District News

<img src="/images/229f8ee1-3fae-574d-8061-ddc5ef691848?fingerprint=ppb20251217013324" srcset="/thumbnails/229f8ee1-3fae-574d-8061-ddc5ef691848?fingerprint=ppb20251217013324 450w, /images/229f8ee1-3fae-574d-8061-ddc5ef691848?fingerprint=ppb20251217013324 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8bCEyOE8HI?si=DD7pslfzG4ZoJxm0" title="YouTube video player"></iframe> <div> <p><span><span><span><strong><br> For a version of this message to translate into </strong></span><strong><span>additional</span><span> languages, please </span></strong></span><strong><a href="https://www.smore.com/ftxbu" target="_blank"><span><span>click here</span></span></a><span>.&nbsp;</span><span> </span></strong><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>Dear</span><span> Families</span><span>,</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>We</span><span>lcome</span><span> </span><span>back </span><span>to</span><span> the 2023-2024 school year</span><span>!</span><span> </span><span>I hope </span><span>you all</span><span> </span><span>found space for some holiday</span><span> time</span><span> this summer to </span><span>enjoy</span><span> with family and friends</span><span>, and it has been a positive start to the new school year</span><span>.</span><span> </span><span>I know my household has been </span><span>a hive of activity</span><span> </span><span>this week as our three children returned to Limestone schools for the start of the year</span><span>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>T</span><span>he </span><span>energy and excitement for the first </span><span>week of school has been</span><span> felt </span><span>across the </span><span>Limestone D</span><span>istrict</span><span> School Board (LDSB)</span><span>. </span><span>It</span><span> i</span><span>s</span><span> exciting to think </span><span>of</span><span> the knowle</span><span>dge, skills</span><span>, </span><span>friendships</span><span> and memories</span><span> students are about to gain.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>As we begin the school year,</span><span> I would</span><span> </span><span>like to share </span><span>some information with you</span><span>:</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><strong>Updates to Reporting a Student Absence</strong></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>We have heard your requests, and we are pleased to now offer late arrival </span><span>for all students </span><span>(Kindergarten-Grade 12)</span><span>, </span><span>and early departure</span><span> for secondary students</span><span> (Grades 9-12)</span><span> </span><span>as </span><span>features in the </span><span>SchoolMessenger</span><span> attendance </span><span>app.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>Now, when you report an absence for your student in </span><span>SchoolMessenger</span><span>, you have three options to choose from– full day, multiple day and late—with the </span><span>additional</span><span> option of early departure for secondary students.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>For more information and how-to instructions, please visit the </span><a href="/cms/one.aspx" target="_blank"><span><span>Report a Student Absence</span></span></a><span> page on the LDSB website.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span><strong>Limestone Board </strong></span><strong><span>Policy 13</span><span>:</span><span> Delegations &amp; Submissions</span></strong></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>LDSB Trustees are seeking feedback on changes and additions to Policy 13: Delegations and Submissions</span><span>.</span><span> </span><span>These changes have already been adopted as an interim policy pending </span><span>pub</span><span>l</span><span>ic</span><span> feedback.</span></span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span> </span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span><span>Public input will be accepted until Thursday, September 21 with the goal of bringing feedback to the October </span><span>4, </span><span>2023,</span><span> </span><span>Education, </span><span>Policy</span><span> and Operations Committee</span><span> meeting</span><span>.&nbsp; </span></span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span> </span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span><span>There are significant additions to section 1.9.0 to </span><span>provide</span><span> context and details on why a delegation presentation may be declined or where there are other opportunities for delegates to </span><span>provide</span><span> input to the Board</span><span>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span> </span></span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span>&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>To view the proposed changes and to </span><span>provide</span><span> your input/feedback, please visit the </span></span><a href="/news/what_s_new/policy_13_delegations___submissions" target="_blank"><span><span>Policy 13</span><span>:</span><span> Delegations &amp; Submissions</span></span></a><span> page on the LDSB website.