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April 2 Newsletter

<h3 class="editor-heading-h3">A Message to Our Joyceville Families</h3> It’s a great day at Joyceville as we come together for our Spring Dance! Opportunities like this are always a highlight for our students—time to connect, have fun, and simply enjoy being together as a school community. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible and for the joy it brings to our students.As we move further into the spring season, we are all hoping for a stretch of warmer weather so our students can fully enjoy our outdoor spaces. Our yard and climber continue to be a big part of daily play, and we know how much students benefit from being outside, active, and engaged with one another.We hope you all have a wonderful long weekend ahead—time to relax, recharge, and enjoy with family.Mr. Morency<h4 class="editor-heading-h4">Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund – Library Revitalization</h4>We are incredibly grateful to share that Joyceville Public School has received $62,922 in funding through the Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund. This generous support will allow us to reimagine and revitalize our library into a dynamic, flexible learning space that better meets the needs of all of our students.This project will include new furniture, moveable bookshelves, updated technology, a large interactive screen, fresh paint, and a variety of workspaces designed to support different types of learning and collaboration. The space will also serve as a welcoming venue for School Advisory Council meetings and other school events.We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Pittsburgh Community Benefit Fund for their ongoing commitment to supporting local schools, and to our School Advisory Council for their work in helping make this opportunity possible.<img src="/images/393cf89a-d08d-47ae-bfb9-2f5e236212b6" alt="The Connected Family Forum (1)" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">We are excited to invite you to a special evening event being hosted in collaboration with the School Advisory Councils from Glenburnie PS, Joyceville PS, and École Maple Elementary.The Connected Family Forum is designed to support parents and guardians in navigating some of the most important topics facing families today, including technology use, mental health, and overall well-being.Event Details: Thursday, April 16 5:00 – 7:15 PM École Maple Elementary (529 St. Martha St., Kingston)The evening will begin with a chance to connect with other families and enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza, followed by a short keynote from the Maltby Centre. Families will then have the opportunity to attend two workshops of their choice.Please note that we have 5 copies of the Anxious Generation that families can borrow from us. Please contact the office if you'd like to borrow one!Workshop topics include:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Supporting children’s mental health</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Online safety and digital citizenship</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Managing anxiety in children and youth</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Setting boundaries around technology and gaming</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Nutrition and healthy habits</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">Yoga, mindfulness, and stress management</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">And more</li></ul>This event is funded through a PRO Grant, allowing us to bring in a range of valuable community partners and resources at no cost to families.We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with other families and professionals in a supportive environment.Please use the QR code on the attached flyer to register.We hope to see many of you there! Bringing Food Into the SchoolJoyceville Public School’s approach to food brought into the school is guided by Limestone District School Board Administrative Procedures and reflects our commitment to student well-being, equity, and high-quality learning environments.During the school day, our priority is learning. To support this, Joyceville is continuing to move toward celebrations and special events that do not involve food being brought into the classroom. This approach helps maintain consistent routines, protects instructional time, and ensures that all students can participate fully and comfortably in shared experiences.Celebrations that focus on connection rather than food—such as games, performances, creative activities, spirit days, or community-building experiences—support a strong sense of belonging and reflect our values of inclusion, dignity, and equity. These experiences allow every child to feel part of the moment in a meaningful way.Reminder that our school is a Nut Aware School. Due to some very serious allergies, we ask that we be considered a NUT-FREE ZONE. No foods with peanuts or tree nuts should be consumed on school premises.<h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">Kindergarten Registration for September 2026</h4>If you have a child who will be starting Kindergarten next year, we strongly encourage families to register as early as possible. Early registration helps us plan staffing, classroom organization, and supports to ensure a smooth and successful start for our youngest learners. If you know families in the community with kindergarten-aged children, please help us spread the word. <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">Grade 8 Graduation – Save the Date</h4>Please note that our Grade 8 Graduation will take place on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our graduating students and their families.Mr. Guild will be sending more detailed information directly to Grade 8 families in the coming weeks. <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">In the Classroom: Focus on Writing and Math</h4>Across Joyceville, our staff continue to engage in short learning cycles in both writing and mathematics to better support student growth.In writing, teachers are implementing the SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) model. This approach helps students explicitly learn strategies for