District News

Equity Matters - November 2022

<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">Limestone endeavors to cultivate spaces where everyone can work and learn free of discrimination, however, we recognize there is still a lot of work to be done. There is also an acknowledgment of the urgency to confront and address all instances of prejudice that impact staff and students. Here is November's Equity Matters:<iframe src="https://www.smore.com/kx8sv-equity-matters?embed=1" title="Equity Matters"></iframe><a href="/cms/One.aspx" target="_blank" title="Back editions of Equity Matters">here</a>

2022-11-30 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Fall 2022-Labour-Schools are OPEN-WEBSITE-Whats New (1)

Labour Update - November 20, 2022

<img src="/images/e58124de-e6f8-5e17-904e-0410fcb124b0?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125" srcset="/thumbnails/e58124de-e6f8-5e17-904e-0410fcb124b0?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125 450w, /images/e58124de-e6f8-5e17-904e-0410fcb124b0?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Good evening, We are delighted to share that CUPE and the province have been able to reach a tentative agreement in labour negotiations. This message is to confirm that all schools will be open to students Monday, November 21 for in-person learning. Krishna Burra Director of Education

2022-11-20 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director – Nov. 18, 2022

<img src="/images/f4ad85ed-1dca-5d84-9470-922a6097d6c3?fingerprint=ppb20251217015242" srcset="/thumbnails/f4ad85ed-1dca-5d84-9470-922a6097d6c3?fingerprint=ppb20251217015242 450w, /images/f4ad85ed-1dca-5d84-9470-922a6097d6c3?fingerprint=ppb20251217015242 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Dear Families, I hope families had a safe start to the winter weather presented this morning, and earlier this week. The forecast suggests we will be getting more snow over the next couple of days. As you are already aware, unless an agreement is reached between the province and CUPE, Limestone schools will have to be closed for students and the public for the duration of any withdrawal of services.  We remain hopeful for a fair and mutually agreeable resolution to the current impasse. There is reason for hope because it is our understanding that both parties have agreed to continue bargaining over the weekend until Sunday evening. If a resolution is not reached, then schools will be closed on Monday, November 21, 2022, and potentially longer. Yesterday, the Ministry of Education clearly articulated the provincial expectations for school boards in contingency planning for the potential disruption. Consequently, for Monday, teachers will provide asynchronous learning tasks through pre-established methods like an online platform or e-mail. Depending on where schools/classes are with device allocation, some synchronous learning may begin Monday, but is more likely to be supported by Tuesday if it is still required. We will continue to action plans for distribution of resources, devices, and other supplies to further support student learning. Please know that equity of access to education is a primary concern and was also highlighted in the Ministry communication, as well as historical statements from the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Moving to further support student learning requires ensuring the maximum degree of access possible, even with critical staff unavailable to support students, schools, and the system.   We will continue to provide information directly to families as soon as it becomes available. If a negotiated settlement is reached, we will confirm the status of our schools for in-person learning as soon as possible. Similar to an inclement weather day, this communication could be as late as Sunday evening, or early Monday morning through our regular Board communication channels, including direct e-mail messaging to families. More than 750 CUPE employees play a critical frontline and behind the scenes roles every day in Limestone, supporting our students, school communities, and a wide range of school and system operations. Not having these staff create significant supervision, student support, health, and safety challenges in our schools. For example, building and school grounds safety, yard and lunch supervision, supervision and support for students with special needs, washroom and water cleaning/flushing, safe arrival administration, cleaning of spills/accidents, responding to calls, and, among others, managing access to the building.  We appreciate this is challenging time for Limestone families and continue to hope that any disruption to in-person learning, and regular operations is short in duration, and that a positive, fair, and mutually agreeable provincial settlement is reached. Earlier this week, we shared information from KFL&A Public Health encouraging everyone to remain vigilant and practice the simple public health guidelines to help prevent the spread of illness within our community. As a follow up, the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, has asked that we share the attached letter with Limestone families emphasizing important information and reminders to help protect ourselves, our families, and our students against the spread of respiratory infections. Thank you, Krishna Burra Director of Education <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/6ba498cd-fa53-59e6-a590-b04161d0e146?fingerprint=20260525T0545Z" target="_blank"> CMOH Letter to Parents and Caregivers - Fall Respiratory Season </a> (English) <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/79d1c077-d6af-599c-a0fc-fa38856798ae?fingerprint=ppb20251217014125" target="_blank"> CMOH Letter to Parents and Caregivers - Fall Respiratory Season </a> (French)

