News

<p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/565a8915-6f25-4e6b-96f9-aebd78946860?fingerprint=ppb20251217013803" alt="Welcome to Kindergarten2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your student was born in 2022, we are excited to welcome them to Granite Ridge Education Centre!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Kindergarten registration is now open for the Limestone District School Board. All information and the process of registering your student can be found</span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/kindergarten-registration-is-now-open-2026" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr"><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> HERE </strong></b></i></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">on the Limestone District School Board website.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As part of Ontario Ministry of Education expectations, all graduating students are provided with an opportunity to complete a Grade 12 Exit Survey. This survey gives students the chance to share their experiences in secondary school, their plans after graduation, and how prepared they feel for their next steps.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The information collected helps schools and the Limestone District School Board better understand student needs and improve programs, guidance supports, and transition planning. In particular, the results are used to strengthen pathways into postsecondary education, apprenticeships, work, and community life, and to ensure future students are well-supported as they move beyond high school.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The survey is voluntary and anonymous. All responses are combined and reported in a summarized format to protect student privacy. Results are used for system planning and are shared with school staff, and board leadership to support ongoing improvement.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) has received a $25,000 grant through the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area’s Community Grants Program in support of its Elementary Summer Literacy and Math Program.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The three-week program supports Limestone students finishing Senior Kindergarten to Grade 3 by strengthening foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics to help set students up for success in the following school year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grant funding will be used to purchase literacy and math learning resources and to create family engagement packages. These take-home resources are designed to support learning at home and encourage families to engage in literacy and math activities alongside their students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The LDSB is grateful to the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area for their generous support, helping students across the district access this important summer learning opportunity.</span></p>

<iframe data-lexical-video-id="kGsY7YE8wCc" width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/kGsY7YE8wCc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="true" title="Youtube video"></iframe><p class="editor-paragraph"><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone District School Board students showcased their outstanding skills and talent at the 2026 Skills Ontario Competition, held in Toronto on May 4 and 5, 2026.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Skills Ontario Competition offers a unique opportunity for top students from across the province to demonstrate that they are truly the best in their field. Over two and a half days, competitors impress educators, family members, friends, and potential employers through hands-on, real‑world challenges. Medalists are awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals, with some also receiving monetary awards and the opportunity to advance to the Skills Canada National Competition, and potentially the WorldSkills Competition.</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone District School Board Participation and Results</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone students returned home with an impressive showing across elementary, secondary, and post‑secondary categories:</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elementary Competition</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone District School Board had 16 Elementary Students attend Skills Ontario in the areas of:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Construction</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Horticulture and Landscaping</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">VEX Robotics</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lego Mechanics</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Secondary Competition</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In secondary Limestone District School Board had representation in the following competitions:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Coding</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Electrical Installations</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Plumbing</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Carpentry - Team - Team of 2</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Vex V5 Robotics - Team of 4</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Culinary Arts</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Graphic Design - Presentation</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hairstyling</span></li><li value="9" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Photography</span></li><li value="10" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prepared Speech</span></li><li value="11" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Home and Team Building - Team of 4</span></li><li value="12" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Auto Collision Repair</span></li><li value="13" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Auto Painting</span></li><li value="14" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Auto Service Technology</span></li><li value="15" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cabinetmaking</span></li><li value="16" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Outdoor Powered Equipment</span></li><li value="17" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Welding</span></li><li value="18" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Baking</span></li><li value="19" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Computer Aided Manufacturing</span></li></ul><h4 class="editor-heading-h4"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Secondary Results:</span></h4><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gold – Computer Aided Manufacturing:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Jacob O’Reilly</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Silver – Home and Team Building (Team of 4):</strong></b></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem editor-nested-listitem"><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Quinn Sproule</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Clarke Lemke</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parker Beeg</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jasper Keller</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bryden Thibodeau (competed with the team at Limestone Skills Competition)</span></li></ul></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bronze – Auto Painting:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Amanda Neddow</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Post‑Secondary Competition</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gold:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Alisha Haaksman</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations to all competitors, educators, and programs involved for their dedication, preparation, and commitment to excellence. Limestone is proud to see students thrive, demonstrate their skills, and represent the board so well on the provincial stage.