Dear Families,
It is hard to believe we are already approaching the end of October. 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:
See Yourself in Limestone – Student Census Survey
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. 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.
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.
By better understanding students’ identities and experiences, we can remove barriers and better support students in accessing what they need to succeed.
Learn more about the Student Census and how it supports equity in Limestone: limestone.on.ca/student_census
Reminder: Upcoming PA Day – November 14, 2025
A reminder to families that Friday, November 14 is a Professional Activity (PA) Day for all Limestone students. There will be no classes for students on this day.
Student Achievement Plan – Opportunity to Provide Feedback
An update on Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan is included in the most recent Board Meeting package (pages 37 through 39). 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:
- Achievement in Core Academic Skills (literacy and numeracy)
- Preparation for Future Success (graduation rates, career pathways)
- Student Engagement and Well-Being
Families are encouraged to review the update included in the October Board Meeting package 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.
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 Limestone District School Board Strategic Plan we have provided an interim report on our continued work to support improved student learning and well-being.
Question for Families: What feedback, if any, do you have regarding the Board's goals and high impact strategies focused on improving student learning and well-being? Share your feedback with Limestone online here.
Free Access to IDELLO for the French as a Second Language Community
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!
IDELLO is a rich online platform 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.
In recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day, IDELLO also features a special resource collection for Grades 5 to 12. These materials help students learn about the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and encourage thoughtful reflection on building a better future.
To request free access, families can contact TFO directly at support@idello.org.
Do not miss this opportunity to bring meaningful French-language learning and cultural reflection into your home!
Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy
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. Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage to learn more.
Inclement Weather Season
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 how to help make the winter season and bus cancellation days easier for families to manage on our website.
Thank you for the continued support and partnership as part of the Limestone community, and have a safe, and hopefully not a rainy, Halloween.
Krishna Burra
Director of Education