up in the main office and distributed to home rooms once we are back. Also, a reminder that library books and laptops from last year need to be returned or individuals will receive an invoice for the replacement cost.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">First Day Reminders: </span></u></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our school-day starts at 8:20 a.m. with warning bells and music starting at 8:17 a.m. </span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lists will be posted by last name for students to check where their first period class is located.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In first period, students will receive a printed schedule as well as locker information. Students must use a school lock and occupy lockers assigned to them.</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Classroom teachers issue books at the beginning of a term. Students will be responsible for the cost of lost books. Students with books from last school year should return them to the Main Office on the first day of school.</span></li></ul><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Key Dates</span></u></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For a list of upcoming dates, follow our month-by-month calendar on the school website, listen to PA announcements or see a copy of our </span><a href="https://sydenhamhs.limestone.on.ca/news/daily_announcements___schedule" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">announcements</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> on the school website.&nbsp; A link to the school calendar can be found here: </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-year-calendar" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Year Calendar</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Aug. 24 – 27</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> – Student Services open – appointment required</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Aug. 26 - Grade 9 Orientation Day – 9</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sept. 1 – PA Day – No classes, Student Services closed</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sept. 2 – First Day of Classes</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sept. 4 – Grade Assemblies</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sept. 7 – Labour Day – No School</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sept. 14 – School Advisory Council Meeting 7 PM Library </span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sept. 22 – Picture Day</span></li></ul><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2025-2026 Yearbook</span></u><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">s – Yearbooks will arrive in the fall, and we will send out a Communicate Broadcast letting you know when and where they will be available for pick up.&nbsp;</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School-Day</span></u><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> –</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Families can pay school fees through </span><a href="https://www.school-day.com/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Day</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, an online payment and permissions program.&nbsp; During the school year, students will be able to purchase an optional student card ($10.00) and a yearbook (received the next school year).&nbsp; Each product will be made available for payment in the fall, and parents with a school-day account will receive an email. Fees for individual extracurricular activities will be communicated by each staff advisor.&nbsp; Fall Sports include basketball, volleyball, field hockey, football, and golf.&nbsp; Fees range from $85.00 to $400.00.&nbsp; Check the announcements for start-up information, including the week before school. If financial support is required for any activities, reach out to the school.</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Communication</span></u></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Follow the school website </span><a href="https://sydenhamhs.limestone.on.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">news stories</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for updates. Ensure your contact information is updated if you make changes as we regularly send emails to share important information. LDSB also offers several electronic tools to support communication, including </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Communicates</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Board and schools push </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">important messages</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to students, families, and staff via </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">voicemail, email, or text message)</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, and the </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Messenger App</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (student attendance management tool that allows for </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">two-way communication</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> between schools and families).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026-2027 Student Schedules / School Daily Schedule</span></u></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The daily schedule follows and is a change from past years.&nbsp; Students wanting to change their current schedule may email a counsellor (visit the </span><a href="https://sydenhamhs.limestone.on.ca/our_staff" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">staff</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> website page for all emails) or book an appointment through the </span><a href="https://outlook.office365.com/book/SHSStudentServicesAugust2024Appointments@limestoneschools.onmicrosoft.com/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">online booking system</span></a><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></u><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">by grade (Gr. 9 – Mr. Rob McDougall, Gr. 10 – Mr. Jason Wimmer, Gr. 11 – Ms. Michelle Fraser, and Gr. 12 – Mrs. Katherine English. Our Vice Principals also have primary responsibilities for the following grades: Gr. 9 &amp; Gr. 11 (Ms. Ward), Gr. 10 &amp; Gr. 12 (Mr. Cowan).</span></p><table class="editor-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col style="width: 50%;"><col style="width: 50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Period 1</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">8:20 AM – 9:35 AM</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Transition</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9:35 AM – 9:45 AM</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Period 2</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9:45 AM – 11:00 AM</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LUNCH</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11:00 AM – 11:50 AM</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Period 3*</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11:50 AM – 1:05 PM</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Transition</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1:05 PM – 1:15 PM</span></p></td></tr><tr><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Period 4*</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top; text-align: start;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1:15 PM – 2:30 PM</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">*Period 3 and 4 rotate every other week (Week A: 1234 and Week B: 1243).