District News - Limestone District School Board Main Website

Message from the Director - March 9, 2023

<img src="/images/ff0cd091-477e-51d1-b525-6174bbae493f?fingerprint=ppb20251217015329" srcset="/thumbnails/ff0cd091-477e-51d1-b525-6174bbae493f?fingerprint=ppb20251217015329 450w, /images/ff0cd091-477e-51d1-b525-6174bbae493f?fingerprint=ppb20251217015329 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> For a version of this message to translate into additional languages, please <a href="https://bit.ly/MessageFromDirectorFeb16">click here</a>. Dear Families, I am sure I am not alone in enjoying more sunshine this week and more daylight hours. This has been a nice change from the two storms last week. The week leading up to the March Break has been a time of celebration and recognition. On March 6-7 (sunset to sunset) was <a href="https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB/status/1632833519473885187?s=20">Purim</a>, the week of March 6-12 is <a href="https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB/status/1632829701344440323?s=20">Social Work Week</a> in Ontario, March 7 was the launch of the City of Kingston and Frontenac County’s <a href="https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB/status/1632788215970123777?s=20">Human Trafficking Protocol</a>, and March 8 was <a href="https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB/status/1633422490423705603?s=20">Holi</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB/status/1633422490746736643?s=20">International Women’s Day</a>. As the week draws to a close, and students, staff and families are looking forward to the break, I wanted to provide a short update. 2023-24 School Year Calendar Survey & Budget Survey I would like to thank those that provided input on the 2023-24 school year calendar. There will be an update about next year’s calendar later this month or in early April.  We are now in the process of seeking feedback on the development of the 2023-2024 budget. This information will assist the Board of Trustees throughout the budgeting process and help support student and system needs in 2023-2024. While we are awaiting the provincial budget in the coming weeks, input from staff, families, and community members is a valuable part of the process. The 2022-2023 school year budget will form a starting point for the 2023-2024 budget and can be viewed here: <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/c3c87d52-73d3-5842-a43e-69febf509456?fingerprint=ppb20251217014816" target="_blank"> 2022-2023 LDSB Budget </a>. Please take a few minutes to share your ideas by completing the short <a href="https://bit.ly/BudgetSurvey23-24">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. Information collected will be summarized and reviewed at the Budget Committee meeting on April 19, 2023. 2023-24 Virtual School Survey 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. 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">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. Please note that this survey form does not replace online registration for students who will be new to LDSB for 2023-2024. March Break often marks the beginning of spring for our school communities, and with spring comes the opportunity for renewal and rejuvenation. I wish all LDSB families a safe and restful week. All the best, Krishna Burra Director of Education

2023-03-09 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

2023-2024 Budget Survey

<img src="/images/f208bfe1-d816-59ab-a2ed-84fc11504bfe?fingerprint=ppb20251217015231" srcset="/thumbnails/f208bfe1-d816-59ab-a2ed-84fc11504bfe?fingerprint=ppb20251217015231 450w, /images/f208bfe1-d816-59ab-a2ed-84fc11504bfe?fingerprint=ppb20251217015231 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">The Limestone District School Board is seeking feedback on the development of its budget process.  This information will assist the Board of Trustees throughout the budgeting process to ensure students’ needs are best served in 2023-2024. The current school year budget, which will form the basis for the 2023-2024 budget, can be viewed at <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/cea4d430-9094-57ad-86fc-b5281a84db06?fingerprint=ppb20251217014921" target="_blank"> 2022-2023 LDSB Budget </a>. Please take a few minutes to share your ideas by completing the short anonymous <a href="https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1S8sosLx43vj6zs" target="_blank" title="link to 2023-2024 Budget Survey">2023-2024 Budget Survey</a> The survey will be open until March 24, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Information collected will be summarized and reviewed at the Budget Committee meeting on April 19, 2023. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. All responses remain confidential. For more information, please contact: <a href="mailto:galta@limestone.on.ca?subject=2023-2024 Budget Survey">Angela Galt</a>, Administrative Assistant to Craig Young, Superintendent of Business Services & Treasurer  613-544-6920 ext 338 <div></div> <div></div>

