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Aug 21 Boardroom Briefs News Story Images

Boardroom Briefs Aug. 21, 2024

Boardroom Briefs is intended to provide highlights of presentations, reports and decisions made at the regular meeting of the Limestone District School Board of Trustees. The following are highlights of the August 21, 2024, Committee of the Whole Board Meeting. Board Meeting Agendas can be found on the website under <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/board_meetings-1719463739654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">Board Meetings</a>.  All meetings begin with an Acknowledgement of Territory: “The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land.” <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Chair's Report</h2><figure><img src="/images/dea058a1-e5d6-46f9-a75e-2526a81dc7b3?fingerprint=ppb20251217015036" alt="A photo of Chair Robin Hutcheon " width="192.89927673339844" height="249.9284521466078" style="float:right"><figurecaption>Photo of Robin Hutcheon, Chair of the Board</figurecaption></figure>We look forward to welcoming students, families, and staff to a new school year in just over a week. I know my children are looking forward to returning to classes on Wednesday, September 4.    I am excited about the new school year, and I am confident this year will be characterized by great collaboration, learning and success, for everyone - staff and students alike.     Over the summer, we have updated the Board’s Director of Education Performance Appraisal schedule, as required by Ontario Regulation 83/24. This new, annual assessment will be based on both mandatory criteria and any specific priorities set by our school board.   Previously, we conducted these appraisals every two years, after the Director’s first year of employment.     Trustees have formed a committee to handle this annual appraisal, finalized the performance plan and evaluation cycle, informed the Minister of Education, and posted the information on the board’s website, as required by the regulation.      As we will see tonight, the Board’s Strategic Plan continues to evolve from community input and feedback. Director Burra will provide a report on the Strategic Plan 2023-2028 and new branding, finalized over the summer, and I am excited to see the fresh approach.    Trustees are fully committed to supporting student and staff success over the coming months, and I look forward with optimism and excitement to another great year in Limestone.<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Director's Report</h2><figure><img src="/images/4873d4b7-cc29-5314-bbad-a4938f269261?fingerprint=ppb20251217013700" alt="" width="187.98561096191406" height="243.4213629537057" style="float:right"><figurecaption>Photo of Krishna Burra, Director of Education</figurecaption></figure>I am pleased to provide an update tonight as we prepare for the start of the 2024-2025 school year.  I hope everyone found themselves with some holiday time this summer to enjoy time with family and friends. In reflecting on this summer, it is important for everyone to have the opportunity to recharge and reflect on the important work we do collaboratively to support children and youth in the Limestone community.  With the summer season, schools were not running as they do for the other ten months of the year. However, there were lots of activities for students this July and August. Similar to last summer, over 300 students participated in Camp Read-A-Lot, and over 700 secondary students participated in the summer session earning credits.  In addition, almost 450 students participated in outdoor education programming offered at some schools, at Gould Lake, and/or on outdoor education trips. It should also be noted that for the first time, Limestone successfully offered a travel for credit summer course in English and French for Grade 10 Civics/Careers. Trustees will receive a report in the fall providing more details regarding the range of summer programs that occurred in July and August. In addition, a considerable number of facilities work occurs in schools during the summer and Manager Fowler will provide a summary of this work in September.  We are looking forward to welcoming back staff and over 20,000 students as the school year starts. While over 99% of students will be in face-to-face classrooms, Limestone continues to offer a virtual option for some students. Regardless of the format of learning, Limestone will continue to do its best to meet students where they are and support student well-being. Mental health and well-being are essential conditions for learning of all students.   We look forward to Limestone schools welcoming students back on Wednesday, September 4, with a full range of activities to be available for students in the 2024-2025 school year. As a reminder, we are starting the school year with a PA Day on Tuesday, September 3. With almost all labour agreements behind us, we can expect stability on that front for the next couple of years. We all know that extracurriculars like sports and clubs, full arts programming, and field trips are of tremendous value. As Trustees know, all these student activities are made possible by the generous time provided by staff and some community members. I think I speak for everyone in expressing our gratitude to the staff and community members that provide these valuable experiences and services to Limestone students.    This evening there are some routine, cyclical reports coming to Trustees, but I also look forward to sharing with you an overview of new branding related to the strategic plan that we will highlight in the system at the start of this school year with refreshed websites for Limestone and all schools. I know all of us share the importance of central messaging as part of the Strategic Plan: we want everyone to see themselves in Limestone and for us to make a positive difference in the lives of every student, in every classroom, in every school.  