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What Students Need to Bring on the First Day

<img src="/images/2ae16f75-f5af-5d74-98df-b400024bffe3?fingerprint=ppb20251217013406" srcset="/thumbnails/2ae16f75-f5af-5d74-98df-b400024bffe3?fingerprint=ppb20251217013406 450w, /images/2ae16f75-f5af-5d74-98df-b400024bffe3?fingerprint=ppb20251217013406 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> We hope everyone is having a safe and healthy summer and has been able to spend time with family and friends. As Limestone District School Board continues to work towards welcoming back students on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, we know families are busy preparing for the new school year as well. Here is a suggested list of what elementary students need to prepare to bring on their first day of school: Kindergarten <ul> <li>A full-sized backpack/knapsack to carry everything they will need to pack up everyday. </li> <li>An insulated lunch bag, and a water bottle with spout.</li> <li>A peanut free/nut free lunch and snacks. </li> <li>Indoor and outdoor shoes they can put on and off themselves (e.g., Velcro or slip on)</li> <li>Comfortable clothes and a complete change of clothes in a Ziploc bag, just in case. </li> <li>Everything labelled with your child’s name. </li> <li>Schools will supply all school supplies such as pens, pencils, markers, crayons, erasers, glue sticks, etc.</li> </ul> Elementary Students <ul> <li>A full-sized backpack/knapsack to carry everything they will need to pack up everyday. </li> <li>An insulated lunch bag with a peanut free/nut free lunch and snacks and a water bottle. </li> <li>Indoor and outdoor shoes. </li> <li>Optional for Grade 1 to 8 – Any personal school supplies, such as: pens, pencils, markers, crayons, eraser, glue stick in a pencil case or box. We will also supply these to students when needed. </li> </ul>

2022-08-16 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Preparing for a New School Year

<img src="/images/32000d16-7141-5f5f-837d-d9f0e3c44d50?fingerprint=ppb20251217013446" srcset="/thumbnails/32000d16-7141-5f5f-837d-d9f0e3c44d50?fingerprint=ppb20251217013446 450w, /images/32000d16-7141-5f5f-837d-d9f0e3c44d50?fingerprint=ppb20251217013446 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">The Limestone District School Board continues to prepare for back-to-school with a full return to in-person learning for students K-12. LDSB will continue to offer a <a href="/cms/one.aspx" target="_blank" title="Virtual School ">Virtual School </a>option for students who learn best in the online environment or require a virtual environment due to underlying medical conditions for themselves or their family members. We are excited to welcome back all students on Tuesday, September 6 while continuing our focus on wellness, innovation, and collaboration. This fall, Limestone will continue to offer literacy and numeracy tutoring programs and mental health supports for students at risk who have been impacted by learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. For the 2022-2023 school year, LDSB has been able to increase direct mental health support to students across all tiers of intervention. This includes increases to both unregulated and regulated professionals and expanding opportunities for students in Grades 7 and 8 to access school-based mental health counselling.  Programs and services for students will include ongoing access to virtual mental health supports for students attending virtual school as well as enhancement of Clinical Consultant service delivery to include brief intervention, which may include brief mental health support to students with special education needs. Literacy and math tutoring (small group and individual) will continue in all elementary and secondary schools this fall, and the school board will continue engaging with local community organizations to identify students at risk and to develop direct support in literacy and math.  We recognize that schools play an essential role in the promotion of mental health and as such, have made a commitment to putting student well-being first. The board has developed a comprehensive Mental Health and Substance Use Strategy to help promote mental health, identify issues early, reduce stigma, and provide pathways to both board and community-based supports for students. LDSB continues to work with KFL&A Public Health, and other community agencies to support a COVID community recovery plan that addresses the mental health and wellness of children, youth, and families.  If Limestone families have significant concerns about their student’s learning gap, they should connect with their student’s teacher around what supports may be in place for the 2022-2023 school year. Classes start Tuesday, September 6, 2022, with a staggered start during the first week of school for students entering Junior Kindergarten. Schools will be open the week of August 29 for registration and assistance. Welcome Back!