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

Boardroom Briefs - February 22, 2023

<img src="/images/aa281c56-9499-51f1-acfb-102b0c48a145?fingerprint=ppb20251217014559" srcset="/thumbnails/aa281c56-9499-51f1-acfb-102b0c48a145?fingerprint=ppb20251217014559 450w, /images/aa281c56-9499-51f1-acfb-102b0c48a145?fingerprint=ppb20251217014559 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/mgnec-boardroom-briefs?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>

2023-02-27 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

“Arts in (Edu)Action” – New Program with KSOA and LDSB

<img src="/images/0bd03bb3-c921-53e2-834f-48a513e0304c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013116" srcset="/thumbnails/0bd03bb3-c921-53e2-834f-48a513e0304c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013116 450w, /images/0bd03bb3-c921-53e2-834f-48a513e0304c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013116 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> This program is generously funded by the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area. Teaching Artists <a href="https://www.smore.com/a47fg" title="Link to artist biographies and workshop details">Full biographies and workshop details</a> <img src="/images/e28eeaff-f597-5bda-97bd-75009e1fb8f1?fingerprint=ppb20251217015101" srcset="/thumbnails/e28eeaff-f597-5bda-97bd-75009e1fb8f1?fingerprint=ppb20251217015101 450w, /images/e28eeaff-f597-5bda-97bd-75009e1fb8f1?fingerprint=ppb20251217015101 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <img src="/images/0d668216-da3a-5544-8c6d-3718cde0cdca?fingerprint=ppb20251217013116" srcset="/thumbnails/0d668216-da3a-5544-8c6d-3718cde0cdca?fingerprint=ppb20251217013116 450w, /images/0d668216-da3a-5544-8c6d-3718cde0cdca?fingerprint=ppb20251217013116 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <img src="/images/2531ac6d-99ed-555c-8d32-4bdb4042e1ae?fingerprint=ppb20251217013337" srcset="/thumbnails/2531ac6d-99ed-555c-8d32-4bdb4042e1ae?fingerprint=ppb20251217013337 450w, /images/2531ac6d-99ed-555c-8d32-4bdb4042e1ae?fingerprint=ppb20251217013337 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Image credit: KSOA

2023-02-17 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director - February 2023

