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

Centennial Connection - Oct 20, 2024

The weekly <a href="https://secure.smore.com/n/7v31z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Centennial Connection</a> is available. We have been busy! Check it out!

2024-10-20 12:30:40.346 +0000 UTC

Centennial Connection - October 13, 2024

So much learning going on! Check out the latest in the <a href="https://secure.smore.com/n/qcjdt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Centennial Connection</a>.

2024-10-13 20:45:56 +0000 UTC

Graphic with blue background and white text saying EQAO 2023-24 Results New Story

2023-2024 EQAO Results Show Notable Improvements

The 2023-2024 assessment results for the Limestone District School Board have recently been released by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). LDSB results align with provincial outcomes in some areas, while showing notable improvements in others and among specific student groups. 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 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Grade 3 student achievement saw a 10% to 14% increase in all subject areas in Limestone, compared to the 2022/23 assessment results, with 69% meeting the provincial standard in reading, 60% in writing, and 57% in math. Results for the province showed a slight decline from the previous year for Grade 3 reading and writing, a slight increase in Grade 3 math, and were 2% to 4% higher than Limestone across Grade 3 assessments.  This new data shows improvement in all subjects, with math achievement showing the most significant difference for students in Grade 3. “These achievements reflect the efforts of both our central and teaching staff, as well as the dedication of our students,” states Krishna Burra, Director of Education. “Our students’ achievements are a result of innovative teaching strategies combined with a strong emphasis on foundational literacy and math.” Of significant note, is the gains in achievement in Grade 3 reading, writing, and mathematics made by Limestone students with special needs – up 12%, 14%, and 15% respectively compared to the 2022/23 assessment results.  With a similar trend to the province, Grade 6 student achievement in Limestone continues to improve in reading and math with 79% meeting the provincial standard in reading and 40% in math – up 1% and 3% respectively compared to the previous assessment in 2022/23. In writing, there was a 2% decrease compared to the prior year’s assessment with 73% meeting the standard over last year. Achievement in reading and math for students in Grade 6 with special education needs in Limestone has increased by 4% and 6%, respectively since the 2022/23 assessment, and is higher than the province for reading. Achievement in writing for students in Grade 6 with special education needs in Limestone is slightly lower than the province. “We are committed to focusing on making sure students are learning essential skills while also increasing student engagement to support students’ achievement,” says Director Burra.  “Furthermore, we will continue using this data to support rich learning environments for every student.” As an example, this year schools will continue to receive the support of Learning Partners, School-Based Math Facilitators (elementary), and Instructional coaches (secondary). Schools have also received rich instructional resources to support evidence-based literacy and math programming K-12, along with a variety of professional learning sessions for educators to support foundational literacy and math skills.  Over the coming weeks, principals will share school results with their school communities and will analyze the results in detail to identify next steps. <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">2024 Results</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Primary Assessment (administered in Grade 3):</h3><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Area of Assessment</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 287px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">LDSB</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Province</th></tr><tr style="height: 33.0216px;"><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Reading</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 287px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">69%</td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">71%</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Writing</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 287px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">60%</td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">64%</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Mathematics</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 287px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">57%</td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">61%</td></tr></tbody></table><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Junior Assessment (administered in Grade 6):</h3><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Area of Assessment</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">LDSB</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Province</th></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Reading</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">79%</td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">82%</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Writing</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">73%</td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">80%</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Mathematics</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">40%</td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">50%</td></tr></tbody></table><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment:</h3>Results for Grade 9 math in Limestone are slightly lower compared to the provincial results. For all participating students in the Grade 9 math assessment, 50% achieved the provincial standard in Limestone and 54% achieved the provincial standard provincially. Grade 9 math results decreased by 1% as compared to last year. Results for students with special education needs achieving the provincial standard are similar to the province at 28% for Limestone compared to 29% for the province. <table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">LDSB</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Province</th></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Grade 9 Math Course</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">50%</td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">54%</td></tr></tbody></table>“We recognize there is still work to be done,” states Director Burra. “Our commitment to student success remains steadfast, with early literacy, math instruction, and closing learning gaps as top priorities for both our staff and students. Early identification of those not meeting literacy and numeracy milestones is crucial, and we continue to focus on providing the support every student needs to thrive.” <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr">Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (administered in Grade 10):</h3>This year, 94% of first-time eligible students wrote the test in Limestone, compared to 92% of students in the province. With this high participation rate, 81% of all students in Limestone were successful, an increase of 2% compared to the 2022/23 school year. OSSLT results for students with special education continue to show an improvement for the 2023/24 year, with 61% of Limestone students being successful on the assessment.<table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Grade 10 OSSLT</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">LDSB</th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Province</th></tr><tr style="height: 33.0216px;"><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Participation rate</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">94%</td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">92%</td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">Success rate</th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">81%</td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 233.333px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;">85%</td></tr></tbody></table>Students who are not successful on their first attempt are eligible to rewrite the test the following year, as previously eligible students, or to meet the literacy requirement by taking the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course.  Students in all publicly funded schools in Ontario are required to write provincial assessments, administered by EQAO, a provincial body that tests students’ skills in literacy in Grades 3, 6, and 10 and math skills in Grades 3, 6, and 9 in relation to Ontario Curriculum expectations. Successful completion of the literacy requirement is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.  The EQAO assessments have undergone significant changes, with the newest digital assessments offered entirely online through a digital platform for students over the past three years.