2022-08-02 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Board Message to Families

<img src="/images/2322975e-189a-5910-b233-11a792056945?fingerprint=ppb20251217013324" srcset="/thumbnails/2322975e-189a-5910-b233-11a792056945?fingerprint=ppb20251217013324 450w, /images/2322975e-189a-5910-b233-11a792056945?fingerprint=ppb20251217013324 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Dear Families, In reflecting on this past two years, it is important for us to acknowledge the significant challenges students have navigated in our school communities. I am proud of how resilient Limestone students have been throughout the pandemic. Thankfully the 2021-2022 school year provided students with extracurricular activities like clubs, sports, field trips, school events, and graduations. After the past couple of years, I do not think any of us will take these types of activities for granted again. The return of more conventional extracurricular opportunities and operations have been well-received across the school board, and it has been a pleasure seeing the joy of students participating in a vast number of activities across Limestone. For students graduating from Limestone this week, congratulations!  Graduation is a significant milestone, and especially impressive given what you have endured during the past three school years because of the pandemic. The kindness, perseverance, and adaptability you have demonstrated will serve you well in the next chapters of your life. I wish you every success as you transition to whatever new pathway and journey that awaits. Limestone recently received Ministry of Education approval on the <a href="/news/what_s_new/2022-2023_school_year_calendar">2022-2023 School Year Calendar</a>. The first day of school will be Tuesday, September 6, 2022, following the Labour Day holiday. School staff will begin with a Professional Activity (PA) Day on Friday, September 2, 2022. The full <a href="/news/what_s_new/2022-2023_school_year_calendar">2022-2023 School Year Calendar is available on Limestone’s website. </a>  At this juncture we have not received any additional guidance from the Ministry of Education that would impact operations related to the pandemic, and the start of the 2022-2023 school year. It remains our hope that the return to more normal activities in schools this spring will continue into the fall. If the Ministry shares any additional information impacting operations for the fall, we will of course share the information as it becomes available, likely in mid to late August. We hope you have a safe, happy, and healthy summer with your friends and family. We look forward to welcoming students returning to Limestone in September. All the very best, Krishna Burra Director of Education

2022-06-28 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Equity Matters June 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">As we reflect on this school calendar year, let's recognize some of the groundwork laid in 2021-2022, for building more equitable future pathways for Limestone staff, students, and community members. This year's focus was to truly listen to staff, student, and community voices (gathered through formal and informal data collection, affinity groups, advisory committees, etc.), revise the equity action plan reflecting the input received on the initial draft, and continue to work towards cultivating safer, more inclusive learning/work environments, and identity-affirming experiences. This may be the end of the school year, but it is just the beginning for Limestone's equity journey.<iframe src="https://www.smore.com/r3ghv-equity-matters?embed=1" title="Equity Matters"></iframe>

2022-06-27 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Whats New - Building Construction Internship Program (BCIP)

BCIP Open House - June 27, 2022

<img src="/images/7b0eeb79-e686-5192-8863-7c163776fb77?fingerprint=ppb20251217014138" srcset="/thumbnails/7b0eeb79-e686-5192-8863-7c163776fb77?fingerprint=ppb20251217014138 450w, /images/7b0eeb79-e686-5192-8863-7c163776fb77?fingerprint=ppb20251217014138 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Limestone District School Board students in the Building Construction Internship Program (BCIP) are hosting an Open House celebrating the eight ‘Tiny Homes’ they have completed this year, marking their 100th house project, on Monday, June 27, 2022, at 45 County Road 6 in Amherstview from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. This year, students in the BCIP program embarked on a project in partnership with the Limestone District School Board and Habitat for Humanity. The Tiny Homes were created for safe, healthy, and affordable housing in the Kingston area, and have a cascading effect as a hand up for our community’s most vulnerable. BCIP students are looking forward to sharing stories with family, friends, community members, media, and members of the public at Monday’s open house. About the Building Construction Internship Program The Building Construction Internship Program has been running for 30 years. Thousands of Limestone students have participated in the program, with the alumni found on nearly every construction site in the Kingston area. Currently, their collective dedication and hard work has delivered the program to the summit of their 100th house.  The BCIP’s influence is felt beyond the communities served by Limestone and helps to shape secondary programming in Ontario. The province’s Specialist High Skills Major program is modelled on the cross-curricular, project-based learning. Limestone District School Board is very proud of the impact that the Building Construction Internship Program has had locally and beyond.

