District News

KILN/LDSB build Indigenous community garden

<img src="/images/0d38ee01-7d48-5f46-aa98-f762c6cab074?fingerprint=ppb20251217013116" srcset="/thumbnails/0d38ee01-7d48-5f46-aa98-f762c6cab074?fingerprint=ppb20251217013116 450w, /images/0d38ee01-7d48-5f46-aa98-f762c6cab074?fingerprint=ppb20251217013116 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Kingston Indigenous Language Nest and the Limestone District School Board team up for the Indigenous Community Garden program The Kingston Indigenous Language Nest (KILN) is thrilled to announce a partnership with the Limestone District School Board for the installation of the coming Indigenous community garden in City Park. LDSB students will not only have the opportunity to fully participate in building and planting the new garden but there will be ongoing educational opportunities for LDSB students around food sovereignty, medicines and Indigenous languages at both the KILN community garden and LDSB school gardens throughout the district. Guided by our ancestors’ love and wisdom, KILN is an organization that connects the Urban Indigenous communities on this territory by growing safe and inclusive spaces to share and revitalize our languages and worldview, for generations to come. Growing and creating land-based programs and spaces where our youth feel welcomed and want to engage is a key priority in this important work. Through engaging LDSB youth with this exciting project, we hope to facilitate increased connections to the land and community. Our mission is to strengthen connection to each other, the lands, our cultures and our identity through Indigenous language learning. You can find out more information about our upcoming programs by following us on Facebook. Organizational Contact: Constance Carriere-Prill, Executive Director – Kingston Indigenous Language Nest <a href="mailto:Ccp.ed.kiln@gmail.com?subject=Constance Carrier-Prill ">Ccp.ed.kiln@gmail.com</a> <img src="/images/b0e6977c-9f26-54ad-bd0b-368c2da49466?fingerprint=ppb20251217014637" srcset="/thumbnails/b0e6977c-9f26-54ad-bd0b-368c2da49466?fingerprint=ppb20251217014637 450w, /images/b0e6977c-9f26-54ad-bd0b-368c2da49466?fingerprint=ppb20251217014637 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">

2023-05-09 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S

<img src="/images/73284d73-0f58-5403-b7ad-b176b0d3776a?fingerprint=ppb20251217014056" srcset="/thumbnails/73284d73-0f58-5403-b7ad-b176b0d3776a?fingerprint=ppb20251217014056 450w, /images/73284d73-0f58-5403-b7ad-b176b0d3776a?fingerprint=ppb20251217014056 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited individuals. Also known as Red Dress Day, this solemn day is observed to honour and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people, and to encourage one another to take action for change. On this day, we encourage everyone across the school district to wear red and remember, honour, and give voice to MMIWG2S whose stories have not been heard. Not only this Friday, but every day we aim to raise awareness about this ongoing crisis and take action, and we remember the people who have lost their lives to colonial, gender-based violence, and their families and communities who continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones. There are many days in which we recognize MMIWG2S including May 5th, the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S, October 4th as the recognized date in Canada for MMIWG2S, and February 14th in which communities across Canada host a Women's Memorial March in remembrance and honour of MMIWG2S.  The following resources have been compiled by the LDSB Indigenous Education Team, to share information and offer support in learning, reflection, and action.  <a href="https://www.nwac.ca/policy-areas/mmiwg/" target="_blank" title="Native Women's Association of Canada">Native Women's Association of Canada</a> <a href="http://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/" target="_blank" title="The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls">The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls</a> <a href="https://www.csvanw.org/mmiw/" target="_blank" title="Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women">Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women</a> <a href="https://guides.library.ubc.ca/mmiwg" target="_blank" title="MMIWG2S - UBC Library Assembly of First Nations">MMIWG2S - UBC Library Assembly of First Nations</a> <a href="https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NIMMIWG-THEIR-VOICES-WILL-GUIDE-US.pdf" target="_blank" title="MMIWG2S - Their Voices Will Guide Us: Student and Youth Engagement Guide">MMIWG2S - Their Voices Will Guide Us: Student and Youth Engagement Guide</a> <a href="https://www.nwac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Honouring-Women-Booklet-PrintReady-20PTFont.pdf" target="_blank" title="Honouring Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse People">Honouring Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse People</a> <a href="https://moosehidecampaign.ca/" target="_blank" title="Moose Hide Campaign">Moose Hide Campaign</a> <a href="https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/artists-list/" target="_blank" title="National Inquiry Gallery of Artistic Expressions">National Inquiry Gallery of Artistic Expressions</a> We understand that the information in these resources may be triggering for some, and that some students, staff and families may wish to have additional support today. If you are affected, are in distress, and require immediate emotional assistance you can call the National 24/7 MMIWG crisis line at 1-844-413-6649.

