Dear Families,
Although we are already at the end of January, Happy New Year to all Limestone families! The December/January break already feels like a distant memory. I hope everyone was able to enjoy time with those people who matter most to them during the holiday season, and everyone has had a good start to 2025.
I have a few updates to share with you as we approach the mid-point of the 2024-2025 school year:
Director’s Annual Report
The 2023-2024 Director’s Annual Report was shared with the Board of Trustees at the December 4, 2024, Education, Policy, and Operations Board Meeting. This report provides an overview of the strategic initiatives undertaken during the 2023-2024 school year and highlights the remarkable progress made towards Limestone’s goals and achievements. The 2023-2024 Director’s Annual Report can be viewed online.
Provide input on the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar
The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) is currently working to develop the 2025-2026 school year calendar. In collaboration with Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board and Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board there are three options for consideration. We would like to gather the opinions of different members of the Limestone community to guide our final decision.
Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey. The survey is open until Monday, February 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
Survey link: https://bit.ly/SchoolYearSurvey20252026
If you would prefer a paper version of the survey, please contact your school and a hard copy will be provided. Your input is important to us. We appreciate your time in submitting your feedback.
PPM 128 – Cell Phone Use and Social Media
As a reminder, the Provincial Code of Conduct requires boards to restrict access to all social media platforms and apps on school networks and school devices. In addition, personal devices, including cell phones, can only be used by students during class time for educational purposes, directed by an educator. Unless approved by the educator(s) in the classroom, cell phones are not to be visible or used beyond exceptional circumstances.
Artificial Intelligence in LDSB Schools
As is often the case, schools must adapt to technology as it becomes available and impacts teaching and learning. Artificial Intelligence and Generative tools are the latest examples. Given the power and significant ethical issues tied to their availability and use, we will be providing guidance and supports in the weeks and months ahead. These tools have significant potential benefits to support productivity and learning, while also creating potential privacy, security and safety concerns. The reality is that these tools exist and we will need to ensure students, staff, and families understand how they work, and understand their potential benefits and risks. Stay tuned for further updates in this area.
PowerSchool Security Breach – LDSB Not Impacted
LDSB has not been impacted by the recent PowerSchool cybersecurity incident as the board uses a different student information system. While LDSB does utilize PowerSchool for other services, those services have not been affected by the breach.
We want to assure families that the security and privacy of our students' information is a top priority. Monitoring our network to maintain cybersecurity is critical. Given the continuing evolution of cyber threats, and the significant impact on local agencies and other school boards impacted by cyber breaches, further security enhancements are likely in the months ahead. For questions or concerns, please contact inquiries@limestone.on.ca.
Inclement Weather
To help make this season and bus cancellation days easier to manage, a reminder to families to sign up for bus status alerts by creating an account in Tri-Board’s Student Portal. Families can add their student(s) to their account, so they are signed up to receive alerts for their specific bus and zone cancellations. Families can also follow Tri-Board on social media:
When all transportation is cancelled across the district, the notification is sent as a general notice from Tri-Board to everyone with an account. Tri-Board does their best to post this alert by 6:00 a.m.
The cancellation of school buses does not mean schools are closed. Should the rare need to close a school arise, the information will be communicated by the LDSB and the individual schools.
Learn more about inclement weather days, timing and duration of cancellations, and more on Tri-Board’s website.
Human Rights Incidents Reporting Tool
Harassment, discrimination, and hate have no place in Limestone schools. As a school board, we are committed to providing all students, staff, and families with a positive school community environment.
As a reminder, the LDSB has the Student Human Rights Incidents and Reporting Tool available to students and families to report any incidents or complaints.
Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy Resources
There are many resources available designed to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that can make learning fun and effective for students and families. Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage to learn more.
Consider Donating to The Food Sharing Project
We are seeing a significant increase in students accessing the food at schools given increases to the cost of living and particularly inflationary pressure on the price of groceries. 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 Food Sharing Project.
If you can, please consider donating $2.00 or more to the Food Sharing Project through the Products tab in School-day. 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 The Food Sharing Project’s website. Thank you for your support
Kindergarten Registration 2025
Do you have a child ready to start Kindergarten this September? If your student is four- or five-years-old by the end of December, now is the time to register. Limestone offers both English and French Immersion programs that build strong foundations in reading, writing and math. We cannot wait to welcome your new student this fall. For more information, please visit limestone.on.ca/kindergarten-early-learning.
I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and partnership in your student’s education in Limestone. I hope you have a great weekend once it arrives.
All the best,
Krishna Burra
Director of Education