2022-06-24 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs - June 15, 2022

<img src="/images/e98600b9-dbdb-5dfd-b794-852e341da8ec?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139" srcset="/thumbnails/e98600b9-dbdb-5dfd-b794-852e341da8ec?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139 450w, /images/e98600b9-dbdb-5dfd-b794-852e341da8ec?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">Boardroom Briefs is now available for the Regular Meeting of June 15, 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/dg6xh-boardroom-briefs?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>

2022-06-16 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Whats New - June 2022 - Student Achievers Awards

2022 Limestone Student Achievers Awards

<img src="/images/f8ee178c-57be-5750-9e8d-45f2af179a1f?fingerprint=ppb20251217015306" srcset="/thumbnails/f8ee178c-57be-5750-9e8d-45f2af179a1f?fingerprint=ppb20251217015306 450w, /images/f8ee178c-57be-5750-9e8d-45f2af179a1f?fingerprint=ppb20251217015306 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Trustees of the Limestone District School Board honoured 11 secondary students with the 2022 Limestone Student Achievers Awards at the Regular Board Meeting June 15, 2022. The Limestone Student Achievers Award recognizes outstanding achievements of secondary students whose exception accomplishments merit recognition beyond the separate categories of awards at the school level. Recipients should have demonstrated exemplary achievement in all three categories: Leadership, positive attitude, energy and school spirit, and academic standing. Congratulations to the 2022 Student Achievers Award recipients: Breanna Roy – Napanee District High School <ul> <li>Honour role status each year throughout high school. </li> <li>Energetic and skilled athlete, participating in many different sports including cross country, volleyball, and hockey. </li> <li>Epitomizes what it means to be a leader and has been a leader in the school as well as being the Indigenous Student Trustee for the 2021-2022 school year.</li> <li>Has lead Orange Shirt Day initiatives, did class visits, and organized smudge with elders, as well as visited neighbouring elementary school to discuss Truth and Reconciliation with younger students.</li> </ul> Erin Smith – Sydenham High School <ul> <li>High-achieving honour role student with grade in mid-to-high nineties in science, mathematics, English, French, leadership, social science, and cooperative education. </li> <li>Recipient of the Sydenham High School Gold Award for achieving the highest academic standing in Grades 9 and 11, and the Silver Award in Grade 10. </li> <li>Member of the Students’ Council, helping organize spirit activities, plays soccer, is the co-captain of the school field hockey team, KASSA All-Star, and women’s hockey league organiser. </li> <li>Created a new athletics school website and put together a mental health one-week information campaign for the Sydenham High School chapter of Jack.org. </li> <li>Outside of school Erin works two part-time jobs, plays hockey, and volunteers with the South Frontenac Community Services Food Bank.</li> </ul> Sarah Gillan – Ernestown Secondary School <ul> <li>One of Ernestown’s highest achieving and most dedicated students when it comes to academics, athletics, and student life. </li> <li>Has been active on many school teams including field hockey, volleyball, soccer, track, and field throughout her time at Ernestown, as well as being named Captain of man of those teams on multiple occasions. A true leader on the athletic field and a supportive teammate in trying to ensure everyone feels included. </li> <li>Has been a member of Student Council since Grade 9 and has been Co-President of Student Council this past year.</li> <li>Has been an honour role student every year since arriving at Ernestown Secondary School. </li> <li>Sarah is continuing her studies in a Bachelor of Nursing Science French Language program starting in the fall.</li> </ul> Amica Levesque – Granite Ridge Education Centre <ul> <li>A well-rounded student who demonstrates her leadership by exemplifying admirable qualities for all citizens to emulate. </li> <li>Has been an honour role student for all four years of high school.</li> <li>Recipient of the Gryphon of Excellence Award for learning skills (all E’s in 6 courses) for four years, as well as the Proficiency Trophy for Grades 10 and 11, and numerous subject awards for excellence.</li> <li>Very involved in Granit Ridge Education Centre’s prom committee, leadership camp, peer tutoring, as well as the basketball, volleyball, and track and field teams. </li> <li>Outside of school, Amica is a soccer coach and volunteers with the Parham Agricultural Society, local Food Bank, and letter writing to senior citizens.</li> </ul> Dom Bryant – Katarokwi Learning Centre  <ul> <li>Achieved academic success in Grades 9 and 10 in the Portage Program and in Grades 11 and 12 in the River Program.</li> <li>A great writer and storyteller.</li> <li>An honourary member of almost every classroom within KLC. </li> <li>Welcomes other students to participate in Indigenous experiences such as beading workshops, drumming circles, and explaining the importance and relevance of Every Child Matters and Orange Shirt Day. </li> <li>His dedication, optimism, openness, and hard work has allowed him to achieve his goal of a College Pathway Diploma.</li> </ul> Nell Sykes – Loyalist Collegiate Vocational Institute  <ul> <li>Exceptionally bright, kind, and well rounded, continuously expecting the best from herself and carries herself with poise, dignity, and self-respect. </li> <li>An active participant in her class, a leader in athletics, a vital member of the Leadership Class, and engaged in student life to its fullest. </li> <li>Earned 10 subject excellence awards and the second highest average all around in Grade 11, with academic achievements in the subject areas of Fine Arts, Language, Math, Sciences, and Physical Education. </li> <li>Described as one of the strongest writers her Grade 12 English teachers has ever had, who contributes to class discussions with respect for her peers and has a very mature insight into the world around her.