2023-05-04 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs - April 26, 2023

<img src="/images/3e814e5a-ffcb-5d9d-ac4e-dd79ce0b1f24?fingerprint=ppb20251217013609" srcset="/thumbnails/3e814e5a-ffcb-5d9d-ac4e-dd79ce0b1f24?fingerprint=ppb20251217013609 450w, /images/3e814e5a-ffcb-5d9d-ac4e-dd79ce0b1f24?fingerprint=ppb20251217013609 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">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. 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.<iframe src="https://www.smore.com/7acz6-boardroom-briefs?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>

2023-05-02 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Student Sense of Belonging Report now available

<img src="/images/283da855-ac7d-5ae6-8298-f97c7f04d171?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352" srcset="/thumbnails/283da855-ac7d-5ae6-8298-f97c7f04d171?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352 450w, /images/283da855-ac7d-5ae6-8298-f97c7f04d171?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">The Limestone District School Board has released the Student Sense of Belonging Report, its second report of data collected from the <a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank" title="See Yourself In Limestone Student Census 2020.">See Yourself In Limestone Student Census 2020.</a> The intention of this report is to create local knowledge about systemic barriers to equitable student experience based on race, religion, country of birth, newcomer status, and language. "This report is one of several themed reports that will identify systemic barriers facing students in Limestone, and is not intended to place  blame, nor to fuel shame and guilt," says Alison McDonnell, Superintendent of Education. "Rather, this information is shared so that everyone throughout Limestone can work together to build equity of hope for every student."  The <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/3b1bc2c6-791d-5a71-8d71-3788e8e34b9e?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540" target="_blank"> See Yourself in Limestone Student Census: Report Summary (April 2023) </a>offers a high level overview of the contents of the full report (link below). More than 10,000 total surveys were completed by students and families in November and December 2020. The voluntary and confidential census asked a series of questions around identity and demographics to help the board better understand the diverse backgrounds, experiences, strengths and needs within our school communities. The overall goal of the student census is to improve achievement and well-being by identifying opportunities to help all students succeed. <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/a5c33136-109e-5158-b01b-37c8274d1c37?fingerprint=ppb20251217014545" target="_blank"> Full Report - See Yourself in Limestone: Student Sense of Belonging Report One </a> <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/39f3c1ab-ed93-5c97-9b4c-2a0f3f9f0ef2?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540" target="_blank"> Data and Disparity Table </a>: This is an alternate format in Excel to assist in viewing the data that is in the report.

2023-04-27 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

2023-2024 School Year Calendar Approved

<img src="/images/57c6867c-4672-59ce-b051-6ff0077873d4?fingerprint=ppb20251217013816" srcset="/thumbnails/57c6867c-4672-59ce-b051-6ff0077873d4?fingerprint=ppb20251217013816 450w, /images/57c6867c-4672-59ce-b051-6ff0077873d4?fingerprint=ppb20251217013816 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">The Ministry of Education has approved the Limestone District School Board’s 2023-2024 School Year Calendar.  The following key dates have been approved: First Day of School: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Winter Break: December 25, 2023, to January 5, 2024 March Break: March 11, to March 15, 2024 Last Day of School: Thursday, June 27, 2024 The 2022-2023 school year consists of 194 days; Secondary - 177 instructional days, 7 PA Days and 10 exam days.  Elementary - 187 instructional days and 7 PA Days. Professional Activity Days - no classes for students: Monday, Sept. 25, 2023 Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 <del>Friday, April 12, 2024</del>  Changed to April 8, 2024* Friday, May 31, 2024 Friday, June 28, 2024 Printable 2023-2024 School Year Calendar <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/b5ae21a6-d000-53a6-9943-7178f81cab6a?fingerprint=20260609T2200Z" target="_blank"> here. </a> This article was originally published in April 2023. The April 2024 PA day was <a href="/news/what_s_new/change_to_school_year_calendar_in_april_2024" target="_blank" title="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/what_s_new/change_to_school_year_calendar_in_april_2024">amended in November 2023</a>. <div></div>