planning, organizing, and reviewing their writing while also building independence and confidence as writers.In mathematics, staff are using current assessment information to identify specific skill areas and provide targeted instruction during focused learning cycles. This work allows teachers to respond quickly to student needs and monitor progress closely. This work will continue immediately after the March Break and we will share more information in the weeks and months ahead. <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">Upcoming Dates</h4><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">March 30 – Country Fair Planning Meeting, 6:00 p.m. in the Library</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">April 14 – Dental Screening (JK/SK, Grades 1, 2, and 7)</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" dir="ltr">March 24- SK/1 class field trip to Agnes Hetherington Art Gallery</li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3">Joyceville Public School – Updates & Reminders</h3>We have a number of exciting events and important reminders coming up at Joyceville. Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school and students!<h4 class="editor-heading-h4">Country Fair Planning Meetings</h4>Our School Advisory Council is busy preparing for this year’s Country Fair! All are welcome to attend and get involved in the planning:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Monday, April 13 – 6:00 PM</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Monday, April 27 – 6:00 PM</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Monday, May 4 – 6:00 PM</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Monday, May 11 – 6:00 PM</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Tuesday, May 19 – 6:00 PM</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Monday, May 25 – 6:00 PM</li></ul>We appreciate the time and energy our families put into making this such a special event for our students.<h4 class="editor-heading-h4">Grade 7/8 Immunizations</h4>Grade 7 and 8 students will be receiving their scheduled immunizations on Wednesday, May 13. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office.<h4 class="editor-heading-h4">Milk Orders</h4>A reminder to families to place milk orders through School Day for the months of May and June.<h4 class="editor-heading-h4">Hot Lunch – Pita Pit</h4>Our hot lunch program continues with Pita Pit, available through Lunchbox. A portion of all sales comes back to the school, helping to support student experiences. Thank you for your support!<h4 class="editor-heading-h4">MacMillan’s Fundraiser</h4>We are excited to be running our MacMillan’s fundraiser once again!There are two ways to order:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Paper brochure orders – If you need an additional copy, please contact the office</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Online orders at: macmillansfundraising.online</li></ul>Important dates:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Last day for brochure orders: April 17</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Last day for online orders: April 20</li></ul>Delivery date will be shared once confirmed.Revisions to Grades 7, 8, and 10 History CurriculumThe Minister of Education has announced updates to the Grades 7, 8, and 10 History curriculum for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.With these updates, in Grades 7, 8, and 10, students will learn about significant contributions of Black individuals and communities to Canada’s foundation as a nation, and the obstacles they faced in the pursuit of building an inclusive and prosperous country. The Grade 10 History course will also have new learning on extreme political and social ideologies, the Holocaust and rising antisemitism, and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine.Learn more about the updated curriculum on the <a href="https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Ministry of Education’s Curriculum and Resources website.</a>Ministry Resources for Reading and MathThere are many resources available to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that make learning both fun and effective for students and families. To explore these tools, visit Limestone’s <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link" dir="ltr">Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</a>.Thank you for your continued partnership and support of student learning and well-being across Limestone. We are grateful for the role families play in helping students feel supported, connected, and successful, and we look forward to continuing our work together.<h4 class="editor-heading-h4">Reporting Student Absences</h4>If your child will be absent due to illness, appointments, or other reasons, please report the absence using the SafeArrival system. This system allows families to easily report full-day absences, late arrivals, and extended absences in advance.There are three convenient ways to report an absence:1. SchoolMessenger App<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Download the free SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (or access it through the LDSB app).</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Sign up using the same email address you have provided to the school.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Select Attendance, then Report an Absence, and follow the prompts.</li></ul>2. SchoolMessenger Website<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Visit the SchoolMessenger website portal.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Log in or create an account using your school-registered email address.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Select Attendance, then Report an Absence.</li></ul>3. Telephone<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Call 1-855-257-9349 (toll-free)</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Follow the automated prompts to report your child’s absence.</li></ul>The SafeArrival system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and allows you to report absences in advance or on the day of.We kindly ask that families do not call the school directly to report student absences, as all attendance reporting is managed through SafeArrival.

