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Please see news below from our school and across the Limestone District School Board:

LDSB Entrepreneur Information Night Oct. 15

Dear Grades 7-12 Families,  You are invited to attend the Limestone District School Board’s (LDSB) Pathways to Possibility: LDSB Entrepreneur Information Night on October 15, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Fractal Workspace (632 Fortune Crescent) in-person or online! Join us to learn more about this year’s LDSB Young Entrepreneurs in Action Program, connect with entrepreneurial program alumni, and discover how students can bring their business and social enterprise ideas to life this year. Whether you are simply curious or ready to dive in, this event is the perfect place to start!   Please register at the following link: <a href="https://bit.ly/LDSBEntrepreneurInfoNight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">https://bit.ly/LDSBEntrepreneurInfoNight</a>  To learn more about past student successes, please visit: <a href="https://www.kingstonist.com/news/local-young-entrepreneurs-finding-pathways-to-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Kingstonist: Local young entrepreneurs finding pathways to success</a> <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/ldsb-entrepreneurship-showcase-april-16-2025-20250415171225" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">LDSB Entrepreneurship Showcase – April 16, 2025</a> <iframe data-lexical-video-id="j5SCxJmW9xk" width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/j5SCxJmW9xk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="true" title="Youtube video"></iframe> We look forward to seeing you there!

2025-10-10 18:08:07.272 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs in white text on a teal background

Boardroom Briefs: September 17, 2025

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. The following are highlights of the September 17, 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Agendas can be found on the website under <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/board_meetings-1719463739654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Board Meetings</a>.  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Land Acknowledgement </h2>All meetings begin with a 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 cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land.” <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Presentation</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Facility Services Update: Summer Projects - D. Fowler, Manager of Facility Services, and C. Downie, Assistant Manager of Facility Services</h3>The Facility Services team provided an overview of the capital work that took place at schools throughout the summer. There was a total of 221 projects. Work included floor clean-up; annual testing, inspections, and reporting on fire alarm systems, heating and cooling, etc.; line painting; fencing; door replacements; millwork; access and security; windows, roofing, and cladding; masonry; mechanical services; elevator installation; a new playground at The Prince Charles School; and so much more.<img src="/images/74abffdb-00e2-4575-ac9c-83d18d1d8b44" alt="New playground at The Prince Charles School" width="497" height="372" style="width:497px;height:372px;display:inline-block">The new playground at The Prince Charles School <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Private Session Report</h2><details open="false"><summary>Private Session Report - September 17, 2025</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Trustee Lloyd: During private session at the Audit Meeting on September 15, 2025: Superintendent Young and Associate Superintendent Hedderson provided property of the board updates. There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session.Earlier this evening during Private Session: The private session minutes were approved from the following: August 20, 2025, Regular Board Meeting Trustees discussed a Personnel Update and Legal Update There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session.</div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports from Officers</h2><details open="false"><summary>Chair's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/3b73f535-6db0-57a4-bb4f-a5bb6232f53e" alt="" width="268" height="347" style="width:268px;height:347px;display:inline-block;float:right">Chair McGregor provided the following report: "As we move into the third week of the school year, it has been truly heartening to see our schools come to life once again. Classrooms are buzzing with learning, hallways echo with laughter and conversation, and extracurricular activities are beginning to take shape—bringing students and staff together in meaningful and joyful ways. There is something special about this time of year. The early days of September are filled with renewed energy, fresh routines, and the excitement of new beginnings. Across Limestone, we are already seeing the positive impact of strong relationships, thoughtful planning, and a shared commitment to student well-being and success. We are grateful to our staff for the care and dedication they bring to their work each day, and to families for their continued partnership and support. Together, we are creating welcoming, inclusive environments where every student can thrive—both in and beyond the classroom. On behalf of the Board, thank you for all you do to make our schools vibrant, supportive places to learn and grow. We look forward to the many opportunities this year will bring. This concludes my report." </div></details><details open="false"><summary>Director's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/959f9ebc-0553-5f56-afed-83ccf39d2906" alt="" width="316" height="316" style="width:316px;height:316px;float:left;display:inline-block">Director Burra provided the following report: "Good evening, Trustees and the viewing public. Overall, and all things considered, I am very pleased to report that Limestone has had a positive start to the 2025-2026 school year. While there is always room for improvement, it is amazing to see everything come together with over 20,500 students and almost 3,000 staff starting the school year in all Limestone sites and the virtual school. Preliminary enrolment numbers are close to projections for both elementary and secondary students. Today was Day 11 of the 2025-2026 school year for students, and it has been wonderful to have students back in schools and to see various activities like sports, clubs, field trips, and great learning already underway helping to support the overall Limestone student experience. We must all recognize and have gratitude for the time and efforts of staff and community members to make all of these extracurricular activities a reality for students. Fall sports, clubs, and activities have started across the district, parent councils are kicking off their school years, and students are involved in a range of activities like the several hundred LDSB students that attended the Fall Fair last week in Kingston or the range of Terry Fox fundraising activities that will come in the next couple of weeks. I have already started my visits to schools, and I greatly look forward to seeing, hearing, and feeling the energy and excitement of learning and fun in Limestone schools.  As we start this school year it is important that we all are conscious of our legal responsibilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code. As a school board, we cannot accept any hate in schools, we must be conscious of the feelings of alienation and lack of faith in public institutions that exists for some people in the communities we serve.  Like in so many other areas in education and society at large, as members of the community, we must continue to emphasize the importance of respecting differences in perspective and being open to dialogue to the maximum extent possible. We must be united in respecting differences given all people share many more similarities than differences. Respect and civility need to be at the forefront. And we must continue to be unequivocally clear that Limestone stands in support of all protected grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Ontario Human Rights Code is not a checklist where some grounds outweigh others. We need to stand with all students, staff, and families, in protecting all grounds under the Code. It is important to remember that the Code is the law in Ontario, and we have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that it is upheld. Furthermore, our own data based on human rights complaints reinforces our continuing need to be committed to upholding the Code. Additionally, we will be administering Limestone’s second student census later this year which will provide further insight regarding students in the district, and needs in the system. Trustees may have noticed the Orange 'Survivors’ Flag' flying on the second flagpole at the Education Centre. Schools with a second flagpole are doing the same, and in schools without a second flagpole, the Orange flag is prominently on display in the school. Looking ahead to next two weeks, a wide range of activities will be taking place in schools and the community to honour Orange Shirt Day, and the fifth annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30. This is a critical date to recognize the harm and trauma of the Residential Schools system, to honour the survivors and their families, and continue our collective learning and journey of reconciliation. Schools continue to have a critical role in supporting this journey and ensuring the truth is known about Residential Schools and their legacy in Canada. In the next couple of weeks, we will be kicking off the annual United Way of KFL&A campaign in Limestone. I invite all Trustees to join this effort. As you will hear, Limestone’s Student Trustees and their peers on the Interschool Council will also be engaging in raising funds this year to support the United Way. No amount is too little, and every dollar matters in supporting some of the most vulnerable children, youth, and families in the communities we serve. I would also like to bring to Trustees’ attention to the professional learning focus we continue to pursue in Limestone for the 2025-2026 school year. We must continue to hone our craft to best serve students. While this work will not be completed this year, I think it is critical to highlight its importance in ensuring schools are making a difference for all students today, and into their futures. We need all Limestone students to find purpose in school, to find value in school, and to find hope in school. We know this is not the case for all students. While we do have to track, monitor, and report on the 11 indicators in the provincial Student Achievement Plan, we must continue to centre those students who are currently underserved, and not currently finding success. As a result, our system focus this year for professional learning, continues to centre our attention on students, and continuing the work we started three years ago focused on three inquiry questions: First, for whom is the current education system not working and why? Second, how do I/we know? And third, what can I/we try to do differently to make a difference? It is only through improving outcomes at the individual student level that we will see macro-level improvement on the province’s three core priorities and Student Achievement Plan, and the Limestone Strategic Plan. I should note that 2024-2025 EQAO results should become public in the next couple of weeks. As educators and as a system, we have a critical responsibility in supporting children and youth in the communities we serve. Our overall purpose is well placed by emphasizing our intention to make a positive difference in the lives of every student, in every classroom, in every school; and to make sure everyone sees themselves in Limestone. All educators want to make a difference in the lives and destinies of children and youth. Our continued journey of inquiry and our united, stated intention will focus our collective efforts. I look forward to more discussion and updates regarding our progress in the coming days, weeks, months, and years. Thank you, Chair McGregor. That concludes my report." </div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports</h2><details open="false"><summary>OPSBA Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Chair McGregor provided an OPSBA report.</div></details><details open="false"><summary>Student Trustees' Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Student Trustee Comeau provided the Student Trustees' Report: "Representatives from all schools came to the first meeting. Student Trustees introduced themselves and discussed the purpose of the Interschool Council (ISC). Then the council focused on goals for the upcoming school year and steps to put those goals into action. Across all goals there was a focus on improving student involvement in schools. Mr. Burra and a United Way presenter then joined the meeting to introduce United Way and discuss raising money for it in schools. ISC members then worked together to come up with ideas to implement funding for United Way so that they can be successful in their individual schools.  Finally, the description and applications for the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee student positions were sent out in the meeting minutes via e-mail." </div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Action</h3>There were no Reports for Action.<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Information</h3><details open="true"><summary>Virtual School Update - Associate Superintendent Sartor</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report is to provide Trustees with an update on Virtual School, and goals for the 2025/2026 school year. As of September 10, 2025, a total of 103 students were enrolled in elementary virtual school: 55 LDSB students and 48 Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) students. This is an increase over the 2024-2025 school year in which 86 students were registered in virtual school.The school organization currently is comprised of 5 classes which includes: <table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Class</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"># Students</th></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">JK-Grade 2</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">16</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Grade 3-4</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">19</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Grade 4-6</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">21</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Grade 6-7</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">22</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Grade 7-8</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">25</td></tr></tbody></table>To date, LDSB has registered 28 students from other districts which include Durham DSB, Renfrew County DSB, Trillium Lakelands DSB, Chippewas of Rama First Nation/Simcoe Muskoka Catholic DSB, Waterloo Catholic DSB, Greater Essex County DSB and Simcoe DSB. Next steps include:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Staff professional learning focused on building strong math and language programs that close gaps for those students in risk using short cycles of learning and ongoing progress monitoring. Learning will include: o implementing Knowledgehook (an online Math program) with students and offering family information sessions o using math diagnostic data to identify and provide targeted fluency activities as part of the daily math program. o participating in short math cycles to improve math pedagogy o using early reading screeners and diagnostic data to identify literacy learning gaps and then provide targeted instruction </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Implementing a targeted approach to address students with higher academic needs. This support is accomplished through Student Support Teacher (SST) meetings, small group instruction with classroom teachers and the support of St. Lawrence College (SLC) placement students </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Building a positive attendance plan by building relationships with students and families </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Reinforcing the importance of daily attendance in the online learning platform through regular communication with students and families For more information, please view the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/a78fcc81-6237-4919-9439-33ea4be4e29a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-September-17-2025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Board Meeting Agenda</a>.</li></ul></div></details><details open="true"><summary>Summer Programming - Program Leadership Team</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report is to provide Trustees with an update on summer programming that was offered to Limestone DSB students and staff during July and August 2025. The LDSB continues to offer a wide variety of summer programming options for K12 students. The Program Leadership Team provided updates on the following programs:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Summer Literacy Program (Read-A-Lot)</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Focus on Youth Program - YMCA of Eastern Ontario</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Summer Credit Programs (Secondary)</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Back to School Transitions</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Literacy Camp Support</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Adolescent Care Worker for Summer School and Read-A-Lot Summer Literacy Program</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem">Learning Program Support for Summer School</li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem">Sundance Youth Facility</li><li value="9" class="editor-listitem">Social Work Support</li><li value="10" class="editor-listitem">Psychiatry Pilot</li><li value="11" class="editor-listitem">Intensive Skills Y-Training</li><li value="12" class="editor-listitem">Behaviour Management Systems Training</li><li value="13" class="editor-listitem">Violence Threat Risk Assessment Level 1 Training</li><li value="14" class="editor-listitem">MH Lit - Mental Health in Action</li><li value="15" class="editor-listitem">Gould Lake Outdoor Education</li><li value="16" class="editor-listitem">Nature Camp for Students in Grades 1 to 4</li><li value="17" class="editor-listitem">Outdoor Escape for Students in Grades 5 to 6</li><li value="18" class="editor-listitem">Quest for Students in Grades 7 to 8</li><li value="19" class="editor-listitem">Girls Adventure Program for Students in Grades 7 to 8</li><li value="20" class="editor-listitem">Outreach for Students in Grades 9 to 10</li><li value="21" class="editor-listitem">Outdoor Pursuits for Students in Grades 10 to 11</li><li value="22" class="editor-listitem">Outdoor Skills for Students in Grades 10 to 11</li><li value="23" class="editor-listitem">Wilderness Instructor Course for Students in Grades 11 to 12</li><li value="24" class="editor-listitem">Kayak Instructor Course for Students in Grades 11 to 12</li></ul> For more information, please view the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/a78fcc81-6237-4919-9439-33ea4be4e29a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-September-17-2025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Board Meeting Agenda</a>.<img src="/images/4cc033ae-9dd1-46f5-b0b3-1c36dff64904" alt="A group of students preparing canoes next to water" width="573" height="322" style="width:573px;height:322px;display:inline-block"> </div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Notices of Motion</h2>Motion brought forward by Trustee Lloyd: “With the support of Trustees, the Chair of the Board write a letter indicating that the Board of Limestone DSB Trustees affirm the critical role of Trustees as democratically elected and accountable public officials, and calls on the Minister of Education and the provincial government to abandon any potential proposal to systematically remove Trustees or abolish elected district School Boards. Additionally, that this letter be communicated to the Minister of Education, Ministry of Education, all Ontario School Boards, Trustee associations, Student Trustee associations and local MPPs.”