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board is inviting families to take part in the </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Family Engagement and Climate Survey</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This survey gives families an opportunity to share their experiences with their student’s school and with the school board.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The feedback helps us understand what is working well and where we can improve. It also supports schools and school councils in building welcoming, safe, and supportive school communities.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The survey includes questions about:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How schools communicate and share information</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether families feel welcome, included, and connected</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Barriers to taking part in school activities, such as time, childcare, language, accessibility, or cost</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Safety and bullying, including reporting and follow‑up</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Licensed Before and After School Programs, including questions to help inform future planning</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Some questions ask about family background to help us better understand different experiences across our communities</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Participation is </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">voluntary and anonymous</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Families may skip any questions they choose. No names or identifying information are collected. Results are shared only as grouped summaries and are used to support learning, planning, and improvement at the board, school, and school council levels.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The survey will be open from May 1 to May 11 and will be available online. Families will receive an e-mail on May 1 with a link to the survey. </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Paper copies will also be available at your school’s administrative office starting May 1.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The survey was developed with input from families and advisory committees, including the Parent Involvement Committee, to reflect a wide range of perspectives. Families are encouraged to </span><a href="https://youtu.be/kKxSsDtggew" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">watch this short video about the survey.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for sharing your voice and helping strengthen our schools and school communities.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Patty Gollogly</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Associate Superintendent of&nbsp;Curriculum &amp; Program Services: School Climate &amp; Community Engagement</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone District School Board</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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 </span><a href="about:blank" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">year</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 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.&nbsp; I would like to take this opportunity to share a few important updates with you:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">P.A. Day – Friday, April 17</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A 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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Family Engagement and Climate Survey – Coming in May</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In 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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">More information will be shared leading up to the survey being live in early May. </span><a href="https://youtu.be/kKxSsDtggew" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families are encouraged to watch a short video</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Human Rights Information</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Launched 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&nbsp;</span><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?fingerprint=ppb20260409164623" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Human Rights Reports – 2024-2025 Summary is now available online</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;and can be accessed by families.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Census 2025 Update</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In 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 </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/see-yourself-in-limestone-2025-student-census-update-20260416133605" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">visit the Limestone District School Board website to review the full Student Census summary</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and learn more about how student voice is helping shape our work.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mental Health Supports Available for Students</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In 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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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:</span></p><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"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Supporting Your Child’s Well-being</span></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"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Caring for yourself while caring for others: A parent’s guide to self-care</span></a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By Your Side</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (parent/caregiver resources to support mental health learning)</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://maltbycentre.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Maltby Centre</span></a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://onestoptalk.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One Stop Talk</span></a></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://kidshelpphone.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kids Help Phone</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Call 1-800-668-6868 or Text “Connect” to 686868)</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://211ontario.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2-1-1 Ontario</span></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krishna Burra</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director of Education</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A vibrant event celebrating neurodiversity with inspiring talks, creative spaces, and an inclusive community experience.</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Now entering its third year, Neurovibes is a community event celebrating neurodiversity through engaging talks, creativity, and connection.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When: April 29, 2026, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 4:00 p.m.)