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Cyber Incident Notification

In mid-April 2025, Limestone District School Board (LDSB) experienced a cyber incident that required us to take down all internet-based services as a precautionary measure. In May, we notified community members that the perpetrators of the cyber incident stole personal information about members of the LDSB community, following which we continued to analyze stolen information to identify the full extent of the exposure. Unfortunately, we can now confirm that the stolen information included the information of International Education’s past and current students and families and some homestay families. We understand this news may be concerning, and we are deeply sorry that this has occurred.We are yet to learn of any misuse of the exposed information and believe the risk of publication and misuse to be low.<a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/cyber-incident-update" class="editor-link">More information is available on Limestone District School Board’s Cyber Incident webpage,</a> including answers to frequently asked questions, updates on the cyber incident, and guidance on steps you can take to protect your information online. We encourage all individuals to review the information provided.

2025-07-15 15:08:41.924 +0000 UTC

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Welcome to the Limestone International Education Department

The Limestone District School Board has being hosting students from International destinations for over 20 years. We host 120 students/year in Limestone. The Limestone DSB International Department prides itself on being friendly, responsive and clear about the application process. The Limestone DSB runs it's own Homestay Family program with full time professional and experienced staff that communicate with homestay families, agents and schools. Your experience in Limestone will include attending high quality academic programs in one of the best education systems in the world, activity trips, an orientation to your school and to Kingston itself. We have many students that either return to, or have become citizens of Canada after their experience. Many choosing to live in one of the best cities in Canada, Kingston, Ontario. We host students from over 15 different countries around the world including; Brazil, Spain, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Germany, China, Vietnam, Italy, France, Turkey, Switzerland, Morocco, Rwanda, Nigeria, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. The Limestone District School Board serves Kingston, Ontario and the surrounding area, a medium sized city of 160,000 people located at the eastern mouth of Lake Ontario. Unique and picturesque Kingston is rich in history, quality of life, and post-secondary education opportunities. With more Ph.D. holders per capita than any other Canadian city, Kingston is Canada's education capital. Home to Queen's University, The Royal Military College of Canada and St. Lawrence College, Kingston is a student centred city! Kingston is safe, friendly and Canadian in every aspect of the word. Limestone District School Board is the gateway to many outstanding educational opportunities that await international students in Kingston. Your future here is bright!

What's New at the District

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Limestone’s EQAO Results Improve Across All Categories