As Trustees know, considerable work occurs by central departments: facilities, finance, human resources, and ITS during the summer months to ensure schools are ready for the school year. I would like to acknowledge staff in all departments for the important work they do throughout the year, but also during the summer months.  In the agenda package, Trustees will have already seen some required changes to Policy 5: Trustee Code of Conduct are on the agenda this evening, as well as important areas of emphasis for this fall related to cell phones, social media sites, and vaping.     And finally, I would like to highlight the fact that almost 150 Limestone educators are participating in the annual Limestone Summer Institute earlier today and tomorrow morning. We are pleased to be able to provide this valuable learning opportunity to staff. This is just one example of learning that Limestone educators have been participating in this summer. As we all know, learning is a journey, not a destination, and we must always model learning to support the system and do the best we can to serve students.  <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Private Session Report - Presented by Vice-Chair Godkin </h3>Earlier in the evening during private session, the private session minutes from June 19, 2024, were approved. Executive Superintendent Young provided a personnel update which resulted in a motion and then that was followed by a property update. There was no other business conducted or motions passed in private session.  <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">OPSBA Report - Presented by Trustee McGregor</h3>Trustees attended the OPSBA Annual General Meeting. A new President was elected, Kathleen Woodcock. Currently in her sixth term as a Waterloo Region DSB Trustee, she has served the past two years as OPSBA’s First Vice-President. She will serve as president for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.  Following that meeting, the Eastern Region met, and Susan Humphries will continue to serve as Chair of the Eastern Region. I declined to run as vice chair, but I did run for the Education Working Group, and I am delighted to say I was elected to serve on this group. There are various meetings upcoming on August 12, 28 and September 12, 2024.<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Reports for Action:</h3><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">1. Short-term Borrowing Resolution for 2024-2025 School Year – Craig Young, Executive Superintendent: </h4>This is a cyclical report that comes back every year, sometimes also called the credit facility resolution or line of credit resolution. The Education Act requires the Treasurer of the Board to furnish to the bank a copy of the resolution(s) authorizing the borrowing of funds.   Periodically the Board is required to borrow funds for current operating purposes to provide interim financing until revenues are received from Municipalities and the Province. The operating resolution authorizes the signing officers of the Board to borrow operating funds when required to meet short-term cash flow needs. The dollar amount of the operating borrowing requirement has been set to a maximum of $20 million and is the same amount as in 2023-2024.  The Board is also required to arrange short-term bridge financing during the construction of major capital projects, capital additions/retrofits and for School Condition Improvement projects. The Board currently has credit facilities to cover all the required borrowing for the School Condition Improvement projects.   MOTION Moved by Trustee Morning, Seconded by Trustee Godkin:  That the Board authorize the signing officers of the Board to enter into agreements with the Royal Bank of Canada for the following:    <ol class="editor-list-ol"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The borrowing of funds to meet operating requirements to a maximum of $20 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.   CARRIED. </li></ol><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">2. Policy 5: Trustee Code of Conduct – Krishna Burra, Director of Education: </h4>Policy 5 Trustee Code of Conduct has been renewed at various times based on legislative and/or regulatory requirements. It was last reviewed with resulting substantive changes as part of the bylaw and policy review that occurred in 2021. As a result of regulatory changes stemming from Bill 98, the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 updates are required. Recommended edits have been made to Policy 5 to comply with the regulatory requirements set out in Regulation 312/24.  (See Appendix A, page 24, in the <a href="/documents/06346cc4-6564-4cfa-b326-3840a972c996/Regular%20Board%20Meeting%20Agenda%20August%2021%202024.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20251217013037" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Board Agenda Package</a>).  MOTION Moved by Trustee Elliott, Seconded by Trustee Godkin:  That Trustees approve the edits as outlined in Appendix A.  CARRIED.   <h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Reports for Information:</h3><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">1. Interim Reporting Quarter 3, 2023-2024 – Paula Carson, Manager of Financial Services: </h4>The 2023-2024 Interim Financial Report was presented to the Board on April 24, 2024, and provided operating expenditures for the period September 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024 (Quarter 2).   