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>Yesterday, Education Minister Ste</span><span>phen Lecce shared a</span><span> letter</span><span> </span><span>for parents/guardians of students in Ontario.</span><span> To read, please visit </span><span>the </span></span><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/letter-ontarios-parents-minister-education" target="_blank"><span><span>Ministry website</span></span></a><span>.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>I wish you a wonderful </span><span>s</span><span>chool year</span><span>, and I look forward to connecting with you </span><span>in the coming days, weeks, and months</span><span>.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>All the </span><span>very best</span><span>,</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>Krishna</span><span> Burra</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>Director of Education</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div>

<img src="/images/f5140169-333d-5f6b-8f82-6e177ce9054c?fingerprint=ppb20251217015242" srcset="/thumbnails/f5140169-333d-5f6b-8f82-6e177ce9054c?fingerprint=ppb20251217015242 450w, /images/f5140169-333d-5f6b-8f82-6e177ce9054c?fingerprint=ppb20251217015242 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> <p><span><span><span>Trustees of the Limestone District School Board are seeking feedback on changes and additions to Policy 13: Delegations and Submissions.</span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span><span>Public input will be accepted until Friday, October 27, 2023. </span></span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span><span>There are significant additions to section 1.9.0. to </span><span>provide</span><span> context and details on why a delegation presentation may be declined or where there are other opportunities for delegates to </span><span>provide</span><span> input to the Board.&nbsp; </span></span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span><span>The edits to the policy </span><span>provide</span><span> greater clarity </span><span>regarding</span><span> process and timing and </span><span>provide</span><span> parameters for what information publicly comes forward as Delegations and Submissions. </span></span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span><span><a class="editor-link" href="/documents/e574098e-8d95-5f24-8958-6276c4618a01?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125" target="_blank"> <span>LDSB Policy 13: Delegations and Submissions with proposed changes</span> </a></span></span><a class="editor-link" href="/documents/2c08b127-6b34-5468-8312-2fc727e57af7?fingerprint=20260609T2200Z" target="_blank"> <span></span> </a><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><br> </span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/XdpB8GfEKa" target="_blank" title="Feedback form for Policy 13">Public Input/Feedback Form - Policy 13: Delegations and Submissions</a></span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The new school year is about to begin, and we are excited to welcome new and returning students and families to what we hope is a year of discovery and fulfillment.&nbsp;</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families of kindergarten-aged students or families new to the area can register their students to Limestone by completing the </span><a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank" title="new student registration webpage" class="editor-link"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">online registration form</em></i></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All school offices reopen Monday August 28 to assist students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Not sure where to enroll? </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-finder" rel="noreferrer" title="map of LDSB schools" class="editor-link"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Find a map of our schools here</em></i></a><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students who are returning to their registered schools are not required to register again. Teacher and class assignments will be shared once schools are reopened.&nbsp;</span><br><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students who are turning four or five by the end of December are eligible for Limestone's Kindergarten program, offered in both English and French. Visit the </span><a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank" title="link to Kindergarten webpage" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten page</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to learn more.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB schools will be offering a staggered start to all new Junior Kindergarten students during Tuesday September 5 through Thursday September 7, 2023. On Friday, September 8, all JK students will attend.&nbsp;Schools will be in contact with all families next week (August 28) regarding the scheduled day for your new JK student.