News

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/926fbf2a-98a8-55f5-849d-b723588a6c29?fingerprint=ppb20251217014343" alt="" 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;">Head Lice</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attention: Parents of K-12 Students. We have active cases of headlice in our school. Please remind your child to not share hats, or clothing with their peers. (December 2025) </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools play an important role in the control of head lice because of the impact on the educational program of the student.&nbsp; Parents should take an active role in the control of this problem.&nbsp; &nbsp; If your child is exhibiting signs of head lice (pediculosis), please be assured that your child’s right to privacy, dignity, and cultural sensitivity is respected. Head lice is common in school-aged children.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Having head lice is not a health hazard but does require immediate treatment to stop the spread to other children and adults.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We know that treating head lice is a costly expense, but DID YOU KNOW that if you contact your primary care provider such as a doctor or nurse practitioner for a prescription, it will be covered at no cost to you thanks the new OHIP Plus Plan? Your pharmacist, nurse practitioner or doctor will be able to help you decide which treatment is best for your family. If you are unable to access the recommended treatments, please contact the school for support.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It is also important to check all family members and notify others (friends, family, neighbours etc.) who may have come into contact with the child who has head lice. As long as your child is being treated, he/she is welcome at school. We must work together so that we can stop the spread of head lice. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school.</span></p>

<img src="/images/ad903b13-c729-5797-85f9-88c064babf32?fingerprint=ppb20251217014623" srcset="/thumbnails/ad903b13-c729-5797-85f9-88c064babf32?fingerprint=ppb20251217014623 450w, /images/ad903b13-c729-5797-85f9-88c064babf32?fingerprint=ppb20251217014623 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span>Please be aware that elementary students at NAEC are not permitted to bring&nbsp;</span><strong><span>Energy Drinks</span></strong><span>&nbsp;such as Red Bull, Rock Star, and Monster etc to school.</span></p> <p><span>Energy drinks are not recommended for children because of their high levels of caffeine, and other ingredients. In some cases, one energy drink could have more caffeine than the safe daily intake. Children are at increased risk of experiencing behavioural effects from consuming caffeine. Health Canada has received a number of reports of suspected health problems associated with energy drinks. Symptoms have included irregular heartbeat and nervousness.</span></p> <p><span>For more information visit the Health Canada website.&nbsp;</span></p>

