Message from the Director - Nov. 16, 2023
For a version of this message to translate into additional languages, please click here.
While it has only been two weeks since my last update, I have some additional information I would like to share with you. November is Indigenous Education Month in Limestone, a month where students, staff, families, and community members are encouraged to deepen their learning about Indigenous peoples, histories, realities, and cultures, and to live in right relations with each other and the Land. In addition, today is Louis Riel Day, a day recognized by the Métis Nation of Ontario to commemorate Riel’s legacy, and his advocacy for Métis rights.
Throughout November, Limestone has acknowledged important initiatives, as well as Treaties Recognition Week (Nov. 5-11), International Inuit Day (Nov. 7), Indigenous Veterans Day (Nov. 8), and Rock Your Mocs Week (Nov. 12-18). For more information about Indigenous Education at Limestone, please visit https://limestone.on.ca/programming/indigenous_education.
Following last evening’s LDSB Board of Trustees meeting, I have some updates to share with you.
Amendment to School Year Calendar 2023-2024 – Total Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, the southern portions of Limestone, including Napanee and Kingston, are in the pathway of a total solar eclipse. This is a very rare solar event which will result in complete darkness for a few minutes around 3:20 p.m. during that day.
Given many students will be in transit at that time, or preparing for dismissal, the timing of the eclipse is not ideal from a supervision perspective to ensure student safety. While we considered shifting the school day by 90 minutes that day, there are several logistical challenges from a staffing and busing perspective, as well as a disruption to regular routines for families.
As such, we consulted with our co-terminus school boards, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB) and Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB), as well as Tri-Board Transportation, to propose moving the current Professional Activity Day scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024, to Monday, April 8, 2024. This would ensure a similar one-day impact for families during that week.
Please note: This change does not add an additional PA Day for the school year, but simply adjusts the date of the April PA Day.
Last evening, the Limestone Board of Trustees approved this amendment. ALCDSB approved the calendar adjustment at their October 24 Board meeting, and HPEDSB is currently looking at this same amendment on November 27, 2023. If all three school boards approve the school year calendar amendment, and it is approved by the Ministry of Education, we will communicate broadly to avoid confusion, and ensure community providers who offer PA Day activities are aware.
I should note that we will provide learning for students to maximize safety and explain the significance of this solar event. We thank you for your understanding about this potential change to the school year calendar.
In my previous message, I shared with you that the LDSB is facing a food security crisis in many schools that is outpacing what can be provided by Food Sharing Project. As mentioned, an option was set up in School Day for LDSB families to donate $2.00 or more to the Food Sharing Project or make larger donations directly to the organization.
This urgent call to action has been answered by many LDSB families. According to the Food Sharing Project, the organization has received 180 gifts of more than $20,000 in 12 days. This is incredible news. Thank you to those who responded for your generous donations and care for students. Due to this support, some of the most vulnerable children and youth in our communities will be provided with the nourishment they need to improve their readiness to learn. If you would like to make a donation to the local Food Sharing Project, please use this link.
Phase 2: Strategic Planning Consultation
As a reminder, we are now in the midst of Phase 2 of the LDSB Strategic Planning Consultation where we have invited you to participate in an online survey to provide feedback on the proposed Mission and Vision, and vote for a selection of Values to help anchor the future direction of the board. This survey is open until November 24 at 4:00 p.m. and can be completed at https://bit.ly/Phase2LDSBStratPlanConsultation.
This feedback will be considered, alongside the additional requirements of Bill 98 or the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, to develop the strategic plan that the LDSB will follow throughout the next several years.
We have received some excellent feedback so far. Thank you to those who have already participated.