</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Where: Queen's Biosciences Complex, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Register now at:&nbsp;</strong></b><a href="https://bit.ly/Neurovibes2026%20" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">bit.ly/Neurovibes2026</strong></b></a><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</strong></b></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><br></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0d9fba3e-4cf2-480e-973b-7617e4932a7f?fingerprint=ppb20260416161028" alt="Neurovibes 2026 Poster" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students and families are reminded that the equal consideration deadline for Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) </span><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xxb04a7rgk2nPKDeWTgwvh8EISEOpXRHkjVBXD0LbfFUMkhHWDlRS0tBSEdQSjdWT1dBWFpaMEI2Si4u" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">program applications</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is March 27, 2026. While SHSM applications are accepted on a continuous basis, students who apply by this date will be considered first and notified by April 24, 2026.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The SHSM is a specialized program for Grades 11 and 12 students that allows them to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting all requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The program includes industry-recognized certifications, a two-credit cooperative education placement, and hands-on experiential learning, with successful completion recognized by a red seal on the diploma.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xxb04a7rgk2nPKDeWTgwvh8EISEOpXRHkjVBXD0LbfFUMkhHWDlRS0tBSEdQSjdWT1dBWFpaMEI2Si4u" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">online application takes approximately four minutes to complete</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more about SHSM on the </span><a href="https://expandedopportunities.limestone.on.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB Expanded Opportunities website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gryphon Gazette: Special Edition!</strong></b></u><br></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/ebfb644d-160e-443f-bedc-81fb027d3393?fingerprint=ppb20260228034950" alt="skills 3" width="176" height="188" style="width:176px;height:188px;display:inline-block;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello Gryphon Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are excited to share this special edition of the Gryphon Gazette to celebrate and congratulate our students who represented Granite Ridge in the Limestone Skills Competition on February 26th, 2026. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A huge thank you to Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Hopkins and Ms. Tarasick for helping our students prepare for the competition, and for supporting them at the event. We are so excited to see the interest in this event build each year, and we are thankful to this staff team for making the opportunity to compete a reality for the students involved.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students who participate in the Skills Competition practice for hours, and demonstrate courage and commitment beyond measure. They work hard to showcase technical skill, adept ability, and operate with resilience under pressure. We are very excited to recognize and celebrate the efforts of all students involved - whether they earned medals or gained valuable experience. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The sense of school pride that we have after successful days like this is unmatched! And... Exciting news: All 8 secondary students who attended achieved medals, SIX of which will be representing us at Provincial Skills Competition in May!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/5d5ab4e3-befd-4d9e-ac23-25408b44409b?fingerprint=ppb20260302014355" alt="congratulations" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><u><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations to the following participants:</strong></b></i></u></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SECONDARY PARTICIPANTS:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Danielle Gosse - Baking&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hunter Cook and Trisian Cowen - Team of 2 Carpentry&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Azzy Hall-Green - Floristry&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lindsay Surra, Parth Chawla, Michael Benoit, and Nick Conboy&nbsp; - Team of four Robotics.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ELEMENTARY PARTICIPANTS:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Carpentry: </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Team 1: Thara Dhuck-Kaillon, Evelyn McLaren, Karly Brown, Sloan Craig</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Team 2: Liam Boles, Tripp Chaisson, Stanley Deline, Bryson Grimard</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Team 3: Triton Tryon, Noah Giles, Damien Cowen, Katie Wilson</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Robotics:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Alex Burke, Garrett Conboy, Xavier Craig, Camden Gardiner, Henry Jackson, Artemis Jennings, Eerie Jennings, Emery MacFarlane, Zander McLuckie-McAree, Walt Tarasick, Cheyenne Thomas, Mason Wilson</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/285b1cbd-d4cb-4820-b36a-547c355bc32d?fingerprint=ppb20260309164821" alt="photographer" width="215" height="181" style="width:215px;height:181px;display:inline-block"></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><u><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Photos from the day!</strong></b></i></u></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/9f11ae6c-0590-446e-a300-db44fae55ddc?fingerprint=ppb20260309163755" alt="Elementary Robotics 3" width="404" height="539" style="width:404px;height:539px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/73aad867-9e83-40b4-9035-f3eed5cf8348?fingerprint=ppb20260309163754" alt="Elementary Robotics 2" width="407" height="543" style="width:407px;height:543px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/fa23ce06-7a90-47c3-9dd4-987a01b31eaa?fingerprint=ppb20260309163750" alt="Elementary Robotics 1" width="397" height="529" style="width:397px;height:529px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/9cdbd0ce-55e8-42c8-8351-f9deb105f4c3?fingerprint=ppb20260309163747" alt="Elementary Carpentry 3" width="396" height="527" style="width:396px;height:527px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/323ff211-bc6e-4a24-a1c9-d48e557fa316?fingerprint=ppb20260309163745" alt="Elementary Carpentry 2" width="396" height="528" style="width:396px;height:528px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/6494320c-6fda-4891-bad8-56f1479884b2?fingerprint=ppb20260309163744" alt="Elementary Carpentry 1" width="399" height="532" style="width:399px;height:532px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/292d8430-8e8d-4b5a-b00d-20e7b93e1d52?fingerprint=ppb20260309170043" alt="skills 5" width="402" height="536" style="width:402px;height:536px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/faad1761-e7fe-4168-b834-561a458c73fd?fingerprint=ppb20260309170033" alt="skills 2" width="404" height="539" style="width:404px;height:539px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/faad1761-e7fe-4168-b834-561a458c73fd?fingerprint=ppb20260309170033" alt="skills 2" width="402" height="536" style="width:402px;height:536px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/01478d84-49ca-4823-bd42-ab2d81e160fd?fingerprint=ppb20260310142027" alt="skills 6" width="400" height="532" style="width:400px;height:532px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/5c26f366-d7a6-4f2a-a692-1000431394ff?fingerprint=ppb20260310151400" alt="skills 7" width="390" height="519" style="width:390px;height:519px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><u><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And the winners are...