2026-04-02 18:19:35.349 +0000 UTC

Connected Family Forum- April 16

<img src="/images/393cf89a-d08d-47ae-bfb9-2f5e236212b6" alt="The Connected Family Forum (1)" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">Subject: Invitation: Connected Family Forum – April 16Dear Joyceville Families,We are excited to invite you to a special evening event being hosted in collaboration with the School Advisory Councils from Glenburnie PS, Joyceville PS, and École Maple Elementary.The Connected Family Forum is designed to support parents and guardians in navigating some of the most important topics facing families today, including technology use, mental health, and overall well-being.Event Details: Thursday, April 16 5:00 – 7:15 PM École Maple Elementary (529 St. Martha St., Kingston)The evening will begin with a chance to connect with other families and enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza, followed by a short keynote from the Maltby Centre. Families will then have the opportunity to attend two workshops of their choice.Workshop topics include:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Supporting children’s mental health</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Online safety and digital citizenship</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Managing anxiety in children and youth</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Setting boundaries around technology and gaming</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Nutrition and healthy habits</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Yoga, mindfulness, and stress management</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem">And more</li></ul>This event is funded through a PRO Grant, allowing us to bring in a range of valuable community partners and resources at no cost to families.We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with other families and professionals in a supportive environment.Please use the QR code on the attached flyer to register.We hope to see many of you there!Kind regards,Mr. Morency