2025-10-06 19:45:48.094 +0000 UTC

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

<a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html&data=05%7c02%7cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7c87ce6a439c57468efa6808ddff5a75bd%7ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7c0%7c0%7c638947486305511600%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=DIS/a3j7GXvfLU7XuNmOfbfr7jBc1v0hrJHWCPn7JCc%3D&reserved=0" class="editor-link">National Day for Truth and Reconciliation</a> and <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://orangeshirtday.org/&data=05%7c02%7cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7c87ce6a439c57468efa6808ddff5a75bd%7ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7c0%7c0%7c638947486305538772%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=zM/pcw3PwSVsqhpvx3UIpu%2B5mDKSfePkXStX8saJIJc%3D&reserved=0" class="editor-link">Orange Shirt Day</a> are held annually on September 30.This day invites us to engage intentionally in learning about the Residential School System, and the true history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is a time to mourn the children who never returned home, and to honour the Survivors, their families, and their communities.  This day is part of a broader conversation about colonization and systemic inequities. As we learn, it is essential to recognize and uplift Indigenous resilience and resistance, which continue to shape and strengthen communities across the country. On September 30, all LDSB schools, education centres, and sites will lower all school flags to half-mast, in observance of this day. The LDSB Indigenous Education team has put in significant work for supporting a wide range of learning across the system, including the recent launch of Limestone's access to On-Core. On-Core is an online learning platform that provides teachers with high-quality, curriculum-aligned resources. This site will help ensure that all staff have access to meaningful tools that support culturally responsive and inclusive teaching. In addition, LDSB Indigenous student-designed shirts were being sold this past weekend at the <a href="https://www.kncln.ca/news/orange-shirt-day-2025" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest</a>, located at 218 Concession Street, during their Maawnjiding Market. Shirts will also be available today at Confederation Park 1:00-5:30 p.m. for Kingston National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In addition to wearing an orange shirt on September 30, you can: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf&data=05%7c02%7cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7c87ce6a439c57468efa6808ddff5a75bd%7ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7c0%7c0%7c638947486305562068%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=5/cv5t9jAJ%2Bt%2BhF00F%2BOrJqCgEMa1oXpxhj15UUH/KI%3D&reserved=0" class="editor-link">94 Calls to Action.</a>  </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Read books that share authentic Indigenous voices and experiences. </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Volunteer with Indigenous-led organizations that support community healing and empowerment. </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Support Indigenous artists by purchasing their work and sharing their stories. </li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Watch Indigenous films and documentaries to deepen your understanding through storytelling. </li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Attend public Indigenous events in the community to listen, learn, and build respectful relationships. A list of events can be found on the <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.queensu.ca/indigenous/truth-and-reconciliation/2025-events-and-initiatives&data=05%7c02%7cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7c87ce6a439c57468efa6808ddff5a75bd%7ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7c0%7c0%7c638947486305572555%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=r9mKZzUysW89JAS7XaTFx2gviOCdwWr017jgbRwk0zM%3D&reserved=0" class="editor-link">Queen's University Office of Indigenous Initiatives</a> web page.  </li></ul>We understand that some students, staff, and families may wish to have additional support throughout this week. If you require immediate assistance, you can call the support lines shared below:    <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.    </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649.    </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at <a href="https://www.hopeforwellness.ca" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">hopeforwellness.ca</a>.  </li></ul>For more information about Indigenous Education with Limestone, please visit the <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.limestone.on.ca/indigenous-education&data=05%7c02%7cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7c87ce6a439c57468efa6808ddff5a75bd%7ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7c0%7c0%7c638947486305582894%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=RAkrwy0A7pchgVAfGCoS3FCiPZBWzay4IzmDWiSfw7Q%3D&reserved=0" class="editor-link">Indigenous Education page</a>.

2025-09-30 15:35:20.266 +0000 UTC

Orange Shirts Designed by LDSB Students Available Locally

<img src="/images/9dc007ac-516c-4323-a906-a61997af3154" alt="KNCLN Orange Shirt Day Graphic" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">Graphic provided by the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest. Two LDSB students designed these orange shirts! As we approach Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, these shirts are now available for purchase locally through the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest. Every purchase goes directly toward strengthening Indigenous-led community programming.Sizes Youth S to XL sizes and Adult small to 5XL sizes. Shirts are $20 each.To purchase, please visit <a href="https://www.kncln.ca/news/orange-shirt-day-2025" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">kncln.ca/news/orange-shirt-day-2025</a>.

2025-09-24 19:35:10.695 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs: August 20, 2025

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. The following are highlights of the August 20, 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Agendas can be found on the website under <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/board_meetings-1719463739654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Board Meetings</a>.  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Land Acknowledgement </h2>All meetings begin with a Land Acknowledgement: "The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe 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 cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land.”  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Private Session Report</h2><details open="false"><summary>Private Session Report - August 20, 2025</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Earlier this evening during Private Session:The private session minutes were approved from the following:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">June 18, 2025, Regular Board Meeting</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Director Burra provided a Legal Update</li></ul>There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session. </div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports from Officers</h2><details open="false"><summary>Chair's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/3b73f535-6db0-57a4-bb4f-a5bb6232f53e" alt="" width="268" height="347" style="width:268px;height:347px;display:inline-block;float:right">Chair McGregor provided the following report: "As we prepare to welcome students and families back into our schools on Wednesday, September 3, I want to take a moment to reflect on the excitement and promise that a new school year brings.Each September marks a fresh beginning—an opportunity for students to grow, for families to engage, and for staff to collaborate in creating vibrant learning environments. This year, we look forward to building on our shared commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of every student, in every classroom, and every school across Limestone.The start of the school year is not only a time of renewal but also a chance to strengthen relationships, foster innovation, and celebrate the diverse strengths of our communities. I am confident that through collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision for student success, we will achieve great things together.On behalf of the Board, I extend a warm welcome back to all students, families, and staff. Let’s make this year one of meaningful learning, growth, and achievement.This concludes my report." </div></details><details open="true"><summary>Director's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/959f9ebc-0553-5f56-afed-83ccf39d2906" alt="" width="316" height="316" style="width:316px;height:316px;float:left;display:inline-block">Director Burra provided the following report: "Good evening Trustees and members of the public joining us for this meeting. I am pleased to provide you with my update tonight as we prepare for the start of the 2025-2026 school year in two weeks.I hope everyone found themselves with some holiday time this summer to enjoy time with family and friends. In reflecting on this summer, it is important for everyone to have the opportunity to recharge and reflect on the important work we do collaboratively to support children and youth in the Limestone community.With the summer season, schools were not running as they do for the other ten months of the year. However, there was lots of activity for students this July and August. Similar to last summer, over 260 students participated in Camp Read A lot, and over 700 secondary students participated in summer session earning credits. In addition, almost 570 students participated in outdoor education programming offered at some schools, at Gould Lake, and/or on outdoor education trips. Trustees will receive a report in the fall providing more details regarding the range of summer programs that occurred in July and August. In addition, a considerable amount of facilities work occurs in schools during the summer and Manager Fowler will provide a summary of this work in September.We are greatly looking forward to welcoming back staff and well over 20,000 students as the school year starts. While over 99% of students will be in face-to-face classrooms, Limestone continues to offer a virtual option for some students. Regardless of the format of learning, Limestone will continue to do its best to meet students where they are and support student well-being. Mental health and well-being are essential conditions for achievement and learning for all students. Schools will be reopening next week with many staff getting ready for the new school year and we look forward to Limestone schools welcoming students back on Wednesday, September 3, with a full range of activities to be available for students in the 2025-2026 school year. As a reminder, we are starting the school year with a PA day on Tuesday, September 2. With almost all labour agreements behind us, we can expect stability on that front for the next couple of years. We all know that extracurriculars like sports and clubs, full arts programming, and field trips are of tremendous value. As Trustees know, all of these student activities are made possible by the generous time provided by staff and some community members. I think I speak for everyone in expressing our gratitude to the staff and community members that provide these valuable experiences and services to Limestone students. This evening there are some routine, cyclical reports coming to Trustees, but we also look forward to sharing with you an overview of a new administrative procedure focused on Human Rights, and an award to honour the late former Trustee Judith Brown.As Trustees know, considerable work occurs by central departments: Facilities, Finance, Human Resources, and ITS during the summer months to ensure schools are ready for the school year. I would like to acknowledge staff in all of those departments for the important work they do throughout the year, but also during the summer months. Finally, I should also note that Limestone hosted its 12th successful Summer Institute earlier today with approximately 200 LDSB educators attending to learn from each other and continue to hone their craft. A wide range of learning topics were available to support educator learning K-12. We are very pleased to be able to provide this valuable learning opportunity to staff. This is just one example of learning that Limestone educators have been participating in this summer. As we all know, learning is a journey, not a destination, and we must always model learning to support the system, and do the best we can to serve every student, in every classroom, in every school. Thank you, Chair McGregor. That completes my report for this evening." </div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports</h2><details open="true"><summary>OPSBA Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Chair McGregor provided an OPSBA report.</div></details><details open="true"><summary>Student Trustees' Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">There was no Student Trustee report.</div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Action</h3><details open="true"><summary>Short-Term Borrowing Resolution - Superintendent Young</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report is to recommend a short-term borrowing resolution for the 2025-2026 school year to meet cash flow requirements. The Education Act requires the Treasurer of the Board to furnish to the bank a copy of the resolution(s) authorizing the borrowing of funds.Operating: Periodically the Board is required to borrow funds for current operating purposes to provide interim financing until revenues are received from Municipalities and the Province. The Board did not have any operating borrowing requirements during 2024-2025. The Board is subject to cash flow decisions from the Province and should have a borrowing resolution in place to provide interim financing if our cash flow situation should change.The operating resolution authorizes the signing officers of the Board to borrow operating funds when required to meet short-term cash flow needs. The dollar amount of the operating borrowing requirement has been set to a maximum of $20 Million and is the same amount as in 2024-2025. Capital: The Board is also required to arrange short-term bridge financing during the construction of major capital projects, capital additions/retrofits and for School Condition Improvement projects.The Board currently has credit facilities to cover all the required borrowing for the School Condition Improvement projects.The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is the Board’s primary banker, a relationship that dates back to 1966. The banking services agreement with RBC extends to April 30, 2027. Recommendations: That the Board authorize the signing officers of the Board to enter into agreements with the Royal Bank of Canada for the following:1. The borrowing of funds to meet operating requirements to a maximum of $20 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.</div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Information</h3><details open="false"><summary>Interim Financial Report for Quarter 3 - Superintendent Young and Manager of Financial Services, Paula Carson</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose is to report on the Interim Financial Operating expenditures for the period from September 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 (Quarter 3).The Interim Financial Report – Operating Expenditures for the period ending February 28, 2025, was presented to the Board on April 23, 2025. This report provided operating expenditures for the period from September 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025 (Quarter 2).The Interim Financial Report – Operating Expenditures for the period ending May 31, 2025 (Quarter 3), is presented in a similar format to the 2024-2025 operating budget, indicating the amount spent by expenditure category and the associated percentage. To see the full report, please review the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/4ad0a857-4900-4c40-b16a-80546aada787/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-August-20-2025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Board Meeting Agenda</a> (pg. 25).As of Quarter 3, $238.96M of the $312.7M operating budget, or 76%, has been spent. This is 9% lower than the 85% recorded in the same quarter last year. The difference is primarily due to additional expenditures for Bill 124 Remedy payments included in the previous year's results.It is important to note that expenditures are calculated based on payments made within the specified period. Some expenditures may be non-cyclical, potentially resulting in higher or lower amounts within a given timeframe. For further details, refer to Appendix 1.The Board is on target to end the 2024-2025 fiscal year with a balanced budget as projected.</div></details><details open="false"><summary>Administrative Procedure 107 - Human Rights - Superintendent McDonnell and Human Rights and Equity Advisor, Yusuf Abdulkareem</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report is to share with Trustees Administrative Procedure 107: Human Rights (AP 107). This administrative procedure sets out the Board’s approach to creating equitable, inclusive, and accessible learning and working environments that are free from discrimination and harassment.This administrative procedure supports the Strategic Plan goal of fostering student learning, achievement, and well-being by ensuring all members of the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) community feel respected, safe, and supported. Background In the past few years, the Ministry of Education has provided human rights training for Trustees and senior leaders in school boards. Additionally, staff have provided updates to Trustees regarding student census data, staff workforce data, school climate data, and human rights complaints’ data. The LDSB recognizes the existence and impacts of historical and ongoing systemic discrimination. AP 107 outlines the Board’s commitment to anti-colonial, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and anti-discriminatory practices, and to creating respectful environments for students, staff, and the broader community. The procedure applies to all LDSB community members and covers conduct both within, and beyond, the physical school/work environment, including online spaces and off-site events.AP 107 affirms LDSB’s commitment to legislative and policy compliance, and upholding the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. AP 107 also respects and recognizes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.AP 107 addresses systemic discrimination identified through LDSB Student Census results, Staff Workforce Census and Belonging Survey, Human Rights Reporting Tool data, and School Climate Surveys, which revealed disproportionalities and inequities affecting students’ access to learning, sense of belonging, and feelings of safety.AP 107 clarifies roles and responsibilities by establishing clear expectations for all community members, staff, and leaders, along with consistent complaint processes for different interest groups.AP 107 creates accountability through data collection and reporting, ensuring progress is tracked, shared, and used to inform decision-making and continuous improvement. Current Status The creation and implementation of Administrative Procedure 107: Human Rights provides clarity in the following areas:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Clear definitions of key human rights concepts such as discrimination, harassment, equity, prejudice, and reprisal.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">A comprehensive list of protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code (e.g., race, disability, creed, gender identity, age).</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Detailed forms of discrimination, including subtle discrimination, microaggressions, and systemic discrimination.</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Specific complaint mechanisms for different parties (students, employees, Trustees, members of the public).</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Defined roles and responsibilities for all LDSB community members, employees, managerial staff, the Human Rights and Equity Advisor, and the Director of Education.</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Requirements for human rights learning and awareness, including regular training and review cycles.</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem">Annual data collection, analysis, and public reporting on human rights trends.</li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"> Prohibitions on reprisal and vexatious complaints, with disciplinary measures for violations.</li></ul> Next Steps and Communication Plan The following are the next steps in the implementation of Administrative Procedure 107: Human Rights:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Ensure ongoing communication and awareness for staff, students, union and labour partners, families and the community on AP 107.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Continue annual analysis of human rights data to identify systemic issues and gaps, and use this information to inform decision making.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Publicly release the annual human rights report on the Board’s website.</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Review related administrative procedures to ensure alignment with AP 107.</li></ul>For more information, please view the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/4ad0a857-4900-4c40-b16a-80546aada787/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-August-20-2025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Board Meeting Agenda</a>.</div></details><details open="true"><summary>The Judith Brown Black Excellence Award - Director Burra</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report is to provide Trustees with an update on the Judith Brown Black Excellence Award.Background With the passing of Trustee Judith Brown last year, a number of members of the Limestone DSB community voiced their support for creating an award in her honour. Support for honouring Trustee Judith Brown came from Trustees, Limestone staff, and members of the Umoja Black Advisory Council that Trustee Brown helped found, and lead. Consequently, the Judith Brown Black Excellence Award was established in the spring of 2025 to honour Judith’s legacy.The Judith Brown Black Excellence Award: In honour of Trustee Judith Brown, who was a dedicated Black educator who advocated for education and equity, this award recognizes a Black student who exemplifies leadership, perseverance, and commitment to advancing inclusive education. As a champion for student success and diversity, Judith Brown worked tirelessly to promote Black Canadian and local history while creating opportunities for all learners, fostering a more equitable and inspiring learning environment. This award is given annually to a graduating Black LDSB student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, community involvement, and a passion for promoting Black Canadian history. Through their actions, the recipient carries forward Judith Brown’s legacy, making a meaningful impact in their school community and beyond.It should be noted that the award description was approved by Trustee Brown’s family in mid-June. Current Status The inaugural Judith Brown Black Excellence Award was proudly presented to a graduating student at Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute during their June 2025 graduation ceremony. Moving forward, this award will be presented annually to one graduating Black student across the LDSB, continuing to honour Judith Brown’s legacy and celebrate excellence, leadership, and community impact.Next Steps and Communication Plan With the support of Trustee Brown’s family and Umoja, additional fundraising efforts may take place over the coming year to help establish a financial component to accompany the Judith Brown Black Excellence Award. These contributions will further honour Judith Brown’s legacy by providing meaningful support to future recipients as they continue their educational journeys and community leadership.</div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Unfinished Business</h2><details open="true"><summary>Feeding Minds: Food and Beverage Policy (PPM-150) Delegation</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Director Burra provided a copy of a letter to Madison Stewart of Food for Good acknowledging her delegation at the June 2025 Board Meeting called "Feeding Minds: Food and Beverage Policy (PPM 150)." Director Burra thanked her for sharing the information with the Board.</div></details>