<img src="/images/21171cc9-3dba-56ac-a10c-5991eb956632?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311" srcset="/thumbnails/21171cc9-3dba-56ac-a10c-5991eb956632?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311 450w, /images/21171cc9-3dba-56ac-a10c-5991eb956632?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311 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/MessageFromDirectorFeb16" target="_blank">click here</a>. <div> Dear Families,   <div> It has been an exciting and fast start to 2023, and as we approach Family Day weekend, I would like to provide some updates for Limestone families.     <div> While we are just over half-way through the 2022-2023 school year, we continue to make preparations for 2023-2024. Kindergarten registration is underway, as is secondary course selection, and enrolment in secondary expanded opportunities. In addition, first term/semester report cards for elementary and secondary students will be sent home this week or early next week. <div> While we continue to enjoy a more regular school year in 2022-2023, change continues to be a very present theme. Global events, and in particular, the devastating earthquakes that occurred in Turkey and Syria, provide us all reason to be thinking about those impacted on the ground, but also friends and family of those in the region that live in our community. It is events like this that provide all of us with an opportunity to reflect on what matters in our lives and to consider the plight of others.  <div>   <div> 2023-24 School Year Calendar Survey Now Open with Two Options   <div> Planning for the next school year has begun and the LDSB is seeking feedback from families on two potential options for the upcoming school year calendar. The options include one with a student and staff start date of September 5, 2023; or a student start date of September 6, 2023, after a PA Day on September 5. <div> While we are not considering a different school year calendar model for 2023-2024, we are exploring a potential idea for a future school year calendar. Our thinking is to start the school year the week prior to Labour Day at the end of August, which would allow us to create a fall break at the end of October or early November.   We are exploring this option due to increases in absences that typically occur in November for LDSB students and staff. Other well-being data also suggests that breaking up the period from Labour Day to the December/January break may be beneficial for students and staff.  We would greatly appreciate your thoughts on this idea. For more information and to provide your feedback in the survey, please visit the <a href="/news/what_s_new/school-year_survey_for_2023-2024" target="_blank">School Year Survey for 2023-2024 page on the LDSB website</a>.  <div>   <div> Special Education Review 2023   <div> Our <a href="/contact_us/departments/educational_services" target="_blank">Educational Services Leadership Team</a> is embarking on a Special Education Review between February 2023 and April 2023. The purpose of this review is to: <div> <div> <ul> <li>   <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> </ul> </li> <li>   <ul> <li>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>   </li> </ul> <div> As with previous Special Education Reviews, the goals of this review are to examine resource allocation, strengthen partnerships, leverage supports, and identify professional learning opportunities for staff.    </div> <div> The survey 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. Results will be shared publicly in the fall of 2023.   </div> <div> For more information, please visit the <a href="/news/what_s_new/special_education_review_2023" target="_blank">Special Education Review 2023 page on the LDSB website</a>. </div> </div> <div> In the coming weeks, you will also receive an opportunity to provide input as part of the annual budget consultation process to help guide the planning for the 2023-2024 school year. More information will follow in March.  </div> <div>   </div> <div> KFL&A Public Health Guidelines   </div> <div> The LDSB continues to work closely with KFL&A Public Health to communicate up-to-date information about the current state of respiratory viruses and actions that students, families, and staff can take to reduce transmission of illness within our communities.   </div> <div> KFL&A Public Health continues to encourage public health measures:  </div> <div> <div> <ul> <li>   <ul> <li>Monitoring daily for symptoms and staying home when sick </li> </ul> </li> <li>   <ul> <li>Wearing a well-fitted mask in all indoor public spaces is strongly recommended, including schools and childcare settings </li> </ul> </li> <li>   <ul> <li>Students and staff returning to school after being sick should wear a well-fitted mask for a total of 10 days after the start of any illness in all public settings (including schools and childcare settings) and avoid non-essential activities where mask removal is necessary </li> </ul> </li> <li>   <ul> <li>Staying up to date with vaccines </li> </ul> </li> <li>   <ul> <li>Washing your hands regularly </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div> <div> <ul> <li>   <ul> <li>Cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <div> Masks and rapid antigen tests (RAT) continue to be available for all LDSB students and staff. </div> <div> Additional information can be found on <a href="https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/face-covering-frequently-asked-questions-faq.aspx" target="_blank">KFL&A Public Health’s website</a>. </div> <div> As this coming Monday, February 20, 2023, is Family Day, there will be no classes for students and staff. I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy this long weekend by spending time with family and/or friends, and to hopefully enjoy the outdoors if the weather cooperates.   </div> <div> Enjoy the long weekend when it arrives,  </div> </div> <div> Krishna Burra  </div> <div> Director of Education  </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

2023-02-16 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

School-year survey for 2023-2024

<img src="/images/d48a05bd-410e-5535-a744-b3292f3b8ea4?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946" srcset="/thumbnails/d48a05bd-410e-5535-a744-b3292f3b8ea4?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946 450w, /images/d48a05bd-410e-5535-a744-b3292f3b8ea4?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">School-year calendar survey is closed Planning for the next school year has begun and the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) is seeking feedback from families on two potential options for the 2023-24 school-year calendar. The options provided on the survey are also being submitted to Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board stakeholders, as we share busing. The two options are one with a student and staff start date of September 5, 2023; or a student start date of September 6, 2023, after a PA Day on September 5. While we are not considering a different school year calendar model for 2023-2024, the LDSB is exploring a potential idea for the future school-year calendar. Our thinking is to start the school year the week prior to Labour Day at the end of August which would allow us to create a fall break at the end of October or early November.  This would not impact other traditional breaks in December/January, March, or the rest of July/August. We are exploring the fall break option due to increases in absences that typically occur in November for LDSB students and staff. Other well-being data also suggests that breaking up the period from Labour Day to the December/January break may be beneficial for students and staff. If you’re a student or family member in the LDSB, you are invited to provide input via this <a href="https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6ohi2kuiXSG24iW" target="_blank" title="Calendar Survey Link">online survey</a>. If you would prefer a paper version of the survey, please contact your school and a hard copy will be provided. The survey is open for responses until February 21, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.  Your input is important to us, and we appreciate your time in submitting your feedback. <div></div>

