Hello Ernestown Intermediate & Secondary School families,
It has been a very exciting few weeks around our school! Two weeks ago we had a successful Taste of Ernestown Day where our incoming grade 9s got to sample a high school day including an assembly, pizza lunch, and four classes. This Friday, we held the annual May Mania school carnival day. Thanks to Ms. Nolan and the Impact Class for their work on both of these events! Today a group of 50 students left for Stratford and another group travelled to Gould Lake for a day of paddling. See below as we look ahead to many great experiences between now and the end of the year.
Secondary Exam Schedule
Please note that students must attend exams as scheduled. Examinations can be rescheduled in the case of a conflict (example: two exams scheduled at the same time) by connecting with Ms. Hamilton as soon as possible. Travel should not be scheduled during the exam period. Any conflicts or additional questions should be brought to Ms. Hamilton in the main office.
Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be provided with accomodations needed for each exam. Students with IEPs in grades 9 and 10 should connect with their classroom teacher to ensure accomodations are provided, while students in grades 11 and 12 should connect directly with our Learning Program Support Teacher, Ms. Burke to coordinate their accommodations for their scheduled exam days.
LDSB's Summer School Registration Remains Open
Registration for LDSB‑offered courses is now open. Students can register by completing the form linked on the LDSB website. If a student is interested in taking a course that is not offered by LDSB, they must visit Student Services to see Ms. Stinson or Ms. Hamilton to be registered through PRISM.
There is also a separate form for students interested in Summer Co‑op. Please note that students must already have a job secured in order to register for Summer Co‑op. The poster below includes QR codes that students can scan to access both registration forms.
Senior Assassin Game
As we approach the end of the school year and graduating students prepare for their next steps, there is understandably a great deal of anticipation and excitement for the future.
As part of this celebration, graduating students, as well as younger secondary students, are recognizing graduates’ achievements in a variety of ways. However, we want to inform families about one particular activity that has become increasingly concerning from a safety standpoint.
“Senior Assassin” is a popular game among graduating students across North America that involves students “assassinating” one another using water guns, gel projectiles, or foam darts. The last person who avoids being “assassinated” wins. While the game is intended to be harmless, many of the imitation weapons used closely resemble real firearms.
Police services are warning that these replica firearms pose significant safety risks, particularly in public spaces.
As reported in a recent CBC article, Senior Assassin game ‘creates risk’ of public mistaking water guns for real guns, WRPS warns, Waterloo Regional Police note that participants often follow others, hide in bushes or behind vehicles, or run through neighbourhoods while carrying realistic-looking devices that resemble firearms.
In the article, a Waterloo Regional Police officer explains that it can be extremely difficult for police or members of the public to distinguish imitation firearms from real firearms, particularly at a distance or in high-stress situations. As a result, any report involving a possible weapon must be treated as real until proven otherwise, creating serious risk for everyone involved.
With this in mind, we ask that graduating students refrain from participating in the “Senior Assassin” game. Student and staff safety are always our top priority, and we encourage students to recognize and celebrate achievements, including graduation, in ways that ensure everyone remains safe. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
A Note from KFL&A
- “Raising Healthy Minds” – Simple, everyday tips to support children’s mental well-being, focusing on foundational habits like sleep, nutrition, physical activity, connection, and kindness.
- “Dental Care Not in Your Budget?” – Good dental health is important for overall wellbeing, and helps students eat, learn, play and sleep. Students aged 17 and under may qualify for government dental programs, including Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Canadian Dental Care Plan. For more information, please visit www.SoutheastPH.ca/Dental.
LDSB at Pride 2026
Limestone District School Board is proud to participate in Pride celebrations again this year, and we invite students, staff, and families to join us at upcoming Pride parades in Limestone communities. Everyone is welcome.
Greater Napanee Pride Parade
Saturday, May 30
Meet at 10:15 a.m.
Conservation Park, 20 Pearl Street, Napanee
Kingston Pride Parade
Saturday, June 13
Meet at 11:30 a.m.
Kingston Memorial Centre, 303 York Street, Kingston
Volunteer Opportunity- Bath Canada Day
Loyalist Township is currently seeking youth volunteers to support our annual Bath Canada Day celebration; a vibrant, community-focused event filled with family-friendly activities, entertainment, and local pride. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, July 1 in the Village of Bath, and Loyalist is looking for approximately 10 additional volunteers. A variety of shift times are available, making it a great opportunity for students to get involved, earn volunteer hours, and be part of a signature community event. See link for more info.
