District News

Inclement Weather Protocol (300 x 200 px)

'Snow Day' Season Prep

<img src="/images/6638f119-c30e-5419-9057-32f6bf9e0f05?fingerprint=ppb20251217013934" srcset="/thumbnails/6638f119-c30e-5419-9057-32f6bf9e0f05?fingerprint=ppb20251217013934 450w, /images/6638f119-c30e-5419-9057-32f6bf9e0f05?fingerprint=ppb20251217013934 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">As we near the middle of November and the potential for winter weather to impact schools is present, we want to remind families how inclement weather days are handled in the Limestone District School Board. During the winter, LDSB works closely with <a href="https://triboard.ca/snowdays/" target="_blank" title="https://triboard.ca/snowdays/">Tri-Board Student Transportation Services </a>to determine if it is safe to offer student transportation on inclement weather days. <div> </div> <div>When school bus transportation is cancelled due to poor weather or road conditions, Limestone schools remain open. When buses are cancelled in the morning, they are cancelled for the entire day. </div> <div> </div> <div>We understand that cancelling transportation is inconvenient for families. We recommend creating backup plans for alternative travel or childcare when busing is not available. If a student is taken to school when buses are not running, it is the family’s responsibility to arrange their travel home at the end of the day. Student walkers may proceed to school as usual if their parent/caregiver has deemed it safe to do so. In the City of Kingston, students may choose to use Kingston Transit. Families who choose to drop off their student(s) at the beginning of the school day must ensure they pick them up at the end of the regular school day. Students cannot be dropped off at school earlier than 15 minutes before classes are to begin, and they must be picked up immediately following afternoon dismissal. Upon arrival, students should proceed directly to their first period/home classroom or take the direction of staff.   Sometimes smaller student attendance numbers and staff absences results in the consolidation of classes to continue learning while maximizing student supervision. Students who must remain home due to a lack of transportation to school may participate in asynchronous learning from home where possible. Classroom teachers will provide students with direction and assignment of asynchronous work, likely through the class’s online learning management system. If your student is staying home due to a bus cancellation, or due to inclement weather conditions, please use the Board's SafeArrival absence reporting tool to report their absence. There are two options to choose from regarding transportation: •  Inclement Weather (all transportation types and walkers) for any inclement weather days when your student will not be attending school. •  Transportation (not weather-related) for any non-weather-related transportation reason when your student will not be attending school (e.g., when a bus is cancelled due to a driver shortage). As a reminder, the decision to cancel buses rests with Tri-Board Student Transportation. Tri-Board bus drivers, operators and municipal roads officials assess weather and road conditions between 4-6 a.m. on school days using a variety of data including accredited weather forecasters such as Environment Canada.  Tri-Board and the school board report decisions to cancel buses around 5:30/6 a.m. Decisions sometimes happen quickly and can be different across the district based on different circumstances or conditions. This may include a decision after 5:30/6 a.m. based on changing or worsening weather and/or road conditions. Tri-Board and the school boards makes their decisions with the best information available at the time. The guiding principle in making these decisions is always the safety of students, staff and volunteers working at our schools and centres. You are encouraged to sign up to receive direct notifications, either by email, or Tri-Board’s app. </div> <div> •           <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftriboard.mybusplanner.ca%2FLogin%3FReturnUrl%3D%2FSubscriptions%2FLogin.aspx&data=04%7C01%7Csmithkaren%40limestone.on.ca%7C47fdd97b2bda4dc7ea0708d9adc04210%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C637731863509045989%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=MjtxFg0twQW%2BgFTt140SQC3jVUpLBl2jqeqNMLNwXKE%3D&reserved=0" title="Link to TriBoard bus planner page" target="_blank">Subscribe by email to specific bus route</a>s •           <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftriboard.ca%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F11%2FBusPlanner-Delays-App-how-to-download.pdf&data=04%7C01%7Csmithkaren%40limestone.on.ca%7C47fdd97b2bda4dc7ea0708d9adc04210%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C637731863509055954%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=WX%2FyiLSpipT1%2BvSA3ALuxIElt6XT6OAP2vGdTHy%2FVMw%3D&reserved=0" title="Link to document on how to download Tri-Board app" target="_blank">Instructions on how to download the BusPlanner Delays App</a>  Visit <a href="https://triboard.ca/alerts/snowdays/" target="_blank" title="https://triboard.ca/alerts/snowdays/">Tri-Board Snow Days & Inclement Weather </a>to learn more on how and why school buses are cancelled. While the decision to cancel buses occurs occasionally throughout the school year based on weather and road conditions, the closure of schools is an infrequent and extraordinary measure. A decision to close schools is not taken lightly but is made when student safety and staff safety is at potential risk. In the event of early dismissal and/or school closures, it is imperative that schools have updated emergency contact information for all students. It is essential that any changes to this information are provided to the school as soon as possible.  This includes change to address, telephone (home, work and cell phones), and those appointed by parents/guardians as alternate emergency contacts. </div>

