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Family Update - November 14, 2025

Dear HPS Families,Thank you to students who led our Remembrance Day ceremony this week. It was a very thoughtful event with artwork, music and readings shared by students. Thank you to families who were able to join us.Wishing you all a great week ahead,Ms. Jurkowski and Ms. Neale on behalf of the HPS Team <hr>A reminder if you are dropping your child off late or picking them up early, please stop at the office. We ask that you remain in the front foyer during this time. <hr>Staffing updates - We welcome Mr. Corrigan who will be in for Mr. Paul from Nov. 17 - Dec. 19th. Ms. Neale will also be on leave during this time. <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Coming up/dates for awareness </h2><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><figure><a href="https://harrowsmith.limestone.on.ca/calendar" target="_blank" title="calendar"><img src="/images/8ccef89d-f48c-4476-917d-2eb7e748faf0" alt="calendar" width="119" height="119" style="width:119px;height:119px;display:inline-block;float:right"></a></figure></h2>November 17th - 21st - Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week <img src="/images/c0828506-7fda-4f88-92fa-517fee700e32" alt="download 1 " width="100" height="50" style="width:100px;height:50px;display:inline-block;float:right">November 17th - Gino's Lunches / Grade 3 Swim to SurviveNovember 18th - School Advisory Council meeting 6pm; all are welcome November 19th - Kingston Frontenacs game for Ms Pond's/Conner's, Mr Palmer's, Ms Vogelzang's, Ms Bly's & Mme Phillips' classesNovember 20th - Subway lunches / December Hot Lunch Orders Due / Winter Milkshake Orders DueNovember 21st - Milkshake Day; Pink Shirt DayNovember 24th - Gino's lunches / Grade 3 Swim to Survive / Ms Harding's & Ms Vogelzang's classes to Gould LakeNovember 24th to 28th - Scholastic BookfairNovember 27th - Poinsettia Pick Up (2:30 to 5:00) / Subway lunchesDecember 2nd - Skilled Trades Open House @ Slush Puppie Place (details below)December 5th - Jingle Bell Walk at 12:45 - All are welcome. December 8th - Extended French Immersion 26/27 - Open House @ 5p.m.December 17th - Welcome Winter Family Event 5-6pm<img src="/images/10ab1e06-9019-4609-9950-328d3e8e30bd" alt="2025 11 01 Pink Shirt Day Social and Newsletter" width="280" height="390" style="width:280px;height:390px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/178e85e0-45e5-4667-9649-cf9788d9c0b4" alt="November Newsletter Math" width="292" height="389" style="width:292px;height:389px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/70227b5a-01e1-439d-827d-36c5c77aff0c" alt="Skilled Trades Open House" width="336" height="409" style="width:336px;height:409px;display:inline-block;float:right"><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Childhood Illnesses</h2>The LDSB follows the guidelines set out through the Southeast Public Health (formerly known as KFL& A) regarding student illnesses. Please see the information below. For further information please visit the SPH link: <a href="https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/common-childhood-illnesses.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"> Southeast Public Health Common Childhood Illnesses</a><img src="/images/061f3589-b079-414c-96db-baa3d043d4be" alt="Southeast Health Childhood Illnesses" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"> Scholastic Bookfair MacMillian's Fundraiser </h2><figure><a href="https://bookfairs.scholastic.ca/bf/harrowsmithschool3" target="_blank" title="Pastel Doodle Kids Book Festival Flyer"><img src="/images/b40b4c43-0beb-4eed-80e6-560cf10cc178" alt="Pastel Doodle Kids Book Festival Flyer" width="351" height="407" style="width:351px;height:407px;display:inline-block;float:left"></a></figure><figure><a href="https://macmillansfundraising.online/store/" title="MacMillians"><img src="/images/a387187b-5812-4010-97dc-2453ad08a8b8" alt="MacMillians" width="357" height="408" style="width:357px;height:408px;display:inline-block;float:right"></a></figure>