2025-09-08 19:42:35.037 +0000 UTC

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

2025 07 10 Summer Institute 2025 Graphic

Summer Institute August 20 for LDSB Educators

<img src="/images/a970c8cc-cd06-4565-ad5b-3e34d2c1d300" alt="Graphic promoting LDSB Summer Institute" width="605" height="605" style="width:605px;height:605px;display:inline-block">The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) is hosting Summer Institute, a voluntary professional learning opportunity for LDSB educators and administrators, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Kingston Secondary School. The theme for this year's Summer Institute is "Accelerating Growth in Limestone."If you are an LDSB educator or administrator who is interested in learning more and registering to participate in this year's Summer Institute, please check your LDSB e-mail inbox, as well as myLDSB for details.

2025-07-10 19:54:04.488 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs June 18, 2025

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. The following are highlights of the June 18, 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Agendas can be found on the website under <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/board_meetings-1719463739654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Board Meetings</a>.  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Land Acknowledgement </h2>All meetings begin with a Land Acknowledgement: "The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe 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 cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land.” <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Presentation</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Limestone District School Board Staff Awards</h3>The 2025 Limestone District School Board (LDSB) Staff Awards include the Barry C. O'Connor Excellence in Education Awards, and the J.C. McLeod Excellence in Teaching Awards. Trustee Ruttan introduced award nominators and recipients.The Barry C. O'Connor Awards recognize excellence in education as provided by support staff throughout the district. This award was established to recognize support staff in the following categories: Clerical and Secretarial, Educational Services Staff, Educational Assistants, and Central Office Support Staff. The recipients are:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Tracy MacVicar, Kingston Secondary School - Clerical and Secretarial Category</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Nancy Gourdier-Golle, LDSB Educational Services - Educational Services Support Category</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Shannon Gambicourt, Winston Churchill Public School - Educational Assistants Category</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Jody Fitz, LDSB Education Centre - Central Office Support Category</li></ul>The J.C. McLeod Excellence in Teaching Awards are presented to two outstanding educators in the Limestone community. J.C. McLeod was the Director of Education for the former Lennox and Addington County Board of Education from 1969 to 1983. He recognized and rewarded excellence in teaching throughout his time as Director, and on his retirement, he established a fund to continue this focus. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of individual teachers to classroom instruction or the improvement of classroom instruction, over several years. It is presented annually to one teacher in elementary, and one teacher in secondary. The recipients are:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Tara Murphy, Centennial Public School - Elementary Teacher</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Tammy Hagerman, Katarokwi Learning Centre - Secondary Teacher</li></ul><img src="/images/87967a22-e1a3-469d-8d09-e2ccab360306" alt="2025 LDSB Staff Award Recipients" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit">From left: Tara Murphy, Tammy Hagerman, Nancy Gourdier-Golle, Jody Fitz, Shannon Gambicourt, and Tracy MacVicar<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Recognition of Outgoing Student Trustees</h3>Vice-Chair Godkin acknowledged the service of the 2024-2025 Student Trustees, Rachel Kolosov, Ayesha Bukhari, and Siya Kumar. Indigenous Grade 11 Student Trustee Kolosov will be returning to the role for the 2025-2026 school year, while Urban Student Trustee Kumar, and Rural Student Trustee Bukhari are graduating. Rural Student Trustee Bukhari was recognized with a bursary for her role with the Limestone Learning Foundation Grants Committee. <img src="/images/8bab5481-4e23-4e68-847c-55fd3b255cdc" alt="2025 LDSB Student Trustees" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Feeding Minds: Food and Beverage Policy (PPM-150) Delegation</h3>Madison Stewart from Food for Good Program presented remotely.<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Private Session Report</h2><details open="true"><summary>Private Session Report - June 18, 2025</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Trustee Ruttan provided the Private Session report for June 18, 2025: At the Special Meeting of the Board, May 27, 2025: Director Burra provided a personnel update.At the Education, Policy, and Operations Meeting, June 4, 2025: Director Burra provided a personnel updateEarlier this evening during Private Session:The Private Session minutes were approved from the following:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The May 21, 2025, Regular Board Meeting</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">The May 27, 2025, Special Meeting of the Board</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">The June 4, 2025, Education, Policy, and Operations Committee Meeting</li></ul>Associate Superintendent Gollogly provided a Safe Schools update.Trustee Lloyd provided a personnel update which resulted in a motion being passed.There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session. </div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports from Officers</h2><details open="false"><summary>Chair's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/972606b7-b2d1-52c6-962b-7190b39ee44f" alt="" width="258" height="334" style="width:258px;height:334px;float:right">Vice-Chair Godkin provided the following report: "As we approach the end of another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the incredible efforts and achievements of our Limestone community. June marks not only the closing of the academic year but also a time of celebration, reflection, and gratitude. Across our district, students have been wrapping up their studies, showcasing their learning, and participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities that highlight their creativity, leadership, and school spirit. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our students for their resilience, enthusiasm, and dedication throughout the year. Your hard work and perseverance have been truly inspiring. To our educators, support staff, and administrators—thank you for your unwavering commitment to student success. Your passion and professionalism continue to shape a learning environment where every student feels supported and empowered. To our families and caregivers—your partnership and encouragement have been vital. Thank you for being such an integral part of our students’ journeys. This month, we’ve also seen vibrant celebrations of diversity and inclusion across the district. Pride events have brought our communities together in powerful and joyful ways. A special thank you to everyone who participated in the Greater Napanee Pride Parade and the Kingston Pride Parade. Your presence and support send a strong message of love, acceptance, and unity. We were also proud to support the second annual Inclusive Fun Fair hosted by the Inclusive Play Project at Shannon Park on June 7. This free, family-friendly event brought together community members of all ages and abilities to celebrate inclusion, accessibility, and connection. With live entertainment, a bustling vendor market, interactive games, and a vibrant KidsZone, the fair raised awareness and funds for Kingston’s first fully inclusive playground. Events like this remind us of the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued  As we look ahead to the final days of the semester, let’s continue to lift each other up and celebrate the many successes—big and small—that have defined this school year. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyful summer ahead."</div></details><details open="true"><summary>Director's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/959f9ebc-0553-5f56-afed-83ccf39d2906" alt="" width="316" height="316" style="width:316px;height:316px;float:left">Director Burra provided the following report: "Good evening, Trustees and the viewing public. I am pleased to provide you with my update tonight as we enter the last ten days of the 2024-2025 school year.June is always a time of reflection as we complete one school year and continue preparations for the next school year. It is a time of change as we see students graduate from secondary school, staff retire, and many staff and students prepare for transitions. It is also a time of celebration across the system as students graduate and enjoy end-of-year activities and celebrations. We were able to enjoy some celebrations this evening with the annual Limestone Staff Awards. This evening, we heard and saw, some great examples of people focused on doing the very best they can to support students and learning in LDSB.In recent weeks and months, many graduating Limestone students have received significant scholarships and admissions to universities, colleges, and apprenticeships or have developed work plans for next year. I would be remiss to not mention the fact that Student Trustee Bukhari deserves to be recognized for being a TD Scholarship recipient, and the Trustee Laurie French Student Leadership Award from the Community Foundation for Lennox and Addington. Congratulations Student Trustee Bukhari. With secondary graduations just over a week away, I know Trustees and senior staff can look forward to hearing the plans of LDSB grads at those celebrations and honouring the graduates of 2025.I would also like to highlight for Trustees the tremendous success Limestone athletes experienced at the provincial finals in Track and Field. Wyatt Lee from FSS won gold in the Senior Boys 100m and 200m, Athena Andrecyk from KSS won gold in the Senior Girls 3000m, and the Junior Girls 4x100m relay team from KSS also won gold. That team consisted of Caitlyn Wimmer, Mara Barrow-McLagan, Amaya Barrow-McLagan and Marina Playter-Tuffs. Limestone students also won two silver medals and four bronze medals. I should note that the LSS Senior Boys won provincial AA gold. I should also note that LSS and KSS hosted provincial soccer championships. Congratulations to these winners and all of the other LDSB athletes who participated in the provincial finals.In reflecting on the 2024-2025 school year, or any other school year, I think it is important to again remember Kathy Freston’s wise words: “The goal is progress, not perfection.” In education, the stakes are always high for each learner, and there is always more we can do to serve each student. While there is always much to celebrate, there is also always room for improvement in realizing our LDSB intention of making a positive difference in the lives of every student, in every classroom, in every school.Given June is National Indigenous History Month, and Saturday is National Indigenous Peoples Day, Trustees should be aware that there are a range of activities occurring in the community this weekend, and at Confederation Park. This information has been shared with schools.As Trustees are aware, June is also Pride month, and like the last few years, Limestone formally participated in the fourth annual Napanee Pride Parade earlier this month, which was a great success, and we also had a very strong presence this past weekend for the Kingston Pride Parade. We must continue to take a strong stance in support of human rights, and against hate in the communities we serve.In closing, I want to offer my congratulations to all students graduating from Limestone and to staff entering their last ten days of work with Limestone. There is much to be proud of in Limestone and I have a great deal of gratitude and humility in serving as its Director. Thank you also to the Board of Trustees for your continued collaboration, strong support of public education, and advocacy. While all of us around this table may not always agree on everything, I think we can all be proud of the way we conduct ourselves and work together for the betterment of Limestone students. Thank you, Trustees. That concludes my report for this evening."</div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Correspondence</h2>The Board of Trustees received correspondence from Trustee Hutcheon indicating her resignation from her role as Chair. The Board accepted her resignation, and held an election for the position of Chair of the Board for the remainder of the term, ending November 19, 2025. Trustees Godkin, McGregor, and Ruttan were nominated for the role of the Chair. Trustees Godkin and McGregor accepted the nominations, and Ruttan declined.Trustees voted and Trustee McGregor was elected Chair of the Board for the remainder of the term.<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports</h2><details open="false"><summary>OPSBA Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Chair McGregor provided an OPSBA report.</div></details><details open="false"><summary>Student Trustees' Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Student Trustee Kolosov provide the Student Trustees' Report.We had our last Inter-School Council (ISC) meeting on the third of this month. At this meeting, we celebrated our success as a group this past school year, where the school representatives from each school brought their incoming reps for next year. This gave us the chance to meet and get to know our ISC team for next year.On June 10, after a lot of hard work from ISC members, we were able to run the LDSB Community Pride Event. During this event, we had a number of school groups coming in to host tables with some arts, crafts, and games, as well as community organizations like the Kingston Public Library. We were also thrilled to have the Queens Faculty of Education GSA come in, as well as Kingston Youth Pride, and LDSB’s Alyssa Vernon who did some collaging with guests. Student-run booths included face painting, flag painting, bracelet and keychain making, and more. It was such an amazing experience to see all of the students and families coming together to enjoy an evening of celebration to kick off Pride Month. We would like to extend a big thank you to all of the community members who came in, staff who helped support the event, the KSS custodial team for helping set up, and all of the students who helped make the event possible and the great success it was!We also had Pat Vanderholst do a PD session on Indigenous land teachings, with a tour around Lake Ontario Park, sharing different teachings connected to the land. On behalf of ISC, I’d like to thank Pat for sharing his time and knowledge with us.On behalf of the incoming Student Trustees, we look forward to what the next term of ISC will bring next school year!Thank you!</div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Action</h3>There were no Reports for Action.<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Information</h3><details open="true"><summary>Operational Plan: Integrated Technology Services (ITS) - Associate Superintendent Hedderson</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/035f32a1-6d40-45c9-8050-ab09485fac19" alt="2025 ITS Dept Common Culture Graphic" width="259" height="309" style="width:259px;height:309px;float:left">This report updates Trusteed on the Integrated Technology Services (ITS) Operational Plan and how it supports the goals of the LDSB Strategic Plan. The report was presented by Kelvin MacQuarrie, Manager of Information and Communications Technology, Laura Alward, Manager of Innovation and Digital Transformation, and Steve Hedderson, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Program Services: Math Focus.ITS Operational Plan: The three departmental pillars of Customer Service Excellence, Data Integrity, and Learning Environment and Infrastructure Improvements continue to drive forward the team's main objective of supporting students and staff of LDSB within the 2023-2026 timeframe. These pillars help guide project priorities and business decisions and are a focus within the department’s operational plan. The presentation outlined various initiatives, including:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Learning Technology Refresh: Reliable Devices</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Learning Technology Ticket Counts by School Year</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Monitoring of Aging Classroom Projectors</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">New Data Backup Solution</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Microsoft 365 Copilot</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Reporting Tool Efficiencies</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem">Elementary Staffing App Efficiencies </li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem">Next Steps in Learning Technologies</li><li value="9" class="editor-listitem">Supporting Monitoring of the Student Achievement Plan</li></ul>The full report is available in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/458f1305-a251-48f2-bc45-18d43569c0ce/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-June-18-2025-AMENDED.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Agenda Package</a>.</div></details><details open="true"><summary>Math Achievement Plan - Associate Superintendent Hedderson</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">This report updates Trustees on the continued development of Limestone’s Math Achievement Action Plan.Satellite data are high-level indicators that we are making progress towards our goal of improving math learning and achievement for every student.<img src="/images/12a3a14d-6c42-4061-af3e-1492f75c1306" alt="Monitoring Math Achievement in the SAP and Strategic Plan: EQAO Results" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit">Since the last update in <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/61c13ecb-20b2-4600-84ea-c6440667d365/LDSB%20Regular%20Board%20Meeting%20Agenda%20March%2026%2C%202025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">March 2025</a>:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Additional meetings have been held with the Provincial Math Lead to discuss data analysis, impact of current improvement strategies, and key performance indicators to support the LDSB Math Achievement Action Plan</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Strategic planning sessions with other board Math Leads and teams from across the province</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">School-Based Math Facilitators and Learning Partners have been supporting educators in schools in gathering content diagnostic data to plan for meaningful math learning and assist in closing achievement gaps, with particular attention on students with modifications or recently removed from modifications</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">School-Based Math Facilitators and Learning Partners also continue to support math-related professional learning sessions for educators at staff meetings, “lunch and learns,” and Professional Activity Days</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Weekly meetings and capacity building with School Math Facilitators and ongoing learning and support for Learning Partners about the Math Achievement Action Plan strategies</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Professional learning focus on fluency tasks and supporting the use of concrete and visual representations for students</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem">Much more</li></ul>Next Steps and Communications Plan:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The Ministry confirmed that board will continue with Math Achievement Action Plans during the 2025-26 school year with the same priority schools </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Given the late arrival of the 2025-26 school year budget, the staffing of the 2025-26 Math Action Team is ongoing</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Share the final report on the 2024-25 LDSB Math Achievement Action Plan with the Provincial Math Action Team in mid-July</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Prepare for the introduction of targeted use of a new complementary digital math tool that uses AI to support the implementation of the LDSB Instructional Progression of Mathematics</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Much more</li></ul>The full report is available in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/458f1305-a251-48f2-bc45-18d43569c0ce/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-June-18-2025-AMENDED.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Agenda Package</a>.</div></details>

