See Yourself in Limestone

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope this message finds you well as we approach the end of the last school week of 2025 and the upcoming holiday season. &nbsp;I wanted to share a few updates with you before we head into the Winter Break:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">EQAO Results</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Ministry of Education recently released the 2024-2025 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results, and we are proud to share that Limestone achieved its strongest performance in four years, with gains across every testing category.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone’s results align with provincial outcomes in many areas and show notable improvements in others, including among specific student groups. In fact, Limestone’s performance is at or above the provincial average in nearly all measures.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These accomplishments reflect the collective efforts of Limestone’s educators, Educational Assistants, program teams, and school leaders—along with the commitment and support of students and families across the district. I am deeply proud of the dedication shown by Limestone staff, students, and families in achieving these results.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">More information on EQAO results is </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/limestone-s-eqao-results-improve-across-all-categories-20251205185556" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">available on Limestone’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, including a </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/2a916cd2-b224-4a93-a4b3-b0a57ae98e62/Letter-to-Parents-EQAO-Dec-3-2025.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">letter to families from Minister of Education, Paul Calandra</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 8 Information Nights</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board is hosting Grade 8 Parent Information Nights at secondary schools across the region for families and students. These events include a special presentation about the school, its programs, and the registration process.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Information nights are also a great opportunity to learn about the wide variety of programs available for secondary students in Limestone—including expanded opportunities, French immersion, the International Baccalaureate program, and more. We are very proud of the range and choice of different secondary programs we provide to the communities we serve.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/grade-8-information-nights-20251208194333" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">information night dates can be found on Limestone’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Inclement Weather Reminder/Tri-Board Transportation Reminder</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are now well into the inclement weather season and have already experienced some transportation cancellation days. Our transportation partner, Tri-Board Student Transportation Services (Tri-Board), works closely with school bus companies to determine whether it is safe to operate on days with adverse weather.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School buses function differently than family vehicles, and sometimes, even when roads seem safe for cars, conditions are not suitable for buses. Given the geographic size of our district, weather can vary significantly from one region to another. As a result, cancellations may affect only certain areas while others remain unaffected.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We understand that transportation cancellations can be disruptive for families, but safety is always Tri-Board’s top priority for the 30,000-plus students who ride the bus each day. </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/prepare-for-winter-related-bus-delays-and-cancellations--20251020203640" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more about how to prepare for winter weather and manage bus cancellation days on our website.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many resources available designed to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that can make learning fun and effective for students and families. </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to learn more.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director’s Annual Report 2024-2025</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Director’s Annual Report offers a concise overview of the teaching and learning that occurred across the Limestone District School Board during the 2024-2025 school year. It highlights ongoing progress toward the Board’s strategic priorities, shares student achievement data, and showcases key initiatives and accomplishments from across the district and is </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/director-s-annual-report-2024-2025-" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">available on Limestone’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We hope all Limestone families enjoy a restful winter break filled with time with those who matter most in your lives. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back to school on Monday, January 5, 2026, ready for an exciting new year of learning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krishna Burra</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director of Education</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/d9d195ca-5863-49e4-b0d9-ec6d0f1a84c5/2025-08-31-Limestone-District-School-Board-FS.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Consolidated Financial Statements for the Year End August 31, 2025 are now available on our website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student trustees play a crucial role in giving students a voice in the decisions that shape the Limestone District School Board. As a student trustee, you will have the opportunity to represent the student body and advocate for your peers. You’ll attend board meetings, provide input on important issues, and ensure the student perspective is heard.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This role offers incredible benefits:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gain leadership skills</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> that will serve you for life.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Amplify student voice and impact</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> across the district.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Build connections</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> with students, staff, and leaders.</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Be an advocate for student voice and change</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> in education.</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attend conferences in Toronto</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, connecting with student leaders from across Ontario.</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bursary </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">at the end of the school year</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are going to be a senior student in the 2026-2027 passionate about student government and want to make a difference, this position may be for you! The application process is straightforward, and your school’s Student Council, staff advisors, and current student trustees are here to help you along the way.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Applications are open December 1, 2025, and close January 29, 2026.</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more and submit your application, visit the </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_trustees" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Trustee webpage</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t miss your chance to be a voice for students across the Limestone District School Board!</span></p>