2025-11-13 17:44:36.854 +0000 UTC

Family Update - November 7 2025

Dear Families,Progress reports (Grades 1-8) and Initial Observations (Kindergarten) go home next week. These serve as a check-in of your child's learning and progress to date. All students in Grades 1-8 will see progress marks and next steps in Learning Skills and Work Habits, Math and Language. We encourage families to read the comments and next steps with their child/children. We also want to emphasize that the marks are based on progress towards provincial expectations, which are end of year curriculum goals. Every student has areas of growth and you may see marks like Needs Improvement and Progressing With Difficulty. These marks acknowledge where students are right now and identify areas of growth going forward.As always, if you questions about your child's learning and progress, please reach out to the classroom teacher.Your partners in education,Ms. Jurkowski and Ms. Neale on behalf of the HPS Team <hr> A reminder if you are dropping your child off late or picking them up early, please stop at the office. We ask that you remain in the front foyer during this time. <hr><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: right;"><figure><a href="https://harrowsmith.limestone.on.ca/calendar" target="_blank" title="calendar"><img src="/images/8ccef89d-f48c-4476-917d-2eb7e748faf0" alt="calendar" width="118" height="118" style="width:118px;height:118px;display:inline-block;float:left"></a></figure>Remember to check our website calendar for all the Harrowsmith Happenings: </h3> <hr> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;">Coming up/dates for awareness </h2> November 10th - Gino's lunchesNovember 11th - Remembrance Day Ceremony 10:00am. Parents/Guardians welcome to join.November 13th - Poinsettia Orders Due / Subway lunches / Progress Report Cards Go HomeNovember 14th - PA Day (no school for students)November 17th - 21st - Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week November 17th - Gino's Lunches / Grade 3 Swim to SurviveNovember 18th - School Advisory Council meeting 6pm; all are welcome November 19th - Kingston Frontenacs game for Ms Pond's/Conner's, Mr Palmer's, Ms Vogelzang's, Ms Bly's & Mme Phillips' classesNovember 20th - Subway lunches / December Hot Lunch Orders Due / Winter Milkshake Orders DueNovember 21st - Milkshake Day; Pink Shirt DayNovember 24th - Gino's lunches / Grade 3 Swim to Survive / Ms Harding's & Ms Vogelzang's classes to Gould LakeNovember 24th to 28th - Scholastic BookfairNovember 27th - Poinsettia Pick Up (2:30 to 5:00) / Subway lunchesDecember 5th - Jingle Bell Walk at 12:45 - All are welcome. December 8th - Extended French Immersion 26/27 - Open House @ 5p.m.December 17th - Welcome Winter Family Event 5-6pm <hr><img src="/images/831d1797-06f0-41f9-8c8b-93e6ed755f9a" alt="download" width="140" height="105" style="width:140px;height:105px;display:inline-block;float:left"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Last Week to Order Poinsettias</h2>Harrowsmith Public School is pleased to be able to offer the Poinsettia Fundraiser again this Holiday Season. Rekker Greenhouses from Bowmanville, ON have been providing wonderful poinsettia plants for many years in this area. All plants will be delivered to the school individually wrapped in a protective sleeve. We encourage you to share this beautiful fundraiser with your family and friends. Thank you in advance for your continued support!Funds raised through this event will be used towards school improvements, classroom manipulatives, playground enhancements and technology.All orders are to be place through the School Day program at <a href="https://www.school-day.com/pg/product/view/3261180" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">https://www.school-day.com</a> <img src="/images/9f90799c-8df1-4f9f-898d-25389be0c8b5" alt="images" width="152" height="137" style="width:152px;height:137px;display:inline-block;float:right">The last day to submit orders is Thursday, November 13th - NO EXCEPTIONS.PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Orders will be available for PICK-UP on Thursday, November 27th from 2:30 pm to 5:00 p.m.Students are not to go door-to-door to sell these plants.<hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Student Census </h2><img src="/images/4f7e7a58-9c44-43c0-968c-d17c2513d4d2" alt="Screenshot 2025 11 05 110247" width="851" height="1072" style="width:851px;height:1072px;display:inline-block"><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Childhood Illnesses</h2>The LDSB follows the guidelines set out through the Southeast Public Health (formerly known as KFL& A) regarding student illnesses. Please see the information below. For further information please visit the SPH link: <a href="https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/common-childhood-illnesses.