</li> <li>A natural leader that has the unique ability to lead quietly, without dominating, and without the need or desire for recognition, while always being kind and compassionate towards students, staff, and everyone else. </li> <li>An athlete that consistently demonstrates determination, perseverance, and grit on the field and court, reaching out to teammates with encouragement and enthusiasm, and always willing to lend a hand.</li> </ul> Jillian Morris – Frontenac Secondary School <ul> <li>A four-year honour roll student, achieving an academic average placing her in the top three position of the graduating class. </li> <li>On and off the field, works to support and inspire her teammates and peers to reach their potential. </li> <li>One of the few youths currently playing on Kingston’s Tier 1 Premiere Women’s soccer team, with various coaches and teachers describing Jillian as determined, resilient, passionate, hard-working, and authentic, genuine, and inspiring – a complete team member. </li> <li>Outside of school, Jillian contributes to her community in various ways, including being a coach at Queen’s summer camps, working with children of all ages, and actively contributing to community fundraisers including clothing and food drives, and the Boys and Girls Club Pink Shirt Day. </li> <li>Jillian is planning on continuing her education at university, with a focus on studying health sciences.</li> </ul> Bridget Campbell – North Addington Education Centre <ul> <li>An exemplary student with a clear vision of her future, always striving to learn more. </li> <li>A quiet, behind the scenes affective leader and community builder, finding many ways to volunteer and help promote and develop NAEC, including the Fun Fair and school Yearbook. </li> <li>An active member of the volleyball team, continuously showing her dedication to the sport, and team through her effort at both practices and games – her positive energy boosts the spirit of the team. </li> <li>With a passion for photography, Bridge successfully competed in the LDSB Skills Competition for Photography in Grade 9 and Grade 10. </li> <li>A very organized and diligent student, always asking great questions and looks for further learning, while being more than willing to help her peers.</li> </ul> Claire Brackenbury – Kingston Secondary School <ul> <li>An accomplished academic, talented musician, and very skilled athlete, with unparalleled optimism in the face of adversity and a steadfast dedication to make her community better. </li> <li>A curious learner, who is diligent in her work, and critical in her thinking. </li> <li>Committed to her own academic success and helping build a safe and collaborative learning environment for others. </li> <li>An exceptional student, regularly ranking among the top in her class academically, and will graduate with the French Immersion Certificate. </li> <li>Coaches regularly remark that Claire is the hardest working at any practice, and a natural leader on any team she is apart of. </li> <li>Produced an album, entitled “Silver Linings” made up of 15 original songs, written and performed by her during the pandemic. </li> <li>Committed to making the lives of everyone around her better and being co-chair of her school’s equity committee, Claire has worked hard to amplify underrepresented voices and work to create a more inclusive school. </li> <li>Continuing her education at university next year and is a recipient of the prestigious Chancellor’s Award.</li> </ul> Nick Doran – La Salle Intermediate and Secondary        School <ul> <li>A responsible student, critical thinker, has an excellent worth ethic, achieved marks in the 90s in his Grade 12 classes, including English, Kinesiology, and Literacy Tutoring, and an Honour Roll student every year throughout high school.</li> <li>Described as a quiet leader in the school, always helping to support junior students who struggle with literacy and numeracy, going the extra mile to help these students at lunch and after school to ensure they are on-track with their lessons and to answer questions. </li> <li>Helped run a new mental health initiative called “Warm and Cozy Wednesdays” that was organized to help students through the difficult winter months, as well as being instrumental in the “Coffee for Clean Water” fundraiser which is raising money to bring water filtration systems to Indigenous communities. </li> <li>His collaborative approach with his peers has been beneficial to the success of many events run by Leadership Council, including currently being on the Executive. </li> <li>In addition to being an excellent student and school leader, Nick has continued to the local community through regular volunteering with the Start to Finish Reading and Running program at Molly Brand Elementary School and at Sports of All Sorts and Grass Creek camps, in addition to having a part time job.</li> </ul> Wyatt Falcao – Bayridge Secondary School <ul> <li>Successfully achieved Level 4 throughout high school in all subjects, with maths and computer sciences being his true passion.</li> <li>An exceptional ambassador for Bayridge before, during and after the peak of the pandemic, exuding positive and an ever-present growth mindset, while continuing to support the well-being of his fellow students and community during these challenging times.</li> <li>He has contributed over 300 hours to various initiatives, most of which have been behind the scenes, as well as through his work as Student Council Co-President.</li> <li>A foundational member of the Bayridge Computer Specialist Program, a hallmark program that strives to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation.</li> <li>Described as being goal-oriented, with a kind soul who needs no fanfare or recognition, working to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community at Bayridge Secondary School.</li> <li>Planning on attending university, with a focus on computer sciences and business.</li> </ul> Congratulations to this year’s recipients. No matter what path these students are taking after graduation, it is clear they will continue to make a positive and significant impact and will forever be wonderful ambassadors of the Limestone District School Board.