The 2023-2024 Interim Financial Report covers the period ending May 31, 2024 (Quarter 3). As at Quarter 3, $243.9M of the $286.4M operating budget or 85% has been spent. This exceeds the 78% results from the same quarter last year by 7%. This increase is mainly due to the additional expenditures for the Bill 124 Remedy payments that were not part of the operating budget. These payments have been funded separately from the Ministry of Education. In addition, it is important to note, that expenditures are based upon items paid within the stated period. Certain expenditures may be non-cyclical in nature, which may lead to higher or lower expenditures within a given period. Due to additional payroll expenditures for the Bill 124 Remedy payments, it is expected that revenues will increase to cover the additional expenses and that the Board will end within the 2023-2024 fiscal year budgeted deficit of ($2.5M).   The report was received for information.  <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">2. PPM 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct – Cell Phones and Vaping – Patty Gollogly, Associate Superintendent, Amanda Posadowski, KFL&A Program Manager, and Steve Hedderson, Associate Superintendent provided the following report: </h4>To promote healthy and welcoming school environments, the LDSB, along with all Ontario school boards, is currently revising its Code of Conduct to reflect new guidelines from the Ministry of Education about cell phone/mobile device use and vaping in schools as per PPM128: The Provincial Code of Conduct.  The regulations, as outlined in LDSB's Code of Conduct, Administrative Procedure 350 and Administrative Procedure 146, are crucial for fostering a safe and healthy learning environment and for mitigating the risks associated with substance abuse among students, restricting the use of cell phones at school, and limiting access to social media at school.  PPM 128 addresses the critical need for school boards to enforce restrictions on the personal use of mobile devices within schools. This includes ensuring that policies are in place to regulate when and how mobile devices may be used by students, to minimize distractions, protect privacy, and promote an environment conducive to learning.  As directed by the Ministry of Education in Policy/Program Memorandum 128 the updated Provincial Code of Conduct includes the requirement for all students to follow anti-vaping and cell phone/personal mobile device use guidelines, starting in September 2024. Read more about <a href="https://limestoneschools-my.sharepoint.com/personal/douglasja_limestone_on_ca/Documents/enhancing%20both%20the%20physical%20and%20digital%20well-being%20of%20students,%20ensuring%20a%20safer%20and%20more%20focused%20educational%20environment." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">LDSB’s expectations regarding PPM 128</a>.  LDSB and KFL&A Public Health are creating comprehensive educational materials, including posters, lesson plans, parent resources, and videos that vividly detail the dangers associated with vaping. As part of these efforts, LDSB is also piloting the installation of vape detectors in two of its secondary schools to monitor and curb vaping on school premises.  The report was received for information.  <h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr">3. See Yourself in Limestone: 2023-2028 Strategic Planning Process Branding – Krishna Burra, Director of Education: </h4>Trustees received an update on Phase 4 of the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) development and roll-out. This phase includes refreshed branding aimed at introducing the new MYSP to staff, students, families, and community members.  Under the Education Act, Section 169.1, School Boards are given the responsibility for student achievement and effective stewardship of resources. More specifically, School Board responsibilities include the following components: promoting student achievement and well-being; promoting a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting of all pupils; promote the prevention of bullying; ensure effective stewardship of the board’s resources; develop and maintain policies; develop a MYSP aimed at achieving the goals; and annually reviewing the plan with the board’s director of education.  At the February 28, 2024, Board Meeting, Trustees approved the updates to Policy 1 that reflect Board decisions made regarding the<a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/mission__vision___values" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">District’s Focused Intention, Mission, Vision, and Values</a> for the new MYSP, as well as the Strategic Plan Framework for 2024-2028.   As part of the implementation process, several LDSB branded materials have been updated to reflect the new MYSP Intention, Mission, Vision, and Values. Updated materials will be shared with schools over the coming weeks to be displayed in schools for quick reference by staff, students, families and community members. Trustees can expect to see new branded materials now and in the coming weeks: posters, banner-ups, interior signage, letterhead, website messaging, social media posts, and more. This branding update aligns well with the new LDSB website redesign that launched August 19, 2024. See it now at <a href="https://t.co/8Ulj50VjVz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="editor-link">http://limestone.on.ca</a>.  Student and staff-focused videos along with ongoing communications will support engagement with students, staff, families and community.   The report was received for information.  There was no other business conducted. The next Board Meeting is September 18, 2024.