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At Limestone, our staff and trustees are committed to ensuring the highest standard of education in a safe and inclusive environment that promotes achievement, equity and wellbeing.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We recognize that schools play an essential role in the promotion of mental health and as such, have made a commitment to putting student well-being first. Limestone has developed a comprehensive </span><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=%2FUserFiles%2FServers%2FServer_352698%2FFile%2FStudents%2FHealth%2520%26%2520Wellness%2F2021-2024%2520MHSU%2520Strategy.pdf&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cdouglasja%40limestone.on.ca%7Cb09821f6006644abac6708dba406d427%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638284121448010433%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=mpBKWX%2BEz29FJ%2Bfyy2ebVacaU8BeBYK6L194CXLKC3E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mental Health and Substance Use Strategy</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to help promote mental health, identify issues early, reduce stigma, and provide pathways to both board and community-based supports for students. In-school mental health and substance use support staff are available for students to access.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We embrace our important role in helping to shape the learners of today into the leaders of tomorrow.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone schools are open the week of August 28 for registration, and assistance. Classes begin Tuesday, September 5, 2023.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcome to the new school year!</span></p>

<img src="/images/73123808-9304-5126-afe4-afcf8f41f563?fingerprint=ppb20251217014056" srcset="/thumbnails/73123808-9304-5126-afe4-afcf8f41f563?fingerprint=ppb20251217014056 450w, /images/73123808-9304-5126-afe4-afcf8f41f563?fingerprint=ppb20251217014056 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span><span>We hope everyone is having a safe and healthy summer and has been able to spend time with family and friends. As Limestone District School Board finalizes our school readiness to welcome back students on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, we know families are busy preparing for the new school year as well. Here is a suggested list of what elementary students need to prepare to bring on their first day of school:</span></span></p> <p><span><b><span>Kindergarten</span></b></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span>A full-sized backpack/knapsack to carry everything they will need to pack up everyday.</span></span></li> <li><span><span>An insulated lunch bag, and a water bottle with spout.</span></span></li> <li><span><span>A peanut free/nut free lunch and snacks.</span></span></li> <li><span><span>Indoor and outdoor shoes they can put on and off themselves (e.g., Velcro or slip on)</span></span></li> <li><span><span>Comfortable clothes and a complete change of clothes in a Ziploc bag, just in case.</span></span></li> <li><span><span>Everything labelled with your child’s name.</span></span></li> <li><span><span>Schools will supply all school supplies such as pens, pencils, markers, crayons, erasers, glue sticks, etc.</span></span></li> </ul><span><span>LDSB schools will be offering a staggered start to all new Junior Kindergarten students during Tuesday September 5 through Thursday September 7, 2023. On Friday, September 8, all JK students will attend.&nbsp;<br> <br> Schools will be in contact with all caregivers during the last week of August regarding the scheduled day for each new JK student (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday).&nbsp;<br> <br> <br> </span></span> <p><span><b><span>Elementary Students</span></b></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span>A full-sized backpack/knapsack to carry everything they will need to pack up everyday.</span></span></li> <li><span><span>An insulated lunch bag with a peanut free/nut free lunch and snacks and a water bottle.</span></span></li> <li><span><span>Indoor and outdoor shoes.</span></span></li> <li><span><span>Optional for Grade 1 to 8 – Any personal school supplies, such as: pens, pencils, markers, crayons, eraser, glue stick in a pencil case or box. We will also supply these to students when needed.</span></span></li> </ul>