2022-11-18 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Chair & Vice-Chair selected for 2022-2023 session

<img src="/images/5a01fe73-a5b1-53f9-b5f4-e38f66f29270?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831" srcset="/thumbnails/5a01fe73-a5b1-53f9-b5f4-e38f66f29270?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831 450w, /images/5a01fe73-a5b1-53f9-b5f4-e38f66f29270?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">Trustees of the Limestone District School Board selected Trustees Robin Hutcheon and Bob Godkin to the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair at the Initial Meeting of the Board as trustees start a new four-year term November 16, 2022. Trustees elect a Chair and Vice-Chair each year of their four-year mandate.  In a historical moment, Chair Hutcheon’s name was drawn to fulfill the role of Chair after a tie between her and Trustee Suzanne Ruttan for the position. Where there is an equality of votes, the Education Act stipulates the drawing of lots to determine who will fill the role. Trustee Hutcheon’s name was pulled.  Trustee Godkin and Trustee Judith Brown were both nominated for position of Vice-Chair. Trustee Godkin was elected to serve as Vice-Chair following a secret ballot. This is the first time both Hutcheon and Godkin have served in executive positions.  Chair Hutcheon, who represents the Townships of Loyalist and Stone Mills, pledged her commitment to students and the Board upon being selected to the role of Chair. "I firmly believe in advocating for all students in our Board. Students are the reason why we are here. It is their well-being, their achievements and their success that matters. I am proud to sit on this Board.” She added “I think Limestone is a leader in Ontario and we have a lot of opportunities to make education the best it can be. By working collaboratively with staff and our communities we can ensure students have expanding opportunities, in all pathways, to help them achieve success and well-being. As we begin a new term, we must all be committed to working collaboratively to meet these objectives.”  Hutcheon was first elected in October 2018, and this is her second term of office. She has served on several Board committees and provincially through the Ontario Public School Boards Association.  Vice-Chair Bob Godkin, who is also in his second term of office, represents the City of Kingston: Pittsburgh and King’s Town Districts, and Frontenac Islands.   After the recent municipal elections, three new Trustees, including the  new position of Indigenous Trustee appointed by the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, joined seven incumbents on the Board of Trustees.

2022-11-17 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

CUPE Negotiations Update Nov. 16 2022

<img src="/images/a052a08e-13c2-5755-b3a9-fb65e00731b1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014502" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit" style="width: inherit; height: inherit;">The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) are currently in contract negotiations with the Ontario Government. Unfortunately, it appears parties at the table are at an impasse. As announced earlier today, November 16, CUPE has provided five-day notice announcing a full withdrawal of services effective Monday, November 21. This means CUPE members in the Limestone District School Board will be engaged in a full withdrawal of services should central negotiations not lead to a fair, mutually agreeable agreement between the parties. Given the range of critical roles and services provided by over 750 CUPE members in Limestone, with a full withdrawal of services, we cannot safely operate schools and provide in-person learning. As a result, unless a settlement is achieved, all schools and buildings will be closed to students and the public on Monday, November 21, 2022.  Families should have a contingency plan in place for Monday and potentially longer if central negotiations do not resume. We do remain hopeful that the parties will resolve this matter with a negotiated settlement. We appreciate that timely communication is important, and we commit to providing our school communities with additional details as soon as we can. Similar to an inclement weather day, notification confirming the status of our schools for in-person learning could be as late as Sunday evening or Monday morning and will be provided via Board communication channels and direct email to families.  The Board greatly values the work of all its employees and their commitment to student learning and well-being. Limestone respects the collective bargaining process and are hopeful for a negotiated agreement, will be reached this week without any impact on classrooms and board operations.  In Limestone, CUPE Local 1480 represents include Maintenance Workers, Courier Drivers, Caretakers, Facility Services Project Coordinators, Office/Clerical Staff, Library Technicians, Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), Educational Assistants (EAs), Interpreters, Intervenors, Intervention Assistants, Communicative Disorders Assistants, Finance Staff (Payroll, Accounting, Purchasing), ITS Staff (Administrators, Specialists, Technicians and Analysts), Educational Services Staff (Technician and Coordinator), Outdoor Education Staff (coordinator, program manager).

