The metal shop at Sydenham High School is a pretty busy place throughout the school year, but last week it was more frantic than normal. TV cameras and politicians on hand for a media day mark the final stretch of a project that partners the school, the township, and local business in the production of 60 pairs of bike racks to go up throughout the township. For the shop students, there was more pressing business on their minds than posing for the cameras. They had just received 60 sets of decorative circular metal plates from Martin’s Welding and Fabricating of Inverary to go on the stands and they were busy working out the most efficient way to get them all built in the time remaining before the end of school, keeping in mind they can’t spend all day working to fill the order.

Five of the students who took the lead in both the design of the racks and working out the necessary tooling and processes for making them are ICE (Innovation, Creativity, Entrepreneurship) students who are taking the Fabrication and Manufacturing Specialty at SHS for a specialised certificate when they graduate. They are: Ryan Hyndman, Daniel Van Heyst, Ian Udall, Jason Campbell and Brandon Long. They were using all their training and skills to bend metal tubing into place, cut cross pieces to size, weld them in place, weld the plates on and the tubes onto feet so they can turn them over to South Frontenac Rides.

South Frontenac Rides is a citizen led group that sprung up less than two years ago, and with council support has become a major force in the township, promoting cycling on trails and roads, working with public works on cycle friendly infrastructure and promoting a summer festival. At least some of the stands will be in place for the inaugural Lakes and Trails Festival on July 15th.

Ross Sutherland, council liaison to the committee, and an avid cyclist who rode from house to house when campaigning in 2014, said that this project might be “the best thing that South Frontenac Cycles has been involved in so far because it will leave a permanent mark on the township. They will be in place for a long time, a testament to the students who made them and to the commitment the township has made to being a cycling friendly place.”

Glen McCallum is the shop teacher who oversaw the project.

He can’t say enough about the students, and the partnership that brought the project about.

“As you can see from the way they are working here, there is a lot of problem solving that goes on all the time as they work out how to work together at every stage of this project, and now they are dealing with coming up with a production schedule to get them all finished. It’s just like what they will face on job sites if they continue on in this field,” he said.

The partnership with Martin’s Welding is one that has been ongoing for years.

“We approached them to help because they are local and they offered to produce the designs for free, and they really came through for us. We worked on the rest of the pieces and when the plates came, we were set to do the final assembly.  The students are now under pressure to finish the project off in time, but they’ll make it. They even come in at lunch to work on it. It’s not only the ICE kids who are working on the project, but they are the ones who are really driving it.”

Fabrication and Manufacturing is one of two Specialised High Skills Majors offered at SHS, the other is Performance Power Technology in the automotive department. Of the 25 offered in the board, 5 are offered in Frontenac County High Schools. The other three are Forestry (Granite Ridge), Health and Wellness (Granite Ridge) and Construction (North Addington Education Centre) These programs take place during the final two years of High School and involve extra levels of commitment on the part of the students.

Tonight (March 30) is the first of an eight-week course in Aboriginal Studies to be offered at Sydenham High. “I wanted my contribution to the 150 celebration to go to my neighbours and fellow citizens,” says Bob Lovelace of South Frontenac, who will be offering a condensed version of the Aboriginal Studies Course he teaches at Queen’s. Open to all, there are no fees, no tests, assignments or grades, but there will be lots of interesting stories and time for great discussions.

The course will address the question of why we might study Aboriginal people and issues, and through a combination of history and current affairs, will help clarify some of the questions many of us may have about terms like reconciliation and de-colonization. What is our place in all this? What might we do as individuals, as Canadians?

The course will be held Thursday evenings in the ‘log cabin’ across the road from the front door of the High School, from 6:30-8:30. You may sign up at the door, or contact Kelly Maracle at 613-449-3832 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sponsored by: Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, Limestone District School Board and Métis Nation of Ontario.

The Sydenham High School girls senior volleyball side continued its winning ways Monday night defeating the Granite Ridge Education Centre Gryphons 3-1.

The game was a make-up for the previous week’s Tuesday contest that was postponed due to inclement weather.

The win raises the Golden Eagles’ record to 9-0, and they are the only undefeated team in the loop.