<img src="/images/a9d4a63f-e7ba-5620-89da-d8da078e1a8c?fingerprint=ppb20251217014559" srcset="/thumbnails/a9d4a63f-e7ba-5620-89da-d8da078e1a8c?fingerprint=ppb20251217014559 450w, /images/a9d4a63f-e7ba-5620-89da-d8da078e1a8c?fingerprint=ppb20251217014559 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>The following information includes updates regarding the LDSB Education Centre parking lot restoration project. Please check back regularly for details.<br> <br> <strong>Update: September 20, 2023</strong><br> <br> Please note the following changes to parking at the Board Office:<br> <br> Fine grading of unpaved portions of parking lot has progressed faster than planned, hence moving up the paving schedule.&nbsp;<strong><br> <br> </strong>Paving of current unpaved portion of parking lot is planned for Thursday, September 21. Parking will be available on current paved sections.<strong><br> <br> Paving of entire parking lot is planned for Friday, September 22 and Monday, September 25. No parking will be available on site.<br> <br> </strong>Access to Education Centre will be through the front door on Friday and Monday.<br> <br> Access to the Facility Services/ITS/warehouse will vary depending on progress of paving.<strong><br> </strong></span> <div></div><span><strong> <br> Update: September 18, 2023<br> <br> </strong>Week of Sept. 18-22:&nbsp;<br> </span> <ul> <li><span>Sidewalk and road cubs to be formed and poured</span></li> <li><span>Fine grading of unpaved portions of parking lot</span></li> </ul><span> Sept. 22:&nbsp;<strong><br> </strong> </span> <ul> <li><span>Paving of current unpaved portion of parking lot</span></li> <li><span>Parking will be available on current paved sections</span></li> </ul><span> Sept. 25:<br> </span> <ul> <li><span>Paving of entire parking lot planned</span></li> <li><span>No parking will be available on site</span></li> <li><span>Access to Education Centre will be though the front door</span></li> <li><span>Access to Facility Services/ITS/warehouse TBD</span></li> </ul><span> Weeks of Sept. 25-29 and Oct. 2-6:<br> </span> <ul> <li><span>Line painting will be planned in the evening or weekend after paving completed</span></li> <li><span>General landscaping and fencing to be completed</span></li> </ul><span><strong><br> Update: August 22, 2023</strong><br> <br> The Limestone District School Board Education Centre parking lot has been under construction throughout July and August. While there is no good time for this type of work, we did need to address the parking lot given it has been deteriorating in recent years.<br> <br> Unfortunately, while addressing storm water drainage issues, new problems emerged. The scope of the project increased, and with that, so did the noise from additional rock breaking. We know this has been disruptive to the community and we apologize for the inconvenience. Fortunately, we believe most of this type of work is now behind us. Paving is scheduled to start the week of August 28 which should be less disruptive. Moving forward, we will post project updates to this page so you can have an up-to-date look at timelines.<br> <br> We thank you again for your patience and understanding.</span>

<img src="/images/d4a66434-6460-5f5d-825f-81786df9956f?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946" srcset="/thumbnails/d4a66434-6460-5f5d-825f-81786df9956f?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946 450w, /images/d4a66434-6460-5f5d-825f-81786df9956f?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span><span>Due to ongoing construction at the board office (220 Portsmouth Ave.), LDSB will operate a support centre for the public for student transcript requests &amp; pick-ups, school registration assistance, and general inquiries (walk-ins) at Kingston Secondary School (145 Kirkpatrick Street) with hours from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.&nbsp;</span><br> <br> <span>This satellite&nbsp;location will be the preferred location for pick-up of student transcripts July 10 - August 26, 2023.<br> <br> To obtain a student transcript during the summer, please call the board office first at 613-544-6920. When contacting the board office for your transcript, please provide your full name (if you have changed names, please specify your birth name), your date of birth, the name of the last school you attended, and your current contact information.&nbsp; Summer transcript requests may take up to 5 business days to process.</span></span></p>

<img src="/images/b485c3ed-4664-5fa4-b3ee-3eca6e96f03a?fingerprint=ppb20251217014701" srcset="/thumbnails/b485c3ed-4664-5fa4-b3ee-3eca6e96f03a?fingerprint=ppb20251217014701 450w, /images/b485c3ed-4664-5fa4-b3ee-3eca6e96f03a?fingerprint=ppb20251217014701 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div><span><span>In recognition of how busy this academic year has been, we truly hope that everyone in the Limestone community has the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate over the summer months.<br> <br> </span></span></div> <div></div> <div><span>This issue of Equity Matters is simply a summary of the issues shared throughout the 2022-2023 school year. In addition, links have been provided to additional websites that support both equity understanding and well-being.<br> <br> </span></div> <div></div> <div><span><span>Thank you for all you do, in your roles, cultivating inclusivity in the Limestone community.</span></span></div><iframe src="https://www.smore.com/rp17x-equity-matters?embed=1" title="Equity Matters"></iframe>