2025-06-24 20:57:55.816 +0000 UTC

Three Gold Medals at OFSAA Track and Field Championships

<img src="/images/d8c51901-16c1-4623-8968-bfd0467fbd7e" alt="KSS Relay Team" width="624" height="491" style="width:624px;height:491px">From left: Mila Stos, Marina Playter-Tuffs, Amaya Barrow-McLagan, Coach Morgann Rymal, Mara Barrow-McLagan, and Caitlyn Wimmer of KSS.Limestone District School Board had an outstanding showing with three golds and other notable placements at this year's <a href="https://www.ofsaa.on.ca/championship/track-field/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">OFSAA Track and Field Championships</a>, held at the Toronto Track and Field Centre (York University) in Toronto from June 5 to June 7, 2025. <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Gold Medals</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Frontenac SS (FSS): </h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Wyatt Lee finished 1st in Senior Boys 100 and 200m</li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Kingston SS (KSS):</h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Junior Girls 4 x 100m relay team finished 1st - Caitlyn Wimmer, Mara Barrow-McLagan, Amaya Barrow-McLagan and Marina Playter-Tuffs</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Athena Andrecyk finished 1st in Senior Women's 3000m</li></ul> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Other Notable Results:</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">KSS:</h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Vicky Malik finished 2nd in Novice Girls 800/1500m</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Eva Andrecyk finished 4th in Womens 3000m Novice</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Claire Simmers finished 4th in Women's 800m Ambulatory</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Amaya Barrow-McLagan finished 4th in Women's 80m hurdles</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Luqmaan Brewster finished 4th in Junior Men's Triple Jump</li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">LCVI: </h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Sierra Carroll finished 3rd in Intellectually Imp. Shot Put </li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">FSS:</h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Declan Cowan finished 3rd in Junior Boys Disc Throw</li></ul> Congratulations to all Limestone athletes!

2025-06-18 17:40:00.715 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs May 21, 2025

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. The following are highlights of the May 21, 2025, Regular Board Meeting. Agendas can be found on the website under <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/board_meetings-1719463739654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Board Meetings</a>.  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Land Acknowledgement </h2>All meetings begin with a Land Acknowledgement: "The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe 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 cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land.” <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Presentation</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Limestone District School Board Student Achiever Awards</h3>Vice-Chair Godkin chaired the Board Meeting and welcomed students, staff, and families to the annual Limestone District School Board Student Achiever Awards. Each year, one Grade 12 student from each secondary school is recognized for their leadership, positive attitude, energy, and school spirit, and academic standing. Each school principal prepares and presents a citation for the school's winner, and presents the student with their award. Trustees Elliott and Ruttan emceed the awards ceremony. A list of the award winners is below the group photo.<img src="/images/605b4073-00da-448f-8172-b28b96990af2" alt="2025 Limestone Student Achiever Awards" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit">Back (from left): Spencer Tapp, Bayridge Secondary School; Alex Huneault, La Salle Intermediate and Secondary School; Chloe Davey, Napanee District Secondary School; Sekai Chikodzi, Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute; Sophia Borger, North Addington Education Centre; Bella Thake, Sydenham High School; and Lev Myers, Katarokwi Learning Centre.Front (from left): Ayesha Bukhari, Ernestown Secondary School; Nuria Thompson, Kingston Secondary School; Maya Nanji, Frontenac Secondary School; and Hallie Hearns, Granite Ridge Education Centre.<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Private Session Report</h2><details open="false"><summary>Private Session Report - May 21, 2025</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Trustee Elliott provided the Private Session report for May 21, 2025: At the Special Meeting of the Board, April 16, 2025: Director Burra provided a property of the board update.At the Special Meeting of the Board, May 1, 2025: Director Burra provided a legal and property of the board update, which resulted in a motion passed.At the Audit Committee, May 5, 2025: Superintendent Young and Director Burra provided a property of the board update. Earlier this evening during Private Session: The private session minutes were approved from the following:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The April 16, 2025, Special Meeting of the Board (Private Session Only)</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">The April 23, 2025, Regular Board Meeting (Private)</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">The May 1, 2025, Special Meeting of the Board (Private Session Only)</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">The May 5, 2025, Audit Committee Meeting (Private) </li></ul>Associate Superintendent Gollogly provided a Safe Schools update.Associate Superintendent McKenna provided a personnel update.Director Burra provided personnel update.There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session. </div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports from Officers </h2><details open="false"><summary>Chair's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/972606b7-b2d1-52c6-962b-7190b39ee44f" alt="" width="262" height="340" style="width:262px;height:340px;float:right">Vice-Chair Godkin provided the following report:"Good evening Trustees, senior staff, students, families, and members of the public. As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I want to acknowledge the many events and celebrations taking place across our schools this month—from arts showcases and athletic achievements to community partnerships and year-end preparations. These moments reflect the vibrancy and dedication of our students, staff, and families. One exceptional event was the Human Library evening hosted by the School Advisory Council at Polson Park Public School on the evening of May 14. Students, staff, and community members had the opportunity to meet and learn from several school neighbours. A Human Library invites people to “borrow” human books—individuals who share their lived experiences through personal dialogue. The goal is to encourage new perspectives, foster learning and unlearning in a safe space, and promote inclusive communities. Congratulations to the organizers for a meaningful and successful event. Looking ahead, National AccessAbility Week will be observed from May 25 to 31. This is a time to recognize the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to renew our commitment to removing barriers to accessibility. In keeping with that commitment, I look forward to both of tonight’s reports – one being an update on the LDSB’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, presented by Superintendent Gillam. As always, I extend my best wishes to all students, staff, and families for a successful and fulfilling final month of the school year.    That concludes my report." </div></details><details open="true"><summary>Director's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/959f9ebc-0553-5f56-afed-83ccf39d2906" alt="" width="319" height="319" style="width:319px;height:319px;float:right">Director Krishna Burra provided the following report:"Good evening Trustees and the viewing public. It is hard to believe that we are already past the middle of May and less than six weeks remain in the 2024-2025 school year. As everyone knows, this is a very busy season in schools across the board. The annual Science Fair and Heritage Fair occurred in recent weeks. A full range of secondary athletics’ seasons are underway and now all elementary schools are in the thick of a very hectic track and field season. Thinking back to where we were only a few years ago, it is wonderful that the wide range of student activities and experiences are alive and well in Limestone. We know these types of activities and experiences are critical for student well-being and engagement. As Trustees know, it is also a busy season for us as we prepare budgets for the 2025-2026 school year, and there are several upcoming budget meetings as part of our annual budget process. Last week, the Ontario government released provincial budget. However, we are still awaiting specific budget information for Limestone that will allow for further analysis and action. I think it is fair to say we do have some concerns as it relates to still waiting for budgetary information and the specific implications for Limestone. As Trustees know, transportation funding, special education funding, staff replacement costs, and increasing, unfunded statutory benefits are four areas of concern in recent years, and we are certain all four areas will continue to be pressure points moving into the next school year. As Trustees are also aware, based on the OPSBA budget analysis, while there has been an increase in overall total dollars in education, there has been a decline when you take into account inflation. Consequently, we will continue to feel a strain and tightening of our financial resources and flexibility to make any local, funding decisions. Tonight’s award celebration of the Limestone Student Achievers is yet another reminder of the important work we do to support the education of local children and youth, and placing focus on the students we serve. The 11 students we honoured this evening are exceptional young people that we can expect to see phenomenal things from in the next chapters of their lives. While it is wonderful that we annually honour the Limestone Student Achievers in May, we also will be honouring almost 2,000 Grade 12 graduates at the end of June. Before those end-of-year graduations, we will have an opportunity at the June 4 Education, Policy, and Operations Committee meeting to celebrate and honour the Skills Ontario Competition winners. As a short preview, Limestone had 26 secondary students representing eight schools compete in the provincial championships last week. In addition, we had 24 elementary students representing four schools also attend. LDSB secondary students won two bronze awards: one in auto paint, and one in auto collision. Also of note, a former LDSB grad who took part in the post-secondary competition came away with a gold in Heavy Equipment. While writing my monthly Director’s Report for this meeting, like all others, I am reminded of the many, many fantastic things happening in schools to help support Limestone students. This does not mean things are always perfect, but taking a step back and seeing what is occurring in schools every day for the benefit of students is an important perspective to maintain when we see challenges. The cyber incident we experienced in recent weeks is a prime example of a challenge we have faced. While some aspects went well in terms of restoration of services in a relatively short period of time, this incident also led to significant exposure of student and staff data. While we continue to believe the risks of data leakage or exposure are low, it is always a concern when personal information and data is stolen and potentially made more publicly available. Limestone is the latest example of a school board that has been victimized in such a way, joining many other school boards in recent years, other public sector entities, private companies, and individuals who have suffered a similar fate. While some things went relatively well under very challenging circumstances, this incident re-emphasizes the need for us to continue to prioritize cyber security measures and learn from this experience in terms of mitigating the likelihood of any similar circumstances emerging in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. All of us have been impacted to varying degrees by this cyber incident. On behalf of Limestone, I do apologize to the LDSB community that this occurred. Speaking of recent challenges, I do have to mention the tragedy that struck the Fairfield Elementary School area and the greater community late last week with the death of a Grade 8 student. It is tragedies like this that put everything in perspective and force us to value the simple things that we frequently take for granted in our busy lives. I think I speak for all of us in saying our thoughts are with the impacted family and the wider community during this difficult time.I should also note that the flag at the Education Centre continues to be at half-mast in honouring former Frontenac County Board of Education Director Reg Shadbolt. Mr. Shadbolt was the Director of Education from for the former Frontenac County Board of Education in the 1980s, and has been very active in the community since his retirement: helping found the Eastern Ontario Staff Development Network in the early 1990s, supporting the local Boys and Girls Club for decades, and, among others, being an active Rotarian in the community. I had the pleasure of taking Reg out to visit GREC in the spring of 2023, a relatively new build he had not seen in a community he helped serve during his career. He was always very sharp and was a wonderful storyteller. I had the good fortune of getting to know Reg and I know the local community will miss his continuing presence. I would like to highlight a recent event from this past long weekend that my entire family helped support. Local Rotary Clubs sponsored a pre-packaged food event at the Community Food Redistribution Warehouse, where approximately 70-80 people assembled a few thousand meals to be provided to those in need in the community. For a couple hours with a large group of Rotarians, some current and former students, and some current and former staff members, helped assemble the meals for local distribution. I was happy to support the event with my family and working with all of the other volunteers of all ages to help those in need.In closing, I would like to highlight a few upcoming events: LDSB will again be participating in the Greater Napanee Pride Parade May 31, and the Kingston Pride Parade on June 14. We are encouraging LDSB families, students, and staff to walk with us again. We need to continue our journey to have everyone see themselves in Limestone. We still have much work ahead of us, but events like this are important steps on that path. And finally, Trustees will receive an e-mail later this week with graduation dates and times in the last few school days of June for planning purposes.That concludes my report for this evening, Chair Godkin. Thank you."</div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports </h2><details open="false"><summary>OPSBA Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Trustee McGregor provided an OPSBA report.</div></details><details open="false"><summary>Student Trustees' Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">As all Student Trustees sent their regrets, there was no Student Trustee report.</div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Action</h3>There were no Reports for Action.<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Information</h3><details open="true"><summary>Multi-Year Accessibility Plan - Superintendent Gillam</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The report and presentation updated the Trustees on the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2023 to 2026, which is mandated by Ontario Regulation 191/11 Integrated Accessibility Standards and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005. The LDSB Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is developed in accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation under the AODA. It incorporates the intentions of the board to meet its obligations under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001. Furthermore, in 2017, two standards development committees were established to address barriers facing students: one focused on K-12, and another focused on postsecondary education. The K-12 Accessibility Standards recommendations are designed to reduce and prevent accessibility barriers in the publicly funded education system. These standards set out the K-12 Standards Committee’s initial recommendations for a proposed education accessibility standard. In anticipation of many, if not all of these recommendations becoming finalized, the LDSB Accessibility Committee has decided to include our work on these standards in our Multi-Year Plan. The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan describes the measure that the board will take over the three-year period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2026, to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to people with disabilities who work, learn, and participate in the school board community and environment including students, staff, parents and caregivers, volunteers, and visitors to the board and its schools. The LDSB is committed to the continual improvement of access to school board facilities, policies, programs, practices, and services for people with disabilities. More information is available at the following LDSB web page: <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/accessibility" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Accessibility</a>. Furthermore, this plan aims to: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Describe the process by which LDSB will identify, remove, and prevent barriers. </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Review yearly efforts to remove and prevent barriers. </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Describe the measures LDSB will take during the period of January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2026, to identify, remove, and prevent barriers. </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Describe how LDSB will make this Multi-Year Accessibility Plan available to the public. </li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Make a commitment to provide an annual status report on the board’s implementation of the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. </li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Make a commitment to review and update this Multi-Year Accessibility Plan at least once every three years. </li></ul>Here is an example of some of the work that has been completed at Limestone schools:<img src="/images/a26cf168-111e-45ae-a49d-82c640179e7e" alt="2025 05 21 Calvin Park Accessibility" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit">The LDSB Accessibility Planning Committee includes a diverse group of members from various roles and organizations. These include: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Board staff: Superintendent, Principal of Educational Services, Assistant Manager of Facility Services, Capital Project Coordinator, Principal, Blind/Low Vision Teacher, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, ETFO, Human Rights Officer, Human Resources, Communications, and a student </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Tri-Board: CEO, Safety Officer </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">KidsInclusive, CNIB, Canadian Hearing Services </li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Parents/caregivers and community members with disabilities </li></ul>The Accessibility Committee is responsible for establishing, reviewing, and updating the Accessibility Plan in consultation with individuals with disabilities, the SEAC, and other interest holder groups, including those previously noted. The Committee also works to ensure that all policies, procedures, and practices align with the principles of accessibility and inclusive/universal design. Recently, the Committee has committed to embedding the K-12 Education Accessibility Standards into its work. This commitment aims to enhance access to facilities, policies, programs, practices, and services for students, staff, parents/caregivers, volunteers, visitors, and community members to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, the Committee is responsible for the ongoing identification of barriers and for incorporating these into the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan wherever practicable. The principles of inclusive practice, freedom from barriers, and accessible environments inform all policies, programs, procedures, and services of the LDSB. Through the Multi-Year Accessibility Planning process under the AODA, the LDSB regularly assesses its programming, policies, and practices to ensure continuous improvement in accessibility. This process is further informed by feedback from the LDSB SEAC. Barrier identification methodologies and the corresponding actions are outlined in the table below:<table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Methodology</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Description</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Status</th></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">K-12 Education Accessibility Standards</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Review of key sections of the K-12 Education Accessibility Standards by the Accessibility Committee Seek input from staff, students, families, SEAC, Senior Team, and the Accessibility Committee </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Annually </td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Public and employee feedback </th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Special Education Review data Comments gathered through web page access (Accessibility Feedback Form) and for employees through individual requests for accommodations (HR accommodations plans and emergency response plans) </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Spring and fall 2023 Ongoing</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Review of plan and status report by SEAC </th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Opportunity for input and feedback prior to approval and posting on webpage Include both Accessibility Plan and Appendices </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Annually</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Accessibility Planning Committee review of plan and development of status report </th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Opportunity for input and feedback prior to bringing to Senior Team and SEAC</td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Annually</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 233.333px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Accessibility Planning Committee considers Facilities reports </th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Audit of buildings and identification of schools for action included in multi-year strategy Use of Facilities Improvement Plans (FIPs) as possible accommodation supports Begin work on LDSB Accessibility Standards </td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"> </td></tr></tbody></table>The full report is available in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/0c95272e-42b6-44d0-a806-f3b4a1e4fb96/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-May-21-2025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Agenda Package</a>.</div></details><details open="true"><summary>Board Action Plan (BAP) - Indigenous Education - Superintendent Gillam</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The report and presentation updated the Trustees on the Indigenous Education Board Action Plan (BAP), which is Ministry mandated, and how the BAP supports the goals of the LDSB Strategic Plan. Funding information for Indigenous Education for the 2024/25 academic year was shared with school boards in Spring 2024 as part of the Core Funding announcement. Limestone District School Board received just over $2.2 million to support Indigenous education initiatives for the year. The majority of this funding is allocated to the Board Action Plan (BAP), with approximately $200,000 designated specifically for the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Studies component. In addition, Limestone received Responsive Education Program (REP) funding for 2024/25. Through this stream, the Indigenous elementary program, Bridge, operating at Katarokwi Learning Centre, was allocated $150,000. Indigenous Education funding is enveloped, meaning it must be used exclusively to support Indigenous education initiatives through the BAP or the FNMI Studies component. In 2023-2024, significant structural changes were made to strengthen the role and function of the Indigenous Education Committee (IEC). Membership for the IEC was established through an expressions of interest process and is now composed exclusively of community members, representatives from organizations that support Indigenous peoples, and parents/caregivers. The IEC is recognized as an autonomous committee of the Board and plays an active role in guiding the development of the BAP, ensuring it is constructed in a culturally respectful and responsive manner. The IEC also receives regular updates on the progress of BAP initiatives. School boards are required to develop Board Action Plans (BAPs) on Indigenous Education to guide the allocation of resources and supports aimed at improving the engagement, learning, achievement, and well-being of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. The goal of the BAP is to foster learning environments where Indigenous students are supported to thrive and reach their full potential. To ensure the BAP is reflective of local Indigenous demographics and community partnerships, it is expected that school boards co-plan and co-develop BAP initiatives in collaboration with their Indigenous Education Council (IEC), ensuring that all learners see themselves and their cultures reflected in the learning experience. <img src="/images/e07c109d-ca06-4514-995e-562ded62ce85" alt="2025 05 21 Board Meeting Indigenous Education Initiatives" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"> Highlights of the 2024/25 LDSB Board Action Plan includes: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Staffing of the Indigenous Education Team – Vice Principal of Indigenous Education, FNMI Consultant & Grad Coach, Elementary </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Re-engagement Teacher, Land-Based Learning Teacher, Indigenous Student Support Counselor </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Indigenous Student Leadership Circle (ISLC) </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Land-Based Learning PD for staff</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Mohawk and Anishinaabemowin Language Programming </li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">NBE3U/C/E & NAC classroom support and PD</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem">School Based Projects & Events</li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem">Indigenous Family Nights </li><li value="9" class="editor-listitem">Indigenous Community Members/Knowledge Keepers Support in schools </li><li value="10" class="editor-listitem">Resource Purchases/Development </li><li value="11" class="editor-listitem">Grad Coach and Pathway Support – Recognition of Experiential Learning Pilot (RELC)</li><li value="12" class="editor-listitem">River and Bridge Programs </li><li value="13" class="editor-listitem">Student/Family Supports</li></ul><img src="/images/bd842566-8e0f-42b5-8782-f71569ac18e4" alt="2025 05 21 Land Based Learning" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit">In addition to actively constructing, monitoring, and adjusting the Board Action Plan (BAP), the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) has played a key role in supporting Indigenous education across the district throughout the 2024–25 school year. This has included a comprehensive review of the IEC’s Terms of Reference and ongoing collaboration with the Indigenous Education Team. Attendance at IEC meetings has remained consistently high, with members fully engaged in supporting current BAP initiatives while also identifying new priorities for the future. The full report is available in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/0c95272e-42b6-44d0-a806-f3b4a1e4fb96/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-May-21-2025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Agenda Package</a>.</div></details>