The Gryphons fielded a depleted squad, with six regulars and one junior call-up, due to impending exams the following day.

Sydenham handily won the first set 25-6 but then GREC rallied to take the second 25-22. In the third set, GREC had a 12-8 lead at one point but fell 25-18.

The Golden Eagles finished up the win with a convincing 25-4 win.

“It’s been hard to carry on momentum with all the breaks in the season (Christmas, exams),” said Sydenham coach Katie May. “(But) we have skilled players who are committed.”

May cited the leadership and play of Robyn Melnyck and Brianna MacComish and overall team play as big reasons for the team’s success this season.

“We have a lot of experience at a high level on both defense and offense,” she said. “That gives us stability.”

As the defending KASSAA champions, there would naturally be high expectations this year and May did describe this team as “one of the highest potential” but didn’t want to go any further than that.

“Yes, we’d like to finish No. 1 in the league but we take it one game at a time,” she said. “We have good basics in terms of passing, serving, good all-around.

“(And) they are a lovely group of young ladies working together.”

The Sydenham Golden Eagles Junior Football team got off to a great start in their game against the Frontenac Secondary School Falcons at Richardson Stadium in Kingston on Saturday afternoon (November 5). The two teams had been the class of the KASSAA (Kingston and Area Secondary School Athletics Association) League this year and were facing each other in the final.

The Golden Eagles got an early interception, and quickly scored a touchdown midway through the first quarter. They rode that momentum throughout the first half, and went to the locker room with a 12-2 lead at half time.

In the third quarter, however, the Frontenac Falcons began to establish their ground game, chewing up 5 or 6 yards a pop using effective mis-direction to keep the Sydenham Golden Eagles front line off balance. This in turn made their passing game more effective. Late in the third quarter they scored a touchdown, and after a successful conversion the score was Sydenham 12, Frontenac 9 as they headed into the 4^th quarter.

The Falcons defense kept shutting the Golden Eagles down, and while the Golden Eagles defence was able to keep them in the game, the Falcons marched down the field as time was running out. A final defensive stand by Sydenham prevented what would certainly have been a game winning touchdown, but the Falcons settled for a field goal with 2 minutes to go to tie the game at 12.

As the clock ran down, the Golden Eagles finally penetrated into the Falcons end. A punt at the buzzer made it into the Falcons end zone for a potential game winning safety but was easily run out to the 10 yard line by the returner.

In the overtime shootout both teams failed to score from the others 35 yard line on the first try.

Then on the second attempt, the Frontenac Falcons re-established their running game, earning two quick first downs. With the ball just outside of the ten yard line, a pass and run took them to the 2 yard line. That was all their front line needed, as they pushed the defensive line back on the next play and the ball was run into the end zone.

The Golden Eagles had one more chance but failed to get a first down, and it was over. They went down to a 19-12 season ending defeat.

With an undefeated season, and a close 2 point win in the semi-finals, it was successful season for Sydenham and will likely bring good results at the senior level over the next two years.

and a challenge for the High School next door

A long parade of costumed children from Loughborough Public School trudged through Sydenham last Monday on a special mission. Each carried an item to leave at Southern Frontenac Community Service’s Food bank.

Their donations represented the culmination of a two-week campaign organized and administered by two grade eight students, Alexis Flear and Cassi Yeatman.

“We were looking for some kind of project to help the community,” said Alexis.

One of their teachers suggested the food bank, and the girls went into high gear. They got in touch with Vicki English the food bank coordinator, obtained lists of the food items most needed, passed their enthusiasm along to the school community, and organized the food into boxes as it rolled in. The LPS teachers offered a pizza lunch for the classroom with the most donations. When the piles of boxes and bags threatened to block the main hallway, food bank volunteers came with a truck. The final count was over half a ton of food, with an estimated value of $3,000. “Grade eights usually do special projects,” said Cassi, “but we hadn’t expected such a great response!”

“I’ve never seen anything like it this time of year,” said English.

As a thank-you, English and her team of volunteers handed out treats from SFCSC to the 350 or so trick-or-treaters who came through the village Monday evening.