<img src="/images/fa9f7cbc-7017-57a4-9b47-3ea941c52dd9?fingerprint=ppb20251217015306" srcset="/thumbnails/fa9f7cbc-7017-57a4-9b47-3ea941c52dd9?fingerprint=ppb20251217015306 450w, /images/fa9f7cbc-7017-57a4-9b47-3ea941c52dd9?fingerprint=ppb20251217015306 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>Please look for the First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Self Identification Pamphlet coming home this week. This self-identification is based on any degree of Indigenous ancestry and is not based on whether a member of the family has a status card. The self-identification can be withdrawn at any time. No proof is required, and information is kept confidential. This process is very important in helping us develop, fund, and provide appropriate supportive programming to all our students.<br> <br> <br> </span><span><span>To self-identify, complete the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/UserFiles/Servers/Server_352698/File/Programs/Indigenous%20Education/Self-Identification/Indigenous%20Identification%20brochure.pdf" target="_blank" title="Brochure">Standing Proud Self-Identification brochure</a><span>&nbsp;</span></span><span>and return it to your school.<br> </span><span><br> <br> <span>FAQ's about Indigenous Self-Identification</span><br> <br> </span> <p><span><strong>Who can self-identify?</strong></span></p> <p><span>If you are a student over 18 years of age and have any degree of Indigenous ancestry you may choose to self-identify. If you are under 18 years of age, your parents or guardians will need to identify for you. You can identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit. No proof is required.</span></p><span></span> <p><span><strong>Is the information confidential?</strong></span></p> <p><span>Yes. It will be treated like all personal information collected by the Board. Board personnel who would require such information for the provision of resources, services, and experiences to benefit inpidual Indigenous students will be informed. This information will be shared with the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). Overall aggregate results, including provincial test results, will be studied to see if there have been improvements for Indigenous students.</span></p> <p><span><strong>What are the benefits to&nbsp;individuals&nbsp;of self-identifying?</strong></span></p> <p><span>Self-identified students may be eligible for additional support such as counselling, tutoring and extra-curricular opportunities. The Board wants to ensure that we are meeting your learning and developmental needs through appropriate supportive programming in our schools.</span></p> <p><span><strong>Will I be treated differently if I self-identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit?</strong></span></p> <p><span>No. Schools ensure that all students are treated with respect. You may, however, be entitled to some additional supports as an identified First Nation, Métis or Inuit person.</span></p> <p><span><strong>Why is this information useful to the Limestone District School Board?</strong></span></p> <p><span>The information will allow the Board to:</span></p> <ul> <li> <p><span>know more about the Indigenous population it serves.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span>further support the success of our Aboriginal students.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span>advocate for funding from the Ministry of Education which will provide the means to develop and implement student success programs and supports for Indigenous students.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span>target expenditures and initiatives to enhance the success of Indigenous students.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span>provide more help to Indigenous students to be successful in school, entering the workforce, and preparing for post-secondary studies</span></p> </li> </ul> <p><span><strong>How was the Self-identification Policy created by the board?</strong></span></p> <p><span>The Board consulted with local Indigenous parents and organizations, Indigenous teachers in the board, board staff, Ministry officials, and other school boards to draw up the policy. The Ministry initiative is outlined in the document,&nbsp;<em>Building Bridges to Success for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Students: Developing Policies for Voluntary, Confidential Aboriginal Students Self-Identification</em>.</span></p> <p><span><strong>Is the Self-Identification Policy related to other Ministry of Education initiatives?</strong></span></p> <p><span>Yes. In 2007 the Ministry of Education issued the&nbsp;<a class="editor-link" href="/documents/8087720b-8295-5d17-aa2a-9604f9b5cb4d?fingerprint=ppb20251217014207" target="_blank"> <span>Ontario First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Education Policy Framework</span> </a>. In that document, the ministry has stated that First Nation, Métis and Inuit students will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to successfully complete their elementary and secondary education in order to pursue postsecondary education or training and/or to enter the workforce. The self-identification policy allows school boards and the ministry to measure whether they are achieving that goal.</span></p> <p><span><strong>Can I withdraw my self-identification?</strong></span></p> <p><span>Yes, at any time. Upon written request to the principal of the appropriate school, you can remove your self-identification.</span></p><span><br> <br> </span>

<img src="/images/a63d8cd8-f510-5ca8-b355-a0a6761c2570?fingerprint=ppb20251217014545" srcset="/thumbnails/a63d8cd8-f510-5ca8-b355-a0a6761c2570?fingerprint=ppb20251217014545 450w, /images/a63d8cd8-f510-5ca8-b355-a0a6761c2570?fingerprint=ppb20251217014545 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span><span>The TOP 10&nbsp; Reasons to come out to our Parent Council Meetings!!&nbsp;</span><span><br> <br> <br> Stay informed about goings on in the school.<br> <br> <br> Make a Difference.<br> <br> <br> Give back to the school community.<br> <br> <br> Feel Good.&nbsp;<br> <br> <br> Benefit your child.&nbsp;<br> <br> <br> Get connected.&nbsp;<br> <br> <br> Be a Role Model.<br> <br> <br> Tap into a Network.&nbsp;<br> <br> <br> Witness Improvement.<br> <br> <br> Have fun.&nbsp;<br> <br> <br> </span></span> <div> <span>The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 28th, at 6:00 p.m. at NAEC&nbsp;</span> </div>

<img src="/images/9802a4f0-88f2-5f6d-8308-95c8295e2300?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424" srcset="/thumbnails/9802a4f0-88f2-5f6d-8308-95c8295e2300?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424 450w, /images/9802a4f0-88f2-5f6d-8308-95c8295e2300?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span>All parents/guardians are asked to report their student’s&nbsp;<span>absence regardless of the reason, including during bus cancellations</span>. Often, bused students find alternative ways to school and we want to ensure we know the whereabouts of every student to ensure their safety and well-being. Knowing who is supposed to be at school will allow school office staff to best ensure all students are accounted for. Students are asked to ensure they report to their first period class for attendance.<br> <br> <span>This can be done one of three ways: <br> the SchoolMessenger App on your mobile device; <br> the SchoolMessenger <a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login" target="_blank" title="School Messenger Website Portal">website portal;</a> <br> or the toll-free number automated phone system at <br> 1-855-257-9349.<br> <br> Select:&nbsp;<br> B</span></span><span>us cancellation</span><span>&nbsp;as the reason for absence if your student is bused</span></p> <ul> <li><span><span>Inclement weather</span>&nbsp;as the reason for the absence if your student walks but chooses not to attend</span></li> </ul> <p><span>If your student is marked absent and the absence hasn’t been reported in advance, our new SafeArrival system will attempt to reach the student’s priority contact (parents/guardians) by telephone to confirm the absence.&nbsp;<span>If you receive a call regarding your student’s absence, you can enter the reason for the absence (bus cancellation or inclement weather) during this call.</span></span></p> <p><span>The new SafeArrival system makes it easier for you to report your student’s absence, reduces the time it takes for our school staff to verify student attendance, and responds to unexpected or unplanned student absences. This time savings makes it faster and more efficient to account for all students and their safety.</span></p><br>