2025-05-23 19:53:39.86 +0000 UTC

Cyber Incident Update - May 15, 2025

Dear Families, We appreciate your continued support, understanding, and patience while we have been responding to a cyber incident. While services have been restored in all schools for the past few weeks, we have continued to work diligently with cyber experts to better understand what occurred.   Unfortunately, we can now confirm that the perpetrators of this cyber incident stole personal information about members of the LDSB community, including current and former staff members, some students, and some of their parents or guardians. We understand this news may be concerning, and we are deeply sorry.  We believe the risk of publication and misuse of the exposed information to be low. Unfortunately, cyber incidents are occurring on a frequent basis, and impacting many individuals, public institutions, and private companies. Most current students and families receiving this notice are likely affected, though to varying degrees. To better understand how you may be affected, categorized by school, please visit the following LDSB website hyperlink: <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.spe.schoolmessenger.com%2Ff%2Fa%2FU8sDSLPU3jq_KVdAMF2R3Q~~%2FAAAAARA~%2F127FPW-zekjrzm5iOtpLlCBTUj4iO4d8cxXigqt7DI5lJklknLa5-cKhAn_GKCsOLemXrh5wyKritTFyhkH0tzF9x-5Jq3KyMn-FaiOpC-Txii-MLxBlSqG_rUXzDu02qT6P-cr4ZBYlX7pwfs4Piw~~&data=05%7C02%7Cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7Cce86f5967ebd4b8004cd08dd93ef5e80%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638829378501284588%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=V2PRhjnypnB2iPqEKL7R87C7oTTRP8fiYC1p8JwXLdI%3D&reserved=0" title="Original URL: http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/U8sDSLPU3jq_KVdAMF2R3Q~~/AAAAARA~/127FPW-zekjrzm5iOtpLlCBTUj4iO4d8cxXigqt7DI5lJklknLa5-cKhAn_GKCsOLemXrh5wyKritTFyhkH0tzF9x-5Jq3KyMn-FaiOpC-Txii-MLxBlSqG_rUXzDu02qT6P-cr4ZBYlX7pwfs4Piw~~. Click or tap if you trust this link." class="editor-link">limestone.on.ca/cyber-incident-update.</a> Once there, select “Cyber Incident Update for Students and Families – May 15, 2025,” and choose from the “All Schools” and the school-specific drop-down list. Please note that there is also a Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of the page. How can I protect myself? As indicated, we believe the risk of publication and misuse of the exposed information to be low. Nonetheless, all of us should always be vigilant in identifying phishing attempts and other suspicious communications, and families should practice good cyber hygiene by limiting the amount of personal information they share online and by using strong and unique passwords for all online services. Sadly, cyber incidents are occurring on a frequent basis, and impacting many individuals, public institutions, and private companies. What is next?  We are aware that this incident has affected our community in a direct way. We are deeply sorry for this. Please know that we are committed to strengthening our cybersecurity to better protect against future incidents. As indicated several weeks ago, we have reported the incident to the Kingston Police. Additionally, we have notified the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC). You have the right to file a complaint with the IPC, although you are not required to do so as we have already voluntarily reported to the incident to the  <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.spe.schoolmessenger.com%2Ff%2Fa%2Fxzyji44Gao6LyDPB2yUzWQ~~%2FAAAAARA~%2FMYt6Wr-KScyWVVcYn-nTroSqWLtcTrHOAGJ3ZIfaUWwNHQhho-kbCIL_S4MTnjXHRvsX31dQ5PVp5v94P-fm0JSj1rd-wtg7gKGb99EHGvns7s65Bkt6Wzh553L9SrtJ&data=05%7C02%7Cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7Cce86f5967ebd4b8004cd08dd93ef5e80%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638829378501304689%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NA6Lb4mz31G%2BacGcndK%2FLX%2FNZfKQ7CDa63rDsFnjlbE%3D&reserved=0" title="Original URL: http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/xzyji44Gao6LyDPB2yUzWQ~~/AAAAARA~/MYt6Wr-KScyWVVcYn-nTroSqWLtcTrHOAGJ3ZIfaUWwNHQhho-kbCIL_S4MTnjXHRvsX31dQ5PVp5v94P-fm0JSj1rd-wtg7gKGb99EHGvns7s65Bkt6Wzh553L9SrtJ. Click or tap if you trust this link." class="editor-link">Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario</a>. Additional Questions If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Limestone District School Board by e-mail at <a href="mailto:cyberincident2025@limestone.on.ca" title="mailto:cyberincident2025@limestone.on.ca" class="editor-link">cyberincident2025@limestone.on.ca</a>. Sincerely, Krishna Burra Director of Education