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"> Southeast Public Health Common Childhood Illnesses</a><img src="/images/061f3589-b079-414c-96db-baa3d043d4be" alt="Southeast Health Childhood Illnesses" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Police Checks</h2>The LDSB requires any parent/guardian who volunteers on field trips or within a school to have a current police check on file with their child's school. Police checks must include the vulnerable sector check and are valid for three years from the date of completion. In order to have current/up-to-date information on the status of the CPIC filed with the school, an Offence Declaration form (provided by the school) needs to be completed in year 2 and 3. The Offence Declaration can be found on the following link: <a href="https://limestoneschools-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/hooverka_limestone_on_ca/EWbuv5NK3DpCuYCGiC2iGY4BpRoEYGvsopGII9XALxf4yg?e=fbd9ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">25/26 Offence Declaration</a> or if you wish to have a paper copy, please contact the school at harro@limestone.on.caSteps to Obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check:<ol class="editor-list-ol"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Contact the school to request a volunteer letter which will be emailed to you.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Visit the OPP records check website: <a href="https://www.opp.ca/index.php?id=147&lng=en" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Records Check</a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Complete the vulnerable sector check and use the the emailed letter from the school to upload as the supporting documentation.</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">After submitting your application, you will receive an email once it has been completed.</li></ol>If you are unsure if you have a valid CPIC on file with the school, please email the general mailbox: harro@limestone.on.ca<hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"> Scholastic Bookfair MacMillian's Fundraiser </h2><figure><a href="https://bookfairs.scholastic.ca/bf/harrowsmithschool3" target="_blank" title="Pastel Doodle Kids Book Festival Flyer"><img src="/images/b40b4c43-0beb-4eed-80e6-560cf10cc178" alt="Pastel Doodle Kids Book Festival Flyer" width="351" height="407" style="width:351px;height:407px;display:inline-block;float:left"></a></figure><figure><a href="https://macmillansfundraising.online/store/" title="MacMillians"><img src="/images/a387187b-5812-4010-97dc-2453ad08a8b8" alt="MacMillians" width="357" height="408" style="width:357px;height:408px;display:inline-block;float:right"></a></figure> <hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Choir</h2>A Special Event Choir has been created for the Remembrance Day Ceremony led by Mrs. Pixley. Students in Grade 1-8 who wanted to participate have met a couple times a week recently to prepare for the assembly and have learned the song "The Journey" a medley of two songs "Simple Gifts" and "Going Home".  Students who have regularly attended the rehearsals will sing on Tuesday, November 11. More Special Event Choir opportunities will happen throughout the year and new members will be welcome.  If members of the Remembrance Day Choir would like to practice at home, the song can be found here: <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DpkwX2LSHmjM%26list%3DRDpkwX2LSHmjM%26start_radio%3D1&data=05%7C02%7Chooverka%40limestone.on.ca%7C86ff5fa75cd14b8710ae08de17e5a163%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638974472201148823%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8b2x1ASaZf%2B3HnKcxgrK38Gwmtg%2BNDtuSDBVzyGfbQw%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Original URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkwX2LSHmjM&list=RDpkwX2LSHmjM&start_radio=1. Click or tap if you trust this link." class="editor-link">The Journey / Simple Gifts & Going Home (audio + lyrics) - StL SA Choir (2014 Ensemble Concert)</a><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Jewellery Club</h2>In November and December Mme Clarke will be running a jewellery making club for two small groups of grade 4 and 5 students during morning lunch/recess. Students will eat there lunch during the club.