2023-11-08 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

LDSB IEC Expressions of Interest

<img src="/images/d5523cb0-808a-5ffb-ad46-10485145b066?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946" srcset="/thumbnails/d5523cb0-808a-5ffb-ad46-10485145b066?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946 450w, /images/d5523cb0-808a-5ffb-ad46-10485145b066?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Self-identified Indigenous caregivers are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to join the Limestone District School Board's (LDSB) Indigenous Education Committee (IEC). IECs were formed across the province in response to the recommendations put forward in the Ontario First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy for school boards to establish these committees and include representation from community members and local service delivery organizations (ex: Friendship Centres).   You can submit your expression of interest by clicking on the forms link below. Expressions of interest will be accepted until Tuesday, November 14, 2023. <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2FPages%2FResponsePage.aspx%3Fid%3DXxb04a7rgk2nPKDeWTgwvlUfqB1dEJ5FhtdEIN4FchdUQlJPMlBCSFJBQ1JVSkVOUDJXWlhJUkg0TS4u&data=05%7C01%7Cdouglasja%40limestone.on.ca%7C4142ed712d044c7757f208dbded221cb%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638348766307427375%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iNxQ7foietpWAcP6w1lT5wiKajYi3HRS20UV9Z30ydM%3D&reserved=0" title="Expression of Interest form link" target="_blank">Expression of Interest Form</a> It is our hope that this year we can have an increase of Indigenous caregivers from across the district to join the IEC who support education and Indigenous children, youth, families, and kinships. In addition to school-based support, the committee also provides guidance to the LDSB Indigenous Education Team on their initiatives and should be a safe-space to share ideas, the Board Action Plan, and resources for feedback.  We thank you for taking the time to put in an Expression of Interest. Should you have any questions about the process, please do not hesitate to email <a href="mailto:gillams@limestone.on.ca?subject=IEC Expressions of Interest">Superintendent Scot Gillam</a> or <a href="mailto:rondeaul@limestone.on.ca?subject=IEC Expressions of Interest">VP of Indigenous Education Liv Rondeau</a>.

2023-11-07 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director - Nov. 2, 2023

