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New Grades 7/8 Mental Health Literacy Modules

<img src="/images/8f1a3bbf-1096-59cb-9f5f-ec4ef73261d7?fingerprint=ppb20251217014328" srcset="/thumbnails/8f1a3bbf-1096-59cb-9f5f-ec4ef73261d7?fingerprint=ppb20251217014328 450w, /images/8f1a3bbf-1096-59cb-9f5f-ec4ef73261d7?fingerprint=ppb20251217014328 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">This fall, the Ministry of Education has introduced a series of three modules per grade to support the existing mental health literacy expectations within the Grades 7 and 8 Health and Physical Education curriculum. This series of three, 40-minute modules per grade will be delivered by educators to support the existing mental health literacy expectations within Strand D of the Health and Physical Education curriculum. They’re not new learning – they offer ways to enhance the delivery of the existing curriculum and focus on mental health literacy.    This learning will help equip students with inclusive, culturally responsive, evidence-informed knowledge, skills, and strategies to support their mental health and well-being. They align with and enhance the work we do in Limestone District School Board to support student well-being.  The modules were informed by extensive consultation with parents/caregivers, students, cultural and community organizations.     There are important reasons to bring these modules into the classroom:  • Students <a href="https://smho-smso.ca/online-resources/hearnowon-2021-student-voices-on-mental-health-final-report/" target="_blank" title="#HearNowON 2021: Student Voices on Mental Health – Final Report">want</a> to learn more about mental health at school.   • This learning helps students develop skills that support positive mental health.   • Mental health learning supports learning in all other areas.   • This learning can encourage conversations and help students in need reach support.   • As caring adults in the lives of young people, we want students to be well!  To support the implementation of these lessons, the Mental Health Lead has been sharing information at targeted staff meetings and hosting voluntary, weekly drop-in sessions during the month of February. Information sharing has also occurred with LDSB’s Mental Health and Substance Use Leadership Committee, Parent Involvement Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee, and the KFL&A Parent Advisory Committee.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Laura Conboy, Mental Health Lead (<a href="mailto:conboylaura@limestone.on.ca" target="_blank" title="conboylaura@limestone.on.ca">conboylaura@limestone.on.ca</a>) or Scot Gillam, Superintendent of Curriculum & Program Services: Student Support Services (<a href="mailto:gillams@limestone.on.ca" target="_blank" title="gillams@limestone.on.ca">gillams@limestone.on.ca</a>).  <div></div>

2024-02-27 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Calling all three-year-olds

<img src="/images/3cd1499c-f485-54fd-947b-562ffd92bdc6?fingerprint=ppb20251217013553" srcset="/thumbnails/3cd1499c-f485-54fd-947b-562ffd92bdc6?fingerprint=ppb20251217013553 450w, /images/3cd1499c-f485-54fd-947b-562ffd92bdc6?fingerprint=ppb20251217013553 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> Welcome to Kindergarten in Limestone. This is a very exciting time for both you and your student. Kindergarten is a wonderful experience and your student’s next phase on their journey of learning. If your student was born in 2020, you may register now so they can begin school this September. New student registration is an online registration process.  If your student is four or five by the end of December, now is the time to register. To get started click here: <a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank" title="new student registration webpage">https://www.limestone.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=352782&pageId=639821</a> We are excited to announce that Limestone District School Board will now be accepting applications for open boundary Kindergarten registrations for the upcoming school year. Limestone encourages students to attend their area school, but we understand selecting the right educational setting for your new student is a significant decision. Selecting an out-of-boundary school for your student is a decision influenced by many factors. The school may be closer to a workplace or near a childcare provider that might be more convenient for drop-off and pick-up routines. This change to our Kindergarten registration process will provide families interested in enrolling their student in a school outside their designated residential area to do so when they complete the online registration process. Visit the <a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank" title="Registering a student">online student registration page</a><a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank" title="Registering a student"> </a>to begin. At select LDSB schools, we offer French Immersion Kindergarten programs that help children get the best possible start in school. Find out more information check out the <a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank" title="Link to early french immersion webpage">Early French Immersion webpage</a>.  <a href="/programming/french_as_a_second_language/french_immersion" target="_blank"></a> In accordance with Board policy, by default, students will be enrolled in the school designated within their boundary area, based on their home address. Students may be permitted to attend any school within the board when there is available student space, upon submission and approval of the proper application. The Board will not be held responsible for the provision of any transportation for students outside of their regular school boundary area. This applies to both students within Limestone’s geographic boundaries (out of boundary), and students who live outside of those boundaries (out of district).     We aim to accommodate family preferences, but please note that out-of-boundary placements are not guaranteed, and families will be responsible for organizing transportation to and from out-of-boundary schools. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our dedicated staff are here to assist you throughout this process. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the school. Let’s embark on this exciting educational journey together! To get started, click on the following link:<a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank" title="Link to Kindergarten webpage"> https://www.limestone.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=352782&pageId=640034</a> <div> </div> <div> <div> </div> </div> </div>