2024-10-09 15:16:43.23 +0000 UTC

Centennial Connection - October 6, 2024

All of the latest news is in the <a href="https://secure.smore.com/n/s7t6rp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Centennial Connection</a>.

2024-10-06 20:43:58 +0000 UTC

LDSB Educators' Day

The Limestone District School Board celebrates LDSB Educators' Day, Saturday, October 5, 2024. Trustees and senior staff wish to acknowledge the incredible efforts of all Limestone staff and their contributions to help our students succeed. A heartfelt thank you to Limestone staff—educators, central and support staff, office teams, professional personnel, caretakers, facilities, and administrators—who all contribute to student achievement and sense of belonging. While UNESCO proclaimed World Teachers' Day in 1994, we honor the contributions of all staff shaping our students' future.

2024-10-04 19:17:10.228 +0000 UTC

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day is held annually on Monday, September 30. This is a day to intentionally continue learning about the Residential School System and the truthful history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This is a day to mourn the lives of the children who never came home and honour the Survivors, as well as their families and communities.   This day is part of a larger conversation of colonization and systemic inequities, and the recognition of Indigenous resiliency and resistance to colonial tactics should be included as part of this learning.  What can you do? Wear orange on September 30, read books written by Indigenous authors that acknowledge the residential school experience, read books that celebrate Indigenous beauty and brilliance, volunteer with Indigenous organizations and not-for-profits, support Indigenous artists, watch Indigenous films and documentaries, and attend Indigenous events that are open to the public in your community. All LDSB schools, education centres and sites will lower both the Canadian, Every Child Matters, or Survivor flags to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Monday, September 30, 2024 in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Public commemoration and continuous learning about the ongoing impacts of residential schools are vital actions that we must all take to live in right relations with each other on Indigenous lands. Please refrain from taking and sharing pictures of yourself or others smiling in your orange shirts. You are invited to take pictures of the ways that you are honouring this day within your classrooms or school communities. We understand that some students, staff, and families may wish to have additional support throughout this week. If you require immediate emotional assistance, you can call the support lines shared below:  <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to Survivors and those affected by the Residential School System at 1-866-925-4419.  </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">Individuals impacted by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, Transgender, and gender diverse people’s crisis 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: left;">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://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hopeforwellness.ca%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdouglasja%40limestone.on.ca%7C6e6935ea693545d8f7db08dcde3a0b7f%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638629588075796503%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=STYsNbeW6qjd6EKft%2FNXIGK7tKBaUzikIVxLtWaHuGY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">hopeforwellness.ca</a>. </li></ul>

2024-09-30 16:22:42 +0000 UTC

Centennial Connection - Sept 29, 2024

The <a href="https://secure.smore.com/n/p4x8r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Centennial Connection</a> for September 29th, 2024 is available!