<img src="/images/bfe3410f-7492-5f6c-830a-89d2021f5552?fingerprint=ppb20251217014753" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit" style="width: inherit; height: inherit;">Dear Families,  It is hard to believe we are already entering the third month of the school year. I hope all families have had a good start to the 2023-2024 school year. As we move into the month of November, a brief brush with snow earlier this week, and the end of fall extracurricular seasons, I have some updates to share with you.   Phase 2: Strategic Planning Consultation  During the spring of 2023, the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) collected feedback from the Limestone community, including students, families, staff, and community partners, about their own or their student’s learning experiences, and their perspectives on the key strengths and opportunities of the board for the future. The feedback from families focused on what would help improve their child’s learning was extremely valuable. Thank you to all those who contributed as part of these engagements.  This feedback was collated and combined with several other engagements with students, families, staff, and community partners to support the development of our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan. A summary of the feedback was shared at the August 23 Board Meeting.   In June, the provincial government passed new legislation, Bill 98 or the <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s23011" target="_blank" class="editor-link">Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act</a>, which set three provincial priorities that must be incorporated into the LDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan: (a) Achievement of Learning Outcomes in Core Academic Skills; (b) Preparation of Students for Future Success; and (c) Student Engagement & Well-Being. Here is a graphic with further details around <a href="https://opsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Student-Achievement-Plan-Framework-July2023.pdf" target="_blank" class="editor-link">Ontario’s Student Achievement Plan</a>.  Based on the first round of consultation on the strategic plan from the spring, and the additional requirements of Bill 98, we have drafted a proposed Mission and Vision for the new strategic plan.  You are now invited to provide your feedback on the proposed Mission and Vision and vote for a selection of Values that best describe the future direction of the board through an online survey. This survey is open now until November 24 at 4:00 p.m. Your input is greatly valued, and we thank you in advance for your participation.  <a href="https://bit.ly/Phase2LDSBStratPlanConsultation" target="_blank" class="editor-link">https://bit.ly/Phase2LDSBStratPlanConsultation</a>   Food Sharing Project Support  Given increases in the cost of living, and particularly inflationary pressure on the price of food, we are seeing a significant increase in students accessing food provided at school. In the past couple of years, Limestone has tripled its contributions to support continued, student access to food in Limestone schools.  With the increased demand for food, and the higher cost of groceries, we are facing a food security crisis in many schools that is outpacing what can be provided to schools through the <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foodsharingproject.org%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7Cdce7abdbacf84725fb8d08dbdafd0782%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638344552511710631%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UoVlMpPpQsXRS0CWh22uHbLyteh12rcDz8gaYRSH3oA%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" class="editor-link">Food Sharing Project</a>.  As a result, if you can, please consider donating $2.00 or more to the Food Sharing Project through the Products tab in <a href="https://www.school-day.com/" target="_blank" class="editor-link">School Day</a>. Your donation will help support some of the most vulnerable children and youth in our communities by providing them with the nourishment they need to improve their readiness to learn.    If you would like to make a larger donation and receive a charitable tax receipt, please visit <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foodsharingproject.org%2Fdonate%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7Cdce7abdbacf84725fb8d08dbdafd0782%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638344552511710631%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KejCJ77Uae6N%2FNJVs8OtHOs1LLRXB7186FLqDhs55f8%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" class="editor-link">https://www.foodsharingproject.org/donate/</a>.   We thank you for your support.  KFL&A Public Health: Respiratory Illness Season  <a href="https://www.kflaph.ca/en/index.aspx" target="_blank" class="editor-link">KFL&A Public Health</a> has provided the LDSB with a letter from Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health, as well as helpful resources to share with you regarding how to stay healthy during respiratory illness season. Up to this point we have not seen a significant increase in student and staff absences due to illness, but we continue to monitor this data.  To view information from KFL&A Public Health, please use the following links:  <a href="/documents/09adfbfc-c385-55ac-ac1d-ecb06cf1ed9b?fingerprint=ppb20251217013102" target="_blank" class="editor-link">Letter from Dr. </a><a href="/documents/09adfbfc-c385-55ac-ac1d-ecb06cf1ed9b?fingerprint=ppb20251217013102" target="_blank" class="editor-link">Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health </a> <a href="/documents/f5a85f04-31fb-52d9-bece-a5bf7da58148?fingerprint=ppb20251217015242" target="_blank" class="editor-link">Respiratory Illness Facts </a> <a href="/documents/3cefe106-5a5a-5662-9479-7b4660de3567?fingerprint=ppb20251217013553" target="_blank" class="editor-link">Family Doctor Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms </a>  <a href="/images/a61fe18f-744d-4643-9f4b-90a349268796?fingerprint=ppb20251217014545" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Immunization Through the Lifespan </a> I wish you a wonderful month of November, and I thank you for your support and partnership as part of the Limestone community.   All the very best,  Krishna Burra Director of Education

2023-11-02 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs - Oct. 18, 2023