2025-11-07 19:13:52.653 +0000 UTC

Family Update - October 31st 2025

Dear Families,We've had another great week at school! A reminder to families that the pick-up area moves inside on inclement days (heavy rain, snow days). Please come to the office at dismissal on these days.Please see upcoming dates and events below.Thank you/merci,Ms. Jurkowski and Ms. Neale on behalf of the HPS Team <figure><a href="https://harrowsmith.limestone.on.ca/calendar" target="_blank" title="calendar"><img src="/images/8ccef89d-f48c-4476-917d-2eb7e748faf0" alt="calendar" width="118" height="118" style="width:118px;height:118px;display:inline-block;float:right"></a></figure><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: right;">Remember to check our website calendar for all the Harrowsmith Happenings: </h3> <hr> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;">Coming up/dates for awareness </h2> October 28 - School Advisory Council Meeting at 6pm; all are welcomeOctober 27 - Gino's lunchesOctober 30 - Subway lunches; Junior Soccer - Red vs. Blue at 1st recessOctober 31 - Milkshake Day; Orange & Black DayNovember 3rd - Grade 7 Immunizations & Gino's lunches; Blue Jays Spirit DayNovember 6th - Subway lunchesNovember 10th - Gino's lunchesNovember 11th - Remembrance Day Ceremony 10:00amNovember 13th - Poinsettia Orders Due / Subway lunches / Progress Report Cards Go HomeNovember 14th - PA Day (no school for students)November 17th - Gino's Lunches / Grade 3 Swim to SurviveNovember 18th - School Advisory Council meeting 6pm; all are welcome November 19th - Kingston Frontenacs game for Ms Pond's/Conner's, Mr Palmer's, Ms Vogelzang's, Ms Bly's & Mme Phillips' classesNovember 20th - Subway lunches / December Hot Lunch Orders Due / Winter Milkshake Orders DueNovember 21st - Milkshake DayNovember 24th - Gino's lunches / Grade 3 Swim to Survive / Ms Harding's & Ms Vogelzang's classes to Gould LakeNovember 24th to 28th - Scholastic BookfairNovember 27th - Poinsettia Pick Up (2:30 to 5:00) / Subway lunchesDecember 17th - Welcome Winter Family Event 5-6pm <hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Childhood Illnesses</h2>The LDSB follows the guidelines set out through the Southeast Public Health (formerly known as KFL& A) regarding student illnesses. Please see the information below. For further information please visit the SPH link: <a href="https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/common-childhood-illnesses.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"> Southeast Public Health Common Childhood Illnesses</a><img src="/images/061f3589-b079-414c-96db-baa3d043d4be" alt="Southeast Health Childhood Illnesses" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Police Checks</h2>The LDSB requires any parent/guardian who volunteers on field trips or within a school to have a current police check on file with their child's school. Police checks must include the vulnerable sector check and are valid for three years from the date of completion. In order to have current/up-to-date information on the status of the CPIC filed with the school, an Offence Declaration form (provided by the school) needs to be completed in year 2 and 3. The Offence Declaration can be found on the following link: <a href="https://limestoneschools-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/hooverka_limestone_on_ca/EWbuv5NK3DpCuYCGiC2iGY4BpRoEYGvsopGII9XALxf4yg?e=fbd9ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">25/26 Offence Declaration</a> or if you wish to have a paper copy, please contact the school at harro@limestone.on.caSteps to Obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check:<ol class="editor-list-ol"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Contact the school to request a volunteer letter which will be emailed to you.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Visit the OPP records check website: <a href="https://www.opp.ca/index.php?id=147&lng=en" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Records Check</a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Complete the vulnerable sector check and use the the emailed letter from the school to upload as the supporting documentation.</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">After submitting your application, you will receive an email once it has been completed.</li></ol>If you are unsure if you have a valid CPIC on file with the school, please email the general mailbox: harro@limestone.on.ca<hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Scholastic Bookfair </h2><figure><a href="https://bookfairs.scholastic.ca/bf/harrowsmithschool3" target="_blank" title="Pastel Doodle Kids Book Festival Flyer"><img src="/images/b40b4c43-0beb-4eed-80e6-560cf10cc178" alt="Pastel Doodle Kids Book Festival Flyer" width="338" height="398" style="width:338px;height:398px;display:inline-block;float:left"></a></figure> <hr><img src="/images/b48a8d05-89cd-46c5-be8c-a1f03a2bc066" alt="Important" width="118" height="70" style="width:118px;height:70px;display:inline-block;float:right">If you are dropping your child off late or picking them up early, please remember to stop at the office. We ask that you sign in on the clipboard & remain in the front foyer during this time. <hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Poinsettia Fundraiser</h2>Harrowsmith Public School is pleased to be able to offer the Poinsettia Fundraiser again this Holiday Season. Rekker Greenhouses from Bowmanville, ON have been providing wonderful poinsettia plants for many years in this area. All plants will be delivered to the school individually wrapped in a protective sleeve. We encourage you to share this beautiful fundraiser with your family and friends. Thank you in advance for your continued support!Funds raised through this event will be used towards school improvements, classroom manipulatives, playground enhancements and technology.All orders are to be place through the School Day program at <a href="https://www.school-day.com/pg/product/view/3261180" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">https://www.school-day.com</a> <img src="/images/9f90799c-8df1-4f9f-898d-25389be0c8b5" alt="images" width="152" height="137" style="width:152px;height:137px;display:inline-block;float:left">The last day to submit orders is Thursday, November 13th - NO EXCEPTIONS.PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Orders will be available for PICK-UP on Thursday, November 27th from 2:30 pm to 5:00 p.m.Students are not to go door-to-door to sell these plants. <hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Choir</h2>A Special Event Choir has been created for the Remembrance Day Ceremony led by Mrs. Pixley. Students in Grade 1-8 who wanted to participate have met a couple times a week recently to prepare for the assembly and have learned the song "The Journey" a medley of two songs "Simple Gifts" and "Going Home".  Students who have regularly attended the rehearsals will sing on Tuesday, November 11. More Special Event Choir opportunities will happen throughout the year and new members will be welcome.  If members of the Remembrance Day Choir would like to practice at home, the song can be found here: <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DpkwX2LSHmjM%26list%3DRDpkwX2LSHmjM%26start_radio%3D1&data=05%7C02%7Chooverka%40limestone.on.ca%7C86ff5fa75cd14b8710ae08de17e5a163%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638974472201148823%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8b2x1ASaZf%2B3HnKcxgrK38Gwmtg%2BNDtuSDBVzyGfbQw%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Original URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkwX2LSHmjM&list=RDpkwX2LSHmjM&start_radio=1. Click or tap if you trust this link." class="editor-link">The Journey / Simple Gifts & Going Home (audio + lyrics) - StL SA Choir (2014 Ensemble Concert)</a><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Jewellery Club</h2>In November and December Mme Clarke will be running a jewellery making club for two small groups of grade 4 and 5 students during morning lunch/recess. Students will eat there lunch during the club.