2025-05-15 20:48:16.733 +0000 UTC

Boardroom Briefs April 23, 2025

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. The following are highlights of the April 23, 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Agendas can be found on the website under <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/board_meetings-1719463739654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Board Meetings</a>.  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Land Acknowledgement </h2>All meetings begin with a Land Acknowledgement: "The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe 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 cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land.” <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Presentation</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Learning from the Land Through the Four Seasons - Gillianne Mundell</h3>Superintendent Scot Gillam introduced Gillianne Mundell, Indigenous Elementary School-Based Learning Coach, who presented to Trustees an overview of her work with students throughout this year focusing on learning from the land. She shared the "Land as our Teacher" graphic: Learning From and With the Land, Guided by 4Rs of Indigenous Land-Based Education. There has been a focus on each "R" throughout the four seasons:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Relationships in Fall</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Respect in Winter</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Reciprocity in Spring </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Responsibility in Summer </li></ul><img src="/images/f93dd327-db42-4416-a5a2-118c00f31d66" alt="Year at a Glance" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Private Session Report</h2><details open="false"><summary>Private Session Report - March 26, 2025</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">During Private Session:The private session minutes were approved from the Regular Board Meeting of March 26, 2025.<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Superintendent Gillam gave a Safe Schools update.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Superintendent McWilliams gave a Labour update.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Director Burra gave a Property and Legal update.</li></ul>There was no other business conducted, or motions passed in Private Session. MOVED By Trustee Godkin and seconded by Trustee Neill that the Private Session Report be received. Carried</div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports from Officers</h2><details open="false"><summary>Chair's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/dea058a1-e5d6-46f9-a75e-2526a81dc7b3" alt="A photo of Chair Robin Hutcheon " width="243" height="314" style="width:243px;height:314px;float:right">Chair Hutcheon provided the following report:"Good evening, I would like to begin this report by recognizing the exceptional resilience demonstrated by our staff and students during these challenging times following the recent cyber incident. Their unwavering dedication and adaptability have been truly commendable, and I am confident that we will emerge stronger from this experience. Looking ahead, we anticipate an exciting season for our school communities. Our staff and students are preparing for a variety of extracurricular activities designed to enrich our educational environments and foster a sense of community. From sports to arts and academic clubs, there is something for everyone to look forward to. Yesterday, April 22 was Earth Day. Recognizing Earth Day is crucial in fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness among our students, helping them understand the impact of their actions on the environment. It was wonderful to see many students, staff, and school communities celebrating Earth Day across our district. As graduation season approaches, the Board is enthusiastic about celebrating the achievements of our graduating students. Their dedication and hard work have led them to this significant milestone. We are keen to honour the accomplishments of our Specialist High Skills Major students, Limestone Student Achievers, and Staff Awards at the upcoming Board and Committee meetings in May and June. We extend our sincere gratitude to students, families, and staff for their continued support and commitment to our school communities. Together, we will navigate these challenges and celebrate the successes that lie ahead. That concludes my report." </div></details><details open="false"><summary>Director's Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><img src="/images/4873d4b7-cc29-5314-bbad-a4938f269261" alt="" width="238" height="309" style="width:238px;height:309px;float:right">Director Burra provided the following report: "Good evening, Trustees and the viewing public. We apologize for the inconvenience of not being able to broadcast this evening live due to our current cyber incident, but we will make a recording of the meeting available in the coming days. I have a number of updates for this evening’s meeting.We are still eagerly awaiting provincial budgetary information. The hope was that this information would be released shortly after MPPs returned to Queen’s Park. The longer the delay, the greater the challenge for us in meeting our needs in preparing for the 2025-26 school year. This information is vital for our planning purposes in preparing for the next school year. I know Superintendent of Corporate and Staff Services Young and Manager of Financial Services Carson, and their teams will do the best they can to unpack the funding and the local implications in Limestone, and allow us to continue planning once the information is made available. That being said, further delays do impede our staffing processes.I have a few highlights of recent events to share with Trustees this evening. First, On April 16, the LDSB Entrepreneur Showcase was held at Mitchell Hall at Queen’s, featuring innovative student businesses and products, with opportunities for students to pitch their ideas to local community partners and receive valuable feedback.The Ministry of Education's Entrepreneurship Education Pilot Projects aim to promote entrepreneurship education for Grades 7 to 12 students, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and skills to run a business or social enterprise. Developed in partnership with local industry and community organizations, these projects support all students, including those with disabilities and special education needs, in today's changing economy. The objectives include encouraging innovative initiatives, fostering collaboration with industry partners, supporting student business plans, and promoting engagement in entrepreneurship, particularly in STEM and skilled trades. Limestone had 20 students participate in the pilot.The Limestone District School Board and Queen's University hosted Neurovibes - A Night Exploring Neurodiversity on April 3, 2025, at Katarokwi Learning Centre. This free evening event, open to students, staff, and family members, provided guests with opportunities to learn more about neurodiversity, neurodiverse-affirming practices, and supports within our community. There were speakers from the LDSB and Queen's, a neurodivergent speaker panel, community partner displays, and more.Next week at the United Way Workplace Volunteer Awards luncheon, Limestone will be given two awards: first an award honouring the 10-24 Leaders of the Way who contributed over $1,500 to the fundraising campaign, and a Sandstone Achievement Award acknowledging that Limestone contributed between $50,000 and $100,000 to the most recent campaign. The work of the United Way is of critical importance in supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the communities we serve, and I am proud of our collective efforts to support critical services for so many of the families that benefit from the work of the United Way.I would also like to publicly acknowledge the tremendous work of the LDSB Integrated Technology Services staff. Given the impact of a recent cyber incident, the ITS staff have demonstrated service above and beyond normal work requirements. I would like to acknowledge the department’s work throughout this past long weekend, and every other day since the incident. I would also like to publicly acknowledge and thank those members of the senior team and school administrators that also supported work in schools on the weekend. Lots of work is currently underway and, as always, we commit to sharing updates related to the cyber incident as new information becomes available. That being said, there is an impact on the system in having network systems offline for students, families, and staff. Lots of work is occurring behind the scenes to move us toward restoration, and providing work arounds to support schools in their regular day-to-day operations. We greatly appreciate people’s patience and support during this current challenge. And it is during adverse times like this that I have great appreciation for what makes Limestone so great: the cumulative and collective good will of members of the Limestone community to pull together, focus on what matters, and supporting each other along the way.This evening there are four reports on the agenda: Interim Financial Reporting for the second quarter, a virtual school update, a Student Achievement Plan update, and a report updating Trustees on Artificial Intelligence in Limestone.Thank you. That concludes my report, Chair Hutcheon."</div></details><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reports</h2><details open="false"><summary>OPSBA Report</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Trustee McGregor provided an OPSBA report.</div></details><details open="false"><summary>Student Trustees' Report and Introduction to New Student Trustees</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">Student Trustee Kolosov provided the following report:"Good evening Trustees and the viewing public. I am excited to introduce to you the new incoming Rural and Urban Student Trustees for the 2025-2026 school year. Mia Comeau is the incoming Rural Student Trustee. She is a Grade 11 student at Granite Ridge Education Centre. She values contributing positively to her school and district. She enjoys forming new connections and learning. She is driven to ensure academic courses will continue to be offered at rural schools, so that all students can succeed in whichever pathway they choose. Siham Ismail is the incoming Urban Student Trustee. She is a Grade 10 student at Kingston Secondary School. She is a proud member of the school affinity club where she helps in the creation and implementation of events in the school geared towards creating a welcoming environment for racialized students, and students from other minority groups. With help from the connections to her community, Siham looks forward to addressing the needs of students at urban schools. We look forward to working with our incoming Student Trustees to help them find a smooth transition into the role. Our April Inter-Student Council (ISC) meeting took place on April 15, chaired by Student Trustee Kumar, and Student Trustee Kolosov. To begin this meeting, we were privileged to be joined by Dr. Lee Airton, who is an associate professor of gender and sexuality studies in education at Queens University. Over the years, they have founded multiple initiatives like "They Is My Pronoun," and the "No Big Deal" campaign with a focus on enabling individuals and institutions to welcome gender and sexual diversity into everyday life. They are also the author of Gender Your Guide which you may have seen displayed during spring visits to schools. Dr. Airton provided us with a wealth of information on how to support inclusive events during Pride Month within schools and the community, especially with the rise of discrimination and hate based violence against 2SLGBTQ+ communities. We engaged in personal reflection, productive group discussion on our experiences and what strategies we can employ as student leaders to support all of our students year-round. As an ISC, we are looking forward to planning a community celebration event in June for all LDSB students. We firmly believe that hate has no home here and look forward to celebrating the diverse community of students Limestone is home to. Thank you."</div></details><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Action</h3>There were no Reports for Action.<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Reports for Information</h3><details open="false"><summary>Interim Financial Report for Quarter 2 – Superintendent Young and Manager Carson</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The report updated Trustees on the Interim Financial Operating Expenditures for the period from September 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025 (Quarter 2). The Interim Financial Report – Operating Expenditures for the period ending November 30, 2024, was presented to the Board on January 15, 2025. This report provided operating expenditures for the period from September 1, 2024, to November 30, 2024 (Quarter 1). In the Board Meeting Agenda Package is the Interim Financial Report – Operating Expenditures for the period ended February 28, 2025 (Quarter 2), which is presented in a similar format to the 2024-2025 operating budget, indicating the amount spent by expenditure category and the associated percentage. As at Quarter 2, $149.3M of the $312.7M operating budget or 48% has been spent. This is comparable to the 50% results from the same quarter last year. It is important to note that expenditures are based upon items paid within the stated period. Certain expenditures may be non-cyclical in nature, which may lead to higher or lower expenditures within a given period (see Appendix 1 for more information). The Board is on target to end the 2024-2025 fiscal year with a balanced budget as projected. The full report is in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/e9994407-0dbb-46f7-9552-4b993ae77a87/LDSB%20Regular%20Board%20Meeting%20Agenda%20April%2023%202025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Agenda Package</a>.</div></details><details open="false"><summary>Elementary Virtual School Update – Associate Superintendent Sartor</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report was to provide Trustees with an update on Elementary Virtual School in Limestone. The Ministry of Education required school boards to offer virtual learning from March 2020 to June 2023. At the end of the 2022-2023 school year, the Ministry of Education announced that commencing 20232024, virtual school would be an option for Boards of Education to offer rather than a requirement. Boards were encouraged, but not required, to offer virtual school for students. While LDSB recognizes that choice is important for families based on personal circumstances, declining enrolment in virtual school was a potential barrier to school organization and content delivery. In spring 2023, LDSB formalized an Elementary Virtual School partnership with Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB). At the end of the 2023/2024 school year, RCDSB opted to withdraw their participation in the virtual school partnership, but KPRDSB chose to remain. The following table displays enrolment in elementary virtual school from the onset of the pandemic to the current school year: <table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">School Year</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Elementary Virtual School Enrolment</th></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">2020-2021</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">1,600 (enrolment varied throughout the year)</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">2021-2022</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">307</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">2022-2023</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">70</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">2023-2024</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">48</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">2024-2025</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">56</td></tr></tbody></table>Some students from Boards outside of the partnership have also registered because their school board does not offer virtual school. These registration requests are handled on an individual basis with communication between Directors of Education prior to enrolment. In these cases, students become Limestone DSB students. Of the current 56 LDSB students, 27 students currently live in the LDSB catchment area, and 29 students are currently living outside of the catchment area. There are currently 95 students enrolled in Elementary Virtual School.<img src="/images/dbc854d1-c300-49dd-a773-249b5c5474dc" alt="Virtual School Survey Results in a landscape graph format. Main Reasons for Choosing Virtual School for 2025-2026." width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit">The full report is in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/e9994407-0dbb-46f7-9552-4b993ae77a87/LDSB%20Regular%20Board%20Meeting%20Agenda%20April%2023%202025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Agenda Package</a>.</div></details><details open="false"><summary>Student Achievement Plan Update – Superintendent Silver</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report was to update Trustees on the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-achievement-plan" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Student Achievement Plan</a> and share connections to the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/mission__vision___values" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">LDSB Strategic Plan Goals</a>. As part of a July 2023 memorandum, the ministry regulated provincial priorities through a Student Achievement Plan Framework (O. Reg. 224/23). The framework sets out goals and performance indicators for school boards to monitor student achievement, develop action plans, and measure their progress in improving student outcomes. The LDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2028), aligns with Bill 98 Provincial priorities and reporting requirements. In March 2025, the Ministry shared LDSB’s pre-populated Student Achievement Plan Public Reporting Template. School boards are required to publicly report on progress toward the provincial priorities with the completed Student Achievement Plan Public Reporting Template shared on board websites by April 30, 2025. It should be noted that these timelines were adjusted by one month due to the provincial election and delayed release of provincial information. LDSB Senior Staff continue to support the implementation of the Strategic Plan and the Student Achievement Plan through focused work with school and system leaders. Our work continues to prioritize improved student achievement in core academic areas, with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy, preparation of students for future success, and student engagement and well-being. To support this, we are collaborating closely with the Program Team to build educator capacity through professional learning, instructional coaching, and the use of assessment data to inform instruction. The full report is in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/e9994407-0dbb-46f7-9552-4b993ae77a87/LDSB%20Regular%20Board%20Meeting%20Agenda%20April%2023%202025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Agenda Package</a>.</div></details><details open="true"><summary>Artificial Intelligence in Limestone – Director Burra</summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true">The purpose of this report was to provide Trustees with an updated regarding work related to artificial intelligence (AI) that has started in Limestone, and potential paths forward. Artificial intelligence has the potential to impact all five goals in the LDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Here is a roadmap of the work Limestone has implemented and worked towards throughout the winter and spring of 2025.<img src="/images/021a0cf1-e717-4da9-909c-3c6f48a71873" alt="LDSB AI Roadmap for Winter/Spring 2025" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit">A range of support documents and resources have been developed to support staff and students engaging with AI tools to support teaching and learning. Foundational to this work are a LDSB’s Generative AI Guiding Principles: Ethical Use, Accessibility and Equity, Teaching and Learning, Enhancement and Improvement, and Protection and Privacy. Given the fast evolution and change we are seeing in the world of AI, most school districts are maintaining flexibility to adapt to very fluid circumstances. Consequently, at this point we are utilizing Guiding Principles rather than developing a more formal administrative procedure. It is important to view the first and fifth Guiding Principles as bookends that anchor the critical work in the educational sector that are encompassed by the second, third, and fourth principles. By implementing a range of strategies, educators can reduce the likelihood of students using AI in an academically dishonest manner.<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Clearly define assignment expectations (including learning goals and success criteria).</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Explicitly state the degree, if any, that AI can be used on a task and the required referencing standards.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Educate students about the limitations of AI.</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Promote the value and need for independent thought and perspective.</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Educate students about academic dishonesty and referencing standards.</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Create tasks that limit the efficacy of potential AI use. For example, requiring personal connections with curriculum, using multiple sources of data (product, conversation, and observation), and emphasizing the importance of process.</li></ul>A pilot project with 25-30 teachers (elementary and secondary) started in March 2025 for participants to try using one of five different “approved” AI tools: Quizizz, Magic SchoolAI, School AI, Microsoft Copilot, and Brisk Teaching. Each of these tools support teaching and learning. Later this spring, teachers participating in the pilot will bring back their learning from using these tools and support potential future work utilizing one or more of these tools in classrooms. Administrators, senior staff, and managers are piloting the use of Co-Pilot through Office 365 in an effort to streamline work and improve efficiency. The full report is in the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/e9994407-0dbb-46f7-9552-4b993ae77a87/LDSB%20Regular%20Board%20Meeting%20Agenda%20April%2023%202025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Agenda Package</a>. For more information about AI in Limestone, please visit: <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/artificialintelligenceinlimestone" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Artificial Intelligence in Limestone</a>.</div></details>

2025-04-25 19:51:42 +0000 UTC

Photo of Dr. Shimi Kang Standing in an Auditorium

Kids and Screens: Healthy Habits - An Evening with Dr. Shimi Kang

Parents and guardians are invited to Kids and Screens: Healthy Habits - An Evening with Dr. Shimi Kang, author of <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.drshimikang.com/books/the-tech-solution&data=05%7c02%7cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7c0d68b9871c0d477fa55a08dd4b8539e0%7ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7c0%7c0%7c638749757767786109%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=PuS9%2Brjw24wVTkycP%2BbMNzdy3vdkY7rleZj1HvDq0h0%3D&reserved=0" class="editor-link">The Tech Solution: Creating Healthy Habits for Kids Growing Up in a Digital World</a>Join us for a free, one-hour keynote by <a href="https://www.drshimikang.com/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Dr. Shimi Kang</a>, where she shares how parents and guardians can navigate healthy technology use with their children of all ages. Refreshments will be served. Book sale and signing to follow! March 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.Queen’s University, Humphrey Hall 62 Arch Street, Kingston (North of the Craine Building and across the street from the Biosciences Complex).Free registration: <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http://bit.ly/DrShimiKang&data=05%7c02%7cgrangea%40limestone.on.ca%7c0d68b9871c0d477fa55a08dd4b8539e0%7ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7c0%7c0%7c638749757767806250%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=RualEF5mDXPhecho4Eabjiib/4tgtJdXyMy0N3OvTVY%3D&reserved=0" class="editor-link">bit.ly/DrShimiKang</a>   Brought to you by:Limestone District School Board (LDSB)LDSB Parent Involvement CommitteeKFL&A Public Health

2025-02-12 20:15:36.917 +0000 UTC

You're Invited - Meet the LDSB Human Rights and Equity Team - Online Sessions

All families across Limestone District School Board are invited to attend one of two upcoming online information sessions to meet the LDSB Human Rights and Equity Team on November 27 or December 9 5:30 to 6:30 p.m..At each session, families will learn about the Human Rights and Equity Team roles, how to navigate the Student Human Rights Incidents and Complaints system in our schools, and where to find helpful resources on the LDSB website.Families are invited to join the online sessions here:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_YTQ4YTUwMjYtNTk1NC00NzE2LTgxN2QtY2UxZjBkODM0MGMw%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%2522e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%2522f7882077-9b8d-41e9-b7b7-430b5b78c3f8%2522%257d&data=05%7C02%7Ccrothersm%40limestone.on.ca%7Cb4d4376c4f5f4835500508dd099705cf%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638677266428039144%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cKfRMxHLZaU9fVix1%2Bo2AC26XphvJmdKNPbds1gDzJs%3D&reserved=0" class="editor-link">November 27, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.</a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_YTQ4YTUwMjYtNTk1NC00NzE2LTgxN2QtY2UxZjBkODM0MGMw%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%2522e1f4165f-ebae-4d82-a73c-a0de593830be%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%2522f7882077-9b8d-41e9-b7b7-430b5b78c3f8%2522%257d&data=05%7C02%7Ccrothersm%40limestone.on.ca%7Cb4d4376c4f5f4835500508dd099705cf%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638677266428062129%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=m87byBDK2Ri2EpdlhaXqBd2B8dhjEBGAQrTP2Rze1vc%3D&reserved=0" class="editor-link">December 9, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.</a></li></ul>If you or your family members require accommodations to attend the meeting, please e-mail <a href="mailto:abdulkareemy@limestone.on.ca" class="editor-link">abdulkareemy@limestone.on.ca</a>.The sessions are not intended to address specific school-based concerns. If you do have a specific concern, please reach out directly to your student’s school.