<img src="/images/e62760e5-2f6a-5e49-9130-c0ed46b91fed?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125" srcset="/thumbnails/e62760e5-2f6a-5e49-9130-c0ed46b91fed?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125 450w, /images/e62760e5-2f6a-5e49-9130-c0ed46b91fed?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span>The Limestone District School Board is excited to launch our new mobile app designed to enable students, families, staff and the broader community to stay informed about district and school news and events.</span></p> <p><span>The free app (Limestone Dist School Board) can be downloaded for Apple in the App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store. Users can also select “push notifications” when they download the app to receive the latest news from the district and your school(s).</span></p> <p><span>The new app will allow users to subscribe to their schools of choice and will provide families with instant access to school calendars and news items as well as links to sports schedules, busing information and social media accounts. New information will continue to be added to the app.</span></p> <p><span>“Our new, official mobile app empowers everyone in our school communities to stay connected and up-to-date on the information that they want and need using the convenience of their mobile device,” says Director of Education Debra Rantz. “The app will allow the school board and our schools to manage and share content in a more timely manner with our families, students and staff.”</span></p> <p><span>The mobile app is the latest tool in a new suite of electronic communication tools being deployed by the school board to improve communication with families and our school communities.</span></p> <p><span>* New and improved district and school websites were launched in late spring.</span></p> <p><span>* All schools will begin using a broadcasting tool called Communicate that allows the Board and schools to push important messages to students, families, and staff via voice mail, email or text message. The tool is linked to the Board’s student information system and families will choose how they wish to receive these important messages. Some schools are beginning the new school year with Communicate. All schools will introduce the tool by the beginning of October.</span></p> <p><span>* The Board is piloting Safe Arrival, an enhanced two-way absence reporting tool with Southview Public School this September. This new system will make it easier for you to report your student’s absence, reduce the time it takes for our school staff to verify student attendance, and respond to unexpected or unplanned student absences. Safe Arrival will be rolled out to all schools during the upcoming school year.</span></p> <p><span>* Some schools in the Greater Napanee area will begin piloting a cashless payment system that will allow families to pay for field trips, hot lunches and other items online. The system will also schools to include any necessary permission forms to increase efficiency and privacy.</span></p> <p><span>We are excited to unveil these new tools to our school communities. We will share more information as each new tool is introduced. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we improve to serve you better.</span></p>

<img src="/images/7eb8b1f3-ded9-568c-a33b-4df11f46a512?fingerprint=ppb20251217014153" srcset="/thumbnails/7eb8b1f3-ded9-568c-a33b-4df11f46a512?fingerprint=ppb20251217014153 450w, /images/7eb8b1f3-ded9-568c-a33b-4df11f46a512?fingerprint=ppb20251217014153 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>Threat/Risk Assessment Notification and Process</span><span><br> <br> <br> The Limestone District School Board and community partners are committed to making our schools safe for students and staff. As a result, schools will respond to all student behaviours that pose a potential risk to other students, staff, and members of the community. The Community Violence Threat Risk Assessment Process is designed to be proactive in developing intervention plans that address the emotional and physical safety of those involved. A Threat/Risk Assessment is initiated by the school administration or community partners when behaviours have been identified by staff or students that pose a potential risk to self and/or others. Please note: it is important for all parties to support the Violence Threat Risk Assessment Process. However, if for some reason there is a reluctance to participate in the process, by the student of concern or parent/guardian, the threat assessment process will continue in order to ensure a safe and caring environment for all. Families are asked to review the steps of a Threat/Risk Assessment online at <a href="http://bit.ly/LDSBthreatassessment" target="_blank" title="LDSB Threat Risk Assessment Notification Process">http://bit.ly/LDSBthreatassessment</a> .</span>