2025-10-31 18:22:59.505 +0000 UTC

Upcoming Events

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Grade 3 Swim to Survive

Girls' Volleyball game @ HPS

Boys Volleyball Game @ HPS

Girls' Volleyball Game @ Perth Road PS

Ms Pond's/Conner's, Mr Palmer's, Ms Bly's, Ms Vogelzang's and Mme Phillip's Classes to Kingston Frontenac's Hockey Game

Grade 3 Swim to Survive

Girls' Volleyball game @ HPS

Boys Volleyball Game @ HPS

Girls' Volleyball Game @ Perth Road PS

Ms Pond's/Conner's, Mr Palmer's, Ms Bly's, Ms Vogelzang's and Mme Phillip's Classes to Kingston Frontenac's Hockey Game

Boys Volleyball game at LPS

Free Webinar: EQAO Math Night for Families (Grades 3, 6, and 9)

December Gino's & Subway Orders Due AND Winter Milkshake Orders Due

Boys Volleyball game at HPS

Scholastic Bookfair

Ms Vogelzang & Ms Harding Gould Lake field trip

Grade 3 Swim to Survive Copy

Boys Volleyball @ St. Patrick's School

Poinsettia Pick Up Day

Jingle Bell Walk

Extend French Immersion 26/27 - Open House

January Gino's & Subway Orders Due

Winter Break - No Classes for Students

February Gino's & Subway Orders Due

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

About Our School

Welcome to Harrowsmith Public School, home of the HAWKS: Honesty, Attitude, Work, Knowledge, and Spirit! Harrowsmith Public School serves students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Our students come from the rural area located around the village of Harrowsmith. Our boundaries are from Florida Rd in the South, to Boyce Rd/Holleford Rd in the North, to Boundary/Loughborough Rd to the East, and to Boundary Rd to the West. Students are mostly bussed to the school. Some of our French Immersion Grade 7 and 8 students come from further North and West.

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Student Census Survey Opt-Out Deadline Extended

Dear Families,As a follow-up to our previous messages about the upcoming Student Census survey, the deadline for families to opt out has been extended to the end of day on Monday, November 17. If you wish to opt your student(s) out, please contact your school principal. Families who have already opted out do not need to take any further action.Students who are opted out will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox and will be provided with an alternative activity during the survey period.Available Student Census ResourcesThere are resources about the Student Census for families and students available on Limestone’s website, including:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_census" class="editor-link">About the Student Census</a> (including a video)</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">A list of <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-" class="editor-link">Frequently Asked Questions and Answers</a> that includes information on privacy, confidentiality, and data use</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">A <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-introduction-to-student-and-family-guide-" class="editor-link">Student and Family Guide</a>  that explains the survey questions and why we ask them</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-4-to-6-questions" class="editor-link">Copies of the questions for the Grades 4 to 6 survey</a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-7-to-12-questions" class="editor-link">Copies of the questions for Grades 7 to 12 survey</a></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-student-and-family-question-guide" class="editor-link">Question Guide</a></li></ul> About the Student CensusThe Student Census is a voluntary survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. This important initiative aims to learn more about students' identities, academic achievement, and their experiences at school. By understanding more about the unique backgrounds, experiences, and needs of students, we can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for everyone.The data is paired with academic information to help us understand what school is like for different groups of students.It is important to note that:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The survey is optional.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Responses are confidential.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Students can choose to answer as much or as little of the survey as they wish.</li></ul> Thank you,Alison McDonnellSuperintendent of Curriculum and Program Services: Early Years and Equity and Inclusion