2023-10-20 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

LDSB EQAO 2022-2023

<img src="/images/1903ce29-2cd5-57f0-8de7-08bcd346549a?fingerprint=ppb20251217013228" srcset="/thumbnails/1903ce29-2cd5-57f0-8de7-08bcd346549a?fingerprint=ppb20251217013228 450w, /images/1903ce29-2cd5-57f0-8de7-08bcd346549a?fingerprint=ppb20251217013228 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has released its report on the 2022–2023 provincial assessments for publicly funded school boards in Ontario. Results for the Limestone District School Board are similar to provincial results with achievement across some levels continuing to improve, remaining stable or experiencing a decline. The elementary school report provides assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics written by students in Grades 3 and 6. The secondary school report provides similar information relating to the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. The EQAO assessments have undergone significant changes, with the newest digital assessments offered entirely online through a digital platform for students over the past two years.  “We recognize the interruption in learning over the past 3 years has had an impact on students,” reports Krishna Burra, Director of Education. “We will continue to work together to close gaps in those areas of achievement, while paving the way for continued growth moving forward.” Grade 6 student achievement in Limestone continues to improve with 77% meeting the provincial standard in reading and 75% in writing – up 5% and 4% respectively compared to the previous five-year average. In math, there was a 2% increase compared to the previous five-year average with 37% meeting the standard over last year. “We are committed to focusing on making sure students are learning essential skills while also increasing student engagement to support students’ achievement.  Furthermore, we will continue using this data to support rich learning environments for every student,” says Director Burra. As an example, this year schools will continue to receive the support of Literacy coaches and Math Based Facilitators (elementary), and Instructional coaches (secondary). Schools have also received rich instructional resources to support evidence-based literacy and math programming K-12. As was the case provincially, Grade 3 student achievement saw a decrease in Limestone with 59% meeting the provincial standard in reading, 47% in writing, and 43% in math. “This new data shows a significant decline in math achievement over the last few years and that is concerning,” states Burra. “Central and school staff will dig deeper into the data for a better understanding, and this will be the focus in schools this year.” Of significant note, is the continued gains in achievement in Grade 6 reading, writing, and mathematics made by Limestone students with special education needs. “It is important to remember that results are a snapshot in time,” adds Director Burra, “Boards combine EQAO results with report card grades, classroom assessment, and student voice to provide a complete picture of student knowledge so we can move forward and implement strategies that will ensure all students are given the supports they need to succeed.” Over the coming weeks, principals will share school results with their school communities and will analyze the results in detail to identify next steps.   2023 Results  Primary Assessment (administered in Grade 3):   <table class="editor-table"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Area of Assessment </td> <td> LDSB </td> <td> Province </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Reading </td> <td> 59% </td> <td> 73% </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Writing </td> <td> 47% </td> <td> 66% </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Mathematics </td> <td> 43% </td> <td> 60% </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Junior Assessment (administered in Grade 6):   <table class="editor-table"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Area of Assessment </td> <td> LDSB </td> <td> Province </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Reading </td> <td> 77% </td> <td> 84% </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Writing </td> <td> 75% </td> <td> 84% </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Mathematics </td> <td> 37% </td> <td> 50% </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment: Results for the first year of Grade 9 de-streamed math in Limestone are slightly lower compared to the provincial results. For all participating students in the Grade 9 math assessment, 51% achieved the provincial standard in Limestone and 54% achieved the provincial standard provincially. Grade 9 math results improved 6% as compared to last year. Results for students with special education needs achieving the provincial standard are higher than the province at 31% for Limestone compared to 28% for the province. <table class="editor-table"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment </td> <td> LDSB </td> <td> Province </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Grade 9 Math Course </td> <td> 51% </td> <td> 54% </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   “We have, and will continue, to make early literacy and math teaching and learning as well as gap closing a priority among our staff and students,” says Director Burra. “Early identification of students who are not meeting literacy and numeracy expectations continues to be a focus as we continue to support all students.” Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (administered in Grade 10):  This year, 92% of first-time eligible students wrote the test in Limestone, compared to 93% of students in the province. With this high participation rate, 79% of all students were successful, an increase of 3% compared to the 2021/22 school year and a higher rate overall compared to the five-year average success rate prior to the start of the pandemic.  OSSLT results for students with special education needs showed an improvement of 2% this year, with 59% of Limestone students being successful on the assessment.   <table class="editor-table"> <tbody> <tr> <td> Grade 10 OSSLT </td> <td> LDSB </td> <td> Province </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Participation rate </td> <td> 92% </td> <td> 93% </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Success rate </td> <td> 79% </td> <td> 85% </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Students who are not successful on their first attempt are eligible to rewrite the test the following year, as previously eligible students, or to meet the literacy requirement by taking the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course. Students in all publicly funded schools in Ontario are required to write provincial assessments, administered by EQAO, a provincial body that tests students’ skills in literacy in Grades 3, 6, and 10 and math skills in Grades 3, 6, and 9 in relation to Ontario Curriculum expectations. Successful completion of the literacy requirement is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