2024-02-21 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Change to School Year Calendar in April 2024

<img src="/images/7dfda3ac-167f-5729-8cd3-71be699586dc?fingerprint=ppb20251217014153" srcset="/thumbnails/7dfda3ac-167f-5729-8cd3-71be699586dc?fingerprint=ppb20251217014153 450w, /images/7dfda3ac-167f-5729-8cd3-71be699586dc?fingerprint=ppb20251217014153 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> A total solar eclipse will occur across the southern regions of the school district on April 8, 2024. LDSB will be in the path of totality, which means that these areas, including Kingston and Napanee, will experience complete darkness at approximately 3:20 p.m. This is a very rare solar event for the local area. Maintaining a regular school day will present several challenges to staff and students in our schools with respect to transportation and safety.    </div> <div>   </div> <div> While adjusting the school day was considered for April 8, by shifting the day by 80-90 minutes at the start and end of the day to accommodate students in schools during the eclipse, two factors presented concerns: (a) given some employees, as well as bus drivers for Tri-Board, have other employment, shifting the day could result in staffing challenges; and (b) families would be having to adjust and accommodate two days of disruption in the same week (April 8 eclipse day adjustment and April 12 Professional Activity [PA] Day).  </div> <div>   </div> <div> As such, we consulted with our co-terminus school boards, Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board and Hastings Prince Edward District School Board, as well as Tri-Board Transportation, to propose moving the PA Day scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024, to Monday, April 8, 2024. The rationale being that combining the PA Day with the date of the eclipse will likely provide the least amount of disruption to families.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> This amendment has been approved by all three school boards as well as the Ministry of Education. April’s PA Day will now occur on Monday, April 8, 2024. This change does not add an additional PA Day for the school year, but simply adjusts the date of the April PA Day. Friday, April 12 will now be a regular school day.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> In advance of the eclipse, school staff will provide some learning for students to explain the significance of this solar event and maximize safety for students. The board is collaborating with the Queen's University Physics department that has trained ambassadors for education and outreach related to the eclipse. Learning opportunities are provided in-person and online. Educators and the public also have access to the education bundle created by the Education and Materials committee of the Ontario Eclipse Taskforce with extensive information about safety, resources and activities. We thank Queen's University for providing Eclipse Glasses to all LDSB students.  For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/physics/2024eclipse" target="_blank" title="Queen's Physics Dept. 2024 Eclipse">https://www.queensu.ca/physics/2024eclipse</a> and <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/physics/news-events/2024-total-solar-eclipse/education-activities" target="_blank" title="Queen's Physics Solar Eclipse Education and Activities">https://www.queensu.ca/physics/news-events/2024-total-solar-eclipse/education-activities</a>.  </div>

2024-02-14 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Transition to JK/SK Students with Complex Needs

<img src="/images/9e3a2eba-1326-5fce-9e6f-3e21f9f3e319?fingerprint=ppb20251217014448" srcset="/thumbnails/9e3a2eba-1326-5fce-9e6f-3e21f9f3e319?fingerprint=ppb20251217014448 450w, /images/9e3a2eba-1326-5fce-9e6f-3e21f9f3e319?fingerprint=ppb20251217014448 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">If your student has complex education needs and starts school in September 2024, you may wish to participate in the T2K Virtual Family Workshop Wednesday, March 6 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The workshop provides families with information and resources to help prepare their Kindergarten student for the transition to school. Effective advocacy for your student, a peek inside a Kinder classroom, as well as parents’ perspectives on school transition and planning tips will all be discussed. For more information or to register for this event, contact the school your student will attend in September 2024.