2023-04-27 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director - April 27, 2023

<img src="/images/0ffe8f46-9a73-50f7-9b4c-0cdd8c1d3565?fingerprint=ppb20251217013130" srcset="/thumbnails/0ffe8f46-9a73-50f7-9b4c-0cdd8c1d3565?fingerprint=ppb20251217013130 450w, /images/0ffe8f46-9a73-50f7-9b4c-0cdd8c1d3565?fingerprint=ppb20251217013130 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> For a version of this message to translate into additional languages, please <a href="https://www.smore.com/wkvby" target="_blank">click here</a>.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Dear Families,  </div> <div>   </div> <div> It is hard to believe we are already at the end of April. I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather, even if it is a little unpredictable. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Education released the theme for Education Week in Ontario: Education for a Brighter Future. Given the power of education in supporting children and adolescents, and the importance of trying to create hope for the future for all young people, this is a very fitting theme. At the same time, as communities and society, there are significant challenges and issues that have individual, family, and collective impacts. However, I think we can all agree that education has a critical role in supporting the growth of students and trying to generate hope for a better future for everyone.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Last week you may have heard that the provincial government released information about 2023-2024 government funding for school boards, as well as new legislation called The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> We are still unpacking details about the budget and legislation, but we will share specific information with you as part of the annual budget process. The budget information released last week is critical in planning for the 2023-2024 school year and shaping the local budget and staffing for Limestone. You can learn about the provincial-level announcements by visiting the following resources:  </div> <div>   </div> <div> <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/education-funding-2023-24" target="_blank">Ontario Education Funding, 2023-24</a>  </div> <div>   </div> <div> <a href="https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-1/bill-98" target="_blank">Bill 2023, Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023</a>   </div> <div>   </div> <div> See Yourself in Limestone Student Census: Student Sense of Belonging Report  </div> <div> Last week I shared with you that the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) would be releasing a preliminary report focused on student sense of belonging based on results of the See Yourself in Limestone Student Census 2020.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> Today we are releasing the first in a series of reports that focuses on belonging at school for different demographic groups: race and racial background; religion; country of birth; first language; and newcomer or refugee status, and how these identities relate to student experiences.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> Building local knowledge about who Limestone students are and how they are experiencing school is a crucial step towards actively creating meaningful positive change for all individuals within the school community. This report, like future reports based on the student census, will help provide guidance for Limestone to better serve students.    </div> <div>   </div> <div> To read this first report, please visit the <a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank">Student Sense of Belonging Report</a> page on the board website.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> Special Education Review  </div> <div> This is a reminder that you are invited to participate in the LDSB’s Special Education Review, a short online survey that is currently active to help identify supports and services that are important for students with special education needs to experience success and reach their full potential.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> The survey went live on April 24 and will be open until end-of-day tomorrow (Friday). To complete the survey, please visit the <a href="https://bit.ly/SpecEdReview2023" target="_blank">Special Education Review</a> page on the board website.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Strategic Plan Monitoring Mid-Year Update  </div> <div> At last evening’s Board of Trustees Meeting, the senior team and I provided an update to Trustees about the progress of the Strategic Action Plans from September 2022 to January 2023, focusing on items that have been assessed as high priorities to focus our work and achieve Limestone’s strategic goals. To review this update, please visit the <a href="/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx" target="_blank">April 26 Board Meeting Agenda (pages 21-60)</a>.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> More information regarding the next steps in preparing a new strategic plan for Limestone will be released in the coming weeks.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> School Year Calendar   </div> <div> The LDSB school year calendar for 2023-2024 has been approved by the Board of Trustees, confirmed by the Ministry of Education and will be posted to the board website early next week.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Enjoy the rest of your week, and the weekend when it arrives.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Krishna Burra  </div> <div> Director of Education  </div>