2023-10-19 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

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LDSB Denounces All Acts of Hate

<img src="/images/e53e7c69-0477-5598-8590-381dbb322c4d?fingerprint=ppb20251217015113" srcset="/thumbnails/e53e7c69-0477-5598-8590-381dbb322c4d?fingerprint=ppb20251217015113 450w, /images/e53e7c69-0477-5598-8590-381dbb322c4d?fingerprint=ppb20251217015113 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">On a daily basis, staff across Limestone support student achievement and well-being, and work hard to create inclusive spaces where every student feels valued, seen and included. Our work to support all students is critical. All forms of hatred and terrorism must be denounced. Limestone District School Board (LDSB) unequivocally condemns any acts of hate and remains committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive school environment for all students and staff, and as a school board and community we must confront acts of hate in all formats. Harassment, discrimination, and hate have no place in Limestone. We support all students, staff and the greater community by embracing safe and caring school environments. Earlier this week, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said: “As educators and staff, we ask you to be proactive, compassionate, and determined to stop any form of hate impacting students, such as antisemitism or Islamophobia in Ontario classrooms. We ask that you remind your school communities about the ongoing importance of creating safe spaces for the students and staff that enter each day.” Many events taking place globally increase feelings of distress for students locally. It is not uncommon for students, staff and families to experience a range of emotions and to have questions about challenging world events. Reactions will vary. With that in mind, we want to provide some resources that may be helpful during this time: <a href="https://smho-smso.ca/educators-and-student-support-staff/" title="School Mental Health Ontario">School Mental Health Ontario</a> <a href="https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/mentalhealth/disaster?fbclid=IwAR0r3yRJL54ye5Jh2AYPnOmQaxA6G4EQUpGn2fkMODrhOx7iWRcwbRwGyxs" title="Caring for Kids: Helping children and teens cope with stressful public events">Caring for Kids: Helping children and teens cope with stressful public events</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParentinginKFLA/" title="KFL&A Public Health: Parenting in KFL&A">KFL&A Public Health: Parenting in KFL&A</a> <a href="/cms/One.aspx" title="Student Mental Health Resources">Student Mental Health Resources</a> To report a human rights incident, please use the LDSB Student Human Rights Incident and Complaints tool: <a href="https://bit.ly/LDSBHumanRightsReportingTool" title="LDSB Human Rights Reporting Tool">https://bit.ly/LDSBHumanRightsReportingTool</a>. Krishna Burra Director of Education

2023-10-12 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Ways to Help Students in Response to World Events

<img src="/images/33379e35-94d4-5c2d-928e-b237a6a131b4?fingerprint=ppb20251217013501" srcset="/thumbnails/33379e35-94d4-5c2d-928e-b237a6a131b4?fingerprint=ppb20251217013501 450w, /images/33379e35-94d4-5c2d-928e-b237a6a131b4?fingerprint=ppb20251217013501 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">Many events taking place globally increase feelings of distress for students locally. World events, like war, accidents, natural disasters, mass violence, civil disorder, and conflict can impact individuals, classes, schools, communities and beyond, depending on their nature and scope. It is not uncommon for young people, and adults, to experience a range of emotions and to have questions about challenging world events. How students react to events will vary.  <div> </div> <div><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/educators-and-student-support-staff/how-to-help-students-after-tragic-events/" target="_blank" title="https://smho-smso.ca/educators-and-student-support-staff/how-to-help-students-after-tragic-events/">School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO)</a> offers a range of supports for students, families, and educators. The resources provided by SMHO may help you support your student at this time:</div> <div> </div> <div> <ul type="disc"> <li>Listen to understand, not necessarily respond.</li> <li>If your student is not focused on the conflict do not dwell on it. Try to avoid having detailed adult conversations regarding the conflict in front of younger children. However, be available to answer questions to the best of your ability. Young children may not be able to express themselves verbally. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour or social interactions.</li> <li>For some, limiting exposure to media coverage may be important. Images of a disaster or crisis can become overwhelming, especially if watched repetitively. Young children may not be able to distinguish between images on television and their personal reality. Older children may choose to watch the news—be available to discuss what they see and to help put it into perspective.</li> <li>Be aware of your own needs. Don’t ignore your own feelings of anxiety and concern or anger. Talking to friends, family members, and mental health counsellors can help. Let them know you are concerned. You will be better able to support them if you can express your own emotions in a productive manner.</li> </ul> <a href="https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/mentalhealth/disaster?fbclid=IwAR2nX-jBde_pHunEphd0onEAi28sTGzVkDcaqRKycnDVjp-fOP_3TJy4yW0" target="_blank" title="https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/mentalhealth/disaster?fbclid=IwAR2nX-jBde_pHunEphd0onEAi28sTGzVkDcaqRKycnDVjp-fOP_3TJy4yW0">Canadian Paediatric Society </a>has also posted tips for parents/caregivers to help support children and youth who may be experiencing feelings of anxiety, sadness, distress, isolation, or fear as a result of the Middle East conflict and associated social media images and videos circulating. <div>Our top priority remains to be the safety and well-being of our students. This is a responsibility we take very seriously. Additional resources are also available here<a href="https://bit.ly/3QaDt3K" target="_blank" title="https://bit.ly/3QaDt3K">https://bit.ly/3QaDt3K</a></div> <div>   </div> </div>