2024-11-20 21:03:12.931 +0000 UTC

Blue background with white text that says, "Message from the Director"

Message from the Director - October 24, 2024

Dear Families, I hope all Limestone District School Board (LDSB) families continue to have a good start to the 2024-2025 school year. It is hard to believe we are almost eight weeks into the school year. As we move towards the end of October, I have some updates I would like to share with you:  Communication Regarding Bus Delays and Cancellations from Tri-Board Student Transportation During the potential inclement weather months (roughly early November to early April), our transportation partner, Tri-Board Student Transportation Services, works closely with their school bus companies to determine if it is safe to offer school transportation on inclement weather days. School buses function differently than other vehicles, and sometimes, although it is safe for the average family vehicle to travel, it is not safe for a school bus to be on all, or some of, the roads on a route. Having to cancel school transportation is understandably disruptive to families, but Tri-Board always puts the safety of their 30,000-plus bus riders first and foremost in their decision-making.  To help make the winter season and bus cancellation days easier for students and families to manage, families should sign up for bus status alerts by creating an account in <a href="https://triboard.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Email-Subscription-Instructions.pdf" class="editor-link">Tri-Board’s Student Portal</a>. Families can add their student(s) to their account, so they are signed up to receive alerts for their specific bus and zone cancellations. Families can also follow Tri-Board on social media: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://x.com/triboardbus" class="editor-link">X/Twitter @TriBoardBus</a> </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/triboardbus/" class="editor-link">Facebook Tri-Board Student Transportation Services</a> </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/triboardbus/" class="editor-link">Instagram @TriBoardBus</a> </li></ul>When all transportation is cancelled across the district, the notification is sent as a general notice from Tri-Board to everyone with an account. Tri-Board does their best to post this alert by 6:00 a.m. The cancellation of school buses does not mean schools are closed. Should the rare need to close a school arise, the information will be communicated by the LDSB and the individual schools.  Learn more about inclement weather days, timing and duration of cancellations, and more on <a href="https://triboard.ca/alerts/snowdays/" class="editor-link">Tri-Board’s website</a>.   2023-2024 EQAO Results and Strategic Plan Update  The 2023-2024 assessment results for the LDSB were released earlier this month by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). 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 Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. LDSB results align with provincial outcomes in some areas, while showing notable improvements in others and among specific student groups. Learn more about <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/2023-2024-eqao-results-show-notable-improvements-20241007203759" class="editor-link">Limestone’s EQAO results on our website</a>.  At last night’s Board Meeting, Trustees were provided with a Strategic Plan Year-End Report for the 2023-2024 school year, reflecting the first year of the new LDSB Strategic Plan (2023-2028), and the progress reported for each goal. The 2023-2024 EQAO results provide a foundation for the plan and the provincial Student Achievement Plan. Families are encouraged to review the <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/e829b223-42a3-408a-9769-20a4ccb806ca/LDSB%20Regular%20Board%20Meeting%20Agenda%20October%2023%202024.pdf" class="editor-link">Administrative Report provided by senior staff at the Board Meeting available on pages 22 to 31 in the Board Agenda Package</a>.  Limestone families are invited to provide feedback on the LDSB Student Achievement Plan for 2024-2025 through an online ThoughtExchange survey. You may have more than one response, so you are welcome to submit as many thoughts as you would like, but please only submit one idea at a time. Other people will see your idea(s) and will have the opportunity to indicate how much they agree with your submission(s). You will also have the opportunity to rate submissions from others. This survey is open now until November 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Your input is greatly valued, and we thank you in advance for your participation.  To participate, please visit: <a href="https://bit.ly/LDSBSurveySAP2024-2025" class="editor-link">https://bit.ly/LDSBSurveySAP2024-2025</a>.   KFL&A Public Health Update KFL&A Public Health has provided Limestone with a <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/keeping-children-healthy-throughout-the-school-year-kfl-a-public-health-20241023134302" class="editor-link">letter from Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health</a>, as well as helpful resources to share with you on how to stay healthy during respiratory illness season. To view information from KFL&A Public Health, please use the following links: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/keeping-children-healthy-throughout-the-school-year-kfl-a-public-health-20241023134302" class="editor-link">Letter from Dr. Piotr Oglaza</a> </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/bf1909e4-bfa3-4414-8757-b29c0adfe17d/OCFP_ActionsParentsCanTake.pdf" class="editor-link">OCFP Actions Parents Can Take</a> </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/d5033f74-910d-4a3b-b8ad-4c34f7c1acf4/2023-09-21_Respiratory%20Illness%20Factsheet_8.5x14_EN.pdf" class="editor-link">Respiratory Illness Fact Sheet</a> </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/336f8f79-ff6a-4252-a1ce-76bbbbb5b139/2023-03-03_Immuniz-Through-Lifespan.pdf" class="editor-link">Immunization Through the Lifespan</a>  </li></ul>I wish you a wonderful end of October, and I thank you for your continued support and partnership as part of the Limestone community. All the very best, Krishna Burra Director of Education

2024-10-24 20:15:13 +0000 UTC

Two students playing outside in the winter

Keeping Children Healthy Throughout the School Year - KFL&A Public Health

KFL&A Public Health's Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Piotr Oglaza, has shared the following letter with families: Dear parents and caregivers,As a parent or caregiver, your child’s health and safety are a top priority. I want to take this opportunity to share some important information with you to help keep all children healthy throughout the school year.Routine childhood vaccinationIn Ontario, all children going to school need to be vaccinated against certain diseases. The vaccines are publicly funded and offered at no cost to eligible individuals. Recently, there has been an increase in cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, both in KFL&A and across the province. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pertussis and protect your child from many diseases.What can you do?Check your child's vaccine record: compare the records you have with the <a href="/documents/336f8f79-ff6a-4252-a1ce-76bbbbb5b139/2023-03-03_Immuniz-Through-Lifespan.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Immunization Through the Lifespan handout</a>. This handout also explains how to report your child's vaccines.Report your child’s vaccines to KFL&A Public Health: it is possible that your child is up-to-date on their vaccines, but KFL&A Public Health is not aware. Your healthcare provider is not required to report your child's vaccinations to public health. For more information on reporting vaccines, visit <a href="https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/immunization-records-and-reporting.aspx" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">kflaph.ca/ImmunizationReporting</a>If your child needs a vaccine: If your child does not have access to a regular healthcare provider, you can book a vaccine appointment at KFL&A Public Health. For more information about our clinics visit,<a href="https://www.kflaph.ca/en/clinics-and-classes/immunization-clinics.aspx" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"> kflaph.ca/ImmunizationClinics.</a>Fall vaccines (flu, COVID-19 and RSV) and respiratory illness seasonWe expect this fall and winter to be challenging with many respiratory viruses circulating at the same time – like influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. It is important to think ahead and be prepared for respiratory illness season. This is why I am sharing two important handouts to help you in the months ahead:<ol class="editor-list-ol"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"> The<a href="/documents/bf1909e4-bfa3-4414-8757-b29c0adfe17d/OCFP_ActionsParentsCanTake.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"> Family Doctor Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms handout</a>, by the Ontario College of Family Physicians, provides practical advice to help you if your child gets sick. It offers guidance on managing symptoms at home and knowing when and where to seek medical help.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">The <a href="/documents/d5033f74-910d-4a3b-b8ad-4c34f7c1acf4/2023-09-21_Respiratory%20Illness%20Factsheet_8.5x14_EN.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">About Respiratory Illness handout</a> will help you understand how to protect your family from viruses, reduce their spread, manage symptoms, and find information on treatment.</li></ol>Staying up to date with fall vaccinations remains the most effective defense against many respiratory infections. Ensure everyone in your family gets the annual flu shot, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines for which they are eligible. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for high-risk groups, including those over 65, pregnant individuals, and for children 6 months to 4 years of age, as well as for First Nations, Inuit, Métis, racialized communities, and those at high-risk of complications from respiratory illness. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be more widely available to the general population on Oct. 28. It is safe and convenient to receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations at the same time, reducing the need for multiple visits to a doctor, nurse practitioner or local pharmacy.This year, more people are eligible for the RSV vaccine, including older adults, infants, and pregnant individuals. To find out if you're eligible, speak with your health-care provider or contact our Immunization Team at 613-549-1232, ext. 1451.KFL&A Public Health is focusing efforts on administering flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines to children under the age of 5 who do not have access to primary care. All other eligible recipients can access these vaccines through local participating pharmacies, your primary care provider, specialist clinics or other community services depending on the specific vaccine.Thank you for taking the time to read this important information and taking the next steps to help protect you and your family this respiratory illness season. Staying up to date on routine vaccinations, getting your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines for which you are eligible this fall, and following important public health measures, like hand washing and staying home when sick, will help protect you, your family, and others in our community.Dr. Piotr OglazaMedical Officer of Health, KFL&A Public Health <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Resources from KFL&A Public Health:</h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="/documents/0983d037-6f06-44b6-9f61-3f215ae4dfde/2024_LetterfromMOHtoSchools_EN.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Letter from KFL&A Public Health, MOH to Families (PDF)</a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="/documents/bf1909e4-bfa3-4414-8757-b29c0adfe17d/OCFP_ActionsParentsCanTake.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">OCFP Actions Parents Can Take (PDF)</a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="/documents/d5033f74-910d-4a3b-b8ad-4c34f7c1acf4/2023-09-21_Respiratory%20Illness%20Factsheet_8.5x14_EN.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Respiratory Illness Factsheet (PDF)</a></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="/documents/336f8f79-ff6a-4252-a1ce-76bbbbb5b139/2023-03-03_Immuniz-Through-Lifespan.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Immunization Through the Lifespan (PDF)</a></li></ul>

2024-10-23 15:12:26.133 +0000 UTC

New Requirements Regarding Cell Phones and Vaping

To promote healthy and welcoming school environments, the LDSB, along with all Ontario school boards, is currently revising its Code of Conduct to reflect new guidelines from the Ministry of Education about cell phone/mobile device use and vaping in schools as per <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/school-rules-provincial-code-conduct" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">PPM128: The Provincial Code of Conduct.</a> The regulations, as outlined in LDSB's Code of Conduct, Administrative Procedure 350 and Administrative Procedure 146, are crucial for fostering a safe and healthy learning environment and for mitigating the risks associated with substance abuse among students, and restricting the use of cell phones at school. Additionally, school boards are required to limit access to some social media platforms (e.g. Snapchat, Tiktok, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.) on school networks and devices, allowing use only for educational purposes as directed by educators.PPM 128 addresses the critical need for school boards to enforce restrictions on the personal use of mobile devices within schools. This includes ensuring that policies are in place to regulate when and how mobile devices may be used by students, to minimize distractions, protect privacy, and promote an environment conducive to learning. As directed by the <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/document/education-ontario-policy-and-program-direction/policyprogram-memorandum-128" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Ministry of Education in Policy/Program Memorandum 128</a> the updated Provincial Code of Conduct includes the requirement for all students to follow strict anti-vaping and cell phone/personal mobile device use guidelines, starting in September 2024. In response to the PPM 128, the following <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/policies-procedures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">LDSB procedures</a> will be reviewed and updated as required during Fall 2024: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">Procedure 146: Digital Citizenship </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">Procedure 164: Smoke-Free/Vape-Free Environments </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">Procedure 350: Codes of Conduct                                                                                                                                   </li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">Procedure 351: The Use of Electronic Communication, Social Media, and Mobile Devices by Students  </li></ul>LDSB staff is working with Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Public Health to create vaping education and prevention resources. More information will be available for parents/caregivers and students in the 2024-2025 school year.  <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Mobile devices in schools - what does this mean for students?   </h2>Students must not use cell phones and other personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following conditions: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">For educational purposes, as directed by an educator </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">For health and medical reasons </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">To support special education needs </li></ul>When can students use a mobile device: If a student is in Grade 6 and below, they can bring a mobile device to school but will only be able to use it before and after school. If a student is in Grades 7-12, they must keep their personal mobile devices stored out of sight and either powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, except when an educator grants explicit permission for use under the specified circumstances.   What parents/caregivers can do:  You can teach your student about finding a healthy balance in using technology by limiting screen time at home. You can also: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Read <a href="https://mediasmarts.ca/four-tips-managing-your-kids%E2%80%99-screen-time" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Media Smarts’ tips for managing your kids’ screen time</a> </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Explore <a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/problem-gambling--technology-use-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH’s) </a>services and resources if you have concerns about your child’s use of technology </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Explore<a href="https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Info-sheet-helping-your-child-manage-digital-technology.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link"> School Mental Health Ontario </a>resources to help you manage your child’s screen time </li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Vaping and smoking - what does this mean for students?   </h2>The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking (tobacco and cannabis) and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) at schools, on school grounds and all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds. Anyone smoking or vaping on school property is guilty of an offence and if convicted may result in a fine under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. LDSB Administrative Procedures 164, 146, and 350 outline the procedures for maintaining a smoke-free and vape-free environment. What parents/caregivers can do: If your student vapes, help is available to quit. The <a href="https://www.quashapp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Quash App</a> is a great place to start. If your student does not vape, now is the time to <a href="https://www.quashapp.com/conversations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">have conversations</a> about why they should not start. <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"> <a href="https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Substances-at-a-Glance-Vaping.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Drug Free Kids Canada has a fact sheet</a> with ideas about how to talk to your child about vaping, as well as general information about vaping. </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Resources are available through <a href="https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/vaping.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health</a> </li></ul>