2023-04-27 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Special Education Review 2023

<img src="/images/b699cfd2-fc94-5d89-8cf6-64ea6f0f19c1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014713" srcset="/thumbnails/b699cfd2-fc94-5d89-8cf6-64ea6f0f19c1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014713 450w, /images/b699cfd2-fc94-5d89-8cf6-64ea6f0f19c1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014713 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Survey is now live until April 28, 2023: <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftejoin.com%2Fscroll%2F357435034&data=05%7C01%7Cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7C7ae7208f7dfc4d45a92808db41caef76%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638176112181015735%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6h6s1zjH3N%2BFzGOLKe98u2e%2BtUpGPMHTYc65mbVBwvU%3D&reserved=0">https://tejoin.com/scroll/357435034</a>. Limestone District School Board’s Educational Services Leadership Team is embarking on a Special Education Review between February 2023 and April 2023. The purpose of this review is to: <ul> <li>Examine our current special education supports and services and identify areas for refinement and enhancement to meet the needs of learners within an inclusive learning environment.</li> <li>To gather student, family, staff, and community partner voices to identify priorities and key areas which may impact the success of students with special education needs. </li> </ul> As the needs of our students change, it is necessary to review and sometimes revise resources, supports, and services that are provided to students.  As with previous Special Education Reviews, a goals of this review are to examine resource allocation, strengthen partnerships, leverage supports, and identify professional learning opportunities for staff.  Limestone students, staff, families, community members, and community stakeholders will be consulted through an online survey platform, Thought Exchange, in an effort to collect a wide variety of qualitative data on the question “What key supports and services are important for students with special education needs to experience success at school and reach their full potential?”. The Thought Exchange will be available for students with special education needs and their families between February 27 and March 3, 2023, and then it will be available to Limestone staff and community members and partners starting April 24 to April 28, 2023. The information gathered through the Thought Exchange will be reviewed and analyzed by the Educational Services Team, allowing key ideas and input to inform the future planning, priorities, services, and supports available in Limestone. Final results and findings will be shared publicly in the Fall of 2023. Additional information on Limestone’s Special Education programming, Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), Special Education Plan 2022-2023, previous Special Education Reviews, and our Special Education Support Model <a href="/cms/One.aspx">is available on our website</a>. Update: March 7, 2023 Thank you to the students and families who were able to participate in the first stage of the Limestone District School Board’s Special Education Review through ThoughtExchange.  We had over 2,900 participants and 3,572 thoughts shared. These participants rated over 60,000 thoughts and the input will be so valuable to our future planning.  Limestone’s Educational Services leadership team will now begin to analyze the feedback from the review. Additionally, we will be meeting with small focus groups of students and staff to explore the data together over the next few months.  The second stage of the review will commence at the end of April when we open the survey to all Limestone students, families and staff, as well as community members and partners. This new audience will receive the same question that we asked participants in the first phase, and will have the same opportunity to rate and review the other answers provided. This is also an opportunity for those who were unable to participate in the first phase or those who would like to engage again to share their thoughts.  Update: April 19, 2023 All students, families, staff and community members are invited to participate in the LDSB’s Special Education Review. Survey link will go live and be shared on this page from April 24-28, 2023. Update: April 24, 2023 Survey link is now live until April 28, 2023:  <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftejoin.com%2Fscroll%2F357435034&data=05%7C01%7Cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7C7ae7208f7dfc4d45a92808db41caef76%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638176112181015735%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6h6s1zjH3N%2BFzGOLKe98u2e%2BtUpGPMHTYc65mbVBwvU%3D&reserved=0">https://tejoin.com/scroll/357435034</a>. If you have any questions regarding Limestone’s Special Education programming, or specific to this Special Education Review, please view the FAQs below, contact Michael Blackburn by e-mail at <a href="mailto:">educs@limestone.on.ca</a> or speak to your school administrator directly.