<img src="/images/24a44730-be96-5491-9e7c-9b0bb7792f8d?fingerprint=ppb20251217013337" srcset="/thumbnails/24a44730-be96-5491-9e7c-9b0bb7792f8d?fingerprint=ppb20251217013337 450w, /images/24a44730-be96-5491-9e7c-9b0bb7792f8d?fingerprint=ppb20251217013337 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span><br> <br> <br> <br> This is the official online shopping portal&nbsp;for&nbsp;North Addington Education Centre.&nbsp; CLICK HERE &gt;&nbsp;<a href="https://naec.entripyshops.com/" target="_blank" title="Viking Weare">NAEC Viking Clothing</a><br> <br> Enjoy browsing a wide selection of products from a variety of brands that you can then customize with the approved logos and graphics found on the site.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> <br> Display your pride in fantastic apparel customized entirely by you.&nbsp;&nbsp; Our site lets students, parents, fans, &amp; staff choose from approved merchandise to fit their needs 24/7 with no minimum order quantities</span>

<img src="/images/789f7fdd-3971-5135-9aa0-904bb6affde1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014125" srcset="/thumbnails/789f7fdd-3971-5135-9aa0-904bb6affde1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014125 450w, /images/789f7fdd-3971-5135-9aa0-904bb6affde1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014125 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><br>

<img src="/images/99486131-7b16-5194-a44c-f7c308d42989?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424" srcset="/thumbnails/99486131-7b16-5194-a44c-f7c308d42989?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424 450w, /images/99486131-7b16-5194-a44c-f7c308d42989?fingerprint=ppb20251217014424 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p>This is a reminder that our parking designation areas have changed.&nbsp;</p> <p><span>Buses will now be parking further back and away from the main entrance, while cars can only use designated parking spots.&nbsp;</span></p> <p>The front loop of the school will be used for drop off and pick ups only.&nbsp;<br> <br> Please be aware of students getting on and off buses, and be aware of busing routes when pulling in and out of the school.&nbsp; If visiting the school, please use designated parking spaces.<br> <br> The safety of our students is our number one priority!&nbsp; &nbsp;<br> &nbsp; </p><br>

<img src="/images/03a0fee8-5ffa-5f3f-bb26-835be4d07f5b?fingerprint=ppb20251217013025" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Several Limestone District School Board (LDSB) graduates have been awarded significant scholarships to put toward their post-secondary education this fall.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Seth Morency has been selected to receive a $120,000 </span><a href="http://www.schulichleaders.com/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schulich Leader Scholarship</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to study engineering at Dalhousie University.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“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."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jonathan Li has been selected to receive a $100,000 </span><a href="http://www.schulichleaders.com/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schulich Leader Scholarship</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to study science at the University of Toronto.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A graduate of Kingston Secondary School (KSS), Li was nominated for his academic excellence, leadership in STEM and exceptional entrepreneurial skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Vin Bassi, also from KSS, has been named a Queen’s University Commitment Scholar and will receive $48,000 over four years.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">According to the </span><a href="https://www.queensu.ca/registrar/financial-aid/application-required/future-students/individual-awards" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Queen’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, “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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The award provides dedicated financial, academic, and career support to help students complete their degree.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">KSS graduate Izzy Smallman has been awarded an $8,000 </span><a href="https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/scholarships_awards/admission/western_admission_scholarship_program.html" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Western Scholarship of Excellence</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations to all LDSB graduates and scholarship winners!&nbsp;</span></p>

<img src="/images/fd3b7936-e74e-55cf-9642-4f5af02e6181?fingerprint=ppb20251217015319" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.&nbsp;Lara has consistently demonstrated passion, creativity, and commitment in promoting health and wellness among our students, colleagues, and community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Nominees for this award must meet the eligibility requirements, including:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The contributions of the recipient’s impacts are </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">regional and/or provincial in scope</strong></b></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The recipient has </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">demonstrated excellence in the areas of advocacy, partnership development, and/or the provision of quality, innovative, inclusive programming</strong></b></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The recipient has </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">made a long-term contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of Ontario’s children and youth</strong></b></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The recipient of this award is well known to Ophea for their </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">contributions and years of service and support in service student well-being</strong></b></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The recipient’s work/volunteer </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">contributions impact schools and/or communities</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (e.g. educators, public health workers, recreation providers, etc.)</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On behalf of the Limestone District School Board, congratulations Lara! We are proud to have you as part of our team.</span></p>