2024-02-14 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Limestone Music Celebration 2024

<img src="/images/c3349d8a-40b2-5358-a9e9-0efc0a9825dc?fingerprint=ppb20251217014816" srcset="/thumbnails/c3349d8a-40b2-5358-a9e9-0efc0a9825dc?fingerprint=ppb20251217014816 450w, /images/c3349d8a-40b2-5358-a9e9-0efc0a9825dc?fingerprint=ppb20251217014816 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">A Symphony of Learning and Performance <div>with content contribution from S. Tooth, K. Leverette & W. Moore, LLF</div> <div> The Limestone Music Celebration will be an extraordinary gathering of 400-500 secondary music students from across the Limestone District School Board. This event promises a day filled with musical enrichment, education, and an evening performance. A unique event organized by secondary school music teachers, Tourism Kingston, and the Limestone Learning Foundation. <div>Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Through Music</div> <div> </div> <div>The Limestone Music Celebration focuses on a repertoire that reflects a wide array of voices. Works by Black composers, women, and Indigenous artists have been prioritized to ensure a rich, varied musical experience that resonates with all participants. This initiative is a step towards decolonizing our music rooms and departments, making sure every student sees themselves in the music they learn and perform.</div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <div>A Day of Musical Workshops</div> <div> LDSB secondary students will have the unique opportunity to participate in instrument-specific workshops and clinics, led by local professional music educators and accomplished Kingston musicians Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Grant Hall, Queen's University. This immersive experience is designed to deepen their musical skills, foster collaboration, and enhance their appreciation for diverse musical genres and techniques.</div> <div> </div> <div>The Limestone District School Board of Trustees is incredibly proud of this event, the community collaborations, and the opportunity it has created for LDSB students to thrive and excel in their musical endeavours. It was the vision of Trustees for a more comprehensive and inclusive music program that led them to invest $500,000 in surplus spending for secondary musical instruments, arts programs, and the Artist in Residence program in the fall of 2021. This support from Trustees at the time, recognized the need for an infusion into the arts and secondary music programming, knowing arts funding has not been prioritized through the Grants for Student Needs in recent years, and budget feedback from the LDSB community in the winter/spring of 2021 emphasized a desire for more arts funding. The supplementary funding enabled secondary schools to expand their music curriculum, invest in new instruments, and repair and replace supporting infrastructure - everything from new patch cords, LED lights, to new computers and soundcards for recording.</div> <div> </div> <div>An Inspiring Composition</div> <div> </div> <div>The event will feature a special highlight: an original composition by Ernestown Secondary music teacher, Tim Stiff. His work, specifically crafted for a Massed Ensemble with inclusive and uplifting lyrics, is designed to celebrate the unity and diversity music brings to our lives.  The concert will be live streamed on February 21 from 7 pm – 8:30 pm by students of Bayridge Secondary School, Computer Science program. With limited seating available at this venue, watching virtually will be the best way for the public to see the culminating performance.  </div> <div> </div> <div>A Partnership in Excellence in Education</div> <div> </div> <div>In yet another amazing example of collaboration, the Limestone Learning Foundation is honoured to support the Limestone Music Celebration with a grant of $10,000!  </div> <div> </div> <div>Our Shared Vision</div> <div> </div> <div>The Limestone Music Celebration 2024 embodies the vision of the Limestone Learning Foundation of making arts education a vibrant and essential part of students' lives. By supporting this event, the LLF wis honoured to provide a platform where students can experience the transformative power of music beyond the classroom, in a setting that encourages collaboration, celebrates diversity, and builds community.</div> <div></div> </div>

2024-02-13 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs - January 2023

Boardroom Briefs is now available for the Regular Meeting of January 2023. 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. Meeting agendas are available on the <a href="/trustees/board_committees___meetings/board_meetings" title="web link to Board Minutes and Agendas" class="editor-link">website</a>.

2024-02-01 02:55:03 +0000 UTC

2024-2025 School Year Calendar Survey

<img src="/images/6d7e7646-a2be-54f7-9e42-bd025e90bcff?fingerprint=ppb20251217014016" srcset="/thumbnails/6d7e7646-a2be-54f7-9e42-bd025e90bcff?fingerprint=ppb20251217014016 450w, /images/6d7e7646-a2be-54f7-9e42-bd025e90bcff?fingerprint=ppb20251217014016 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> The Limestone District School Board is currently working to develop the 2024-25 school year calendar. In collaboration with our coterminous boards, 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 note: Option 3 has a different start date, and all calendar options have different PA days.   </div> <div> Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey. The survey is open until Monday, February 12, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Survey link: <a href="https://bit.ly/LDSB24-25CalendarSurvey" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/LDSB24-25CalendarSurvey</a>    </div> <div> If you would prefer a paper version of the survey, please contact your school and a hard copy will be provided.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Your input is important to us. We appreciate your time in submitting your feedback.  </div>

2024-01-30 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs - January 17, 2024