2022-11-16 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs - November 16, 2022

<img src="/images/416a623a-9f4a-529e-a0b5-8725a7ea2d7c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013621" srcset="/thumbnails/416a623a-9f4a-529e-a0b5-8725a7ea2d7c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013621 450w, /images/416a623a-9f4a-529e-a0b5-8725a7ea2d7c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013621 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">Boardroom Briefs is now available for the Initial Meeting of the Board November 16, 2022. 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 website. <iframe src="https://www.smore.com/14apy-boardroom-briefs?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>

2022-11-16 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

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

Message from the Director - November 15, 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, While we have enjoyed a very warm fall, it appears more seasonal temperatures are finally upon us.  The warmer weather up to this point had provided great opportunities for extracurriculars, field trips, and outdoor learning. With more seasonal weather upon us, people will be spending more time indoors and, as a result, public health authorities are concerned about the spread of several illnesses and the impact on hospital capacity for pediatric emergencies. We wanted to update families regarding recent announcements from the Ministry of Health and KFL&A Public Health: Updated Recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer of Health As many families are aware, Monday morning, Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, provided an update to the public indicating he is strongly recommending masking in all indoor public settings, including in schools and in childcare settings. As the risk of illness increases, Dr. Moore recommends getting back to practicing the basics that we know work to help prevent the spread of illness: <ul> <li>Mask in indoor public settings, including schools and childcare settings due to the additional risk of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), COVID-19, and influenza (flu). </li> <li>Stay up to date with your vaccines. </li> <li>Screen daily for respiratory symptoms.</li> <li>Stay home if you are sick.</li> <li>Always practice good hand hygiene and regularly clean surfaces (which is especially important for RSV and flu viruses). </li> </ul> KFL&A Public Health has asked that we share the attached letter with all Limestone students and families encouraging everyone to remain vigilant and practice the simple public health guidelines outlined. Included in the letter is a resource from the Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Ontario Health Team, Family Doctor Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms. The resource outlines helpful tips on how to decide when to seek care for a respiratory illness and how to support your student at home. Recent Uptick in Student and Staff Absences and Student Absence Reporting Dashboard Although student and staff absences go up and down throughout the school year, we have experienced a recent uptick in both student and staff absences due to illness at some sites, including some bus cancellations. Limestone continues to work closely with KFL&A Public Health in monitoring student absences related to illness.  A version of this dashboard was posted on our website during the spring of 2022. We are again making the <a href="https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiNWY0NGM4YmYtZTMyMC00NmE0LTg4ZTgtNzg5YWIxMTg3NDU3IiwidCI6ImUxZjQxNjVmLWViYWUtNGQ4Mi1hNzNjLWEwZGU1OTM4MzBiZSIsImMiOjN9&pageName=ReportSectioncbc7d2872a7216275f21">Student Absence Reporting Dashboard</a> available to support our school communities with information about student absences due to illness in Limestone schools. This work has been supported by KFL&A Public Health guidance. It is important to note that information presented on the dashboard is provided on a voluntary basis by families when reporting their student’s absence(s) from school. It only includes illness-related absences on a school level and does not include information at the classroom level. Providing this information to families may provide greater insight into virus activity within a school community and the broader Limestone communities. Additional <a href="/cms/One.aspx">information about the dashboard is available on our website</a>, and families can view the <a href="https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiNWY0NGM4YmYtZTMyMC00NmE0LTg4ZTgtNzg5YWIxMTg3NDU3IiwidCI6ImUxZjQxNjVmLWViYWUtNGQ4Mi1hNzNjLWEwZGU1OTM4MzBiZSIsImMiOjN9&pageName=ReportSectioncbc7d2872a7216275f21">Student Absence Reporting Dashboard online</a>. Our hope is that if people follow the guidance of public health authorities, we will see fewer absences among students and staff. While we have been able to replace ill staff up to this point, a continued increase in staff absences may result in having to temporarily pivot and/or close some classrooms and/or schools. Returning to School After Being Sick A reminder that students should stay home when sick. Anyone who is feeling sick or has any new or worsening symptoms of illness should stay home. After the start of any illness symptom, once they start to improve, students should continue to wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days (starting at the onset of illness) in all public settings (including schools and childcare) and avoid non-essential activities where mask removal is necessary. Students, staff, and school visitors need to continue to <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/school-screening/">self-screen each school day</a>. <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/43b03d80-92a7-546d-a28f-18944c96cd98?fingerprint=20260525T0545Z" target="_blank"> KFL&A Public Health has created a great school and childcare screening tool resource </a> for students and families. I appreciate the continued efforts by students, families, and staff to practice public health recommendations to help keep our school and communities safe – we are all in this together. Given changing circumstances in the healthcare sector and pressures on pediatric capacity, virus activity in the community, and seasonal changes, public health authorities are strongly recommending everyone mask in indoor, congregate settings like schools and daycares. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, I will keep families informed with the most up-to-date information available. Thank you, Krishna Burra Director of Education <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/de69e3c1-cde9-5d7e-9201-3b5ac5a72c78?fingerprint=20260525T0545Z" target="_blank"> Letter from KFL&A Public Health for students, families, and staff. </a>