2023-10-11 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Website Graphic - Statement Violence in Middle East (300 x 200 px)

Statement Regarding Violence in the Middle East

<img src="/images/eeea6531-4c9e-5dba-a364-e8f8ef633ef9?fingerprint=ppb20251217015218" srcset="/thumbnails/eeea6531-4c9e-5dba-a364-e8f8ef633ef9?fingerprint=ppb20251217015218 450w, /images/eeea6531-4c9e-5dba-a364-e8f8ef633ef9?fingerprint=ppb20251217015218 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><a href="https://bit.ly/3QaDt3K" target="_blank" title="LDSB Mental Health Supports">https://bit.ly/3QaDt3K</a>

2023-10-10 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs -Website - Sept 20 2023

Boardroom Briefs - Sept. 20, 2023

2023-10-02 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Truth & Reconciliation Week 2023

<img src="/images/39aa5137-2584-550f-8b62-d82f9bc5503d?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540" srcset="/thumbnails/39aa5137-2584-550f-8b62-d82f9bc5503d?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540 450w, /images/39aa5137-2584-550f-8b62-d82f9bc5503d?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as National Orange Shirt Day. This is a day to commemorate the residential school experience and honour the healing journey of the Survivors and their families. On this day, everyone is encouraged to learn more about the history of residential schools and engage in meaningful discussions about the ongoing and intergenerational effects of the residential school system and its legacy. LDSB schools will honour the day on September 29, as the 30th falls on a Saturday.   </div> <div> LDSB has a commitment to both teaching and learning the truth, and taking strides towards meaningful action that reflects living in right relations with the Indigenous community in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington that exists beyond the day, and extends throughout the school year.    </div> <div> What can you do? Wear orange on September 30, read books written by Indigenous authors that acknowledge the residential school experience, read books that celebrate Indigenous beauty and brilliance, volunteer with Indigenous organizations and not-for-profits, support Indigenous artists, watch Indigenous films and documentaries, and attend Indigenous events that are open to the public in your community.    </div> <div> All LDSB schools, education centres and sites will lower both the Canadian, Every Child Matters, or Survivor flags to half-mast from sunrise on Friday, September 29 until Monday morning, October 2, 2023, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.   </div> <div> Public commemoration and continuous learning about the ongoing impacts of residential schools are vital actions that we must all take to live in right relations with each other on Indigenous lands. Please refrain from taking and sharing pictures of yourself or others smiling in your orange shirts. You are invited to take pictures of the ways that you are honouring this day within your classrooms or school communities.   </div> <div> We understand that some students, staff and families may wish to have additional support throughout this week. If you require immediate emotional assistance, you can call the National 24/7 MMIWG crisis line at 1-844-413-6649.   </div> <div> Mental health counselling & crisis support is available through the Hope for Wellness Hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or online. Counselling is available in Cree, Ojibway & Inuktitut, on request.    </div> <div> The IRSRHSP has a National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 that provides immediate emotional support for former Indian Residential School students. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  </div>

2023-09-26 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director - Sept. 19, 2023