2024-08-26 18:59:02.368 +0000 UTC

Art Exhibit - The Pride Tree, a tree with paper leaves on it in an art studio

"We Stand With You" Pride Collaboration

Alongside community partners, Kingston Arts Council (KAC) and Kingston School of Art (KSOA), Limestone District School Board (LDSB) is collaborating to build a free-standing sculpture, harvesting messages of allyship and solidarity, sharing actionable ways the Kingston community can stand with and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community.Community members are invited to attend the "We Stand With You" exhibition traveling to these sites: KSOA’s Window Art Gallery: July 2-July 12 KAC’s UNIT 115 exhibition space (located on the first floor of the Tett Centre): July 14 to 31, 2024 The Education Library at Queen’s University: August and September.This interactive installation will be exhibited alongside last year’s LDSB/KSOA Pride Quilt collaboration. Visitors can continue to "leaf" and spread messages from the tree across the community.Help "Grow" the Tree in the community! During July and August, community members are invited to contribute to a collaborative installation developed and led by local artist Clelia Scala. Taking the form of a tree "growing" throughout the summer, the installation will be housed at various sites in the community.“Leaf” a Message 2SLGBTQ+ community members and allies are invited to contribute to the collaborative installation during the exhibition. Participants can "leaf" messages for other community members, and are invited to take messages from the tree to keep or share with others. Messages can include reflections on how to stand with and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community during Pride month and beyond, messages of solidarity, allyship, and more.Why a Tree? We wanted to create something that could grow through the love put into it. The collective installation aims to cultivate community through not only the final product, but also the act of collaborating across communities and participating in relationship building as 2SLGBTQ+ community members and allies. While the installation may be temporary, it is our hope that the leaves taken will be kept by community members and will continue to represent love and allyship beyond the life of the exhibition itself.

2024-06-28 13:43:31 +0000 UTC

School Newsletter

2024-06-27 01:55:03.526 +0000 UTC

LDSB Grads Awarded Thousands in Scholarships

<img src="/images/03a0fee8-5ffa-5f3f-bb26-835be4d07f5b?fingerprint=ppb20251217013025" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit">Several Limestone District School Board (LDSB) graduates have been awarded significant scholarships to put toward their post-secondary education this fall. Seth Morency has been selected to receive a $120,000 <a href="http://www.schulichleaders.com/" class="editor-link">Schulich Leader Scholarship</a> to study engineering at Dalhousie University. A graduate of La Salle Intermediate and Secondary School, Seth was awarded the scholarship based on his high academic achievement and positive leadership in the school and community.  “I didn’t think [the scholarship] was real at first,” Morency said. “I was in shock when I found it was, and I was super excited. My goal is to be an environmental engineer. My interest is in trying to find ways to clean up the ocean. This scholarship gives me confidence in being able to achieve my goals."Jonathan Li has been selected to receive a $100,000 <a href="http://www.schulichleaders.com/" class="editor-link">Schulich Leader Scholarship</a> to study science at the University of Toronto.  A graduate of Kingston Secondary School (KSS), Li was nominated for his academic excellence, leadership in STEM and exceptional entrepreneurial skills.  Vin Bassi, also from KSS, has been named a Queen’s University Commitment Scholar and will receive $48,000 over four years.According to the <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/registrar/financial-aid/application-required/future-students/individual-awards" class="editor-link">Queen’s website</a>, “the Commitment Scholars Award celebrates and recognizes demonstrated leadership in, and commitment to, racial justice, social justice, or diversity initiatives by a student in their high school or in their community.  The award provides dedicated financial, academic, and career support to help students complete their degree.” KSS graduate Izzy Smallman has been awarded an $8,000 <a href="https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/scholarships_awards/admission/western_admission_scholarship_program.html" class="editor-link">Western Scholarship of Excellence</a> to put towards the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Western University. This scholarship is awarded to students with the top high school admission average.  Congratulations to all LDSB graduates and scholarship winners!