<img src="/images/41c9a426-4abb-5e27-8ac7-e5045ee06b69?fingerprint=ppb20251217013621" srcset="/thumbnails/41c9a426-4abb-5e27-8ac7-e5045ee06b69?fingerprint=ppb20251217013621 450w, /images/41c9a426-4abb-5e27-8ac7-e5045ee06b69?fingerprint=ppb20251217013621 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span><span>The Limestone District School Board Education Centre, (board office), at 220 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston is open modified hours for the summer.&nbsp;The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and closed on Fridays during July and August.</span><br> <br> <span> Schools are closed from July 10, 2023 to August 25, 2023.&nbsp; If you have any questions during this time about registering a student, please contact the board office at 613-544-6920.&nbsp; If you have questions that are specific to the school, please call the school beginning the week of August 28.</span><br> <br> <span> Visitors to the board office should note that there will be significant infrastructure construction at this location during July and August. Given the necessity of this work, we apologize in advance for the inconveniences that will occur at times while construction is underway. Parking will not be permitted on-site during this time.&nbsp;</span><br> <br> <span> The office is open to the public, but due to the project's complexity, access to the building may be limited or modified each week. There will be appropriate signs on-site identifying entranceways. However, we recommend visitors call ahead to determine the most effective way to access information or entry.<br> <br> </span></span> <div><span>The week of August 7, the board office will be closed Monday, August 7 and open Friday, August 11.<br> </span></div> <div><span><span>Regular hours (Monday to Friday) resume the week of August 28, 2023.</span></span></div><span><span></span><br> <br> <span>Transcript Requests during the summer months, until August 28, 2023</span><br> <span><br> </span><span>To obtain a student transcript during the summer, please call the board office first at 613-544-6920. When contacting the board office for your transcript, please provide your full name (if you have changed names, please specify your birth name), your date of birth, the name of the last school you attended, and your current contact information.&nbsp; Summer transcript requests may take up to 5 business days to process.<br> <br> LDSB will be operating a support centre for the public for student transcript requests &amp; pick-ups, school registration assistance, and general inquiries (walk-ins) at Kingston Secondary School (145 Kirkpatrick Street) with hours from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.<br> </span><br> </span> <div></div> <div></div>

<img src="/images/3932aac5-24b4-5375-8fa4-d01ee9decf6f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013527" srcset="/thumbnails/3932aac5-24b4-5375-8fa4-d01ee9decf6f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013527 450w, /images/3932aac5-24b4-5375-8fa4-d01ee9decf6f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013527 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> <p><span><span><span>For a version of this message to translate into </span><span>additional</span><span> languages,</span></span><span> please </span><a href="https://www.smore.com/9w1m6" target="_blank"><span><span>click here</span></span></a><span>.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>Dear Families,</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>June is always a time of reflection as we complete one school year and continue preparations for the next school year. It is also a time of celebration across the system as students graduate and enjoy end-of-year activities</span><span>. </span><span>As we enter the last</span><span> week of school, secondary students are in the midst of final exams and end-of-semester, summative assessments.</span><span> For elementary students</span><span>,</span><span> the last day of school is Thursday, June 29</span><span> as Friday, June 30 is a Professional </span><span>Activity day</span><span> for Limestone staff</span><span>.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>With many exciting things to focus on during this time of year, I want to send a quick reminder </span><span>about the LDSB’s strategic planning consultation that </span><span>ends June 30</span><span>. If you </span><span>hav</span><span>e not </span><span>already</span><span> </span><span>participated</span><span>, please </span><span>complete</span><span> the</span><span> quick, anonymous online survey</span><span> to share your feedback. </span></span><span><span>The qu</span><span>estion </span><span>we are asking you is</span><span>: If there was one key thing you wanted to share with school staff to let them know what helps your student(s) learn, what would it be?</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>To </span><span>participate</span><span>, please visit </span></span><a href="https://bit.ly/StratPlanSurvey-ParentsGuardians" target="_blank"><span><span>https://bit.ly/StratPlanSurvey-ParentsGuardians</span></span></a><span><span> to enter your feedback and then consider the input of others</span><span>.