<img src="/images/1f693d55-7b4f-5af2-963e-fb47a9865470?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311" srcset="/thumbnails/1f693d55-7b4f-5af2-963e-fb47a9865470?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311 450w, /images/1f693d55-7b4f-5af2-963e-fb47a9865470?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Dear Families, On a daily basis, staff across Limestone support student achievement and well-being, and work hard to create inclusive spaces where every student feels valued, seen and included. Our work to support all students is critical.  As you may be aware, there is a demonstration scheduled to take place in Kingston, and other parts of Ontario and Canada, on Wednesday, September 20. This has only come to our attention in the last few days. The protest group is in opposition to any school curriculum focused on gender identity or gender expression. In some past cases, these protests have fostered inflammatory, transphobic, and hateful behaviours against members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. We also understand that counter-protests may take place. Our expectation is that all students will be in school tomorrow, focusing on learning. At this point, we have no reason to believe that protests will be at any school sites. It appears the protest will focus on making its way downtown, protesting in front of City Hall, and then potentially, in the late morning, moving to the LDSB Education Centre (Board Office) on Portsmouth Avenue.  Ahead of these planned demonstrations, we want to make it unequivocally clear that Limestone stands in support of all protected grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Ontario Human Rights Code is not a checklist where some grounds outweigh others, and the protected grounds include gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. We stand with all students, staff, and families, in protecting all grounds under the Code. It is important to remember that the Code is the law in Ontario, and we have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that it is upheld. Harassment, discrimination, and hate have no place in Limestone. In our schools, we do not tell students who they should be, but welcome them as they are. We do this by focusing on their academic learning and fostering feelings of belonging as expected in the Ontario curriculum and the Ontario Human Rights Code.  “The Ontario Human Rights Code (Code) protects everyone from discrimination and harassment based on numerous grounds, including disability, gender identity and expression, race, and religion. In schools, following the Code means that every student has the right to a learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, or other expressions of hatred—an environment where everyone feels safe to learn, thrive, and be themselves.”  -OHRC, Statement on Anti-Hate, June 2023 We know that news of the planned demonstrations, and the demonstrations themselves, are particularly upsetting for some students, staff, and families. Additional support may be required by some students and families in response to this protest. I know school and system staff are ready to support where needed, as we do every day.  Students and/or families should reach out to their school Principal or another staff member at their school if they are in need of support.  Krishna Burra Director of Education Limestone District School Board

2023-09-20 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Raising Survivor Flag as expression of remembrance

<img src="/images/95b15b85-d48f-5577-ba69-7873dcb03bc7?fingerprint=ppb20251217014409" srcset="/thumbnails/95b15b85-d48f-5577-ba69-7873dcb03bc7?fingerprint=ppb20251217014409 450w, /images/95b15b85-d48f-5577-ba69-7873dcb03bc7?fingerprint=ppb20251217014409 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) has a commitment to both teaching and learning the truth, and taking strides towards meaningful action that reflects reconciliation and right relations with the Indigenous community in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington.   </div> <div> For the month of September, LDSB schools and the education centre will display the Every Child Matters Flag or the <a href="https://nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/" target="_blank">Survivors’ Flag</a> as an expression of remembrance and to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities continuing to be impacted by the residential school system in what is now known as Canada.   </div> <div> This year, National Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation fall on Saturday, September 30, so schools will honour the day on Friday, September 29. We will be focused on Indigenous Education school-based opportunities that exist beyond the day, and extend throughout the school year, so that as a community, we are continually taking action to live in right relations with each other.  Everyone is encouraged to learn more about the history of residential schools and engage in meaningful discussions about the effects of residential schools, the ongoing impact, and the legacy they have left behind.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> For more information about LDSB Indigenous Education, please visit: <a href="/programming/indigenous_education" target="_blank">https://limestone.on.ca/programming/indigenous_education</a>   </div>

2023-09-13 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Kindergarten Registration

'Snow Day' Season Prep

LDSB IEC Expressions of Interest

Message from the Director - Nov. 2, 2023

Boardroom Briefs - Oct. 18, 2023

LDSB EQAO 2022-2023

LDSB Denounces All Acts of Hate

Ways to Help Students in Response to World Events

Statement Regarding Violence in the Middle East

Boardroom Briefs - Sept. 20, 2023

Truth & Reconciliation Week 2023

Message from the Director - Sept. 19, 2023

Raising Survivor Flag as expression of remembrance

Kindergarten Registration