District News

<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"><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><iframe src="https://www.smore.com/7acz6-boardroom-briefs?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>

<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"><span><span>The Ministry of Education has approved the Limestone District School Board’s 2023-2024 School Year Calendar.&nbsp;<br> <br> The following key dates have been approved:<br> <strong>First Day of School:</strong> Tuesday, September 5, 2023<br> <strong>Winter Break:</strong> December 25, 2023, to January 5, 2024<br> <strong>March Break:</strong> March 11, to March 15, 2024<br> <strong>Last Day of School:</strong> Thursday, June 27, 2024<br> <br> The 2022-2023 school year consists of 194 days;<br> <strong>Secondary</strong> - 177 instructional days, 7 PA Days and 10 exam days.&nbsp;<br> <strong>Elementary</strong> - 187 instructional days and 7 PA Days.<br> <br> Professional Activity Days - no classes for students:<br> <span> </span>Monday, Sept. 25, 2023<br> <span> </span>Friday, Oct. 27, 2023<br> <span> </span>Friday, Nov. 10, 2023<br> <span> </span>Friday, Feb. 2, 2024<br> <span> </span><del>Friday, April 12, 2024</del>&nbsp; Changed to April 8, 2024*<br> <span> </span>Friday, May 31, 2024<br> <span> </span>Friday, June 28, 2024<br> <br> Printable 2023-2024 School Year Calendar <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/b5ae21a6-d000-53a6-9943-7178f81cab6a?fingerprint=20260525T0545Z" target="_blank"> <span>here.</span> </a><br> <br> 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>.</span></span><br> <div></div>

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

<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"><span><span>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><br> <br> <span>The intention of this report is to create local knowledge about systemic barriers to&nbsp;equitable student experience based on race, religion, country of birth, newcomer&nbsp;</span><span>status, and language. "This report is one of several themed reports that will&nbsp;identify systemic barriers facing students in Limestone, and is not intended to place&nbsp; blame, nor to fuel shame and guilt," says Alison McDonnell, Superintendent of Education. "Rather, this information is shared so that&nbsp;everyone throughout Limestone can work together to build equity of hope for every&nbsp;student."&nbsp;</span><br> <span><br> <span>The&nbsp;</span><a class="editor-link" href="/documents/3b1bc2c6-791d-5a71-8d71-3788e8e34b9e?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540" target="_blank"> <span>See Yourself in Limestone Student Census: Report Summary (April 2023)</span> </a><span></span><span>offers a high level overview of the contents of the full report (link below).</span><br> </span><br> <span>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.<br> <br> <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/a5c33136-109e-5158-b01b-37c8274d1c37?fingerprint=ppb20251217014545" target="_blank"> <span>Full Report - See Yourself in Limestone: Student Sense of Belonging Report One</span> </a><br> <br> <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/39f3c1ab-ed93-5c97-9b4c-2a0f3f9f0ef2?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540" target="_blank"> <span>Data and Disparity Table</span> </a><span>: This is an alternate format in Excel to assist in viewing the data that is in the report.</span></span></span></span>