2023-02-10 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director - January 2023

<img src="/images/26db4517-d01c-5bb1-96f4-08713186da94?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352" srcset="/thumbnails/26db4517-d01c-5bb1-96f4-08713186da94?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352 450w, /images/26db4517-d01c-5bb1-96f4-08713186da94?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> For a version of this message to translate into additional languages, <a href="https://www.smore.com/8yrwk">please click here.</a> Dear Families, I hope all families were able to enjoy some time to recharge over the December/January break and were able to connect with friends and family. During the past two weeks, it has been great to see students, staff, and school communities jump right back into the school routine, engaging in valuable learning experiences and extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, the weather has not been cooperative in allowing safe transportation to/from school on a handful of days which has created some disruption. There are a number of updates I would like to share with you as we transition into the second half of the school year: Inclement Weather Protocol and A Reminder for Bus Riders to Subscribe to Tri-Board’s Alert System As a reminder to families on inclement weather days, when Tri-Board transportation is cancelled due to poor weather and/or road conditions, Limestone schools remain open. When buses are cancelled in the morning, they are cancelled for the entire day. Families who choose to walk or drive their student(s) to school that day, must ensure they pick them up at dismissal time. Families that have a student or students who take a bus to and from school should know their route number, subscribe to Tri-Board’s alert system to receive up to date information on delays and cancellations, and follow @BusDelayNCancel on Twitter. More information on <a href="/cms/one.aspx">LDSB’s inclement weather protocol is available on our website.</a> Initial Meeting of the Board and Historic Addition of an Indigenous Trustee In November, Limestone welcomed the new Board of Trustees who will serve from November 2022 to November 2026 at the Initial Meeting of the Board. Three new trustees joined the seven incumbents on the Board of Trustees for the four-year term, including the historic addition of the first Indigenous Trustee, Kelly Maracle, appointed by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. <a href="/news/what_s_new/new_board_of_trustees_elected_for_term_2022-2026">Additional information on the Board of Trustees and their area schools is available on our website.</a>   Kindergarten Registration for Future Students If you have a student that is four or five by the end of December 2023, now is the time to <a href="/cms/One.aspx">register them to start Kindergarten in September 2023.</a> Schools typically welcome new families and students to orientation events in May of each school year. Individual schools will share more about these opportunities directly with you once your student is registered. Starting Kindergarten is a very exciting time for everyone, and we are ready to welcome your next student to a wonderful new world of learning and growing. If you have any questions about registration, please do not hesitate to contact your school directly.   Student Human Rights Incidents and Complaints Students, parents, families, staff, and community members are encouraged to speak up when they experience or witness a human rights incident or have a complaint that involves a Limestone student. Students and families can access the <a href="https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0J0faTRewWA6Pau">Student Human Rights Incident and Complaint form online.</a> To learn more about the human rights investigation process, students and families are welcome to contact your student’s teacher, principal, vice-principal, superintendent, or the Human Rights and Equity Officer, Yusuf Abdulkareem by e-mail at <a href="mailto:abdulkareemy@limestone.on.ca">abdulkareemy@limestone.on.ca</a> or by phone at 613-544-6920, ext. 256.   Good luck to all secondary students as they approach the end of the first semester and are finishing their summative assignments and/or studying for their upcoming examinations. I continue to be grateful for Limestone students, families, and staff for the continued efforts, collaboration, and advocacy for student wellness, innovation, and collaboration across our school communities. It is because of everyone’s commitment that we are able to successfully support our system and provide a great learning environment for Limestone students and school communities. Krishna Burra Director of Education