2026-03-24 17:04:46.933 +0000 UTC

March 13 Newsletter

<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Joyceville Public School Newsletter</h3> As we wrap up the final day before March Break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful week we had at Joyceville. Our classrooms have been full of learning, collaboration, and positive energy, and it continues to be great to see students supporting one another and engaging in their work each day.With March Break now here, we hope all of our students and families enjoy a well-deserved week of rest, time outdoors, and time together. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the next stretch of the school year.A very special thank you goes out to our incredible Bingo Committee for their generosity in providing every student with a Shamrock Milkshake on Thursday. Gestures like this bring so much joy to our students and help make school a fun and memorable place to be. Our Bingo Committee does so much to support Joyceville, and we are truly grateful for their ongoing commitment to our school community.We wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable March Break! <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">Kindergarten Registration for September 2026</h4>If you have a child who will be starting Kindergarten next year, we strongly encourage families to register as early as possible. Early registration helps us plan staffing, classroom organization, and supports to ensure a smooth and successful start for our youngest learners. If you know families in the community with kindergarten-aged children, please help us spread the word. <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">Grade 8 Graduation – Save the Date</h4>Please note that our Grade 8 Graduation will take place on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our graduating students and their families.Mr. Guild will be sending more detailed information directly to Grade 8 families in the coming weeks. <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">In the Classroom: Focus on Writing and Math</h4>Across Joyceville, our staff continue to engage in short learning cycles in both writing and mathematics to better support student growth.In writing, teachers are implementing the SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) model. This approach helps students explicitly learn strategies for planning, organizing, and reviewing their writing while also building independence and confidence as writers.In mathematics, staff are using current assessment information to identify specific skill areas and provide targeted instruction during focused learning cycles. This work allows teachers to respond quickly to student needs and monitor progress closely. This work will continue immediately after the March Break and we will share more information in the weeks and months ahead. <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">Upcoming Dates</h4><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">March 30 – Country Fair Planning Meeting, 6:00 p.m. in the Library</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">April 14 – Dental Screening (JK/SK, Grades 1, 2, and 7)</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">March 24- SK/1 class field trip to Agnes Hetherington Art Gallery</li></ul> School Year Calendar is ApprovedThe Ministry of Education has approved Limestone’s recommended 2026-2027 school year calendar. The school year will begin with a P.A. Day on September 1, 2026, with the first day of classes for students on September 2, 2026. A <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-year-calendar" class="editor-link">printable version of the calendar is available on Limestone’s website</a>.Budget SurveyTrustees are seeking feedback on the Limestone District School Board budget planning process for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Families are encouraged to take a few minutes to provide feedback on areas or priority. The survey is anonymous and can be accessed online at <a href="https://bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey" class="editor-link">bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey</a> . The survey closes March 23, 2026.Video: Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO HighlightsAs previously shared, the Ministry of Education released the 2024-2025 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results in December, and we are pleased to share that Limestone has achieved its strongest performance in four years, with gains across every testing category.Limestone’s results are consistent with provincial trends in many areas and show meaningful improvement in others, including among specific student groups. In fact, Limestone is performing at or above the provincial average in nearly all measures.These results reflect the collective efforts of Limestone educators, Educational Assistants, program teams, and school leaders—supported by the ongoing commitment of students and families across our district. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work that contributed to these achievements.We are pleased to share a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link">video update with families on Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</a>. This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link">short video</a> provides an overview of Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan and how it guides our shared work to support student learning and well-being.Through insights from members of the Limestone Senior Team, families will learn about the key priorities shaping our efforts, the thinking behind our actions, and how collaboration, evidence, and reflection help us improve. The video highlights how data, professional learning, and shared leadership work together to move learning forward, while keeping students, belonging, and continuous growth at the centre. It offers a look at how planning connects to practice as we work together toward positive outcomes for all Limestone students.Revisions to Grades 7, 8, and 10 History CurriculumThe Minister of Education has announced updates to the Grades 7, 8, and 10 History curriculum for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.With these updates, in Grades 7, 8, and 10, students will learn about significant contributions of Black individuals and communities to Canada’s foundation as a nation, and the obstacles they faced in the pursuit of building an inclusive and prosperous country. The Grade 10 History course will also have new learning on extreme political and social ideologies, the Holocaust and rising antisemitism, and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine.Learn more about the updated curriculum on the <a href="https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/" class="editor-link">Ministry of Education’s Curriculum and Resources website.</a>Ministry Resources for Reading and MathThere are many resources available to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that make learning both fun and effective for students and families. To explore these tools, visit Limestone’s <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link">Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</a>.Thank you for your continued partnership and support of student learning and well-being across Limestone. We are grateful for the role families play in helping students feel supported, connected, and successful, and we look forward to continuing our work together.Have a wonderful March Break!Mr. Morency

2026-03-13 18:45:37.045 +0000 UTC

Upcoming Events

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EQAO Webinar for Parents and Guardians of Elementary School Students (FREE)

Victoria Day - No Classes for Students

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About Our School

Welcome to Joyceville Public School where we provide our students with a safe, caring, and cooperative learning environment. Working as a team, we strive to provide each student in our school an opportunity to achieve his or her potential personally, academically, and socially. Our teachers are a dynamic group who plan exciting lessons that challenge our Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to set high expectations for themselves and to work toward achieving those goals every day.