<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"> <p><span><strong>Survey is now live until April 28, 2023<b><span>: </span></b><span><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftejoin.com%2Fscroll%2F357435034&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7C7ae7208f7dfc4d45a92808db41caef76%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638176112181015735%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6h6s1zjH3N%2BFzGOLKe98u2e%2BtUpGPMHTYc65mbVBwvU%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://tejoin.com/scroll/357435034</a>.</span></strong><br> <br> 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:<br> <br> <br> <br> </span></p> <ul> <li><span><span>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.</span></span></li> <li><span><span>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.</span> </span></li> </ul> <p><span>As the needs of our students change, it is necessary to review and sometimes revise resources, supports, and services that are provided to students.<span>&nbsp; </span>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.<span>&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p><span>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 <i>“What key supports and services are important for students with special education needs to experience success at school and reach their full potential?”</i>. </span></p> <p><span>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. </span></p> <p><span>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>.<br> <br> <strong>Update: March 7, 2023</strong><br> <span>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.&nbsp;<br> <br> 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.&nbsp;<br> <br> 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.&nbsp;<br> <br> 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.&nbsp;<br> <br> <strong>Update: April 19, 2023<br> </strong>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.<br> <br> <strong>Update: April 24, 2023<br> Survey link is now live until April 28, 2023<b><span>: &nbsp;</span></b><span><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftejoin.com%2Fscroll%2F357435034&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7C7ae7208f7dfc4d45a92808db41caef76%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638176112181015735%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6h6s1zjH3N%2BFzGOLKe98u2e%2BtUpGPMHTYc65mbVBwvU%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://tejoin.com/scroll/357435034</a>.</span></strong><br> <br> 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.&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p>

<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"> <p><span><span><span>The Limestone District School Board has completed many ventilation improvement upgrades through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Ventilation Improvements in School.<br> <br> <span>Limestone&nbsp;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.</span> <br> <br> Including the following in a total of 41 schools:</span><br> <span> </span>•<span> </span>Retrofits, repairs, upgrades and installation of HVAC infrastructure<br> <span> </span>•<span> </span>Maintenance and recommissioning of HVAC systems<br> <span> </span>•<span> </span>Purchase and installation of mechanical ventilation filters<br> <br> <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"><br> <br> <br> <br> </span></span></p> <div></div>

<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"><span><span><span>Listening to Voices in Limestone.<br> </span><br> This issue is dedicated to the power of listening.&nbsp;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 &amp; valued.</span></span><span><span><span><br> </span><br> A future where everyone can see themselves in Limestone.</span></span><iframe src="https://www.smore.com/kefxm-equity-matters?embed=1" title="Equity Matters"></iframe>

<img src="/images/2008d9c8-56a7-5dfa-bd8f-52d2faeef07f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311" srcset="/thumbnails/2008d9c8-56a7-5dfa-bd8f-52d2faeef07f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311 450w, /images/2008d9c8-56a7-5dfa-bd8f-52d2faeef07f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><br><br><iframe src="https://www.smore.com/bkmac-boardroom-briefs?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>