2022-06-15 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Trustees Approve 2022-2023 Budget

<img src="/images/a4f6164a-2e80-5390-aebd-3fdc7142c96f?fingerprint=ppb20251217014531" srcset="/thumbnails/a4f6164a-2e80-5390-aebd-3fdc7142c96f?fingerprint=ppb20251217014531 450w, /images/a4f6164a-2e80-5390-aebd-3fdc7142c96f?fingerprint=ppb20251217014531 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> The Limestone District School Board of Trustees approved a deficit budget balanced with surplus funds for the 2022-2023 school year totaling $295 million at its regular meeting on June 15, 2022. The 2022-2023 budget is compliant with the Ministry of Education requirements, with total operating expenditures of $270.8 million, a decrease of approximately $2.5 million over last year’s expenditures. The capital expenditures budget for next year is $24.2 million and is used to fund school condition improvements and school renewal projects. “The 2022-2023 budget prioritizes the health, safety, well-being and human rights of students, staff and school communities,” says Board Chair Suzanne Ruttan. “The Board has drawn from its accumulated surplus to compensate for provincial funding shortfalls in special education, transportation, human rights, and equity as well as mental health supports by increasing spending over revenue allocations,” states Ruttan. “I would like to thank Trustees for their work, diligence and thoughtful enquiries to ensure our finite resources are directed in a manner that supports the vision and values of this Board.” The vast majority of the operating budget is directed to student instruction and relates directly to classroom supports. Some highlights of the 2022-2023 budget and supported by the board’s accumulated surplus: <ul> <li>Human Rights Officer (the Ministry of Education funds this position in some boards but not LDSB);</li> <li>Program staff to support Equity and Inclusion</li> <li>Funding for transportation expenditures exceeding transportation funding</li> <li>Purchase of additional information technology equipment to support virtual learning and professional development</li> </ul> “Trustees spent a considerable amount of time reviewing staff reports and input from stakeholders across our school communities to approve a budget that always keeps student at the forefront by funding classroom supports as much as possible,” says Vice-Chair Tom Gingrich, Chair of the Budget Committee. “Like every public school board across the province, we will continue to face ongoing budgetary challenges, and we will continue to advocate on behalf of students, families and staff to ensure appropriate and flexible funding.”To review the full 2022-2023 Limestone District School Board Budget, <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/cea4d430-9094-57ad-86fc-b5281a84db06?fingerprint=ppb20251217014921" target="_blank"> 2022-2023 Budget Booklet </a>