Opportunity from the University of Toronto
Summer Mentorship Program (SMP): Designed for students who identify as Black or Indigenous, SMP provides hands-on learning in health sciences, mentorship from professionals, and skill-building workshops.
Eligibility:
- Grade 10 or 11 student
- 16 years old by June 30
- Completed Grade 10 Science (Academic) or any Grade 11 science course. Contact smp.outreach@utoronto.caif you have any questions about the program.
STEAM-D Program: STEAM-D introduces students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in health-related contexts, emphasizing diversity and innovation.
Eligibility:
- Priority for students who are Black, Indigenous, Latin American, Filipino or facing socio-economic barriers
- Grade 10 or 11 student
- 16 years old by June 30
- Completed Grade 10 Science (Academic) or any Grade 11 science course. Contact steamdesign.oao@utoronto.ca if you have any questions about the program.
Students Receive:
- $1600.00 upon completion
- Grade 12 high school SNC4M Credit
- TTC Presto Pass for the month in the program
For Indigenous students residing outside the Greater Toronto Area, we provide on-campus housing and transportation within the city. Collaboration with the Office of Indigenous Health and First Nations House ensures these students remain connected to their community during their stay. While tuition and residence costs are covered by the Office of Access and Outreach, students are responsible for transportation to and from Toronto, meals, and personal expenses.
Sarahi Gomez- Loyalist Township Junior Citizen of the Year
Congratulations to Sarahi Gomez, who was recently awarded the The Junior Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an individual, under the age of 18, who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts within Loyalist Township through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship. The Recognition and Awards Ceremony will be held on July 1, 2026, at the Bath Canada Day celebration. The ceremony will take place on the Main Stage, located in the event area (217 Church Street, Bath) during the Opening Ceremony, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Way to go, Sarahi!
Limestone International Education
Limestone is proud of our long tradition of hosting students from other countries. The demand for Loyalist Township and Canada, as a learning destination is rapidly growing. Students from over 15 different countries are here now staying with great homestay families throughout Limestone District School Board. Our International Education team is looking for more families to become homestay hosts to great international students.
We currently have 10 students on our waiting list that have applied to Limestone for 2026-2027 and need a home. They range from one semester to one year stays and are from Germany, Spain, Japan, Brazil, Slovakia, Czechia, Italy and Denmark. Host families will be paid a tax-free monthly stipend to host students. All students in the program attend local intermediate or secondary schools and range in age from 12 to 17 years old. Our International Education team works hard to make a great match for your family, that can last a lifetime.
Families can learn more by visiting Limestone’s International Education website or phoning the International Education offices at 613-544-7745 ext. 288.
Intermediates in Action
Our intermediate learners have been doing some great activites both in their classroom and out in the community. Check it out below!
HYPE Tutoring
HYPE Tutoring is a Queen’s student-run club offering free tutoring services to families who are interested. We are reopening our Tutor Request Form (linked below) for the second high school semester. See Tutor Request Form.
Ontario Charity Gambling- Supporting Student Programs at Ernestown
- A win-win for communities. Over $750 million raised for charities across Ontario through Charitable Gaming. Ernestown Intermediate & Secondary School is proud to be part of Charitable Gaming. Funds raised at Play! Gaming & Entertainment Centre help support our programs and make a difference in our community. When you play, local charities win!
At a Glance- Events Coming up at Ernestown Intermediate & Secondary School
- May 15: May Mania for all students
- May 20-21: Stratford Field Trip (secondary students)
- May 21: Immunization Clinic (Intermediate students)
- May 22: Grad Breakfast (see grade 12 Google Classroom)
- May 26: Zoo Field Trip (secondary students)
- May 22: MADD Presentation (secondary students)
- June 3: Evening of the Arts (6:30pm-8:00pm in the Cafeteria)
- June 5: Gould Lake Field Trip (Intermediate classes)
- June 10: Canada's Wonderland Year End Trip (all intermediate students)
- June 22: Grade 8 Graduation & Boat Cruise: 4:00pm Graduation in Ernestown Gym followed by Boat Cruise at 6:40 at Crawford Wharf.
- June 25 at 3:00pm Grade 12 Graduation
Kind regards,
Ernestown Administration