LPS Vice Principal John Mooney sees a lot of value in giving students leading roles in projects like this one. “We try to teach them how to be become organized and active… not just work horses,” he said, “the best way to learn is by actually doing.”

According to Mooney, a part of the curriculum for young students is to learn more about their community. Events like these do just that: they give students the opportunity to have an active role in doing something good and learning a bit more about their own community. “We really want to give students the opportunity to be a part of their community,” he said.

According to Mooney, this is certainly not the end of fundraising at LPS and there will be at least one more food drive to take place this year.

Meanwhile, Cassi and Alexis both grinned when they’re asked what their next project will be.

“Maybe a school dance: we’ll let you know!”

Next up - SHS

Two Sydenham High School students are challenging students at their school in the donate with a “One Bag Challenge” that is now under way

Student organizers Cheyenne Rattray and Jillian Bandy, say that Sydenham High School students are being asked to donate a bag of food to the food bank, and then challenge their peers to do the same through social media, much like the Ice Bucket Challenge.

“There are many people who access the food bank, some who rely on it regularly, and others who find themselves in a time of crisis,” says Rattray. “Even if students can only donate a few items, we want them to post about it on social media, to raise awareness that hunger happens in our town too, not just bigger cities,” says Bandy “and other students will respond to the challenge, and we hope it keeps going and going.” She adds that students can tag their post with #SydHS1bagchallenge.

The one bag challenge food drive at Sydenham High School ends on Monday, November 14.

A good paddler knows that consistency breeds success. This summer, it seemed, that even Mother Nature knew that. The unrelenting hot dry drought conditions, though detrimental for farmers and well owners, has been conducive to paddling, allowing our sprint paddlers to train daily in sunny conditions.

Five athletes from SLCC competed in the Eastern Ontario Division regatta in Ottawa last weekend. Local paddler SLCC’s Parker Friendship and Gia Venter, a seasoned young paddler, who arrived here from the Wascana Canoe Club in Regina, Saskatchewan in early July, competed in K2 (two person kayak) races for the first time this summer in the U11 Division. Twins Mathieu and Nicholas Symons, paddled together in the K1 (one person kayak) & K2 U14 Division. Enthusiastic young Keira Wilson (not in photo) competed in U8 Division in K1. Coach Sebastien L’Abbe (not in photo) competed for the Eastern Ontario Division in the individual and team kayaking events at the Ontario Summer Games in Mississauga Ontario.

Rhiannon Murphy, our Head Coach, has qualified in the C1 (one person canoe) 200m race at Nationals. Rhiannon is a very versatile athlete and paddles both K1 & C1. Coach George Willes has qualified for the K1 200m competition at Nationals in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. As it is his first year in Nationals, his whole family of six will be heading down to Halifax next week to cheer him on and enjoy some east coast family time!

The club will be offering fall training for age 6-adult new and experienced paddlers who would like to compete in next summer’s regattas. For more information, go to www.sydenhamlakecanoe club.com

Results: Kiera Wilson, Silver and Parker Friendship, Bronze (K1 100m). Gia Venter and Parker Friendship, Bronze (K2 200m); Nicholas Symons, Bronze (K2 500m), Gold (K1 100m); Mathieu Symons, Bronze (C15), Bronze (K2 500m),  Silver (K1 100m).

The Sydenham High School School to Community class qualified for the provincial school championships, which is put on by Special Olympics Ontario each year at this time.

The team, which is coached by teacher Pietro Cutrona, won a tournament in Kingston two weeks ago and heard last week that they have been invited to compete at the provincial championships, along with 600 other athletes from schools across Ontario. In addition to soccer, competitions in bocce ball, floor hockey, basketball, and track and field will be contested at the three-day event, which takes place in Oshawa this week.

“The students are very excited about going to Oshawa. We are going by train and for some of them it is the first time they have taken the train. Also there are opening ceremonies at the games, which will be exciting, and then there is the competition,” said teacher Karl Hammer, who will be accompanying the students to the games.

After losing out to Regiopolis at the Kingston Area Secondary Schools Athletic Association (KASSAA) final in a 5-4 squeaker on May 19, the Sydenham High School senior girls soccer team regrouped, and less than a week later they were crowned champions of the AA Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletics Association (EOSSA) soccer championship.

