FSS Admin Messages
With a few shorter weeks and our first full week behind us, it is now safe to say that we are fully up and running. Fall sports teams are well underway with exhibition tournaments for basketball, joint practices for football and KASSAA games for field hockey, and volleyball. Planning meetings for various clubs and student council were conducted with dates and ideas being planned for all of our students. Music and drama clubs have welcomed students- both new and old and are working to perfect their craft for future performances. We have kept some information from our opening September 4 newsletter in this edition as well, as we are still getting families up to speed with some new changes and processes at FSS. We hope that all of our students are finding their groove for the 2026-27 school year.
Safe Arrival
How to report an absence
In some instances, students may need to be away from school for illness, appointments or other events. Parents/caregivers can use the SafeArrival system to report a full day absence, an extended student absence and also a late arrival to school. When reporting an absence for a secondary student parents/caregivers will also be able to select an early departure. To report an absence, use one the following methods:
School Messenger application
1. Use the email address you provided to the school.
2. Use your mobile device to download and install the free SM Home app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
3. Tap Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
4. Select Attendance from the menu, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.
School Messenger SafeArrival website portal
1. Use the e-mail address you provided to the school.
2. Go to the website SchoolMessenger website portal.
3. Click Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
4. Select Attendance from the menu, then select Report an Absence.
Interactive toll-free telephone
1. Call 1-855-257-9349 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.
2. Follow the instructions to report an absence.
These options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For any school day in the school term up to the cut-off time on the day of the absence. Future absences can be reported at any time using any one of these methods.
Please do not call the school directly to report your student's absence.
School Day
This year, all FSS families will receive a notification through School Day requesting that they read and acknowledge three important forms:
Acceptable Use Notification
HUDL Permission Form
Concussion & Athletics and Extracurricular Code
These notifications and forms contain important information regarding student expectations, safety, technology use, and participation in athletics and extracurricular activities. Please take the time to review each form carefully with your child to ensure they understand the information and requirements. Your acknowledgement of these forms is appreciated and helps support a safe and informed school environment.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
FSS School Council
Welcome to Frontenac and Module de l'Acadie! The School Advisory Council (SAC) consists of parents/guardians that gather quarterly to collaborate, participate and contribute to the education of students in our school. Education is a partnership and we invite you to be involved. Our first meeting of the 2026-27 school year will be on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd at 6:00 pm at Frontenac/Acadie in Student Services on the main floor. The focus of our meetings is information sharing and discussion.
SAC attendees usually consist the principal, a staff representative (VP), parent/guardian and community representatives. The meetings are typically an hour in length and we have prioritized in person meetings where possible. Elections are done within the first month of school and will take place at our first meeting. Our conversations usually highlight our student’s achievements, equity and well-being. Meetings are posted on Frontenac and Acadie's website home pages and through our school newsletters. Please visit the link below if you are interested in attending SAC meetings and/or interested in being elected into a formalized role on the committee: https://forms.gle/tJsR8M4MwbA7xvZn8
Your SAC looks forward to seeing you at our first meeting on Sept. 22nd at 6:00 pm.
FSS Arts
Find Your Place in the Arts at FSS!
Looking for a place to make friends, have fun, try something new, and be part of the FSS community? There are lots of ways to get involved in the Arts, and you are welcome no matter your experience level.
Join a Band
There’s a place for every level:
100 Band — perfect for beginners and developing musicians
200 Band — our core concert band
300 Band — for experienced musicians looking for more challenge and competitive opportunities
Vocal Ensemble
Have a voice? You can sing! Experienced singers, shower singers, and everyone in between are welcome. Come make music with us.
Student-Created Theatre & Playwriting — DramaFest Submission Project
Got something to say? Let’s build it together. Students will write, devise, rehearse, and perform original theatre, with selected pieces submitted to the National Theatre School DramaFest.
Tech Crew
Curious about what happens behind the scenes? Learn lighting, sound, backstage skills, and event production while helping run concerts, performances, assemblies, and other events at FSS. No experience needed — we’ll teach you.
Creative Writing
Love stories, poetry, scripts, spoken word, or just putting ideas on the page? Creative Writing is another way to find your voice, share your work, and connect with other creative students at FSS. All experience levels are welcome.