<img src="/images/384c39e7-fe4e-59ee-b2b9-089e7bc9ebc3?fingerprint=ppb20251217013527" srcset="/thumbnails/384c39e7-fe4e-59ee-b2b9-089e7bc9ebc3?fingerprint=ppb20251217013527 450w, /images/384c39e7-fe4e-59ee-b2b9-089e7bc9ebc3?fingerprint=ppb20251217013527 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/u4cxp9?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>

2024-01-29 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

LDSB Black History Month Ceremonies 300 x 200

LDSB Black History Month Celebration

<img src="/images/b4ae034a-2ede-5327-af27-3999e670a237?fingerprint=ppb20251217014701" srcset="/thumbnails/b4ae034a-2ede-5327-af27-3999e670a237?fingerprint=ppb20251217014701 450w, /images/b4ae034a-2ede-5327-af27-3999e670a237?fingerprint=ppb20251217014701 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">The LCVI Student BIPOC Affinity Group invites students, families and staff to attend the LDSB Opening Ceremonies for Black History Month on Monday, February 5 at LCVI from 4 - 6 p.m. Join us for music, fashion show, dance, spoken word, and meet local Black business owners in our unique marketplace. Light refreshments will be served, so please fill out the registration form to help students in their planning. <div> </div> <div>Register via this link: <a href="https://ow.ly/hZuB50QswCk" target="_blank">https://ow.ly/hZuB50QswCk</a> </div>

2024-01-26 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

1 Jan 25 2024-Message from the Director - web

Director’s Message to Families - Jan. 25, 2024

<img src="/images/50f0cb30-08ee-54e7-8ff1-de512eba16ab?fingerprint=ppb20251217013738" srcset="/thumbnails/50f0cb30-08ee-54e7-8ff1-de512eba16ab?fingerprint=ppb20251217013738 450w, /images/50f0cb30-08ee-54e7-8ff1-de512eba16ab?fingerprint=ppb20251217013738 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/r7y5u" target="_blank">click here</a>.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Dear Families,  </div> <div>   </div> <div> While it is already past the middle of January, and the holiday season seems like a distant memory, Happy New Year to everyone. I hope everyone has had a good start to 2024.  It is hard to believe that the mid-point of the school year is next week. The new year is always a time of reflection, both thinking about the year behind, and the year ahead. In education, there is always more work to do, and with that in mind, I have a few updates to share with you as we near the end of January.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> See Yourself in Limestone: Student Census Achievement Report  </div> <div>   </div> <div> In my mid-December message, I shared that the <a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank">See Yourself in Limestone: Student Census Achievement Report</a> is now available. I am sharing this report with you again because its results will underscore the critical work we do as a board this year and beyond.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> This is the third report related to data from the Student Census from 2020. The focus of this report is traditional measures of student achievement for all census-related identity groups and includes some information on student sense of belonging for groups who were not the subject of the first report.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> This report includes information about achievement indicators: one caring adult at school; one adult at school expects me to do well; suspensions; reasons for absent or late; special education (IEPs); EQAO math and literacy; pathways (Applied); credit accumulation; and graduation. This Student Census Achievement Report will offer the LDSB the opportunity to reflect on system practices in the future.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> In Limestone schools, we have an individual and collective responsibility for serving all students and doing our best to meet their needs, regardless of their demographic characteristics. As we continue to work on the next Strategic Plan, it will be important for us to remember for whom this work matters and emphasize the need for all staff to make a positive difference in the lives of the students we serve. This means continuing to strive for improvement in student learning, achievement, and well-being. It also means we must continue to do what we can in making sure there is a positive culture in Limestone for the benefit of all students, families, and staff.