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Supplies and Dress Requirements</span></u></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students will require the necessary school supplies for individual courses as outlined: </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Physical Education </em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- t-shirt, shorts / sweats, gym shoes (outdoor shoes will not be allowed in the gym); </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Technology – </em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">no shorts, closed-toe shoes; long hair tied back; </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Science –</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> your teacher will instruct you on clothing for lab days; </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathematics –</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> scientific calculator. We recommend purchasing the Casio FX-991 ESPLUS2 calculator It can be purchased on </span><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.ca%2FCasio-FX-991ESPLUS2-Authenticity-verification-FX-991ESPLSC2-S-CT%2Fdp%2FB086548F31%2Fref%3Dmp_s_a_1_3%3Fcrid%3D3VIQM9PKYW6T2%26dib%3DeyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZSRCkOusm6wR4iPKo4yhX6ARNs5IueaAB2rYFSIo0ZLAwgu6ExNTmAf4R5YobEzN63U2E2_j9yTHWaWx_VGysbHmJQIs1tj4iusq15qrQv6k-asJXQULJz850hSi_9t0tgSC1cOV91bW4z6U2a3-5i2CkeEWn9hb3Cxw29Y2IndkOWIg2ZV9ii016RyioomykTe3kMiqaW-MJB5eqfXopg.Amt97RKyP65s-TOBaNvpHVMm-5DsYKHOQNbvsClHvOA%26dib_tag%3Dse%26keywords%3Dcasio%2Bfx-991esplus2%26qid%3D1750445352%26sprefix%3Dcasio%2Bfx%252Caps%252C94%26sr%3D8-3&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cslatem%40limestone.on.ca%7Cb4340e55be9e4888b0ad08ddb02febef%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638860442060416398%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=pMNlaqifY%2F1q95TYh3KkS0eb2hObgwwIUhK2Qv1nUQk%3D&amp;reserved=0" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Amazon</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;or at </span><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.staples.ca%2Fproducts%2F749325-en-casio-fx-991esplus2-natural-express-scientific-calculator-black%3FlistId%3Dsearch&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cslatem%40limestone.on.ca%7Cb4340e55be9e4888b0ad08ddb02febef%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638860442060432189%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=GK2f55EB4nEaIdM0F5orGjpZMLmFca3opr8xFgvBKgE%3D&amp;reserved=0" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Staples</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.; and </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">General –</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> as communicated on first day handouts or by the classroom teacher for specific activities/locations. We also recommend, in addition to pens and pencils, that students consider bringing dry erase whiteboard markers to school daily. The LDSB Student Clothing Procedure is available </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/58a80fa0-9ac3-5d41-8066-b494d53b475a/AP%20352%20Student%20Clothing.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013816" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Textbooks and Lockers</span></u></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Classroom teachers issue books at the beginning of a term.&nbsp; Students will be responsible for the cost of lost books.&nbsp; The Main Office will assign lockers and students will find out their locker at orientation or first day (listed on their timetable).&nbsp; Students must use a school lock and occupy lockers assigned to them.&nbsp; Students will be responsible for items found in the locker and should not give their combination to anyone else.&nbsp; Failure to abide by school rules may mean a loss of locker privileges.&nbsp; Lockers may be opened by the school if necessary.</span><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></u></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Access to Technology</span></u></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students will be given the option to sign out a device for the school year. Devices are made available by classroom teachers when the class requires for daily use. Computers are also available in the library.&nbsp; Students with specialized technology needs should contact the Learning Program Support teacher Mr. Rob McDougall.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Medical Plans</span></u></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We ask parents to notify the school if your child develops or has any changes to any emergency medical conditions. We will work together to complete a Medical Plan of Care (Epilepsy, Type 1 Diabetes, Asthma, Anaphylaxis, or any other life-threatening condition).&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gr. 9 Orientation – Wednesday, August 26</span></u><u><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="editor-text-underline">th</span></sup></u><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (9:30 a.m. – Noon)</span></u></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Main Gym (student leaders will be at the entrances to gather students as they arrive), where they will receive a start-up package (updated schedule, and handouts).&nbsp; </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At 10:00 a.m., we will begin with introductions, general school information, and then students will rotate through a series of six stations designed to help them be comfortable with the start of school (how to open a lock and find their locker, locate classes and washrooms, library use, activities to join, etc.).&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At 11:15 a.m., students are invited to a BBQ lunch on the front lawn to meet and socialize with staff and students.&nbsp; A vegetarian option will be available, and students with other dietary requests are asked to contact the Main Office (613 376-3612) one week in advance. Students should be picked up at </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">noon</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note that transportation is not provided on this day, and families are responsible for drop off (9:30 am) and pick up (12 pm).</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In August 2026, four Limestone District School Board students will represent the Canadian Ice Stock Federation (CISF) at the U16 European Stock Sport Championships in Oberwart, Austria.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Representing Loughborough Public School are Caleb Hammer and Preston Klein, who are both completing their final year of elementary school. Joining them are Jayden Kermeen of Frontenac Secondary School and Lucas Hammer of Sydenham High School.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Centuries ago, this sport, often described as a combination of curling and bocce, originated in the Alpine regions of Austria and Germany. Players slide a stock toward a target, known as a daube, and use precision and strategy to score points by placing their stock closest to the target to better the other team.&nbsp; Although born on ice, this sport is now played on both ice and non-ice surfaces using specialized equipment.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This August's European Championships will mark the first time a Canadian youth team has competed in an international stock sport championship. The boys will compete against athletes from several nations in a country that is the heart of the sport. These young athletes, students of LDSB, are making history. There is no doubt that this experience will be life-changing and will inspire other young Canadians to explore a sport that offers unique opportunities for international competition and cultural exchange.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To help offset travel and accommodation expenses, the team has been actively fundraising and seeking sponsorship support. Their next major fundraiser will be a Schnitzel Dinner at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith on July 18, 2026, with both dine-in and take-out options available. Tickets are $25 per plate and include schnitzel, sauerkraut, and German potato salad. The meal will be prepared by Brian Breitwiesser, former owner of the Amadeus Café in Kingston.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Those interested in attending can reserve tickets by contacting Chris Hammer at&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:hammer4974@gmail.com" title="mailto:hammer4974@gmail.com" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">hammer4974@gmail.com</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sincerely,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Chris Hammer</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Coach, Team Canada U16 Stock Sport Team</span></p>