See Yourself in Limestone

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Earlier this month, more than 100 junior students at James R. Henderson Public School took part in a hands-on sewing initiative, creating drawstring bags using sewing machines. These bags were then used during “Learning on the Land,” as part of the Land-based learning program at Lemoine Point Conservation Area. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/09876e94-933a-4fa0-a4c8-147a67209839" alt="Students with drawstring bags at Lemoine Point in autumn" 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;">The year-long Land-based learning program at the school grew from collaboration with Gillianne Mundell, Elementary Land-Based Indigenous Education Teacher with the Limestone District School Board (LDSB). She mentored teachers in applying a Land-based learning framework, led outdoor professional development sessions, and guided them as they developed their own classroom plans. This program aims to support teachers in continuing to bring in Land-based learning practices and pedagogies into their classrooms, year-round. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The sewing component was supported by Jason Quenneville, LDSB Expanded Opportunities and Experiential Learning Consultant. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/8cbe85d5-95df-4bfb-aee7-91790ae1aa10" alt="Sewing in class at Henderson PS" width="403" height="602" style="width:403px;height:602px;display:inline-block;float:left"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Mr. Q’s guidance and expertise in sewing, safety, and hands-on learning were invaluable,” said Carly Elliott, Grades 4/5 French Immersion teacher. “He supported both teachers and students, helping to bring this project to life.” </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The combined sewing and Land-based learning program supports multiple educational goals, including the centering of Indigenous worldviews, teaching practices, and pedagogies, a demonstrated commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, future pathways exploration, and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Throughout the week, while learning to sew, students rotated through stations that connected to curriculum expectations in Math, Language (English and French), and Physical Education. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Students were so proud to carry and use their handmade drawstring bags during the Land-based learning, showcasing the value of their creativity, effort, and real-world learning,” said Jenn Martin, Grades 5/6 French Immersion teacher. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I thoroughly enjoyed helping students take on the challenge of learning to sew,” added Leanne Lieberman, Grades 5/6 French Immersion teacher. “The kids were excited to learn how to use a sewing machine and interested to learn about career pathways in design, fashion, and textiles. This was a fantastic way to start our Land-based learning project.” </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The trip to Lemoine Point marked the first of four seasonal visits, with the fall outing focusing on building relationships with the Land. Students will continue to bring their learning bags on future outdoor experiences. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“This project really captured the spirit of learning and connection,” said Teia Kivistik, Grades 4 to 6 English to Immersion teacher. “We learned right alongside our students — from sewing our own bags to exploring relationships with the Land.” </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Great things don’t just happen—they’re built by the energy of 103 students and the guidance of six teachers who believe in what’s possible,” said Greg Morrison, Grades 5/6 teacher. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"It’s been a wonderful opportunity for students to develop practical skills, express their creativity, and build confidence as they work on creating something of their own!" said Principal Kate Brennan. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5c5d1c32-1b4a-4bcc-ae46-49c8239efda8" alt="A group of students looking at the trees at Lemoine Point in autumn 2025" width="678" height="667" style="width:678px;height:667px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student voices echoed the enthusiasm of their teachers. Here is a collection of individual student quotes: </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I think I could sew anything that I really set my mind to." </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Using the sewing machine for the first time was difficult because I had no idea what to do, but then when I learned how to, I was rolling." </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Je suis content que nous sommes allés à Lemoine Point parce que j'aime regarder tout la nature." </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Today at Lemoine Point, I felt calm, excited, and thankful. I was happy to be with my friends and my Grade 1 younger buddy.” </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Today at Lemoine Point, I feel happy, alive, observant, calm and good.” </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/22287d31-bb04-4166-bb85-06f9d85e6cbc" alt="Students sitting on the ground at Lemoine Point in autumn 2025" width="487" height="647" style="width:487px;height:647px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Classroom image provided by Kate Brennan. Outdoor images provided by Teia Kivistik.</em></i></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;">It is hard to believe we are already approaching the end of October.&nbsp; Excluding today and a handful of other days, we have enjoyed a beautiful and relatively warm fall. Since the start of the school year, it has been wonderful to see the momentum of learning and the wide variety of extracurricular activities taking place across Limestone schools. As we head into November next week, I want to share a few updates with you:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">See Yourself in Limestone – Student Census Survey</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Information was shared with families earlier this week regarding the upcoming See Yourself in Limestone Student Census. The census is a voluntary and confidential survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note, there was one error in the message shared with you regarding the dates of the Student Census. The correct dates are November 24 to 28, 2025.</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As a reminder, families who do not want their student(s) to complete the survey must contact their school Principal by Friday, November 14, 2025. Opting out means the student will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By better understanding students’ identities and experiences, we can remove barriers and better support students in accessing what they need to succeed.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more about the Student Census and how it supports equity in Limestone: </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_census" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">limestone.on.ca/student_census</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reminder: Upcoming PA Day – November 14, 2025</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A reminder to families that Friday, November 14 is a Professional Activity (PA) Day for all Limestone students. </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There will be no classes for students on this day.