2025-11-13 21:15:51.781 +0000 UTC

Reminder - Student Census Survey

Dear Families,A reminder to families that the See Yourself in Limestone Student Census is coming up the week of November 24 to 28.The Student Census is a voluntary survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. It gathers information about students’ identities and their experiences at school. This data is then paired with academic information to help us understand what school is like for different groups of students.It is important to note that:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">The survey is optional.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Responses are confidential.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Students can choose to answer as much or as little of the survey as they wish.</li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Reminder: Opt-Out Deadline is Friday, November 14</h2>If you prefer that your student not participate, you can opt them out by contacting your school principal. Students who are opted out will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox and will be provided with an alternative activity during the survey period.Opt-out deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Student Census Resources</h2>There are resources about the Student Census for families and students available on Limestone’s website, including:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_census" class="editor-link">About the Student Census</a> (including a video)</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">A list of <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-" class="editor-link">Frequently Asked Questions and Answers</a> that includes information on privacy, confidentiality, and data use</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">A <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-introduction-to-student-and-family-guide-" class="editor-link">Student and Family Guide</a>  that explains the survey questions and why we ask them</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-4-to-6-questions" class="editor-link">Copies of the questions for the Grades 4 to 6 survey</a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-7-to-12-questions" class="editor-link">Copies of the questions for Grades 7 to 12 survey</a></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-student-and-family-question-guide" class="editor-link">Question Guide</a></li></ul>Thank you for your continued partnership as we strive to foster a learning environment that prioritizes understanding the needs of all students and identifying gaps for improved service.Alison McDonnellSuperintendent of Curriculum and Program Services:Early Years and Equity and Inclusion

2025-11-10 21:30:22.219 +0000 UTC

A Message from Southeast Public Health

Dear Families,We are sharing the following letter from Southeast Public Health, which contains important information for families:<hr>Dear parents, guardians and staff:RE: First Influenza A Confirmed Case of the SeasonPlease be advised that Southeast Public Health (SEPH) has received laboratory confirmation of the first case of influenza A for the 2025-2026 season. We are providing this information so that you will be able to take steps to ensure the best protection possible for yourself and your family.Influenza causes mild to severe illness and can lead to serious health complications, even in healthy children and adults. Immunization is the best way to prevent influenza; even in years when there is a strain mismatch, the flu vaccine will still offer some protection. The influenza vaccine (flu shot) is available free of charge to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario who is 6 months of age and over. Contact your health-care provider or local pharmacy for your influenza vaccine if your family has not yet been immunized. For children under 5 years of age who cannot receive their immunization from their health-care provider, <a href="https://southeastph.ca/health-topics/respiratory-season-vaccines/" class="editor-link">Southeast Public Health is offering clinics</a>.Next to immunization, the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection is to clean hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should only be used for children if they are assisted and should be stored out of reach of young children.The symptoms of influenza include:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">fever (greater than 38.0°C/100.4 °F)</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">dry cough</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">chills</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">headache</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">muscle aches</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">loss of appetite</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem">sore throat</li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem">runny nose</li></ul> Young children may also experience nausea and vomiting with the above symptoms.If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them home until they are fever-free and their symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if they’ve had vomiting or diarrhea). When your child returns to school, we encourage them to wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days from when their symptoms started to help keep others healthy. To learn more about how to protect yourself, your family, and your community from respiratory illnesses, visit <a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/protection-respiratory-illnesses" class="editor-link">Ontario’s respiratory illness page</a>.Regards,Southeast Public Health<a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/6bda65e0-3a9d-4d62-a1ab-8bec162cbe25/2025-11-05-influenza-letter-for-schools.pdf" class="editor-link">A PDF version of this letter is available online</a>.

2025-11-06 21:00:05.158 +0000 UTC

Land Acknowledgement

The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek 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 culture and celebrate their commitment to this land.