2024-09-29 01:50:43.031 +0000 UTC

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day is Monday, September 30, 2024. This is a day to intentionally continue learning about the Residential School System and the truthful history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This is a day to mourn the lives of the children who never came home and honour the Survivors, as well as their families and communities.   This day is part of a larger conversation of colonization and systemic inequities, and the recognition of Indigenous resiliency and resistance to colonial tactics should be included as part of this learning.  What can you do? Wear orange on September 30, read books written by Indigenous authors that acknowledge the residential school experience, read books that celebrate Indigenous beauty and brilliance, volunteer with Indigenous organizations and not-for-profits, support Indigenous artists, watch Indigenous films and documentaries, and attend Indigenous events that are open to the public in your community. All LDSB schools, education centres and sites will lower both the Canadian, Every Child Matters, or Survivor flags to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Monday, September 30, 2024 in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Public commemoration and continuous learning about the ongoing impacts of residential schools are vital actions that we must all take to live in right relations with each other on Indigenous lands. Please refrain from taking and sharing pictures of yourself or others smiling in your orange shirts. You are invited to take pictures of the ways that you are honouring this day within your classrooms or school communities. We understand that some students, staff, and families may wish to have additional support throughout this week. If you require immediate emotional assistance, you can call the support lines shared below:  <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to Survivors and those affected by the Residential School System at 1-866-925-4419.  </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;">Individuals impacted by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, Transgender, and gender diverse people’s crisis 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: left;">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://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hopeforwellness.ca%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdouglasja%40limestone.on.ca%7C6e6935ea693545d8f7db08dcde3a0b7f%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638629588075796503%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=STYsNbeW6qjd6EKft%2FNXIGK7tKBaUzikIVxLtWaHuGY%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">hopeforwellness.ca</a>. </li></ul>

2024-09-26 16:08:25.105 +0000 UTC

Centennial Connection - Sept 22, 2024

The September 22, 2024 edition of the <a href="https://secure.smore.com/n/0kzh3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Centennial Connection</a> is now available!

2024-09-23 01:54:59 +0000 UTC

Indigenous Family Night October 9 CANCELLED

CANCELLED: Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the Indigenous Family Night scheduled for October 9, 2024. We will be sharing an update on future opportunities shortly. All self-identified Indigenous students and their families are welcome to join us in celebrating fall and the harvest on Wednesday, October 9, from 5:30-7:30pm at the Kingston East Community Centre (779 Hwy. 15, Kingston). THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.Cultural activities for all ages, baking, arts and crafts.We invite you to connect with other Indigenous families, find out what is happening in the community and in schools in Limestone, and share a meal with friends and family.RSVP by emailing Pat Vanderholst at <a href="mailto:vanderholstp@limestone.on.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">vanderholstp@limestone.on.ca</a>Transportation is available.

2024-09-18 20:21:04.871 +0000 UTC

Centennial Connection - Sept 15, 2024

Check out the latest news and updates! The September 15th <a href="https://secure.smore.com/n/1ynks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Centennial Connection</a> is available.

2024-09-16 01:58:40 +0000 UTC

Expression of Remembrance and Honouring Residential School Survivors

The Limestone District School Board has a commitment to both teaching and learning the truth, and taking strides towards meaningful action that reflects reconciliation and right relations with the Indigenous communities in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. For the month of September, the LDSB education centre (board office) will fly the <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnctr.ca%2Fexhibits%2Fsurvivors-flag%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdouglasja%40limestone.on.ca%7Ce45ab465e6904118d44408dcd1d125ce%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638615943422755969%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=KLcmWysLuHFJldX%2B%2Farah23hj7XS%2BgA2SIcQFEf2dSo%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="Original URL: https://nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/. Click or tap if you trust this link." class="editor-link">Survivors’ Flag</a> as an expression of remembrance and to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities who continue to be impacted by the Residential School System in what is now known as Canada. September 30th is a day to intentionally continue learning about the Residential School System and the truthful history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This is a day to mourn the lives of the children who never came home and honour the Survivors, as well as their families and communities.  This day is part of a larger conversation of colonization and systemic inequities, and the recognition of Indigenous resiliency and resistance to colonial tactics should be included as part of this learning.

2024-09-10 20:29:16.712 +0000 UTC

Centennial Public School