2024-06-20 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Lara Paterson Receives Ophea Award

<img src="/images/fd3b7936-e74e-55cf-9642-4f5af02e6181?fingerprint=ppb20251217015319" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit">Limestone District School Board is thrilled to announce that Lara Paterson, a dedicated member of the Limestone team, has been awarded the prestigious Ophea Award of Distinction.The Ophea Award of Distinction recognizes an individual who is a leader in the meaningful advancement of inclusive healthy, active living opportunities for children and youth in Ontario school communities. Lara has consistently demonstrated passion, creativity, and commitment in promoting health and wellness among our students, colleagues, and community.Nominees for this award must meet the eligibility requirements, including:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The contributions of the recipient’s impacts are regional and/or provincial in scope</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">The recipient has demonstrated excellence in the areas of advocacy, partnership development, and/or the provision of quality, innovative, inclusive programming</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">The recipient has made a long-term contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of Ontario’s children and youth</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">The recipient of this award is well known to Ophea for their contributions and years of service and support in service student well-being</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">The recipient’s work/volunteer contributions impact schools and/or communities (e.g. educators, public health workers, recreation providers, etc.)</li></ul>The Ophea Award of Distinction is presented in honour of Bing Caswell, a dedicated professional whose thought leadership and commitment led to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field of health and physical education.On behalf of the Limestone District School Board, congratulations Lara! We are proud to have you as part of our team.

2024-06-10 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

2024-06-06-Skills Ontario Winners 2024 (300 x 200 px) (1)