<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> <p><span><span><span>The Limestone District School Board</span><span> </span><span>has released</span><span> </span><span>the </span><span><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></span><a href="/board/workforce_census___belonging_survey_2022/w_c_b_s_preliminary_report" target="_blank" title="Preliminary Report Workforce Census and Belonging Survey"><span>s</span><span> </span></a><span>of demographic and identity data collected </span><span>from the</span></span><span><span> See Yourself in Limestone: Workforce Census and Belonging Survey</span><span> </span></span><span><span>(WCBS)</span><span>.</span><span> </span></span><span><span>Limestone is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion for all staff and students. </span><span>We recognize the importance of trust in the system, and particularly in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion</span><span>.</span><span>&nbsp; </span><span>The results of the WCBS are a valuable step in understanding our workforce and their lived experiences within Limestone. This data therefore </span><span>provides</span><span> a baseline against which future work and related initiatives can be </span><span>monitored</span><span> and reviewed</span><span>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>In April 2022, all staff were invited to </span><span>participate</span><span> in a voluntary, anonymous, and confidential census to gather baseline data to better understand the current composition of its workforce</span><span>.&nbsp; </span><span>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, </span><span>safety</span><span> and well-being.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>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</span><span>.&nbsp; </span><span>Additionally, this work was supported by KEYS through the Workplace Inclusion Charter </span><span>partnership.<br> </span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>The response rate for LDSB staff was 58%, which is a good outcome for a first survey of this nature</span><span>. </span><span><span> </span><span>More work and consultation are needed to understand the relationships between this data.</span><span> </span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Some </span><span>of the</span><span> demographic </span><span>responses </span><span>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:</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <ul> <li><span><span>76% of respondents are permanent or probationary full-time employees.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><span><span>7</span><span>5</span><span>% of the respondents identify as female</span><span>.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><span>20% of the respondents identify as male.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><span><span>92% of respondents </span><span>state</span><span> English is their first language with </span><span>33% </span><span>competent in</span><span> 40 </span><span>other </span><span>languages.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><span><span>64% of respondents </span><span>indicated</span><span> they are </span><span>caregivers</span><span> for children, elders, </span><span>friends</span><span> or other family members</span><span>.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><span><span>15% of respondents </span><span>indicate</span><span> they have a condition or </span><span>disability</span><span>.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><span><span>91%</span><span> of respondents</span><span> </span><span>self-</span><span>identify</span><span> as </span><span>W</span><span>hite</span><span>.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><span><span>3</span><span>% of respondents self-identify as Indigenous</span><span>, First Nations, M</span><span>étis</span><span>, </span><span>or </span><span>Inuit</span><span>.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li><span><span><span>7</span><span>% of respondents </span><span>identify with a racialized group</span><span>.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></li> </ul> <p><span><span><span>T</span><span>he information gathered from the WCBS will inform and foster the development and implementation of strategies aimed at </span><span>identifying</span><span> and </span><span>eliminating</span><span> gaps and barriers, increasing employee sense of belonging, and creating a more inclusive workplace where everyone sees themselves in Limestone. &nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>The responses collected from the WCBS will complement the data collected from the </span><span>See Yourself in Limestone Student Census</span><span><span> and allow LDSB to offer meaningful, contextually </span><span>appropriate support</span><span> 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 </span><span>equitable</span><span> school board. </span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div>

<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> <p><span><span><span>For a version of this message to translate into </span><span>additional</span><span> language</span><span>s</span><span>,</span></span><span><span> </span><span>please </span></span><a href="https://bit.ly/DirectorsMessageMar22-2023" 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>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 </span><span>observe</span><span> this time.</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>I have three pieces of information to share with you:</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>2023-24 Budget Survey</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>If you have not already, please take a few minutes to complete the short </span><a href="https://bit.ly/BudgetSurvey23-24" target="_blank"><span><span>2023-2024 Budget Survey.</span></span></a><span><span> This year’s survey includes a </span><span>ThoughtExchange</span><span> which will allow contributors to see the thoughts </span><span>submitted</span><span> by others. All thoughts are voluntary and anonymous. The survey and </span><span>ThoughtExchange</span><span> will be open until March 24, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.</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>Information collected will be summarized and reviewed at the Budget Committee meeting on April 19, 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>2023-24 Virtual School Survey</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>If your family is </span><span>not</span><span> currently enrolled in virtual school, but you are interested in enrolling for the 2023-24 school year, please complete the </span><a href="https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUxPU04736VUxL0" target="_blank"><span><span>2023-24 Virtual School Survey</span></span></a><span>. 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.</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>If you have a student(s) currently enrolled in virtual school, you will have already received a direct email update </span><span>regarding</span><span> your interest in a virtual school </span><span>option</span><span> for the 2023-24 school year.</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>Special Education Advisory Committee Vacancy</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>The LDSB is currently seeking to fill a vacancy for a member-at-large appointment to its </span><a href="/trustees/board_committees___meetings/special_education_advisory_committee" target="_blank"><span><span>Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)</span></span></a><span><span>. SEAC </span><span>is responsible for</span><span> 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 </span><span>forward</span><span> a letter of interest to Superintendent Scot Gillam by April 12, 2023, by 4:00 p.m. You may </span></span><a href="mailto:gillams@limestone.on.ca" target="_blank"><span><span>email</span></span></a><span> or mail/hand deliver your interest to the LDSB Education Centre, 220 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston ON K7M 0G2.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span></span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>Enjoy the rest of your week, and the weekend when it arrives.</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>