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Message from the Director

Dear Families,As we enter the spring season and final third of the school year, we are reminded of this season’s promise of renewal and growth, and the key role schools and families have together in supporting student learning and well-being. This time of <a href="about:blank" class="editor-link">year</a> brings many opportunities for learning both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the return of outdoor extracurricular activities. While this week has been very wet and rainy, the warmer temperatures of spring are upon us.  I would like to take this opportunity to share a few important updates with you:P.A. Day – Friday, April 17A reminder to families that tomorrow, Friday, April 17, is a P.A. Day. There will be no classes for students, and we look forward to welcoming them back to school on Monday.Family Engagement and Climate Survey – Coming in MayIn early May, Limestone will be inviting families to take part in a Family Engagement and Climate Survey. The optional survey is anonymous, and families can choose which questions they want to answer.The survey asks about topics such as feeling connected to school, family involvement, safety and bullying, communication, before- and after-school programming, and how technology like artificial intelligence is used in schools.The feedback shared through this survey helps schools and the school board understand what is working well, what could improve, and what may make it harder for some families to take part. Your feedback helps strengthen communication, support student well-being, and improve school experiences for everyone.More information will be shared leading up to the survey being live in early May. <a href="https://youtu.be/kKxSsDtggew" class="editor-link">Families are encouraged to watch a short video</a> featuring Senior Staff and a Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) Co-Chair, who share more about the Family Engagement and Climate Survey and why family voice is so important.Human Rights InformationLaunched in October 2022, the Limestone’s Student Human Rights Reporting Tool provides a way for students, families, caregivers, and staff to report human rights concerns involving LDSB students, including matters related to discrimination and harassment. Reviewing and analyzing this information helps support safe, welcoming, and inclusive school environments and supports the board’s obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/dff6803b-6f2d-4d36-a758-68758a63ceb3/2026-04-09-Student-Human-Rights-Data-Summary-for-2024-2025.pdf" class="editor-link">Student Human Rights Reports – 2024-2025 Summary is now available online</a> and can be accessed by families. Student Census 2025 UpdateIn November 2025, Limestone completed the See Yourself in Limestone: Student Census 2025, a voluntary and confidential survey that helps us better understand students’ identities and school experiences. The findings support planning and decision-making that promotes equity, well being, and student success across Limestone schools. An overview of the Student Census 2025 was presented to the Board of Trustees at last night’s board meeting. Families are encouraged to <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/see-yourself-in-limestone-2025-student-census-update-20260416133605" class="editor-link">visit the Limestone District School Board website to review the full Student Census summary</a> and learn more about how student voice is helping shape our work. Mental Health Supports Available for StudentsIn response to tragic events, locally or globally, students may experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, confusion, worry, or questions about what they may be hearing from others. Students may react in different ways depending on their age, experiences, and how connected they feel to the situation. With time, reassurance, and support from caring adults, these reactions often ease.We encourage families to keep lines of communication open at home, to invite questions, and to offer reassurance as needed. If you have concerns about your student or would like support, please refer to the following resources:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Supporting-your-childs-well-being.pdf" class="editor-link">Supporting Your Child’s Well-being</a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Caring-for-yourself-while-caring-for-others.pdf" class="editor-link">Caring for yourself while caring for others: A parent’s guide to self-care</a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/" class="editor-link">By Your Side</a> (parent/caregiver resources to support mental health learning)</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://maltbycentre.ca/" class="editor-link">Maltby Centre</a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://onestoptalk.ca/" class="editor-link">One Stop Talk</a></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://kidshelpphone.ca/" class="editor-link">Kids Help Phone</a> (Call 1-800-668-6868 or Text “Connect” to 686868)</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://211ontario.ca/" class="editor-link">2-1-1 Ontario</a></li></ul>If you are worried about your student’s immediate safety, or the safety of others, please seek urgent assistance by calling 9-1-1, your local mobile crisis service (613-354-7388), or by going to the nearest emergency department.Thank you for your continued support of Limestone schools and their communities. Your partnership, feedback, and engagement play an important role in strengthening student learning and well-being across Limestone. Limestone staff remain committed to collaborating with families to create safe, inclusive, and supportive school communities where every student can learn and see themselves in Limestone. Krishna BurraDirector of Education

2026-04-16 20:30:19.127 +0000 UTC

Neurovibes Celebrates Neurodiversity April 29, 2026

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2">A vibrant event celebrating neurodiversity with inspiring talks, creative spaces, and an inclusive community experience.</h2>Now entering its third year, Neurovibes is a community event celebrating neurodiversity through engaging talks, creativity, and connection.Attendees can hear from inspiring speakers, explore interactive spaces, and connect with community partners and vendors in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The event is designed to support different sensory needs while bringing people together to learn, share, and celebrate neurodivergent experiences.When: April 29, 2026, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 4:00 p.m.)Where: Queen's Biosciences Complex, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston Register now at: <a href="https://bit.ly/Neurovibes2026%20" class="editor-link">bit.ly/Neurovibes2026</a>.<h2 class="editor-heading-h2"> </h2><img src="/images/0d9fba3e-4cf2-480e-973b-7617e4932a7f" alt="Neurovibes 2026 Poster" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">