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Strategic Plan Update  </div> <div>   </div> <div> At the December 6, 2023, Education, Policy, and Operations Committee (EPOC) meeting of the Board of Trustees, an <a href="/common/pages/DownloadFileByUrl.aspx" target="_blank">overview of the results</a> from Phase 2 of the consultation for the See Yourself in Limestone: The Road Ahead – 2023-2028 Strategic Plan was presented. This second consultation invited the LDSB community to provide feedback on the draft Mission, Vision, and Values in an online survey.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> It was exciting to share that between November 2-24, 2023, we received over 1,000 responses to the survey with the most responses coming from students and families. Thank you to those who participated.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> The feedback received throughout the Strategic Plan consultation process, alongside the additional requirements of Bill 98 or the <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s23011" target="_blank">Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act</a>, have helped the LDSB develop a Mission, Vision, Intention and Values:  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Mission (What the LDSB commits to): Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of the students we serve by empowering every student with the essential skills to shape their future, be lifelong learners, and contribute meaningfully to an interconnected, inclusive, and evolving world.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Vision (What the LDSB aspires to do): Our vision is for all students, families, and staff to feel they belong within Limestone: a system that understands and supports learners’ strengths, needs, and preferences; inspires their hearts and minds; and nurtures hope for the future success of every student in every classroom, in every school.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Intention (A shortened combination of the Mission and Vision): To make a positive difference in the lives of every student in every classroom, in every school.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> Values: Equity, Empathy, Respect, Integrity, Adaptability, Community, Creativity  </div> <div>   </div> <div> The next steps are operational as action plans are developed. We will provide more information about these plans in the coming months.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Again, thank you to those that participated in the November consultation. Your input is greatly valued and is helping to shape the future direction of the board.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> For a summary of the Phase 1 consultation results, please visit <a href="https://bit.ly/LDSBStrategicPlanning2023-2028." target="_blank">https://bit.ly/LDSBStrategicPlanning2023-2028.</a>  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Updated Elementary Out-of-Boundary Registration Process  </div> <div>   </div> <div> For the 2024-2025 school year, we will be implementing some changes to processes for students/families to choose to attend an out-of-boundary school. Limestone schools must always prioritize in-boundary registrations at any point during the school year. However, in some cases, particularly when there is some flexibility with available classrooms, space may be available for students who live out-of-boundary to attend. It should be noted that transportation is not provided when students attend an out-of-boundary school. For more information, please visit the updated <a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank">Register A Student</a> page on the LDSB website.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Kindergarten Registration for September 2024 Now Underway  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Do you have a child ready to start Kindergarten this September? If your student is four or five 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 <a href="https://bit.ly/Kinder_2024" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/Kinder_2024</a>.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> Amendment to School Year Calendar 2023-2024 – Total Solar Eclipse  </div> <div>   </div> <div> This is a reminder that the 2023-2024 school year calendar has been amended so that the April PA Day, originally scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024, will now occur on Monday, April 8, 2024. This change does not add an additional PA Day for the school year, but simply adjusts the date of the April PA Day due to the total solar eclipse on April 8. April 12 will now be a regular school day. An <a href="/cms/one.aspx" target="_blank">updated 2023-2024 school year calendar</a> has been posted to the board website.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> All the very best,  </div> <div>   Krishna Burra  </div> <div> Director of Education  </div>