2022-11-15 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Tutoring and Online Learning Resources Available

<img src="/images/7f0b3440-b1c9-5661-bd21-e0fc07ba0ec0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014207" srcset="/thumbnails/7f0b3440-b1c9-5661-bd21-e0fc07ba0ec0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014207 450w, /images/7f0b3440-b1c9-5661-bd21-e0fc07ba0ec0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014207 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Limestone Tutoring Resources As part of the Ministry of Education Tutoring Grant, LDSB is offering an afterschool drop-in Virtual Tutoring Program for Limestone students in Grades 1 to 10. Students in Grade 1 to 3 work with tutors to build early literacy skills through phonological awareness and phonics activities. Two new links for students in Grades 4 to 6 now provide literacy support and the other two links for tutoring for Grade 4 to 6 provide Homework Help. Tutors provide  Homework Help for students in Grades 7 to 10. Guidelines for Virtual Tutoring for Limestone Students  <div> <div></div> <div> <ol> <li> The student must be logged in to MS Teams using their Limestone account. The student’s camera and microphone should be on so that the student and tutor can communicate effectively. </li> </ol> </div> <div> <ol> <li> The student should have the materials they need with them (e.g., students should have their homework assignment). The student should try to set up in an area in the home with minimal distractions for the tutoring session.  </li> </ol> </div> </div> <div> <div> <ol> <li> There are four (4) tutors available for each grade group each night and students can join a tutoring session by clicking on any of the four links for their grade level. </li> </ol> </div> <div> <ol> <li> If a tutor is already working with a student, subsequent students will be placed in the lobby of the meeting and then be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis once the tutoring session for the previous student is completed. Tutoring sessions will be about 15 minutes long and may be extended, if no other students are waiting. Please try all the links for your child’s grade level before waiting in the lobby for a tutoring session. It is important that you use only the links for your child’s grade level since the tutors provide specialized instruction.   </li> </ol> </div> </div> Links for MS Teams Virtual Tutoring (beginning November 14)  Tutoring is available through MS Teams from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from October 11 until December 15, 2022. Tutoring will not be available on PA Days or holidays. **Students must be logged in their Limestone Microsoft account to participate** <div> <div> <div></div> </div> </div> <table class="editor-table"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Grade 1 to 3 Literacy</td> <td>Grade 4 to 6</td> <td>Grade 7 to 10 Homework Help</td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NjY4YWVjNzMtMDVjZC00NWZjLWJmYmYtNDFkNGVkYjI4MzVi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 1 to 3 Link 1</a></td> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OTNiMDIzMTItZTIxYS00ZjQyLTg4ZjAtODhiNmRhOGFiNWI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 4 to 6 HW Link 1</a></td> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGUxOWMzOGUtYjVmNi00NDQyLWEwYzAtMmJhODBmODczYTA4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 7 to 10 Link 1</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MDJmNGY3OTctM2RiMi00ZDU0LTg5MzgtZjEwNzc5ODQxZWMw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 1 to 3 Link 2</a></td> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OTlhNjdhNmItY2Q3OC00MTBiLWFmNDYtZjVhYmYwZmE4MGQ0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 4 to 6 HW Link 2</a></td> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODE2MzZmMTUtY2ExZC00NTU0LWFjZmEtYTVkOWU1Mjg3MDI2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 7 to 10 Link 2</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzkzOWM3MzctNmJjZS00MjcwLWFkODQtNWY5YzZhYTVkYzI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 1 to 3 Link 3</a></td> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NWE1M2E4YmYtZWU4YS00ZDFmLTg3YmYtMmZlYTg0YjliZWE4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 4 to 6 Literacy Link 1</a></td> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Zjc3YjRlMzUtOWM0MC00MTc5LWI2YWEtOThmYTlmMjk4NDBi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 7 to 10 Link 3</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjVhYTNhNjktMzM3NC00YzFjLWE4ZmUtYjY4MDUxZGMyZTBi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 1 to 3 Link 4</a></td> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NDQ3ZDlmNWEtNGNmNy00ODZiLTllMGYtYWViNGFhMGI4MjQy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 4 to 6 Literacy Link 2</a></td> <td><a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MjA5MWJmMDAtODUzZC00NWZkLWI0NzMtMGI2MzAzMWMwNGU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a7a4e680-f1cf-48db-91d6-37ddc2b7aba7%22%7d" target="_blank">Gr. 7 to 10 Link 4</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Learn more <a href="/cms/One.aspx">about additional online tutoring and learning resources are also available to LDSB students</a>.