This week, the team is headed to North Bay for the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) finals, which run from today (June 2) until Saturday.

The SHS girls will play at 11 this morning and 3:30 this afternoon, and at 11am and 2:30pm on Friday.

If they survive the round-robin round, they will play in the medal round on Saturday.

EOSSA track and field medalists

A number of SHS athletes finished on the podium at the EOSSA track meet in Kingston last week.

Among the medals there was some gold. Gold medalists included Shirley Hughes in the ambulatory 100 metre dash; Brianna Clow in the I&D 100 metre dash; Simon Cook in the 100 metre men’s midget hurdles event; Jaden Collier in midget men's high jump; and multi-gold medal winner Liam Sands in the Junior men 100 and 300 metre hurdles events.

SHS is sending eight individual athletes and two relay teams to the OFSAA track meet.

SHS EOSSA medalists

Junior women 80 metre hurdles: Brianna Burgess, 3rd 13.09

Junior women 300 metre hurdles: Brianna Burgess, 2nd 49.41

Junior women 4x100 metre relay 3rd 54.48

Ambulatory women 100 metre dash: Shirley Hughes, 1st 17.87

I&D Disabilities women 100 metre dash: Brianna Clow, 1st 16.37

Midget men 100 metre hurdles: Simon Cook, 1st 15.31

Midget men 100 metre hurdles: Nick Vankoughnett, 3rd 15.96

Midget men high jump: Jaden Collier, 1st 1.80 metres

Junior men 100 metre hurdles: Liam Sands, 1st 14.40

Junior men 300 metre hurdles: Liam Sands, 1st 41.65

Junior men 4x100 metre hurdles, 3rd 46.91

Junior men high jump junior: Matt Caird, 2nd 1.65 metres

Senior men 800 metre run: Brady Robertson, 3rd 1:57.50

Senior men 4x100 metre relay: 2nd 44.68

Open men 4x400 metre relay: 3rd 3:31.44

Combined team events: Junior - 3rd place

Combined team scores: Ambulatory - 1st place

The Limestone District School Board honoured 14 dedicated and compassionate young people with Limestone Student Achievers Awards for their outstanding achievements. The 2016 honorees have made significant contributions and accomplishments throughout their high school careers, both in their school and throughout the broader community. Congratulations to all recipients.

Nick Adams - Sydenham High School

Nick Adams is a true leader, a visionary and an all-around excellent young man. He broke two school records in Track and has medalled at KASSAA and EOSSA for both cross country and track. Nick has always been a strong student academically and athletically but it’s in other, less recognized ways, that Nick truly shines. He is a modest yet effective leader at Sydenham High School. He is known for taking initiative to seek out areas that need improvement, constructing plans to address these needs and seeing these plans to successful completion. Nick is always the first choice to be the master of ceremonies for school assemblies and events and he does so with wit and charm and a commanding presence. He will happily and effectively be another student’s campaign manager in the race for Co-President of Student Council. Nick is always looking to fix problems and to help others. He is always working on plans and strategies to help those less fortunate in food drives or fundraising for Syrian Refugees. When some of our students were in an accident this year, Nick was the first one at the hospital offering support in any way he could. Nick is also an integral member of the school’s Red Cross team, which works to prevent bullying and create a positive school climate. When asked to peer tutor other students he always agrees and is the most patient, clear and empathetic teacher to his fellow students.