&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>One more reminder: The</span><span> first day of school for students </span><span>for the 2023-2024 school year </span><span>will be Tuesday, September 5, 2023, following the Labour Day holiday. You can view </span><span>and download </span><span>the ful</span><span>l school year calendar on the </span></span><a href="/cms/one.aspx" target="_blank"><span><span>board website</span></span></a><span>.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>Today, Education Minister Stephen Lecce</span><span> released message</span><span>s</span><span> for Ontario families, </span><span>students</span><span> and graduates. </span><span>Here are links to the </span></span><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/letter-ontarios-parents-minister-education#section-0" target="_blank"><span><span>written message</span></span></a><span>, the school year-end </span><a href="https://youtu.be/S6INn6Fy56U" target="_blank"><span><span>video message for students</span></span></a><span>, and a special congratulations </span><a href="https://youtu.be/5XN_-yZ4x7w" target="_blank"><span><span>video </span><span>message for the</span><span> graduates</span></span></a><span> of 2023.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>I wish </span><span>students and families</span><span> a healthy and happy summer. I hope you have an opportunity </span><span>to </span><span>participate</span><span> in </span><span>summer activities you enjoy. B</span><span>e safe and have fun!</span><span> Thank you for a wonderful school year, and I look forward to connecting with you again this fall.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>Krishna Burra</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>Director of Education</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ecb147ac-e7d1-503d-8261-4363874ecca4?fingerprint=ppb20251217015153" alt="" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board of Trustees approved a deficit budget balanced with reserve funds for the 2023-2024 school year totaling $305.4 million at its regular meeting on June 21, 2023.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2023-2024 budget is compliant with the Ministry of Education requirements, with total operating expenditures of 280.8 million, an increase of approximately $2.9 million over last year’s expenditures. The capital expenditures budget for next year is $24.7 million and is used to fund school condition improvements and school renewal projects.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board has drawn from its accumulated surplus to compensate for provincial funding shortfalls in special education, transportation,&nbsp;statutory benefits, and human rights and equity.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The vast majority of the operating budget is directed to student instruction and relates directly to classroom supports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Some highlights of the 2023-2024 budget and supported by the board’s accumulated surplus:&nbsp;</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Equity and Inclusion Positions (the Ministry of Education funds these positions in some boards but not LDSB)&nbsp;</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Funding for transportation expenditures exceeding transportation funding&nbsp;</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Unfunded statutory benefit increases&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Details are reported in the 2023-2024 </span><a href="/documents/6556891f-a611-57e8-b8d1-8ac3b733b5b4?fingerprint=ppb20251217013934" target="_blank" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Budget Operating Revenues booklet.</span></a></p>

<img src="/images/5a50cea0-02ca-5f9e-921d-8565e3cf2456?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831" srcset="/thumbnails/5a50cea0-02ca-5f9e-921d-8565e3cf2456?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831 450w, /images/5a50cea0-02ca-5f9e-921d-8565e3cf2456?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span><span><span>Boardroom Briefs is intended to provide highlights of presentations, reports and decisions made at the regular meeting of the Limestone District School Board of Trustees.</span><br> <br> <span>These briefs do not serve as the official record of the meeting. Please refer to Board minutes which are approved at the next regular meeting. Community members are also invited to follow along during live tweets of regular Board meetings using the hashtag #LDSBmtg</span></span></span><iframe src="https://www.smore.com/u14wd-boardroom-briefs?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>