Coffee House — October 21
Our first Coffee House of the year is coming up! All talents are welcome — music, comedy, spoken word, theatre, dance, or something completely different. Watch for sign-up information coming soon.
Arts & Culture SHSM — Grades 11 & 12
Thinking about a future in the arts, media, design, culture, performance, production, or another creative field? The Arts & Culture Specialist High Skills Major gives Grade 11 and 12 students opportunities for hands-on workshops, industry-recognized certifications and training, experiential learning, career exploration, and connections with people working in the sector. Students who successfully complete the SHSM requirements earn an Arts & Culture SHSM designation on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Auditions, sign-ups, and info sessions are coming soon, so stay tuned. You're always welcome to reach out to any member of the extracurricular arts team at FSS!
Ms. Martin, Mr. Davey, Mr. Tremblay, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Kasper, Ms. Cavers, Mr. Stephen, Ms. Purbhoo, Mr. Skillton, Mr. Runions, and Ms. Belyea!
Truth and Reconciliation
On Wednesday, September 30th, Frontenac will be honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day. All staff and students are encouraged orange to show their support. There will be activities planned throughout the day at FSS and for families looking to show support, there is a walk planned with the city. Details can be found on the poster attached below
Consent Awareness Week at FSS
Consent week is a student led initiative that raises awareness to support healthy relationships. Consent week is part of a national effort to promote systemic cultural change and prioritizes safety, education and bystander intervention. Throughout the week there will be announcements and activities to inform students about healthy and consensual relationships.
Thriving in Grade 9 Day
On Friday, September 18th, senior leaders helped to organize activities for the annual Thriving in Grade 9 day. Part of the goal of the day is for senior students to share their experiences of what life at Frontenac Secondary School is all about through small group discussions and some question and answer time. The other part of the sessions is to help build teamwork and camaraderie amongst the home form classes. Pizza lunch at the end of the morning is never a bad option either. Thank you to Domino's Pizza for helping to support this event.
FSS Terry Fox
Crossing the finish line means hope for everyone with cancer. Together, we can Finish It.
🏃♂️ Frontenac’s Terry Fox Run is happening on Monday September 28th at 9:00 A.M., and we’re rallying together to raise $3,000 in support of cancer research.
If you’re able to contribute, we’d be incredibly grateful. You can:
- Make a digital donation through our school’s Terry Fox fundraising page https://schools.terryfox.ca/131567
- Encourage your child to bring a donation to their homeform class
Every dollar brings us closer to Terry’s dream of a world without cancer. Thank you for your support!
FSS Honour Awards Night
Honour Awards Night is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th beginning at 6:00 pm. There was another date published in the last newsletter.
FSS Library and Computers
Unfortunately, the pilot program for one to one device deployment for all students has ended. Students that need an individual device are asked to connect with Mr McKenna in the main office. Devices are limited and will be evaluated on a case by case basis. For all other families and students that have a device and no longer need it, they can be returned to either the main office or the library. We also encourage families to look around the home for any overdue library books or textbooks from last year. These items can be returned to the library.
Southeast Public Health
Want better sleep and less zombie energy at school? Try these tips to sleep more and zombie less.
o Log off early - at least 1 hour before bed. Blue light tells your brain it’s still daytime.
o Swap your evening scroll for a good book or an outdoor stroll (without your phone ).
o Charge your phone in another room to avoid late- night distractions. Old-school alarm clocks are trending!
o Give friends a heads-up you’re offline at night. Sleep > Streaks. Aim for 8 to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night – good sleep helps school feel easier and mornings less painful.
FSS Student Services
Our Student Services department has been working this week to meet with students to fix timetables, teach online safety training for co-operative education, welcome our international students and book visits for post-secondary institutions. More information will be provided next week with updates for specific grades. A big thank you to the department for helping to create a smooth week one in the classrooms and hallways.
Upcoming Events at FSS:
Sept. 18 Thriving in Grade 9 Day
Sept.21-25 Consent Week
Sept.28 Terry Fox Run at FSS
Sept.30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Oct.12 Thanksgiving
Oct.26 PA Day
Oct.26 Municipal Elections in FSS gyms
Oct.28 Honour Awards Night