 Riley Teal - Granite Ridge Education Centre

You have all heard, “It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Superman!” Let us introduce you to Granite Ridge Education Centre’s Superman. His name is Riley Teal and although he cannot fly, his personal qualities make him heroic to a number of people in the classroom, on the court or field, and in the community. Academically speaking, Riley excels in all subject areas. His strong work ethic propels him to the front of the class. Like Clarke Kent, his demeanour in class may seem reserved and quiet, but do not let his mild manner mislead you, as he possesses superior learning skills. Riley is very diligent with his work. He takes initiative in what he is doing and is very thorough in all of his assignments. He may not be able to leap buildings in a single bound, but he did complete an entire week’s worth of math homework in Grade 9 in one single night. Riley sets an extremely high standard for other students in his grade. When receiving their results for the OSSLT, his classmates would ask, “Was I close to Riley?” This young man has received numerous subject awards and was the recipient of the proficiency trophy in Grade 9, 10 and 11: Riley has his sights set on attaining this for Grade 12 as well. Riley is conscientious, and a creative problem-solver. He can work in any group and can bind any team. The reference to a superhero is not accidental. A spectator can easily spot Riley on the court as he wears his trademark superman socks during the volleyball and basketball games. Given the opportunity, he would wear them during soccer, track and hardball games, as he is actively involved in all aspects of athletics. Last year, he organized three-pitch softball intramurals at lunch for the secondary students. For each team, he is a dedicated and competitive player while respecting the rules and players of the game. He is extremely coachable, winning four coach’s awards during his three years as a Gryphon. He leads by example on the court and on the field. His leadership skills extend beyond athletics and encompass the entire school and community. Riley is an active and dedicated member of the District #4 Recreation Committee and a dependable participant/volunteer for the Relay for Life. He has submitted over 200 community volunteer hours.

Andre Tryon - North Addington Education Centre

At North Addington Education Centre, we are fortunate enough to watch as small children grow into capable young adults prepared to face the future. Andre Tryon is a wonderful example of our good fortune. If there is something happening at NAEC, you can expect to find Andre working behind the scenes or upfront directing the action. As a leader and a role model, Andre’s experiences are far-reaching—literally. Last year, Andre became interested in an exchange with a student from Italy. Andre had to take an extra course load last year to ensure he would graduate this year; he did this with no reservation. While Illya visited Canada, Andre was a wonderful ambassador, and while on exchange, Andre shared his experiences in a weekly on-line forum with our Writers’ Craft class—this became a valuable learning experience for everyone. In the area of athletics, Andre has not only shown himself as a skilled and recognized hockey player outside of school, he is also a hard-working, capable athlete on the volleyball court where, this year, he served as our captain. In addition to his own skills, he is committed to helping provide athletic opportunities for others. Andre helps organize a weekly volleyball evening so students can be active all year, and led a lunchtime program aimed at developing athletes in the elementary part of our school. Oftentimes, Andre would play alongside our young athletes as he modelled good sportsmanship, a positive attitude and a genuine commitment to having fun. Andre is also committed to our school as a whole. This year, he is co-president of our students’ council; last year he was the council’s vice president. Andre often makes us wonder how he finds time and energy for everything. His work with our local volunteer fire department has led him to participate in numerous courses and certifications. This, in addition to school, athletics and a part-time job make Andre a very busy young man. Andre’s efforts are not limited to helping others. He has maintained a high academic average throughout high school and has been recognized with numerous proficiency awards. Andre has also participated in the Limestone Skills Competition. His gold medal win in Kingston allowed him to represent Limestone at the provincial level. The scope of his abilities is almost limitless.

County, township conflict looms

CAO Wayne Orr reported that his recent meeting with Frontenac County CAO Kelly Pender was “less than productive.” Orr felt ‘shut out’ in his attempt to discuss the township’s planning process and how it might best connect with/relate to County Planning.

Orr said Pender refused discussion, saying the matter of planning would come before County Council tomorrow (Wednesday), be decided there, and imposed on the townships.

Councilor Sleeth, noting that South Frontenac pays 60% of the County planning costs (because SF has the largest population), said “We have lost confidence in the County.”

Councilor McDougall, the Township rep on Council, said “(County Planning is) a deeply flawed process; this seems a non-democratic decision. South Frontenac Council needs to meet directly with the County CAO and Planner to work out a (mutually agreed-upon) planning process. Each Township has a different perspective on planning: the County just doesn’t get it.”

Mayor Vandewal agreed: “If we have 60% of the development, shouldn’t we have a bigger say in the planning?”

Wednesday’s County Council meeting (held before this paper comes out) should be interesting. Check our website for an update.