2023-01-25 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

KFL&A Public Health Guidelines

<img src="/images/98ae2a27-ff0e-54a0-b9f5-ef2f7af8bb12?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424" srcset="/thumbnails/98ae2a27-ff0e-54a0-b9f5-ef2f7af8bb12?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424 450w, /images/98ae2a27-ff0e-54a0-b9f5-ef2f7af8bb12?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> For a version of this message to translate into additional languages, <a href="https://www.smore.com/10u46">please click here</a>. Dear Families, While public health guidance has not changed since November, Limestone continues to work closely with KFL&A Public Health to communicate up-to-date information about the current state of respiratory viruses and actions that students, families, and staff can take to reduce transmission of illness within our communities. As we know, some members of our communities, including students and staff in schools, are more susceptible to illness so limiting spread is important.  KFL&A Public Health continues to encourage getting back to the basics that we know work to help limit the transmission of illnesses in our community, including: <ul> <li>Monitoring daily for symptoms and staying home when sick.</li> <li>Wearing a well-fitted mask in all indoor public spaces is strongly recommended, including schools and childcare settings.</li> <li>Students and staff returning to school after being sick should wear a well-fitted mask for a total of 10 days after the start of any illness in all public settings (including schools and childcare settings) and avoid non-essential activities where mask removal is necessary.  </li> <li>Staying up to date with vaccines.</li> <li>Washing your hands regularly.</li> <li>Cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly.</li> </ul> Masks and rapid antigen tests (RAT) continue to be available for all Limestone students and staff. <a href="https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/face-covering-frequently-asked-questions-faq.aspx">Additional information is available on KFL&A Public Health’s website.</a> Thank you to students, families, and staff for your continued efforts to practice public health recommendations to help keep our schools and school communities safe – we are all in this together.Limestone District School Board

2023-01-24 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

2023-01-24-Choices at 7-FRENCH Immersion-Whats New Web Story

Extended French Immersion Open Houses

<img src="/images/502761e0-c2d3-599a-8ca5-c08187039954?fingerprint=ppb20251217013738" srcset="/thumbnails/502761e0-c2d3-599a-8ca5-c08187039954?fingerprint=ppb20251217013738 450w, /images/502761e0-c2d3-599a-8ca5-c08187039954?fingerprint=ppb20251217013738 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> All students and families interested in applying for a position in the Extended French Immersion Choices at 7 Programs for Grade 7 in September 2023 are invited to attend the Open Houses: Module de l’Acadie – Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 6-7 p.m. (Western Region) Module Vanier – Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 6-7 p.m. (Kingston Region) Harrowsmith Public School – Thursday February 23, 2023, 5:30-6 p.m. (Northern Region) Additional information about <a href="/cms/One.aspx" title="Choices at 7 Extended French Immersion Open Houses">Extended French Immersion is available on the Choices at 7 webpage.</a>

2023-01-24 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Kindergarten Registration for Sept. 2023

<img src="/images/c081273b-b773-55cf-8587-cbd613c6d805?fingerprint=ppb20251217014805" srcset="/thumbnails/c081273b-b773-55cf-8587-cbd613c6d805?fingerprint=ppb20251217014805 450w, /images/c081273b-b773-55cf-8587-cbd613c6d805?fingerprint=ppb20251217014805 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">Kindergarten offers a wonderful new world of learning and growing. We learn how to read, how to write and we make new friends. Our educator teams help us along the way. Do you have a 4- or 5-year-old ready for school this September? We are now accepting registrations at <a href="https://bit.ly/Kinder_2023" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/Kinder_2023</a> Limestone Kindergarten programs, offered in both French Immersion and English, aim to nurture the whole child. The Kindergarten program allows children to develop emotionally, socially and physically: to grow creatively, and to engage in rich oral language opportunities and celebrate their learning.  In Limestone, students can begin French Immersion in Year 1 Kindergarten, Year 2 Kindergarten or Grade 1. The French Immersion program is designed for students who are learning French as an additional language. The program is an inclusive environment for rich language development and designed for students who do not speak French at home. Parents and guardians are not expected to be French speaking themselves. There is nothing extra that you need to do to prepare your student for French Immersion. All students are welcome! Feel confident your child will be cared for within safe and inclusive environments. Welcome to Limestone. For more information about what is required at time of registration, and to register a new student visit <a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank" title="Register A Student">Register A Student</a> Find more information about our Kindergarten programs here: <a href="/programming/kindergarten___early_learning" target="_blank" title="Kindergarten & Early Learning">Kindergarten & Early Learning webpage.</a>

