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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 Math Session for Parents/Guardians of Junior Students (FREE)

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

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

Victoria Day - No Classes for Students

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

EQAO Math Session for Parents/Guardians of Junior Students (FREE)

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

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

Victoria Day - No Classes for Students

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

Last Day of School for Students

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

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 - 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

Limestone District School Board Welcomes 2026–2027 Student Trustees

The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of its 2026–2027 Student Trustees, who will be formally welcomed at the April meeting of the Board.Student trustees play an important role in bringing student perspectives to board-level discussions, helping ensure that student voice is reflected in decision-making across the district. For the upcoming term, LDSB looks forward to working with three engaged and passionate student leaders who represent rural, urban, and Indigenous student communities:<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Audrey Bateman – Rural Student Trustee</h2>A message from Student Trustee Bateman: I'm so excited to be your rural student trustee this year. This role is such a great place to create lasting change for the current and future classes. I'm really looking forward to connecting with the trustees and students from across the board to try and make school a more fun, inclusive, and memorable experience where we can.  Everyone's voice matters!<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Victoria McCourt – Indigenous Student Trustee</h2>A message from Student Trustee McCourt: I applied for the Indigenous student trustee position because I feel that having a voice to represent Indigenous students, their issues and concerns is important. I would like to help celebrate and honour the Indigenous students in the Limestone District School Board. I look forward to helping create more opportunities for Indigenous students and I want our youth to feel proud of who they are and their Indigenous identity. <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Mathew Katz – Urban Student Trustee</h2>A message from Student Trustee Katz: I applied to become a student trustee to advocate for issues that both I and students from across LDSB are passionate about. I specifically hope to be able to work on issues related to environmental sustainability and anti-racism. Ultimately, I want to ensure students’ voices are heard and meaningfully represented.The Limestone District School Board congratulates Audrey, Victoria, and Matthew on their appointments and looks forward to welcoming them at the April Board meeting as they begin their term as student trustees for the 2026–2027 school year.<img src="/images/6101cb72-005e-4aad-b211-341230a8738b" alt="2026 2027 Student Trustees" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">

2026-03-04 14:48:09.694 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director - February 20, 2026

Dear Families,I hope everyone had a good, short week following the Family Day Weekend. We have had a small taste of warmer weather recently, though we know there may still be more winter days to come. As we head toward the end of February, I would like to share a few updates with Limestone families:2026-2027 School Year CalendarThank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar Survey. Approximately 3,700 responses were submitted from families, staff, and community members. We appreciate your time and providing the feedback.As shared previously, the school year calendar for 2026-2027 presents unique challenges, with Labour Day falling unusually late on September 7, and Easter occurring just four days after March Break. Across all three school boards (Limestone DSB, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic DSB, and Hastings and Prince Edward County DSB) Option 1 was the preferred choice, and Option 2 ranked second and third, with only marginal differences in support.Following further review of the potential calendars, and considering potential financial implications, it was determined that implementing Option 1 would create additional costs for all three boards. Given that Option 2 very closely aligns with Option 1, differing by only one day and without the associated financial implications, all three boards supported Option 2, with the school year starting September 1 (P.A. Day) and the first day of classes for students on September 2.At Wednesday night’s Board Meeting, the Limestone Board of Trustees approved <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/375540e1-d8af-4e1c-a856-7035ab3f1e4b/2026-2027-School-Year-Calendar-Final.pdf" class="editor-link">Option 2 for the 2026-2027 school year calendar</a>, and this calendar will be submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval.You Are Invited: Community Event: An Evening with Monique Gray Smith, Author of Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults – March 12, 2026Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to a free in-person evening with author Monique Gray Smith. This special event will bring our community together to learn about care, reciprocity, connection to the land, and connection to one another.  Date: March 12, 2026 Time:   6:30 p.m. - Vendors and refreshments                6:45 p.m. - Doors open                7:00 p.m. - Speaker begins Location: Queen's University, Duncan McArthur Hall, 511 Union St., KingstonLight refreshments will be provided, and the first 50 attendees will receive a free copy of her book. <a href="https://bit.ly/LDSBMoniqueGraySmithEvent" class="editor-link">Registration is required</a>. Please <a href="https://bit.ly/LDSBMoniqueGraySmithEvent" class="editor-link">register online</a> in advance — we look forward to seeing you there!This event has been made possible with the support of the Limestone Learning Foundation, Queen’s University Faculty of Education, and the Limestone District School Board.2026-2027 Virtual School SurveyFamilies interested in enrolling their students in virtual school for the 2026-2027 school year should complete the <a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prkkUlLZrFDxwJzvjfy6JjISrxBQtOLRo8%3D&mod=0&dlang=en" class="editor-link">Virtual School Survey.</a> This helps with early planning for the next school year. This virtual school survey is not for registration and families will need to <a href="mailto:virtualk8@limestone.on.ca" class="editor-link">contact Elementary Virtual School to officially register their students for next year</a>. If you have more than one student interested, please complete the survey for each student. The survey will remain open until Friday, March 13, 2026. Families can <a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prkkUlLZrFDxwJzvjfy6JjISrxBQtOLRo8%3D&mod=0&dlang=en" class="editor-link">access the survey online</a>. If you require a printed survey, please contact Principal <a href="mailto:myerskm@limestone.on.ca" class="editor-link">Kate Myers by e-mail</a>.                <a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prkkUlLZrFDxwJzvjfy6JjISrxBQtOLRo8%3D&mod=0&dlang=en" class="editor-link">Access the survey online.</a>Ministry and Board Resources for Math and LiteracyThere are many resources available designed to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that can make learning fun and effective for students and families. <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link">Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</a> to learn more. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in Limestone school communities. We truly value the strong partnership we share with families and look forward to the second half of the 2025-2026 school year continuing positively for students, families, and staff.Krishna BurraDirector of Education

2026-02-20 21:00:23.337 +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.