Community Project Grants Awarded

A total of $14,267.98 was awarded to eight community groups. Recipients were: NFCSC (for youth programs in South Frontenac), SFCSC, Verona Community Association, Frontenac Society of Model Engineers, Frontenac Fury (girls’ hockey), Sydenham Lake Canoe Club, Lion’s Club of Verona, and Frontenac Ball Hockey.

2015 audit

Accountant Howard Allan summarized his audit: “2015 was a positive year for the Township.” When councillor Sleeth asked how South Frontenac’s reserves of $8.2 million compared to those of similar-size townships, Allan replied; “At 9%, you fall into the general range.” He supported the five-year financial plan treasurer that Fragnito is developing as a good way to be assured that the reserves are adequate. His two recommendations were that all sole sourced contracts greater than $25,000 should be documented in the minutes and that sale of bag tags be more closely monitored. This is the first year the Township has used the Perth based audit firm of Allan and Partners.

Scout Property Rezoned

Council approved the rezoning of a 30 acre former Boy Scout Camp on Buck Lake at the end of Massassauga Road from Open Space to Residential. The owners intend to sell the property. There were no comments at the public meeting.

Road Allowance Closed

Council agreed to the closure and sale of a 170 foot-long piece of road allowance which runs between North Shore Crescent and Perth Road, to the abutting landowner, Ritchie. No comments from the public.'

Johnson Point

Deputy Mayor Sutherland said it appeared that construction was proceeding at Johnson point without the MNRF (Ministry of Natural Resourses and Fisheries) having completed the species at risk evaluation which the OMB judge had required. He proposed a motion to ask the Township and County Planners to look into this matter.

Councillor McDougall said that “The OMB was crystal clear in its judgments, and if we go on day-by-day drive-by visuals, this could go on and on.” CAO Orr said that before being granted final approval the developer will have to prove to the County with dates, etc that all conditions of development have been met. There was a brief discussion, request for a recorded vote, and the motion was defeated with only Sleeth and Sutherland supporting it.

Later as a question of clarity, onlooker Matt Rennie asked if Council had no further interest in seeing that all conditions of development were complied with. CAO Orr repeated his previous comment, saying this was now between the developer and the County. Rennie stormed out.

Fort McMurray Support

Council agreed to donate $500. to Fort McMurray, through AMO.

Councillor Robinson’s Absence

In regard to Councillor Robinson’s recent absence from Council due to health reasons, Council agreed to extend this absence with pay until the Sept 15 Council meeting. At that time they will reassess the situation and decide whether to further extend the absence or declare Robinson’s seat on Council vacant. Meanwhile Council members have been maintaining contact with Robinson, and report his health has been improving.

Town Hall Meetings Scheduled

Council has scheduled town hall Meet-your-Councillors events in each of the Township districts in July. Full details will be included in the newsletter with the final tax notices and on the website.

(with files from Katie McNichols)

The Sydenham Golden Eagles swept the Regiopolis Notre-Dame Panthers 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-22) in the Kingston Area Secondary School Athletic Championships (KASSAA) on February 21 at Queens University.

The Eagles faced off against their long-time rivals, the Regi Panthers, for the third year in a row at the KASSAA championships. The Eagles finished in second place after the regular season with a record of 11-1, their only loss coming to the Panthers, who went undefeated all year.

But in the final game of the KASSAA tournament it was The Eagles who took the early initiative, opening up an 8-3 lead early in the first set and Regi was unable to battle back. Strong serving and impressive passing kept the Eagles in the drivers seat throughout.

Following the win, assistant coach, Scott Cashol, who has been coaching the team alongside head coach Katie May for the last seven years, credited the team’s composure for their victory.

“When the game became challenging, our team remained resilient and disciplined. So for example, when Regi would go on a point run, setter Katie McNichols stuck to our game plan of 'next job, next job'; and rather than panicking and losing focus, she stayed focused and continued to run our offense. The win was a total team effort and every single member of our team did the job they were supposed to do,” May said.

Cashol said that the girls’ hard work and commitment really paid off and he was thrilled to see the team experience success at KASSAA.

With the big win, the team now heads to the AAA OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) championships, which take place in North Bay from March 7 to 9. Cashol said that going in, the game plan for the girls “is to continue to play competitively but also to just enjoy the experience.”