Dear Families,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! Whether you are joining us with students new to Limestone, or returning, it is my pleasure and honour to welcome all elementary and secondary students, and their families to the 2025-2026 school year. We hope your summer was enjoyable and filled with meaningful moments with family and friends.
To kick off the year, I invite you to watch our Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year video, available online.
As the new academic year begins, our team is focused and optimistic about the potential and opportunities of this school year. Our educators and staff have diligently prepared for the return of students, ensuring that our schools maintain high standards of safety, inclusivity, and readiness for learning. We continue to be committed to cultivating an environment that supports each student's academic, social, and emotional growth, and allows everyone to see themselves in Limestone.
As the 2025-26 school year begins, Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, has prepared a message for Ontario parents, students, teachers and staff:
- English Letter (PDF)
- French Letter (PDF)
Here are a few important reminders for students and families as we start the school year:
Student Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for academic success and personal development. It helps build knowledge, responsibility, and routine, while enabling teachers to better support individual learning needs and foster a connected classroom environment.
Families can support attendance by encouraging daily participation, reserving absences for illness, and scheduling appointments outside school hours when possible.
We recognize that some students may face challenges that affect regular attendance. By working together with schools, we can ensure students receive the support they need. Every school day matters and together we can make a difference by making attendance a shared priority.
Focus on Core Academic Skills for Students
Limestone remains committed to strengthening foundational academic skills in numeracy and literacy for all students. Throughout the year, we will continue to support targeted strategies, resources, and professional learning that promote growth in these essential areas. By prioritizing literacy and numeracy, we aim to equip every student with the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
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.
Provincial Code of Conduct
As a reminder, Policy/Program 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Boards Code of Conduct regarding the restricting/limiting cellphones and vapes in schools continues to be in effect for this school year. The revised Code of Conduct outlines that members of the school community will:
- treat each other with kindness and respect,
- support learning and keep distractions out of class, and
- help others when they are in need.
It also outlines that members of the school community will not:
- bully, cyberbully, nor encourage others to do so,
- harm others, including harm with the motivation of hate or discrimination,
- use a personal mobile device during class unless permitted by an educator, and
- use, share, or sell vape, nicotine, and/or tobacco products on school property.
The Provincial Code of Conduct requires boards to restrict access to all social media platforms and apps on school networks and school devices. Consequently, students and staff will not be able to access a wide range of social media sites during the school day using the LDSB network or board devices. We thank you for your understanding and support in helping ensure a focus on learning during class time.
As we begin this new school year, we are excited to continue building strong connections with students, families, and our broader school communities. Your involvement and partnership are key to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where every student can thrive and learn. Thank you for being part of Limestone—we look forward to a successful year ahead.
All the very best,
Krishna Burra
Director of Education