2024-01-25 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director - Dec. 21, 2023

<img src="/images/30b5d8d1-9672-5fb7-ad35-4754042f8ad2?fingerprint=ppb20251217013446" srcset="/thumbnails/30b5d8d1-9672-5fb7-ad35-4754042f8ad2?fingerprint=ppb20251217013446 450w, /images/30b5d8d1-9672-5fb7-ad35-4754042f8ad2?fingerprint=ppb20251217013446 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> For a version of this message to translate into additional languages, please <a href="https://www.smore.com/q4xsy" target="_blank" title="Translate">click here</a>. Dear Families,  As 2023 draws to a close and only one day of school remains, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all families of Limestone students as we enter the December/January break starting Monday, December 25, 2023.  From Hanukkah (December 7-15) to winter solstice (today), Christmas (December 25) and Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1), there is much to celebrate in December. Whether or not you observe a particular holiday this month, I hope that over the next two weeks families will be able to enjoy some time to recharge and connect with family and friends.  We look forward to welcoming students back to Limestone classrooms on Monday, January 8, 2024.    All the very best for the holiday season and the start of 2024,  Krishna Burra  Director of Education

2023-12-21 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director - Dec. 14, 2023

<img src="/images/fbcf04e1-7b97-5245-987f-63e35482cdcb?fingerprint=ppb20251217015319" srcset="/thumbnails/fbcf04e1-7b97-5245-987f-63e35482cdcb?fingerprint=ppb20251217015319 450w, /images/fbcf04e1-7b97-5245-987f-63e35482cdcb?fingerprint=ppb20251217015319 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/195ja" target="_blank">click here</a>.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Dear Families,  </div> <div>   </div> <div> I hope you are enjoying the last few days of school before the holiday break. The stretch between Thanksgiving and the December/January break can feel like a long one, but only six more school days remain before the holiday.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> As we approach the end of 2023, I have some updates to share with you.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Amendment to School Year Calendar 2023-2024 – Total Solar Eclipse  </div> <div> As mentioned in my last email update to you, on April 8, 2024, the southern portions of Limestone, including Napanee and Kingston, are in the pathway of a total solar eclipse. This is a very rare and exciting solar event which will result in complete darkness for a few minutes around 3:20 p.m. that day.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> Given many students will be in transit at that time, or preparing for dismissal, the timing of the eclipse is not ideal from a supervision perspective to ensure student eye safety. We considered shifting the school day by 90 minutes, but there are several logistical challenges from a staffing and busing perspective, as well as a disruption to regular routines for families. This would particularly be the case with the Friday that same week previously being a Professional Activity (PA) Day.  </div> <div>      </div> <div> We consulted with our co-terminus school boards, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board and Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, as well as Tri-Board Transportation since the three boards share transportation services, to propose moving the PA Day scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024, to Monday, April 8, 2024. This would ensure only a one-day impact for families during that week.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> This amendment has been approved by all three school boards as well as the Ministry of Education. As such, April’s PA Day will now occur on Monday, April 8, 2024. This change does not add an additional PA Day for the school year, but simply adjusts the date of the April PA Day. Friday, April 12 will now be a regular school day.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> A total solar eclipse is a unique and spectacular occurrence. A similar event <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/gazette/stories/queen-s-gears-rare-2024-solar-eclipse" target="_blank">has not occurred in this region for nearly 700 years,</a> and another one will not occur again for another 375 years. As a result, leading up to the event, we will provide learning opportunities for students to maximize their safety and enjoyment.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> An updated copy of the school year calendar will be available on the LDSB website early in 2024.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> See Yourself in Limestone: Student Census Achievement Report  </div> <div> The <a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank">See Yourself in Limestone: Student Census Achievement Report</a> is now available. This is the third report related to data from the Student Census from 2020. The <a href="/board/studentcensus/student_census_preliminary_report" target="_blank">Preliminary Report</a> was released in fall 2021, while the <a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank">Student Sense of Belonging Report</a>, was released in spring 2023. The focus of this third report is traditional measures of student achievement for all census related identity groups and includes some information on student sense of belonging for groups who were not the subject of the first report.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> This report includes information about achievement indicators: one caring adult at school; one adult at school expects me to do well; suspensions; reasons for absent or late; special education (IEPs); EQAO math and literacy; pathways (Applied); credit accumulation; and graduation. This Student Census Achievement Report will offer the LDSB the opportunity to reflect on system practices in the future.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> While there is much to celebrate in Limestone on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, we cannot ignore the data and voice of students in indicating the student experience in Limestone is uneven. In Limestone schools we have an individual and collective responsibility for serving all students, and doing our very best to meet their needs, regardless of their demographic characteristics. Much work remains in front of us in reducing disparities.   </div> <div>   </div> <div> Absences and Public Health  </div> <div> With more seasonal weather upon us, people are spending more time indoors and unfortunately, as a result, we have seen a rise in staff and student absences across the district. Staff absences started to increase in early-to-mid November, and student absences have ticked up a bit in the past couple of weeks. As influenza has been detected on the rise in the region, KFL&A Public Health strongly advises getting vaccinated against the flu.  </div> <div> With the flu season underway, Public Health indicates the risk of infection is expected to peak towards the end of December and the beginning of January. Indications suggest COVID-19 infections have also increased in the last few weeks. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at the following locations: <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ontario.ca%2Fvaccine-locations&data=05%7C02%7Cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7Cb1fa67eabf874719303708dbfcbf30ee%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638381670311323260%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xGklC96hIbLtDQzrBrQjIN78DrJhK0gb3SJnx0lsEfk%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">ontario.ca/vaccine-locations</a>.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Director’s Annual Report  </div> <div> The 2022-2023 Director’s Annual Report is now live at <a href="https://seeyourselfinlimestone.ca/directors-annual-report/" target="_blank">SeeYourselfInLimestone.ca</a>. This report provides a snapshot of the teaching and learning that took place across the board during the last school year, including stories related to the LDSB’s three strategic pillars, Wellness, Innovation and Collaboration. Many of these good news stories are due to the critical work of LDSB team members who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students. This will be the last report on the current strategic plan. As you are aware, we have been consulting on the next plan. Thank you to all of those families who provided feedback in November in the second phase of consultation that focused on the proposed mission, vision, and values. A summary of this feedback will be shared early in 2024.  </div> <div> I hope you enjoy your weekend when it arrives.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Krishna Burra  </div> <div> Director of Education   </div>

2023-12-14 00:00:00 +0000 UTC