2022-11-14 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Nutrition and Food Literacy Workshop Series

<img src="/images/a1a14227-fc16-594a-b2ae-7cc4b9f930b7?fingerprint=ppb20251217014516" srcset="/thumbnails/a1a14227-fc16-594a-b2ae-7cc4b9f930b7?fingerprint=ppb20251217014516 450w, /images/a1a14227-fc16-594a-b2ae-7cc4b9f930b7?fingerprint=ppb20251217014516 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> KFL&A Public Health is offering a series of nutrition and food literacy workshops between November 2022 and April 2023 – available for free to all Limestone students, staff, and families. Register online at <a href="http://www.kflaph.ca/FamilyMeals">kflaph.ca/FamilyMeals</a> Let’s learn together and explore ways to support the physical and mental health of our children and youth. Workshops will be brought to you by the School Health Team at KFL&A Public Health, developed and presented by a registered dietitian and a registered nurse. Session 1: Creating Balanced Meals with Convenience Foods November 24, 2022; 6 to 7 p.m. Kingston Secondary School (cafeteria) In this session we will discuss food processing and the components of a balanced meal. Learn how you can create meals that are affordable, convenient, and tasty!   Session 2: Body Image and Social Media Literacy February 8, 2023; 6 to 7 p.m. L.C.V.I (cafetorium) This session will focus on ways in which media messages shape our perceptions of reality, how they can negatively affect body image, and strategies to use social media in ways that can be both positive and health promoting.   Session 3: Sports Nutrition for Youth  April 19, 2023; 6 to 7 p.m. Frontenac Secondary School (library) We will discuss the ways in which parents can support their youth in making informed choices around good nutrition and hydration for sports performance. Each workshop will include a: <ul> <li>45-minute presentation </li> <li>15-minute Q&A with registered dietitian and a registered nurse </li> <li>Recording of presentation*</li> </ul> *Also available for families unable to attend For more information, contact <a href="mailto:jessica.hrgetic@kflaph.ca">jessica.hrgetic@kflaph.ca.</a>

2022-11-11 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Fall 2022-Labour-Schools are OPEN-WEBSITE-Whats New

Labour Update to Families-Nov. 7, 2022

<img src="/images/ce8f8b80-b651-5d68-830a-7e3843c41f30?fingerprint=ppb20251217014921" srcset="/thumbnails/ce8f8b80-b651-5d68-830a-7e3843c41f30?fingerprint=ppb20251217014921 450w, /images/ce8f8b80-b651-5d68-830a-7e3843c41f30?fingerprint=ppb20251217014921 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> Dear Families, Thank you for your patience and understanding over the last few days.  I am very pleased to share the great news that in-person learning will resume at all Limestone schools tomorrow morning (Tuesday, November 8). Today, the Government of Ontario announced it would revoke Bill 28 in its entirety and representatives from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have agreed to end their current protest.  As a result, both parties are returning to the central negotiating table.  This is fantastic news for everyone, and we look forward to the resumption of in-person learning with our highly valued employees, who provide critical services to students, staff, schools, and the system, returning to work tomorrow. Thank you again for your patience. Krishna Burra Director of Education </div>