Skills Ontario Awards 2024

<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="/images/4404f904-f625-5628-b479-f037226c1116?fingerprint=ppb20251217013634" alt=""></figure>Limestone’s Board of Trustees had the honour of having the Skills Ontario Competition Awards at the Education, Policy, and Operations Committee meeting on June 5, 2024. The Expanded Opportunities Team lead by Melissa Baker-Cox, Geoff Petznick, Paul Allinson, and Courtney Soucy, presented banners to the students involved in the Skills Ontario Competition, as well as Skills Canada.On behalf of the Board of Trustees and entire Limestone District School Board, congratulations to all the students on their participation and amazing success!  Grade 7/8 ConstructionIndividual teams were asked to construct a scale model of a modest and affordable house for a well deserving family based on the design they arrived with. Team construction projects will be judged on several criteria including creativity, quality, teamwork, and demonstration of basic practical and theoretical knowledge of Residential House Design and Construction.3rd Place at Skills Ontario: A.J. Farley, Aiden Lollar, Baurer Desveaux, and Keegan GardinerAuto Paint – SecondaryCompetitors had the opportunity to demonstrate, through practical and theoretical application, their skills and task knowledge in the industry relevant to:<ul><li>Basic skills relevant to surface preparation, colour matching, painting, and polishing.</li><li>Knowledge of an application of applicable health and safety regulations.</li><li>Adjusting and checking of safety/operating equipment.</li><li>Problem solving in relation to painting.</li></ul>1st Place at Skills Ontario: Alisha Haaksman3rd Place at Skills Ontario: Joe YeomansOutdoor Power Equipment – SecondaryTested the skills and knowledge of each student in the air and liquid cooled engine field and to prepare each student for employment in the Marine, Powersports, and Small Engine industries. Criteria included: two-stroke engine mechanical operation, all-terrain vehicle braking systems, fuel system and carburetor repair, electrical wiring and troubleshooting, four-cycle engine shooting, and theory.                1st Place at Skills Ontario: Jeremy GardinerAuto Collison – Post SecondaryCompetitions were judged on their general knowledge of auto body repair process with particular attention paid to:<ul><li>Knowledge of safe working practices through the body repair process.</li><li>Proper application of I-Car procedures for the structural sectioning project.</li><li>Performance of an aluminum welding task.</li><li>Accurate use of Tram-bar and Unibody measurement charges for measuring a Unibody.</li></ul>1st Place at Skills Ontario and 2nd Place at Skills Canada: Liam AlfordArborist – Post SecondaryCompetitors were judged on:<ul><li>Tailboard Safety </li><li> <ul><li>Assessment of the hazards for the tasks being performed below. </li></ul></li><li>Knot Tying </li><li> <ul><li>Performing and completing knots as described in the Arborist Industry Safe Work Practices book by WSPS – Spar Pole Rescue </li><li>While maintaining 100% tie off work positioning, ascend the tree (powerline pole for use of competition), assess patient, secure patient, and lower ground. </li></ul></li><li>Limbing Challenge </li><li> <ul><li>Assemble a chain saw (will be disassembled), properly start reassembled chainsaw. </li><li>Using the same chainsaw, remove identified limbs (obstacle) of a downed tree (powerline pole with large dowels) using proper cutting and safe chainsaw techniques. </li></ul></li><li>Throw Ball Challenge </li><li> <ul><li>With in the allotted time, utilize provided throw ball lines, to make as many attempts as possible to hit targets to score points. This is an accuracy challenge. </li></ul></li><li>Mechanical Advantage Challenge </li><li> <ul><li>All competitors were provided with the same set equipment (pulleys, trusses, etc.), where they will develop the most efficient mechanical advantage system within the time allotted.</li></ul></li></ul>2nd Place at Skills Ontario: Owen ChapmanCongratulations to all the Limestone District School Board Skills Ontario Competitors:<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Contest</td><td>Name</td><td>Rank</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Collision Repair</td><td>Shayla G</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Collision Repair</td><td>Tate D</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Paint</td><td>Alisha H</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Paint</td><td>Joe Y</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Service Technology</td><td>Blake D</td><td>34</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Service Technology</td><td>Nathan P</td><td>44</td></tr><tr><td>Baking</td><td>Joanna N</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Brick Masonry</td><td>Zach R</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Cabinetmaking</td><td>Isabelle M</td><td>17</td></tr><tr><td>Carpentry –Individual</td><td>Austin M</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Carpentry – Team of two</td><td>Hunter M, Jude N</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Coding</td><td>Kai M</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Computer Aided Manufacturing</td><td>Dominic A</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Computer Aided Manufacturing</td><td>Hailey O</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Construction 7-8</td><td>Bauer D, AJ F, Keegan G, Aiden L</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Culinary Arts</td><td>Iain S</td><td>22</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical Installations</td><td>Nolan S</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Floristry</td><td>Sunnai P</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Graphic Design – Presentation</td><td>Grace L</td><td>11</td></tr><tr><td>Graphic Design – Studio Production</td><td>Dominique S</td><td>27</td></tr><tr><td>Green Energy 7-8</td><td>Eirnan M, James S, Chelsea H, Kemsley B</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Hairstyling</td><td>Sierra W</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>Hairstyling</td><td>Delvin D-C</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Heavy Equipment Service</td><td>Fletcher M</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>Horticulture & Landscaping</td><td>Patrick C, Kaleb W</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>LEGO Mechanical Engineering 7-8</td><td>Sohoh M, Lonin W, Easton S, Hudson H</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Outdoor Power Equipment</td><td>Jeremy G</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Photography</td><td>Brooke M</td><td>49</td></tr><tr><td>Photography</td><td>Dante M</td><td>55</td></tr><tr><td>Plumbing</td><td>Vann T</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Precision Machining</td><td>Reid A</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>Prepared Speech</td><td>Aurora</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>VEX Robotics – Team of four</td><td>Bradley B, Deven G, Maneesha D. Allen G</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Welding</td><td>Riley H</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>Welding</td><td>Luke P</td><td>21</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> Limestone would like to thank all the Skills Competition Coaches and Chairs, the entire Expanded Opportunities team members, St. Lawrence College, Skills Ontario, and Skills Canada.