2023-01-18 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

2022-2023-Message from the Director - Whats New (2)

Message from the Director - December 2022

<img src="/images/1b2b83fe-3664-5ca1-992e-21bd60c0dd9f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013244" srcset="/thumbnails/1b2b83fe-3664-5ca1-992e-21bd60c0dd9f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013244 450w, /images/1b2b83fe-3664-5ca1-992e-21bd60c0dd9f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013244 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Dear Families, It has been a busy fall with students engaged in valuable learning experiences and opportunities to participate in a full slate of extracurricular clubs, activities, and sports across the district. As we approach the end of the year, I hope that families will be able to enjoy some time to recharge and connect safely with family and friends over the December/January break. A reminder to all families that the first day of board holidays is Friday, December 23, 2022. We look forward to welcoming students back to Limestone classrooms on Monday, January 9, 2023.  Krishna Burra Director of Education

2022-12-21 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

LDSB honoured for excellence in communications

<img src="/images/69e632e5-bb80-58f4-9e1d-46dc3be07c54?fingerprint=ppb20251217014003" srcset="/thumbnails/69e632e5-bb80-58f4-9e1d-46dc3be07c54?fingerprint=ppb20251217014003 450w, /images/69e632e5-bb80-58f4-9e1d-46dc3be07c54?fingerprint=ppb20251217014003 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">The Limestone District School Board has received two BRAVO! awards for excellence in communications from the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE).  The CACE BRAVO! Awards Program, <a href="https://www.schoolbundle.ca/" target="_blank">presented by SchoolBundle</a>, is the only Canada-wide awards program specifically designed to recognize excellence in school board communications. CACE recognizes and honours exemplary work in all aspects of school public relations, communications, marketing and engagement. Awards are presented annually. This year’s winners include 24 Coup de Cœur and 23 Communications Project recipients.  Limestone's communications team of Maddie Crothers and Jane Douglas submitted and received two awards. The board’s <a href="/news/what_s_new/workforce_census_and_belonging_survey_2022" target="_blank" title="“See Yourself in Limestone - Workplace Census and Belonging Survey”">“See Yourself in Limestone - Workplace Census and Belonging Survey”</a> was awarded a Coup de Coeur. The accompanying <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB_B0DKfN0gvryqs5YFrelBZdDAaEXGkT" target="_blank" title="WCBS video playlist">WCBS media</a> included 5 stylized staff videos, and commanding social media campaign.  Under the Communications Project category, Limestone received the highest award, the Award of Excellence, for the submission “<a href="https://maple.limestone.on.ca/news/renaming___cole_kingston_east_elementary_school" target="_blank" title="Renaming: École Kingston East Elementary School">Renaming: École Kingston East Elementary School</a> This award is highly competitive and the highest recognition for education public relations programs and campaigns in Canada. This year, CACE received 33 applications for the Communications Project category and Limestone was 1 of only 5 five submissions that received 90 points and higher from the judges.   The communications strategy involved multiple phases. The first phase was to build understanding of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqL7aUK5_HA&t=23s" target="_blank" title="Sir John A. Macdonald's legacy">Sir John A. Macdonald's legacy</a> with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc0LUTGMUic&t=2s" target="_blank" title="school community">school community</a> stakeholders, as well as, the reason for the renaming. The second phase sought input from the school and the greater Kingston community through a year-long consultation, including three online community surveys, a week-long collection of student voice, and regular communication to families. The <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/f9d682c6-215c-5b5b-bef3-e1440858e249?fingerprint=20260525T0545Z" target="_blank"> final phase </a> involved the committee short listing names for the Board's consideration, organizing a school tour, and Walk on the Land for trustees. École Maple Elementary School was selected as the new name by trustees after a year-long consultation process at a regular Board Meeting May 18, 2022. <div> The <a href="https://cace-acace.org/awards/bravo-awards/" target="_blank">Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE)</a> offers resources and professional development for educational communications professionals and system leaders in Canada. </div>

2022-12-14 00:00:00 +0000 UTC