2023-04-24 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

ICIP provides ventilation improvement upgrades

<img src="/images/e9b01654-2dcf-524c-a30e-3ad1e04ad15a?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139" srcset="/thumbnails/e9b01654-2dcf-524c-a30e-3ad1e04ad15a?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139 450w, /images/e9b01654-2dcf-524c-a30e-3ad1e04ad15a?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> The Limestone District School Board has completed many ventilation improvement upgrades through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Ventilation Improvements in School. Limestone was allocated $538,440 in ICIP ventilation maximum projected federal funding and $134,610 in ICIP ventilation matching from existing provincial funding. The funding was used for ventilation expenses (e.g., filter upgrades) from April 2022 to March 2023. Including the following in a total of 41 schools: • Retrofits, repairs, upgrades and installation of HVAC infrastructure • Maintenance and recommissioning of HVAC systems • Purchase and installation of mechanical ventilation filters <img src="/images/42014e98-f121-5a73-bd63-002c78a6d6a8?fingerprint=ppb20251217013621" srcset="/thumbnails/42014e98-f121-5a73-bd63-002c78a6d6a8?fingerprint=ppb20251217013621 450w, /images/42014e98-f121-5a73-bd63-002c78a6d6a8?fingerprint=ppb20251217013621 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div></div>

2023-04-14 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Equity Matters Spring 2023

<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">Listening to Voices in Limestone. This issue is dedicated to the power of listening. This is an opportunity for Limestone staff to truly listen to LDSB community members' perspectives on both current events and the next steps Limestone can collaboratively take to continue building inclusive spaces where everyone's identity is represented & valued. A future where everyone can see themselves in Limestone.<iframe src="https://www.smore.com/kefxm-equity-matters?embed=1" title="Equity Matters"></iframe>

2023-04-06 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs - March 29, 2023

2023-04-03 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

WCBS - Preliminary Report March 2023

<img src="/images/e9756fad-da6a-58f3-b7ee-874067fdc819?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139" srcset="/thumbnails/e9756fad-da6a-58f3-b7ee-874067fdc819?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139 450w, /images/e9756fad-da6a-58f3-b7ee-874067fdc819?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> The Limestone District School Board has released the <a href="/board/workforce_census___belonging_survey_2022/w_c_b_s_preliminary_report" target="_blank" title="Preliminary Report Workforce Census and Belonging Survey">preliminary result</a><a href="/board/workforce_census___belonging_survey_2022/w_c_b_s_preliminary_report" target="_blank" title="Preliminary Report Workforce Census and Belonging Survey">s </a>of demographic and identity data collected from the See Yourself in Limestone: Workforce Census and Belonging Survey (WCBS). Limestone is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion for all staff and students. We recognize the importance of trust in the system, and particularly in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.  The results of the WCBS are a valuable step in understanding our workforce and their lived experiences within Limestone. This data therefore provides a baseline against which future work and related initiatives can be monitored and reviewed.       In April 2022, all staff were invited to participate in a voluntary, anonymous, and confidential census to gather baseline data to better understand the current composition of its workforce.  The WCBS asked questions about identity that included first languages, gender, sexual orientation, religion/creed/faith, ethnicity, race, nationality, disability, socioeconomics, education, job status, role, as well as questions relating to opportunities, sense of belonging, safety and well-being.  Survey questions were developed in consultation with stakeholders, including senior staff, federations, unions, association partners, staff affinity networks and LDSB Research, LDSB Equity, and LDSB Indigenous Teams.  Additionally, this work was supported by KEYS through the Workplace Inclusion Charter partnership.   The response rate for LDSB staff was 58%, which is a good outcome for a first survey of this nature. More work and consultation are needed to understand the relationships between this data.       Some of the demographic responses highlighted in the <a href="/board/workforce_census___belonging_survey_2022/w_c_b_s_preliminary_report" target="_blank" title="Preliminary Report Workforce Census and Belonging Survey">preliminary report </a>include:    <ul> <li>76% of respondents are permanent or probationary full-time employees.  </li> </ul> <ul> <li>75% of the respondents identify as female. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>20% of the respondents identify as male.  </li> </ul> <ul> <li>92% of respondents state English is their first language with 33% competent in 40 other languages. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>64% of respondents indicated they are caregivers for children, elders, friends or other family members. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>15% of respondents indicate they have a condition or disability. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>91% of respondents self-identify as White. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>3% of respondents self-identify as Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.  </li> </ul> <ul> <li>7% of respondents identify with a racialized group. </li> </ul> The information gathered from the WCBS will inform and foster the development and implementation of strategies aimed at identifying and eliminating gaps and barriers, increasing employee sense of belonging, and creating a more inclusive workplace where everyone sees themselves in Limestone.       The responses collected from the WCBS will complement the data collected from the See Yourself in Limestone Student Census and allow LDSB to offer meaningful, contextually appropriate support to students, families, and staff, that meet local needs. Student and staff voice also matters and are critical on the path forward to increasing a sense of belonging and creating a more inclusive and equitable school board.   </div>

