Submitted by Stephanie Cantin, VP BPDS and Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
The students and teachers of the Bruce Peninsula District School (BPDS) and St Edmunds are heading into their fourth week of the semester and it has already been a busy time filled with learning, activities, and opportunities to reconnect.
The school population for St Edmunds and BPDS has remained stable for this year. This year there are large classes for Junior and Senior Kindergarten, each with 28 students.
The breakfast and snack programs are once again up and running in both schools. The School wishes to extend “their sincere thanks to members of the Northern Bruce Peninsula community, as well as the Bain family and Hungry Hiker, for organizing two successful fundraising events in support of this important nutrition for learning programs. The Just the Tip Motorcycle Rally raised an impressive $2,600, while the North of the Checkerboard Classics Bike and Car events contributed an outstanding $4,300. Their generosity helps ensure that students have access to healthy food and are ready to learn each day.”
The Bear Cubs Cafe is also open in the BPDS cafeteria. Students from grades 6 to 12 can purchase items daily.
The students from BPDS and St Edmunds participated in the Wiarton Fall Fair in September.
Photos: Last June, St Edmunds Public School students created artistic and academic entries for participation in the Wiarton Fall Fair.
Submissions were voted on at the Fall Fair on September 18th/19th and students recently received their ribbons and monetary prizes! They were thrilled and so proud!
Congratulations to all the students that participated.
On October 2, there was a cross-country meet organized by BPDS.
Grade 7 students recently participated in a two-night, three-day camping and outdoor education experience at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre. The trip provided valuable opportunities for students to build confidence, teamwork, and outdoor skills as they begin their journey toward potential participation in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Outers Program in secondary school.
Outers students completed their annual swim test at the Lion’s Head Marina on September 11th in preparation for any water-based activities planned later this year. In addition, Grade 11 and 12 science students will travel to Killarney from September 28 to October 2 to take part in field studies, sample collection, scientific investigations, canoeing, and camping as part of their learning experience.
A group of secondary school students attended Youth Mental Health event in Chesley
Grade 1 students learned about the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly and waved goodbye to two butterflies as they started their journey to Mexico.
The elementary school is also busy with their school garden.
The BPDS Terry Fox Run took place on September 28th led by the newly elected elementary student council. Students at St. Edmunds also participated in Terry Fox fundraising activities. Students generously donated and joined together for a walk in support of cancer research and the Terry Fox Foundation. Their contributions reflect the caring spirit and community-minded values that are so evident throughout our schools.
Both St. Edmunds Public School and BPDS also observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On September 30, the whole student body of BPDS, along with their educators, walked from the school to the Lion’s Head Memorial Garden near the beach. After a short talk about the significance of the Day and a reminder to show respect to each other and the wider community, the students proceeded to walk along Main Street and back to the school.
Additionally, through classroom learning and school activities, students reflected on the impacts of colonization and residential schools, explored the meaning of reconciliation, and learned about the strength, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and communities.
Photo: BPDS students walk along Helen Street towards the Lion’s Head beach. The entire student body of BPDS, along with their educators, walked from the school to the Lion’s Head Memorial Garden near the beach to recognize the significance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Photo: Friends Zoey, Ariel and Paisley on the Truth and Reconciliation walk.
These important conversations continued on October 2 when students attended the Bluewater Indigenous Student Forum at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre. Participants engaged in a variety of workshops that deepened their learning and encouraged meaningful reflection and understanding.
The BPDS secondary student council is also up and running along with elementary choir, elementary soccer teams and secondary tennis teams. An anonymous donor provided a foosball table for students to play at lunch and breaks.
Important dates to remember
-October 6 2026, School Council meeting at BPDS and Meet the Teacher BBQ from 4 to 6 p.m.
-Students, teachers and families are invited on October 8th to St. Edmunds school to meet the teacher and purchase delicious treats at the bake sale from 3:15 –5 p.m. organized by the St. Edmunds parent council and staff.
As we head into the Thanksgiving weekend, we are grateful for the continued support of our families, community partners, and volunteers. Their contributions help make our schools vibrant places where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
Happy Thanksgiving from the students and staff of BPDS and St. Edmunds Public School!