2022-11-07 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Labour Update for Families – November 6

<img src="/images/99266651-f25a-5ad8-9578-578f4d5a58c8?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424" srcset="/thumbnails/99266651-f25a-5ad8-9578-578f4d5a58c8?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424 450w, /images/99266651-f25a-5ad8-9578-578f4d5a58c8?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Dear Families, At this point in time, it appears the protest by CUPE staff will be continuing to start the week.  It should be noted that this protest is a direct response to provincial legislation imposing a labour contract and invoking the notwithstanding clause. CUPE was in a legal strike position toward the end of last week based on labour legislation at the time and had announced a strike for Friday, November 4. The government responded with the legislation referenced above.  Limestone CUPE employees provide critical services in schools across our district, and we cannot safely operate in-person learning for all students without these services. As a result, Limestone schools and buildings will remain closed to students and the public for Monday, November 7, until further notice.  Last week the Ministry of Education clearly articulated the provincial expectations for school boards in contingency planning for the current disruption. Consequently, teachers will continue providing asynchronous learning tasks through pre-established methods like an online platform or e-mail. We will continue to action plans for distribution of resources, devices, and other supplies to further support student learning as the week proceeds. Please know that equity of access to education is a primary concern and was also highlighted in the Ministry communication from last week, as well as historical statements from the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Moving to further support student learning requires ensuring the maximum degree of access possible, even with critical staff unavailable to support students, schools, and the system.  We understand school closures for in-person learning may create worries and uncertainty for students, families, and staff. We want to assure you that we will continue to communicate regularly with families to ensure that you have as much information as possible, so that you can make informed decisions and undertake contingency planning. Limestone had hoped for a fair and mutually agreeable, negotiated settlement.  We hope that the current situation is resolved soon, and the disruption to in-person learning and regular operations is short in duration. Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and kindness towards one another. Krishna Burra Director of Education

2022-11-06 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Statement from Chair of the Board

<img src="/images/88a08b6c-59a1-5d7a-9933-5a903ea2b5e0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014249" srcset="/thumbnails/88a08b6c-59a1-5d7a-9933-5a903ea2b5e0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014249 450w, /images/88a08b6c-59a1-5d7a-9933-5a903ea2b5e0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014249 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">The following is a statement from LDSB Chair of the Board Suzanne Ruttan. Thursday afternoon [Nov. 3, 2022] OPSBA released a statement as follows:  “It is extremely disappointing that we have not been able to reach a negotiated agreement at this time among CUPE, the Crown and the employer.  As a result of the anticipated strike action, schools in many of our member boards will be forced to close to students for in-person instruction tomorrow [Friday], and for the duration of this strike action by CUPE members.”   With CUPE employees making up 30% of Limestone DSB employees, we had no choice but to close schools for in-person learning due to significant health and safety concerns.  Limestone’s CUPE employees are highly valued staff who provide a wide range of critical support functions in classrooms, schools, and across the system.  Normal operations are not possible without these services.  We were hopeful for a fair and negotiated resolution to the current labour impasse, we remain committed to the principle of collective bargaining, and hope the current disruption is short-lived so we can resume in-person learning as soon as possible. Suzanne Ruttan Chair of the Board Trustee South Frontenac

2022-11-04 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Kindergarten Registration

Equity Matters - November 2022

Labour Update - November 20, 2022

Message from the Director – Nov. 18, 2022

Chair & Vice-Chair selected for 2022-2023 session

CUPE Negotiations Update Nov. 16 2022

Boardroom Briefs - November 16, 2022

Message from the Director - November 15, 2022

Tutoring and Online Learning Resources Available

Nutrition and Food Literacy Workshop Series

Labour Update to Families-Nov. 7, 2022

Labour Update for Families – November 6

Statement from Chair of the Board

Kindergarten Registration