<img src="/images/1100de8f-3587-5a10-93e2-991bb5d4e43c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013147" srcset="/thumbnails/1100de8f-3587-5a10-93e2-991bb5d4e43c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013147 450w, /images/1100de8f-3587-5a10-93e2-991bb5d4e43c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013147 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> <div> <p><span><span><span>The Limestone District School Board is currently seeking to fill a vacancy for a member-at-large appointment to its </span><a href="/trustees/board_committees___meetings/special_education_advisory_committee" target="_blank"><span><span>Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)</span></span></a><span>.</span><span><span><br> </span></span><span><span><br> This application process is </span><span>in accordance with</span><span> </span></span><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/970464#:~:text=Reg.-,464%2F97%2C%20s.,exceptional%20pupils%20of%20the%20board." target="_blank"><span><span>Regulation 464/97 of the Education Act</span></span></a><span>.<br> <br> </span></span></span><span>SEAC </span><span>is responsible for</span><span> making recommendations to the Board on matters related to the provision of Special Education programs and services for exceptional students. </span><span>The Board Committee consists of representatives from up to 12 local associations and three members-at-large, who are appointed by the Board of Trustees for a four-year term.</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span><span> <br> </span></span><span>Letters of application for members-at-large from interested </span><span>persons,</span><span> are currently being accepted. Applicants must </span><span>reside</span><span> within the Board’s area of </span><span>jurisdiction</span><span>.<br> <br> </span><span><span>Letters of application must be received </span><span>no later than Wednesday, April 12, </span><span>2023</span><span> by 4 p.m. Please </span><span>send </span><span>to Scot Gillam, </span></span><span>Superintendent of Education, Learning for All, via </span><a href="mailto:gillams@limestone.on.ca" target="_blank"><span><span>email</span></span></a><span> or mail/hand delivered to LDSB Education Centre, 220 Portsmouth Ave., Kingston ON K7M 0G2.</span></span></span></p> </div> <span>&nbsp;</span> </div>

<img src="/images/9e03da22-4ea0-5352-9356-e1bb658f3846?fingerprint=ppb20251217014448" srcset="/thumbnails/9e03da22-4ea0-5352-9356-e1bb658f3846?fingerprint=ppb20251217014448 450w, /images/9e03da22-4ea0-5352-9356-e1bb658f3846?fingerprint=ppb20251217014448 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> <p><span><span><span>We recognize that virtual school remains an important choice for some families. The Ministry of Education has not yet provided direction about virtual schools for September. However, based on the information available at this time, Limestone District School Board is exploring the possibility of partnering with neighbouring public school boards to offer a Kindergarten to Grade 10 virtual school option during the 2023-2024 school year. This regional approach would allow resources and expertise to be pooled to provide online learning. By working together, the school boards could offer a wider range of courses, resources, and support services than they could individually. In addition, a regional virtual school would provide students with access to online education, regardless of where they live.<br> </span><span>The purpose of this survey is to gather information from families who intend to enrol their student(s) in virtual school next year. This information will support early planning and staffing for the 2023-2024 school year. We are also gauging interest of students and families to enrol in virtual school French Immersion programming in Kindergarten to Grade 8. If there is sufficient interest, French Immersion programming would be a 50-50 French/English program which is less French minutes than offered for in-person French Immersion programming currently at Limestone DSB.<br> </span> <span>Please note that this survey form does not replace online registration for students who will be new to the Limestone DSB next year. <br> </span> <span>Please complete one survey for each student. This form is only intended for families planning to enrol their student in virtual school next year (2023-2024). The survey remains open until&nbsp; 4 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023. There will be an optional link at the end of this survey to open a new survey for an additional student. </span><br> <span> Thank you for taking the time to complete the following survey.</span><br> <span> </span><a href="https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUxPU04736VUxL0" target="_blank" title="Virtual School Survey">https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUxPU04736VUxL0</a> </span></span></p> </div> <div> </div>