2024-06-06 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

National Indigenous History Month 2024

<img src="/images/de06adf7-cd27-549d-b705-91421f9a569f?fingerprint=ppb20251217015036" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit" style="float:right">June is National Indigenous History Month. This month is an opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. It’s a time to honour and give voice to the stories, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous peoples across Canada, who have lived and cared for this land since time immemorial and who continue to make significant impacts, today.During this month, we also celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st. This day is an opportunity to honour the histories and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This day is important as it gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the Indigenous peoples whose histories and cultures are rooted in this land, and whose historical impact and presence have long been ignored by Canadian society. We are now in a place where we are beginning to recognize the importance of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to what we now know as Canada. In the Limestone District School Board, it is critical that we continue to teach the truth and to make a commitment to life-long reconcili-ACTION and living in right relations with the Indigenous community whose traditional territory we are fortunate to teach and learn on.Working in partnership with the Kingston Friendship Centre and several community organizations, the Limestone District School Board’s, Indigenous Education Team is proud to offer several opportunities for staff, students, caregivers, and the community to engage in throughout this month.June 6th – Self-identified Indigenous students and students enrolled in NAC10 are invited to participate in a fish scale art workshop with Cree-Métis artist, Jamie Morse. This opportunity is being funded generously by the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest through the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centre's.June 11th – Storytelling session by Bomgiizhik (Isaac Murdoch): “Stories of the Summer Solstice”. All classes are invited to participate in a virtual session through Zoom on June 11th to learn about the Summer Solstice.June 19th – Caregivers, students, and the community are invited to attend a Public Virtual Hodinohsho:ni Governance Workshop hosted by the Woodland Cultural Centre. This workshop will be on June 19th at 6:00 PM. The donation for this workshop helps to support the education department in creating and delivering virtual programming at the Woodland Cultural Centre. Topics covered include Hodinohsho:ni system of governance, use of Wampum, the Royal Proclamation, the Haldimand Proclamation, the Indian Act, and how these conflicted with the traditional Hodinohsho:ni Governance structure.<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84279518633?pwd=ckUxb3VLT0J0NnBTMCtONlZnc2xudz09" class="editor-link">Join the Public Virtual Hodinohsho:ni Governance Workshop on ZOOM</a>.June 21st – National Indigenous Peoples Day at City Park in Kingston. On June 21st, staff and students are invited to attend the National Indigenous Peoples Day event in City Park from 11:00 – 4:00 PM. On this day there will be market vendors, a community services fair, food vendors, activities for children and youth, and an evening event starting at 7:00 PM in Springer Market Square featuring a concert by 2nd Line Bluegrass. The LDSB Indigenous Education Team will be working in collaboration with the Kingston Frontenac Public Library to create buttons, play large outdoor games such as cornhole and Jenga, and other fun activities! We are thankful for the continued collaboration with the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest to help make this event possible for staff, students, and the community.

2024-06-03 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Join LDSB's Technical Advisory Group

<img src="/images/e61a0df0-e3a8-5259-9b1d-90b8936eb8fb?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit" style="float:right">The Limestone District School Board is seeking new members for the Technical Advisory Group for the next phase of Student Census data collection. The purpose of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is to give advice, opinions, and make recommendations in the design of methods for data collection, analysis, and the representation of results. Most importantly, TAG ensures that multiple and diverse perspectives are applied to the analysis of Student Census data to minimize the risk of bias.Recruitment:The committee will be formed by seeking expressions of continued interest from current members and new expressions of interest from individuals who possess the required lived experience and research skill set. Limestone staff will be notified by email of the opportunity to join TAG. The opportunity will also be posted to the LDSB website and advertised on LDSB’s social media channels New interested parties can express their interest using the <a href="https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2aXfk1Af78UcseO" class="editor-link">TAG Expression of Interest Form</a>. Printable copies of the form are also available <a href="https://limestoneschools-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/clostlamberte_limestone_on_ca/EUjk3z0ydglFjxSb2QBRtREBeMUgAtZZe3fZhGEnW2vjUA?e=DlGsax" class="editor-link">here</a>. All submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. on June 3, 2024.It is important to read the <a href="/documents/3b3da70a-68e5-55e0-b8ec-80d58d9bbb44?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540" target="_blank" class="editor-link"> TAG Terms of Reference </a> before you apply.Selection:Expressions of interest will be reviewed by the core Census Team (Limestone Research Team, Equity Consultant, Superintendent); the Vice Principal of Indigenous Education; and the Human Rights andEquity Officer. The goal is to create a committee that is as equitable and intersectional as possible from the applications received. Interested parties are invited to share the ways in which they are willing and able to share their lived experiences alongside their research and/or data experience.TAG Membership Drive: Proposed TimelinePlease note, the timeline subject to changeSpring 2024Recruitment of new TAG Members May 6 to June 3, 2024Early June: Review applicationsMid- to Late-June: Confirm members

2024-05-06 00:00:00 +0000 UTC

Cataraqui Woods Elementary School