</strong></b></i></u></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/f71504c0-90bf-411c-bd79-47752a34f0da?fingerprint=ppb20260309171809" alt="IMG 4654" width="503" height="671" style="width:503px;height:671px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Team of 2 Carpentry: Tristan Cowen &amp; Hunter Cooke pose with their finished product, in advance of celebrating their </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SILVER</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> medal! Tristan and Hunter will be representing Limestone at the Provincial Skills Competition</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/762396d9-e073-430f-ac7e-8bf44b961079?fingerprint=ppb20260309171812" alt="IMG 7362" width="505" height="673" style="width:505px;height:673px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Azzy Hall-Green earned a </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SILVER</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Medal with her fantastic efforts in Floristry!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/41644914-ed7d-4237-b907-892960739497?fingerprint=ppb20260309171813" alt="IMG 7364" width="550" height="733" style="width:550px;height:733px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Robotics </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">GOLD</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Medalists: Parth Chawla, Nick Conboy, Maia O'Boyle &amp; Lindsay Surrah. This team will be representing GREC in the Provincial Skills Competition! </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/49b0d30f-73e3-4dbc-961b-90ad6c91273f?fingerprint=ppb20260309170036" alt="skills 4" width="404" height="536" style="width:404px;height:536px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Danielle Gosse is bringing home a </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BRONZE</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> medal for her baking brilliance!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/b2604ab9-f8c7-44cd-9bc8-1976b0e8a412?fingerprint=ppb20260309163757" alt="Robotics" width="523" height="698" style="width:523px;height:698px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Hopkins, Henry Jackson, Alex Buske, Garrett Conboy &amp; Eerie Jennings were all smiles after the students earned </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">GOLD </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">medals in Lego Mechanics!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In Other News...</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/9f3f6ef9-9f61-460b-ae4e-40bfa6356f6e?fingerprint=ppb20260310151725" alt="mark calendar" width="382" height="203" style="width:382px;height:203px;display:inline-block"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/9bea5387-bdc2-44b8-a843-4ba478b7ec79?fingerprint=ppb20260310151724" alt="BINGO" width="716" height="965" style="width:716px;height:965px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/e8d7ae5f-2c53-413b-84e2-ac4dc1e2dc18?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139" alt="important dates" width="230" height="183" style="width:230px;height:183px;display:inline-block;float:right"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming Dates</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9 - 12 - Spirit Week!</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16-20 - March Break</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">23 - IEPs go home (Term 2)</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3 - Good Friday Holiday</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6 - Easter Monday Holiday</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16 - Parent Council Bingo Night!</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">17 - PA Day - No school for students</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 – Secondary Midterm Reports Go Home</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 – Elementary Jr BB Tournament @ NAEC (tentative)</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">18 - Victoria Day Holiday</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">19 - Welcome to Kinder Event!</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">29 - PA Day - No School for students</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9 - Athletic Banquet - 5:00pm</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16-17 - Grade 12 Final Summative Evaluations &amp; Exams</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">18-24 - Semester 2 Final Examinations</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">23 - Grade 8 Graduation - 6:30pm</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 - Kindergarten Celebration - 1:30pm</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 - Final Elementary Reports Home</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">25 - Grade 12 Graduation - 11am</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">25 - Last day of school</span></li></ul><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Year Calendars</span></h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/7291ab76-99b5-43a1-8f2b-edaade7c53e8/2025-04-07-LDSB%20School%20Year%20Calendar-2025-2026.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217014043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB School Year Calendar 2025-2026</span></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5850ce84-9e2b-4ee6-a774-c41cdc21bef1/2025-06-26-School-Year-Calendar-5-Day-Calendar.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013816" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elementary 5-Day Calendar 2025-2026</span></a></li></ul><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parent Council</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Parents &amp; Guardians,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We invite you to join our first Parent Council meeting on </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">the first Monday of each month, </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">which will take place in the GREC Library or online via Zoom from 5:30-6:30pm.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Parent Council is a group of parents, guardians, staff, and community members who work together to support and enhance our school environment. Through these meetings, we discuss important topics, share updates, and make decisions that shape our school community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Your insights and ideas are invaluable to us. We believe that a range of perspectives strengthens our efforts, and we would love to see more voices represented. Whether you have suggestions, or questions, or simply want to listen in, your involvement makes a real difference!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please consider joining us. We look forward to welcoming new and returning faces. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prevalent Medical Conditions</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools are required to have a plan of care on site for any student with a prevalent medical condition. If your student has a prevalent medical condition, please take the time to fill out the appropriate form below and return the form to the school. Forms must be updated annually so that the school is aware of changes to plans.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your student requires daily medications, these should NOT be carried in backpacks, but rather stored in the main office. If medications are to be administered by school staff, additional forms are required. Please reach out to the school if you have any questions, or to make arrangements for administration of medications.