2022-06-15 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Whats New - Addressing Act of Hate-June 2022

Addressing Acts of Hate

<img src="/images/1d14f3d7-5299-522e-a56a-93c1c25cc522?fingerprint=ppb20251217013257" srcset="/thumbnails/1d14f3d7-5299-522e-a56a-93c1c25cc522?fingerprint=ppb20251217013257 450w, /images/1d14f3d7-5299-522e-a56a-93c1c25cc522?fingerprint=ppb20251217013257 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> The Limestone District School Board is working closely with staff and students to provide resources and other supports to confront acts of hate as part of its ongoing efforts to create safe, welcoming, and identity-affirming spaces for everyone. There has been an increase in theft and graffiti motivated by hate and bias, including theft and/or vandalism of several Progressive Pride flags at schools across Limestone District School Board, as well as hate symbols being spray painted at Polson Park Public School and the surrounding area this past weekend. Limestone District School Board unequivocally condemns any acts of hate and remains committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive school environment for all students and staff, and as a school board and community we must confront acts of hate in all formats. Schools and staff members have been provided with various resources by the Limestone Equity Team to help them understand how to best discuss these events with students and families. Our reactions to hatred can shape how children and youth experience these events and can influence their perceptions of safety at school. These events show us the importance of education and standing for human rights, inclusion, and acceptance in our schools. We will continue to address antisemitism and acts of hate and the harm it causes in all our learning environments. The best way we can help all of those affected is to be explicit about our support for human rights, and to be empathetic and supportive for those impacted.  To help understand what some students and staff may be experiencing, and provide you with supportive ways to respond, you can: <ul> <li>Listen and create an environment that acknowledges all feelings.</li> <li>Only use media coverage in the classroom and home if there is a specific educational reason to do so. Students should be given the opportunity to not participate. </li> <li>Focus on critical thinking and building empathy for others </li> <li>Identify the students who may be most affected by these events and provide support that is age appropriate and based on the level of need. </li> <li>For older students that are in need, provide a forum for discussion with adults skilled at fostering open and productive messages that build reassurance and therapeutic insight, such as Educational Services Support Staff, and or school guidance counsellors.</li> </ul> Disconcerting events like these affects all of us in different ways and are particularly impactful on communities targeted by these events. If a student needs to speak with someone, please contact your school’s Principal.  Limestone continues to commit to educating students in age-appropriate ways within a culture of caring, with critical thinking, media literacy, and empathy as our guide. Our collective goal is to create and support inclusive environments where everyone is welcomed, accepted, respected, valued, and safe. Acts of hate are both hurtful and harmful at both a global, local, and individual level. We cannot downplay the impact these kinds of events have on students, families, and staff. Overt forms of discrimination that continue to impact racialized and marginalized communities is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Limestone. We will continue to work together to build increasing capacity to identify and address any acts of hate. Please contact your school directly if you have any questions or require further assistance.

2022-06-13 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Limestone Celebrates Pride Month