</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Achievement Plan – Opportunity to Provide Feedback</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">An update on </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5bb14b2b-a709-4efa-9daa-9553a7b51f9a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-October-29-2025-revised.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan is included in the most recent Board Meeting package (pages 37 through 39)</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This update is interim because we are still awaiting the release of 2024-2025 EQAO data and other provincial data. The plan outlines how the Board is working to support student success in three key areas:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Achievement in Core Academic Skills (literacy and numeracy)</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Preparation for Future Success (graduation rates, career pathways)</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Engagement and Well-Being</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families are encouraged to </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5bb14b2b-a709-4efa-9daa-9553a7b51f9a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-October-29-2025-revised.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">review the update included in the October Board Meeting package</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and learn more about how Limestone is tracking progress and creating opportunities for all students. Once we have EQAO and other provincial data, another update will be shared.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As of today (October 30, 2025), we have still not received EQAO and other provincial data for the 2024-2025 school year. As a result, based on the </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/mission__vision___values" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone District School Board Strategic Plan</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> we have provided an interim report on our continued work to support improved student learning and well-being.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Question for Families:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> What feedback, if any, do you have regarding the Board's goals and high impact strategies focused on improving student learning and well-being? </span><a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prNw0zfWUOKuly9F1SpkMermbTzVyZ1st8%3D&amp;mod=0&amp;dlang=en" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Share your feedback with Limestone online here.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Free Access to IDELLO for the French as a Second Language Community</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are excited to share that Télévision française de l’Ontario (TFO) is offering free access to IDELLO for families in the French as a Second Language (FSL) community!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.idello.org/formations-et-evenements?utm_source=Idello&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Idello2025" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">IDELLO</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a rich online platform</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> that offers virtual training, events, and resources designed to support French-language learning for educators, parents, and students. It is a great way to explore engaging content and strengthen language skills at home.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day, IDELLO also features a special </span><a href="https://www.idello.org/002686794/journee-nationale-de-la-verite-et-de-la-reconciliation-5e-a-12e-annee?utm_source=Idello&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Idello2025" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">resource collection for Grades 5 to 12</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. These materials help students learn about the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and encourage thoughtful reflection on building a better future.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To request free access, families can contact TFO directly at </span><a href="mailto:support@idello.org" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">support@idello.org</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not miss this opportunity to bring meaningful French-language learning and cultural reflection into your home!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many resources available designed to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that can make learning fun and effective for students and families. </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to learn more.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Inclement Weather Season</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we approach the inclement weather months (roughly early November to early April), our transportation partner, Tri-Board Student Transportation Services (Tri-Board), works closely with their school bus companies to determine if it is safe to offer school transportation on inclement weather days. School buses function differently than other vehicles, and sometimes, although it is safe for the average family vehicle to travel, it is not safe for a school bus to be on the road. Due to the geographic size of our district, weather conditions can vary significantly from one region to another. As a result, there are times when transportation cancellations may only apply to specific areas experiencing adverse conditions, while other regions remain unaffected. Having to cancel school transportation is understandably disruptive to families, but Tri-Board always puts the safety of their 30,000-plus bus riders first and foremost in their decision-making. Learn more about </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/prepare-for-winter-related-bus-delays-and-cancellations--20251020203640" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">how to help make the winter season and bus cancellation days easier for families to manage on our website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for the continued support and partnership as part of the Limestone community, and have a safe, and hopefully not a rainy, Halloween.</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;">Director of Education</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Global News Kingston covered the </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/black-indigenous-and-racialize-career-day-october-29-2025-20251016164525" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB Black, Indigenous, and Racialized Career Fair</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> on October 29, 2025 at the Tett Centre. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This empowering event was designed for Black, Indigenous, and Racialized LDSB secondary school students to highlight diverse voices and break down barriers by showcasing successful Black, Indigenous, and Racialized professionals across a wide range of industries.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Global News Kingston segment can be watched by following this link: </span><a href="https://globalnews.ca/video/11501062/school-board-hosts-career-fair-for-racialized-students/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Global News Kingston: School board hosts career fair for racialized students</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p>