</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/6cb17e7d-afa6-5389-ba6c-8b822152fc91/Form%20311-D%20Asthma%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217014016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Asthma Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/8d3074f2-3d7a-5432-9e36-6488a4909f99/Form%20311-E%20Anaphylaxis%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217014314" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Anaphylaxis Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/3145e7bf-68db-5d8e-9c6c-3986a3d947da/Form%20311-B%20Epilepsy%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013446" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Epilepsy Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/348c4b1c-73f6-5c1c-b5b9-945d10579288/Form%20311-C%20Diabetes%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Diabetes Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/8ca5dae7-cc6b-55d5-a27a-515b750ed82a/Plan%20of%20Care%20Generic.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217014314" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Generic Plan of Care</span></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Late Arrival? Early Dismissal? </span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As you can appreciate, the office can be very busy at the beginning and end of each day. We ask that you notify your student's teacher (Elementary; note, email) or the main office (Secondary) about changes to regular routines ahead of time wherever possible. If there are unforeseen changes, please notify the office </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">before 1:30pm</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This will allow us to relay the information to the classroom in a timely manner. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All doors of the school building remain locked during the school day. Please continue to buzz at the front door for pick ups and drop offs during the day.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reporting a Student Absence</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reporting Absences: </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are three options to use to report a student absence:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">use the SchoolMessenger App on your phone, select "Attendance", then "Report an Absence"</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">use the SchoolMessenger website portal</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Call the main office of the school</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Human Rights Reporting Tool</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/194b73ca-9423-4423-9236-2382c234d04a?fingerprint=ppb20251217013228" alt="human rights" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attendance Matters</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/63bfc51d-fddb-440d-9e53-c07f111df672?fingerprint=ppb20251217013923" alt="attendance" width="685" height="669" style="width:685px;height:669px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/981f7563-db61-4bd3-8594-4f8bf65fd1b2?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424" alt="lates" width="698" height="482" style="width:698px;height:482px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/e7cd2011-a045-49fc-9f91-0d14e4423d00?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125" alt="land acknowledgement" width="684" height="429" style="width:684px;height:429px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/16952f8b-1566-44b1-b422-b14f522ad31e?fingerprint=ppb20251217013213" alt="GREC Aerial" width="730" height="338" style="width:730px;height:338px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With March now underway, and March Break fast approaching, I would like to share a few updates with families:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Year Calendar is Approved</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The 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 </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-year-calendar" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">printable version of the calendar is available on Limestone’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Budget Survey</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustees 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 </span><a href="https://bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> . The survey closes March 23, 2026.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Video: Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As 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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are pleased to share a </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">video update with families on Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">short video</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> provides an overview of Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan and how it guides our shared work to support student learning and well-being.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Revisions to Grades 7, 8, and 10 History Curriculum</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Minister of Education has announced updates to the Grades 7, 8, and 10 History curriculum for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.&nbsp;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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more about the updated curriculum on the </span><a href="https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry of Education’s Curriculum and Resources website.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Become a Homestay and Host an International Student: A Meaningful Experience for You and Your Family</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each 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 </span><a href="https://internationaled.limestone.on.ca/become_a_homestay" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">internationaled.limestone.on.ca/become_a_homestay</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry Resources for Reading and Math</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There 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 </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krishna Burra</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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:</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Audrey Bateman – Rural Student Trustee</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A message from Student Trustee Bateman:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 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&nbsp;more fun, inclusive, and memorable experience where we can. &nbsp;Everyone's voice matters!</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Victoria McCourt – Indigenous Student Trustee</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A message from Student Trustee McCourt</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: 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.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathew Katz – Urban Student Trustee</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A message from Student Trustee Katz</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: 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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6101cb72-005e-4aad-b211-341230a8738b?fingerprint=ppb20260304144748" alt="2026 2027 Student Trustees" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Thursday February 26th, Granite Ridge staff welcomed parents and guardians of incoming grade 9 students with information regarding the transition to Secondary School, courses offered and required for graduation, and a short tour around the building. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> This </span><a href="/documents/fd8a195c-2951-42ca-812a-d3b49c6054a2/Grade-9-at-GREC-1.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260227165054" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LINK </strong></b></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">will provide you with a PDF version of the informational slides that were shared with parents and guardians in attendance. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>