The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) has achieved its strongest Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) performance in four years, with gains in every testing category for the 2024-2025 school year. LDSB’s EQAO results align with provincial outcomes in many areas, while showing notable improvements in others and among specific student groups. Limestone’s 2024-2025 results are at, or above, the provincial average in almost all measures. Results show an upward trend and momentum across all eight areas of assessment for students in Grades 3, 6, 9, and 10, including those with special education needs, underscoring the Board’s intention of making a positive difference in the lives of every student, in every classroom, in every school.    "These results reflect the daily dedication of Limestone educators, educational assistants, program teams, and school leaders,” says Krishna Burra, LDSB Director of Education. “I want to acknowledge the efforts of those who have focused on implementing evidence-informed practices, providing targeted supports, and collaborating across schools to ensure student achievement and success.” The elementary school report provides assessments of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics written by students in Grades 3 and 6. The secondary school report provides similar information relating to the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Results at a Glance </h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Grade 3 Improvements: LDSB students showed a 5% to 8% increase in Reading, Writing, and Math, with 75% meeting the provincial standard in Reading, 65% in Writing, and 65% in Math, outperforming provincial averages. Students with special education needs improved by 8% to 9% in these subjects.  </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Grade 6 Gains: Achievement rose in all areas, with 88% meeting Reading standards, 87% in Writing, and 51% in Math, matching or exceeding provincial rates. Students with special education needs made significant advances, especially in Writing with a 22% increase.  </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Grades 9 and 10 Results: LDSB’s Grade 9 Math scores were slightly below provincial levels but increased by 5% from the previous year, with students with special education needs performing better than students with similar needs in other jurisdictions. The Grade 10 OSSLT saw 95% participation and 84% success, a 3% rise, with continued improvement among students with special education needs.   </li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Grade 3 EQAO Results </h2>Grade 3 student achievement saw a 5% to 8% increase in all subject areas in Limestone, compared to the 2023/24 assessment results, with 75% meeting the provincial standard in Reading, 65% in Writing, and 65% in Math.  Results for the province showed a slight increase from the previous year for all Grade 3 subjects and were slightly lower than Limestone across Grade 3 assessment subjects.  This new data shows improvement in all subjects, with Math achievement showing the most significant difference for students in Grade 3.  Of significant note are the gains in achievement in Grade 3 Reading, Writing, and Mathematics made by Limestone students with special education needs – up 9%, 8%, and 9% respectively, compared to the 2023/24 assessment results.  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Grade 6 EQAO Results </h2>Grade 6 student achievement in Limestone also continues to build momentum with improvements in all subject areas.  In Reading, 88% of students met provincial standard in 2024/25 – an increase of 9% from the 2023/24 assessment and a higher rate than the province for 2024/25.  Results in Writing showed an increase of 14% over the previous assessment year, with 87% of students meeting provincial standard, at a higher rate than the province.  In Math, results were equal to the province, with 51% of students meeting the provincial standard, an increase of 11% for Limestone compared to the previous assessment year.  Like the Grade 3 assessment results, achievement in all subject areas for students in Grade 6 with special education needs in Limestone has increased, with significant gains in Reading and Writing by 12% and 22%, respectively, since the 2023/24 assessment. This increase in achievement for students in Grade 6 with special education needs is higher than the province by 3% to 10% across all subject areas.  “Limestone students and staff have worked hard to achieve these gains across Reading, Writing, and Mathematics, including the strong improvements for students with special education needs,” says Burra. “The momentum we are seeing is the result of consistent, evidence‑informed practice—targeted instruction, early interventions, collaborative professional learning, and a sharp focus on what happens in classrooms every day. “We are proud of this progress, and we are committed to sustaining it by continuing the practices that work and adjusting where they do not,” he adds. “Our goal remains steady improvement over time, not one‑year spikes, for every student, in every classroom, in every school.” <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Primary Assessment (administered in Grade 3): </h3><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Area of Assessment </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">LDSB  </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Province </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Reading </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">75% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">74% </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Writing </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">65% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">65% </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Mathematics </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">65% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">64% </td></tr></tbody></table><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Junior Assessment (administered in Grade 6): </h3><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Area of Assessment </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">LDSB  </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Province </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Reading </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">88% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">86% </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Writing </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">87% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">85% </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Mathematics </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">51% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">51% </td></tr></tbody></table><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Grades 9 and 10 EQAO Results </h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment: </h3>Results for Grade 9 Math in Limestone are slightly lower compared to the provincial results. For all participating students in the Grade 9 Math assessment, 55% achieved the provincial standard in Limestone, and 58% achieved the provincial standard provincially.  Limestone’s Grade 9 Math results increased by 5% as compared to last year. Results for students with special education needs achieving the provincial standard are higher than the province at 34% for Limestone, compared to 32% for the province. <table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">LDSB  </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Province </td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Grade 9 Math </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">55% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">58% </td></tr></tbody></table>“Grade 9 Mathematics continues to be a priority area,” says Steve Hedderson, LDSB Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and Curriculum and Program Services: Math and FSL. “Limestone’s five‑point improvement year‑over‑year shows the work is taking hold. We are deepening supports in Grade 9 Math—explicit instruction, daily practice, and timely interventions—and aligning professional learning so teachers have the tools they need. We are focused on building Math confidence and competency for every student.” <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test - Administered in Grade 10: </h3>This year, 95% of first-time eligible students wrote the test in Limestone, compared to 94% of students in the province. With this high participation rate, 84% of all students in Limestone were successful, an increase of 3% compared to the 2023/24 school year.  OSSLT results for students with special education needs continue to show an improvement for the 2024/25 year, with 65% of Limestone students being successful on the assessment. <table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 21px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 282px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Grade 10 OSSLT </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 97px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">LDSB  </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 117px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Province </td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 282px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Participation Rate </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 97px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">95% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 117px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">94% </td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 282px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Success Rate </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 97px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">84% </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 117px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">85% </td></tr></tbody></table>“Strong Grade 10 Literacy outcomes begin with strong participation,” says Stephanie Sartor, LDSB Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Program Services: Literacy Focus. “With 95% writing and 84% successful, up three points from last year, we are encouraged by the trajectory, including the continued improvement for students with special education needs. Literacy is a shared responsibility across subjects, and we will keep pairing explicit instruction with targeted supports so every learner can demonstrate success.” Students in all publicly funded schools in Ontario are required to write provincial assessments, administered by EQAO, a provincial body that tests students’ skills in Literacy in Grades 3, 6, and 10 and Math skills in Grades 3, 6, and 9 in relation to Ontario curriculum expectations. Successful completion of the Literacy requirement is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The EQAO assessments have undergone significant updates, with the newer digital assessments offered entirely online through a digital platform for students over the past four years.   “The dedication of Limestone educators, educational assistants, program team members, and school leaders will remain foundational to continued efforts moving forward,” says Burra.

2025-12-05 19:00:45.215 +0000 UTC

Education Minister Calandra's Letter to Parents - EQAO and Student Achievement Advisory Body

The following message by the Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Education, is for parents and guardians regarding EQAO results and the appointment of a Student Achievement Advisory Body.Please select the following link to read (PDF): <a href="/documents/2a916cd2-b224-4a93-a4b3-b0a57ae98e62/Letter-to-Parents-EQAO-Dec-3-2025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Letter to Parents and Guardians</a>

2025-12-03 16:57:22.383 +0000 UTC

PIC Gathering with Director December 4, 2025

<img src="/images/bff4337c-478a-4c20-a057-a8a6e80ca7cb" alt="Parent Involvement Committee Gathering with Director" width="584" height="730" style="width:584px;height:730px;display:inline-block">Join us for a special <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/parent-involvement-committee" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Parent Involvement Committee (PIC)</a> gathering with Krishna Burra, LDSB Director of Education. When: Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Where: In-person or onlineIn-person: 220 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, OntarioOnline: <a href="https://teams.microsoft.com/dl/launcher/launcher.html?url=%2F_%23%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%3Ameeting_MmJlMGM0YWEtNDQ4NS00YzAxLWJhMmEtNjhjNmM5NDA0ZmRk%40thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%2522e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%25222807506b-b7b9-4de9-8d10-c7f7c33103a9%2522%257d%26anon%3Dtrue&type=meetup-join&deeplinkId=49721d4d-f239-4e30-a5d3-f2d0a60ce03a&directDl=true&msLaunch=true&enableMobilePage=true&suppressPrompt=true" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Link to Attend</a>We look forward to seeing you there!

2025-11-25 16:21:00.653 +0000 UTC

Land Acknowledgement

The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their culture and celebrate their commitment to this land.