2026-04-16 16:10:44.021 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director - March 5, 2026

Dear Families,With March now underway, and March Break fast approaching, I would like to share a few updates with families:School Year Calendar is ApprovedThe Ministry of Education has approved Limestone’s recommended 2026-2027 school year calendar. The school year will begin with a P.A. Day on September 1, 2026, with the first day of classes for students on September 2, 2026. A <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-year-calendar" class="editor-link">printable version of the calendar is available on Limestone’s website</a>.Budget SurveyTrustees are seeking feedback on the Limestone District School Board budget planning process for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Families are encouraged to take a few minutes to provide feedback on areas or priority. The survey is anonymous and can be accessed online at <a href="https://bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey" class="editor-link">bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey</a> . The survey closes March 23, 2026.Video: Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO HighlightsAs previously shared, the Ministry of Education released the 2024-2025 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results in December, and we are pleased to share that Limestone has achieved its strongest performance in four years, with gains across every testing category.Limestone’s results are consistent with provincial trends in many areas and show meaningful improvement in others, including among specific student groups. In fact, Limestone is performing at or above the provincial average in nearly all measures.These results reflect the collective efforts of Limestone educators, Educational Assistants, program teams, and school leaders—supported by the ongoing commitment of students and families across our district. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work that contributed to these achievements.We are pleased to share a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link">video update with families on Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</a>. This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link">short video</a> provides an overview of Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan and how it guides our shared work to support student learning and well-being.Through insights from members of the Limestone Senior Team, families will learn about the key priorities shaping our efforts, the thinking behind our actions, and how collaboration, evidence, and reflection help us improve. The video highlights how data, professional learning, and shared leadership work together to move learning forward, while keeping students, belonging, and continuous growth at the centre. It offers a look at how planning connects to practice as we work together toward positive outcomes for all Limestone students.Revisions to Grades 7, 8, and 10 History CurriculumThe Minister of Education has announced updates to the Grades 7, 8, and 10 History curriculum for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.With these updates, in Grades 7, 8, and 10, students will learn about significant contributions of Black individuals and communities to Canada’s foundation as a nation, and the obstacles they faced in the pursuit of building an inclusive and prosperous country. The Grade 10 History course will also have new learning on extreme political and social ideologies, the Holocaust and rising antisemitism, and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine.Learn more about the updated curriculum on the <a href="https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/" class="editor-link">Ministry of Education’s Curriculum and Resources website.</a>Become a Homestay and Host an International Student: A Meaningful Experience for You and Your FamilyEach year, LDSB welcomes more than 120 international students into schools across the district from countries around the world, including Brazil, Italy, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, France, Vietnam, Rwanda, and many others. Hosting an international student is a meaningful way to bring the world into your home while making a positive difference in a young person’s life. Limestone homestay families are carefully matched with students and supported by dedicated Limestone staff throughout the placement, so families are never on their own. Hosting offers opportunities for cultural exchange, the development of lasting relationships, and a monthly stipend to help offset costs. To learn more about how hosting works, the supports in place, and why many local families choose to open their homes, visit <a href="https://internationaled.limestone.on.ca/become_a_homestay" class="editor-link">internationaled.limestone.on.ca/become_a_homestay</a>.Ministry Resources for Reading and MathThere are many resources available to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that make learning both fun and effective for students and families. To explore these tools, visit Limestone’s <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link">Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</a>.Thank you for your continued partnership and support of student learning and well-being across Limestone. We are grateful for the role families play in helping students feel supported, connected, and successful, and we look forward to continuing our work together.Krishna Burra

2026-03-05 21:30:00.475 +0000 UTC

Land Acknowledgement

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