<img src="/images/328869eb-2ac8-549b-9dca-f00e66f0fc96?fingerprint=ppb20251217013446" srcset="/thumbnails/328869eb-2ac8-549b-9dca-f00e66f0fc96?fingerprint=ppb20251217013446 450w, /images/328869eb-2ac8-549b-9dca-f00e66f0fc96?fingerprint=ppb20251217013446 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> The Education Centre and all school across the Limestone District School Board are recognizing Pride Month in KFL&A by flying the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag for the month of June. In addition to the 6 colors of the original Rainbow Flag, this flag includes five arrow-shaped lines acknowledging groups that have been historically left out of Pride events. The black and brown stripes represent members of the Black, Indigenous, and racialized 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The pink, light blue, and white stripes incorporate the colours of the Transgender Pride flag. The purple circle and yellow triangle represent the Intersex community. Many students, staff, families, and community members identify as members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We fly the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag, engage in inclusive programming, and hold events to demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that everyone not only sees themselves in Limestone but also feels a strong sense of belonging and connectedness. This is consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code which protects marginalized groups from discrimination and harassment. We want everyone who learns, works, or volunteers in our school board to feel safe and supported, valued, and seen. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect including our 2SLGBTQ+ community. 2SLGBTQ+ refers to Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning. The + refers to people who identify as Intersex, Asexual or an Ally.  Many of our secondary schools, and some of our elementary schools, have student-led groups to support gender and sexuality. These clubs are safe spaces for students, staff, and allies of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to come together and discuss issues they may be facing and topics that matter to them. These groups are places that our students feel comfortable being themselves and can have open and honest conversations with their peers.  There are gender-neutral washrooms in all of our schools and sites. The Board recently updated (fall 2020) a support document with definitions and explanations regarding terms and pronouns that students may prefer for themselves.  Our schools are committed to providing all our students with a positive school climate. We know that when students feel safe and supported in a healthy, accepting, and welcoming school climate, they have greater success. We want everyone to see themselves in Limestone. The board is sharing a <a href="https://www.smore.com/6t4a5b" title="LDSB Pride Newsletter">Pride Month Newsletter</a> that provides information and resources to help us all grow in our understanding of how we can be allies in our community. Limestone will also be participating in area Pride Parades as a way to show we are committed to making a real difference in ensuring schools are an equitable, and inclusive learning spaces, where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and accepted.  The board is has confirmed with the Government of Canada’s flag protocol lead at Heritage Canada that where schools or education centres only have one mast/flagpole, it is acceptable to fly the Pride flag beneath the Canadian flag. Showing our support for 2SLGBTQ+ does not diminish our respect for our Nation’s flag.

2022-05-31 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Statement Regarding Mass Shooting in Uvalde, Texas

<img src="/images/bb5576fc-6b36-515f-9b9f-97e44d1385a3?fingerprint=ppb20251217014739" srcset="/thumbnails/bb5576fc-6b36-515f-9b9f-97e44d1385a3?fingerprint=ppb20251217014739 450w, /images/bb5576fc-6b36-515f-9b9f-97e44d1385a3?fingerprint=ppb20251217014739 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> Limestone District School Board is very saddened to learn of the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas that took the lives of 19 students and 1 teacher. No words can express our condolences deeply enough for those affected. Our thoughts are with the families, classmates, and community in Uvalde. Our educational services team has prepared some tips to potentially help you support students at this time: <ul type="disc"> <li>Recognize that children and youth may become concerned that something bad will happen to themselves, family, or friends. Explain that safety measures are in place and reassure them that you and other adults will take care of them.</li> <li>If your student is not focused on the conflict do not dwell on it. Try to avoid having detailed adult conversations regarding the conflict in front of younger children. However, be available to answer questions to the best of your ability. Young children may not be able to express themselves verbally. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour or social interactions.</li> <li>For some, limiting exposure to media coverage may be important. Images of a disaster or crisis can become overwhelming, especially if watched repetitively. Young children may not be able to distinguish between images on television and their personal reality. Older children may choose to watch the news—be available to discuss what they see and to help put it into perspective.</li> <li>Be aware of your own needs. Don’t ignore your own feelings of anxiety and concern or anger. Talking to friends, family members, and mental health counsellors can help. Let them know you are concerned. You will be better able to support them if you can express your own emotions in a productive manner.</li> </ul> Our top priority remains to be the safety and wellbeing of our students. This is a responsibility we take very seriously. If you are concerned about how your student is reacting to this tragic event, and if you would like additional support, please reach out to your school. <a href="https://smho-smso.ca/educators/learn-more/explore-by-topic/how-to-help-students-after-tragic-events/">School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO)</a> offers a range of supports for students, families, and educators. The resources provided by SMHO have been shared widely with our educators and schools.

2022-05-25 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs: May 18, 2022

<img src="/images/626edce9-917c-5d11-b8d2-3931810b7d03?fingerprint=ppb20251217013923" srcset="/thumbnails/626edce9-917c-5d11-b8d2-3931810b7d03?fingerprint=ppb20251217013923 450w, /images/626edce9-917c-5d11-b8d2-3931810b7d03?fingerprint=ppb20251217013923 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">Boardroom Briefs is now available for the Regular Meeting of May 18, 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 <a href="/trustees/board_committees___meetings/board_meetings" title="web link to Board Minutes and Agendas">website</a>.<iframe src="https://www.smore.com/grkp7-boardroom-briefs?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>

2022-05-20 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Kindergarten Registration