Sept 4 Newsletter

Welcome back!

Welcome back to all members of our Frontenac community. We hope your summer was full of rest, relaxation and a chance to connect with friends and family. September is the beginning of the year in school. This brings new routines and schedules and chances to reconnect with friends and teachers from last year.

It was wonderful to meet parents/guardians who were able to attend our parent session at grade 9 orientation. For those who couldn't attend, feel free to check out the Gr. 9 Orientation Parent slideshow posted to our website.

A new beginning offers opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people and have new experiences. We encourage all of our students to get involved in their school community. Try-outs for our fall sports teams are underway. All interested student-athletes should reach out to coaches, members of our Physical Education department or administration for information about team try-outs. Our arts department is making plans for students to explore their artistic and creative side and clubs are starting to set up meeting times, and invite new members- no experience necessary. To keep track of upcoming activities and opportunities please read our morning announcements posted daily online.

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.

SchoolMessenger 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!

FSS Athletics

For any students that are new to the school in grades 10, 11 and 12 and want to play a sport at Frontenac, they must submit transfer forms to Ms Pixley. Students are asked to find her in the Physical Education office in the main gym to pick up these important forms. Please email pixleyk@limestone.on.ca if there are any questions about this process. Fall Sport Teams are up and running. Tryouts are in full swing.  If you missed tryouts there is still time! Speak to a teacher of the specific coach listed below! Let's Go Falcons! 

2025-2026 Team Fees and Uniform Blitz!

Continuing on from last Spring we are looking for outstanding fees and uniforms! Please check bags, closets, under beds and with your children to ensure each student athlete can begin the Fall season on time and in good standing.  Students who participated on a school sports team last year that have outstanding teams fees or have not returned their jersey/uniform, will need to have a conversation with an administrator before being placed on a team. Please email Ms. Pixley directly at pixleyk@limestone.on.ca for any questions.

FSS Terry Fox

In 1980, Terry had a dream of a world without cancer. Forty-six years later, Terry's Marathon of Hope lives on. Frontenac Secondary School is looking to work together so we can make such a difference in the lives of many. Please help fund critical cancer research in Canada by supporting our participation in the 2026 Terry Fox School Run. 

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 Dungeons and Dragons Club

Any students looking to join the Dungeons and Dragons club are welcome to the info session on Tuesday Sept. 8^th in Room 150 (art room). 

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.

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.15 Photo Day

Sept. 18 Thriving in Grade 9 Day

Sept.28 Terry Fox Run at FSS

Sept.30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept.30 Honour Awards Night

Oct.12 Thanksgiving

Oct.26 PA Day