2024-09-04 18:00:10 +0000 UTC

LDSB Grads Awarded Thousands in Scholarships

<img src="/images/03a0fee8-5ffa-5f3f-bb26-835be4d07f5b" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit">Several Limestone District School Board (LDSB) graduates have been awarded significant scholarships to put toward their post-secondary education this fall. Seth Morency has been selected to receive a $120,000 <a href="http://www.schulichleaders.com/" class="editor-link">Schulich Leader Scholarship</a> to study engineering at Dalhousie University. A graduate of La Salle Intermediate and Secondary School, Seth was awarded the scholarship based on his high academic achievement and positive leadership in the school and community.  “I didn’t think [the scholarship] was real at first,” Morency said. “I was in shock when I found it was, and I was super excited. My goal is to be an environmental engineer. My interest is in trying to find ways to clean up the ocean. This scholarship gives me confidence in being able to achieve my goals."Jonathan Li has been selected to receive a $100,000 <a href="http://www.schulichleaders.com/" class="editor-link">Schulich Leader Scholarship</a> to study science at the University of Toronto.  A graduate of Kingston Secondary School (KSS), Li was nominated for his academic excellence, leadership in STEM and exceptional entrepreneurial skills.  Vin Bassi, also from KSS, has been named a Queen’s University Commitment Scholar and will receive $48,000 over four years.According to the <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/registrar/financial-aid/application-required/future-students/individual-awards" class="editor-link">Queen’s website</a>, “the Commitment Scholars Award celebrates and recognizes demonstrated leadership in, and commitment to, racial justice, social justice, or diversity initiatives by a student in their high school or in their community.  The award provides dedicated financial, academic, and career support to help students complete their degree.” KSS graduate Izzy Smallman has been awarded an $8,000 <a href="https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/scholarships_awards/admission/western_admission_scholarship_program.html" class="editor-link">Western Scholarship of Excellence</a> to put towards the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Western University. This scholarship is awarded to students with the top high school admission average.  Congratulations to all LDSB graduates and scholarship winners!

2024-06-20 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Lara Paterson Receives Ophea Award

<img src="/images/fd3b7936-e74e-55cf-9642-4f5af02e6181" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit">Limestone District School Board is thrilled to announce that Lara Paterson, a dedicated member of the Limestone team, has been awarded the prestigious Ophea Award of Distinction.The Ophea Award of Distinction recognizes an individual who is a leader in the meaningful advancement of inclusive healthy, active living opportunities for children and youth in Ontario school communities. Lara has consistently demonstrated passion, creativity, and commitment in promoting health and wellness among our students, colleagues, and community.Nominees for this award must meet the eligibility requirements, including:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The contributions of the recipient’s impacts are regional and/or provincial in scope</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">The recipient has demonstrated excellence in the areas of advocacy, partnership development, and/or the provision of quality, innovative, inclusive programming</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">The recipient has made a long-term contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of Ontario’s children and youth</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">The recipient of this award is well known to Ophea for their contributions and years of service and support in service student well-being</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">The recipient’s work/volunteer contributions impact schools and/or communities (e.g. educators, public health workers, recreation providers, etc.)</li></ul>The Ophea Award of Distinction is presented in honour of Bing Caswell, a dedicated professional whose thought leadership and commitment led to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field of health and physical education.On behalf of the Limestone District School Board, congratulations Lara! We are proud to have you as part of our team.

2024-06-10 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Skills Ontario Awards 2024

<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="/images/4404f904-f625-5628-b479-f037226c1116" alt=""></figure>Limestone’s Board of Trustees had the honour of having the Skills Ontario Competition Awards at the Education, Policy, and Operations Committee meeting on June 5, 2024. The Expanded Opportunities Team lead by Melissa Baker-Cox, Geoff Petznick, Paul Allinson, and Courtney Soucy, presented banners to the students involved in the Skills Ontario Competition, as well as Skills Canada.On behalf of the Board of Trustees and entire Limestone District School Board, congratulations to all the students on their participation and amazing success!  Grade 7/8 ConstructionIndividual teams were asked to construct a scale model of a modest and affordable house for a well deserving family based on the design they arrived with. Team construction projects will be judged on several criteria including creativity, quality, teamwork, and demonstration of basic practical and theoretical knowledge of Residential House Design and Construction.3rd Place at Skills Ontario: A.J. Farley, Aiden Lollar, Baurer Desveaux, and Keegan GardinerAuto Paint – SecondaryCompetitors had the opportunity to demonstrate, through practical and theoretical application, their skills and task knowledge in the industry relevant to:<ul><li>Basic skills relevant to surface preparation, colour matching, painting, and polishing.</li><li>Knowledge of an application of applicable health and safety regulations.</li><li>Adjusting and checking of safety/operating equipment.</li><li>Problem solving in relation to painting.</li></ul>1st Place at Skills Ontario: Alisha Haaksman3rd Place at Skills Ontario: Joe YeomansOutdoor Power Equipment – SecondaryTested the skills and knowledge of each student in the air and liquid cooled engine field and to prepare each student for employment in the Marine, Powersports, and Small Engine industries. Criteria included: two-stroke engine mechanical operation, all-terrain vehicle braking systems, fuel system and carburetor repair, electrical wiring and troubleshooting, four-cycle engine shooting, and theory.                1st Place at Skills Ontario: Jeremy GardinerAuto Collison – Post SecondaryCompetitions were judged on their general knowledge of auto body repair process with particular attention paid to:<ul><li>Knowledge of safe working practices through the body repair process.</li><li>Proper application of I-Car procedures for the structural sectioning project.</li><li>Performance of an aluminum welding task.</li><li>Accurate use of Tram-bar and Unibody measurement charges for measuring a Unibody.</li></ul>1st Place at Skills Ontario and 2nd Place at Skills Canada: Liam AlfordArborist – Post SecondaryCompetitors were judged on:<ul><li>Tailboard Safety </li><li> <ul><li>Assessment of the hazards for the tasks being performed below. </li></ul></li><li>Knot Tying </li><li> <ul><li>Performing and completing knots as described in the Arborist Industry Safe Work Practices book by WSPS – Spar Pole Rescue </li><li>While maintaining 100% tie off work positioning, ascend the tree (powerline pole for use of competition), assess patient, secure patient, and lower ground. </li></ul></li><li>Limbing Challenge </li><li> <ul><li>Assemble a chain saw (will be disassembled), properly start reassembled chainsaw. </li><li>Using the same chainsaw, remove identified limbs (obstacle) of a downed tree (powerline pole with large dowels) using proper cutting and safe chainsaw techniques. </li></ul></li><li>Throw Ball Challenge </li><li> <ul><li>With in the allotted time, utilize provided throw ball lines, to make as many attempts as possible to hit targets to score points. This is an accuracy challenge. </li></ul></li><li>Mechanical Advantage Challenge </li><li> <ul><li>All competitors were provided with the same set equipment (pulleys, trusses, etc.), where they will develop the most efficient mechanical advantage system within the time allotted.</li></ul></li></ul>2nd Place at Skills Ontario: Owen ChapmanCongratulations to all the Limestone District School Board Skills Ontario Competitors:<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Contest</td><td>Name</td><td>Rank</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Collision Repair</td><td>Shayla G</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Collision Repair</td><td>Tate D</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Paint</td><td>Alisha H</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Paint</td><td>Joe Y</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Service Technology</td><td>Blake D</td><td>34</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Service Technology</td><td>Nathan P</td><td>44</td></tr><tr><td>Baking</td><td>Joanna N</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Brick Masonry</td><td>Zach R</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Cabinetmaking</td><td>Isabelle M</td><td>17</td></tr><tr><td>Carpentry –Individual</td><td>Austin M</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Carpentry – Team of two</td><td>Hunter M, Jude N</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Coding</td><td>Kai M</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Computer Aided Manufacturing</td><td>Dominic A</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Computer Aided Manufacturing</td><td>Hailey O</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Construction 7-8</td><td>Bauer D, AJ F, Keegan G, Aiden L</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Culinary Arts</td><td>Iain S</td><td>22</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical Installations</td><td>Nolan S</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Floristry</td><td>Sunnai P</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Graphic Design – Presentation</td><td>Grace L</td><td>11</td></tr><tr><td>Graphic Design – Studio Production</td><td>Dominique S</td><td>27</td></tr><tr><td>Green Energy 7-8</td><td>Eirnan M, James S, Chelsea H, Kemsley B</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Hairstyling</td><td>Sierra W</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>Hairstyling</td><td>Delvin D-C</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Heavy Equipment Service</td><td>Fletcher M</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>Horticulture & Landscaping</td><td>Patrick C, Kaleb W</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>LEGO Mechanical Engineering 7-8</td><td>Sohoh M, Lonin W, Easton S, Hudson H</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Outdoor Power Equipment</td><td>Jeremy G</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Photography</td><td>Brooke M</td><td>49</td></tr><tr><td>Photography</td><td>Dante M</td><td>55</td></tr><tr><td>Plumbing</td><td>Vann T</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Precision Machining</td><td>Reid A</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>Prepared Speech</td><td>Aurora</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>VEX Robotics – Team of four</td><td>Bradley B, Deven G, Maneesha D. Allen G</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Welding</td><td>Riley H</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>Welding</td><td>Luke P</td><td>21</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> Limestone would like to thank all the Skills Competition Coaches and Chairs, the entire Expanded Opportunities team members, St. Lawrence College, Skills Ontario, and Skills Canada.

2024-06-06 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

National Indigenous History Month 2024

<img src="/images/de06adf7-cd27-549d-b705-91421f9a569f" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit" style="float:right">June is National Indigenous History Month. This month is an opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. It’s a time to honour and give voice to the stories, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous peoples across Canada, who have lived and cared for this land since time immemorial and who continue to make significant impacts, today.During this month, we also celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st. This day is an opportunity to honour the histories and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This day is important as it gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the Indigenous peoples whose histories and cultures are rooted in this land, and whose historical impact and presence have long been ignored by Canadian society. We are now in a place where we are beginning to recognize the importance of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to what we now know as Canada. In the Limestone District School Board, it is critical that we continue to teach the truth and to make a commitment to life-long reconcili-ACTION and living in right relations with the Indigenous community whose traditional territory we are fortunate to teach and learn on.Working in partnership with the Kingston Friendship Centre and several community organizations, the Limestone District School Board’s, Indigenous Education Team is proud to offer several opportunities for staff, students, caregivers, and the community to engage in throughout this month.June 6th – Self-identified Indigenous students and students enrolled in NAC10 are invited to participate in a fish scale art workshop with Cree-Métis artist, Jamie Morse. This opportunity is being funded generously by the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest through the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centre's.June 11th – Storytelling session by Bomgiizhik (Isaac Murdoch): “Stories of the Summer Solstice”. All classes are invited to participate in a virtual session through Zoom on June 11th to learn about the Summer Solstice.June 19th – Caregivers, students, and the community are invited to attend a Public Virtual Hodinohsho:ni Governance Workshop hosted by the Woodland Cultural Centre. This workshop will be on June 19th at 6:00 PM. The donation for this workshop helps to support the education department in creating and delivering virtual programming at the Woodland Cultural Centre. Topics covered include Hodinohsho:ni system of governance, use of Wampum, the Royal Proclamation, the Haldimand Proclamation, the Indian Act, and how these conflicted with the traditional Hodinohsho:ni Governance structure.<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84279518633?pwd=ckUxb3VLT0J0NnBTMCtONlZnc2xudz09" class="editor-link">Join the Public Virtual Hodinohsho:ni Governance Workshop on ZOOM</a>.June 21st – National Indigenous Peoples Day at City Park in Kingston. On June 21st, staff and students are invited to attend the National Indigenous Peoples Day event in City Park from 11:00 – 4:00 PM. On this day there will be market vendors, a community services fair, food vendors, activities for children and youth, and an evening event starting at 7:00 PM in Springer Market Square featuring a concert by 2nd Line Bluegrass. The LDSB Indigenous Education Team will be working in collaboration with the Kingston Frontenac Public Library to create buttons, play large outdoor games such as cornhole and Jenga, and other fun activities! We are thankful for the continued collaboration with the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest to help make this event possible for staff, students, and the community.

2024-06-03 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Join LDSB's Technical Advisory Group

<img src="/images/e61a0df0-e3a8-5259-9b1d-90b8936eb8fb" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit" style="float:right">The Limestone District School Board is seeking new members for the Technical Advisory Group for the next phase of Student Census data collection. The purpose of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is to give advice, opinions, and make recommendations in the design of methods for data collection, analysis, and the representation of results. Most importantly, TAG ensures that multiple and diverse perspectives are applied to the analysis of Student Census data to minimize the risk of bias.Recruitment:The committee will be formed by seeking expressions of continued interest from current members and new expressions of interest from individuals who possess the required lived experience and research skill set. Limestone staff will be notified by email of the opportunity to join TAG. The opportunity will also be posted to the LDSB website and advertised on LDSB’s social media channels New interested parties can express their interest using the <a href="https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2aXfk1Af78UcseO" class="editor-link">TAG Expression of Interest Form</a>. Printable copies of the form are also available <a href="https://limestoneschools-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/clostlamberte_limestone_on_ca/EUjk3z0ydglFjxSb2QBRtREBeMUgAtZZe3fZhGEnW2vjUA?e=DlGsax" class="editor-link">here</a>. All submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. on June 3, 2024.It is important to read the <a href="/documents/3b3da70a-68e5-55e0-b8ec-80d58d9bbb44" target="_blank" class="editor-link"> TAG Terms of Reference </a> before you apply.Selection:Expressions of interest will be reviewed by the core Census Team (Limestone Research Team, Equity Consultant, Superintendent); the Vice Principal of Indigenous Education; and the Human Rights andEquity Officer. The goal is to create a committee that is as equitable and intersectional as possible from the applications received. Interested parties are invited to share the ways in which they are willing and able to share their lived experiences alongside their research and/or data experience.TAG Membership Drive: Proposed TimelinePlease note, the timeline subject to changeSpring 2024Recruitment of new TAG Members May 6 to June 3, 2024Early June: Review applicationsMid- to Late-June: Confirm members

2024-05-06 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Limestone International Education