Dear Families,
I hope this e-mail finds you well. While rainy today, the weather has turned more toward spring/summer, and I am sure hotter weather is just around the corner. With just a handful of weeks remaining in the 2024-2025 school year, I have some updates that I would like to share with you:
Artificial Intelligence in Limestone Evening Session
Thank you to all the families and staff members who attended the event at L.C.V.I. on April 30. It was wonderful to see everyone who joined the session, and we appreciate all the questions submitted in advance for the presentations and panel discussion. For more information about Artificial Intelligence in Limestone, please visit limestone.on.ca/artificialintelligenceinlimestone.
The Student Achievement Plan (SAP) and Multi-Year Strategic Plan Feedback
In July 2023, the Ministry of Education introduced new requirements through the Student Achievement Plan Framework (O. Reg. 224/23). This framework outlines clear goals and performance measures to help school boards support student success. It guides schools in tracking progress, creating action plans, and improving learning outcomes. The Limestone District School Board’s 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan aligns with these provincial priorities and meets the reporting requirements set out in Bill 98.
Limestone recently shared our Student Achievement Plan with the Board of Trustees and posted it on our website. This plan aligns with the Ministry of Education’s framework and focuses on three key priority areas:
- Achievement of Learning Outcomes in Core Academic Skills (Literacy and Numeracy)
- Preparation of Students for Future Success
- Student Engagement and Well-Being
We invite Limestone families to share their feedback on the 2024–2025 Student Achievement Plan through our online ThoughtExchange platform.
LDSB Human Rights Data Summary and Ontario Human Rights Commission – Dreams Delayed Action Plan
Limestone recently published a summary of the Student Human Rights reports for the 2023-2024 school year. Launched in October 2022, the reporting tool helps students, parents, caregivers, and staff report human rights issues within our board, with the aim to create a welcoming school environment by addressing discrimination and harassment. A summary of the Human Rights Report is available on our website.
On March 27, 2025, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) launched Dreams Delayed, an Action Plan to fight anti-Black racism and discrimination in Ontario's public schools. The plan was created with input from Black students, educators, and community members and includes 29 specific actions for the Ministry of Education, school boards, and other education professionals to follow.
Many of the calls to action in the Dreams Delayed Action Plan are ones that have either been already put in place or we continue to work on in Limestone. As a school board, we have taken strides towards addressing discrimination and harassment, but there is still much more work to do to remove disparities within our district.
The LDSB is committed to creating an inclusive and fair school experience for every student, and the insights from our Human Rights Reporting Tool, the OHRC Dreams Delayed Action Plan, and our planned fall 2025 student census will guide ongoing efforts to improve the system and support each student effectively.
Host an International Student – Be a Part of Kingston’s Global Community
Limestone is proud of a long tradition of hosting students from other countries, and with the demand for Kingston and Canada as a learning destination is rapidly expanding, we are looking to expand our program. Students from over 15 different countries are here now staying with great homestay families in Limestone. Our International Education team is looking for more families to become homestay hosts to international students.
We currently have seven students on our waiting list that have applied to Limestone for the 2025-2026 school year and need a home. They range from one semester to one-year stays and are from Germany, Spain, Japan, Brazil, Slovakia, Czechia, and Denmark.
Host families will be paid a tax-free monthly stipend to host students. All students in the program attend local intermediate or secondary schools and range in age from 12 to 17 years old. Our International Education team works hard to make a great match for your family that can last a lifetime.
Families can learn more by visiting Limestone’s International Education website or phoning the International Education offices at 613-544-7745 ext. 290.
Cyber Incident Update
Two weeks ago, we provided families with an update regarding the recent cyber incident. We are aware this incident has affected our community in a direct way, and we appreciate the ongoing support, patience, and understanding from LDSB families.
Free French Second Language (FSL) Virtual Programs for SK to Grade 12 Students
Led by certified instructors, these free virtual programs offer fun and interactive learning for FSL students from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Registration is open now. More information and a link to register is available on our website.
Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy
There 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. Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage to learn more.
School Mental Health Ontario Resources
School Mental Health Ontario offers a variety of free resources for educators, students, and families. To stay updated with the latest information, resources, and research, families can visit the SMHO website. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page, click on "Connect with Us," and enter your contact information.
As a reminder, tomorrow is a P.A. day in Limestone. I hope everyone has a great weekend when it arrives and thank you again for your continued support.
All the best,
Krishna Burra
Director of Education