2023-03-30 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

2022-2023-Message from the Director-March 22

Message from the Director - March 22, 2023

<img src="/images/b91fb40b-10dd-5599-b472-9d565b3325aa?fingerprint=ppb20251217014726" srcset="/thumbnails/b91fb40b-10dd-5599-b472-9d565b3325aa?fingerprint=ppb20251217014726 450w, /images/b91fb40b-10dd-5599-b472-9d565b3325aa?fingerprint=ppb20251217014726 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> For a version of this message to translate into additional languages, please <a href="https://bit.ly/DirectorsMessageMar22-2023" target="_blank">click here</a>.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Dear Families,  </div> <div>   </div> <div> I hope you had a wonderful March Break with family and friends, and you have enjoyed the first couple of days of spring. This evening marks the beginning of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims that involves fasting to purify the body and soul, as well as time to further develop compassion and a greater sense of humility, spirituality, and community. Ramadan Mubarak to all LDSB families who observe this time.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> I have three pieces of information to share with you:  </div> <div>   </div> <div> 2023-24 Budget Survey  </div> <div> If you have not already, please take a few minutes to complete the short <a href="https://bit.ly/BudgetSurvey23-24" target="_blank">2023-2024 Budget Survey.</a> This year’s survey includes a ThoughtExchange which will allow contributors to see the thoughts submitted by others. All thoughts are voluntary and anonymous. The survey and ThoughtExchange will be open until March 24, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Information collected will be summarized and reviewed at the Budget Committee meeting on April 19, 2023.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> 2023-24 Virtual School Survey  </div> <div> If your family is not currently enrolled in virtual school, but you are interested in enrolling for the 2023-24 school year, please complete the <a href="https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUxPU04736VUxL0" target="_blank">2023-24 Virtual School Survey</a>. This survey is only intended for families planning to enroll their student(s) in virtual school for next year. The survey is open until March 23, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> If you have a student(s) currently enrolled in virtual school, you will have already received a direct email update regarding your interest in a virtual school option for the 2023-24 school year.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Special Education Advisory Committee Vacancy  </div> <div> The LDSB is currently seeking to fill a vacancy for a member-at-large appointment to its <a href="/trustees/board_committees___meetings/special_education_advisory_committee" target="_blank">Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)</a>. SEAC is responsible for making recommendations to the Board on matters related to the provision of Special Education programs and services for exceptional students. If you are interested in volunteering on this committee please forward a letter of interest to Superintendent Scot Gillam by April 12, 2023, by 4:00 p.m. You may <a href="mailto:gillams@limestone.on.ca" target="_blank">email</a> or mail/hand deliver your interest to the LDSB Education Centre, 220 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston ON K7M 0G2.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Enjoy the rest of your week, and the weekend when it arrives.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Krishna Burra  </div> <div> Director of Education  </div>

2023-03-22 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Kindergarten Registration

KILN/LDSB build Indigenous community garden

National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S

Boardroom Briefs - April 26, 2023

Student Sense of Belonging Report now available

2023-2024 School Year Calendar Approved

Message from the Director - April 27, 2023

Special Education Review 2023

ICIP provides ventilation improvement upgrades

Equity Matters Spring 2023

Boardroom Briefs - March 29, 2023

WCBS - Preliminary Report March 2023

Message from the Director - March 22, 2023

Kindergarten Registration