<img src="/images/102f8c05-9582-5f05-9808-3ba499532c48?fingerprint=ppb20251217013130" srcset="/thumbnails/102f8c05-9582-5f05-9808-3ba499532c48?fingerprint=ppb20251217013130 450w, /images/102f8c05-9582-5f05-9808-3ba499532c48?fingerprint=ppb20251217013130 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span><span>June is <b>National Indigenous History Month</b>. This month is an opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. It’s a time to honour and give voice to the stories, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous peoples across Canada, who have lived and cared for this land since time immemorial and who continue to make significant impacts, today. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>During this month, we also celebrate <b>National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21</b>. This day is an opportunity to honour the histories and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This day is important as it gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the Indigenous peoples whose histories and cultures are rooted in this land, and whose historical impact and presence have long been ignored by Canadian society. We are now in a place where we are beginning to recognize the importance of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to what we now know as Canada. In the Limestone District School Board, it is critical that we continue to teach the truth and to make a commitment to life-long reconcili-ACTION and living in right relations with the Indigenous community whose traditional territory we are fortunate to teach and learn on. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Working alongside Indigenous community members and several organizations <i>(Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle, Queen’s University, Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Kewaywin Circle, Sexual Assault Centre Kingston, Tipi Moza, Kingston Community Health Centres, Kahwá:tsire Indigenous-Led Child and Family Programs, Métis Nation of Ontario, Odemin Collective, Kingston Frontenace Public Library, and the City of Kingston)</i> and in partnership with the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest, the Limestone District School Board’s, Indigenous Education Team is proud to offer several opportunities for staff and students to engage in throughout this month.<br> <br> </span></span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>June 9^&nbsp;– Painting in the Garden:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></b></span><span>K-12 students will join Mandy Wilson from the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest in City Park to paint bottles that will be used for watering the Indigenous-led City Park Garden. </span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>All Month – City Park Garden (KILN &amp; LDSB Collaboration):&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></b></span><span>K-12 students are invited to participate in Indigenous-led garden programming throughout the month of June. In collaboration with the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest, the Limestone District School Board has supported the building and programming of a food sovereignty garden in City Park. Classes will attend the garden to support with planting, tending to our plant relatives, harvesting, and programming.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>All Month – Paint with Isaac Murdoch:&nbsp;</span></span></b><span>Anishinaabe artist, Isaac Murdoch will be sharing the importance of protecting the lands and waters as well as the meaning behind his artwork, and <span>his original artwork, Thunderbird Woman.&nbsp;</span>He will also share art techniques and tips.</span></span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>June 21&nbsp;– National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations:&nbsp;</span></span></b></span><span>The Limestone District School Board is proud to be a funder for the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations happening on June 21&nbsp;in City Park. K-12 classrooms are invited to take their classes to City Park to participate in the celebration. The day will have live performers, an artist's alley, Indigenous vendors, food, community resources fair, and more! </span></p> <p><span><b><span>June 21&nbsp;-Youth Artists Alley:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></b></span><span>Self-Identified Indigenous youth under 25 years old are invited to submit and display their artwork as part of the Youth Artists Alley at the National Indigenous Peoples Day event on June 21</span><span>.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>June 21&nbsp;– Digging Roots Concert:&nbsp;</span></span></b></span><span><span>In the evening of June 21, there will be a FREE concert by Juno-award winning band Digging Roots</span><span>&nbsp;at Springer Market Square. The concert is from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. LDSB staff, students, and families are invited to attend as part of Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations.&nbsp;<br> <br> There will be limited seating for ticket holders on bleachers.&nbsp;</span></span><span><span>Tickets can be reserved <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/digging-roots-free-concert-at-richardson-stadium-tickets-650071199457" target="_blank" title="Eventbrite Tickets">here</a></span><span>.</span></span><span><span><br> </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Bring your lawn chairs if you can.&nbsp;<br> <br> There will be shuttles available from City Park to Market Square and back, and KILN has single-ride bus tickets for use on the day which will be available for pick-up at KCHC, FACSFLA, and KILN.</span></span></p>